HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-2004
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 6, 2004
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held on April 6, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of the Auburn City Hall. The regular meeting was preceded by a study session that began at
6:30 p.m. Those in attendance were as follows:
MEMBERS: Dave Peace, Karen Ekrem, Ronald Douglass, Renee Larsen, Yvonne Ward, Kevin
Chapman and Joan Mason
STAFF:
David Osaki, Bill Mandeville and Patti Zook
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Karen Ekrem.
STUDY SESSION at 6:30 p.m.
· Population Projections
Community Development Administrator Osaki provided information about the update of the Growth
Management Act. Certain data contained in the Plan is to be updated including elements and tables and
he spoke about which numbers are to be included. Growth and population are very important
components of the GMA update. He referred to a letter the City received from the 1000 Friends of
Washington.
Planner Mandeville gave a PowerPoint presentation and explained the reasons for the estimate which is
the anticipated growth and the land inventory that identifies anticipated capacity. These estimates are
used by the City and non-city agencies to size future programs, facilities, and infrastructure. The figures
are frequently used by developers, other agencies, and State and Federal agencies. He then described
the housing unit methodology which is used each year.
Discussion occurred regarding the housing numbers used by the State Office of Financial Management.
Planner Mandeville explained what is meant by the 'baby boomer effect'. He spoke about the southwest
Lea Hill, Lakeland and Kersey 3 planning assumptions and their historical growth rate. He explained why
the increase in population may not match the increase in households.
Discussion occurred about forecasting the need for additional police and fire with the growing population
and the cost of providing public facilities.
REGULAR MEETING at 7:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION
· 2004 Comprehensive Plan Update
· Buildable Lands
· Housing and Employment Targets
Community Development Administrator Osaki mentioned the buildable lands concept was an
amendment to the GMA and was the result of concerns from the development community that
government didn't have a clear idea of the amount of developable lands in their urban growth areas. All
cities, towns, counties now have to document the amount of land available.
Community Development Administrator Osaki showed an overhead of RCW 36.70A.215 related to
buildable lands. The development community was concerned about under utilization of land and if cities
are using land as efficient as could be. If not, governments are to look at measures to increase density.
Community Development Administrator Osaki showed overhead of RCW 36.70A.115 which he reviewed.
The update of City's Comprehensive Plan this year will incorporate the new population targets.
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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 6, 2004
Community Development Administrator Osaki showed an overhead of buildable lands and reviewed the
points. The years 1996-2000 were a period of high development and extreme growth for the Eastside.
He showed an overhead of residential capacity analysis and employment capacity in relation to targets
and Auburn has done well on these targets. There are new population targets now in effect for 2001 to
2022 based on City limits as of two years ago. He reviewed the information in some detail. The
capacities should be consistent with Auburn's water and sewer plans. He spoke about negotiations
among the cities to achieve target numbers.
In response to KC's inquiries about Auburn designated as an urban center, Community Development
Administrator Osaki commented that the City will focus growth on downtown. Concentrate growth and
employment in downtown which helps to protect other parts of the community from high density
development. City's strategy is to focus more on downtown.
Commissioner Larsen wondered where the new population coming from and if Auburn knew which
culture or environment they were coming from, the City could make easier for them and this may affect
what types of housing to plan for. Planner Mandeville said new residents are coming from Eastern
Washington, the southwest, California and immigrants from all over.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to come before the Commission the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
PCIAGND\MIN 04-2004
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