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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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