HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-2001MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25, 2001
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held June 25, 2001 in
the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Trish Borden, Sue Singer, and Fred Poe
STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, AI Hicks, Shirley Aird, Dick Deal, and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth; representatives from the Human Services Committee
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: (held in Council Chambers)
1. WSC01-0005 - Prium Development
Chairman Borden opened the public hearing.
Planner Aird presented the staff report, showed an overhead of the property, and pointed out PAA
area and area outside PAA. The PAA boundary is based on the settlement agreement with
Bonney Lake for water service. The applicant is working with Pierce County and Bonney Lake to
apply for Auburn Comprehensive Plan amendment related to the PAA. She reviewed the
conditions. The commercial parcels have conditional use permit process to allow the use and
explained the process.
Chairman Borden wanted to know why the commercial lot is served by septic and Planner Aird
believes this is until sewer comes in. Chairman Borden wants to see a copy of the vested
language. Chairman Borden wanted to know if staff is recommending that parks be developed to
City standards. DD said the plat does not have park dedication at this time. The project is
adjacent to P--4 Park site which is part of Lakeland. The park contains wetlands mitigated by
Lakeland. One option is to take property adjacent to P-4 Park, 3.5 acres of park property is
needed, and ask for dedication adjacent to the P-4 Park. Other alternatives would be to accept
less property and develop to City standards or accept no property and accept fee in lieu of to use
for completion of park property or site to be developed in the future.
Mat Sweeney, agent for applicant, is an attorney and does permit coordination for clients. There
are overlapping jurisdictions with multi jurisdictional issues. He agrees to comply with the City's
development regulations. Under the Bonneville power line are wetlands and a portion is
dedicated as open space. The project is bisected by Lake Tapps Parkway and they will have to
dedicate right of way to the Parkway. There are stormwater issues in the area. Pierce County will
require quite a bit of dedication for the corridor and detention pond. The plat is very preliminary
and refinement must occur. There are still lots of issues that remain to be worked out because of
variables. The parcel of commercial property is separate and has a conditional use permit
application and is vested from mid-1990s. He will provide documentation of the vested status.
The larger portion of the project is bisected by a gas pipeline and bisected by Bonney Lake
settlement agreement. The small portion of the project is outside the Auburn Urban Growth Area
(UGA). They will ask Bonney Lake and Pierce County to re-include them in the UGA. Auburn is
only sewer provider in the area. They want to take the bisected parcel and reunify it inside the
PAA. The commercial area is important to their overall project and will be 'neighborhood' type
development. They requested on site septic for commercial development so that this portion of
project can get going. He acknowledged park and open space requirements under Pierce
County.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25.2001
Councilmember Poe asked when sewer is constructed to property and pump station is in place,
will it serve all commercial development and Mr. Sweeney said the septic will be temporary
because the project is dependent on the Parkway.
Chairman Borden asked about the Pierce County Comp Plan calling for property to be single
family. Mr. Sweeney said the area is designated for moderate density single family in Pierce
County, not commercial. The applicatant applied for a conditional use permit which predated the
zoning change in the area. That application has vested rights under a previous Pierce County
'general' zoning classification.
Chairman Borden asked about proposal to have temporary septic system, and how Auburn will
know the septic does not become permanent. She asked if the City allows commercial
development to be on septic. Mr. Sweeney said phase 2 is dependent on sewer and they will be
under pressure to get the sewers. The Planning Director could make this a condition and Pierce
County Hearing Examiner write into the decision. Planning Director Krauss said that commercial
development on septic would be a legitimate comment on the SEPA application. In the past it has
been difficult to get the Pierce County Hearing Examiner to consider Auburn's comments. The
City could make this a condition of providing sewer service.
There were no public comments. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by
Councilmember Poe, to close the public hearing. Chairman Borden concurred.
Councilmember Singer inquired about adding parks and sewers as conditions. Chairman Borden
suggested approving the request, but conditioned on the development meeting Auburn parks level
of service standards and applicant providing information on vested status for commercial
development in Pierce County, and condition on sewer for the commercial portion during phase 2.
Planning Director Krauss said the City is looking to have the project satisfy the amount of park
land consistent with City code. The developer has illustrated small 'recreation' tracts, but this is
not acceptable under Auburn standards. The City Code says that the City must get land that is
developable for active recreational pursuits. On occasion, the City has negotiated improvements
to facilities, but this is a negotiation between the Parks Department and the developer
Councilmember Poe wanted to know if the staff report was complete enough to get land
dedication or money for development or should language be added. Planning Director Krauss
advised that improveming speci~city is beneficial and specific language would be desirable,
Chairman Borden suggested specific level of service standards or equal value as 'negotiated by
Parks Director'. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that the level of service is identified
in the Park Plan. He can sit down with applicant and discuss.
Councilmember Poe referred to item 5 under Findings of Fact, and believes the use of septic
system in the aquifer recharge area is a concern. Another concern is that the commercial
development would occur, but maybe not the rest of the property. He wanted assurances that the
commercial development will be connected to sewer. The report says that 'sewer shall be
installed to City standards...' and believes this is clear. Chairman Borden also expressed concern
about this.
Planning Director Krauss advised that Pierce County can approve the project, can approve what
they want in the area, and could allow the project to be installed on septic, and Auburn would not
have control,
Councilmember Poe commented that the certificate is only saying sewer is available. Planning
Director Krauss advised that within the UGA, the City requires hook up to sewer. The portion
outside the UGA is outside the purview of City ordinances and Pierce County has total authority
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25, 2001
here. Pierce County allows development on septic, The City has objected in past to Pierce
County development on septic adjacent to Auburn's aquifer recharge area and will again object to
this as part of the project under SEPA. Unfortunately, the City has little leverage.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend City
Council, based on findings of fact, approve the development agreement with conditions as revised
earlier related to vesting information, phase 2 of commercial contingent on phase 1 connection to
sewer, additional language under item 6 that makes clear the expectation related to park land
development to Auburn standards or equivalent as negotiated by Parks Director, and denial for
that portion of the project outside the PAA.
from the applicant.
Staff will provide information on vesting to the Committee when it is received.
The meeting was recessed and reconvened in the Council Chambers
ACTION:
1. CDBG Consolidated Plan Amendments
Economic Development Manager Hicks presented the staff report and suggested a wording
change in Chapter 5. Chairman Borden asked if the funds require a ratio and Economic
Development Manager Hicks said the ratio is 51% of people employed have to be low income and
gave an example. One job is provided for every $35,000 given. In response to questions from
Councilmember Poe, Economic Development Manager Hicks provided general information on the
use of 108 funds and explained the process. Most 108 projects are income producing and staff
proposes the use of 108 funds to acquire commercial space in the transit station.
Planning Director Krauss provided information on retail at the transit station and pay back would
be from rental receipts of retail. This is a way to leverage Federal money. The City would not be
pledging its bonded indebtedness, but pledging CDBG in the event of a default. He mentioned
what other jurisdictions are doing with 108 funds.
Chairman Borden asked how the City documents that low income have jobs and Planning Director
Krauss replied this is done through the State job service. Councilmember Poe asked about the
borrowing capacity and Economic Development Manager Hicks replied the request is $1.2 million
at the T-bill rate.
Planner Aird mentioned an additional change to Chapter 2, which is that the CDBG funding will be
a public hearing before the Planning and Community Development Committee instead of City
Council. HUD does not specify who has to have the public hearing. She will provide an
undedined/strikeout version to the Committee. Also, the table on 2.7 is has been added.
Chairman Borden indicated that she is comfortable with the changes. In response to inquiry from
Chairman Borden, Planner Aird mentioned that Auburn has option of creating its own CDBG
consortlure by partnedng with cities and gave an example.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Chairman Borden, to recommend amending
Chapter 2 and Chapter 5, with the revised language to Chapter 5 as discussed earlier, of the
Consolidated Plan to include strategies for the use of Section 108 Loan Guarantee Funds and a
process for citizen participation in comment on the use of funds. Chairman Borden concurred.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25, 2001
2. Human Services Committee Recommendations - CDBG Grant
Planner Aird presented the staff report and distributed a summary sheet. She suggested that the
public hearing on the CDBG 2002 budget be delayed until the City knows what the HUD allocation
will be. She mentioned the contract with City of Kent for housing repair services and how well the
process is working. Kent can provide emergency work for citizens. The program has served 20
clients April through May.
Planning Director Krauss provided status on the LIHI purchase of the JC Penney Building.
Chairman Borden asked about funding limits in relation to Valley Cities according to HUD rules.
Planner Aird explained what is and is not qualified payment for new building. The City can pay
60% of system cost and then explained how HSC prioritized their recommendations.
Councilmember Singer asked if City Council can revisit the funding at the time they act on a
budget ordinance, and Planner Aird replied yes because the City should know by November if the
LIHI project goes forward.
Dan Shields, HSC Chairman, said there was concern about how much money is being tied up and
they needed to plan for an alternative. They support Valley Cities as much as they can. Valley
Cities request limited the City's capability to fund.
Councilmember Singer asked about the Children's Home Society request and Planner Aird
indicated they had received CDBG funds for a reroof in the past. Pat Amato commented that the
roof looks like it has 10 years left, but the gutters are in need of repair. Planner Aird reminded
Committee that HUD will not pay for maintenance.
Deanna Burnett-Keener, Small Business Assistance Center, spoke about micro enterprise
category for HUD funding and believes their numbers put them into this category. Planner Aird
explained that that is what they are qualified under now.
Councilmember Singer asked how recommendation amount to SBAC affects their services to the
City. Leslie Moore, Small Business Assistance Center, spoke about the recent grant from the City
to the enterprise center. Ms. Moore described the work force development program. Creating the
enterprise center included several partners and a portion of funding goes to SBAC. She spoke
about their library and full time staff person.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to forward
recommendations of the Human Services Committee for inclusion in 2002 Consolidated
Plan/Action Plan for CDBG, and request City Council call for public hearing on 2002 Action Plan
and budget. Chairman Borden concurred.
DISCUSSION:
1. Domestic Violence Services
Planning Director Krauss commented that this will be contained in the mid-year budget proposals.
Planner Aird then the staff report. This is the second year that City has not funded any service
agencies for domestic violence services. Only the shelter is funded. She spoke of past problems
with DAWN. She spoke of the need for additional appropriations to reestablish community
services in the City.
Councilmember Singer attended a South King County Human Services Committee meeting that
talked about getting together to do a south county consortium.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25. 2001
Chairman Borden confirmed that the funding will come out of the general fund and not part of HSC
allotment and Planner Aird confirmed this. This would be a budget amendment to the Planning
Department budget in addition to 2001 amounts.
2. Human Services Committee (HSC) Recommendations - General Fund
Planner Aird presented the staff report and HSC is comfortable with their recommendations.
Chairman Borden asked how the total is determined and Planner Aird said that the estimated
funding increase for departments is 3.8%. Chairman Borden said there was a policy decision on
the funding formula. She thought the funding amount was 1% of the general fund, but does not
look like it. Planner Aird remarked that human services planners are working on a common
understanding of what goes into the general fund because different cities determine their amounts
in different ways. Chairman Borden believes it is important for City Council to set an amount to be
contributed to human services such as the 1%.
Dan Shields, commented that the HSC recognizes the City's generosity and said that some cities
do not disperse funds as much as Auburn does. The HSC met for hours to discuss general funds,
determine priority, look at each organization, decide if want to continue or increase funding, and
look at each request individually as it stood on its own. When the HSC was done reviewing and
saw that they wanted to allocate more funds than were available, hard decisions had to be made.
HSC wanted to support agencies at last years level, but need to support some new agencies
also. One decision factor was agencies driven by Auburn organizations supporting Aubum
citizens and used by Auburn citizens. He stressed that all applications stood on their own.
Councilmember Singer asked why the Boys and Girls Club agency is important and thinks the
Parks Department is doing similar services. Joanne Waiters, HSC, visited the site and was very
impressed with their housing and services. They do preventative work and the kids served in the
area are very needy. She gave examples of their services, Marion Thomas, HSC, commented
that petty theft in the area has gone down because of the Club.
Chairman Borden asked how the HSC wrestles with funding programs funded previously, and
who expect same funding amount each year versus new programs that meet criteria and need
funding. Pat Amato, HSC, advised that they assess the needs in the City, chart performance of
the agencies, determine if something is lacking or needs changing, etc. Lots of factors are
weighed, and he does not believe just because an agency was funded previously at a certain level
guarantees that funding at that level should continue. An agency's entitlement should be
performance based.
Councilmember Singer referred to recommended funding for the King County Sexual Assault
Resource Center (KCSARC) and asked for information on the HSC recommendation. PA
expressed the HSC's concern about KCSARC's fancy foldout brochure and that too much money
is spent on attracting money versus services. DS said the HSC had concerns about the agency
as a whole. They were concerned about the number of Auburn residents (eight) receiving
services. He believes KCSARC may have an image problem. It appears the community is not
getting much in the way of services from them as other agencies. Valley Cities Counseling &
Consultation is more highly regarded even though the HSC is aware that the two agencies provide
different services.
Mary Ellen Stone, KCSARC, described victim services. She appreciates the HSC members
candor and believes that KCSARC will need to see what their perspectives are. HSC perception
of their organization presents political and financial problem for them.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JUNE 25, 2001
Marian Thomas said the HSC wanted to get the most services for the most money for the most
citizens and that decision making process is not easy. Councilmember Singer appreciated HSC
their efforts and work on making the recommendations.
3. Environmental Compliance Manager
Planning Director Krauss commented that this position is a mid-year budget position and that the
Mayor has recommend approval. The City is currently responding to ESA matters using its
existing staff. This position will respond to ESA and sensitive area issues. He gave examples of
the type of work to be performed.
INFORMATION:
1. Sin.~le Family Uses
Chairman Borden remarked that the information was very helpful and that this topic will be
discussed at the next meeting.
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
PC DC\M I N\06 B-2001
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