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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-2000MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 24, 2000 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held January 24, 2000 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Trish Borden, Sue Singer, and Fred Poe STAFF PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: A1 Hicks, Dick Deal, Cheryl Sallee, and Patti Zook Mayor Booth; Bob Hull, Miller/Hull Partnership The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Resolution 3116 - Agreement with Veterans Memorial Committee Parks and Recreation Director Deal commented that the veterans are an eager group. Staff has been working with the City Attorney's office and City Engineer to finalize the agreement's language. Don Small provided a major contribution to the project. The memorial's sponsors want a dedication on Memorial Day 2000. Councilmember Poe commented that the one million dollar insurance policy might be too high an amount. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that the Committee has one million for the insurance policy. Councilmember Singer is concerned about veterans visiting the new memorial and seeing a dilapidated building nearby with a plaque saying it is dedicated to veterans. Parks and Recreation Director Deal confirmed the building is 50 years old and has served the community well. It does not meet current ADA requirements. Mayor suggested that Parks and Recreation Director Deal speak to the Lions Club about fixing the building. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 2. Ordinance 5338 - Contract with King County Community Services Division Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the $8,000 agreement is to continue the Late Night Program. Councilmember Singer made a motion, Councilmember Poe seconded, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Resolution 3158 - Contract with Seattle/King County Economic Development Council The contrfict was returned to the Committee from the January 18~ Council meeting. CoUncilmember Poe remarked that the Councilmember who returned the contract to Committee is.now comfortable with the contract. Councilmember Lewis had conversations with the EDC and is now is satisfied that the EDC will supply the requested information. Economic Development Manager Hicks spoke with the EDC and they are happy to work with the City. They are doing a business retention program with SeaTac and Kent and Auburn is invited to participate. Chairman .Borden is relying on Councilmember Lewis to take the contract back to City Council. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 24, 2000 Conversion of the Library to New Senior Center Parks and Recreation Director Deal introduced Bob Hull, with Miller/Hull Partnership.. He provided background information on the project. The schematic design was completed in April, 1999 and design development is to be completed next month. There will be updated figures on the budget at the design development completion. Parks and Recreation Director Deal mentioned alternatives discussed regarding renovation and replacing. With the completion of the library, additional parking will help the complex. The library will have meetings rooms. Moving the recreation staff to the existing senior center when the building is completed will free up 2,000 square feet at City Hall. He spoke about the construction options. He mentioned the option of phasing the project. $2.7 million is required to complete the program as identified ~o date. Councilmember Singer asked if the Parks Department employees are moved to the existing senior center, will additional parking be required. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said there are 50 stalls now, some programming of spaces for classes will occur, but nothing that would require additional parking. Staff will take up about 10 spaces so there will be enough for staffand visitors. Mr. Hull showed a site plan of full build out option and showed J Street improvement and connection. The building will "fit" into the park with landscaping and outdoor areas will become more inviting. Councilmember Singer expressed concern about the building orienting to the back parl~ing lot too much. Mr. Hull said the building will be more inviting by opening up a side of the building. He then pointed out the different rooms and alternative set up for the rooms. Regarding elevations, big windows will look in and out to the park. The structure of the existing building is basically okay. Seismic improvements are required. A portion of the building's wall on the south side has to be rebuilt because of water damage to the studs, supports, and walls. He spoke about the requirements for the rooftop mechanical system. Mr. Hull showed an elevation for orientation purposes and pointed out portion to be rebuilt. If the City looks at phasing the project, Phase 1 would include tearing offthe existing roof, rebuild roof so'that'it slopes correctly, install insulation, and build mounts for the mechanical system. The current mechanical system is undersized for the building. The Mayor asked about phasing the project, so he mentioned what would be accomplished during the different phases. Phase 3 would be site improvements such as landscaping .and drop off area. When the project is phased, costs will occur because of bidding process and the contractor coming back. Additional costs will be incurred if the project is phased. Councilmcmber Singer asked if the $2.7 million includes furniture. Mr. Hull said that the furnishings are considered a soft cost. The construction manager fee is to pay for City inspections, and someone has to handle the paperwork and watch out for the City's interests. Chairman Borden wanted to know how much money is lost if the project is completed in phases. Mr. Hull pointed out the wall in question and said a long wall could be placed to separate the two areas. The final plan requires that portions of the wall be torn out. He spoke about the mechanical system being removed. Parks and Recreation Director Deal commented that $200,000 in HUD money needs to be spent by September 30th and could be used on design or improvements to the building. Staff has a goal of $200,000 to be generated through the capital campaign with people in the community/businesses .dedicated to funding the center. Mayor mentioned discussions with the Councilmembers and is wondering if it is apPropriate to proceed forward. Councilmember Singer remarked that the project is not her number one priority, but that does not mean she does not want to proceed. She is supportive of this project. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 24, 2000 Chairman Borden asked if the present design was presented to those who use the senior center. Senior Center Supervisor Sallee remarked that a feasibility study was done and input provided then. An advisory council is in place. Chairman Borden thinks the present drawings should be displayed in the senior center. Mayor sai~l that he does not want the public to think they might be getting something that will not work out. Chairman Borden believes that City Council wants the new senior center. Mayor remarked that if the project is presented, and staff" sells" it, this could deprive the Council of their approval forum. Decisions need to be made regarding the prioritization of projects. Councilmember Poe expressed concern about phasing the project and money could be wasted through duplication of contracts, etc. He would like to see the building completed. It would be all right to phase the outside work such as landscaping. There is no need to hire a construction manager for this project because it can be done through the normal process. The bidding climate is excellent right now. Public works projects are receiving good bids. City Council needs to make a decision on this project. He believed the go ahead was already given. Mayor said that the Finance Director is reviewing all the funds and will have the figures later this month. She is working on different scenarios. Chairman Borden asked if the City will need to borrow money for this project. The Mayor does not. anticipate having to borrow money. Because of 1-695, the City might have to adjust funding of projects. Chairman Borden believes the project should go forward and she thanked Councilmember Poe for his comments related to phasing. Councilmember Poe reiterated his concerns about phasing the project, especially the HVAC component. It would be cost effective to do the project under one contract. Councilmember Singer does not like the idea of phasing the project either because of increased costs. It appears the use of the building will be more of a community oriented use than the current senior center and wondered.if it would still be called a senior center. Mayor replied the facility will still be known as the senior center. Senior Center Supervisor Sallee mentioned that the daytime use will be filled to capacity. Councilmember Singer said the City should not give an unrealistic expectation that the building will be for lots of other uses. Senior Center Supervisor Sallee said the use is primarily as a senior center during the day and as a community Center at night. Mayor commented that moving the Parks staff to the other building would require little in the way of renovation. If the senior center's nomenclature is changed, there will be increased expectations from the community. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said that the community understands the building is used for activities in addition to senior activities. Mayor remarked that this should be presented to the whole City Council next time. The Committee will see financial information soon so they know what risks are being taken. Parks and Recreation Director Deal spoke about the sixth month construction window which could accelerate construction if necessary. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Inquiry about Additional Park Chairman Borden introduced Pam Weekly, who she invited to come and speak to the Committee about a park. Mrs. Weekley would like to see a park located at 9th and I Street NE - the triangle area. There are many apartments in the area that could use a park. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 24, 2000 With no Parks and Recreation Director Deal showed a map of the area in question. The City requires a minimum of three acres for neighborhood parks because small parks create maintenance challenges. Noise problems also become an issue when parks are located next to residential areas. Staff could check what opportunities might exist for a park at this location. Mrs. Weekly complained that the site is messy and might possibly work as a recycling area. Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that Fulmer Field has a good play area. They are working on a hard surface connection from 8th Street to Fulmer Field and to enhance the gravel pathway behind the Latter Day Saints Church. In addition, the water utility is working on erosion control facility. Mayor commented that if this open space is becoming a garbage dump, this needs to be remedied. Gateways Project Councilmember Singer commented that at a future Committee meeting she wants to talk about gateway projects. Of particular interest is the J Street signage. Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the Arts Commission budget contains funds for the signage. Mayor reminded the Committee that the library signage comes out of the Parks budget, not the gateways program funds. There is the possibility of a gateway project on Kersey Way. This wedge of land is across the river from Ballard Park. Councilmember Singer expressed that other potential sites are much higher priority for gateway sites. Councilmember Poe mentioned there are good potential areas for some type of gateway project. It needs to be determined what qualifies as a gateway to the City and some may be more of a priority than others. A map should be reviewed to see where gateway signs might be appropriate. Chairman Borden suggested discussing this topic at the next Committee meeting. The Committee should look at what the City has now, what it wants a gateway to be, and what makes a gateway. further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. PCDC\MIN\01B-2000 PAGE 4