HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-BCITY OF
VURN
WASHINGTON
DRAFT
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
October 27, 2008
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER - 5:30 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Vice Chair Nancy Backus called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers
located on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA. Committee
members present were: Vice Chair Nancy Backus, Member Wagner and Councilmember Sue
Singer. Chair Lynn Norman was excused.
Staff members present included: Planning, Building & Community Department Director Cindy
Baker, Planning, Building & Community Department Assistant Director Kevin Snyder, Principal
Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain, Principal Planner Jeff Dixon, Planner Angelique Moser,
Human Services Manager Michael Hursh, Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber, City
Engineer Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Fire Marshall Jeff Stottlemyre,
Plans Examiner Michael Grohs and Community Services Project Assistant Kirsten Reynolds.
Audience Members included: Auburn Tourism Manager Debbie Luce, Wayne Osborne and
Troy Humphrey.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were several corrections made to the minutes including, but not limited to, several
sentence structure Errors, a change under Resolution No. 4404 (last sentence) "This was
based on recommendations of the Parks Board" and also additional changes made under the
Theater Plan.
Member Wagner moved to approve the minutes from the October 13, 2008 meeting as
amended, seconded by Member Singer.
III. ACTION
A. City Membership in ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
Planning, Building & Community Department Director Cindy Baker and Assistant Director
Kevin Snyder spoke about the consideration of membership to International Council for
Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). This group seeks to support local and regional
governments that have made a commitment to sustainable development.
ICLEI has a large world wide membership, with 34 local area jurisdictions participating.
They focus on sustainability practices and offer the following services: networking
opportunities with other jurisdictions, software to do a carbon footprint study, training on
how to use the software, outcome analysis assistance and other technical abilities. An
annual membership would cost $1,200 which is based on Auburn's population size.
If the City joined this membership Council would need to pass a Resolution within six
months after implementation. The City would also be required to perform a carbon
footprint study, develop and implement an action plan. This would all be required within a
reasonable amount of time, no hard deadline.
Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes October 27, 2008
Member Wagner distributed the Sustainability Policy Discussion and Resolution No. 4368;
he then recapped the five action areas identified: 1) Nurture Community Sustainability
(60% supported), 2) Minimize Impacts on the Natural Environment (25% supported), 3)
Sponsor Green Projects (5% supported), 4) Use Regional & Global Resources Wisely (9%
supported) and 5) Reduce Global Warming & Climate Change (1% supported). Member
Wagner voiced that he did not support this membership as it fell under the least supported
topic of global warming.
Councilmember Singer asked how much just the carbon footprint would cost to develop.
Mr. Snyder reported it could cost up to $75,000 without the membership if done by ICLEI.
Mayor Lewis suggested staff get another quote from a private consultant to have a carbon
footprint developed.
There was further discussion regarding the concern that the Green Zone was being
delayed. Mayor Lewis clarified the Green Zone would come "after RPG". Director Baker
added that Washington State may be mandated to look at Auburn's carbon footprint. It is
possible with the abundance of funding shortfalls the State may not mandate this, but staff
is trying to be proactive.
Member Singer moved to table City Membership in ICLEI-Local Governments for
Sustainability for an indefinite period; seconded by Member Wagner.
B. Ordinance No. 6206 - Golf Fees
Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber talked about the need to ensure golf course
fees are market driven. This Ordinance would allow staff the flexibility to maximize both
revenues and participation.
The previous Ordnance, which was modified in 1996 to better manage green fees, allowed for
comparison of other surrounding courses, which have not kept up with the Auburn Golf
Course. Staff would like the fees to be more market driven and allow for more flexibility with
the discount fees for juniors and seniors, currently set at 25% and 75% off the regular rates.
With more flexibility they could receive an even better rate. Other golf courses used as
comparison included: Bellevue, Spanaway, Sumner and Enumclaw. In addition to the
flexibility in setting rates there was some language added to the Ordnance that included "pro-
shop" food prices and "private" and public golf carts.
Member Wagner moved to forward Ordinance No. 6206 on to full Council for approval;
seconded by Councilmember Singer.
C. 2009 Annual Action Plan and Amendment of Consolidated Housing & Community
Development Plan
Michael Hursh, Human Services Manager, explained the Annual Action Plan is required by
Housing and Urban Development to receive CDBG funds; the Action Plan describes how the
City will carry out the goals set forth in the City's Housing and Community Development
Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is being amended to include the Year 2009 under
the operational limit of five years, as determined by HUD; currently it is in use for 2004-2008.
Notice of a public hearing and comment period on the 2009 Action Plan was published in the
Seattle Times and on October 20, 2008 the public hearing was held at a City Council meeting.
The deadline to submit written comments is October 31, 2008.
Auburn's CDBG funds will be combined with General Funds to create the Human Services
budget in 2009. In addition to support of more than 35 non-profit agencies, the General Funds
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes October 27, 2008
are used to administer internal projects such as the Neighborhood Grant Program and the
Emergency Voucher Program.
The Human Services Committee did hold a discussion about the suggested grievance policy
and understand the City can't make agency participation mandatory; they thought the
grievance policy was a good idea and were in full support of it.
Member Wagner moved to forward the 2009 Annual Action Plan and Amendment of
Consolidated Housing & Community Development Plan on to full Council for approval;
seconded by Member Singer.
IV. DISCUSSION
A. Tourism Board Discussion
Debbie Luce, Auburn Tourism Manager, discussed activities of the Board. Auburn
Tourism Board (ATB) started with a private consultant Jane Baxter Lynn. Ms. Luce
handed out a list of items accomplished this year, including, but not limited to: creation and
maintenance of a contact database, listing of local events, a monthly newsletter which is
used at hotels to inform visitors what's happening in Auburn, a website that's updated
every Monday and a successful Discovery Aubum Week event, of which 50,000 passports
(entry forms) were distributed in the Auburn Reporter. There were 16 events held during
Discover Auburn.
Branding of the Tourism Board started with the production of the map/brochure; Jeremy
Chevalier, Multimedia Manager for the City of Auburn was the creator of the branding and
has since created postcards and banners.
Hotels occupation has increased every month with the exception of February. The hotels
are all working together to get things done such as working with WSDOT to get their
lodging signs back up (heading north on Hwy 167), the signs were down for an entire year.
Now that they are back up, the hotels are paying a prorated fee to make up for lost time.
The new banners promoting businesses are up at the train station, ATB is renting out the
banner space and has made $800. Another recent fund raising activity the ATB has
engaged in is a $10,000 tourism grant applied for through CTED. If awarded, the money
would be used to promote and operate the Discover Auburn Week events.
A main focus of the ATB was to connect with the local community and businesses.
Debbie Luce reported hotels were initially shy about partnering to give special group rates;
they have all joined the board at the monthly meetings. Ms. Luce visits the hotels at least
once a month and continues an on-going effort in education of the local hotels, maintaining
and developing partnerships. Several ATB members have expressed their appreciation
and the opportunity to participate in this partnership with ATB.
B. Residential Sprinkler System
Jeff Stottlemyre, Fire Marshall for the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) came at the
request of Director Baker and Assistant Director Snyder to start a discussion on sprinkler
systems. The Fire Marshall discussed that the International Code Council (ICC) has
mandated sprinkler systems in single-family homes to be effective as of July 2011. The
issues are being examined by the State of Washington and could be changed before July
2011.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes October 27, 2008
There was discussion around what this adds to the indicial cost of a home. Mr. Stottlemyre
stated it could vary from $.75 - $8.00 a square foot. Local figures show $2 - $3 per a
square foot; approximately $6,000 - $9,000 more on a 3,000 square foot home. Mr.
Stottlemyre recommended waiting to pass any Ordnance until the State passes something.
Statistics show residential sprinkler systems keep fire damage down overall. The water
damage caused by a sprinkler system is less than the water damage caused by the fire
trucks systems.
Some barriers include, but are not limited to: lack of current design and details, water
quality issues and lack of education such as the perception of insurance savings, this is not
true. There will be issues to deal with such as quality control with labor installation, hook
up fees and water shut off fees; the systems won't be able to pass through a meter. VRFA
is waiting to see what the State does with this and plans to work with the City of Auburn if it
passes.
Member Wagner expressed he was not in favor of having this in place; this should be a
private home owner's decision because of the large cost. Mr. Stottlemyre would love to
come back for a future update on this topic.
C. Policy Guidance For Financial Securities For Plats
Dennis Selle, City Engineer and Ingrid Gaub, Assistant City Engineer, spoke about various
financial securities available for subdivision improvements and the related
City Code. From a policy standpoint staff researched the pros and cons to tighten
up the City's risks. In today's economic climate, staff's recommendation was to use
performance bonds, which have been acceptable in the past. Most developers currently
use a Letter of Credit; these letters are not financial guarantees. The Committee showed
support of staff's recommended changes.
D. Proposed Code Amendment - Storage Containers
City Planner Angelique Moser continued discussion regarding use and placement of
shipping/cargo containers and personal on demand storage (PODS) containers.
Ms. Moser researched other cities standards and found no requirement for a permit if the
unit is gone within a seven day period. Building staff and the Committee felt that wasn't
long enough. The Committee determined two weeks would be allowed without a permit,
language will be added that they must not block sidewalks, can not be in right-of-ways,
must be located on private property and if the length of time is more than two weeks they
must apply for a permit. Temporary Use Permit fees will need to be added to the City
Code for this purpose. Director Baker explained these PODs are actually structures and
they would need to be "inspected".
Mayor Lewis talked about the code enforcement alone would drive fees. It was brought to
the Committee's attention that Code Enforcement hasn't received any further complaints
regarding cargo and shipping containers.
Other findings include that there are several Schools and Churches that use these as
permanent structures. One POD company stated on their website that the person leasing
the unit must check with their local jurisdiction for permits, it's not the company's
responsibility.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes October 27, 2008
E. 2008 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Elizabeth Chamberlain, Principal Planner, reviewed the annual map amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan, including one private initiated map amendment and discussion of the
Planning Commission recommendations.
CPM #1 - Urban Separator. As part of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan changes in Lea Hill
urban separators were identified and specific zoning text amendments implemented to
meet the parameters of the interlocal between the City and King County. The Urban
Separator designation is policy driven and should be reflected on the land use map. Urban
Separators are part of the King County Countywide Planning Policies that all the
jurisdictions in King County recognize. Planning Commission did recommend approval to
City Council.
Member Wagner asked about any housing developments being built near river/wetlands.
Staff was not aware of any major housing construction happening in the area. The
properties were platted a long time ago before there were any shoreline guidelines and
construction of single family homes on existing platted lots is considered a reasonable use.
CPM # 2 - Goedeke South is east of West Valley Highway, north 15th Street SW, south of
Highway 18 and west of Highway 167. There is already Commercial designation along the
West Valley Highway. Properties proposed for Open Space has been delineated as
wetlands and properties proposed for Commercial has been designated upland area.
There is potential for commercial development on the corner of 15th Street SW and West
Valley Highway, although access to the site is difficult. The goal is to better defining the
"developable" area.
CPM #3 - Robertson Property Group (Valley Six Drive-In) property includes changes that
affect the Comprehensive Plan designations that apply within the Northeast Auburn
Special Planning Area. There are two map changes proposed; the first consists of the
actual special planning area designation which covers a large area and is proposed to be
reduced to the area studied as part of this development proposal. The other change
affects the high density residential and unclassified designations lying between north of
45th Street NE and south of S 277th Street and east of D Street NE and these are being
changed to heavy commercial. The intent is to change the Comprehensive Plan
designation to heavy commercial, to facilitate implementation of a new zone of C4, mixed
commercial zone.
There was discussion around the designated urban center; this includes a variety of zones
including the DUC zone and C2. This will be revisited and evaluated by a special task
force as part of the downtown plan update.
CPM # 4 - The Park and Ride location at 15th Street NE and east of A Street NE and south
of the Auburn Airport proposal is to change from Public/Quasi Public to Heavy
Commercial. Metro is looking to sell off the western portion of the Park and Ride and do
some improvements in preparation for a sale. The goal is to invest into a transit oriented
development within downtown Auburn. The upper portion of the property was changed
two years ago. Metro is hoping to start the work spring 2009 to re-locate the bus pull-out,
address storm drainage, and reconfigure some parking stalls. Metro plans to re-invest the
parking stalls into downtown Auburn within one-block of the transit station.
CPM # 5 - To amend maps referenced in the Comp Plan to reflect the new City boundaries
with the recent annexations of Lea Hill and West Hill. The maps are listed as 1.1 thru 14.2.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
October 27, 2008
The Commission briefly discussed the maps and some of the indicators. Growth impact
areas as shown on Map 3.1, should be defined in the Comprehensive Plan text and
brought back for review.
V.
VI.
#6 - Rainer Christian School - Proposal to change from Light Industrial to Public/Quasi-
Public for an eventual rezone to Institutional. They are looking at expanding and replacing
portables with permanent structures. The applicant was present at the public hearing.
CPM # 7 - Protecting a large environmentally sensitive area located in the SE portion of
Auburn. If an area is urban it should not be designated rural; the term staff recommended
renaming the area was residential conservancy, the City of Issaquah has been using this
designation. This is a mechanism that will protect the City against any outside challenges
and protect environmentally sensitive areas, such as the City's aquifer in this area.
Member Wagner asked to have rural lifestyle language added back in, i.e. livestock is
tolerated, etc. Member Wagner asked staff to revise the text and review at the next
meeting.
INFORMATION
A. Director's Official Decisions and Report
No report.
B. PCDC Status Matrix
The Committee reviewed several items on the Matrix, including, but not limited to: #13
should be changed (this comes after qusi-judicial), Item #3 and adding a new item, on-
going coordination between the school districts and the City.
C. Community Center Update - Member Wagner gave a brief report on the Community
Center and emphasized the need to continue working in partnership with the Boys and
Girls Club.
D. Information
• Birding Tower
Director Baker announced there were no bids received for the birding tower on
September 30th. The next open bidding will be on October 30th. Also, it was
determined the tower will be able to be built on a concrete slab verse pilings which is
must less expensive.
• Citizen Survey - December 15th
Vice Chair Backus stated this was just a reminder and suggested the Committee have
a brainstorming session regarding the methodology. Staff will get a copy of the survey
and give it to PCDC to review and then discuss.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development
Committee, Vice Chair Backus adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
APPROVED THIS DAY OF
Nancy Backus, Vice Chair Kirsten Reynolds,
Community Services Project Assistant
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