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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2000MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held January 10, 2000 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Trish Borden, Sue Singer, and Fred Poe STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Al Hicks, Betty Sanders, Shirley Aird, Dick Deal, Susan Sagawa, and Patti Zook ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth; members of the Arts Commission The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Revisions to Title 18, Chapter 18.28, of the Auburn City Code Planning Director Krauss commented that at the last Council meeting there was action extending the C-2 interim zoning because it takes longer to complete the downtown plan. The interim zoning would be extended for six months. Staff would like to have the revised C-2 zoning become permanent with some possible modifications. The changes proposed tonight are needed to accommodate zoning to allow for the parking garage for the commuter rail station. The existing zoning and standards do not allow a-gart~ge to be built. Planner I Sanders offered that the parking garage will need to be built to a height which will require a revision to the height requirement in the C-2 zone. Chairman Borden remembered that the height requirement was changed for the hospital. Planning Director Krauss confirmed that the height restriction was changed for the hospital; however, the parking garage will not be as tall as the hospital. Planner I Sanders explained that the remainder of the development standards are for building design and pointed out development standards in 18.28.060. Chairman Borden inquired about examples of garages similar to what the City wants. Planner I Sanders the examples were reviewed and the consultant showed slides on garages with examples from around the country. The slides were also shown to Sound Transit. Planning Director Krauss explained further the reasons for the revisions. The C-2 changes for the parking garage in part, are for Sound Transit. Due to cost, design standards might come under pressure and the guidelines should encourage Sound Transit to perform in a manner consistent with City plans. Councilmember Singer wondered if the City has veto power over the design of the garage. Planning Director Krauss explained that the City does have some role in the decision-making process, but the lion's share of the funding is from Sound Transit. The guidelines are a way to have leverage to make sure the garage is suitable for downtown. Councilmember Singer asked if the City is obligated to get into the proposed retail, planning Director Krauss explained that if multi-family project is built in downtown, then it has to have retail on the first floor. The City is saying the garage should have retail on the first floor. There is a question as to who would develop and operate the retail. An option is for the City to own and lease, or working to see if a private deve!oper will do. In either case, the design standards will be in place. Planner I Sanders mentioned that the City wants to have a "live" presence with people moving in and out of businesses, such as those that provide services to commuters. Councilmember Singer then mentioned a parking garage in Bellevue with retail on bottom, several stories high with the. garage behind. Councilmember Poe asked who will own the parking garage. Planning Director Krauss replied that Sound Transit will own and maintain the garage. The partners in the project are the City and Metro. Councilmember Poe wondered if Sound Transit has agreed to the commercial requirement. Planning Director Krauss advised that this has been discussed extensively with Sound Transit and was written into the City's contract with Sound Transit. It is apparent that Sound Transit may not have liked the PAGE I MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 requirement, but have not objected. They liked the idea of services and transit oriented development, but were concerned about the cost. Planner I Sanders then mentioned that Jack Locke suggested the idea of revising the parking space dimension so that they are shorter as is common in garage 'construction. This is not yet' in the Chapter 18.28 revisions, but should be before they go to Council. Councilmember Poe referred to Section 18.28.060, relating to architectural treatment, and suggested the elimination 0fpainting under item C. Additional color added to concrete can be hard to control. A lot can be done with feature strips such as on office buildings that look nice. Councilmember Poe asked the number of stories for the garage. Planning Director Krauss said there will be five levels with the fifth level being open. Councilmember Poe inquired about the reason for vertical orientation. Planner I Sanders commented that traditional commercial buildings often have windows upstairs similar to what is downstairs and this repeating element is to get a building look versus a garage look. Achieving this can be done a number of ways. Councilmember Poe suggested that parameters be given to architects, but do not restrict architects because they will come up with something that is appropriate. Planning Director Krauss remarked that staff will come back in the next few weeks and show preliminary designs of the interior layout. Planner I Sahders said that the station buildings are being designed with brick veneer and should tie in together. Chairman Borden believes it is important to require the buildings to tie in together. Planning Director Krauss added that language relating to architectural continUity can be developed. Chairman Borden believes that the garage should not look like a garage and the downtown plan should be referred to. Planner I Sanders remarked that the garage should tie into rest of the transit center; tie in with the downtown plan, and design goals for the garage. The expected audience of this Chapter will be architects.. Councilmember Poe remarked again that he would like to see the painting requirement removed; the reference to masonry is fine. Councilmember Poe wondered when the downtown plan would be adopted to address some of these issues. Planning Director Krauss said that staff met with the consultant last Friday. Councilmember Poe commented that he would like to get back into the business district and address some specific businesses that are affected. Planning Director Krauss confirmed that the downtown plan will have recommendations for zoning ordinance amendments. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval of the revisions to Title 18 as amended. Chairman Borden concurred. South King County Multi-Services Center (MSC) Letter Planner I Aird provided some background on this request. The MSC is applying to the State to purchased rehabilitate apartments. A requirement of the State funding system is that cities show the MSC's plans are in compliance with the city plans. The Mayor requested that this request be presented to the Committee. A draft letter was then distributed. The City has written similar letters in the past. Chairman Borden asked who received similar letters. Planner I Aird said the senior housing project received a similar letter when they applied for tax credits. Chairman Borden is pleased that an agency wants to rehabilitate the apartments and she supports their request. She asked for more information on the "payment of a fee in lieu of taxes". Planner I Aird said this is to compensate the City for the loss of taxes while the need to provide services remains. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 Jan Bennett, representative for MSC, explained that certain criteria must be met. She spoke about recent State legislation relating to this. The phrase referred to by Chairman Borden is to compensate the City so it does not lose the taxes. Chairman Borden expressed some concerns about this because it seems like non- profits are'for the public good which is why they received tax free status. Ms. Bennett said that the low income did not have tax free status before so the loss of revenue to cities was recognized when the new law was drafted. Mayor then referred to the Hitco company which also pays fees in lieu of taxes. The City has a large stock of low income housing that is not kept up. The City will try to work with agencies to rehabilitate and mitigate. The housing has a high incidence of residents that require services such as fire, safety and therefore a higher demand on the City's service base. Planning Director Krauss commented that the State has rebated and made gifts of local taxes often without any attempt to mitigate financial impacts on cities. He concurred that the City does have a very significant stock of low income housing. If all the projects are tax free, then the City has many citizens for which it has to provide services. The City raised these concerns when the law was being drafted. Chairman BOrden asked how the fee is set and determined. Ms. Bennett explained the fee is a savings to non-profit because it allows them to maintain affordable housing. Councilmember Poe asked if the law passed last year is a requirement or an option for the City. Ms. Bennett said it is an option to the City. It is a negotiation between the agency and City between different kinds of funding. Planning Direcfor Krauss reminded the Committee about Skills, Inc., which was paid for in a different way. The State economic development council was involved, but Skills also needed sign off by the City. They wanted to bring jobs to the City, but the employees required services. The Comprehensive Plan addresses this by somewhat vague language about covering cost of services. Councilmember Poe asked about the time flame if approved. Ms. Bennett explained that MSC went to King County for housing funds and debt services loan. Councilmember Poe asked about the reference to the Senior Center. Ms. Bennett said there is a 50 year revisionary policy on all projects. If they decide to sell, it has'to be to another non-profit agency. Councilmember Singer wondered what happens if the neighborhood becomes dilapidated. Ms. Bennett said they will come out and inspect and the State Housing Finance Office and King County also conduct inspections. Councilmember Poe sees the request as community good because the Housing Authority does a good job. Chairman Borden restated her support of the letter and wants to hear more about the process. She would also like to see some sort of policy related to the issue. Councilmember Singer believes if the tax debt is forgiven, this has to go through the Human Services Committee because it might be an increase in social services funding. Councilmember Poe remarked that he does not agree with the City funding this. Mayor remarked that it is a benefit to the citizens and he is supportive of the effort. Chairman Borden requested information on how the fee is set. Planner I Aird remarked that she will ask Diane to do a presentation to the Committee. Councilmember Poe requested to receive information on the law and background on the process. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, for staffto prepare a letter of support. Chairman Borden concurred. ANX0001-00 - Herrin Planning Director Krauss spoke about several islands of unincorporated King County property and two years ago staff spoke about an organized approach to annexing these islands. Planner I Aird has been working on the process. This particular annexation is at the 10 percent and can be scheduled for Council action to accept the petition. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 Councilmember Poe had a question as it relates to the boundary on the west side of the river coinciding with the large annexation (ANX0001-99) on the east side by the golf course. Planning Director Krauss said the rural/urban map is to the bottom of the cliff and the river up to a point will not be annexed. There is a need to make the boundaries correlate and the Boundary Review Board may do this automatically. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval of the annexation. Chairman Borden concurred. Interlocal Agreement with King County regarding Permit Processing in Annexed Areas Planning Director Krauss explained that with the Lea Hill annexation there is a need to have agreements with King County for the transition period. The proposed document was patterned on one with the City of Kent. The premise is that if permits are started in King County, King County will finish. It would be unfair to individuals to switch to Auburn and Auburn's standards. King County is willing to do this. King County is paid fee from the permit. King County was asked to accelerate adoption of the proposed agreement so it is in effect when the annexation occurs. Chairman Borden asked if the agreement would apply to all of the annexation area or just the current southwest Lea Hill annexation. Planning Director Krauss said that initially the agreement relates to the southwest Lea Hill annexation, but could eventually serve all the annexation area. Councilmember Poe wanted to confirm that the agreement would not effect the annexation itself. Planning Director Krauss said the agreement would not have an effect on the anneXation and would not restart the process. Councilmember Singer made a motion, Councilmember Poe seconded, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. Resolution 3158 - Contract with Economic Development Council of Seattle/King County Economic Development Manager Hicks explained the contract is a renewal of the EDC contract which has been in place for previous years. The contract was amended last year to provide referrals and tell the disposition of inquiries. The contract in the agenda packet did not have these two requirements and the EDC will have to revise the contract for the Council meeting. The requirements were included in the 1999 contract and should be included in the 2000 contract. He distributed a copy of the 1999 work plan that shows 60 companies were referred to the City. The EDC provided assistance to identify hotel/restaurant to locate in the Auburn area; however, these companies want the Federal Way area rather than Auburn. EDC tried to get Auburn contacts in the Washington software association. It is hard to determine where in the State various business went after initial contact with the EDC because they often do not want to provide information on where they are actually locating because of land prices and competition. Councilmember Poe confirmed this is hard to evaluate because some companies come through the EDC, but request that the EDC not say anything. Some companies work through brokers and brokers will not provide information. It is important for the City to put its best foot forward all the time. Councilmember Poe asked about the City's ability to provide input into the process. Economic Development Manager Hicks provided that most of the information is related to demographic/census and the standard City profile. Economic Development Manager Hicks said that staff recommends continuing the EDC contract. Last year Rich Wagner added additional wording to the contract. Councilmember Singer wondered if there were only three referrals total or the City was only provided information on three referrals. Economic Development Manager Hicks mentioned there was assistance with locating a quality hotel/restaurant in Auburn and information he received was that the company preferred to locate in the Federal Way service area because it is closer to I-5' and the demographics were better. Planning Director Krauss then mentioned another contact for a trucking center which the City did PAGE 4 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 not want. He pointed out that the EDC sponsors the Freight Mobility Round Table which is where the FAST Corridor originated. Councilmember Poe made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to recommend approval. Chairman .Borden concurred. 6. Surplus Planning Department Equipment There was no discussion on this topic. Councilmember Poe made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Singer, to surplus the item. Chairman Borden concurred. 7. Resolution 3150 - SSS/KC Nutrition Proiect Agreement No discussion occurred. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 8. Resolution 3151 - SSS/KC Meals on Wheels Agreement No discussion occurred. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 9. Resolution 3157 - Memo of Agreement with Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation (VCCC) Parks and Recreation Director Deal mentioned that this is a new program for which vCcc received a grant. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Interlocal Agreement-Amendments to the Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies Planning Director Krauss explained that this is done every year for King County for the King County County-wide Planning Policies~ Pierce County had essentially the same policy, but are proposing some changes to these policies. One of the changes relates to the Endangered Species Act, buildabte lands, and for designation of urban growth areas. They are looking for latitude for develoPment in urban areas. They have the same adoption formula as King County. The amendment have to be approved by 60 percent of the jurisdictions. Auburn represents none of the population, so no action is required as our vote is invalid. Chairman Borden complained that the important items are impossible to read because 0fthe way they indicated revised language. Even though .the City does not have to take action, no concurrency ordinance is in place. Planning Director Krauss advised the concurrency ordinance in the formative stages and it was to be linked to impact fees and will be reviewed after the vote on impact fees. Chairman Borden requested to see a map of the Pierce County urban growth areas. The Sumner valley is filling up with warehouses, etc., and she is curious about their Comprehensive Plan for the area. Planning Director Krauss mentioned that he has a Sumner Comprehensive Plan that shows were Pacific and Sumner come together. Chairman Borden wondered were Pierce County's urban centers are located. She would like to have a discussion in the future about Pierce County development. She also requested a copy of the policy amendments that is readable. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 Councilmember Singer commented that Bonney Lake and Eatonville want to be more urban because they want the additional tax base. Both cities attend the Piece County regional meetings and come forward with amendments which get nixed. Olson Canyon Master Site Plan Parks and Recreation Director Deal reminded the Committee that this site was acquired about six years ago through the future money. He distributed the master plan booklet and stated that Susan Boyle, Boyle Wagoner Architects, will give a presentation. Ms. Boyle explained that her company is part of multi-disciplinary team. The site is 73 acres with about 10 acres of the site containing the remnant of a farm. The canyon is very steep with unusual features which have prevented development and thus it is an intact historical site. She spoke of the need to document soil conditions, runoff, wetlands, sensitive areas, etc. They looked at and documented all buildings on the site and worked with the Museum's task force. The site is an ideal place for environmental classes in fish habitat, and to learn about historic agriculture and food production. The farmstead is isolated and retains its turn of the century character. They have developed a program that ensures the site will benefit from a number of uses by individuals or groups for self-guided tours, classrooms, or special occasions. The original wagon road should be redeveloped. She spoke about a drop off zone, entryway, bridge over the creek, and site work on the orchard. The restoration of the house and shed are for interpretive purposes. A collapsed building will be reconstructed for reading room and classrooms. The barn area was described. A curator on site is now located in a trailer. The gardens will be re-established and pasturelands preserved. The site is quite incredible. The next steps include concurrency by other participants in the process and cost estimates. According to King County, the site is a landmark that could be warrant pursuit on the National Historic Register. Planner I Sanders commented that the City is trying to get Olson Farm designated as a local Auburn landmark. Chairman Borden wondered about the potential for grants. Planner I Sanders said the potential for receiving grants is higher if the site is designated as a local landmark. It will qualify for some King County grants. Chairman Borden asked about maintenance of the site afterwards. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the City is maintaining the grounds on a regular basis and looks to continue to maintain but not will full time staff. He anticipates that additional help will come from volunteer groups or part-time employees. The caretaker does not provide site maintenance -just security. This might be something that could be added to the caretaker's duties. Chairman .Borden wondered if the orchards and gardens are restored, would community groups participate in their upkeep. Parks and Recreation Director Deal mentioned there are historic orchardists in the area. They have a list of suggested trees to plant. Some of the site's trees are 100 years old and in poor health. The site plan will provide an opportunity to apply for grants and partner with museum in non-profit/public partnership. After the site plan is finaled, staff will come back with a memorandum of agreement between the historical society and the City. Councilmember Singer wondered about getting the school district involved. Parks and Recreation Director Deal commented that something will be presented on how to .involve the school district. Ms. Boyle mentioned that a task force member works for the school district. Parks and Recreation Director Deal then offered to provide a tour of the site to the Committee. Councilmember Poe asked if the drainage basin takes in Kent property. Parks and Recreation Director Deal replied yes. Councilmember Poe then wondered about the potential of flooding. Ms. Boyle confirmed that the site does have a history of flooding and the physical evidence of this is quite evident. PAGE 6 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 Mayor remarked that the first stage in the process is the stabilization and preservation. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said that about four years ago the barn was reroofed. Ms. Boyle then showed an aerial photo of site and pointed out different areas. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1. Update on Bravo Season Parks and Recreation Director Deal spoke about changes on Bravo season and the Arts Commission is in attendance tonight. He introduced the chairman. Paul Dodsworth distributed a handout. The Arts Commission wanted to interface with the Committee and thank them for their support. Linda Cowan thanked the Committee for its support. She spoke about the effects of art on school children. Gary Aliment said the City has good facilities and art is an extension of education that can expand the culture. The arts program is important. Cheryl Hosking mentioned the Shades of Summer program and the Performing Arts Center (PAC). The programs are affordable and accessible. She also thanked the Committee. Mr. Dodsworth read the mission statement and spoke about diversity in the programs. The Bravo program is a seek for the Auburn Symphony. Pam Smith thanked the Committee for support and mentioned successful events at the PAC. Twenty percent of the books are full house. The PAC provides versatility. Mayor spoke about retaining the City's contribution at its current level even though the City is dealing with the effects of 1-695. Councilmember Poe expressed concerns about the number of people attending and hopes the programs grow. The ballet and symphony should play to full houses. The general arts environment is excellent and the quality should not go down. He mentioned entry way art pieces. Susan Sagawa, Cultural Programs Manager, spoke of the need to provide a balance of programs and many programs are making money. They are bringing popular touring groups such as Common Ground. Mr. Aliment mentioned the ticket prices are good, performances are wonderful, and there is a need to spread the word outside the City about the programs. Councilmember Singer thanked the Commission for its time, support, and work on the sundial millennium project. Chairman Borden commended the Commission for their great work and high quality shows. Mr. Dodsworth invited the Committee to attend Arts Commission meetings. He appreciated the opportunity to speak tonight. Correspondence from HUD regarding CDBG Annual Timeliness Review Planning Director Krauss said a decision needs to made about going forward with the senior center. The $200,000 set aside for senior center needs to be spent before October. There could, however, be an element of risk; if Council decides not to go ahead with senior center the money has to be paid back. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that the design development is 85 percent complete. Planning Director Krauss that the City cannot wait for the process. If there is a need to reroof, get the design, bid, and commitment in place in order to spend by October. Councilmember Singer asked why the roof would be replaced when the center being redone. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the roof is flat and has many leaks. Drainage is improved if the roof is raised. MaYor commented that if an area cannot be located where the money can be used, the money will have to be returned. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 10, 2000 A discussion occurred relating to the timing of the design development, preparation of construction documents, bid process, and financing details. Chairman Borden requested to talk about this at another meeting. ' 3. Correspondence relating to Lea Hill-relating to Certificates of Water & Sewer Planning Director Krauss mentioned that he making the Committee aware. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Availability Impact Fees Vote and Timing Mayor explained that research was done about the vote and would citizens take a leadership role in this process. Auburn will be breaking new ground. There is the possibility of spending money and receiving. negative vote. There is an opportunity to get factual information for people to make up their mind including the voters pamphlet. Planning Director Krauss mentioned that currently no voter information is going out. A discussion occurred relating to special Council meetings, timing of the vote, and dissemination of information via special committee and flyers. With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. PCDC\01A-2000 PAGE 8