HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-2002 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JULY 22, 200?
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held July 22, 2002 in
Conference Room 1. Those members in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sue Singer, Jeanne Barber and Stacey Brothers
STAFF PRESENT: David Osaki, Sean Martin, Aaron Nix, Bill Mandeville, Jack Locke, Brian Petty
and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Lewis; Richard Warren, Transystems; John Ostrowski, consultant, J.
Tayloe Washburn, Foster Pepper Sheffelman; Scott Sherrow, W&H Pacific
The meeting was called to order by Acting Committee Chair Singer at 5:00 p.m.
ACTION;
1. Approval of Minutes of July 8, 2002 Meetin.q
Councilmember Singer asked for an explanation of the sixth paragraph on page 2 related to
stormwatar connection fee and transportation fees and Planner Martin provided explanation that
Safeway's proposed traffic impact fee is essentially zero based on Boeing's existing trip
generation rate. Councilmember Singer pointed that out clarification is needed to the last
paragraph on page 2.
The Committee agreed to the changes and approved the minutes.
2. Appeal of Business Re.qistrat on Application No. BUS20439 - 412 8th Street SW
Planner Martin summarized the staff position as stated in the agenda bill and letters to the
applicant. No additional information was received from applicant prior to the July 22'~ meeting.
Mike Penney, applicant, reviewed portions of letters received from Planning staff. He believes
that heavy industrial uses are not appropriate for the building. In 2000, tenants were doing
various uses there such as costumes, plumbing, car detailer, car repair, etc. He does not believe
his business interferes with the other uses or precludes other heavy industrial from being at the
location. His business will not have any impact on adjoining uses. His two criteria for rental
building were roll up doors to provide security of the equipment stored and no glass storefront.
He does weddings off-site, walk-in traffic is zero, and mostly equipment storage. There is a van
there now and the unit is used mostly as a warehouse. Ninety (90) percent of space is for
warehouse of files, equipment and vehicle. The building fits his security criteria. Some on-site
photography is done for ad agencies. Wedding photography is done off-site and arranged by a
sales rep in Edmonds.
Planner Martin remarked that no information was received from the applicant to determine if his
use is different from staff's initial impression. In the description of business activity, applicant
outlined appropriate criteria for his business, but it was not clear exactly what the activity entrails.
The applicant cannot pick and choose what provisions apply versus determining what the
business activity really is.
In response to questions from Councilmember Barber, Planner Martin said that as the Planning
Department signs off on business registrations, a Zoning Code provision must be assigned to the
business activity. This could possibly be considered as contractor trade sen/ices. Staff did not
have a clear understanding of the business to be conducted at the site. Mr. Penney said that 33
percent of business contracts to magazines and newspapers, 33 percent from the sales rep in
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JULY 22, 200?
Edmonds for weddings, and 33 percent from customer who needs commercial pictures. He does
not have any walk-in customers; only person on-site would be person supervising his photo shoot.
Discussion occurred as to how to classify the business and allow Mr. Penney to receive the
required business registration.
Councilmember Brothers suggested that Planning staff meet with Mr. Penney and request in
writing specifics as what Mr. Penney's intention is tO operate and hopefully the business will be in
compliance with heavy indus~al zoning. He understands Mr. Penney's percentages as
mentioned, but is not sure exactly what will transpire at the location. The City can proceed and
issue the business registration in a manner consistent with how the City needs to operate. Mayor
asked if staff has enough information to determine the appropriate subsection and Planner Martin
replied he has enough information that the property complies with at least two provisions of the
M2 zone and is consistent with the applicant's verbal testimony. Mayor instructed staff to move
fo~vard with approval of the business registration. Councilmember Singer confirmed that no
action is necessary by the Committee per the Mayor's directive.
3. Safeway Development A.qreement
Planner Martin reminded Committee that this concept was discussed at the last meeting and that
particular language was still being reviewed and revisions incorporated in the draft agreement
dated July 22~. No appeal of the environmental determination was filed.
J. Tayloe Washburn introduced others related to the Safeway project and again presented an
overview. They received required Permit from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The agreement
proscribes what will be built and allows clear predictability and time table for the City and
developer. He pointed out Section 4 and Section 5 of the agreement. He summarized what the
document Ps providing Auburn and the adjacent cities. The conditions are satisfactory to address
the proposal's impacts. The Public Works Committee has reviewed the attachment that depicts
conceptual drawing of C Street SW.
Scott Sherrow spoke about requirement of City engineers for an additional northbound lane.
There will be two lanes north, two lanes south and turn lanes for truck movement. They will offer
right of way land to Auburn for the additional northbound lane as part of the agreement.
In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Mr. Washburn said that the Public Works
Committee did not have any other concerns. Agreement has specific language for Public Works
Director to give credits for certain things such as connection fees. The credit takes into account
no impact on the system.
Councilmember Singer commended staff for their great job in reviewing the project.
4. Surplus Items from Senior Center
Recreation Manager Petty reviewed the reasons for the needed surplus. Councilmember
Brothers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Barber, to approve the surplus.
Councilmember Singer concurred.
5. Resolution 3503 - Lease A,qreement with White River Valley Historical Society
This was removed from the agenda.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE JULY 22, 200~,
DISCUSSION:
1. Transit Station Communities Project Parkin,q Mana,qement Study
Community Development Administrator Osaki provided background on the grant from Puget
Sound Regional Council. This presentation will be given to the Public Works Committee on
August 12.
Dick Warren, Transystems, mentioned the 1996 parking study. Parking is cdtical to the
downtown's success and provides an opportunity for redevelopment. The parking garage was
alluded to in the 1996 study and now the garage is open; however there are not nearly enough
stalls in the City's 180 stalls to offset the coming need. The question is how to achieve the best
results and solve the parking problems, and who to manage parking. Rather than create a new
hieramhy, the City should manage parking for the area. The City will have to be a partner with
acquiring land or providing long term finance or agreements with development for parking or a
component of public parking. They recommend that Auburn create a position within community
development for parking management. The position could also be a project manager and focal
point for parking issues, including the enforcement side, provision of new facilities, negotiating
deals with Sound Transit and Metro, and act as key interface with the medical center. He spoke
about acquiring the block north of City Hall, when construction of medical center addition is
complete. The City should think about relocating court and police and converting the site to a
pedestrian fdendly parking facility which will take pressure off parking situation. A major parking
facility in conjunction with the hospital would relieve parking congestion and would be a safe and
attractive lot. This would free up other lots for customer parking. Employees and visitors to City
Hall and hospital could use the new facility. The City could also lease parking rights for
redevelopment of buildings along Main Street because they could pay for parking and this would
be a source of revenue. He spoke of the need for more parking on the west side of the railroad
tracks because the 15~ Street park and ride lot will be phased out. This parking should be
accommodated by South Transit and Metro. The City does not want to run out of parking in the
garage without a new parking facility being available. Coordinated development provides a good
opportunity and demands a focus.
John Ostrowski spoke about Vancouver, WA situation, in which they recognized the need for
parking downtown and the expense involved in providing the required parking and cut deals with
developers. There are lots of examples in Vancouver as to how to structure such deals such as
having permanent lease holders and selling to them. Partnerships are very important and City
should have capability of establishing such partnerships.
Mr. Warren said there is not much opportunity for fee parking which gives Auburn an advantage
over other cities. Developing a parking facility on the north parking lot would be in an investment
in downtown redevelopment. Over time such a facility becomes more valuable. There are
residences about retail in downtown and a permit system should be worked out for these
residents so that they can park in the lots dudng weekends and evenings.
Mr. Ostrowski stressed the need to have a shadow budget for determining the actual cost of
parking facility. In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Mr. Warren said the
hospital is aware of the need for more parking. Hospital owns two or three small lots on the
northeast comer for additional parking. However, it makes more sense to develop one larger
area with attractive lighting that works for the City and hospital. There are considerable parking
problems experienced by employees of the City and hospital. They met with Pat Bailey and her
staff. He cautioned that the surface parking lots are now full, and the parking garage will become
full when more trains run.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMI'I-I'EE JULY 22, 200;,
Project Engineer Locke spoke about the inadequate parking for employees of the City and
hospital. In response to questions from Councilmember Singer, Planner Martin told about the
City's commute trip reduction program. Mr. Ostrowski, stressed the importance of having
someone in charge of parking. Once parking garage is close to capacity, there will be need for
enforcement. He suggested that staff contact Vancouver, WA for information on how they
structured development deals. He mentioned that Pierce Transit charges for parking for special
events and runs.a shuttle service.
Councilmember Brothers does not want to devote downtown to 'alien' parking. Councilmember
Singer is concerned about tearing down the police/court building and if thera is discussion of
purchasing Mel's next to the railroad tracks it might be better option for parking, She wondered
about the possibility of using Mel's parking lot. Mr. Warren said the lot with the police/court
building is attractive because the lot is mostly parking now, is close to the hospital and City Hall
and other employers. Mel's parking would be too tar away; one block distance can make a big
difference in the use ora parking lot. Project Engineer Locke said this study was illustrative
versus site specific and is not a siting study and did not provide an in-depth analysis of specific
locations.
Councilmember Brothers wondered about the idea of sharing parking facility with store front retail.
Mr. Warren commented that he is not sure the block is amenable to share use and the study was
not that kind of detailed study of parking demand, The parking facility would be one floor with
probability of two floors in the future with 300 spaces on the surface and 500 spaces on the
second floor. The high school area was not specifically addressed because it is outside the study
area. If the City has a parking management position, that person could monitor the high school
and Sound Transit boardings.
Mayor remarked that if the City has 'ground' or facility that all desire, the City can put restrictions
on it because the desirability of the 'ground' makes all the difference. Mr. Warren advised that
Portland bought a portion of an area for redevelopment, put out proposals, increased the tax
base, and provided tax increment financing. Auburn only has a few blocks and these should be
encouraged strongly with incentives to develop.
Mr. Ostrowski said that Vancouver has seen big changes in the last couple years and purchased
brewery properties and developed park and dictated what the city wanted. The changes to the
area are dramatic with downtown retail, downtown residential and parking garages. Mr. Warren
spoke about having street impact fee and parking impact fee.
Councilmember Singer thanked Mr. Warren and Mr. Ostrowski for conducting the study.
2. AmeriCorps Grant
PI.anner Mandeville provided background of the grant for its sixth and final year. There are three
minor changes to the grant from previous years which were reviewed. The City was informed
today that the contract from Washington Service Corps has a return date of August 5 so this grant
approval will be on the next Council agenda if possible, The ordinance will be the same as in
previous years except for different amounts. ·
In response to questions from Councilmember Singer, Planner Mandeville mentioned that WSC
was told about the changes. Because of the changes, there is actually a zero sum impact to the
general fund. In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Planner Mandeville said
th.at Auburn is the only city that has AmeriCorps. Most of the activities are school based such as
crime prevention, organize school patrols, youth crime watch and the school district benefits the
most.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMrCr'EE JULY 22, 200;,
Councilmember Brothem made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Barber, to recommend
approval of the grant renewal.
!NFORMATION:
1. Comprehensive Stream and Wetland Plan
Environmental Compliance Manager Nix was assigned this task and provided an update. He has
been looking at properties owned by the City and consen/ation easements. He needed to
establish exactly what properties Auburn owns and determine where the storm drainage is. The
City does not have an inventory of streams. Auburn received a GMA grant to update the wetland
map inventory and will have updated wetland maps and streams listed also. He spoke about field
work to be done. He will Come back to the Committee with a plan that identifies major fish
streams and wetlands in Auburn. He will also have a ranking system with priorities and
established criteda within a year.
In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Environmental Compliance Manager Nix
spoke about the possibility for Cooperative efforts with Green River Community College and
University of Washington. This has been done in the past with water quality. He spoke of this as
the active component to education. He spoke of the importance of his work in relation to the
storm water utility and linkage to Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw's work. Water quantity and
water quality are direct impact on how to respond to ESA. The City is responding to NPDES also
as well as unfunded mandates. Auburn will need a permit from DOE to allow the discharge of
surface waters to major water bodies. There is system of six we guidelines and need to show
how Auburn is improving water quality in the City. Auburn has done a progressive job of laying
the groundwork for this process and big emphasis is on maintaining areas such as sweeping the
streets more often and cleaning catch basins. He reminded Committee that grants are available.
Mayor appreciates the work being done by Environmental Compliance Manager Nix.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Submitted by Patricia Zook, Planning Secretary.
Approved by the Planning and Community Development Committee on August 12, 2002.
PCDC~I~7~2~2
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