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Council refers request to place bench and plaque on city‑owned wetland honoring Houston family
Summary
A Renton resident requested placement of a bench and plaque on city‑owned wetlands to mark the Houston family’s historic presence; the council voted to refer the idea to staff to follow the city's naming/monument process.
John Houston addressed the council to request permission to place a bench and plaque on city‑owned wetland that was previously part of his family’s land, saying he is the last surviving member of his pioneering family and that he would pay the cost.
"My request to you is that, at my cost, a bench and a plaque be placed on that land," Houston said, describing the historical significance of his family in the neighborhood and asking the city to respond to his request. Council members expressed condolences for the recent deaths in Houston’s family and discussed following the city’s normal process for memorials and naming.
A council member moved to refer the matter to staff and the relevant process, and the motion carried by voice vote. Councilors emphasized they would not bypass standard procedures and that any memorial or plaque would need to go through established review channels.
Next steps: staff will process the referral through the appropriate administrative and public‑engagement pathways; the council did not set a timeline at the meeting.
