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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-2007]K CITY OF ~~~~~^~~ PLANNING & COMMUNITY ~i DEVELOPMENT WAS H LNGTON COMMITTEE June 25, 2007 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER - 5:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS Councilmember Nancy Backus called the meeting to order at 5:03 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 (arrived at 5:06 p.m.), Member Backus and Member Wagner. Also present were Interim Planning, Building and Community Department Director David Osaki; Development Services Coordinator Steve Pitcher; Senior Planner Chris Hankins; Senior Planner Jeff Dixon; Senior Planner Andy Sheridan; Building Division Manager Jim Tinner; Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber; Cultural Arts Manager Laurie Rose; Museum Director Patricia Cosgrove; Economic Development Manager Dave Baron and Fire Marshal Jeff Stottlemyre (VRFA). Audience Members included: Steve Wright Theater Consultant,. Keith James, Daniel Stoner and John Drollinger. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 11, 2007 Member Wagner moved to approve the minutes from the June 11, 2007 meeting as submitted, seconded by Member Backus. Minutes approved 2-0. Chair Norman arrived at this time. III. ACTION A. Ordinance No. 6104 - 2006 "I" Codes -Building Division Manager Jim Tinner handed out a revised copy of Ordinance No. 6104 from what was provided originally in the packet. Adoption of new International Building Codes occurs approximately every 3- 5years. Significant revisions included definitions of the Fire Code Official to be refer to as VRFA; elimination of UHC and Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings in favor of the new International Code for Property Maintenance (ICPM). Committee members inquired as to some of the requirements of the ICPM, particularly as it relates to the need for electricity in homes, use of appliances, need to heat within a home, etc. Chair Norman inquired as to the meaning of "obscured windows." Mr. Tinner clarified that it relates to boarded up windows, not windows with reflective film. Page 1 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 The code will also include a definition of what constitutes a complete building permit application. There is also greater clarity of when and under what conditions a permit extension may be granted. Under the proposal, an application will now remain valid for a period of two years. For larger projects, staff would request an applicant to construct in phases. Fire Marshal Jeff Stottlemyre reviewed the highlights of the changes to those codes that relate to fire protection. One change relates to fire sprinkler riser rooms, which will allow for exterior access to these rooms, rather than requiring a firefighter to enter a building during a fire. Four definitions have also been added to the International Fire Code (IFC). Concerning fire alarm protection systems, the changes will require the systems to be addressable so that the location of an activated device can be determined within a building. Mr. Stottlemyre also pointed out some instances in which smoke and heat detectors can be used in lieu of a sprinkler system. Staff recommended adopting the 2006 State Building Code with local amendments. Mr. Tinner clarified that these changes will not impose a significant impact on building costs while still providing for public safety. Member Backus moved to pass Ordinance No. 6104 on to full Council for approval; seconded by Member Wagner Motion was approved unanimously 3-0. B. Resolution No. 4204 -Renaissance Senior Apts. Development Agreement Development Services Coordinator Steve Pitcher noted the Committee had seen this proposal at prior meetings. At its last meeting, the Committee had voted to have a Council public hearing on this at the July 2 meeting. However, after the public hearing on the Sunndalen project last Monday, the direction has been to seek an alternative date for the hearing. This date has yet to be established. Mr. Pilcher indicated that since the last meeting, the SEPA appeal period has expired. The agenda bill includes the key points, including benefits to city and applicant. Chair Norman expressed concern of how motorists coming from the south will access the site. Keith James, consultant to the developer, indicated that northbound drivers will have to turn onto 49t", head west to B St. NW, then turn east onto S 277t" Street, and then south onto Auburn Way North. Chair Norman felt the right-turn-in/right-out presents some problems and that left turns into the site would be preferable. Mr. Pilcher noted the site is within the restricted area of the S. 277th St. intersection, which results in the need for the turning movement restrictions. Page 2 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 The Committee asked what other access options are available, as they are not comfortable with right-turn-in/right-turn-out only. The Committee is tasked with ensuring it is a safely accessed site, but at this point, they are not convinced this is true. Daniel Stoner, developer, stated that the past history of accidents was before improvements were done to S. 277t" Street. They had approached staff and asked for consideration of these traffic improvements being in place, staff did not agree and disallowed left turns into site. The applicant indicated they do not consider access restrictions to be a major hindrance to their future residents, but it is more of a concern to the retail uses on-site. Member Wagner indicated the access issue will be discussed further at Public Works Committee this Wednesday. He indicated he would like to know how many senior housing dwelling units there are in the city and how this project helps meet demands. Staff was asked to research the amount of market rate senior housing. Keith James indicated they have information on the absorption rate of senior housing. Member Wagner expressed his appreciation of the provision of increased on-site parking on-site, but reiterated his concern that staff revisit the parking requirements of the Zoning Code. He then asked for clarification on aspects of the Development Agreement, including that on page 3, that 2-year limitation on building permits is acceptable. Director Osaki answered in the affirmative. Mr. Wagner suggested language be added to recognize the City can recoup costs for any staff support of this project pursuing other agency approvals on behalf of the developer. Upon questioning, Mr. James indicated that the site plan has been revised to provide approx. 106 parking stalls, more than shown on the exhibit presented to the Committee. He also indicated that the Fire Authority is satisfied with the access being provided around the building. City Attorney Heid proposed language to address the potential of the City recouping any costs that may be needed. He clarified other questions raised about the language within the agreement and indicated some changes will be made to address the concerns of the Committee. The Committee asked that the project be brought back at its next meeting; the public hearing for full Council can occur shortly thereafter. Page 3 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 IV. DISCUSSION A. Temporary Use Permit Fees -Senior Planner Chris Hankins informed the Committee of a recent request received from a local church to wave the temporary use permits fees for non-profit organizations. The issue arose from a specific request from a church seeking approval to operate a carnival. The City recently updated fees, including temporary uses; until last year, the fee was $50, but it now is $100. Staff examined neighboring jurisdictions and prepared a table comparing different approaches to fees. Auburn is comparable with nearly all; Burien charges higher fees, while Federal Way does not have a charge. Member Backus asked if the temporary use permit fee also applies to school properties, Senior Planner Hankins confirmed that it does. Hankins indicated there have been 4-6 applications from non-profits per year. The Committee agreed to exempt local non-profits but staff will need to define what is exempt. Staff was asked for some language to be brought back for committee for review. B. Code Enforcement Visual Issues -Development Services Coordinator Steve Pilcher presented the year-to-date code violation cases. Mr. Pilcher indicated staff is looking for direction from the Committee on code enforcement priorities and issues. Committee Member Wagner indicated his vision was the code should be able to address issues such as house paint peeling if it happens over afive-year period. Member Wagner wants the City to have more ability to address visual issues. Chair Norman reiterated the committee seeks to address properties that continue to deteriorate. The Committee indicated it would like to have clarification of what codes exist to enforce some of the visual problem circumstances and whether they are currently adequate. Mr. Pilcher noted the International Property Management Code will help with enforcement. Chair Norman also expressed concern with graffiti problems and penalizing victims twice by asking them to also remove the graffiti. The committee asked for information on how the IPMC will help code enforcement. Staff will return with more information at a future meeting. Page 4 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 C. Olson Creek Restoration Efforts -Museum Director Patricia Cosgrove noted a recent article in the Seattle Times regarding the farm. She then provided an overview of the farm and efforts to make improvements. Ms. Cosgrove described the restoration of individual buildings and reconstruction status. Restoration of the house has been determined from old photographs. The weaving house is nearly done on the outside. The chicken coop restoration is underway; the inside is yet to be done. Landscaping restoration is yet to be done; it will cost $185,000 and is complicated because of the creek, which contains salmon. Orchard restoration is underway. The south meadow has drainage problems and was previously cleared by goats. Stream restoration is matter of balancing historic accuracy and the need to protect salmon. There is a developer upstream who has mitigation obligations that may cover costs for work at mouth of the creek. Efforts this year will be on developing curriculum for 1St and 2"d grade and 6t" and 7t" grade students. Farm programs planned for the year 2010, when the farm is fully developed and open, were explained. She related this to programs and staffing of the museum and the farm for 2006 through 2008. Ms. Cosgrove showed a slide of the proposed operating budget through 2010: approximately $18,000 in 2007 and $78,000 in 2010. Mr. Faber explained the approach to funding. Ms. Cosgrove said that for museum, the City's money has resulted in $1.38 raised for every dollar of city investment. PCD decided to support growing the farm operating budget in line with the City's Farm Operating Plan. Member Wagner asked about long-term plans for the site caretaker. Ms. Cosgrove replied the current arrangement is a trade for services in exchange for living quarters. The caretaker's trailer is planned to stay, but to be disguised because funds cannot generally be used for upgrading this type of structure. Director Faber explained the proposal for a land swap with King County for a future bus parking area north of the farm. The swap is being relied upon for a match on a state grant. Chair Norman expressed her appreciation for what has been accomplished and the rate at which that has occurred. Chair Norman suggested that coordination with the Pea Patch programs could be possibility for farming on the Olson Farm Site. Member Wagner asked about the livestock plan. Ms. Cosgrove indicated a plan has not been developed due to limited staffing, but would like to see livestock potential in the future. Page 5 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 D. Theater Plan -Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber and Consultant Steve Wright presented a more refined business plan than previous. Two primary factors were: 1) expanding the arts and 2) creating some energy downtown. One concept is to allow for flexible seating and use of the facility. There is also a need to add a box office capacity at the theater. Steve Wright noted the report is reflective of what has been previously been presented. Member Wagner had questions regarding the ticket selling ability of the proposal. Mr. Wright explained the kiosk aspect will provide a visible location to allow for ticket sales. However, on-line and/or telephone purchases could also be available. Mr. Faber discussed the revenue stream that will be generated by ticket sales. Mr. Wright indicated the box office aspect could grow over time with effective marketing. Mr. Faber also indicated the theater could provide a downtown venue for activities currently occurring at school district sites such as Auburn Riverside High School. He indicated that Plan 3 was the best option. This requires a $219,000 annual subsidy from the City. Committee member Wagner indicated he would like to see this figure reduced to under $150,000. Member Backus stated she understood that the first two years will be difficult in terms of making money. The Committee discussed the project revenues and costs for the project as included in the pro forma. Committee member Wagner expressed the need to fine tune the figures and determine what the true costs will be to the City. Director Faber asked for direction for when staff sits down with the preferred architect for the project. There is also a concern about how to keep the theater open for a while, but potentially later close it down for additional work. The Committee expressed concern with opening the theater just for the sake of opening it, particularly if it won't be a quality facility. Chair Norman stated the objective is to economically transform it into a quality space where activities will occur that will attract individuals to come downtown. If this requires foregoing opening the theater on an interim basis, then that is preferable to spending money on patching it up. She stated that the box office is a needed addition. The Committee expressed concern over the terms of the lease and the amount of money that may be needed to improve the building. Director Faber discussed options for how staff could negotiate with the selected architectural firm. Mr. Faber indicated he could set up a meeting with the Committee and the lead firm to discuss specifics and answer questions. Chair Norman indicated Page 6 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 she is leaving on vacation, but stated the rest of the committee should participate without her. Member Wagner expressed interest in tying in future work on the old post office building with whatever efforts occur at the theater. There are opportunities for synergy between the two sites. E. Electronic Message Boards -Interim Planning, Building and Community Department Director David Osaki recapped the results of his and Committee member Wagner's sign tour of the City and showed a short video of various electronic signs from around the city. Staff is seeking direction as to what is/is not acceptable. Mr. Osaki pointed out there are instances of "signs within a sign," where the text copy may be visually acceptable, but there are activities displayed within the background that may not be desirable. The cycle length of these patterns/images may be of concern to some individuals. Member Wagner expressed concerns with flashing and "chasing" lights, from both a traffic safety and visual appearance standpoint. Chair Norman stated she had no objection to most of what was shown on the video, but there is a few which might cause individuals to pause to read a sign. A driver ought to be able to easily read a sign without needing to slow down or stop. Council member Wagner asked if it was possible to flag the portions of the video when undesired displays are shown. Mr. Osaki indicated he will work on the draft ordinance based upon the comments from the committee and may reconvene the sign company representatives committee to discuss this issue in greater detail. F. I Street NE City of Auburn/Port of Seattle Real Estate Agreement -Senior Planner Jeff Dixon noted this was last presented on May 29t" to the PCD and PW committees. It relates to a proposed ordinance to vacate a portion of I St. NE and also swap rights- of-way with the Port of Seattle related to their property in NE Auburn. Both items are scheduled to be accomplished by the same ordinance scheduled for the July 2 City Council meeting. A recent development has been concerns raised by an adjacent property owner (between RPG and the Port property). While the current proposed actions do not directly affect this neighboring property, the actions will "set the stage" for the need to eventually acquire some of the SE corner of his property to allow for future road extension. His property is already somewhat encumbered by wetlands, and areas for a future roadway may further reduce the amount of upland area available for development. This individual also has concerns regarding future access to his Page 7 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 property; his perceptions may be due to his viewing of some older conceptual maps. He will probably be in attendance at the July 2"d hearing. Mr. Dixon noted this matter will also be presented to the Public Works Committee this Wednesday. Member Wagner inquired whether negotiations with Robertson Properties Group (RPG) will be impacted by this issue. Mr. Dixon indicated that the actions implement the street network resulting from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is based on RPG's proposal and inconsistency is not likely. G. Neighborhood Grant Program -Senior Planner Andy Sheridan discussed revising the on-line application form to make it easier for people to access and fill out. He had provided examples from other communities as part of the packet. Many of them provide greater amounts of space to allow for more complete description of their proposals. A concept staff is considering is whether to provide atwo-step form and to not require as much initial information. A short pre-application meeting is desirable. Viable applicants could then provide additional information, but in a more streamlined second form than currently required. Providing a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet would be helpful. The Committee felt there should be no requirement to provide any information regarding IRS tax status and avoid the use of acronyms. The committee expressed a desire to have the same staff work with applicants throughout the process. Andy Sheridan also discussed an application received from the Wayland Arms Community Garden Club. This project is for enhancements such as fencing and path construction for an existing community garden at an apartment complex located at 307 South Division Street. The garden is currently well-utilized by the residents. The grant request is for $5000. If awarded, it will also help clean up the area and also address some vector control issues. The Committee expressed support for the project. H. Economic Development Updates -Economic Development Manager Dave Baron discussed some recent activities in the economic development arena: • Mithun/AEP design concepts: meeting this week with staff • Urban Partners • Tarragon possibilities in downtown • ICSC/Enterprise Seattle meeting Page 8 Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes June 25, 2007 • George Sharp (CTED) meeting: can provide specialists to help City to secure other grants, resources, etc. • Strachan update (part owner of Gambini block): SHAG is no longer pursuing this site • TOD update • C St. Group (south of AgriShop): owners have expressed interest in city assistance in developing this block; staff has advertised a RFP in the Journal of Business for this potential project • Heartland/TSC term sheet: getting close to an agreement • RPG re-cap: positive meeting held on June 18tH • Buxton report V. INFORMATION A. PCDC Status Matrix Related to the West Main Street improvement project, the Committee noted that the project is significantly different than first presented and bids are proposed to be awarded at the next PW committee meeting. The committee requested an explanation of how the final design was approved without further PCDC review and what occurred with costs. It was agreed that the bike lanes/"complete streets" issue (matrix No. 21) can be moved up to July 23 since the PW committee is addressing at their next meeting. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development Committee, Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. APPROVED THE DAY OF Lynn Norman, Chair Kirsten Reynolds, Secretary Page 9