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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2005 ITEM V-A-1CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING June 30, 2005 6:00 PM South Cafeteria/Performing Arts Center SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Mayor Peter B. Lewis called the Southeast Main Street Neighborhood Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The following Councilmembers were present during the meeting: Rich Wagner, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus and Bill Peloza. Staff members present included: Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Planner Bill Mandeville, Parks Planning and Development Manager Dan Scamporlina, Senior Planner Mitzi McMahan, Community Development Administrator David Osaki, Utilities Engineer Duane Huskey, Water Quality Program Coordinator Chris Thorn, Transportation Planner Tiffin Goodman, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Police Commander Greg Wood, Fire Captain Parry Boogard, and City Clerk Danielle Daskam. Approximately 70 residents were in attendance. Mayor Lewis introduced Councilmembers in attendance and made some welcoming comments. He stressed the purpose of the meeting was to listen to citizen comments and concerns relating to their neighborhood. Planning Director Paul Krauss introduced the city staff who were present at the meeting. Planning Director Krauss explained how the meeting was organized into several stations: zoning and comprehensive planning, code enforcement, transportation, parks and recreation, utilities, and police and fire services. He encouraged the residents to go to each station, meet the City staff and talk about what they like about their neighborhood along with concerns and desired improvements they may have for their community. For the next hour, neighborhood residents met and discussed various issues with City staff at each station. At approximately 7:20 p.m. Planning Director Krauss reconvened the staff and residents into a large group meeting. He asked City staff members to summarize the comments and concerns expressed at each station by the neighborhood residents. The following highlights some of the comments, concerns, issues and opinions provided by neighborhood residents: Page 1 City of Auburn Special Council Meeting Minutes June 30, 2005 Planning & Community Development: Some residents urged the City to consider helping Washington Elementary School develop a community playground. Some residents referred to it as a downtown park. They suggested the playground/park include a climbing wall. A few residents urged the City to require businesses and the School District to landscape their parking lots; particularly adding more trees. Some residents suggested more trees along 2nd Street S.E. They pointed out the curbs and sidewalks need repair, and several streets do not have sidewalks. Residents suggested 2nd Street in particular needs a relatively large sidewalk so as to better connect the neighborhood to the downtown. A large number of residents had concerns about F Street S.E. They said it is used a thoroughfare to 4th Street or the Les Gove Park Campus; however, it is too narrow to serve in this capacity. Some residents suggested 2nd Street S.E. might need roundabouts so as to slow down traffic and keep it more pedestrian -oriented. A few residents said their neighborhood has too many rental properties. Some residents believe their neighborhood has an above average number of incidents involving vandalism. Many residents said what they liked most about their neighborhood was its walkability and its close proximity to downtown. City staff received several favorable comments about the residential - offices along East Main Street and the owners' dedication to maintain the residential character of their neighborhood. One resident suggested the City refer to the neighborhood as "Southeast of East Main Street" in order to better identify its location. Utilities: Several residents talked about the way the City sweeps their streets. They suggested the City publish a schedule so that residents can temporarily relocate their automobiles to get them out of the way of the street sweeper. Residents expressed concern about a lack of storm drainage. One resident provided pictures of flooding. Deterioration of water service lines was also discussed. Transportation: Several residents expressed their concern about the impact the proposed M Street Grade Separation will have on their property and neighborhood in general. In particular, many of them believe it will significantly increase the amount of traffic passing through the neighborhood. However, many residents were highly in favor of the project. Several residents spoke positively about the proposed SR164 bypass (Link Road) that would connect Highway 18 to Auburn Way South. Some residents complained that the stop light near the Highway 18 underpass was not synchronized with the stoplights on Auburn Way South at 2nd Street SE and 4th Street S.E. Staff explained this would be remedied as the ITS project progressed. Several residents complained about the limited visibility at intersections along East Main Street. Some residents expressed opposition to the stop sign at East Main and D Street and deteriorating road conditions. Speeding and the need to connect the sidewalks Page 2 City of Auburn Special Council Meeting Minutes June 30, 2005 were also issues of broad concern. Some residents also spoke regarding the need for additional street lighting. Public Safety: Speeding along the side streets was a common complaint of many residents. Residents said the speed limit on East Main was confusing. Several residents complained about parking along the street, particularly parking the wrong way and parking multiple vehicles. Some residents expressed concern about transients. Some people complained about graffiti. Some residents expressed a general concern about Auburn's growth and its ability to meet the demand for public services such as fire and police protection. Parks: City staff received general comments about preserving and enhancing parks and open spaces in the surrounding area. They suggested the City work with the Auburn School District for more frequent access to school fields and gyms. Several residents identified Les Gove Park as their neighborhood park. Two residents asked for an off -leash area in Auburn; or at least add an off leash dog area at the Fenster property in the City's Comprehensive Park Plan. Residents agreed with a request from one resident for an indoor play area at Les Gove Park or in the proposed Community Center. A few residents complained about the condition of Veteran's Memorial Park. Specifically they said the equipment needs to be replaced and restrooms need renovation. They said homeless people frequently inhabit Veteran's Memorial Park. Local churches and non-profit agencies use the park as a site to feed homeless people. As a result, Veteran's Memorial Park does not feel safe or secure to neighborhood residents. Several residents said the City needs more soccer fields. They requested bicycle lanes to connect the neighborhood to the Green River and White River trails. Several residents asked the City to enhance the walkability of the neighborhood. Code Enforcement: Residents and City staff discussed at length the code enforcement process. Residents were particularly unaware that public nuisances are typically citizen -activated complaints. Code enforcement officers, for the most part, depend upon information from neighborhood residents to identify and locate public nuisances. Furthermore, City staff informed residents that they can file a complaint unanimously. A few residents suggested the City provide more public education about public nuisance and building codes. Several residents pointed out that public nuisances are most visible from the alleys. They described several properties that have a great deal of junk and debris along with abandoned and junk vehicles. Some residents complained about lawns that are left unattended and consequently turn into weeds and tall grass. The City's proposed ordinance to prohibit parking vehicles on front lawns was generally well received. Some residents suggest the proposed ordinance needs to include motorcycles. Page 3 City of Auburn Special Council Meeting Minutes June 30, 2005 Following the overview from City staff, Planning Director Krauss explained that later this fall the City will have another neighborhood meeting. At this meeting, City staff will present a preliminary draft of a plan that addresses the concerns and issues identified by neighborhood residents. Mayor Lewis closed the meeting. He thanked the resident for attending the meeting and reminded them that their participation in their neighborhood in general is the main reason it remains a good place to live. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. APPROVED THE DAY OF JULY 2005. Peter B. Lewis, Mayor Danielle Daskam, City Clerk Page 4