HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-1998MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 26, 1998
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held October 26, 1998 in the
Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Trish Borden, Sue Singer, and Pete Lewis
STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Bob Sokol, Betty Sanders, Laura McKinnon, and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT:
Mayor Booth; Bob Poldevart, Deputy Superintendent Poldevart, Auburn School District
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:00 p.m.
1. 1998 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Principal Planner Sokol explained that the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommend
approval of all amendments except P/T #5 which related to the designation of Harvey and M Street as truck
routes. He spoke briefly 0ftheir concerns.
Chairman Borden asked if the deletion of Harvey/M Street would change anything. Principal Planner
Sokol said it is a main concern of the Public Works Department that by removing Harvey/M Street as
freight route, grade separation funding may be jeopardized. If the City goes for regional funding, this
designation may make a difference. The M Street currently is a fairly high priority of the FAST Corridor
Phase 2 project.
Planning Director Krauss stated that the FAST Corridor arterials are not only track routes to Ports, but the
point is to see freight movement, and business as well as employees, etc., can move across freight corridors
like the railroad, without impediments to flow. M Street is a commuter route. He understands why Public
Works wants the designation for Harvey/M Street. There actually would be little reason for trucks to be on
Harvey/M Street. The designation as a truck route could help get funding. However, the designation was a
red flag to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Lewis agreed that he also sees the designation as a red flag. He did not understand the
importance of including Harvey/M Street in the list of truck routes. Principal Planner Sokol advised that
the Planning Commission wanted the road signed as a no truck route. For the Comprehensive Plan
purposes, the road needs to be designated as a truck route or not.
Councilmember Lewis wanted to know why 6~h Street SE is being added as a truck route. Principal Planner
Sokol explained that 6th Street was added as a truck route when the Transportation Plan was adopted. The
map included in the agenda packet is out of date. Councilmember Lewis asked if 6th Street has to continue
to be shown as a truck route. Principal Planner Sokol remarked that the only east/west routes are 6~h, 12~h
and 17m Streets. 12th and 17t~ Streets have schools and residential neighborhoods on them. He then
referred to the paragraph in the packet titled Pfr #5, part 2. Councilmember Lewis believes it is not
appropriate to include 6~h Street because statements say that the street, in its present configuration, cannot
handle tracks. Principal Planner Sokol said if there is a significant increase in the amount of traffic, the
street probably cannot handle this increase and would need to be improved. He referred tot he last sentence
in P/T #5, part 2 "the only reasonable alternative ..... description".
Chairman Borden asked about the purpose of mending the Comprehensive Plan relating to freight routes.
Principal Planner Sokol advised that one reason is regional funding sources for freight routes. If, at a later
date, the City wants to force trucks to designated routes. Several routes that should have been included on
the map were not. There are no east/west routes in northern part of the City.
Principal Planner Sokol informed the Committee that the Council will need to call for a public hearing to
be held November 16, and the amendments will go to the Public Works Committee also. He will request
that Steve Mullen, Traffic Engineer, come to the next Committee meeting to discuss these issues further.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 26, 1998
Planning Director Krauss mentioned that 6~, 12~' and 17~ Streets all carry low volumes. If the Council
wants to keep truck traffic out of neighborhoods, why not consider removing 12~h and 17th Streets and keep
in language about 6th Street. Councilmember Lewis and Chairman Borden agreed.
Planning Director Krauss said the Comprehensive Plan amendments will come back to the Committee in
two weeks and the item will be scheduled for the Public Works Committee. Principal Planner Sokol
remarked that other Committees may want to review and buy into the amendments. The level of service
(LOS) policies are of interest to the Public Works Committee. Mayor said that he agrees with Planning
Director Krauss. If the road. is kept as a track route it gives the City the ability to try to do something for
the M Street crossing and funding. It is an inappropriate and inconvenient way for trucks to travel.
Councilmember Singer believes the designation as a freight route will not have an impact. Councilmember
Lewis agreed
Bob Poldevart, Deputy Superintendent Poldevart, Auburn School District, provided information on impact
fee computation. The State Board of Education will adopt transfer of territory from Deiringer to Auburn in
a few days. He gave an update of the Pierce County and King County process for adoption. The portion
annexed to Auburn is governed by Auburn's rules and ordinances.
Planning Director Krauss related that the City adopted Deiringer Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and the only
interlocal to collect impact fees is through Deiringer School District and ties back into Pierce County. He
is not sure that Auburn has ability to collect on Auburn School District's behalf without amending the
interlocal. He asked Deputy Superintendent Poldevart if it is possible to stagger the effective date so that
Deiringer could collect and rebate. The City Attorney will need to make a determination.
Deputy Superintendent Poldevart asked staff if the City intended to readopt the District's CFP each year as
it is updated. Planning Director Krauss said that if the fee is running with Auburn School District, staff is
not sure if it has to be adopted each year. Deputy Superintendent Poldevart advised that other school
districts recompute each year. Mayor cautioned that it is critical to look at what the transfer of territory
does at the State level. Deputy Superintendent Poldevart said this deals with attendance area, taxation and
assessed value moving from one area to another. Planning Director Krauss reiterated that the City
Attorney will need to review. The interlocal requires the collecting of fees and establishment of CFP. If
the parties want to adjust the fee, then they must adopt new CFP to justify.
Councilmember Lewis referred to the phrase in agenda bill "adoption of the district CFP does not require
us to collect an impact fee" and wanted clarification on this. Principal Planner Sokol stated that this was
true. An interlocal between the City and School District must be enacted before the fee can be collected.
Councilmember Singer mentioned the need to confirm that impact fee can be higher than Pierce County's
standard amount. Planning Director Krauss advised that this will have to be confirmed.
Councilmember Lewis wanted to confirm that recommend tonight is just to call for the public hearing to be
held on November 16. Principal Planner Sokol conf'mned this is correct. The Committee can express
concerns now or at its next meeting.
Councilmember Singer asked what percent of the cost of new facilities would the impact fees pay for.
Deputy Superintendent Poldevart remarked that the impact fee is not necessarily pointed at providing
construction cost. The idea is to mitigate the cost to the District of large population in the area. The
District tried to take an anticipated look at the buildout of Lakeland as planned.
Councilmember Lewis pointed out that the document does not say what generated revenues will be.
Deputy Superintendent Poldevart said that they were given a project in order to anticipate future enrollment
for the planing cycle. The impact fee is collected after the fact and is not based on projection.
Councilmember Lewis said the projection of students is not more valid than projection of impact fees.
Mayor presented a formula for an example and pointed out that the assumptions are not absolute.
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Councilmember Lewis responded that at the public hearing he will ask for the generator and wants to see a
spreadsheet detailing the amount of funds involved.
Deputy Superintendent Poldevart provided information on how they determined the numbers which are
anticipated to be less than one percent off. It is unknown what the impact of Lakeland will be on the issue.
They have the Henderson Homes build out schedule which is subject to change. If the schedule changes,
the number of students also changes. In October, they had to project out what enrollment would look like
and this will be updated annually. This could change their facilities needs depending on the building
schedule. They will submit an updated CFP to Auburn each year. If the capacity is exceeded, then they
have to generate a plan to consider construction of new facilities.
Councilmember Lewis stressed that the information provided does not show how the income is derived. If
there is an increase of 400 students, for example, the size and number of homes is known and the income is
also known. He reiterated that he wants the information available at the public hearing, because it will be
the basis for his decision. Deputy Superintendent Poldevart wanted to confn'm that Councilmember Lewis
wants to see the figures for Lakeland. Councilmember Lewis replied that he would like to see the figures
for both. The District could not show a demonstrated need for impact fees until Lakeland issue came up.
Councilmember Lewis disclosed that he liked way the Non-motorized Transportation Plan is set up and
enjoyed reading the Plan very much. It will make a difference to residents to have safe methods of non-
motorized transportation throughout the City. Chairman Borden appreciated Planner I Sanders's hard work
on the Plan.
Councilmember Singer asked if an east/west link is possible in the southern part of the City. Planner I
Sanders remarked that Main Street is being look at for the southern most connector because it is the
through street. Planning Director Krauss pointed out that one obstacle is the A Street bridge which has a
very low clearance.
Planner I Sanders explained that she is doing some additional reformatting of the Plan for a better
appearance and some additional maps will be inserted.
Mayor commended Planner I Sanders for the beautiful job on the Plan.
Chairman Borden referred to the City's CFP and any revisions since July relating to Parks and Planning
Department items. Principal Planner Sokol remarked that the Finance Director should answer any
questions about the process.
Chairman Borden asked about capacity projects. Planning Director Krauss remarked that this also needs to
be asked of the Finance Director. She was asked to make this work with available revenues excluding
impact fees. Chairman Borden requested that the Finance Director come to the next meeting and provide
information.
Chairman Borden referred to the transportation level of service (LOS) and said that she is a bit confused
about what the City is proposing. Principal Planner Sokol remarked that staff is proposing to amend the
LOS. The Transportation Plan and Transportation Element need to be changed. It is recommended that
some intersections have LOS standards below D. He pointed out able 1.2a, for six particular intersections.
If the LOS is not lowered at these intersections, then the City must deny any development project.
Principal Planner Sokol affirmed that Auburn is at a point where it needs to lower the LOS or deny
development. Any development that would impact an intersection could be denied. No additional funding
sources are available for improvement.
Chairman Borden asked what is the point of having an LOS if the City lowers the standard. Planning
Director Krauss replied that the City has three options: fix the problem if fixable; fix it or deny
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 26, 1998
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development; or just lower standards. Principal Planner Sokol pointed out that over the next year a more
comprehensive review of the LOS at various intersections will be conducted as well as trying to decide on
solutions.
Mayor remarked that the Lake Tapps Corridor when completed might relieve some traffic on A Street.
The completion of 277th will also relive traffic problems.
Councilmember Lewis expressed concerns about a project coming to town and if the LOS not is lowered,
then the project would have to be denied. He wants to reserve the ability to bring in something that the
City really wants. If the City does not make the decision, then when the opportunity presents itself, the
project would have to be denied.
Chairman Borden asked about the proposed zoning change on Auburn Way and the apartments on Oravetz
road. Principal Planner Sokoi explained why staff recommended not to change the zoning. In looking at
the uses and existing zoning, staff recommended not to change. Chairman Borden asked about rezoning
and then grandfather the current businesses so if some change occurs, the City can get what it wants.
Principal Planner Sokol said there are two ways to accomplish this. The Comprehensive Plan and zoning
could be changed and make non-conforming, or bring forward a site plan ordinance which would enable
new uses to come into the area, and could review for impacts on adjacent businesses. Principal Planner
Sokol pointed.out that another concern is that when staff was reviewing this area, Auburn was talking
about buying properties for the new Library.
Planning Director Krauss remarked that the City could look at downzoning if it serves a public use and
cautioned that the City would need a very good reason. He spoke briefly about a possible corridor effort
for the area. If the City is negotiating on property, a change cannot be made if it undermines the value of
the land. A brief discussion occurred on possible policy relating to the area. Chairman Borden wondered
what would be involved in doing a corridor effort to improve this area. Planning Director Krauss
acknowledged Chairman Borden's wishes. The City would have to develop objectives to implement such a
corridor.
Principal Planner Sokol referred to the apartments on Oravetz, and pointed to the Comprehensive Plan map
which depicted other areas of multi-family designations near Oravetz. The multi-family parcels are
surrounded by a road network which could support development.
Councilmember Lewis asked what the multi-family project would have to do to be approved. Planning
Director Krauss informed the Committee that a SEPA review would be required in addition to a traffic
study and grading.
1" Counciimember Lewis, 2"a Councilmember Singer, recommend call for public hearing. Chairman
Borden concurred.
Ordinance 5164 - Amend Chapters 17.12 and 17.14 of the Land Division Ordinance
Planning Director Krauss advised that the Public Works Committee thought the standards should belong in
the manual. Nothing in the ordinance has changed fi.om the previous meetings.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Counciimember Lewis, to recommend approval.
Chairman Borden concurred.
Commuter Rail Station Design
Principal Planner Sokol displayed a design for the station. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has
chosen a preferred rail design that was contingent on a few things such as metro bus circulation. He then
mentioned a few problems with this design.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 26, 1998
Planning Director Krauss said the station is actually a platform structure without a public space. The City
can still have a visually significant space, similar to the B Street plaza, and still have busses get through. It
will be designed so that paving, street features, etc., have some amenities. The City needs a reason for
activity to go on in this area.
Principal Planner Sokol showed the flow of busses on the drawing and spoke about budget constraints.
Councilmember Singer remarked that she was part of the TAC which had a good discussion at their last
meeting. Principal Planner Sokol said there were discussions and some concerns because people thought
the plaza would be used for "arts." However, there is the City Hall plaza and Metro said it could close
down a parking lot for a weekend celebration. Also, the large lots could be closed for weekend functions.
Principal Planner Sokol would like Council to adopt Resolution 3008 supporting the Commuter Rail
Station Design Concept. Planning Director Krauss informed the Committee that the cost of acquiring the
property is about four to five million short. It is clear now r that RTA funds do not cover their estimates
and/or plans. Principal Planner Sokol indicated that the RTA would not pay for surface parking and the
RTA budget does not cover the basics let alone any extras. Planning Director Krauss advised that staff is
putting together a matrix of contributors and will take the matrix to RTA.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to recommend approval of a
Resolution. Chairman Borden concurred.
4. Lea Hill Park
Parks and Recreation Director Deal was not present at the meeting; therefore, this item was tabled.
5. Intertie Project - IA2 Partners Meeting Briefing
Laura McKinnon, Water Utility Engineer, presented background information on this project.
A discussion was held relating to the September 29~ meeting with other jurisdictions. She distributed a
handout from the meeting and then briefly reviewed the handout.
6. Alternatives to Park Impact Fees
This item was tabled to the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
7. Block Grant Funding:
Planning Director Krauss informed the Committee that Council had requested that the Human Services
Committee (HSC) review again their recommendations for funding. The HSC Chairman is writing a letter
to Council reiterating their recommendations. The Committee wanted to discuss this topic at their
November 94 meeting. In order to have this discussion and make any changes, the public comment period
needs to be extended to November 25~.
Chairman Borden agreed to hold comment period open and discuss HSC recommendation at the November
9* meeting.
Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to hold the comment period
open. Chairman Borden concurred.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 26, 1998
With no
Commercial Center Design
Councilmember Lewis referred to commercial center designs and asked how they are reviewed. He
understands the City has a view on how these commercial uses should look. He asked about the policies of
what commercial centers should look like. He specifically referred to the project under construction at
Auburn Way and 9~h Street.
Planning Director Krauss reminded the Committee that Auburn does not have a site plan review process.
The North Auburn Business District Plan does have specific design guidelines which are established into
the Code. The City mandated that it wanted to get away from the acres of parking and building, wanted an
urban street scape where parking is concealed. The buildings in question attempt to accomplish some of
the stated objectives.
Councilmember Lewis remarked that this partly answers his inquiry. He would like to revisit the Plan
again and requested to receive a copy of the Plan. The Plan does not seem to be accomplishing what it is
supposed to do. The referred-to project seems to be an exception of what can be done.
Planning Director Krauss offered to have Planner II Jeff Dixon provide a presentation on the Plan at an
upcoming meeting.
Councilmember Lewis commented that he does not like the exterior of the buildings on the street with the
barest of required landscaping.
further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
PCDC~/IIN~ 10B-98
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