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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2002 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 44, 2002 . The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held January 14, 2002 in the Council Work Area. Those members in attendance were as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT: Tfish Borden, Sue Singer, and Stacey Brothers STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Lynn Rued, David Osaki, Shirley Aird, Dick Deal, and Patti Zook The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 6:30 p.m. MEETING TIME CHANGE: ~- · Chairman Borden suggested meeting at an earlier time of 4:30 pm since Committee members this year do not overlap with the Public Works Committee. Councilman Brothers remarked that 5:00 pm works better for him. Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to meet at 5:00 pm effective for their next meeting on January 28, 2002. INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF MEMBER 1. Aaron Nix~ ESA/Environmenml Compliance Manager Planning Director Krauss introduced ESAJEnvironmental Compliance Manager Nix and provided background on newly created position and spoke about Endangered Special Act (ESA) efforts. He reviewed the initial set of assignments. ESMEnvironmental Compliance Manager Nix will also work with the Public Works Department. This will be a joint effort. He spoke about the WRIA Committee and SAMP. In response to question from Councilman Brothers, Planning Director Kranss provided brief information on SAMP which is a good set of goals and policies even though it is not adopted. ESA/Environmental Compliance Manager Nix will work with operational departments to assess procedures as necessary to make sure they are 'fish friendly'. He has met with various staffgroups and will develop best management practices. He will do an assessment of City owned property to see how to protect. He wills seek grants for environmental planning. ESA/Environmental Compliance Manager Nix remarked that he is impressed by the City's inventory of open space and water resources. Auburn will play a critical role in ESA along the Green and White Rivers. He agrees with approach to proceed with ESA and to approach the matter cautiously. This is a unique opportunity for the City. Auburn will need to think about its ways of conducting business. There should be emphasis on storm water management. City Council to be more conscious of water quality. Councilman Brothers asked how long the City of Redmond has been working on this matter and the amount of funds committed. ESA/Envirunmental Compliance Manager Nix said that Redmond started early on and created a natural resource division with manager and project engineer in 1995. There was an extensive monitoring program. He does not know the exact figure of money spent, but it increased storm water rates to handle. Redmond was pan of the tri county initiative early and this group evolved into the WRIA. He believes they budgeted $250,000 annually toward efforts. Planning Director Krauss remarked that Auimm is generally conducting itself well, but noted the storm utility is not a water utility. The City has already undertaken a number of projects addressing water quality. He spoke of the need for better enforcement and enhancement. The City has made strategic investments, but it has not been well coordinated. Councilman Singer spoke of the need for Auburn to speak up when it can. Auburn does not have funds even though its geographic location of the White/Grean Rivers. Planning Director Krauss said the Green River is chaunelized and this has been a great effect on salmon. A coordinated approach is very necessary. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 44, 200z Chairman Borden asked ESA/Environmental Compliance Manager Nix when the natural resource department was developed, how were the outcomes measured. ESA/Environmental Compliance Manager Nix said that one main objective was to develop an inventory and assess the type of resources available and how to make them fish friendly. They developed an educational outreach program with volunteers to count salmon. There was an in-house monitoring group that set up sampling of water bodies. You could actually see the benefits and citizens appreciated the positive impact. Resources are out there and grants are available to cities. Chairman Borden wondered if ESAJEnvironmental Compliance Manager Nix will be looking at loss of habitat and wildlife habitat and corridors for habitat. Will the City need to identify the corridors? More information is needed on this. Another question is how wildlife gets down the hills to the valley floor. Planning. Director Kranss confu'med that this is not just an aquatic issue. Parks and Recreation Director Deal has seen deer on the golf course and at OIsun Farm. He believes the BPA powerline is a good corridor. Planning Director Kraass mentioned the Academy senior housing project that has wetlands and the Academy owns riverfront property which is adjacent to County acquired land and this could be developed as a corridor. Chairman Borden is very interested in opportunities for educational and parks development combined with environmental protection. ESA]Envirunmental Compliance Manager Nix has looked at the stream corridor by Olson Canyon and said the Olson property has not seen much impact from urban development. This is a great educational opportunity for the citizens. ACTION: 1. Ordinance No. 5630 - CDBG 2002 Program Budget Planner Aird did not have a presentation and wondered if the Committee had questions. There was a public hearing and now the City must adopt the ordinance for funding. $5,000 was cut from the budget. Councilman Brothem wondered if it is possible to maintain a cash reserve. Planning Director Kranss said this is strongly discouraged. If the City does not spend down the fund quickly enough, letters are received encouraging the City to spend the funds. In response to Councilman Brothers' inquiry about ACAP funding, Planner Aird mentioned they are funded through the general fund. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. 2. Ordinance No. 5626 - Washington State Dept. of Community~ Trade and Economic Development Graut Principal Planner Osaki mentioned there was discussion on this about one month ago and mentioned the GMA requirements. There is the possibility that the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment process may be accelerated this year. The State allocated funds to local jurisdictions to help with the GMA update process. He spoke of the need to update sensitive areas maps. A consultant will be hired to assist with the mapping update. The updated maps with assist Environmental Compliance Manager Nix's needs also. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. 3. Resolution No. 3404 - Marjorie Rommel Contract The contract is the same as last year. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY 14, 2007 4. Resolution No. 3405 - Interlocal Agreement with Pierce County Regional Council The resolution provides for Auburn's membership to the Pierce County Regional Council. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. 5. Ordinance No. 5624 - King County Contract for Arts Support Funds Parks and Recreation Director Deal explained the City has accepted the grant in the past. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. 6. Ordinance No. 5625 - Vehicle Acceptance from King County Parks and Recreation Director Deal explained that the Parks Department has received used vehicles in the past. Councilman Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilman Brothers, to recommend approval of the ordinance. Chairman Borden concurred. DISCUSSION: 1. Recommendation from Ad Hoc Task Force for TIP Funding Priorities Planning Director Krauss reminded Committee that he has talked about designating Auburn as an urban center previously. This idea was rejected years ago and now may be the time to consider. The State is moving to allocate funds to urban centers versus other areas. There were a of instances where human services programs go to the City of Kant because Kent is an urban center. Transporratinn and recreation funds go to urban centers. There is a very strong regional funding component administered by King County for urban centers. Some areas designated as urban centers do not have tho required densities, but will receive the benefits of being urban centers Councilman Singer commented that Auburn meets criteria for designation as an urban center. Planning Director Krauss mentioned benefits of urban center designation. The businesses and employment make Auburn qualified to be an urban center. He asked the Committee to reconsider for discussion if Auburn wants to be designated as an urban center. The regional funding package talked about is coming from the County and it will give priority to urban centers. Chairman Borden referred to the difference in density numbers and Planning Director Krauss offered to get a confmnatinn. Councilman Brothers asked about the other 40 percent and Planning Director Krauss said this places Auburn in with North Bend. Councilman Singer confu'med the power base is on the east side. If you look at the transportation committee, she is the only person from south King County. Planning Director Krauss spoke about some level of increased State gas tax supplemented by regional option taxes on top of gas tax and distributed regionally. The County is largely in charge of distributing the funds. Chairman Borden does not see that Rentun has received anything fi.om its urban center designation. There is pressure on urban centers for increased density. Planning Director Krauss commented that Renton has received increased bus service. The south County transit hub went to Renton because of its urban center designation and this was clearly sited as the reason for Renton receiving. Councilman Singer asked Chairman Borden what she does not like about the urban center designation. Chairman Borden believes there is pressure to receive increased density and impose changes on Auburn by the State or County. She mentioned the buildable lands. Planning Director Krauss commented that SeaTac has an urban center designation, but has not met its population goals. Tukwila is also an urban center designation that has not met its population goals. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY ,14, 200'/ . Councilman Brothers agrees with Chairman Borden and does not see a benefit for Auburn to be designated as an urban center. Councilmeraber Brothers suggested that Mary McCumber come and provide information to the Committee. Councilman Singer spoke in favor of the urban center designation and spoke of its benefits to Auburn. Having the designation will not force the City to change its zoning. Chairman Borden asked if Federal Way has an urban center designation and Planning Director Krauss replied yes. Chairman Borden believes that Federal Way's zoning density has increased. Principal Planner Osaki remarked that Federal Way is not coming close to the required density. Councilman Brothers would like Mary McCumber to come and speak, but he is not a fan of the urban * ' center dosignation. He agrees with Chairman Borden. Planning Director Krauss believes that Auburn can achieve what the urban center designation is asking for without changing policy. He confirmed this will be placed on the agenda for more discussion. 2. Height of Cell Phone Towers in the P-1 Zone Assistant Planning Director Rued spoke of the moratorium in place to address height of towers in the public use zone and if there is the need to propose changes to the Zoning Code. He showed a large zoning map that depicted the C3, M1 and M2 zoning districts in blue and the P1 and the LHP1 zoning districts in green. The map showed the location of existing towem and heights of the towers. One of the tallest tower is at the City watershed and was the first tower in the City. There are lots of opportunities in south Auburn for construction of towars. Chairman Borden asked if each wireless company has its own tower and Assistant Planning Director Rued spoke about colocation requirements. Assistant Planning Director Rued spoke of beginning amendments to the Zoning Code and see where Council is leaning. Chairman Borden said that she was not able to read all of the ordinances fi.om the other jurisdictions and appreciated being supplied with the information. She did read the Botbell ordinance and noticed in several ordinances that cities had view corridors and identified the corridors. She thinks Auburn should discuss view corridors. Bothell also considered noise impacts and believes this is important in residential and public zones. Chairman Borden noticed also that other codes had demonstration oftbe need for the type of service. The companies had to demonstrate need for 120 foot tower to meet need of their customers and that they were unable to colocatc on existing towers. The City should be stronger on colocation requirements. Other cities also required alternatives. She also wants to talk about micro cells in the future. Cotmcilmember Singer commented that the State is trying to interfere in local zoning authority regarding towers. Chairman Borden wants to better understand the alternatives such as colocation or on light poles. She would like to revisit the ' ' , - ~ssue of abandonment of tower and suggested a shorter tune flame be established for considering tower to be abandoned. Regarding aesthetics, one city required 5 20 foot evergreen trees to be planted. She would also like to revisit the landscape requirements. IfAuburu uses the conditional use permit process, the Hearing Examiner recommendation will only have three to four pages to go on. Planning Director Krauss remarked that if Auburn owns the property there is a different level of con~'ol and the City does not have to lease the property. Assistant Planning Director Rued commented that Qwest wanted to do on property adjacent to Game Farm Park. Parks and Recreation Director Deal commented that he has received calls fi.om carriers in the past requesting to construct 120 foot towers at Viewpoint Park. They always want their own tower and they want the tower to be as tall as possible. Chairman Borden does not think it is necessary for companies to have their own poles and some cities market poles on top of water towers. Chairman Borden remarked that some ordinances speak about radiation from the poles and some citizens think this is an issue. Councilman Brothers believes placement on existing structures should be stressed versus constructing another tower. Chairman Borden wants to review things and was happy with the PAGE 4 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY.14, 2007 height the way it was. She likes idea of monopole/lattice towers not being allowed in residential area and still does not see why they are need in public zones. She does not want higher than 45 feet for any new monopole or lattice tower in P1 zone or residential zone. Assistant Planning Director Rued summarized that the Committee wants 45 feet to be the maximum height allowed in P1 zone with additional setbacks in residential areas at a ratio of 2:1. INFORMATION: 1. LIHI Contract for the JC Penney BuildinE Councilman Singer expressed concern about commercial space guarantee for the City and the City having a say in who they rent to. Planner Aird pointed out the last exhibits and that specific requirements of the project are mentioned here. The City does nut have a say to whom the units are rented because this violates the fair housing code. Promises were not made about residential intent. Regarding commercial space, talked to LIHI and will be in Exhibit 1. Councilman Singer s~ressed that the contract will not pass Council and will be voted down and she is concerned about this. She believes a lot of promises were made, but does not see these promises in the documents. She was a proponent of the project and wants to see promises kept. Councilman Brothers spoke of constraints within the law and need to stipulate that project meets zoning codes. It is hard to insist on something that might be illegal. Planner Aird mentioned the potential violation of fair housing standard if the City checks out the renters. There is concern about commercial space funding some of which is private financing. She agrees with Councilman Singer's concerns. Chairman Borden wonders what happens if the Council does not approve the contract. Planner Aird said that LIHI probably will not be able to close on February 20 and will have to extend the closing date. The worst case scenario is that LIHI backs out. Chairman Borden wondered ifLIHI could do the project with the City assistance. Planner Aird said this depends on how strict the other funding sources are regarding matching fimds. Councilman Singer commented that LIHI came to the Auburn Downtown Association and talked about tenant advisory committee, commercial space and zoning requirement and LIHI agreed to work to get tenants the City would like. Councilman Brothers requested to see the current drawing of the project. The Committee agreed to table this to the January 28* meeting. 2. Update on Kersey 3 ElS Assistant Planning Director Rued pointed out the project's location on a map. The property owners have gotten together and submitted for environmental review. An environmental impact study is require. Some improvements will be needed to Kersey Way. This is a very challenging site. Planning Director Krauss confu-med that there are many complex issues involved with the project. 3. /tuburn Officials, Residents Unite to Help Terminal Pa~'k, News Tribute article dated December 31,2001 No discussion occurred on this item. 4.Terminal Park Neighborhood Meeting Stakeholders Mailing No discussion occurred on this item. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JANUARY '~4, 2002 . OTHER BUSINESS: Tree City USA Article Chairman Borden showed the aCdcle and asked that the article be distributed to all City Council members. Parks and Recreation Director Deal spoke about the number of trees planted by Parks Department staffat the golf course, cemetery, White River Trail, etc. The City now has a licensed arborist on staff. 2. 40 Rentals Site on Auburn Wa? South Parks and Recreation Director Deal commented that he recently spoke with representative for 40 Rentals. The City may have the opportunity to pick up the property in a couple years. The City will have the right of fn'st refusal. Planning Director Kranss showed an aerial map of the site and mentioned opportunities for improvements at Les Gove Park based on the acquired property. This would allow the facilities to have a greater presence on Auburn Way South. With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. PCDC~01A-2002 PAGE 6