HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-1997 Special Council Mtg CITY OF AUBURN
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
February 4,1997
The special City Council meeting convened at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers
located at Auburn City Hall. Mayor Charles A. Booth welcomed King County
Executive Ron Sims, Councilmembers, and community leaders for the purpose
of discussing community issues such as transportation, annexation, human
services, and economic development.
Attendance
Councilmembers in attendance at this meeting included Gene Cerino, Trish
Borden, Sue Singer, Jeanne Barber, and Stacey Brothers. Staff in attendance
included Cultural Program Manager Josie Emmons, Senior Planner Bob Sokol,
Planning & Community Development Director Paul, City Engineer Dennis
Dowdy, Senior Planner AI Hicks, Intergovernmental Affairs Lisa Clausen,
Finance Director Diane L. Supler, Mayor's Executive Secretary Duanna
Richards, Public Works Director Frank Currie, City Attorney Michael J. Reynolds,
and City Clerk Robin Wohlhueter.
There were a number of community leaders present that included
representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Downtown Association,
Lea Hill area, Human Service Agencies, Green River Community College,
Emerald Downs, MA Segale, Inc., Puget Power, Universal Refrigeration,
Supermall, Citizens Coalition for Responsible Railroads, and members of the
press.
King County Executive Ron Sims briefly reflected on a childhood experience that
reflects his position as a public servant. Executive Sims is present today in order
to find out what action oriented community issues King County should be
working toward for the betterment of the Auburn community. Executive Sims
thanked Mayor Booth for this opportunity to meeting with community leaders.
King County will be working with Mayor Booth in a partnership to resolve and
embody all knowledge to address issues and concerns.
Mayor Booth opened the discussions.
Transportation
Public Works Director Frank Currie identified the RTA as a positive issue facing
Auburn in locating the transit hub and other transit facilities in the south King
County area. Auburn is conspicuously located between Seattle and Tacoma
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February 4, 1997
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which makes it unique in locating transportation facilities Valley cities face
problems in transporting people east and west. Currant projects include the
North Tapps Corridor project to connect Bonney Lake residents to State Highway
167, and the South 277th project. Other concerns identified by Mr. Currie
include obtaining separated railroad crossings, and traffic problems on Lea Hill.
Pete Lewis, Sterling Savings, identified changes in income, social service needs,
employment, as major issues facing the community. Auburn has become a hub
for entertainment, transportation, and business in King County. Mr. Lewis
expressed concern with east/west corridors, railroad lines and the potential for
locating a railroad yard in Auburn. Auburn needs to be seen as a major
transportation hub.
Ron Crockett, Emerald Downs, drew attention to the service problem and the
question of who will take responsibility for railroad traffic that will jam traffic
patterns in Auburn. Mr. Crockett urged for mitigation with regard to traffic
impacts not only faced in Auburn but in other communities as well.
Executive Sims believes in commerce but was surprised that no mitigation efforts
are underway at this time. Executive Sims indicated traffic concerns require
coordinated advocacy for mitigation, permit control and buffer requirements.
Regional consequence of non-mitigation efforts may result in inefficient
movement of goods resulting in the loss of business to other ports.
Paula Thrush, Lea Hill Task Force, asked that King County consider prioritizing
improvements to the Lea Hill road earlier than scheduled in 1998 because the
mad has deteriorated. Ms. Thrush noted there are 17,000 vehicle trips per day
at the intersection on Lea Hill Road.
Stan Tabb, Supermall, reported that he met with a federal senator from the state
of Washington and railroad representatives. The railroad is of the opinion that
they are legal based on laws written 100 years ago. Mr. Tabb commented that
100 years ago, environmental control or equal dispensation were not issues. Mr.
Tabb urged the county and state to assist Auburn in moving the federal
government.
Executive Sims is not optimistic about the federal government responding,
however, requests should be made for funding both on the federal level and
regional level. Executive Sims indicated the region has a moral obligation
because everyone benefits by having the railroad here, not just one community.
It is Executive Sims' intent to take a active role on the rail issue. Mayor Booth
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February 4, 1997
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encouraged participation from those entities that benefit from mitigation including
state, federal and port districts. Mr. Hart, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce,
echoed support for commerce in the state of Washington and for responsible
growth, but felt the railroad and those who benefit should do more to mitigate
traffic concerns in the Auburn area as well as state and regional concerns.
Debbie Trout, Citizen Coalition for Responsible Railroad, thanked Executive
Sims in discussing his family's personal experience of the state highway
department building a freeway across the street from his home resulting in
devaluation of their property without consideration. Ms. Trout emphasized the
railroad tracks bisect Auburn at mid-point both north, south, east, and west. She
also expressed concern of the railroad opening a rail yard in Auburn. Ms. Trout
feels Auburn deserves more attention above other communities because of the
intensity of what is proposed to happen.
Ron Crockett, Emerald Downs, drew attention to the proposed 20,000 seating
amphitheater that will be located in incorporated King County with no
requirement for road improvements. He reported $5 million was invested into
road improvements for construction of Emerald Downs. Executive Sims
discussed GMA problems.
Annexation
Paul Krauss briefly identified potential annexation areas located on Lea Hill and
the West Hill. Negotiations continue on interlocal agreements with King County,
and work with the Lea Hill Task force continues. Mr. Krauss reported Auburn
has adopted King County Planning in those areas and intends to move forward
with interlocal agreements.
Paula Thrush, representative of the Lea Hill Task Force, invited Executive Sims
to the next public meeting scheduled for Lea Hill residents.
John Raeder, Universal Refrigerator, asked Executive Sims what his position is
on Cedar County. Executive Sims explained there are a number of requirements
imposed on counties in the state of Washington. There is a substantial
economic base for a county to function, and Cedar County, if established, would
be under funded due to state requirements for county operations.
Mike Hart, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, asked about the concept of
having larger cities versus smaller cities as discussed by King County Council
Member Chris Vance at a recent Chamber meeting. Executive Sims concurs
with Council Member Vance in that there should be larger cities rather than
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February 4, 1997
Page No. 4
smaller cities due to a broader economic base. The region cannot sustain
creation of more governments.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Paul Krauss highlighted Auburn's view of the Regional Transit Authority.
Beginning in September, Mr. Krauss explained, with the regional transit Authority
and the Metro Six Year Plan, there will be an increase in circulation of bus
routes, opening of a temporary bus hub with a permanent hub opening and with
the RTA station. Level of service will be improved including east/west routes.
Mr. Krauss urged for coordination with Pierce Transit in developing
transportation routes.
Executive Sims noted he is a member of the RTA Board. Some of the
challenges the RTA Board will face are construction timing and cost control in
completing what the voters voted for. Executive Sims reported that 80% percent
of economic activity occurs within 5-miles from a state highway.
Pete Lewis, Sterling Savings, commended the Metro staff in working with all the
south county cities. Having a transit hub in this area is important to this area,
especially going east and west.
Mike Hart, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, recommended the RTA Board
consider other alternatives such as hanging rail, monorail. or a grade separated
transit system rather than light rail at grade.
Human Services
AI Hicks, Auburn Senior Planner, discussed responsibility for human services in
light of the changes at the state and federal levels. Mr. Hicks indicated that both
Executive Sims and Mayor Booth are members of the Regional Governance
Task Force for Human Services, and would like to know some of the insights in
addressing and paying for services.
Executive Sims agrees the County is equipped to play a regional role in
providing human services in a partnership with cities to combine necessary funds
to meet human services infrastructure needs. Within the next year funding
decisions should be agreed upon between cities and counties. Executive Sims
summarized a model human system program in Portland. Long term funding is
essential to the vitally and success of human services as demonstrated by
Portland. A program like this should be tested in our area. Executive Sims
indicated providing for human services is essential to the welfare of the entire
region.
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Marilyn LaCelie, Human Service Representative, urged governmental agencies
to consider human services, along with transportation, GMA and RTA policies,
as a basic and primary component of creating healthy and secure communities.
Increase growth in south King County has limited funding ability at the state and
local levels.
Executive Sims recognizes the windows of opportunity in providing human
services in urban areas especially with kids. The nature of adult employment is
the single predictor of crime and violence in the community. As a region, urban
living problems will elevate if governmental agencies do not set higher
expectations.
Economic Development
AI Hicks, Senior Planner, explained that the City of Auburn is in position to
transition itself in human services and the ability to do that rests with economic
development. Mr. Hicks questioned what role Seattle King County Economic
Development Council will have with King County in economic development.
Executive Sims explained the future of the Economic Development Council
(EDC) is to affiliate with another body to reduce administration and focus EDC
specific tasks. The EDC was asked to look at the workforce due to a shortage in
labor, and to look at how this region prepares for a workforce for long term
economic security. President Clinton asked Executive Sims to sit on the Asian
Pacific Trade and Investments Policy Council. What Executive Sims learned
was that the Seattle area is not considered a global competitive center compared
to Los Angeles and Vancouver. The Puget Sound area does not have a vision
that says this is a good area to invest, relocate or expand business. A healthy
economy can solve a lot of problems. Schools are another area officials need to
pay attention to. We need to ensure this area is producing kids that can
compete globally. Executive Sims questions why area kids are not bilingual.
Mike Hamilton, Lea Hill area resident, asked about regional water resource and
supply. Executive Sims indicated there is tremendous capacity to reuse water
and the County will be looking at this issue as water plans and rights are
developed. It will require a regional effort in planning.
Pete Lewis extended appreciation to Executive Sims for his visit to Auburn so
early in his tenure. For a long time the perception of the south county area was
where warehouses belong, but that has changed.
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Executive Sims indicated that he will be back to report on what has been done.
Dick Brugger, AYR, applauded the efforts of the King County in human services
for kids and families. Kim McCoy, ACAP, indicated she is inspired and optimistic
about what she has heard today and with Executive Sims' leadership. Mayor
Booth invited Executive Sims back to Auburn. Executive Sims expressed
gratitude to Mayor Booth for the invitation to attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM.
Approved and dated this 18th day of February, 1997.
Charles A. Booth, Mayor Robin Wohlhueter, City Clerk