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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-2001MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 23, 2001 The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held April 23, 2001 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: ALSO PRESENT: Trish Borden, Sue Singer, and Fred Poe Paul Krauss, Dick Deal, and Patti Zook Mayor Booth; Deborah Sexton, ACAP Board President The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. ACTION: 1. Resolution 3349 -'Food Concession Agreement Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented the staff report. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. 2. Ordinance 5531 - Arts Commission Grant Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented the staff report. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Poe, to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred. DISCUSSION: 1. Review Job Description for the ESA/Sensitive Areas Position Planning Director Krauss referred to the description in the packet and mentioned that Planning and Public Works have thus far staffed the ESA response in-house. The two departments have discussed the need for this position. The person would interact with utilities and operating divisions, street division, and the Airport as well as participate in the environmental protection and project review efforts. Councilmember Singer said it appears there is plenty for the person to do. Planning Director Krauss commented that it was decided to put the person in Planning and operate the position as providing service to other departments. He hopes to advertise the position soon, but the position still has to be approved by City Council in mid year budget. Councilmember Poe asked about the status of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance (SAO). Planning Director Krauss remarked that the SAO is being completed by the consultant and the Planning Commission has been provided with materials in preparation of their acting on the SAO. The position will manage public land assets and seek grant money and he anticipates the hire will have a biology background and/or engineering. Mayor remarked that he has advocated for this position for years and he wants someone who can work with the City and developers and work on permit requirements with the State. Councilmember Poe would like to see someone with private sector experience. He thinks the job description looks good. Mayor commented that there are not funds currently in budget for this position; however, there are funds in the budget for the Endangered Species Act. He wanted to let City Council know that this position is being added. The Personnel Director also checked the market range for the salary. 2. Conservation Futures Grant for Green River Parks and Recreation Director Deal mentioned the next round of grant cycle and showed a drawing of land acquisitions. Approximately 250 acres are in public ownership and they now want PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 23,2001 to protect some steep slopes that could be developed. He then spoke about a partnership with King County on grant submission. Committee consensus was to proceed with the grant. ACAP and Use of the Old Senior Center Chairman Borden referred to a letter received from ACAP. Deborah Sexton, Board President; spoke about the April 9th letter and said she wants to be considered for ACAP moving their services to the old Senior Center. She spoke about new Y building requiring ACAP to move from its present location, and mentioned concerns about funders not funding because of no long term commitment for their building. They want to be in the Les Gove Park complex and they want to be in the old Senior Center. They seek funding for moving and renovation, or finding a home for them. They are a non-profit agency and serve the community. Chairman Borden wanted to confirm that ACAP is not paying rent to the Y. The lease was called in early because of the Y building project. They are not now paying rent, but were for a while. They do not want to put money into a short term move because they need something long term - a permanent home. When asked if they were willing to pay the City rent for the building, Ms. Sexton said they were open to all possibilities. Councilmember Singer said there is nothing in the letter regarding purchase of the building and asked if ACAP is seeking a gift of the building. Ms. Sexton acknowledged that a gift of the building would be wonderful and they could negotiate something. Options are better for long term solution versus short term solutions. Chairman Borden wanted to know if ACAP had checked into funding options such as a grant to purchase or renovate or pay rent. Ms. Sexton said they thought of renovations and could possibly get funding or a capital campaign, but it depends on what ACAP works out with the City. Councilmember Poe cautioned the ACAP representatives that there are discussions about the possibility of the Parks Department relocating to the existing Senior Center, and he does not see a strong possibility of the building being available for ACAP. The board should look at something in the area. The current ACAP buildings are not that old and should not be abandoned. He encouraged them to explore all possibilities. The Senior Center is not a viable option. Plans for the area have progressed and Councilmember Singer asked about a capital campaign for the corner lot. Ms. Sexton said they would love to be considered for this. They are looking at the most immediate long term solution to their housing problem. Councilmember Singer cautioned that the Senior Center building is not the ideal solution. Ms. Sexton said the park area is perfect for ACAP. They have been dealing with this for years. The parents are nervous about the possibility of no facility and they need to reassure clients. Chairman Borden asked Ms. Sexton if ACAP has looked into the availability of property in the area that is not City-owned. Ms. Sexton replied no because they thought that the Y and ACAP partnership might work. If the City says it cannot help, then they would have to look at this. Chairman Borden then asked if ACAP had looked into any interim locations and Ms. Sexton replied no. Chairman Borden mentioned that she heard that the Y Board an~,c~C_t~P Boards recently met and wanted to know what was discussed. Ms. Sexton said tha~'~s presented a 'wish list' to the Y, but no response was received. They asked to be part of the discussion, but they are part of ongoing discussion with they Y. Councilmember Singer did not want to give any false hopes to ACAP, and said it would be a long shot that the old Senior Center would be available for their use. Ms. Sexton said they needed to ask and appreciates the City's support over the years. They need to find the best solution and most cost effective solution. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 23, 2001 OTHER 1. Councilmember Poe advised that ACAP has representatives on the study group for Les Gove Park area. Chairman Borden advised that it seems that ACAP would be in a better position if ACAP defines different types of alternatives to include cost, positive and negative because now it seems like the only alternative for ACAP is if the Y or the City gives them something. Ms. Sexton said there are no discussions with Y about length of lease and the Y plan is up in the air. She acknowledged that looking at the cost of moving buildings, condition of the buildings is the beginning of seeking alternatives. A parent representative was presented and expressed concern about ACAP not being funded by United Way, their costs could go up, and this central part of Auburn needs ACAP to remain in the area. BUSINESS: School District Recreation Property and Partnership with City Parks and Recreation Director Deal presented information on what is occurring in other jurisdictions and gave example from the cities of Bellevue and Kirkland. He spoke about the partnership between cities and school districts related to recreational facilities. The district has several grounds facilities that are in need of lots of work. The City reserves some school grounds facilities for park department projects such as little league, but these are not ideal fields because of field conditions such as poor drainage and uneven surfaces. The district did not seem to have much interest in upgrading their facilities. Chairman Borden asked if the City is offering resources and Parks and Recreation Director Deal said the City would be offering expertise and it would often take small improvements to make t~'~ fields playable. With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. PCDC\MIN\04B-2001 PAGE 3