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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-1997 Council Minutes CITY OF AUBURN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 3, 1997 7:30 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Flag Salute Mayor Booth called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call Mayor Booth and the following members of the Auburn City Council were present: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Jeanne Barber, Trish Borden, Gene Cerino, and Stacey Brothers. Councilmember Poe was excused from attendance this evening. Staff members present included Police Chief Dave Purdy, Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Personnel Director Brenda Kennedy, Acting Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Library Director Andy Waters, Finance Director Diane L. Supler, Public Works Director Frank Currie, Planning and Community Development Director Paul Kreuss, Assistant Planning Director Lynn Rued, Senior Planner Bob Sokol, Associate Planner Bill Mandeville, City Attorney Michael J. Reynolds, City Clerk Robin Wohlhueter, and Deputy City Clerk Dani Daskam. C. Announcements and Appointments 1. Announcements a) Presentation to Mary Caldwell Mayor Charles A. Booth to recognize Mary Caldwell for her dedicated service to the community and membership on the Auburn Park Board. With the assistance of retired Parks and Recreation Director Len Chapman and Acting Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Mayor Booth Page I City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3. 1997 presented a plaque to Mary Caldwell commemorating 24 years (1972-1996) of service on the Auburn Park Board and recognizing her dedicated service to the community. Mayor Booth highlighted the Auburn parks acquired or developed during Ms. Caldwell's tenure on the Park Board which included Cameron Park, Dykstra Park, Lakeland Hills Parks, Scootie Brown Park, Game Farm Park, Game Farm Wilderness Park, Isaac Evans Park, Roegner Park, Bicentennial Park, Olson Canyon, Green River Access acquisition, Clark property acquisition, Fenster Farm acquisition. Mayor Booth also noted that Ms. Caldwell was the recipient of the Citation of Merit from the Washington Recreation and Parks Association in 1991. Acting Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal also introduced Park Board members Yoka Ansingh and Jim Weese in the audience this evening. On behalf of the City Council and the community, Mayor Booth thanked Ms. Caldwell for her service to the community. b) Certificate of Achievement Mayor Booth to present the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Finance Director Supler for the City of Auburn Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ended 1995. Mayor Booth and Finance Committee Chair Barber presented Finance Director Diane L. Supler the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City of Auburn Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ended December 31, 1995. 2. Appointments There were no appointments for City Council review. D. Agenda Modifications There were no agenda modifications. Page 2 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 II. CITIZEN INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS & CORRESPONDENCE A. Public Hearings 1. Auburn Parking Study and Amendments to ACC Chapter 18.52- Off Street Parking and Loading O1.2, O3.4.2.1.2 Downtown parking issues studied were examined and a review of the City-wide parking ordinance was undedaken in conjunction with a 12 member citizen's advisory committee. The study includes a series of potential long-term and short- term implementation strategies, including proposed amendments to the Parking Ordinance, ACC Chapter 18.52. Senior Planner Bob Sokol presented the staff report. The Parking Study was completed in conjunction with a 12- member citizens advisory committee. Members of the committee included: Don Cheney, Pete Lewis, Darrel Majors, Bill Morchin, Janice Nelson, Lynn Norman, Kerri Olsen, Mary Stanton, Doris Thompson, Councilmembers Borden and Poe, and Planning Commission member Bill Taylor. The Parking Study examined downtown parking issues and reviewed the city-wide Parking Ordinance. The Study includes a series of potential long-term and short-term implementation strategies including proposed amendments to the Parking Ordinance, Auburn City Code Chapter 18.52. Proposed changes to Auburn City Code Chapter 18.52 include the removal of parking requirements for change of use in the C-2 zoning district, a 25% reduction of the parking requirements in the downtown area, and adds provisions for decreases in parking requirements for shared uses city wide. Mr. Sokol emphasized two of the Study's recommendations. The first recommendation is the waiver of the parking requirement for the change of use of an existing structure in the C-2 zoning district. The waiver may in the long run exacerbate some parking shodages in the downtown area; however, the Committee felt strongly that the waiver was needed to encourage new development and redevelopment in the downtown area. The second recommendation is to increase the parking fine from $3.00 and $5.00 to $20.00. Mr. Sokol explained that the recommendation to increase Page 3 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3. 1997 the parking fine was not a unanimous recommendation by the Committee, but the majority of the Committee members and many of the people who attended the Parking Study open house believe the increase is necessary to encourage parking turn over. Mr. Sokol advised the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Study and the Parking Ordinance amendments on January 7, 1997, and the Commission recommends the City Council adopt the Parking Study and the amendments to the Parking Ordinance. Staff also recommends the City Council adopt the Parking Study and the amendments to the Parking Ordinance. Mayor Booth opened the public hearing. Michael Bocatch, 111 "H" Street SE, Auburn, WA Mr. Bocatch advised that he previously addressed the Planning Commission with his concerns regarding the Parking Study and amendments to the Parking Ordinance. He expressed concern that the potential long-term and short-term strategies contained in the Study promote downtown shopping at the expense of residential parking. He indicated the Study encourages the employees of downtown businesses to park east of Auburn Way and in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Bocatch pointed out that many of residents of the residential neighborhoods east of Auburn Way have no off-street parking and rely on street parking in front of their homes. Mr. Bocatch recommended the downtown parking strategies be limited to downtown and not allowed to encroach upon residential neighborhoods. He urged the City to improve the policing of handicapped parking and fire lane parking violators. Kris Susee, 10 "B" Street NE, Auburn, WA Ms. Susee spoke on behalf of the Auburn Downtown Association. She thanked the Mayor and City Council for funding the Parking Study and the opportunity for citizen participation. She commented on the 25% reduction in the parking requirements for downtown. According to Ms. Susee, the reduction will provide an incentive to businesses to locate in downtown Auburn and provide options for some underutilized lots which may be used for employee parking. Page 4 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 The waiver of the parking requirement for the change of use of an existing structure in the C-2 zoning district will also attract and retain new business in the downtown area. Ms. Susee questioned whether three parking spaces could be installed on East Main Street across from the Auburn Family Sports Center. Public Works Director Currie advised that the installation of parking at the site would eliminate the right-turn and through-traffic lane on East Main Street. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to close the public hearing. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to return the Parking Study and Parking Ordinance amendments to the Planning and Community Development Committee for further discussion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. B. Audience Participation 1. Debbie Trott, 220 D Street SE, Auburn, WA Ms. Trott thanked Mayor Booth and City staff for their efforts regarding increased rail mobility and the expansion of the Burlington Northern Railroad within the city. Ms. Trott also noted that the Port of Seattle is looking to acquire a parcel of land within the city limits as part of their wetland mitigation for the SeaTac Airport third runway project. Ms. Trott alerted the City Council and staff that the Port will be looking to the City for accommodation in fulfilling the Port's mitigation requirements. 2. Michael Bocatch, 111 "H" Street SE, Auburn, WA Mr. Bocatch referred to an editorial contained in the January 23, 1997 South County Joumal article regarding the location of a federal immigration detention facility in the city of Auburn. Mr. Bocatch expressed concern with an excerpt from the editorial which states "contrary to the views of a handful of citizens." He reported that he did not find an Page 5 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 announcement in the South County Journal that a meeting was being held by the City Council on January 21, 1997. He suggested that the City become more proactive in making meeting announcements available to the South County Journal. Mayor Booth noted that the City Council considered only the annexation of the property at the January 21, 1997 meeting, and a proposal for the federal immigration detention facility has not been discussed or considered by the City Council. City Attorney Reynolds also advised that to date the City Council has considered the annexation of property only. Any proposal for an immigration detention facility would require a land use designation change which would entail a rezone and a conditional use permit. Mr. Bocatch explained his concern is that no announcement was made by the South County Journal that a City Council meeting was being held the night of January 21, 1997. Mayor Booth and City Clerk Wohlhueter advised Mr. Bocatch that the media is provided a copy of public notices and City Council agenda packets as required by law. Mayor Booth advised that notification is given to the media, but the City cannot control the items the media chooses to publish. Mr. Bocatch reiterated his concern that the general public is not notified of City Council meetings unless they seek out the information. 3. Councilmember Borden Councilmember Borden conveyed her thanks to the Auburn Police Department for apprehending the person who stole a purse from her office last week. C. Correspondence 1. A letter addressed to the Editor from Auburn City Councilmember Sue Singer dated January 30, 1997. 2. A letter addressed to the Editor of the South County Journal from Councilmember Eugene Cerino dated January 31, 1997. Page 6 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 III. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Municipal Services Chair Brothers reported the Municipal Services Committee met this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. The Committee discussed and recommends approval of Resolution No. 2801 approving a contract with Vadis Northwest for the litter control program. The Committee also recommends the surplus of Police Department body armor equipment. The next regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 1997 at 4:30 p.m. B. Planning & Community Development Chair Borden reported the Planning and Community Development Committee met January 27, 1997. The Committee discussed the request to annex the River Rim property located on Lea Hill. The Committee recommends the City Council reject the annexation request at this time. The Committee also discussed the Supermall's request to discontinue shuttle service between the mall and downtown. The Committee continued discussion of the Supermall's request until February 10, 1997. The Committee discussed and recommends approval of the Consolidated Plan, a liquor license application, and Ordinance No. 4944 to accept a grant from the South King County Community Network for the Youth Participation Initiative. The Committee discussed the "A" Street Neighborhood Plan which will be discussed again at the February 10, 1997 Committee meeting. The next regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee is scheduled for February 10, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. C. Public Works Chair Wagner reported the Public Works Committee met January 27, 1997. The Committee discussed proposed contracts for real property negotiations, permission to advertise for sale or lease of the Goedecke North property, and various storm, sewer and water improvement projects throughout the city. The Committee also received presentations on a water conservation program, "B" Street LID schedule, an interlocal agreement with Algona and Pacific to improve Ellingson Road, the Stampede Pass Study which identified some of the concerns expressed by Ms. Trott during audience Page 7 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 participation this evening, and the Transportation Plan schedule. Chair Wagner advised that the Public Works Committee will meet February 10, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. in a special session to discuss the Transportation Plan. The next regular Public Works Committee meeting is scheduled for February 10, 1997 at 5:30 p.m. D. Finance Chair Barber reported the Finance Committee met this evening at 6:30 p.m. The Committee discussed Ordinance No. 4945 relating to the issuance of $5,000,000 in utility revenue bonds. The Committee also discussed the preliminary Official Statement for the bond issue, the surplus of antiquated print shop equipment, and claims and payroll vouchers. The Committee received a presentation by Personnel Director Kennedy on the activity of the municipal court. The next regular meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 1997 at 6:30 p.m. IV. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes 1. Minutes of the January 13, 1997 special City Council meeting. 2. Minutes of the January 21, 1997 regular City Council meeting. B. Vouchers F4.9.2, F4.9.5 1. Claims Claims check numbers 119418 through 119696, including voided check number 119418, in the amount of $1,891,477.42 for Period 14 and dated February 3, 1997. 2. Payroll Payroll check numbers 236683 to 236944 in the amount of $730,932.13 and Direct Payroll Deposit transmissions in the amount of $246,604.79 for a grand total of $977,536.92 for the pay period covering January 17, 1997 to January 27, 1997. Page 8 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 C. Liquor License 1. Longhorn Auburn. Inc. A5.6,1 City Council to approve a liquor license for a Class H & I liquor license at 635 C Street SW subject to compliance with all applicable City Code requirements and a valid occupancy permit. D. Contract Administration 1. Public Works Project No. 591A O4.8.1 PR 591A City Council to approve Change Order No. 1 , and accept construction and approve the final pay estimate for Contract No. 96-11A, PR 591A, Well 7, storm revision to Scotty's General Construction. 2. Public Works Project No. 557 O4.11.1 PR 557 City Council to award Contract No. 97-02 for PR 557, 1996 Storm, Sewer & Water Improvements to Pape & Sons Construction, Inc., on their low bid of $953,202,50 including sales tax. E. Real Property Sale/Lease 1. Goedecke North Property A3.13.4 Permission to advertise for request for proposals for the sale or lease of Goedecke North Property. F. Surplus Property F4.6.1 1. Police Department City Council to surplus the City property no longer of value, and authorize disposal of three (3) body armor vests that am past the five year rotation date for ballistic material to be effective and identified with Serial Numbers S13435, S13434, and one number is unreadable. Page 9 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 2. Finance Department City Council to declare surplus two (2) pieces of obsolete Print Shop equipment consisting of a Multigraphic copier 2300N, serial number 30124 and a Martin Yale folding machine, serial number 7A-1319. G. Call for Public Hearing 1. Application No. ANX0001-97 O3.1 ANX0001-97 City Council to accept the petition for annexation on a 4.3 acre parcel of land that is located south of South 316th Street and west of "VV" Street NW, and to call for a public hearing to be held at the February 18, 1997 City Council meeting. Motion by Councilmember Barber, second by Councilmember Brothers to approve Consent Agenda Items IV.A through IV.G.1. Councilmember Brothers requested that Item IV.D.2 be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. Motion by Councilmember Brothers, second by Councilmember Wagner to award Contract No. 97-02 for PR 557, 1996 Storm, Sewer, and Water Improvements to Pape & Sons Construction, Inc., on their low bid of $953,202.50 including sales tax. Councilmember Brothers questioned whether the contractor, Pape & Sons, has performed work for the City in the past and to the City's satisfaction. Public Works Director Currie advised that Pape & Sons Construction, Inc. has performed work for the City in the past in a satisfactory manner. Councilmember Brothers indicated some citizens expressed concern with the workmanship of the contractor. Public Works Director Currie advised he has not received any complaints recently regarding the contractor, and any concerns are usually investigated before a bid award recommendation is made. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. Page 10 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There were no items for City Council review under this section. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Application No. ANX0002-97 O3.1 ANX0002-97 The request of property owners to annex a 12.73 acre parcel of land into Auburn located on Lea Hill at the northwest corner of the intersection of 108th Avenue SE and SE 290th Avenue. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to reject the request for the preparation and circulation of the annexation petition at this time. Councilmember Cerino questioned the purpose of the request to annex to the city. Planning and Community Development Director Krauss explained the property is adjacent to an existing city boundary. Current city policy requires the property owner to petition for annexation in order to obtain utility service. If the City Council approves the motion to reject the preparation and circulation of the annexation petition at this time, the property owner will be obligated to sign a pre-annexation agreement and will then be eligible to receive utility services. In response to a question from Councilmember Brothers, Councilmember Borden explained the property owner is required to petition for annexation in order to receive water certificates. Mayor Booth added that the City cannot adequately serve the property with fire and police services at this time. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. B. Application No, CUP0004-96 O3.10.1 CUP0004-96 The request of Kodo Construction for a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a 3,490 square foot outdoor equipment storage yard on property located at 122 Clay Street NW and zoned M-l, Light Industrial. Page 11 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to approve the conditional use permit based upon the Hearing Examiner's Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Conditions, and to instruct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary Ordinance. Councilmember Cerino noted that the subject property abuts another property which was previously granted a permit to increase outdoor storage with conditions for appropriate screening and landscaping. As of this date, the abutting property has not complied with the conditions of their permit for screening and landscaping. Assistant Planning Director Rued advised that the abutting property owner was given 90 days to comply with the conditions of their permit. The 90 days have expired and the conditions have not been satisfied. Mr. Rued advised that the issue has been turned over to the City's code enforcement officer for resolution. Mr. Rued explained that the circumstances of Application No. CUP0004-96 are different from the previous application from the abutting property owner. Application No. CUP0004-96 is for the establishment of an outdoor storage area where no previous outdoor storage existed. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. C. Application No. RFZ0005-96 03.8 REZ0005-96 City Council consideration on the request of Gheorghe Georgiv for a rezone from R-2, Single Family, to C-3, Heavy Commercial, on property located at the southwest corner of Auburn Way South and "E" Street SE. Councilmember Borden commented that the rezone is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; however, she is sensitive to the neighborhood concerns and expressed her hope that concerns can be addressed through the site plan if the property is converted to a commercial use. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to approve the rezone based on the Hearing Examiner's Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Conditions, and instruct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary Ordinance. Page12 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 Councilmember Wagner asked whether conditions for landscaping and screening can be added to the rezone this evening. Assistant Planning Director Rued advised that the addition of conditions that are not included in the Hearing Examiner's decision will require an additional public hearing. The City Council can only modify the Examiner's decision after conducting their own closed record hearing. Councilmember Borden withdrew her motion, and Councilmember Wagner withdrew his second. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to hold a closed record hearing on Application No. REZ0005-96 at the next City Council meeting on February 18, 1997. Councilmember Wagner requested that Planning Department staff provide recommendations for appropriate screening south of the property. Councilmember Brothers pointed out that screening should be to the south and to the west. Planning and Community Development Director Krauss acknowledged that the City Council is interested is assuring appropriate screening from adjacent residential neighborhoods. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. VII, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. O~inances 1. Ordinance No. 4941 03.5 PLT0005-90 An Ordinance of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, approving the Final Plat of Lakeland Hills Division No. 10, a 39-1ot single-family subdivision located within Lakeland Hills, within the City of Auburn, Washington, according to the plat on file with the Clerk of the city of Auburn. Page 13 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to adopt Ordinance No. 4941. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. 2. Ordinance No. 4944 F5.5, A3.11.2 An Ordinance of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the South King County Community Network and the appropriation of Thirty-three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($33,750) to implement the Youth Participation Initiative for the purpose of creating volunteer opportunities that support the Late Night and After School Programs and the Neighborhood Family Center at Mt. Baker Middle School. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Barber to adopt Ordinance No. 4944. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. B. Resolutions 1. Resolution No. 2801 04.7.2 A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Agreement for Professional Services for a litter control program between the city of Auburn and Vadis Northwest. Motion by Councilmember Brothers, second by Councilmember Borden to adopt Resolution No. 2801. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. Page 14 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 2. Resolution No. 2814 A3.16.9, A3.13.4 A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Agreement for Professional Real Property Negotiation and Relocation Services for the year 1997 between the City and Universal Field Services, Inc. Motion by Councilmember Wagner, second by Councilmember Cerino to adopt Resolution No. 2814. In response to a question from Councilmember Brothers, Public Works Director Currie explained that relocation services consist of relocating buildings and premises displaced by the acquisition of right-of-way for city public works projects. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. 3. Resolution No. 2815 A3.16.9, A3.13.4 A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute separate agreements for Professional Real Property Appraisal and Review Appraisal Services for the year 1997 between the City and Clendaniel, Lema & Watts, Inc., and Strickland, Heischman & Hoss, Inc. Motion by Councilmember Wagner, second by Councilmember Cerino to adopt Resolution No. 2815. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. 4. Resolution No. 2817 03.1 ANX0001-96 A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington relating to its intention to annex certain property, located on the city's northern boundan/, that is south of South 285th Street and east of the West Valley Highway. Page 15 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 Motion by Councilmember Wagner, second by Councilmember Barber to adopt Resolution No. 2817. MOTION CARRIED. 4°2. Councilmembers Borden and Brothers voted no. 5. Resolution No. 2822 O3.4.1.7, O3.11.3 A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Auburn, Washington, adopting the 1997 Annual Plan to the city of Auburn's Consolidated Plan for the years 1996 to 1999 -- A Comprehensive Planning Document for Housing and Community Development Programs. Motion by Councilmember Borden, second by Councilmember Wagner to adopt Resolution No. 2822. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6-0. VIII. MAYOR'S REPORT A. Update on BNSF Railroad Planning and Community Development Director Krauss presented a brief update on the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad issue. He advised that the City is still waiting for decisions on the Growth Management Hearings Board case and the Surface Transportation Board case, and actions are still pending in the 9th Cimuit Court. Staff is working to ensure that the railroad issue is taken up by the state legislature and the United States Congress to provide funding for rail impacts or rail mobility issues. He distributed copies of an excerpt from the Auburn Stampede Rail Traffic Impact Study Final Report dated January 23, 1997 and copies of the FAST Corridor, a project funded by the State Department of Transportation, Puget Sound Regional Council, various cities, Pierce County, port districts, and the railroad. At the recommendation and insistence of the city of Auburn, the FAST Corridor project developed into a multi-government effort to establish a corridor-wide perspective on the railroad issue. The State Department of Transportation contributed $70,000 in funding and contracted with Texas Technical Institute for grade crossing analysis. The FAST project examined 44 grade crossings between Page 16 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 Seattle and Tacoma which were ultimately prioritized as to traffic, truck traffic, and cross corridor roadways. The FAST Corridor project identified projects that have been studied and are ready for funding. Among the high priority projects is the South 277th/272nd corridor project which is in its design phase. The 3rd Street South/Cross Street project is already funded and has been in design for some time. The "M" Street crossing is also highly rated project; however, the "M" Street project has not been fully studied. Mr. Krauss explained that the Auburn Stampede Rail Traffic Impact Study was funded by the state legislature through a grant to the city of Auburn. The focus of the study was strictly the impact of reopening Stampede Pass. The study identified "M" Street, 3rd Street and the Auburn-Black Diamond Road as streets which need to be addressed. The information contained in the study confirms the City's initial projections of the impacts to city intersections. A state legislative committee chaired by Representative Schmitt is working to develop a state-wide program to deal with port issues, NAFTA impacts, and rail crossing issues throughout the state. A number of bills have been introduced in the state legislature to provide funding for crossing grade improvements. Mr. Krauss stated the funding needed for the FAST corridor projects is approximately $500 million which he anticipated will be funded equally between the state and federal governments on a six to ten year basis. He also advised that Congresswoman Dunn's office is providing assistance in obtaining a demonstration grant in the amount of $90 to $100 million through ISTEA grant funds. The Washington State delegation to the United States Congress as well as other state delegations have been pursuing an effort to provide a separate appropriation of ISTEA grant funds to fund projects within the "rail corridors of national significance" rather than taking funds from individual state's share of federal ISTEA grant funds. Mr. Krauss anticipates several initiatives will develop over the next few months. Mayor Booth stressed that the City is also working to alleviate other rail impacts such as noise. In response to a question from Councilmember Brothers, Mr. Krauss explained that the railroads pay a diesel fuel tax to the general fund of the federal government. Page 17 City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes February 3. 1997 Mayor Booth advised that he recently spoke with Senator Roach and Representatives Thomas and Robertson who are all very supportive of the City's efforts. B. Executive Session No executive session was held this evening. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council this evening, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Approved on the / ~/1~ day of /'~~L,4..z(~ , 1997. Charles A. Booth, Mayor Robin Wohlhueter, City Clerk 97M2-03.DOC Page 18