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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-1999MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 23, 1999 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held August 23, 1999 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, Bill Mandeville, Mike Reynolds; Dick Deal, Laurie Corso, and Patti Zook ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth; representatives from First United Methodist Church included Don Whitmore, Julie Smith, Allison Bonner, and Pastor Rick Cook The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Consideration of a Resolution for First United Methodist Church's "Zone of Peace" (ZOP) Mr. Whitmore introduced the Church representatives and then provided background on the ZOP. The ZOP international intern association came about because of Bosnia. He mentioned various church activities in support of the ZOP. He spoke about the rules of conduct to promote an environment of resolution. Their church is the first in King County to be a candidate. Mayor mentioned that a ZOP was in place in Peking during World War II, and a ZOP is not a new concept. Chairman Borden wondered if any church or Organization could set up a ZOP. Mr. Whitmore confirmed that any organization or church can become a ZOP. There is a certain process to go through. Chairman Borden asked if the Church reviewed the revised resolution prepared by the City Attorney. Mayor advised that the changes were reviewed previously with the church. Pastor Cook believes the ZOP is not a church/state issue, but an issue for peace in the community and finding ways to work together. He also mentioned the Bosnia situation. He spoke about the ability of groups to work together - church, government and community organizations. There is a need for a peaceful setting to deal with problems. It is an effort that involves all of the church. Ms. Bonner remarked that the ZOP is a place where no physical, emotional, or verbal abuse occurs. City Attorney.Reynolds advised that he met with the church representatives. He reviewed the package that had the proposed resolution which did violate church/state. He reformed the resolution to qualify them for the national organization and endorses the concept. The revised resolution must recognize church and state separation. The church has agreed with the revised resolution. Councilmember Singer referred to page 6 of 13, first paragraph, which talks about the government providing training. Mr. Whitmore related that no rules are in concrete, however, the training would be desirable. The church has had workshops recently and they are open to the possibilities without requiring too much. Ms. Smith said that government portion might pertain to police officers. The ZOP facilities could be used for mediation. City Attorney Reynolds advised that he did not get into the bylaws of the organization which is a church/state problem. The City can support the principle of mediating conflict. Pastor Cook believes the ZOP is treading new ground in the United States, but can be used for different USES. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to recommend approval of the ZOP resolution. Chairman Borden concurred. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 23, 1999 White River Trail Bid Authorization Parks and Recreation Director Deal reminded the PCDC that the City has been working on this project for a long time. This is the fourth and final project to be completed with the 1989 King County Open Space bond. Using the site plan, he pointed out various locations on trail such as R Street bridge and Bowman Creek. The Department of Fisheries is trying to encourage salmon runs as in the past and the Department is reviewing the design to promote salmon. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to recommend a call for bids. Chairman Borden concurred. Bravo Series Contracts Parks and Recreation Director Deal introduced Laurie Corso, the new Cultural Programs Coordinator, who distributed Bravo brochures. She then distributed season contract sheet showing which entertainment groups will perform. The series is greatly expanded this year with an emphasis on the family. Councilmember Lewis expressed his pleasure with the program. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. Miller/Hull Contract Amendment for Senior Center Design Parks and Recreation Director Deal referred to a report previously prepared by Miller/Hull and distributed it to the Council. He distributed an information sheet on the renovation schematic design. He then reviewed the schedule for preparation of the site plan, design development, etc. He distributed an addendum to the agreement for professional services which he reviewed. Spring 2001 could be the move- in date for the new facility. Mayor wondered why the architect could not do work such as the kitchen consultation. He wondered why a kitchen consultant was necessary. Councilmember Lewis wondered about this also and said the City could be pushing for extra charges. He was also concerned about the civil engineering and landscape consultants. Parks and Recreation Director Deal explained that Miller/Hull is a small f'mn and larger firms have staff with these kinds of expertise. Miller/Hull probably has 10 to 15 people total and needs to partner with other firms for specialized work. Larger fh'ms do the work in-house, but smaller firms need outside help. He stressed the importance of the kitchen being designed correctly. Mayor asked how the consultant was selected for this project. Parks and Recreation Director Deal stated that Miller/Hull Partnership was selected from firms originally interviewed to complete a master site plan for expanding the library, expanding the senior center and designing a community center. They also did extensive research on the vehicle and pedestrian movements through the park. Because of their past work and knowledge of the senior center and library, Miller/Hull was selected in 1996 to do a feasibility study on the conversion of the existing library to a senior center. This work was completed prior to the annexation vote to the King County Library System. They have continued to work on the project and in April 1999 completed a master site plan, schematic design, and construction estimates for the conversion of the existing library to a senior center. Chairman Borden asked Parks and Recreation Director Deal if he has been happy with Miller/Hull. Parks and Recreation Director Deal replied that he has been very happy with this finn. He likes working with small firms where you get to work directly with the partners and principals. In working with larger firms, you contend with stafftumovers and reassigned project managers. There is no continuity with a larger PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 23, 1999 5o Chairman Borden referred to the design cost and asked how the City knows if the cost is too high, too Iow, or average. Parks and Recreation Director Deal replied that the $1.7 million cost is the MACC which is the maximum allowable construction cost. He continued by explaining the costs on the schematic design sheet. They did not have a budget for the project at this time. The budget is for the design portion of the project - $35,000 in '98 block grant, $50,000 in '99 block grant, $160,000 in City operating budget. Hopefully, they will have $200,000 in the year 2000 block grant fund. Mayor remarked that there may be a point at which the Council may decide not to do this. They need a decision by Council if they want staffto go ahead with the project. Chairman Borden asked when the decision on financing needs to be made. Mayor said this should be done at the engineering stage. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that with this work staff will have a much more detailed analysis of the project, will have views of interior of the building, and a better understanding of systems and utilities, in addition to the building layout and presentation. Mayor described another alternative which is to raise the building, but this will not be accepted by the community. By keeping the building, it gives a certain dynamic, but has to be retrofit for seismic, revamp of HVAC system, new roof, and other changes are needed. Presentation decisions will be made by Council. Mayor conveyed that Parks and Recreation Director Deal has done a good job and the next step is specifications, design, rendition, configuration, etc. The Council can then decide if it wants the facility. Councilmember Singer wanted to now if that this point in time, that Parks and Recreation Director Deal is sure the City is not making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. She does not want the building to look like a remodeled old building. Parks and Recreation Director Deal is convinced that the building can have changes to its walls, roofline, etc., and become a 1990s building. Right now, the building looks and feels like a 1960s building. He is confident that it can be remodeled into a modem facility the City can be proud of. The consUltant is comfortable that the building needs work, but is sound. The remodeled building's orientation will be towards the south side which is more appealing. It will then relate better to the museum and library. Councilmember Singer concluded that she is comfortable with proceeding forward. Parks and Recreation Director Deal pointed out that some structural and design elements of the building will be reflected from the new library. The parking lot lighting will be similar to the library in order to promote a campus style setting. The area will be a wonderful place for the community place for community YMCA, library, senior center and museum. Mayor provided that the building will serve as an emergency center for the fragile elderly by having a substantial generator system. Councilmember Lewis thinks the Council is supportive of the need to proceed forward, but continued review of costs is necessary. He likes the idea of the building being used as an emergency facility. Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to proceed forward. Chairman Borden concurred. Ordinance 5276 - Juvenile Justice Grant Planner I Mandeville presented the staff report. The $24,000 grant is for one year and its terms and conditions are similar to the OCVA grant. Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 23, 1999 6. Ordinance 5275 - for AmeriCorps Grant Planner I Mandeville presented the staff report. The $12,676 grant is for one additional year. Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. DISCUSSION ITEM: 1. Interlocal Agreement with RTA - Resolution 3113 Planning Director Krauss distributed a memorandum and proposed resolution to the PCDC. He described discussions with RTA relating to funding for the stations. The issue is that Sound Transit was not meeting their responsibility to fully fund the station, but this appears to have been resolved. He referred to the second and third paragraphs on page two of the resolution. He advised that the City is detailing what RTA was required to do, describe the project and its components, and have exhibits and drawing attached. The then information becomes part of the record. Councilmember Singer referred to a letter sent to the Mayor by Sound Transit and expressed concern with the tone of that letter. Planning Director Krauss asked the PCDC to authorize the resolution and enter into the contract provided that it comes together. The resolution and agreement would come to the first Council meeting in September. Sound Transit was informed that they are not getting building permits until a satisfactory contract is signed. They want to begin demolition soon. The award of bid is expected in mid-September. He mentioned the Metro buses and the parking issue. The resolution obligates RTA to accomplish certain things. Councilmember Singer commended staff on their good job in pulling the agreement together. Councilmember Lewis made a motion, seconded by C°uncilmember Singer, to recommend approval of the resolution. Chairman Borden concurred. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Increase of Speed of Freight Trains Planning Director Krauss confh'rned that BNSF has requested to increase speed of freight trains through the cities. Municipalities have imposed a speed limit on the trains in the past. The Federal government has since given some authority to local state government. The cities knew that BN wanted to increase speeds, but their request was probably delayed because BN was meeting objections from the cities. Sound Transit had to reach a contract with BN to use their tracks. Sound Transit is now supporting BN for the increase in speeds. The Mayor and Planning Director Krauss acknowledge that raising speed limits for freight trains is probably inevitable. The City would like to insure that grade separations are in place. The City wOuld also like to see a series of pedestrian safety improvements and pedestrian crossings where necessary. Councilmember Singer inquired if the City wants the trains to go faster and clear intersections more quickly so there are no traffic jams. Planning Director Krauss remarked that unfortunately this would mean twice as many trains going twice as fast. Mayor said it is inappropriate to create safety hazards and disrupt the surface traffic. Mayor mentioned concerns the Fire Chief had with increased train speeds and the increased possibility of derailments with extensive damage to property and citizens. PAGE 4 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 23, 1999 With no Planning Director Krauss advised that the State is holding hearings on increasing the speed of freight trains. They are seeking written and spoken comments. He would like to see Auburn generate a resolution that speed limits be maintained at their present levels until improvements are in place. Mayor stated that it would be an advantage for BN if crossings are separated because trains would not have to slow down when going through the City. Councilmember Lewis cautioned that given the past history with BN, they should be made to hold off on raising the speed until the separated crossings are in effect. Chairman Borden remarked that the City wants people to use the commuter train and it has to go fast. Councilmember Lewis observed that it will be years before the RTA has two trains per day. He expressed concern about train accidents at the increased speed. The City could be at fault if they do not do everything possible to prevent the increase in speed. Planning Director Krauss advised that local ordinances relating to train speed are considered valid because BN is going through these hearings. He stated that Tukwila, Kent, Puyallup and Sumner are responding negatively to the increased speeds. The speed on the Stampede Pass route is not being raised. Councilmember Lewis believes that safety concems are the only thing that can be addressed. Chairman Borden is supportive of the City's concerns about safety, but stressed that commuter rails need go fast. The resolution should be worded to show the City is concerned about safety. further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. PCDC'~IIN~8B-99 PAGE 5