HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-1998MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DECEMBER 14, 1998
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held December 14, 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, Dick Deal, and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT:
Mayor Booth; Stephen Sheehy and Mark Hancock, Lakeland Company
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:00 p.m.
REVISION TO MINUTES: Councilmember Singer referred to the minutes of the November 24~ meeting, and
indicated that the minutes should reflect that she suggested a portion of A Street near the transit center be renamed.
1. ANX0002-98 - Lakeland Annexation - Phase II
Planning Director Krauss presented the staff report. Lakeland has given the City power of attorney to
initiate and sign annexation petitions for Lakeland owned property. The City could annex property down
to Lake Tapps corridor without an interlocal agreement with Pierce County. Staff recommends that
Council initiate the annexation. He mentioned the tax advantages to Auburn of the annexation. The
Lakeland Phase I annexation has worked well so far.
Councilmember Lewis asked about any down sides to the Phase II annexation. Planning Director Krauss
advised that he is not aware of any down sides to the annexation. Mayor Booth agreed that there does not
appear to be a down side to this annexation. Auburn will have a say in the roads and fire service, for
example. Planning Director Krauss remarked that roads and fire service, etc., are well articulated in the
amended agreement with Lakeland. The City is also close to getting a large park dedicated.
Councilmember Lewis wondered if annexation to the border of the new road interferes with its funding.
Planning Director Krauss indicated that the annexation should not interfere in the road's funding.
Ultimately the City will be responsible for the maintenance of the road, but not its construction. Mayor
Booth remarked that Auburn will not do anything to jeopardize Henderson's funding for the project.
Planning Director Krauss said that if the Council is comfortable with the annexation, and based on previous
discussions it appears this is the case, and the annexation is consistent with previous discussions, the
Planning Department will prepare the amended annexation petition.
Councilmember Singer asked about the current school and park sites because she only sees one school site
on the site plan. Parks and Recreation Director Deal advised that the only acceptable park is the 15 acre
park. An agreement has not yet been reached on the other two parks. One of the parks is a steep site and
no fi'ontage on the street. However, staff is working with Henderson to resolve issues.
Councilmember Singer asked about another school site in addition to the one near the community center.
Mr. Sheehy advised that the school sites are considered to be "floating" and they are required to provide
two school sites, but these depend on negotiations with the Auburn School District.
Chairman Borden asked about the original map of the annexation. Planning Director Krauss said that map
included properties owned by Terrace View and Tuline, and then pointed them out on the map. Chairman
Borden asked Planning Director Krauss if he had an idea why they did not sign the annexation petition.
Planning Director Krauss replied that he really did not know why they chose not to sign the petition. The
Terrace View and Tuline property owners' decision was based on ongoing negotiations with the City.
They are both looking for certain things for the developments. The City is getting close with Terrace
View. Planning Director Krauss said that when the City was approached by Stephen Sheehy regarding an
PAGE 1
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DECEMBER 14, 1998
intermediate annexation, this seemed quite easy to do. It would not contravene conversations City staff
had with Pierce County.
Chairman Borden asked when the City would proceed with the yellow area indicated on the revised
annexation map. Planning Director Krauss remarked that the City could pick up pieces as it likes. The
Pierce County Boundary Review Board had discussions on incremental annexation. The City will annex
the green hilighted area now. Terrace View has issues related to water and sewer provision. Tuline wants
access to City utilities for development at higher densities than Pierce County allows..
Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend the Lakeland
Phase II annexation. Chairman Borden concurred.
Ordinance 5192 - Contract with King County Community Services Division
Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented the staff report. Staff knew the funds were coming;
however, the City just received the contract.
A discussion was held on how the City could be a 501C3 organization and the legal requirements to do this
and the kinds of grant money that might be available. Meetings to discuss this have been held and Brian
Petty, Recreation Manager, has been looking into this.
Chairman Borden requested that Brian Petty attend a Committee meeting to discuss this issue. She then
wanted to know what is happening with a fourth night of the Late Night program. Parks and Recreation
Director Deal mentioned the restructuring, location problems, and part time staff'mg problems. Providing
the program four times a month is very difficult because a quality program cannot be run without the
proper staffing. It is difficult at times to provide the program three times per month. Mayor Booth spoke
about the substantial commitment from staff to do this program.
Parks and Recreation Director Deal indicated that the same service groups are providing refreshments each
time and it is hard to get other groups involved. Chairman Borden stressed the need to try to the solve
problems because the Late Night program is very worthwhile. Parks and Recreation Director Deal advised
that it takes a lot of time to plan/prepare for these programs. Jim Westhusing, Youth Coordinator, at times
becomes a full time Late Night program advisor. If the Council really wants a fourth night of the Late
Night program, staff will try to do, but he foresees many problems in doing this.
Councilmember Lewis said it appears the program revolves around personnel needs. Mayor Booth said
that if the City goes to 501C3, then it will have problems similar to the ones Kent is experiencing with their
Lighthouse programs. They are having trouble with funding and staff'mg now. If the City were to hire a
Late Night program director, then it might be $32,000 in salary and benefits. He then mentioned part time
position and hour scheduling concerns.
Mayor Booth mentioned the Boys and Girls Clubs' desire to be involved, however they required $16,000
funding upfront. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that the Clubs did not appear to bring
anything new that the other agencies do not have. Mayor Booth remarked that the School District has a
large number of activities. A large number of participants from Federal Way enroll in Auburn Parks
programs.
Councilmember Singer referred to the small number of participants in middle school and chances of
increasing this number. Parks and Recreation Director Deal mentioned problems of" hands on" staff time
and transportation issues.
Chairman Borden reiterated her request to have staff discuss issues related to the Late Night program.
Parks and Recreation Director Deal said that he will have a staff person come to the Committee meeting to
discuss.
PAGE 2
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DECEMBER 14, 1998
Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval of the
contract. Chairman Borden concurred.
Surplus Items for Auction
Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented the staff report.
Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval of the
contract. Chairman Borden concurred.
Final Pay Estimate for Briere & Associates
Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented the staff report and indicated that more structural work is
needed than was anticipated.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to recommend approval of the
contract. Chairman Borden concurred.
Parks Facility Rental Fees
Parks and Recreation Director Deal distributed additional materials to the Committee and said that the fees
have not been raised since 1988. He then reviewed the rental fees rates for Game Farm Park shelter rentals
and then reviewed the building rental rates.
Chairman Borden asked what the new rates were based on. Parks and Recreation Director Deal distributed
a sheet detailing comparisons with other cities and reviewed some of the examples. He stressed that the
revised fees are still user friendly. For large groups there is are significant amounts of cleaning supplies,
electricity, metro charges, etc.
Councilmember Lewis asked how many non-residents versus residents use the facilities. Parks and
Recreation Director Deal remarked that they have not done any figures recently. He believes 45 percent
are non-residents, but some are from the potential annexation area (PAA). The picnic shelters especially
have people utilizing them that live in the outside areas. Such groups include the Bon Marche, Stock
Market Foods, Kent businesses, and valley businesses. Use of the facilities is a great "buy" for these
groups. The proposed fee increase would bring Auburn's costs more in line with other cities.
Councilmember Singer suggested that a corporate rate be established in addition to the non-residents and
residents fees. Chairman Borden pointed out that Snohomish County has a corporate rental rate. Parks and
Recreation Director Deal said that staff's thinking was that business in town that support the City should be
charged the resident rate.
Chairman Borden remarked that the rental fee for the Senior Center is still low and that the three hour
minimum is also low. Parks and Recreation Director Deal advised that part-time senior center employees
greet people at the door, show renters how to use the kitchen, etc. If they want to use the kitchen now, a
usage fee will be charged.
Councilmember Lewis pointed that it is appropriate to review the figures for Kent, Renton, and Puyallup,
but not Bothell, or Kirland.
A brief discussion was held regarding why the City does not permit alcohol consumption at any of the
rental facilities.
PAGE 3
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 14, 1998
Councilmember Lewis indicated that he does not have a problem with the proposed increases. The rate
between residents and non-residents is low, and should be higher. Parks and Recreation Director Deal
pointed out that staffproposes to revise the fees every year or two instead of every 10 years.
Councilmember Singer reiterated her belief that there should be a corporate rate. Parks and Recreation
Director Deal said there would not been that many non-resident reservations. Councilmember Lewis said
that when justifying raising the rates, staff should show the distinction between resident and non-residents,
and make the percentage larger, either 35 percent or 50 percent, but at least one-third more.
Parks and Recreation Director Deal pointed out the increase is: 25 percent now, but this may need to be
reviewed. Councilmember Singer said the 25 percent increase should be done now. Chairman Borden
agrees with Councilmember Lewis' comments. She advised that the City should look at registration fees
also. Councilmember Lewis said to do this now and next year do a corporate fee.
Correspondence to Editors of Governing Magazine
No discussion was held on this agenda item.
Lea Hill Park
Parks and Recreation Director Deal reminded the Committee that Clark Townsend, Green River
Community College, attended Committee meetings previously. Staffneeds a feeling from the Committee
on those issues. The park is within the PAA and is 17 acres of developed park. The City's standard is six
acres per 1,000 of population. Lea Hill has a population of about 10,000, but only two parks.
Councilmember Singer asked about the projected buildout population. Planning Director Krauss said the
estimate is about 20,000 residents. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that there are 15 Lea Hill
teams that use City parks and these teams really impact Auburn.
Councilmember Lewis pointed out that the College wanted credit for work done at the Park, but that the
City was not interested in this. The City wanted to receive something equal. Parks and Recreation
Director Deal affirmed that the College wanted credit for $90,000 worth of work done at the park.
Councilmember Singer remarked that the College had ideas, but the City has not heard any proposals for a
swap. Parks and Recreation Director Deal pointed out that the Park was acquired with Forward Thrust
funds, and improved with Forward Thrust funds. The City needs to see any property involved in a swap.
Councilmember Lewis agreed that the City must see any property to be involved in a swap.
Chairman Borden remarked that Mr. Townsend alluded to different things they might be interested in. She
wondered if there was a new proposal. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said that the College is waiting
for the City to get back to them regarding their proposal. The College is scheduling the Park for 56 hours
each week. They pay for 50 percent of cost of seven acres, 50 percent of cost of constructing parking lot,
ball field, etc. The cost will be $300,00 for the property and then construction of facilities. The City needs
to get the value of what it costs to replace what the College is taking way. The College was built without
enough park space or facilities.
Councilmember Lewis advised that the City needs a dollar figure for the land and a dollar figure for the
improvements. Mayor Booth said an agreement needs to be reached that the College will place a park of
equal size/dimension somewhere in Lea Hill PAA. The College could give Auburn a park of similar
comparability that would replicate what was put there by the County. Councilmember Lewis indicated that
he did not have a problem with this. Mayor Booth said at such time as they want property, they can
replicate the park in another area as long as it serves the people. Councilmember Singer asked what the
College had in mind for the land trade. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said that Mr. Townsend has
looked at other property behind the park, but there is no access.
PAGE 4
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 14, 1998
Chairman Borden asked about the rationale for them to pay for one half of the park. Parks and Recreation
Director Deal said that three acres of the park (kids play area and courts) stay open all the time. If the Park
is wanted for athletic games, seven acres are used for league/intramurals.
Mayor Booth spoke about making sure that the City is "kept whole" on the park matter. Councilmember
Lewis said that he likes the Mayor Booth's idea. Councilmember Singer agreed with keeping the process
as simple as possible.
Parks and Recreation Director Deal spoke about the County wanting to divest itself of parks. He will draft
language which says that the City wants to be "kept whole" and bring the document back to the
Committee.
Councilmember Lewis request information on the history of the parks, a document that would help people
who are interested in the area. Parks and Recreation Director Deal indicate that he would put some
information together.
8. Library Update
Parks and Recreation Director Deal advised that a presentation will be made to the Council on Monday
night. The Library's appearance has not changed. They are almost ready to bid the project, which will
probably be on January 4% groundbreaking in late February, and under construction in March. The
Library will take approximately 10 months to build. The Library District conducted a community
assessment and determined that a computer lab should be put in.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. The Committee agreed to cancel December 28th meeting.
The Mayor Booth distributed a draft Legislative Agenda to the Committee. He then briefly reviewed
this document.
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
PCDCWIIN~I2A-98
PAGE 5