HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-2002 MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 12,200?
The regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee was held August 12, 2002
in Conference Room '1. Those members in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Tdsh Borden, Sue Singer, and Stacey Brothers
STAFF PRESENT: Paul Krauss, Daryl Faber, Shirley Aird, Dennis Selle, Ingrid Graub and Patti Zook
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Lewis; members from the Human Services Committee, representatives from
human service agencies
The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Borden at 5:00 p.m.
ACTION:
1. Approval of Minutes of July 22, 2002 Meeting
Councilmember Singer requested that the minutes reflect her comment regarding possibility of using Mel's
Lumber parking lot (page 3) and that the Consultant said the lot was too far away. On page 2,
'Commission' should be changed to 'Committee'. Councilmember Brothers made a motion, seconded by
Councilmember Singer, to approve the minutes with the outlined changes. Chairman Borden concurred.
2. Human Services Funding Rec~ommendations -- Recommendations for 2003 General Fund
Grants
Planner Aird mentioned that more than 30 agencies applied for funds. The Human Services Committee
(HSC) had to cut some funding to agencies in order to provide funding for other agencies. She pointed
out minor reductions. Funding is based on one percent of general fund expended in the previous year.
She explained the emergency feeding program.
In response to questions from Councilmember Singer, Planner Aird said the new voucher program is a
separate program and is not listed here. She then described the program. Planning and Community
Development Director Krauss said that $10,000 was proposed for the program, and some larger cities are
doing less than $10,000. This program was done as a program improvement last year and this year is in
the regular annual budget for human services. The idea is to get people quickly into provider services and
to tie them over for a weekend. The final forms and contract are under review.
Discussion occurred about what to do if a provider is difficult to work with. Planner Aird replied that some
of the programs are Federal programs used for pass through and if there is a problem with service
provided by an agency, a service audit can be requested. Councilmember Singer wondered if staff
coordinated with other human service agencies and how did HSC make their considerations based on
what King County decided. She is concerned that the human services arena is changing dramatically
because of what the State and King County are doing. She is concerned that an area may be cut
somewhere else that will effect Auburn more, and the City may need to be flexible in reaction to these
cuts. Planner Aird explained that information on the King County budget is presented to the HSC. She is
unsure that agencies know if or when their funds are cut. There are many meetings at the King County
level and interjurisdiction meetings also. It is important to balance regional needs with the agencies.
Councilmember Brothers commented that when expenditures are approved there is no flexibility.
Agencies make their budget based on Auburn's funding. Agencies may have to find additional resources
from other sources. Chairman Borden commented that Councilmember Singer's concerns are valid
because the State and King County are being unpredictable and the City needs to decide how to respond
next year. She also agrees with Councilmember Brothers that the providers are expecting a certain
amount of funding.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 12, 2002
Discussion occurred related to the differences between the emergency feeding program and the Auburn
Food Bank. Jack Laferty, Food Bank, presented information on the clients served. He is impressed with
the City's commitment to their agency and City staff is dedicated. The additional City support this year
was appreciated.
Councilmember Singer requested to see the HSC minutes and wants to review the HSC binder which
details the applications from the agencies. Chairman Borden thanked the HSC for their work and that
Council supports their decisions. Councilmember Singer announced that she is not prepared to vote this
evening on the funding recommendations until she reviews the HSC minutes and HSC binder, and she
will feel more comfortable making recommendation to Council after this review. Councilmember Brothers
suggested tabling action on both funding recommendations in order for Councilmember Singer to review
the HSC minutes and HSC binder.
Human Services Fundinq Recommendations -- Recommendations for 2003 Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG) Grants
Planner Aird revealed that $405,000 grant from HUD is expected and 14 applications were reviewed.
Some of the programs were outside the City or served very few Auburn clients. She provided information
on LIHI's historic preservation of the Penney building. A request from the City prosecutor's office was for
more advocate services and some CDBG funds are available. She spoke about the HUD regulations.
Councilmember Singer referred to the Community Health Centers (CHC) and asked how their services
relate to the State basic health care plan. Representative from CHC said their services cover what
insurance does not cover and is also for uninsured clients. Premiums paid depend on income of clients;
many clients are the working poor.
Couocilmember Singer asked if CDSG funds are targeted to special planning areas and Planner Aird
replied that no CDBG funds are allocated for the gateway or marketing projects. She spoke about work in
the community related to the neighborhood plan and that the area's income might quality for CDBG funds.
Planning and Community Development Director Kreuss said the neighborhood plan is funded through a
separate fund established by Council. Planning efforts have not reached the stage where staff knows
what the neighborhood wants. The fund remains almost untouched.
Councilmember Singer remarked that the housing repair fund is increased again and asked for the
reasons for the increase. Planner Aird replied that the housing repair program is serving more clients. In
fact, the program is currently out of money. The City is proposing to modify the program and do only
minor repair grants versus loans. Councilmember Singer would like to see about taking funds and
revamping blighted areas versus just repairing mobile homes.
Councilmember Brothers wants to devote resources to making a difference in neighborhoods. He likes
idea of funding for housing repair based on need. It is important to make the homes habitable versus
beautifying neighborhoods. Planner Aird commented that Terminal Park residents have not spoken about
condition of homes. She spoke about HUD regulations related to rehabilitation and the need to limit what
is done. The housing repair program covers lots of safety issues such as no water, plumbing, rotting
floors, etc., and about 50 or 60 clients were served last year. She explained how the program prioritizes
clients.
Councilmember Singer requested to see a graph that shows percentage of money spent on children
versus adults versus social services versus economic development. Chairman Borden announced that
action on both funding recommendations is being tabled to allow the Committee a chance to review HSC
minutes and the HSC binder. Action is expected at a future Committee meeting.
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3. ANX02-0005 - Thuline
Planner Aird distributed a map showing location of the proposed annexation. This annexation does not
have to go through Boundary Review Board and is in Auburn's Potential Annexation Area.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Brothers, to recommend approval.
Chairman Borden concurred.
4. ZOA02-0004 -- Amendments to Auburn City Code (ACC) Section 17.08.010 entitled
"Improvement Methods" to revise requirements pertaining to financial securities that may be used
to guarantee public improvements required in connection with plats being developed within the
city.
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss advised the changes is considered to be minor.
The Public Works Department and City Attorney wanted the change. He spoke about problems with bond
collection and in the past some bond companies have folded and this is not a good financial guarantee
method to use. Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval ofthe change.
Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer, said that assignment of funds or irrevocable letter of credit are
much better guarantees. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Brothers,
to recommend approval. Chairman Borden concurred.
5. CPA02-0003 - Comprehensive Plan - Essential Public Facilities./Secure Community Transition
Facilities
Amendment to the City of Auburn's Comprehensive Plan to the portion of Chapter 5 entitled
"Essential Public Facilities" to include a definition of Secure Community Transition Facilities
(SCTF) as Essential Public Facilities and to establish SCTF siting criteria.
6. ZOA02-0002 - Sitin,q of Secure Community Transition Facilities
Amendments to the Auburn City Code Title 18, Zoning, relating to the siting of Secure Community
Transition Facilities (SCTF). Addition of Chapter 18.48.150, entitled "Secure Community
Transition Facilities" to set forth specific siting criteria should an SCTF be proposed for location in
Auburn. Proposed amendments also include: adding a definition of "Secure Residential Treatment
Facility" to ACC 18.04, "Definitions"; adding SCTF's as a Use Requiring A Permit in ACC 18.32,
"M1 - Light Industrial District," and ACC 18.34, "M2 - Heavy Industrial District."
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss commented that the SCTF has been discussed
previously. Planning Commission held three public hearings, articles appeared in newspapers, and
additional advertising was done for the last Planning Commission meeting. Five to six people spoke
about abuse of a family member, one former offender spoke. Planning Commission asked audience
about its choice of two options - to establish siting criteria for SCTF or to do nothing. Audience wanted
City to have some siting criteria in place versus no criteria. They appreciated staff and Planning
Commission work on the siting criteria. He spoke about Planning Commissioner Ward's comments and
points made at the Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commissioner Ward believes that the State
Legislature does not have the constitutional right to assign to pre-emption and believes that DSHS does
not have right to pre-empt. She made the motion for approval of the Zoning Ordinance and
Comprehensive Plan amendments. He explained what Planning Commissioner Ward meant by phrase
'Without waiving any rights to challenge the validity....". He read the Planning Commission wording
change contained in the minutes and on page two of the agenda bills. Item 2 as proposed by the
Planning Commission may be problematic. Staff will recommend that Council go with language as
recommended by staff because the Planning Commission language may give DSHS a chance to override
the City.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 12, 2002
Councilmember Singer believes that item 1 is stated well. Chairman Borden agrees with Planning and
Community Development Director Krauss' comments. Councilmember Brothers remarked that element
of price of property was discussed in Planning Commission minutes because south King County property
is cheaper and Auburn might be prime candidate for siting of SCTF facility. He wondered about adding
phrase related to cheaper land prices not being factor in considering siting SCTF,
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss commented that there is language in policies of
Comprehensive Plan amendment that price cannot be a factor. Page 5-4 does not speak to actual land
costs. There are legal avenues if DSHS says Auburn property is cheaper and site in Auburn because this
would violate the Federal housing laws and could bring an environmental justice lawsuit. He spoke briefly
about certain neighborhoods in the past being sited for undesirable facilities such as refineries. If it can
be pointed out that the primary motive is cheap land, this violates the law. He believes the wording is
strong enough without actually saying 'cost factor'.
Chairman Borden referred to item 1 (page 6 of draft August 6 Planning Commission minutes) and asked
about basis for making decision related to suitable or unsuitable and believes there needs to be some
standard or criteria for judging. Planning and Community Development Director Krauss said staff could
add language that land costs shall not be a determining factor in siting of an SCTF and add in criteria on
page 5-4. Committee agreed to the change.
Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Brothers, to concurr with the
Planning Commission's recommended changes to the Comprehensive Plan amendments with one
exception. Part 2 was recommended to be reworded as follows: "such sites were found to be unsuitable
for an SCTF for reasonsother than the cost of property". The Committee recommended that the Zoning
Code amendments be approved as proposed by the Planning Department. Chairman Borden concurred.
Chairman Borden asked about the possibility of an SCTF being privately run versus state run. She does
not want to see a for-profit organization running SCTF and possibility of language in Zoning Ordinance or
Comprehensive Plan that facility must be publicly run. Planning and Community Development Director
Krauss does not believe this is dealt with in the law, Planner Aird read portion of definition in law which
says in part "...and operated by Secretary or under contract..." so SCTF could be run by private
organization.
7. Resolution 3507 - Transit Station Artwork
Parks and Recreation Director Faber said the art work was presented two weeks ago and then described
the art work. The artist is renowned and has done art at the Ballard Locks and at the Kent Criminal
Justice Center.
Councilmember Brothers does not want the art work to be a traffic hazard and is concerned about bikers
running into the art. Site distance problems need to be eliminated. Councilmember Singer made a
motion, seconded by Councilmember Brothers, to recommend appreval. Chairman Borden concurred.
8. Resolution 3503 - Olson Farm Lease Aqreement
Parks and Recreation Director Faber presented the staff report. The agreement was reviewed by the City
Attorney, Public Works Director and the Museum. Chairman Borden agreed that the work should not be
Public Works Department project. Parks and Recreation Director Faber expects the farm renovation to
occur within the five year time frame. Councilmember Singer made a motion, seconded by
Councilmember Brothers, to recommend approval, Chairman Borden concurred,
9. Award Contract - White River Trail Lightinq
Ingrid Graub, Project Engineer, said the bid opening is tomorrow and if the bids are higher, they will come
back to the Committee. Parks and Recreation Director Faber described the lighting, Councilmember
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMI']-rEE AUGUST 12, 2002
Singer made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Brothers, to recommend approval. Chairman
Borden concurred.
DISCUSSION:
1. Portable/Temporary Si,qns - Sorella's Espresso Issue
Chairman Borden acknowledged that staff did a great amount of work on this issue. Planner Aird
provided background on the issue which was raised by Sorella's Espresso and spoke about recent code
enforcement action at the stand. She gave a background on portable sign regulations, their size and
where permitted. Councilmember Singer believes that some cities are completely eliminating portable
signs and Planner Aird confirmed this. Planning and Community Development Director Krauss said that
portable signs are very hard to regulate, easy to abuse, and oftentimes block sidewalks. Some cities
have limited portable signs to only special events.
Mayor offered that there was discussion at the last City Council meeting and discontent with the sign code
was expressed by the business community. He spoke with Planning and Community Development
Director Krauss, representatives from the Chamber, community and realtors and asked them to look at
the sign ordinance. Tonight's matter is specifically referred to the Committee for a particular incident.
That matter should be forwarded to the citizens group for review and bring forward proposals and present
back to the Committee. The Sorella's Espresso situation would be placed on hold. Planning and
Community Development Director Krauss said that a letter was sent to Sorello's Espresso about code
enfomement action being held in abeyance until resolved.
Chairman Borden commented that there have been efforts in improving the way the community looks and
that signs are a detriment to the way the community looks. In Washington DC, neon signs are not
permitted at all and the businesses survive.
Planning and Community Development Director Krauss spoke about the Freddy's Casino sign which is
legal and meets City code. Mayor said the there could be special signage for downtown area or special
sections for different parts of town. The sign code speaks to exceptions or problems and needs to
respond to today's needs with buy-in from the public.
Councilmember Brothers said the focus group should look into all signs. Planning and Community
Development Director Krauss wants to make it clear that any changes for Sorello's Espresso will apply to
any business in the C3 zone. The sign ordinance is 15 years old, is due for a comprehensive rewrite, and
should be looked at in its entirety. Sign industry technology and artistry has changed. The City felt
different about signs in the past. Auburn should not have a lesser standard than adjacent jurisdictions.
Chairman Borden wants a representative from the Planning and Community Development Committee on
the focus group and for the group to look at other cities' sign ordinances to develop something that will
improve the visual impact and still allow businesses to be competitive.
Heidi Wood, Sorello's Espresso, said they are experiencing economic problems and must compete with
adjacent signage from Freddy's. She appreciates the City looking at the sign code and she is concerned
about the sign issue. Dawn Borcher said Sorello's Espresso business dropped 20% the day after the
portable sign was removed. They sign is covered and the light are off. Their business from 4 am to 8 am
has significantly decreased. The landlord filed complaints against their portable sign. She heard that
ownership of Freddy's has changed. Their sign was installed carefully with landscaping.
Councilmember Brothers appreciates that Sorello's Espresso is here tonight, but it seems their situation is
unique. The primary tenant has regulations imposed on him that force him to take action against Sorello's
Espresso portable sign. In looking at the sign code, the task rome should look at the specific situation
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 12, 2002
with two tenants and how they interrelate. He did not want to address Sorello's Espresso particular
situation, but some consideration should be granted to Sorello's Espresso.
Chairman Borden wanted to know if the other Sorello's Espresso signs are legal and Planning and
Community Development Director Krauss replied that the only sign in violation is the new portable sign.
However, their other signs have accumulated over the years. The code is liberal related to the number
and amount of signs. With multi-tenant buildings, signage requires cooperation and needs to be
coordinated sign program, and allocates signs among tenants. This is the building owner's responsibility.
Soretlo's Espresso could have an additional sign on the Freddy's sign if Freddy's owner was willing.
Mayor confirmed that during the task foroe's work time, code enforoement will not be enforcing the
portable sign regulation. If Freddy's comes to Sorello's Espresso and says they must remove the portable
sign, City cannot intervene; this is between Freddy's and Sorello's Espresso.
Chairman Borden asked Mrs. Wood if she feels that the location or sign is important to Sorello's Espresso
business and Mrs. Wood said that the location of the sign is important to the business for visibility
reasons. Freddy's sign blocks the Sorello's Espresso signs.
2. King County Parks in Potential Annexation Area
Parks and Recreation Director Faber provided an update and will present data on the pool to the
Committee. Mayor provided information to the Committee about a recent meeting with King County and
Auburn School District staff. There aro still issues to be resolved. The Forward Thrust bond issue which
built the pool is supposed to keep pool in operation for 40 years.
Discussion occurred over yearly cost of pool operations, percentage of pool users who are Auburn
citizens, peroentage of pool users who are connected with the School District, and peroentage of pool
users who live outside the City.
3. M Street SE Preferred Alternative
Ingrid Graub, Project Engineer, mentioned the study done to determine the best alternatives. She
reviewed the alternatives in detail. Public meetings were held for residents and feed was received. Staff
recommends alternative M3a. She then explained the bypass alternatives in detail. Staff recommends
bypass alternative BP2. She used drawings and pointed out impacted residents and which homes are to
be purchased.
Chairman Borden asked if the two projects are considered one project and Project Engineer Graub replied
yes. The pre-design is done to determine what the City wants and to seek funding. M Street project is
part of the FAST Corridor projects. The projects will improve railroad crossing and make intersection
safer.
In response to Councilmember Singer questions, Project Engineer Graub pointed out the bike routes.
Councilmember Singer asked about design standards in the Non-motorized Transportation Plan and how
to make route safe. Assistant City Engineer Selle said the project is a long range project; five years for
construction completion.
INFORMATION:
1. Dykstra Park Footbridge - Progress Photos
Parks and Recreation Director Faber distributed photographs to the Committee and described the work.
He expects the footbridge to reopen in three weeks.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AUGUST 12, 2002
With no further items to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Submitted by Patricia Zook, Planning Secretary.
Approved by the Planning and Community Development Committee on
PCDCffvllN\08A-2002
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