 May 23
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
This week (May 18-24) is National Public Works Week, and we'd like to give a big THANK YOU to all of our Public Works staff.
During the council meeting, a proclamation was designated. Utility Systems Director, Ron Straka, accepted the proclamation and emphasized the importance of the work the department does in protecting the city’s infrastructure, environment, and providing services that contribute to the quality of life of residents and workforce.
This year's national theme is "People, Purpose, Presence." These three cornerstone ideals motivate public works professionals to serve their communities every day. Public works professionals are ever present, working in the background above and below the surface.
The department currently has 209 employees across several divisions including the Renton Municipal Airport, Facilities, Sustainability & Solid Waste, Transportation Systems, Maintenance, and Utility Systems.
Here are just SOME updates from our Public Works Departments.
When dry weather hits, the Public Works Maintenance crews spring into action to repair asphalt, potholes, and sidewalks impacted by weather conditions and everyday wear.
The concrete truck purchased last year has allowed staff to address those repairs promptly and efficiently.
Some recently completed asphalt repair projects include Union Ave. NE (from NE 10th to NE 5th St.) and NE 3rd St. (from I-405-Monroe Ave NE).
A large sidewalk project involving roughly 40 yards of concrete is coming soon on 164th Ave. SE (between 116th Ave. SE and 125th Ave. SE). The project will repair sections damaged by city trees that created trip hazards.
The Facilities Division has been working on repairs to Henry Moses Aquatic Center since it closed for the season in the fall of 2024. The upgrades should be completed in time for the June 21 reopening.
The project's work includes:
-
Replacing worn pool liners and failing tiles
-
Installing new pumps and motors for better water circulation
-
Removing the broken splash pad to create a more inviting entry with seating and shade
-
Upgrading locker rooms for safety and accessibility
-
Improving the concessions building for visibility and functionality
-
Updating the HVAC system to increase air quality and comfort
These planned repairs will improve safety, comfort, and reliability, creating a more welcoming, healthy, and engaging space.
In addition to meeting Renton’s immediate needs, the Public Works Department is focused on:
New waste collection contract
In the next few months, the Sustainability & Solid Waste team will release a request for proposal for Renton’s next waste collection contract. The team recently concluded a survey to learn more about what residents would like to see included in the next collection contract.
The annual Water Quality Report is coming soon. Made by the Utility Systems Division, this report highlights important information about our water quality, how to save water, and more. The report will be posted on the city’s website in late June/early July.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory update: The Utility Systems Division is updating the city’s municipal greenhouse gas inventory. This inventory provides an updated accounting of the greenhouse gases associated with city operations. The report will give the city information on how we are improving our carbon footprint.
Boat and paddle safely in Renton
During Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated May 17-23 as Safe Boating & Paddling Week. This week means a lot to Renton as recreational activities in our waterways have gotten more popular in the last few years.
Most serious drowning accidents while boating or paddling could have been avoided if more people had worn life jackets.
Last weekend, Renton Parks and Recreation supported water safety efforts by handing out 145 lifejackets to youth participants during Safety Fest.
The proclamation was accepted by Deborah Alderman and members of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Renton Flotilla 2-5. Deborah echoed the importance of wearing lifejackets while out on the water.
Whether you’re exploring Lake Washington, swimming at the beach, or on the Cedar River, we hope you and your loved ones enjoy the waters safely by wearing a lifejacket and following safety tips.
Helping Renton businesses recycle and compost with the Waste Reduction Assistance for Businesses Program
Washington state recently passed the Organics Management Law, which requires commercial customers (restaurants, office buildings, etc.) to separate their food and yard waste from their garbage by 2030.
In Renton, business owners have access to recycling and food waste collection, but businesses only recycle or compost 13% of their waste.
The Public Works Department's Sustainability & Solid Waste team launched the Waste Reduction Assistance for Businesses Program to help businesses reduce food waste in landfills.
The program offers businesses that generate food and yard waste free training and materials. Outreach staff work with Republic Services to change a business’ waste service levels, train business staff in multiple languages on composting and recycling, put up multilingual signage and stickers, and provide supplies such as lidded food waste bins and compostable bags.
Interested in saving money on your garbage bills and protecting Renton's environment? Contact the Solid Waste Program Manager, Meara Heubach, to join the program.
Hear first-hand from the manager of Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya on Rainier about how the program has helped their business: YouTube.
Remember and honor the fallen during Renton’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony
Join us Monday, May 26, from 1-2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (1000 S. 3rd St.) for a Memorial Day Ceremony.
Several speakers will participate in the event, including a welcome from VFW #1263 member Darrell Pilat, Mayor Armondo Pavone, Council President James Alberson, and guest speaker Chief Master Sergeant Michael D. Pate of the Washington Air National Guard (WA ANG) 194th Security Forces Squadron. Lindbergh High School senior Saint Dumandan will sing the National Anthem.
This event is hosted by Frank R. Vaise VFW Post #1263, Fred Hancock American Legion Post #19, Greenwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home for providing the wreaths, and Renton Parks & Recreation.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at 200 Mill Building.
After the event, visit the Renton History Museum next door from 12 to 3 p.m. before or after the ceremony.
Neighborhood Program’s BBQ comes to Renton Hill
Come enjoy the next 2025 Neighborhood Program BBQ! Join the Neighborhood Program and participating city departments for free food, music, and fun next Friday, May 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Philip Arnold Park in Renton Hill (720 Jones Ave. S.).
RSVP at rentonwa.gov/register using the keyword ‘bbq’. This event is free and open to all residents! See you there!
The 2025 BBQ Series is hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation’s Neighborhood Program.
First recycling event was a success!
Last weekend, the Public Works Department held their first of three 2025 recycling events.
Together, 330 residents recycled or collected:
- 11 tons of metal
- 670 lbs. of Styrofoam
- 1,203 lbs. of Arts & Crafts supplies for Seattle ReCreative
-
96 lbs. of food for Renton Food Bank
A new addition to last weekend’s event was the partnership with Seattle ReCreative to collect used arts and crafts supplies. During the event over 1,000 lbs. of paint brushes, paints, markers, and more were collected. Seattle ReCreative is only creative reuse facility of their kind in Seattle. They focus on reducing the amount of useable material entering landfills and provide communities with low-cost access to creative materials to stimulate creative activity within the community.
Join us for the next recycling event on June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renton Technical College. This second recycling event will accept mattresses, boxsprings, cardboard, tires, and small furniture!
Connecting classrooms to careers
Ten Renton High School seniors in the Aerospace Manufacturing class have been offered jobs at The Boeing Company right after graduation.
These students have been learning specific skills through Renton School District's (RSD) Boeing Pre-Employment Training Program (BPET). The program lets students move into full-time employment positions at the Renton plant.
Aerospace Manufacturing courses are available at all of RSD's comprehensive high schools. These courses teach skills that match Boeing's employment needs, allowing Renton students to work full-time after graduation.
Renton students can also use Boeing's paid college program to continue their education while working.
This program is an example of Renton using tools and resources to improve students' access to opportunities in our community.
|
