HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2000MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 8, 2000
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held May 8, 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, David Osaki, Dick Deal, and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Booth
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. ANX00-0003 - Lea Hill Annexation - Phase ?
Planning Director Krauss presented the staff report and showed a large map. The City received
an annexation petition for the area outlined 'in black. He pointed out the Lea Hill area that was
annexed in February and was known as the "southwest Lea Hill annexation". The area outlined in
pink is Green River Community College. He expects to soon receive an annexation petition from
Cobble Creek. The City needs to determine what it wants to do relative to annexation in the area.
Staff proposes to go ahead with a modified annexation of what is currently being requested and
proceed with the strategy of annexing the entire balance of Lea Hill area by February, 2002. Staff
has learned how to promote an annexation of this size. Staff has determined how to plan and
budget for this annexation to occur. The larger annexation has been pushed back to February,
2002 because it could not be completed by 2001. This revised date gives the summer to plan for
the annexation and next fall for the 10% petition, then 60% petition. The area that submitted the
10% petition for annexation does not meet the King County Boundary Review Board (BRB)
criteria to make legitimate neighborhood boundary. The agreement with Fire District 44 would
continue for the present. The green area gives the required 10% petition, but there remains the
question of what to do with Green River Community College (GRCC). The City could take GRCC
in immediately or wait. The King County Assessor's Office does not count GRCC for assessed
valuation in annexation. He has asked for a legal opinion from the BRB. He told of the need for
legitimate neighborhood boundary. He recommends the matter proceed to the Council floor,
accept the 10% percent petition, modif7 boundaries, and work to conclude the annexation.
Councilmember Singer asked about the advantages/disadvantages of annexing GRCC. Planning
Director Krauss referred to the number of incidents that require police services, no local tax
benefit is received, and he suggested leaving GRCC out of the annexation. Chairman Borden
asked what kind of police calls. Planning Director Krauss believes that Jim Kelly should be '
contacted regarding this.
Councilmember Poe suggested asking the opinion of those in the area to make sure they are on
the City's side. Planning Director Krauss said that they will be contacted and informed about what
the City is doing, and invited to attend the Council meeting. A police officer is the originator of the
10% petition.
Chairman Borden asked if the BRB would reject the annexation if the boundaries are not modified.
Planning Director Krauss replied yes because there are currently no logical boundaries. The Lea
Hills Homes have a significant number of police calls. Councilmember Poe stressed the need to
communicate with the residents and have them on the City's side. Planning Director Krauss
advised that the residents will be contacted, probably by Patty McDonald. The Lea Hills Homes
are mostly owner-occupied.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 8, 2000
Using Planning Director Krauss' map, Councilmember Singer pointed out subdivisions that are
less than 10 years old and pointed out a junkyard that the County says is grandfathered from the
1950s.
Councilmember Poe likes Planning Director Krauss' idea, and wants to see what kind of reception
is received. He does have reservations about annexation all of Lea Hill at this time. It could be
bad for the City if that fails. Planning Director Krauss acknowledged that he cannot offer certainty
of success, but keeps hearing good news that residents are glad to see the Auburn Police in the
southwest Lea Hill annexation area.
Councilmember Singer commented that the annexation as modified by staff seems to be a logical
area. Planning Director Krauss said that one reason to pursue this is because Lea Hill is building
out very quickly and the annexation will be a tax benefit to the City. Soon most of Fire District 44
will be in the City.
Mayor said that when the annexation really starts moving, and the fire district's direction is more
known, the volunteers will be concerned. Planning Director Krauss affirmed that staff has not
tackled the relationship with Fire District 44's professional staff. There are efforts to consider
them as positions open on Auburn's Fire Department. The City's Fire Department has stated it
will not work with volunteers.
Chairman Borden asked how the volunteer force works. Planning Director Krauss is not sure of
the number of staff, but it is a mix of professional and volunteer staff- five or six professional and
the rest volunteers. Professional staff are on duty during the day and evening/weekend is largely
volunteers. This is why the Auburn Fire Department is on the scene oftentimes before District 44.
Chairman Borden wanted to know why the volunteers should been given up. Planning Director
Krauss advised that the union insists that they represent all firefighters serving Auburn.
"Professionals" do not want to enter a fire scene with volunteers. Chairman Borden countered
that District 44 professionals Serve with volunteers: Planning Director Krauss said there are
different unions. The matter does warrant some discussion from an economic standpoint.
Councilmember Singer cautioned that it appears the firefighterswill not agree to work with
volunteers. Chairman Borden believes that other cities using volunteers to augment their
professionals. Planning Director Krauss replied this is true, but the volunteers are used primarily
for educational purposes and public relations, not for firefighting and ambulance. Lea Hill has
majority of new construction, and it is a fact that higher income areas have less need for services.
When Auburn takes over the district, the City will get the building and equipment. If staff are also
needed, the City cannot afford a new building at the same time. It might be warranted to look at
sites for a potential new station.
Councilmember Singer wondered about negotiating room. Planning Director Krauss commented
that the annexation and ramp up in services needs to be practical. He gave a background on the
Lea Hill annexation and service needs. Chairman Borden referred to the phrase, "best available
funding..." and asked for clarification. Planning Director Krauss said that a single engine crew of
three requires 17 positions for 24/7 manning. The specific numbers are currently unknown. He
expects City Council to direct staff to prepare a plan before they proceed with the rest of Lea Hill
annexation.
Chairman Borden inquired about a local bond issue for the station. Planning Director Krauss
commented that the capital costs of new facilities is actually the least cost. The human cost will
be more. Some have pointed out the need for a fire station, but maybe a combined building with
other City services would be more practical.
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Councilmember Singer advised that the Lea Hill Task Force recommended that impact fees and
mitigation fees pay for things such as a new building. Planning Director Krauss replied that some
discussions have occurred with King County. Some new cities even negotiated with the County
regarding park and road fees. A similar situation exists in Lea Hill regarding parks and roads.
King County has collected fees for years, but has not done any work. County has ignored the
area while approving all kinds of development on Lea Hill.
Chairman Borden wondered about the potential for successful negotiations with King County. She
wondered if Auburn would receive more cooperation from the County. Mayor provided
information on other cities' negotiations, such as Kent and Sammamish, with the County..
Chairman Borden stressed that the City cannot count on King County to come through. Planning
Director Krauss said that King County wants to be relieved of responsibility for Lea Hill and might
be willing to consider a trade off of some kind. VVhen the County wants something, then it is
willing to deal. The County has collected money from the citizens for years, but has not put
anything in the way of services or improvements into the area. The County collected money for
roads and parks, but there are no road improvements or parks.
There was a brief discussion of the tree farm site. The City has requested, but not yet been
included, in discussions with the tree farm site. Mayor mentioned that Hazelwood/Mount Rainier
Schools exchanged some land with King County for park development, but the area is now full of
homes.
Chairman Borden asked how much the planning process will cost. The cost will be in staff time
and work performed in-house, replied Planning Director Krauss. Chairman Borden asked the
members how they feel about having staff pursue this. Councilmember Poe thinks it is good to
start this process and then present to Council. Anything beyond the proposed area is a big step.
He agrees with Planning Director Krauss' comments about why it should be done. He wants to
make sure it can it work. He feels comfortable about the area in question, but is not sure about
the northern area. He expressed a bit of concern about financing, but not that strongly.
Mayor suggested getting out and talk to people and then decide. He agreed with Councilmember
Poe's comments. Councilmember Poe commented that staff has done a good job. Planning
Director Krauss again mentioned that Cobble Creek wants to come into the City for police
services. Councilmember Poe believes Cobble Creek would be a plus for the City.
Councilmember Singer commented that the City now has a better idea of the first annexation's
actual cost. She is supportive of the Task Force's recommendation to do the annexation as fast
as can be done. The City will never receive money from King County. The County has been
collecting the money and spending it somewhere else.
Chairman Borden expressed concerned about the cost. The City has a contract with Fire District
44. She requested to have frequent updates regarding progress and costs. She spoke of the
need for community involvement and discussion. A good strong meaningful assessment of where
services should be located is needed. She spoke of the need to evaluate what the actual costs
would be, and the effect of 277th up the hill.
Councilmember Singer asked if staff has given up on the idea of election versus petition.
Planning Director Krauss acknowledged that staff never gave it a lot of thought. Staff has been
reacting to the petitions received. The annexation is based on valuation. Chairman Borden
suggested staff look into election for simple majority. If there is a community meeting, the City will
get an idea of possible resistentence, commented Councilmember Singer.
Planning Director Krauss cautioned that community meetings are not necessarily representative
of the community's ideas or thoughts. The most vocal people are those who have an ax to grind.
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MAY 8, 2000
The meeting with Cobble Creek was at their request and they were supportive. Chairman Borden
then asked about a phone survey or random sampling because either of these would be easier
than door to door.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to modify the
boundaries contained in ANX00-0003; accept the 10% petition for the annexation and instruct
staff to prepare the 60% petition; proceed with the Cobble Creek annexation if the residents
produce a 10% petition; and direct staff to embark on the planning and annexation process with a
goal of annexing the entire Lea Hill PAA by February, 2002.
2. Resolution 3219 - Pea Patch Permit
Parks and Recreation Director Deal remarked that the pea patch sells out every year.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend
approval. Chairman Borden concurred.
3. Agreement with Kin,q County re: Parks in Annexed Area
Chairman Borden pointed out that there is no agenda bill. Parks and Recreation Director Deal
said the agenda bill would be available at the City Council meeting on May 15th. He pointed out
where Auburndale Park is located. The park is about 10 acres in size with a play area and
asphalt trail.
Chairman Borden asked if the agreement is considered a model agreement for all parks located in
Lea Hill. Parks and Recreation Director Deal replied yes. Councilmember Singer made a motion,
seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Sorrello's Expresso/Ea.qles/15th Street
Chairman Borden wanted to know what happened as a result of the Council meeting. Mayor said
this was sent back to the Public Works Committee and. he mentioned some recommendations.
Planning Director Krauss then mentioned the Traffic Division's requirements.
Councilmember Poe remarked that no left turn west bound on 15th Street should be allowed, "A"
Street is a disaster and believes the whole thing should be revisited. It is back at the Public
Works Committee now and needs to be addressed now. This could be a very bad situation.
Planning Director Krauss advised that "A" Street was designed intentionally to be a narrow street.
He then drew a layout of the discussed project. He showed the street connections, told what
Eagle Hardware required, described access by Dairy Queen, described the "c" curbing and
interior drive. The Traffic Division wanted a small, narrow road as intiguous as possible. 15th
Street had 26 accidents even before the Eagles/Lowes project.
A discussion occurred regarding the ingress/egress to the proposed Eagle site and 15'h Street.
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
PCDCWIIN\05A-2000
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