HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-2007.._ * ~
CITY OF ~* - '~
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PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
June 11, 2007
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER - 5:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Chair Lynn Norman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located
on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA. Committee members
present were: Chair Lynn Norman, Member Backus and Member Wagner. Also present were
Interim Director, Planning, Building and Community Department David Osaki, Development
Services Coordinator Steve Pitcher, Senior Planner Jeff Dixon, Environmental Protection
Manager Aaron Nix, City Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director Dennis Selle, Parks, Arts
and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Economic Development Manager Dave Baron, Mayor
Pete Lewis and Planning Secretary Kirsten Reynolds.
Audience Members included: Debbie Luce, Daniel Stoner and Keith James
Special Planning Commission & PCDC Joint Meeting
Chair Norman welcomed the Planning Commissioners and introductions took place; Chair Judi
Roland, Vice Chair Kevin Chapman, Peter Di Turi, Dave Peace, Darci Bidman and Joan
Mason were all present.
The Planning Commission (PC) was invited to discuss how the year was going and ask
Members of Planning and Community Development (PCD) committee questions. Chair
Norman commented that communications between the two groups could be improved and
suggested the purpose of this joint meeting was to begin this dialog. If amenable, the groups
could meet periodically in the future for extended meetings. These meetings will serve as an
opportunity to discuss topics and expectations in more depth. Mayor Lewis commented that
he would like to see more communication with PC around the Council's perspective for long-
term direction of the City. There was consensus that atwo-hour meeting will be set up in the
future by staff. Interim Director, David Osaki will bring the Commissioners up-to-date on their
general Work Plan in preparation for discussions at the joint meeting; other topics to be
discussed include the PCD Matrix and the Council's Vision Map (in large print).
In efforts to have better communication a suggestion was made to have the Commissioners
receive all PCD agendas and minutes, excluding any topics pertaining to future public
hearings.
Commissioner Peace said that have been times when community members have presented
overwhelming and reasonable requests that may vary from the Council's vision. A short
discussion took place regarding whether feedback from citizens ever effects a change to an
aspect of the Council's Vision. There were varying opinions expressed on this topic, ending in
that all. public comments are welcomed at council meetings.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11, 2007
The PC asked about the recently completed community survey. PCD told them staff could get
the results to them. It was a random telephone survey conducted by the Hebert Company.
Commissioners Roland and Mason talked about attending a training relating to planning and
how they really enjoyed attending the session. A Planning short course had to be rescheduled
will be again be scheduled and both PC and PCD members will be invited.
The group discussed the idea of having Commissioners in training and if this was a good idea.
The overall response was that once individuals are identified that it would be beneficial to have
them attend two or three PC meetings before their appointment to the PC. The thought of
someone being a regularly participating alternate was not thought to be of value to the group
or to an individual. The current recruitment process for obtaining new PC members are such
that the Mayor identifies perspective individuals and public advertisements in newspapers.
In conclusion of the joint meeting the group decided they would review the PC's Work Plan, the
PCD Matrix, the Council's Vision Map (in a large format for easy reading), review of the
Development Agreement process and review of the Hebert survey results. Staff will arrange a
time to get together and ensure documents such as agendas, minutes, and work plans will be
distributed. The Planning Commissioners commented on the great job that staff does to meet
their needs, allowing them to make good recommendations.
This joint meeting portion ended at 5:38 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 29, 2007
Member Backus moved to forward the minutes from the May 29, 2007 meeting to full
Council and approve as submitted, seconded by Member Wagner.
Minutes approved unanimously 3-0.
III. ACTION
A. Resolution No. 4189 -King County Countywide Planning Policies
Senior Planner Andy Sheridan informed PCD of the three amendments being purposed,
none of which affect the City of Auburn.
o GMPC Motion No. 06-1 -Amends the interim Potential Annexation Area of the
Countywide Planning Policies by including an area known as "West Hill" within the
PAA of the City of Renton.
o GMPC Motion No. 06-2-Amends the Countywide Planning Policies by revising
existing policy LU-25b to allow adjustment of household and employment targets if a
new municipal incorporation occurs within a designated Potential Annexation Area
(PAA).
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11.2007
o GMPC Motion No. 06-3-Amends the Countywide Planning Policies by designating
the Overtake area of the City of Redmond as an Urban Center. Overtake is added to
the list of Urban Centers following Countywide Planning Policy LU-39.
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4189 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
B. Resolution No. 4199 -Acceptance of a 4Culture Grant in the Amount of $15,600.
Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber announced this is grant came in at a
higher amount than last year award; this year's award was in the amount of $15,600.
per annum for the 2007 cycle as part of its Local Arts Agency Sustain Support program.
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4199 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
C. Resolution No. 4200 - 4Culture grant resolution: $30K Facility award
Director Faber announced that information on this request came a little late but Parks
staff still submitted and received the award. The $30,000 grant is to be used through its
Local Cultural Facilities program. Funding was based on the number of applicants and
tax revenues allocated. The money has already been expended towards the
engineering and triaging aspects of the theater project. Chair Norman commented that
this is a very rare grant to receive; staff is doing a great job.
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4200 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
D. Resolution No. 4201 - SSS/KC Meals on Wheels Agreement
Director Daryl Faber short description entailing:
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4201 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11, 2007
E. Resolution No. 4202 -Nutrition Service Agreement
Director Daryl Faber gave a short description of the nutritional program. He stated that
because of this program they are able to offer the best priced meals in town at only
$3.00 a meal.
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4202 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
F. Resolution No. 4203 -Senior Enhance Wellness Program
Director Daryl Faber gave a short description of the program. This resolution authorizes
the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Senior Services of
Seattle/King County and Group Health Cooperative to facilitate a Lifetime Fitness
Exercise Program for Auburn Senior Center participants.
Member Backus moved to forward Resolution No. 4203 on to full Council for
approval; seconded by Member Wagner.
Motion was approved unanimously 3-0.
IV. DISCUSSION
A. Resolution No. 4204 -Auburn Way North Senior Housing Development Agreement
Development Services Coordinator Steve Pilcher noted this item is regarding the
Renaissance senior housing project, which has been previously presented to the
Committee. A SEPA Determination has been issued, but the project is still in the SEPA
appeal period which will expire on June 20, 2007. Mr. Pilcher informed PCD that the only
comment received to date has been from the Muckleshoot Tribe. Staff was able to provide
a response that satisfied. their concerns. Therefore, staff believes it is highly unlikely a
SEPA appeal will be filed. In the interest of moving the project along, staff is requesting the
Committee consider establishing July 2 as the date for the full Council to conduct a public
hearing on the development proposal. The Committee will still be able to discuss the matter
with the developer at its next (June 25) meeting and, in the event there are concerns or a
SEPA appeal is filed, the item could be pulled from the July 2 agenda.
Staff noted that the proponent's original requests for reduction or elimination of park impact
fees and the possible use of nearby City owned. floodplain compensatory storage pond
have been removed. Member Backus asked if the parking was adequately addressed to
ensure there will enough parking stalls. The City's requirement is currently 0.25 stalls
required per unit for senior housing; the developers are providing 0.88 stalls in their plan.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11.2007
Discussion occurred concerning the difference between subsidized and market rate
developments and their corresponding parking requirements. Member Wagner stated that
he was not enthused about this development but acknowledged it seems to be meeting
requirements and is acceptable. Mr. Pilcher also clarified that there is only one vehicle
entrance/exit on the property. The Committee noted that for future development
agreements they would like to see an area map showing the surrounding developed
environment.
Member Wagner expressed his interest in staff reviewing the parking standards for these
types of developments and perhaps for all types of land uses.
The Auburn Way North Senior Housing Dev. Agreement will come back on July 25th for
PCD for further discussion. The Committee agreed to schedule the matter for public
hearing with the full Council at its July 2, 2007 regular meeting.
B. Downtown Sidewalk Guidelines
Development Services Coordinator Steve Pilcher and City Engineer/Assistant Public Works
Director Dennis Selle presented the guidelines that have been revised to incorporate the
comments of the committee and staff. They clarified the next step after adoption will be to
provide greater details in the form of city construction standards. Mr. Selle pointed out that
the DuraTherm product could only be done by a few companies and the City should add
some wording allowing the use of products "similar to" instead of limiting it to the brand
name "DuraTherm" to ensure alternatives could be used. This would allow more flexibility
in the products being used. It is more expensive to use the DuraTherm product initially, but
staff anticipates long-term maintenance costs will be less due to the method of installation.
Mr. Selle will provide the Committee with a total cost example of one crosswalk using the
DuraTherm product and similar product. The Committee also asked staff to discuss the
durability and maintenance costs of the product, i.e. how many years will the crosswalk last
in either scenario.
Lighting standard heights were discussed. Mr. Selle noted there are many items of
competition with lighting such as trees and awnings along the pedestrian and vehicular
pathways. Chair Norman asked for staff to explore "up lighting"; this could create a better
ambiance and address any safety issues. Chair Norman stated that a safe pedestrian
atmosphere must have adequate lighting. Mr. Selle suggested that a lighting level
functional standard be considered to allow greater flexibility to adjust the height and
spacing that is used. Councilmember Wagner suggested that lighting levels and
aesthetics both be considered.
The upkeep and costs of sidewalk pavers were discussed. Chair Norman noted that
Councilmember Singer has great interest in their use and asked for more information
concerning the upkeep and maintenance costs for the different pavement treatment
options. It was implied that the Plaza and Division Street promenade areas should include
the many of the same materials to be used in the new sidewalks. There remain concerns
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11.2007
about how to transition between new developments that will use the new sidewalk design
with the existing sidewalk standard. PCD would also like staff to clarify the look, layout,
durability and costs of the various types of materials that could be used. Some specific text
changes to the Downtown Sidewalk guidelines were noted.
C. Government Relations Manager Carolyn Robertson brought forward a Public Facilities
District (PFD) agreement that would allow the Mayor to sign a Consultant Agreement to
implement a contract to create a PFD in Auburn. The group was informed this will be
moving forward to the Finance Committee.
D. Ordinance No. 6095 -Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Adoption Process Delay.
Environmental Protection Manager Aaron Nix informed the Committee the City will have
another year to use up all the funds granted. The Department of Ecology has asked the
City of Auburn to hold off on the official adoption of the SMP and wait for their comments.
Ecology sent Mr. Nix a "Time Extension and Budget Redistribution of Funds by Fiscal Year"
showing that the City of Auburn still has an additional $50,000 to spend down. Staff
identified an option of adopting a resolution conditionally approving the SMP subject to
DOE's review. There was discussion about the options but it was decided that the City will
wait for the Department of Ecology's (DOE) comments before adopting the SMP.
Interim Director Osaki shared that the City of Federal Way is going through the same
process and that the comments they received were pretty extensive. If Auburn's comments
are similar, then the rest of the money would likely be expended. The Committee
suggested waiting for the Dept. of Ecology's comments until the fall in efforts to maintain a
good working relationship. A letter will be drafted by Aaron Nix and reviewed by David
Osaki asking for the DOE comments within the next two months.
E. Les Gove Community Center Update
Parks Director Daryl Faber talked about a new RFP that could be coming up in the near
future. All the work being purposed for the Center is in line with what the community would
like to see. Mr. Faber stated that he is comfortable using ARC architects to implement the
project; staying with ARC could save a couple of months planning time. Chair Norman
affirmed the City needs to be very clear on what is desired for the look, feel and use of
project and its public art. The Committee was in agreement to move forward.
F. B Street Plaza Update
Parks Director Daryl Faber talked about the costs of implementing the new layout with the
new materials. The B Street Plaza Project was broken down in two phases for
implementation. In phase one, the existing planters would be moved to center of plaza, two
picnic tables would be replaced and two new ones added, four bollards would be installed
and the art work would be powder coated black. In phase two, the City would talk with the
Auburn Downtown Association (ADA) to partner on the following items to be
changed/added to the Plaza, to include new trash receptacles (with City logos), benches
with planters, kiosk and installation of up lighting.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
June 11, 2007
The general consensus was that if phase one could be implemented by this summer it
would be a great improvement and a worthwhile project to implement. Executive Director
of Auburn Downtown Association, Debbie Luce talked about the increased use of the
plaza and what an asset it would be to have a kiosk installed. The Committee is
comfortable in committing to implementation of phase one without the powder coating and
adding the trash receptacles.
V. INFORMATION
A. White River Trail Extension
Parks Director Daryl Faber gave a brief update on completing the White River Trail on
the Danner Property. There is $128,000 to implement the project by the fall.
B. PCDC Status Matrix
The Committee reviewed the current matrix line by line and identified specific updates,
dates and had brief discussions on some of the topics. One new item to be added to
the matrix is reviewing the zoning code for parking rates.
VI1. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development
Committee, Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
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Kirsten Reynolds, Secretary
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APPROVED THE - i DAY OF