HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2000MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 13, 2000
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held November 13, 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, Shirley Aird, A1 Hicks, Diane Supler, 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. ANX00-0004 - Holt/Cobble Creek
Chairman Borden asked if the Committee had any questions related to this item. Councilmember Poe
looked at the property and the surrounding area and recommended to exclude the subject parcel from the
proposed annexation area. Councilmember Singer is hesitate to remove the Kofal property from the
annexation area. Chairman Borden does not see how King County can allow 39 units at this site.
Planning Director Krauss advised that Cobble Creek is meeting with Kofal on Monday and may come to
the City Council meeting. Kofal's attorney was faxed the staff recommendation and staff received letter
back. The Hazlewood area was not present at the last meeting because even though it is out of the
annexation area and had no issues, it appears that Hazlewood now has issues. The zoning is R-4 with a
special restriction only on this parcel. Staff cannot f'md any statutory authority for King County to allow
this. Planner I Aird pointed out the Kofal property is the only place in King County where this special
restriction exists. The site was part of a rezone in 1993 and the P suffix was applied as part of a rezone.
The special property prefix was to allow "only as townhomes" and when zone was changed to R-4, the
"P" suffix was added, but she cannot find out from King County why this was done.
Planning Director Krauss mentioned that he asked Kofal, the property owner, to provide evidence that he is
vested through King County. Planner I Aird pointed out a distinction between permission and restriction.
The property owner sees the proposed use as expressed permission/right to build what he proposes. Kofal
sees it as allowing him the right to do 39 units as townhouses. Planning Director Krauss remarked that he
has called King County DDES and the County Executive Office about this matter, but no response.
Chairman Borden wondered if this is an issue for the neighbors. Planning Director Krauss believes it is an
issue for the neighbors because of the curving line on top of the bluff. The King County Comprehensive
Plan shows low density at this location. King County's goal is to maxim density and the City's goal is to
make sure the zoning is compatible with surrounding area and environment. King County figures on the
gross acres even though not unbuildable. Auburn does not do things thins way. Councilmember Poe
commented that the site will be difficult to make work for residential project.
Chairman Borden does not see the City annexing the property and then making a Comprehensive Plan map
change for the site. The King County Comprehensive Plan shows the site as low density and King County
zoning also shows the site as low density, said Planning Director Krauss. The City Attorney is aware of the
pertinent issues, and City has requested that Kofal show he is vested. Chairman Borden commented that
Kofal be told he is not in on this annexation, but he will be for the next one. She supposed that Kofal has a
year to work out something with King County. Planning Director Krauss said that Cobble Creek residents
will get upset at the Kofal proposed development. Chairman Borden does not see how Cobble Creek
residents could be upset with Auburn about the project because King County has created the confusion. It
is apparent King County cannot stand by their records to clarify the matter.
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Councilmember Singer sees the problem as determining what is best for the community versus what a
property owner is permitted to do. Chairman Borden said that in the fall Kofal will ask the City to change
the Comprehensive Plan designation and not acting will only delay. The City should stand firm that this
remail residential. She foresees Kofal coming forward with litigation. Chairman Borden does not want
Auburn to annex and go back on its word to Cobble Creek that site will be R-1. Councilmember Poe said
that Cobble Creek residents should know that it is our of Auburn's control and information on this should
be provided to them.
Councilmember Singer commented that the area wanted annex to Auburn in order to have more control
over their destiny. She asked if the area can still be annexed without the Kofal property. Planner I Aird
clarified that the percentage requirement is still met even if Kofal is not annexed. Kofal could withdraw
his signature from petition and City would still have the required percentage to annex. Councilmember
Poe believes City should go along with the proposal to proceed forward with the annexation.
CPM# 17 - West Main Area (north of Main Street)
Principal Planner Osaki gave a brief presentation and pointed out current land uses. Councilmember Poe
suggested at Council meeting about redrawing the boundary lines.
Alexis Montgomery, 11 G Street NW, attended the Council meeting and canvassed neighborhood and
submitted a two page opinion tonight. She did some research of high industrial uses. She wants to
grandfather three businesses. The houses on 2"a NW are single family homes. She does not want
businesses to leave, but does not want them to encroach. The three businesses could be light industrial and
said that Printco and McNiven don't meet M2 requirements. Principal Planner Osaki explained difference
between light industrial and high industrial and that M-2 allows outside storage on the premises. Printco
and Seal Guard do not have outside storage.
Arthur Harvey, resident on F Street for 55 years, expressed fear of trucks using F Street to get to light
industrial area. The road is too small and there is too much truck traffic. He does not like the idea of hi
industrial uses next to residential. No industrial uses should be next to the school. Unidentified Man spoke
about hazardous waste and took pictures recently. He contacted the EPA. He spoke about a hazardous
waste plan and business not talking to residents about what products they use. He will find out what is in
the material and report to the City.
Karen Stockman said in the past there were signs on the street because it was so narrow, but signs were
removed and trucks now use the road. The road has deteriorated and it has not been repaired. Marilyn
Dalinger, talked to Mrs. Harvey, and offered that when Main Street was widened part of the sidewalks
were taken away. F Street was supposed to be widened. She sees the proposed zoning change as a result
of the train station and downtown plan. High industrial or multi family zoning is not an enhancement to
area. She sees office/residential with grandfathering of uses there now. She complained of truck traffic.
Peter Call, resident on H Street, wondered how long this zoning discussion has been ongoing. Chairman
Borden commented that it has been about a nine year controversy. When Mr. Call purchased his property
realtor told him it would be residential.
Darryl Dalinger purchased his house 17 years ago and it was zoned light industrial which was right at the
time and he has received past notifications about zoning changes. He is concerned about neighborhood
revitalization, but has seen houses, streets and neighborhood deteriorate. He agrees that nothing has been
done for the neighborhood. The City can help them by making zoning residential/office and with street
improvements. He expressed concern about truck traffic.
Councilmember Singer has observed decisions made in the past about the area without any input from the
residents. However, City is now seeking their input, but the matter still remains controversial. Manger of
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Hugh McNiven said that the neighbors can call him if his trucks are speeding and he will speak to the
drivers. The drivers were told not to go down F Street and he has received only two calls in three years.
Karen Pearson spoke about cars speeding on the road, no posted speed limit signs, trucks using the street.
She complained of continuous noise from the trucks. An employee from McNiven employee commented
that their road was a dead end, but it was changed to through street. McNiven was required to widen the
street. The site was zoned M2 which is why they built there.
Mr. Johnson spent time looking for and industrial site and that high industrial designation is more than
adequate for their needs. They do not have outside storage. They can live with the light industrial
designation for the area. People should be aware they are buying homes in an industrial area and should
not expect the zoning to change. He spoke of improvements they made to the property. Mr. Johnson has
not seen anyone forced to sell their property. People will not be removed from their homes.
David Grambush said McNiven came in because of the M2 zoning designation, and spoke about houses
maybe on list of historic properties. The zoning for McNiven and Printco cannot be changed. Mrs.
Dalinger said the homeowners are concerned about the area staying M2 because of the M2 setbacks.
McNiven has encroached on their neighbor's property. She wants zoning that has setback requirements
that will not allow a window to be facing a blank wall. She has concerns about crime with high density
residential designation.
Chris Johnson spoke about the adjoining uses with different characteristics. The zoning differences
provide a transition between uses. The area has been high industrial for 20 years. He sees the rezone as
hopefully preventing future arguments. Residents should feel comfortable about putting money in their
homes. Robert Jones, Sealguard, said the City has pitted groups against each other and he came to area
because of its M2 zoning. He does not want to have spent his money fruitlessly. Light industrial from
high industrial is a good idea. He resents the EPA being contacted about his business. Chairman Borden
stressed the City is not trying to pit groups against each other. The City wants to protect the residential
neighborhood, but recognize the needs of the businesses at the same time. She does not want to revisit
these issues in five years.
Mrs. Johnson refereed to the road situation and potential businesses, and wondered about impacts to street
requirements. Planning Director Krauss spoke about the half street ordinance and said that other
development may be required to improve their frontage. Mr. Keimig spoke about the requirements that
Peninsula Trucking will need to make to their site to include dedication of right of way and they will seek a
street delay agreement.
David Simpson said he wants to see a buffer between his property and light industrial uses. He is
concerned about industrial use next to his house. Mr. Johnson talked about buffers and moving from heavy
industrial to light industrial to residential/office. He spoke about street widening which seems to be done
with parcel development. The point is to have right allocation, street improvements, etc., at the time of
development. Printco representative said that residents could sell to developer to build office which still
has potential for building to be next to bedroom window.
Principal Planner Osaki provided information on the required setbacks in office/residential designation. He
gave a list of the permitted uses in residential/office. Councilmember Poe pointed out that it is important
for those present to realize staff and Council is talking about changing the Comprehensive Plan, not the
zoning. The zoning is M2 until people apply for a rezone of their property.
Mrs. Johnson wondered if all agree and change Comprehensive Plan could the zoning be fixed at the same
time. She wondered which is binding, the Comprehensive Plan or zoning. Does one take precedence over
the other? Planning Director Krauss commented that zoning on property is how that property is regulated.
Industrial zoning can build to these standards even though Comprehensive Plan might have been different.
He spoke of the need to bring the zoning into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. He acknowledged
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the area's uniqueness. There has been the question of what to do with the neighborhood, but there was
never a decision on what exactly do. If Council acts on Comprehensive Plan designation as final and then
rezone could be processed after that.
Chairman Borden reminded that there are two proposals to discuss - one from the residents which is
considered as spot zoning and referenced in handout distributed earlier tonight. Planning Director Krauss
cautioned that spot zoning already exists here. Councilmember Poe said there is M1 located to the south
and M2 across the street, and does not want a strip of opposite zoning. No residential uses should be
located between the two industrial areas. He acknowledged that it will be impossible to please everyone.
Chairman Borden likes the idea of area as light industrial versus heavy industrial and sees this as a good
transition between the areas. McNiven would be grandfathered and continue as heavy industrial as long as
it is located there.
Manger of McNiven expressed concern about the value of his property. Planning Director Krauss pointed
out that under Auburn City Code, McNiven can there forever. However, if building is destroyed, the 50
percent rule would come into play which he explained. The building would have to be built back to the
current zoning designation. McNiven manager then wondered about when will houses will become
historically recognized. Planning Director Krauss informed that the historic designation merely encourages
property to stay as is, but does not mandate.
Councilmember Poe has not heard anyone ask to change McNiven to M-I designation. Councilmember
Singer offered to keep McNiven as heavy industrial, and pointed out light industrial on the map. There
was a discussion about where to move the pink demarcation line on the foam board map. Chairman
Borden spoke about clarifying the land use policy that residential/office is considered residential relating to
setbacks. She wants to make sure future staffhas the same interpretation. Planning Director Krauss said
that the language could be changed to make this clearer, and if Comprehensive Plan change goes through
before the end of year, can do a zoning change in January or February,
Councilmember Singer inquired about the City looking at possibility of closing G Street. Planning
Director Krauss advised that street closure and street signage should be discussed before the Public Works
Committee. Chairman Borden informed those presented that a decision will be made on Monday by the
full City Council. There is a proposal from Committee to revise the line and she reiterated their
recommendation. Principal Planner Osaki then drew the demarcation lines on the map to show the
Committee's recommendation. The McNiven site would be designated as heavy industrial, the light
industrial designation would be for residences on 2"a Street NW between G Street NW and F Street NW,
and one house on F Street NW. The remaining area would be office/residential designation.
CDBG - Housing Repair
Planner I Aird provided brief information about the proposed changes. Councilmember Singer and
Councilmember Poe agreed that the changes look good. Discussion occurred of the advantages of the
contract with City of Kent. Chairman Borden is impressed with the goals and number of people served.
Councilmember Poe likes the cooperative effort.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval.
Chairman Borden concurred. Councilmember Singer mentioned that a resolution is not involved since the
Mayor is authorized to sign.
Resolution 3287 - Rankin Design for Marketing
Economic Development Manager Hicks distributed information on previous brochure to the Committee
and this proposal is to update the existing brochure which will remain essentially the same. The brochure
will focus on industry and reflect what the City is like. Planning Director Krauss mentioned that the new
brochure will use current numbers from the census.
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Chairman Borden wondered who uses this kind of brochure. Planning Director Krauss spoke of the
brochure as an economic development and marketing tool. Other jurisdictions provide similar things to
interested parties. Planning Director Krauss remarked that the funds are available in the 2000 budget for
this project.
Alan Keimig spoke about not having anything to provide to interested parties that gives information on the
City. A brochure would give a good impression to these people. Parks & Recreation Director Deal said
the brochure could include information on parks and the Bravo series.
Chairman Borden reminded everyone about the gateways project that has been funded the last couple years
which is part of the effort to reflect Auburn's' image. Councilmember Poe requested that Rankin Design
come to the Committee and give a presentation which should be interesting to all. Councilmember Singer
likes Councilmember Poe's suggestion. Chairman Borden spoke of the need to have something soon.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval.
Chairman Borden concurred.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Comprehensive Plan Amendments - WSDOT Letter
Principal Planner Osaki commented that as part of the Comprehensive Plan process, the City must notify
State agencies to comment on the Comprehensive Plan. The WSDOT letter talked about compliance with
HB 1487. Proper language regarding this will be presented to City Council at the November 20th meeting.
Planning Director Krauss mentioned that this house bill was a State mandate which was fought by the City.
He is unsure how other cities are being treated. Last year, the State wanted to use bill to 'propose' traffic
impact fees to the City and City would collect. However, the State was under no obligation to build
transportation improvement with these funds. Councilmember Singer wondered if City could use this
opportunity to put something in the Plan about Hwy. 164 and the need for a bypass. Principal Planner
Osaki said the City is required to identify what the State needed improvements are. There will be some
language changes in the Council packet next week. Mayor remarked that traffic on Hyws. 167, 164 and 18
are adding to the City's through traffic.
Principal Planner Osaki referred to Policy TR-13 related to dead end streets and spoke to City Traffic
Engineer Welsh and Welsh interprets that the word "substantially" means if the road design volume is
exceeded. It might be helpful to better explain what is meant by "substantially". Councilmember Singer
referred to Policy TR-13 and suggested that the word 'substantial' be better defined. Planning Director
Krauss then spoke about connections between neighborhoods and not wanting to make a road attractive as
a cut through.
2. Notice of Proposed Rule Making - Washington State Liquor Control Board
No discussion occurred on this item.
3. Community Center
Chairman Borden mentioned that Council sounds interested in the public process of a community center
and she wanted some input from Councilmember Singer and Councilmember Poe. Parks & Recreation
Director Deal spoke with Lisa Gill and information on this process will be put in the YMCA brochure, as
well as advertising in the Parks brochure, Auburn Reporter, and Parks handouts. That way the City can get
feedback to see if people like the concept of participating in this project with the Y and creating a complex
at Les Gove Park. Chairman Borden suggested the information contain highlights of improvements at Les
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Gove Park. Parks & Recreation Director Deal plans to show the complex development and what is
happening there as well as J Street improvements.
Councilmember Singer wondered if Parks & Recreation Director Deal will explain how the Center looks.
Parks & Recreation Director Deal said a couple meetings were held, but there is not a model to be viewed.
Planning Director Krauss commented that the City should tell people what the City is doing. Mayor
stressed that the City needs citizen support for the project and should have a defmite statement of what the
center will be providing to citizens. Chairman Borden believes the focus group is making good progress
and it should be possible to have a conceptual drawing.
Councilmember Singer mentioned that she has already received phone calls regarding the project. Parks &
Recreation Director Deal then spoke about increased usage of the library and it is apparent that people want
a nice facility to use. It should not be hard to come up with a proposal that will work well for citizens and
the Y. Mayor stressed that citizens will want an identified value of a joint facility. They will want the
advantages of a joint facility explained in detail otherwise he foresees substantial objections to the project.
Chairman Borden believes this is a good opportunity for the City to be able to get a community center and
stressed the need to disseminate information to citizens. Councilmember Poe asked when City Council
will hear about the center discussions. Parks & Recreation Director Deal said that staff is working with
Hugh Spitzer to see if it is legal to do a joint facility. Other matters to review are recreation staff needs and
citizen needs.
Councilmember Poe wanted to know what the City is getting for its money, and what rights to the facility
the City will have. He wondered if these rights are long term or short term and wondered about the
operational costs of such a venture. Mayor cautioned that the City will need to see if substantial additional
staffing will be required. He spoke about impacts of 1-722 and the City's need to be cautious about
expenditures. Chairman Borden understands that the Y is doing all staffing and City input is the initial
capital.
Planning Director Krauss spoke about concerns expressed by Finance Director Supler. Parks & Recreation
Director Deal said that new construction would be City owned. Chairman Borden sees the City
participating on the Y Board and believes the Y's contribution is much more than the City's will be. Y
staff are professionals at running such a facility. She also sees the City getting reduced fees for the citizens
because of the City's participation.
Auburn Downtown Association (ADA) and Collections
Finance Director Supler related issues regarding collection of the assessments for Business Improvement
Area (BIA) and said approximately $27,000 is delinquent. The City is working with an attorney who
specializes in lien process. Sixty-three (63) percent of the outstanding amount is owned by nine accounts.
The City has been working with the small delinquencies. The BIA wants to recommend to City County the
establishment of a hotel tax. A report on the matters will be presented to City Council.
Councilmember Poe referred to the liens, and wondered if the property owner signed an agreement.
Finance Director Supler said staff is working with City Attorney relating to an opportunity to place liens on
delinquent property. She then mentioned some specific City Code regulations. Councilmember Singer
wondered how far back the delinquencies go. Finance Director Supler said some are relatively current,
others go back three-four years, some have never paid assessments, and some have gone out of business.
Pressure Washing of Sidewalks as Requested by Aubum Downtown Association (ADA)
Parks & Recreation Director Deal told Committee that downtown merchants want the City to pressure
wash their sidewalks again. The City once performed this service, and now the ADA is asking for it to be
done again. Chairman Borden asked about the City contracting with someone to do this. Mayor advised
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that this would be too expense. Chairman Borden does not believe that City staff should be doing this for a
select group of merchants. Too many man hours are involved. She suggested the ADA buy or rent a
pressure washer that could be loaned out to the businesses. Councilmember Poe concurs that the City
should stay out of pressure washing the downtown sidewalks for the merchants. Parks & Recreation
Director Deal then mentioned that the Parks Department has a washer that could be made available to ADA
and businesses.
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
PCDC\MIN~I lA-2000
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