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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-1996MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 14. 1996 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held October 14, 1996 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Trish Borden, Rich Wagner and Sue Singer STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Dick Deal, Josie Emmons, and Patti Zook ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 7:30 p.m. 1. Washington State Arts Commission Grant Ms. Emmons informed the Committee that the Arts Commission was awarded a grant from the WSAC in the amount of $3,748. She explained that the grant process was extremely competitive with 104 applicants. The City rated in the top third of these applicants. The grant funds are unrestricted and will be used to offset administrative expenses associated with the Arts Commission's programs. Councilmember Wagner made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval of Ordinance 4898. Chairman Borden concurred. 2. Golf Course Green Fee Ordinance Mr. Deal presented the staff report. He explained that competition from golf courses in adjacent cities has increased dramatically. Most of these courses are now offering discounts in their green fees during slow play times to increase revenues. Each year the fees charged by neighboring publicly-owned golf courses are reviewed and the average is used to set the fees at the Auburn course. He explained that the City needs to increase attendance at the golf course, and offer discounted green fees at slow play times. He reviewed the proposed fee structure. Councilmember Singer asked about the need for coaches to put in writing their requests to use the facilities. Mr. Deal said there have been log-in problems in the past, conflicts with other tee times, and scheduling conflicts. This has been more of a problem with students from Green River Community College than the Auburn School District. This procedure would help the golf course staff to plan better, to see how much play is used, and to see how much time is taken from the paying public. Mr. Deal explained that it is proposed the new Sumner course be added to the list of golf courses contacted about fees. The new fee setting proposal would also allow the Parks Board, by written request of the Director of Parks, to approve rate reductions in the regular rates. Councilmember Singer had a question regarding the percentages used for the junior rates and senior rates. Mr. Deal explained that the junior rate is 50% of the regular rate. The senior rate is 75% of the regular rate. Chairman Borden asked about the percentage reduction versus lower fees. Mr. Deal said that staff can explain to customers how the rates are figured. Councilmember Wagner said that he supports managing the changes in the fee setting policy so staff can better manage the fees and respond to the market. He said that the Park Board could increase the rates as well as reduce the rates. He wanted the second paragraph rewritten to make it clear. Chairman Borden stated that she likes the ordinance. She said that theoretically the Park Board sets rates, but they do not share in the responsibility for managing the course. She would prefer the Director of Parks, not the Park Board, set the rates because the Parks Board is only an advisory group. She said that the wording should not imply that the Park Board has authorization to set rates. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 14. 1996 Mayor said that the Park Board could confer with the Director of Parks regarding the golf course fees. Chairman Borden said that she was uncomfortable with an advisory board having the responsibility of increasing or decreasing rates. She liked the Mayor's wording. Councilmember Singer asked if the January 1, 1991 date needs to be in the ordinance. Mr. Deal replied that the date does need to be in the ordinance because of the past history surrounding the elimination of annual fees. Councilmember Wagner made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval of the ordinance, with modifications, as discussed. Chairman Borden concurred. 3. Skate Park Mr. Deal provided a brief update. A group was formed and met this summer three or four times. This group toured skate parks in other cities including Mercer Island, Kirkland, Seattle, Des Moines and Kent. The Kent facility is still under construction, but the other facilities are open. Mr. Deal said he would provide the Committee with the group's recommendation in their next agenda packet. He explained that staff had to educate the group on the process for review and approval of such a park. The were also informed of funding available from the Field and Streams bond issue. They are also aware that such a park will be expensive. A letter with the group's recommendation is being drafted. Councilmember Wagner said that he wanted data regarding the operation of other parks, such as accident history, public support, etc. Mr. Deal said that most ofthe skate parks have not been in place sufficient time for a track record to be established. He indicated that he would provide information regarding their rules and regulations, and budget. Councilmember Singer asked if a location had been discussed. Mr. Deal said no. The group thought the park should be on a bus route and in a central location. He said the actual size and location is dependent upon the size of the project and funds available. No siting study has been done yet. A consultant will probably be needed to help with this. He said that the Kent park cost approximately $130,000 and the Des Moines park was about $75,000. 4. Library. Chairman Borden asked for an update. Mr. Deal said that he will be meeting with Bob Howe to tighten up the numbers. He will inform the Committee of those numbers for the improvements and options at the next meeting. 5. Other Business Councilmember Singer met with Lisa Kittlesby, Miles Sand and Gravel, regarding their reclamation plan. Ms. Kittlesby said that she met with Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Ms. Kittlesby also had questions regarding how much of an EIS would be required, and mentioned the sand donation issue again. Ms. Kittlesby said they are interested in getting reclamation done as soon as possible, and are waiting for a response from DNR. Councilmember Singer said she thought the sand donation was good public relations for the City. Mayor said it is in the City's interest to have reclamation completed, and Ms. Kittlesby should sit down with Mike and Paul to discuss. Chairman Borden had questions regarding information she received recently on shared commitment, and wondered if it was voluntary. The Mayor said that right now the program is voluntary, but that will most likely change. Chairman Borden requested that Al Hicks check into this matter. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 14. 1996 Councilmember Singer mentioned that she was approached by a citizen who had concerns about teachers at the parks. This person was concerned about independent contractor status, and the City following its roles. Mr. Deal said that he was unsure, but would check and let the Councilmember Singer know. With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. PCDC~VIINMOA-96 PAGE 3