HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2021 Minutes (2)
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 2, 2021
APPROVED MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Judi Roland called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. via Zoom due to Governor
Inslee’s “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery initiative" and the Governor’s
Emergency Proclamation 20-28 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which establishes the
official meeting place, as virtual.
a.) ROLL CALL/ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Commissioners present: Chair Roland, Vice-Chair Lee, Commissioner Stephens,
Commissioner Moutzouris, Commissioner Khanal.
Commissioner Mason was excused.
Staff present: Planning Services Manager Jeff Dixon; Doug Ruth, Assistant City
Attorney; Alexandria Teague, Planner II; Angela San Filippo, SKHHP Executive
Manager; Administrative Assistant Jennifer Oliver.
Members of the public present: Tyler Bump, EcoNorthwest
b.) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. December 8, 2020 – Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Khanal moved, and Vice Chair Lee seconded to approve the minutes
from the December 8, 2020 meeting as written.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5-0
III. PUBLIC HEARING
There was no public hearing scheduled for this meeting.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2021
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Presentation by City Consultant EcoNorthwest on Proposed
Development of an Auburn Action Housing Action Plan (HAP)
EcoNorthwest is a profession consulting firm that was hired in collaboration with
neighboring jurisdictions of Burien, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila to
assist in the development of a South King County Subregional Housing Action
Framework document. EcoNorthwest collected sub-regional data necessary to
support the development of individual Housing Action Plans for the first phase
which was completed in August 2020.
The Second Phase, currently in process, builds on the contents of the South King
County Subregional Housing Action Framework document developed in the first
phase but focuses specifically on the City of Auburn. And this phase is
independent and conducted under a separate contract component. This step
was also the subject of a consultant selection and hiring process and resulted in
the City choosing the same consultant, EcoNorthwest, as had worked on first
phase. Use of the same consultant aids in efficiency and continuity.
As a first step for this phase, the City’s consultant has prepared information
specific to the City of Auburn. The consultant has prepared a draft “Auburn
Housing Action Plan Existing Conditions Memorandum which details the current
conditions influencing housing capacity in the City. This document is the subject
of the presentation for the February 2, 2021 regular Planning Commission
meeting. This document not meant to stand alone but will be incorporated into
the contents of the overall City Housing Action Plan (HAP).
This particular phase has an emphasis on a public outreach effort to solicit the
publics feedback while the plan is under development and when a draft of the
plan is available for public comment. To get the most relevant and valuable
feedback, this outreach is targeted to persons impacted by or with knowledge
about housing issues and circumstances in the City of Auburn. Broadview
Planning, a City subconsultant, has developed a public engagement plan
consisting of several actions that will be described in the Planning Commission
presentation at the February 2, 2021 meeting. With restrictions in place due to the
COVID-19 19 Pandemic, the city has implemented a new on-line tool as one
method of gathering input: https://speakupauburn.org/hap.
When complete, this analysis, along with public input, will be used to generate
recommendations and implementation steps in the completed Housing Action
Plan, which will help the City of Auburn guide its housing policies and regulations
and decisions over the 2020-2040 planning period. The City’s contract with the
Washington State Dept. of Commerce specifies that the HAP must be adopted by
the City Council prior to the contract deadline of May 31, 2021.
Tyler Bump from EcoNorthwest presented to the Planning Commission a
PowerPoint presentation on the Auburn Housing Action Plan. Mr. Bump
gave a project overview and steps within the project. There are four major
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components for the Housing Action Plan (HAP): Public Engagement which
consists of Community Vision, solicit ideas from the community and assess
changes. Existing Conditions which include data analysis, employment
trends, population growth and policy evaluation. Recommended Actions are
Public Input, Staff input, development analysis and prioritization. Adoption
process would be Planning Commission and City Council.
Mr. Bump touched on building off South King County Subregional Housing
Action Plan Framework which consists of: Public Engagement; Assess
housing needs in 2040; Evaluate demographic & employment trends;
Develop new strategies: Preserve existing housing, Increase housing
production; increase housing choice; Evaluate neighborhood context for
housing type allowances; Create the Housing Action Plan (HAP).
EcoNorthwest discussed the Existing Conditions and Housing Needs
Assessment, South King County Subregional Income Distribution, Housing
Affordability Cost Burdening, Displacement Vulnerability in Auburn, and
Auburns Housing Production Trends.
Mr. Bump went over the 2040 Housing Need that touched on the future
housing needs through 2040 and Auburn’s Future Housing Needs by
Income Level.
EcoNorthwest presented The Housing Action Plans Public Engagement
Goals:
Reflect Auburn’s diversity; Tell residents’ housing
opportunities and challenges.
Remain focuses, yet flexible, on authentic public involvement
during COVID 19 pandemic.
Develop and maintain a consistent communications strategy;
ensure equitable messaging and close the information loop.
Clearly connect how community involvement and input
informs HAP strategies.
Present data that summarizes community perspectives on
how new housing integrates into neighborhoods.
Understand barriers to homeownership and best practices for
creating opportunities for people to own their own home.
Mr. Bump reviewed the Public Engagement Update with the Commission
which involves focus on race/social justice equity lens; engage with people
and organizations who typically don’t participate in planning processes;
include an educational component to relay how different types of housing
can support and enhance a diverse, and vibrant city. The outreach methods
the EcoNorthwest are driving towards are: 10-12 individual interviews; 3-5
small focus groups; social media; website and distribution list:
speakupauburn.org/HAP; community forums and public presentations.
The Public Engagement Timeline was presented to the Commission:
January
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o Finalize Plan, Questions, Stakeholder Contacts,
Begin Interviews, Advertise Focus Groups.
February
o Planning Commission Update; Continue Interviews;
Conduct Focus Groups
March
o Summarize Findings; Draft Recommendations.
April-May-June
o Draft HAP; Planning Commission Feedback; City
Council Feedback; Public Comment & Community
Forum Feedback; Final HAP
Concluding his presentation, Mr. Bump addressed the Commissions questions.
Chair Roland asked for clarification on the HAP due date and how realistic was
that due date with the COVID-19 Pandemic happening that limits gatherings
and in person meetings. Planning Services Manager, Jeff Dixon commented
that the contract that the City executed with the State Department of
Commerce in receiving the grant mentions a May 31,2021 deadline. That grant
was in-acted and finalized before we found ourselves in this current COVID-19
situation. Mr. Dixon spoke with the Department of Commerce Staff that are
administrating that grant and they said the legislative date deadline is at the
end of June.
The Commission discussed the importance of the public outreach methods that
EcoNorthwest had mentioned in the presentation. With COVID-19 pandemic
amongst us, there was concern that public forums were unrealistic. Mr. Bump,
representative from EcoNorthwest explained that given the circumstances,
they will do the very best they can to generate public outreach. Mr. Bump
stated that they have been forced to be more strategic with who they are
reaching out to. He also added that there are specific organizations they are
communicating with. Mr. Bump asked the Commission that if they had any
suggestions on who else to reach out to, to please let him know. The Planning
Commission inquired about what type of organizations is EcoNorthwest
targeting and Mr. Bump responded that it was a mixture of faith-based
organizations, culturally-specific organizations and neighborhood associations
and the school district. Planning Services Manager, Jeff Dixon included that
outreach had been done with affordable housing builders, the Master Builders
Association as well as housing experts associated with the Muckleshoot Indian
Tribe, and nonprofit organizations in the City. Mr. Dixon explained that there
were 3 different levels to the public involvement plan and that consisted of
individual interviews with folks who may have a specific interest or knowledge
with housing issues; and to use these to see if there is an opportunity to have
meetings or phone calls with smaller groups such as a faith-based organization
or cultural organization; and thirdly, a community forum with a larger group
where people can voluntarily sign on to Zoom meeting which is similar to a
public meeting.
The Planning Commission asked that with the trend of many people moving
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out of the Seattle area and heading into south King County cities, has that
been accounted for when forecasting future housing needs. Mr. Bump
responded that although it will be a few years before they can account for that
number when forecasting, EcoNorthwest spoke with 5 residential developers
who were very interested in this project and noted the increase in demand for
housing.
The Commission inquired about what kind of recommendations regarding the
HAP will come back to them to evaluate and weigh in on. EcoNorthwest replied
that there will be recommendations as part of the HAP. How those
recommendations are picked up and adopted will likely be through either a
Comprehensive Plan update, through a zoning code or land use regulation
change or through a programmatic strategy and that’s the implementation
phase of this project. The recommendations that EcoNorthwest has seen from
other projects they have worked on, are categories of land use and zoning
recommendations and some of them are fairly small adjustments to
development standards, or changes in regulations applicable to multi dwelling
zones to support more housing. Other recommendations could be incentive
zoning to create more affordable housing. It is hard to pinpoint exact
recommendations that will come through until more information is developed
through from public outreach and feedback from those conversations.
The Planning Commission asked if housing costs are being discussed with this
project. Mr. Bump replied that they are very focused on cost and affordability
on housing for the whole range of household incomes. The Commission stated
that it was important for families to have areas for kids to go outside and play
and with just apartments that could make that difficult. Duplexes and Triplex’s
would feel more like a home for families. Tyler responded that that is actually
one of the things they are currently evaluating if whether Duplex’s or Triplexes’
should be allowed more broadly in more zoning districts, as that would that
create more housing that’s affordable to folks in the community today and in
the future.
The Commission commented that Auburn seems to have less homelessness
compared to Seattle, Bellevue, or even Kent. The Commissioners asked how
Auburn is in that regard. Mr. Bump commented that homelessness is a problem in
every community even if its not as visible here in Auburn as it is in other
communities. What EcoNorthwest is finding in the data is that there are many
families that are doubled up in one housing unit. Also, related to this, the study
looks at the housing needs broadly and the results show there is a need for housing
in the 0-30 percent AMI, which represents ‘cost burdened’ residents. The
affordability varies by jurisdiction and that the housing need and the cost burdening
seen in Auburn is different then what it is in Kent or Seattle. However, it is still there
and the existing need for folks to be less cost-burdened at lower income levels now
and in the future. The Planning Commission asked what can be done to help close
that gap and Tyler commented that there will be some recommendations developed
to help move the needle and at least start the discussion about what can be done.
The Planning Commission asked if the study takes into account geographic
limitations so as there are growth rates, traffic, or other topography that could
come into play, could that impact some of the recommendations on the types
of housing to satisfy the population growth? Mr. Bump responded that to some
extent its accounted for the way that Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)
does their population forecast in looking at existing development capacity in
cities. But to the Auburn-specific geographic location, he thinks that’s can be
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influenced by the implementation recommendation such as zoning code
projects. Future recommendations will determine that information.
Chair Roland asked what will happen when EcoNorthwest has completed the
HAP document at the end of June. Planning Services Manager, Jeff Dixon
comment that with EcoNorthwest assistance, they will prepare a document
that analyzes the existing conditions, what the future need is, and then come
out with particular strategies and recommendations at the end of June. Staff
will then have before them a list to choose from and some ideas from
EcoNorthwest on how effective some those ideas might be. Staff will pick and
choose from that list and possibly make some changes to the development
regulations such as the Zoning Code or Public Works Standards. Some of
those changes would come before the Planning Commission if there were
changes to the Development Regulations or it could be some changes to the
Housing Element; or policies in the Comprehensive Plan. The policies in the
Comprehensive Plan could change to focus on some particular needs in the
housing chapter or other chapters in the Comp Plan. City Council could be
asked to institute some new programs as well. Mr. Dixon pointed out that the
City of Auburn doesn’t have perfect control over housing affordability or the
housing supply that is in the City. There are many other factors about the
availability of land, how developers choose to develop properties that are free
market enterprises, and the City doesn’t necessarily have complete control but
does have some influence potentially by our regulations and fees. Tyler
commented that Auburn is doing a lot of things right at the moment. Some of
the barriers that they have come across with other jurisdictions, they have not
come across for Auburn and that is a positive thing.
The Planning Commission asked if Tyler Bump from EcoNorthwest will come
back to present additional information. Jeff Dixon stated that at a minimum
there would be a presentation with the findings that could be shared with the
Commission by Staff.
B. Election of Officers
Pursuant to the Planning Commission’s adopted Rules of Procedure (provided as
Attachment A), Subsection III.2 states that the Planning Commission shall elect
officers at the first regular meeting of each calendar year, or as soon thereafter, as
possible. Since the Planning Commission did not meet in January 2021, staff
requests that before the close of the February 2nd meeting, officers should be
elected for year 2021. The results of the election will take effect at the following
meeting so that new appointees are prepared to serve in their new capacity. The
term of office of each officer shall run until the subsequent election.
Chair Roland opened nominations for the 2021 Chairperson and asked the
Commission to provide nominations.
The nominations for the 2021 Chairperson are:
Judi Roland
Jennifer Oliver, Administrative Assistant asked for a vote by Show of Hands on
each of the nominees individually.
Chair Roland declared, by majority vote of Commissioners, 5-0, Judi Roland was
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elected as the Planning Commissioner Chairperson for 2021.
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON:
Chair Roland opened nominations for the 2021 Vice Chairperson and asked the
Commission to provide nominations.
The nominations for the 2021 Vice-Chairperson are:
Roger Lee
Jennifer Oliver, Administrative Assistant asked for a vote by Show of Hands on
each of the nominees individually.
Chair Roland declared, by majority vote of Commissioners, 5-0, Vice -Chair Roger
Lee was elected as the Planning Commissioner Vice-Chairperson for 2021.
C. Annual Review of Planning Commission Rules of Procedure
The Planning Commission’s (PC) Rules of Procedure were last amended on March
3, 2020. Annually, the Planning Commission reviews the Planning Commission
Rules of Procedure as a content reminder and to consider any modifications.
Planning and Legal Dept. staff reviewed the latest adopted Rules of Procedure
document and noted a minor addition that is recommended and that is attached and
shown in strike-through (deletions) and underline (additions). This change on the
last page includes amending the language in Section XIII to provide the Planning
Commission the ability to suspend their Rules of Procedure in response to unusual
circumstances or to suspend the rules of procedure in response to unusual topics
calling for a different process.
An example of unusual circumstances includes the COVID-19 Pandemic and that in
accordance with Governor Inslee's “Emergency Proclamation 20-28 and Healthy
Washington - Roadmap to Recovery” plan, the City of Auburn is prohibited from
holding in-person meetings at the present time. The location for public meetings
will be virtual until the Governor of Washington State authorizes local governments
to conduct in-person meetings and therefor the language in Section X, (Public
Hearings), about person providing testimony to “step up to the podium . . .” to
make their remarks and “filling out the speaker sign in sheet . . .” doesn’t apply in
this virtual format of public meetings.
The proposed changes/addition is:
XIII. AMENDMENT AND SUSPENDING THE RULES:
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The Rules of Procedure may be amended at any regular meeting of the
Commission by a majority vote of the entire membership. The proposed
amendment should be presented in writing at a preceding regular meeting.
By a minimum five-member affirmative vote, the Commission may suspend the
rules as authorized in Robert’s Rules of Order, except when such suspension
would conflict with state law or city ordinance.
If the Planning Commission has additional changes, these can be discussed,
captured by staff, and then these changes can be presented in writing and
provided at the next regular meeting as provided in Section XIII, Amendment.
Second Rules of Procedure Update:
Chair Roland brought to Assistant City Attorney, Doug Ruth’s attention that there
was an inconsistency in the Rules. A small change but it does need to be
addressed. Mr. Ruth reminded the Commission that last year there was a rule
amended to make a silent vote by all commissioners, a negative vote. This was
based upon the idea if you didn’t hear a vote, the Commission shouldn’t be
adopting or changing something in a policy or decision based on silence. The
conservative approach would be to consider it a “no vote”.
The change that is on page 8 of the Rules of Procedure, 10 B. conflicts with
another rule that specific to the Chair. That rule states:
“Any member, including the Chair, not voting or not voting in an audible
voice shall be recorded as voting in the negative”.
Mr. Ruth wasn’t aware of the pre-existing language and it hadn’t come to his
attention. After reading through it, he commented that he wasn’t sure why that
pre-existing sentence exists. Mr. Ruth went on to explain that without seeing a
purpose for that, Section IV. 1., he recommends that the Commission resolve the
conflict between those two provisions by deleting IV. 1. The sentence that would
be removed is,
“Unless stated otherwise, the Chair’s vote shall be considered to be
affirmative for the motion.”
The Commission asked Assistant City Attorney Ruth to update the rules to reflect
the circumstances of virtual meetings and to address possible technical
difficulties such as a microphone failure. Could possibly a virtual hand in the chat
space account for a vote if those technical difficulties take place. Mr. Ruth
commented that he would address that change and bring proposed language
back to the Commission at the next meeting.
The Commission asked in the ‘Amendment and Suspending the Rules’ section,
is the 5 member a majority or super majority. Mr. Ruth commented that Robert’s
Rules of Order has 2/3rds and so it is a mirror of that. He also stated that there is
no rule on that, but we could lower that just a simple majority. If the Commission
has an emergency and there are only 4 members, the 2/3rds would work in that
type of emergency situation. Mr. Ruth will update and bring forth to the
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Commission at the next meeting.
V. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Planning Services Manager, Jeff Dixon updated the Commission on projects that they
have inquired about at past meetings.
The project that is two blocks south of City Hall has been renamed “The Verge”. Timing
for the temporary occupancy permits is within the next week to two weeks. The
temporary occupancy is not for people moving in, but to start prepping the building for
showings and to start showings.
th
The Copper Gate Apartments is located at the North end of town, just South of 277.
This is the first phase of the Auburn Gateway Project. The target for the occupancy of
first phase consisting of 500 dwelling units is August of this year.
nd
The 2 Sound Transit Parking Garage is still proceeding however, at a slower pace
since the pandemic hit. City Staff had a conference call with Sound Transit staff recently
and they stated that in July the Sound Transit Board will inform their staff on how they
may proceed with the project and at what schedule or prioritization.
Kool’s Café, in the City of Pacific, burned down. No word or no info is available from
City of Pacific as far as what will go in there as far as a major project.
Planning Services Manager, Jeff Dixon mentioned that the Mini Storage facility that is
located north of Kool’s Café will be expanding their building to the north side.
The Commission inquired about the Devine Court project, the former Heritage Building
site in downtown. Staff was not certain of the reason for the delay but suspected the
owners are getting the financing together. The civil plans are approved as well as the
building plans are approved.
Jeff Dixon, Planning Services Manager gave the Planning Commission information on a
few topics that could be forth coming this year to the Commission: Recommendations on
the Housing Action Plan; Zoning Code Changes for fencing and retaining walls; Formal
regulations on determining legal lot status in the City; Approaching new regulations on
Food Trucks; Zoning changes for the Auburn Airport, and the customary Annual
Comprehensive Plan Amendments.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 2, however the only Agenda Topic right now for
that meeting is the changes to the Rules of Procedure. The Commission agreed that if
that was the only topic, they were okay with the meeting being cancelled for March and
would meet in April.
Staff informed the Commission that of they were aware of any groups or individuals that
were of interest in the Housing Action Plan, to please pass their information onto Jeff
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Dixon, Planning Services Manager. The City’s website for the Housing Action Plan is
also available and interactive with citizens and asks for comments that can be made for
staff to see.
A Commissioner mentioned that they had participated in a survey that touched on race
and police action. Staff explained that it is likely related to another initiatives of the City
which also involved public outreach. The City is voluntarily undertaking a program to
look at Implicit Bias and Social Equity including training. There is a consultant that is
assisting the City with understanding what is the current state of affairs in the City and
what is the general population’s experience of dealing with the City and if there’s been
anything of concern from a social equity perspective in terms of race or religion. The
Commission asked if a survey like this one would be done for the Housing Action Plan
and Staff commented that a formal survey is not planned at this time but the new
website for the Housing Action Plan, https://speakupauburn.org/hap is available for
public comments and information.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chair Roland
adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
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