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PLANNING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
April 23, 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
Planning, Building and Community Director Michael Davolio, Community Development
Administrator David Osaki, Development Services Coordinator Steve Pilcher, Senior Planner
AI Hicks, Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Economic Development Manager
Dave Baron, Human Resources Director Brenda Heineman, Mayor Pete Lewis and Planning
Secretary Kirsten Reynolds.
Audience Members included: Debbie Luce, Robert Whale, Faith Ritchie, Jean Aophd
Roshawna Atmore, Alan C. Keimig, former Mayor Chuck Booth, Walk Bishop, Dawn Cherne
and Barbara Muczynski
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 9, 2007
Chair Norman submitted two amendments for the April 9, 2007 minutes.
1) Under actions for Resolution No. 4172 Chair Norman's statement should
read as follows, "Chair Norman asked for time to review the lease via
e-mail and to pass it along to Council".
2) Under the information section for point A, Chair Norman recommended
"the City should hire someone to develop a Green Zone Plan".
Member Backus moved to approve the minutes from the April 9,,2007 meeting
with amendments, seconded by Member Wagner.
Minutes approved unanimously 3-0.
III. ACTION
None
IV. DISCUSSION
A. Proposed Downtown Sidewalk Design Guidelines/Standards
Development Services Coordinator-Steve Pilcher discussed the recommendations
received from LMN Architects. Planning and Public Works staff had a list of questions
for which they wished to receive Committee input. The discussion followed the Sidewalk
Design Guidelines documents outline. Staff shared input received from the Public
Works (PW) Committee earlier in the day.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
April 23. 2007
Sidewalk bulb-outs were the first topic of discussion. Public Works recommended the
bulb-out corners should be implemented on a case by case evaluation to effectively
deal with high pedestrian routes, secondary streets and vehicle turn radius.
Other recommendations accepted by the Committee included the continuation of using
concrete gutters as on Main St.; requiring a minimum of five foot wide clear walking
corridor; and continuing the use of square tree grates. PWC recommended the use of
stamped concrete at corners, while the architects had recommended using pavers for
Pedestrian I and Pedestrian II type streets. Chair Norman inquired about the cost for
long term maintenance and asked to make sure the grooves would be shallow to
prevent buildup of trash and other unwanted materials.
Discussion took place regarding "street section alternatives". If the City wants all the
sidewalks to be a consistent width, it may require a first floor setback on private
property. The current width of the downtown sidewalks is a minimum of eight feet and
some areas are up to ten feet wide. PWC recommended to deal with this on a case by
case situation as it will be difficult to make all sidewalk areas the same width.
The Committee discussed trees and the general streetscape. Chair Norman asked for
input from the Downtown merchants regarding if they want street trees in all instances.
Debbie Luce, Executive Director of the Auburn Downtown Association, said she would
poll the merchants to get some input. Member Backus asked staff to have the
consultants produce a visual presentation with an aerial view showing how the layout
would all work.
Materials for producing pedestrian crosswalks were discussed. The Committee
expressed concern regarding maintaining pedestrian safety. One option was to have
thermal plastic; this would give a fresher look to the crosswalk. The Committee asked
for a sample of the thermal plastic material. Mayor Lewis asked for any available
statistics showing where thermal plastics crosswalks were installed if there were less
automobile accidents with pedestrians. Staff will provide a visual presentation on all
four treatments side by side for the Committee to compare.
Lighting standards and continuous awnings were discussed. It was important to the
Committee to have a distinction of lighting between Main Street and the secondary
streets. Chair Norman would like to see more information on light fixtures that would
have pedestrian lighting and street lighting for cars. It was also recommended to
require building owners to provide lighting under the awnings.
B. B Street Plaza -Downtown Association
Debbie Luce, Executive Director of the Auburn Downtown Association (ADA), reviewed
the B Street Plaza proposal. Debbie Luce reported on activities currently happening
and coming up in the near future.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
April 23. 2007
Ms. Luce stated that individuals are, without authorization, moving planters to drive on
to the B Street Plaza. Senior Planner AI Hicks suggested the B Street Plaza access
curb -cut on Main Street could be replaced with curb, to prevent this from occurring.
The public use of tables and benches were discussed. There were concerns about
homeless people using them to sleep on. Debbie Luce noted less homeless activity in
the area. She also stated that two of the four tables in the plaza have disappeared.
Another topic discussed was the constant smoking that occurs. Park, Arts and
Recreation Director Daryl Faber stated this Plaza is considered a City owned park and
could potentially have no smoking on the premises.
Further conversation revolved around the art in the plaza and the need to have it
painted a new color. Next step is for Debbie Luce to prioritize the B Street Plaza
projects and resubmit to PCD for review. Staff offered to get some pricing on the
bollards and lighting improvements for the Plaza.
C. Valley Cities Consolidated Plan Consistency
Senior Planner AI Hicks introduced. Valley Cities representative Faith Richie and several
staff and members of the Board. The project proposes to construct atwo-story housing
complex that includes 24 studio units and atwo-bedroom resident manager unit, for a
total of 25 units. Also included in the complex will be a community room and two offices
to provide services on site. The project will provide permanent, supported housing for
single adults who are homeless with mental health issues or co-occurring mental health
and chemical dependency disorders.
Faith Richie spoke to the Committee regarding Valley- Cities' request for a Consolidated
Plan letter of consistency from the Planning, Building & Community Department. Faith
Richie talked to sections in the Consolidated Plan that supported their proposal and the
need to serve this population. She stated there is currently a waiting list for people to
get into housing. They have a team that would be available seven days a week, 24
hours a day for emergencies. A summary was given to the PCD Committee on the
proposal that included details on: the sponsor/owner, location of project, target
population served, available services, the current need, the developer, development
and operating funding.
Services will be provided to mental health, chemically dependent and homeless adults.
Valley Cities does have other housing units in surrounding cities and in Auburn; there
are five units at White River Garden apartments.
Common Ground Program Development Coordinator Roshawna Atmore spoke to PCD
about her agency and the Common Ground funding. Discussion took place around the
zoning letter issued from the City, which came back as an R4 (High Density Residential)
zone. Member Wagner asked Valley Cities if the consistency letter was not supportive
would the project funding be affected. Roshawna Atmore replied that it could.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
April 23, 2007
Mayor Lewis spoke about the need to support local Auburn veterans. Since Valley
Cities does offer space to veterans who are residents, the proposal does meet part of
the City's Consolidated Plan. Mayor Lewis stated in the Plan the long term alternative
treatment to jail is to provide supportive housing.
Human Resources Director Brenda Heineman asked if sex offenders would be allowed
into the facility and what would happen if people re-offended? Faith Richie responded
they try to screen extensively before allowing people to live at their sites. Individuals
would be kicked out of the facility for re-offending only if it was a condition of their court
order. If it was not in a court order Valley Cities stated they would still hold people
accountable for their actions.
Faith Richie responded that with this type of funding it is required for Valley Cities to
hold public neighborhood meetings. Some of their best references come from past
and/or current neighbors. The PCD Committee asked if they would be able to find a
manager capable to deal with this population. Valley Cities is planning to use United
Marketing firm to help select a manager. United Marketing has been recruiting for this
type of clientele/business for 20 years. Roshawna Atmore informed the Committee that
Common Ground, the management agency, has been operating for the last 27 years.
Former Mayor Booth added it is important to know there would be 24/seven contact
through both agencies.
Faith Richie stated first priority for housing would be given to local Auburn people,
including veterans. Valley Cities' long term strategic plan is vital to have housing.
Housing allows for a successful treatment plan. Discussion took place about client
turnover and medical attention. Turnover in a housing first model with services is not
very common, however people/clients are free to move if they choose. Medical needs
are met by a team consisting of one doctor and three nurses who work at the Valley
Cities property. Additionally, Valley Cities provides a van to transport any residents to
off site doctor's appointments.
Faith Richie and Roshawna Atmore were both concerned about the zoning letter they
received. The letter could potentially affect funding for the Valley Cities project. If the
project is fully funded, they anticipate permits and site plans to be turned in soon;
construction is scheduled to take place in June of 2008. Member Wagner stated that
the City would issue a new letter showing support for their proposal as discussed but
Valley Cities should expect specific requirements that Auburn's local population should
be offered services first. Planning staff will draft a letter for the Mayor's review, which
will then be passed along for Council's review.
Several people, representing the Valley Cities project from in the audience commented
on the need for supporting this type of development. Additionally, one woman spoke to
the I Street vacation, traffic calming and truck traffic complaints. Her comments and
questions were heard and answered by the Committee.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
April 23, 2007
D. Parks and Recreation Inventory
Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber handed out an inventory list created in
2005 and discussed what Parks are currently operated. In an overview of the 28
properties, Daryl Faber reported they replace 12 playgrounds a year. Daryl's opinion
and the opinion, of the community is a lack of maintenance. of these properties.
Member Backus inquired about the upkeep of Rotary Park. The park is not currently
irrigated reported Daryl Faber; he explained the general thought used to be if a park
was not irrigated there would be less maintenance. This truth is; as weeds grow the
parks look dilapidated and uncared for. If more irrigation and better turf care was
happening the parks would look better and perhaps be used more by the public. Park
staff is limited; there are a few different options to utilize the seasonal workers for a
longer amount of time to help with upkeep.
Replacing lights in the parks are done one park per a year. This project is very
expensive. There are always fundraising efforts happening to help support this activity.
Picnic tables and benches are another common upgrade; there is a supply of these
items in storage.
PCD asked to see more information regarding the number of fields the City currently
owns and things alike such as sizes and function. Daryl Faber will update the inventory
list for review and discussion; this will be called "Active Park Space Matrix".
The Lea Hill tennis court area, near 105th was determined to be City owned. Many
people misconstrue that the courts are owned by the adjoining apartment complex.
Discussion occurred regarding the abundance of tennis courts in this area. The park
could be better utilized with different activities, such as a skate park.
Member Wagner talked about the various styles of park signs. Daryl Faber replied
that the Parks Department has a plan to create a universal look for all the signs.
There are different sign categories such as neighborhood parks, community parks
and regional parks; all these park categories should have a unique set of signage.
This topic will eventually come back to Council for a final decision.
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Planning and Community Development Committee Minutes
April 23, 2007
V. INFORMATION
A. PCDC Status Matrix
a. Park signage to be added
b. Active Park Space/Space conversion
c. Wayfinding update on May 11tH
d. Green Zone Plan Consultant (to be hired); Planning staff will draft a scope of work
and present on May 11 to (one page)
e. Sundaalen update on May 11tH
f. Auburn Way North Senior Housing update on May 11tH
g. Planning Commission to be invited on June 11tH meeting date
B. May 14tH meeting was rescheduled to 4:00 p.m. on Friday May 11tH
C. Announcement of: Auburn Environmental Park Milestone Celebration -Monday April
30tH 10am-Noon, refreshments will be served. Chair Norman encouraged everyone to
invite others to come.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development
Committee, Chair Norman adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
APPROVED THE ~~ DAY OF n'~
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Kirsten Reynol cretary
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