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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-2000MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held February 14, 2000 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: rrish Borden, Sue Singer, and Fred P9e tllltd}/~ STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Dick Deal, Betty Sanders and Patti Zook ~'~"'~"~':?'~tlU'~"P~'~/ ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth; Charlie Sundberg, King County Historic Preservation; Steve Hull Architects The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: Resolution 3194 - Interlocal Agreement with Kin~ County regarding Permit Processing in Newly Annexed Areas Planning Director Krauss told the Committee the reasons for reprocessing the resolution. He spoke of the need for King County to act promptly on the resolution due to the pending annextion. The City Council acted on an earlier version of the resolution and then the King County attorney made changes. The annexation of Lea Hill is effective at 12:01 a.m. on February 29~h . King County wanted Auburn to adopt its fee schedule. Chairman Borden wondered how King County's fees compare to Auburn's. Planning Director Krauss said that Auburn's fees are about one-quarter less. Councilmember Poe referred to item 9.3 which mentions a fee of $132.00 per hour paid to King County staff who assist the City on reviewing permits. This fee is excessive. Planning Director Krauss said that the County strives to get full compensatiSn for staff input on permits. He is not sure if the City has latitude to tinker with the fee. The City Attorney talked with the King County attorney, Before the resolution is presented to Council, the City Attorney will respond. Councilmember Poe stated his objection to the City reimbursing King County at the rate of $132.00 per hour. Planning Director Krauss commented that the County gave the City a pattern document to review and tailor to Auburn's needs and he believes this paragraph was to be omitted. Councilmember Poe commented that the Public Works Committee discussed the agreement and the County's need to cover for overhead costs. Planning Director Krauss remarked that the agreement should not provide any City payment to the County unless the City is paid permit fees originally obtained by the County. Planning Director Krauss commented that the agreement will cover all Lea Hill annexations current and future. The is one circumstance when King County would have to be reimbursed. If the County has completed SEPA review and working on preliminary plat, a hearing in King County after FebruarS~ 29~h will not be possible because the hearing has to be in Auburn. A King County staff person will be required to come before the Hearing Examiner because they reviewed the plat. Chairman Borden spoke of the need to control King County's time and hours on these matters. Planning Director Krauss advised that he will have paragraph 9.3 clarified for City Council. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval with the revision as discussed. Chairman Borden concurs with the resolution's intent. The Committee might want to see the language prior to Council meeting. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 The following items were acted on in one motion: 2. Resolution 3 3. Resolution 3 Resolution 3 5. Resolution 3 6. Resolution 3 7. Resolution 3 8. Resolution 3 9. 10. 169 - ACAP Parenting 170 - ACAP Early Childhood 171 - Auburn Food Bank (for Auburn Community Suppers) 172 - Auburn Youth Resources 173 - Children's Home Society 174 - Community Health Centers 176 - Crisis Clinic Resolution 3177 - DAWN Advocate (removed from the agenda) Resolution 3178 - DAWN General Planning Director Krauss remarked that there was some concern years ago about DAWN providing advocate services and now they are focused on providing shelter and education. The Legal Department wanted an independent advocate working through the City's legal Department to aid prosecution DAWN sees its role as dealing with issues rather than going after the perpetrator. DAWN's contract was changed to delete advocacy role. Judge Burns wanted to have an advocate working for court involved in victims services. The Legal Department advocate was unfunded, but the court advocate was funded. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 11 12. Resolution 3179 - Optimist Club Concession Agreement Resolution 3180 - Little League Concession A~reement These items were acted on in one motion. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 13. Resolution 3188 - Senior Center Travel Agreement This was pulled from the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Gateway Program/Proiects Planning Director Krauss reminded the Committee that this idea brought to the City Council a couple years ago and it received good support. There was a general acceptance of the project as a legitimate concept to pursue. Funding for the project is available in this year's budget. The original proposal had a two year time frame. The discussion tonight would be very preliminary. Planner I Sanders then showed slides of what gateway projects can be liked and then spoke about the process of what Auburn wants. She showed slides of classic gateways and then described them. Slides shown were from Seattle, Port Authority, UW, Harbor Steps, etc. There is a desire to have continuity in the gateways. Councilmember Singer suggested a joint meeting between Council and the Arts Commission because of their interest in this project. Planner I Sanders showed a draft map of entrances to the City marked with different colored dots which were explained. Parks and Recreation Director Deal spoke about the cemetery road and the park and the possibility of a project in this area. Chairman Borden believes it would be a good tie in to the park. Councilmember Singer commented that there would be different levels of gateways such as major and secondary. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 Councilmember Poe suggested having something by the SuperMall to reinforce that you are in the City limits: The City has many places for all kinds of different ideas/types. Planning Director Krauss remarked that the projects could range from something relatively simple like City monument signs. He suggested that the City go out and find a firm with design expertise in this type of thing so they can prepare a guide as to where to place, what kind, and ideas for future years. This could be standardized with size, lettering, coloring, etc. There is a need to do front end work so the projects come out right. Councilmember Poe liked Planning Director Krauss' idea and spoke about getting themes, locations for the projects, criteria determined, and acquiring materials. Councilmember Singer commented that most entrances/exits from the freeway are just weeds. There is nothing located at these points to advertise Auburn. Planning Director Krauss admitted that at these points if it is not weeds then it is just warehouses along Highway 167. Someone with a design background could point out where good placement for gateway projects might be as well as size suggestion. Chairman Borden likes Planning Director Krauss' idea and would like to see something tangible. Councilmember Poe commented again that he likes Planning Director Krauss' idea about doing the homework and developing design elements. Councilmember Singer wondered about doing landscaping versus an art project. Planning Director Krauss said this could probably be done. A creative person's input is needed as well as a basic design theme. He then mentioned a common design element in another community that was used as their signature part of entrance/gateway. Councilmember Poe suggested getting interested staff and Council together to brainstorm ideas, start talking about locations, and establish priorities. Chairman Borden believes that people from the museum should also be involved. Parks and Recreation Director Deal offered that service clubs or businesses might want to sponsor a project. Chairman Borden likes Councilmember Poe's idea. Planner I Sanders remarked that a design firm could take Auburn through the process and conduct a workshop with different parties. Planning Director Krauss cautioned that sometime designers inflict what they want versus what the City wants. Councilmember Poe believes the City would be better off with talented commercial artists versus a design firm. If talking about marketing, Parks and Recreation Director Deal wondered if the City should use specific colors or a logo. All might come into play and a decision of what is important should be made. Planning Director Krauss added that there is $125,000 in the budget and interested parties should get together. It is important for the City not to do something it will regret. Historic Landmark District Planner I Sanders provided a background on what is being done. The City contracted with King County for professional services in historic preservation. She introduced Charlie Sundberg from King County. An ordinance was created to designate local historic landmarks and the old Carnegie Library was designated a landmark. This Library had been damaged by an earthquake and received funds for preservation. An inventory of Main Street properties is complete. Washington Elementary to Natsuhara was inventoried. She then showed an example of the inventory and photographs. The inventory included a description of the architectural style, size of building, condition of building, as well as .social historical research. In the 1930's, a large program via the WPA photographed existing City buildings. Downtown living in urban areas is coming back. She spoke of the need to decide which historic buildings are considered significant and sh6uld be restored and maintained. Mr. Sundberg will speak about landmarks and landmark districts. Mr. Sundberg spoke briefly about having a tangible connection to the past. Cultural tourism is becoming big business. Auburn has buildings that were overlooked and should be brought back. The local landmark program dOes: 1) properties that meet eligibility go through nomination, no changes without review; 2) in PAGE 3 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 200'0 King County program, a set of incentives make it possible for buildings. He brought information on incentives that property owners have available through the County such as the tax incentive programs especially for commercial buildings. The grant program and revolving loan fund were also described. He spoke about the significant block, Lotus Hotel to Pasttime Tavern, which is worth considering and saving. There is nothing that shows the direct connection between the railroad and town. Planning Director Krauss remarked that staff met with owners of the hotel and other property owners on the block regarding bringing the block up to standards. The were not adverse to making improvements, and appeared willing to put in an investment if it made economic sense. They now have a notion of what historic preservation is, but would probably fight historic designation. There is HUD housing in the building and the contract is for 20 years. The owner dislikes HUD and the Federal government. The HUD contract for two buildings is up next year. Mr. Sundberg distributed photographs and began describing the pictures. The block was built 1905 - 1923 and reflects a period of maturing of railroad and blooming of the City. He gave a background on the different businesses in these buildings. All the buildings need stabilization. The Truit building could maintain its original masonry. The hotel block maintains much of its old time flavor. The buildings should be saved and have the block as a gateway to the City. Planning Director Krauss commented that the downtown plan recognizes this block as significant. The City needs to come up with development design criteria for new construction. He then cited the buildings in the next block that are in need of repair. The entire block's face should be rebuilt. Staff wanted to put some ideas before the Committee. Councilmember Singer remarked that Cavanaugh wants someone to buy their building. Cavanaughs is confronting the new reality that Eagle Hardware is coming to town, commented Planning Director Krauss. Chairman Borden asked ifstaffhas explored what the City should help preserve. Planning Director Krauss said a couple things were reviewed. The easiest/expedient way is to interest property owners to reinvest in the buildings because the tax advantages are significant. Meetings are scheduled with property owners on the block. The Truitt/Pasttime is for sale and staff talked to the purchase option owner who might have given up option. Staff is to meet with property owners and tell them about the incentives. He wanted to keep the Committee informed on the situation and it will be brought back for review which could be on short notice. Mr. Sundberg advised that landmarking does not require owners to do anything. The intent is to ensure that the historic character is maintained. The incentives are to encourage people to participate. The County offers technical assistance also. Councilmember Poe remarked that from what he has seen it appears to be a good idea. He wondered how the City would get people to participate. Planning Director Krauss said the meetings with the property owners were cordial. The owners were pleased that they had been able to maintain the buildings for generations. Planner I Sanders wondered about doing a district landmark versus an individual landmark. Mr. Sundberg said the regulatory process is different for district than individual. If part of a district, tax incentives would' be available. He spoke about the process of designation which recognizes the special nature of the business. A nomination is prepared, proven that it meets criteria, public hearing held with Landmarks Commission, designation made, and key features to be regulated are identified. The ordinance with the City does not require the owner's consent. However, it is never a good idea to proceed without the owner's consent. The JC Penney building could qualify because it is historically significant because it was the first major national chain in Auburn and was build by a workers cooperative in 1924. Chairman Borden thinks it is great that staff is working on this angle. Councilmember Singer wondered if there is a downside to property owner to do this. Mr. Sundberg does not believe there is a down side for PAGE 4 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 them. People come to see restored buildings. He mentioned code issues that may come up, but there may be a way to waive the code requirements and the possibility of reduced building fees for historic buildings. Chairman Borden asked if the Olson Canyon property has a historic designation. Mr. Sundberg said the amazing Olson Canyon site was given preliminary designation and should be finalized in the next months. Senior Center Design Development Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the design development process is almost complete. Steve Tangi, Miller Hull architects, is present to'speak and answer questions from the Committee. Mr. Tangi said they have completed the design development on the project, provided an update on the cost, and drawings are available for review. He distributed a summary sheet which was reviewed. A number of issues have been dealt with and resolved. The roof structure is an item of note because about one-quarter of the roof is rotted and must be replaced. He showed a drawing of the roof and pointed out troublesome area. He described how the roof will be designed so that it helps with the flow of water from the roof. Chairman Borden commented that the roofing cost seems expensive and asked what this includes. Mr. Tangi said the price typically includes rigid insulation, described type of roofing material to be used, sheathing, and structural members. Chairman Borden asked if phasing idea was abandoned. Councilmember Poe commented that is preferable not to do any phasing. Planning Director Krauss cautioned that if the City does not get the whole project going there is a risk of losing money from the CDBG. The money could be used to stabilize the building. Mr. Tangi told of additional reasons why phasing should not be done which include problems with voided warranties between the contractors and additional roof penetrations which lead to problems. He spoke about the interior finishes, cabinetry, benches, carpeting and flooring in meeting rooms. He spoke about the exterior finishes. A lot of time has been spent on the mechanical system and determining which type of zone should be used. In response to a question from Councilmember Poe, Mr. Tangi described in detail how the HVAC is set up. Mr. Tangi: continued by describing the plumbing, lighting fixtures, commercial grad~ kitchen and Health Department regulations. He then described the required grading, landscape design, and irrigation system. Mr. Tangi referred to the design contingency that is in every estimate and as the documents get more final this number goes down. He expects the cost to be about $1,860,000 which could come in lower or higher depending on bid environment. The project should interest medium to small companies. He then spoke about asbestos abatement and the fact that the detailed hazardous material survey is not done. The construction contingency was mentioned. He spoke about testing the concrete footings and foundations. Councilmember Poe referred to the drawing presented earlier, and suggested a "cricket" for the roof to assist roOf sloping. Mr. Tangi explained what a cricket does and believes he could do Councilme'mber Poe's suggestion. Councilmember Poe mentioned problems with roof drains. Mr. Tangi agreed to take a look at the roof drain issue. Parks and Recreation Director Deal referred to Planning Director Krauss' comment about timing and spending the CDBG funds. Mayor added that the Finance Director is working on this. Chairman Borden cautioned that she does not want to see any money wasted. Mr. Tangi offered that if he receives direction quickly, it should not be a problem to spend the funds by September. Councilmember Poe wondered if the City is part way through the project, will HUD recognize partial construction. Planning Director Krauss reminded the Committee that the City is years behind in CDBG spending and has to spend the money. Mr. Tangi said that the contractors could purchase, bill, and store the items. Regarding the kitchen equipment, Planning Director Krauss said it could be purchased and warehoused. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 14, 2000 4. Park at 9~h and I Street NE Parks and Recreation Director Deal showed a map and photographs of the area referred to by Mrs. Weekly. 'I;he area is too small and very narrow. The gravel pathway to Fulmer Field could be fixed upand enhance the connection to Fulmer Field. Seeding and light grading could make the pathway more aesthetic. City Park is located nearby. Councilmember Singer spoke about the poorly pruned trees. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the maintenance was the responsibility of the property owner 30 years ago. A discussion occurred relating to tree planting, who maintains trees, condition of trees on property and the responsibility of property owners. 5. Scootie Brown Parkine Agreement This was pulled from the agenda. INFORMATION ITEM: I. Neighborhood Program Quarterly Progress Report No discussion occurred on this item. With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. PCDC\MIN\02A-2000 PAGE 6