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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-1997 Special Council Mtg SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Lea Hill Task Force Annexation May 1, 1997 MINUTES Mayor Booth and Walt Jacobsen welcomed Lea Hill residents to the public meeting this evening at Hazelwood Elementary School located at 11815 SE 304th Street, Auburn. The Special City Council meeting convened at 7:00 PM. An open house format was used to allow for informal questions and answers from individual staff members. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions residents have with regard to annexation into the city of Auburn. Mr. Jacobsen briefly recalled what he experienced as a youth growing up on Lea Hill. Mr. Jacobsen was raised on what was once called Bishop Road; today known as 132nd Avenue SE. To keep the question and answer session moving efficiently, Mr. Jacobsen suggested each resident wishing to submit comments, questions or suggestions as it relates to the Lea Hill annexation area to complete a green card included in the packet of information distributed at the door. Mayor Booth welcomed audience participants, and thanked the audience for inviting the City of Auburn to participate in the public forum this evening. Mayor Booth explained the City is attending this meeting tonight to receive input from Lea Hill area residents. Mayor Booth recalled the first annexation public meeting was held approximately one year ago. At this meeting a request was made to form a citizen committee to study the possible impacts of annexation of the Lea Hill area into Auburn, and to address any questions or concerns raised by Lea Hill area residents. Mayor Booth announced there are no annexation petitions pending for the Lea Hill area at this time. However, the City has been working with the Lea Hill Task Force since October of last year in an attempt to better understand the issues and concerns of area residents. Mayor Booth pointed out that an annexation will occur only if the residents support it. Mayor Booth further provided background information with regard to the purpose of the Lea Hill Task Force. The purpose of the Lea Hill Task Force is to provide area residents a link to the City of Auburn to discuss annexation concerns of community. Members of the Task Force were selected from different areas of Lea Hill who share different views and perspectives with regard to annexation of the Lea Hill area. The Task Force has met on a regular basis twice a month since October, 1996. Some members have shown commitment by participation in other hearings. Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 2 Attendance Mayor Booth introduced Metropolitan King County Councilman Kent Pullen, and his assistant Diane Fish. From the Auburn City Council are members Jeanne Barber (Mayor Pro Tem), Trish Borden, Fred Poe, Sue Singer, and Rich Wagner. City staff in attendance included Police Chief Dave Purdy and Officer Karnofski, Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Acting Assistant Fire Chief Russ Vandver, Public Works Director Frank Currie, City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Park & Recreation Director Dick Deal, Recreation Manager Brian Petty, Planning & Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Assistant Planning Director Lynn Rued, Senior Planner Bob Sokol, Associate Planner Keith Niven, Finance Director Diane Supler, Financial Analyst Sherri Crawford, and City Clerk Robin Wohlhueter. Councilmember Brothers was absent. Councilmember Cerino was excused. Mayor Booth also introduced his wife Leila Booth. From the Auburn School District Bob Poldervart and Chuck Cook, Vice Principal at Mount Rainier Middle School. King County staff in attendance included Wanda Lauderdale, Paul Reitenbach, Kim Claussen, Bruce Whitacre, and Sandra Town. Mayor Booth thanked members of the Task Force for giving up their evening to attend tonighrs meeting. Walt Jacobsen introduced the members of the Lea Hill Task Force. Lea Hill area residents included Roger Gillette, Bill Joy, Bob Keever, Jim Schwend, Paula Thrush, and Walt Jacobsen. Other Task Force members included representatives from the Auburn School District Chuck Cook, District 44 Fire Chief Greg Smith and Fire Commissioner Lynn Groce, Auburn Planning Commission member Karen Smith, Auburn Planning Department staff Bob Sokol and Keith Niven, Auburn City Council Member Sue Singer, and Mayor Booth. Paul Krauss expressed appreciation for the invitation extended by the Lea Hill Task Force. As a result of the last public meeting held at Hazelwood Elementary School staff believed Lea Hill area residents wanted further information on the possibility of annexation into the city of Auburn. Mr. Krauss pointed out, under the State Growth Management Act King County will eventually move away from providing local services to areas such as Lea Hill. The law provided that counties in the state of Washington would provide regional services such as transit, courts, and sanitary sewer systems. The State of Washington Growth Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 3 Management Act further allows for cities to extend their boundaries to include those areas that the County now manages and are developed to an urban level. Cities such as Auburn will then provide the day to day services such as parks, police, and land use planning. Auburn along with neighboring cities established potential annexation area boundaries. Kent and Auburn agreed where boundary lines for annexation would occur. The south boundary line for Kent is Auburn's northern annexation area boundary line. Mr. Krauss agreed that the Growth Management Act provides that a number of requirements be met. What it means to potential annexation areas such as Lea Hill can be confusing, however, the planning process is required under state law and makes sense. Mr. Krauss reiterated that at this time there are no pending annexation petitions on file with the City of Auburn to annex the Lea Hill area. Tonight is designed to facilitate citizen questions and concerns on issues surrounding annexation when an annexation is proposed. The Lea Hill area and Auburn communities reside next to each other and their futures are linked. Annexation is a complex process involving laws that are fairly difficult. Annexation starts with property owners 10% of the assessed value of an area petitioning the City of Auburn to annex into Auburn. The City Council decides if they are interested and if so, residents then need to obtain signature of property owners of 60% of the assessed value of the area. The annexation petition is then filed with the King County Boundary Review Board for a determination. Paul Krauss directed attention to a handout distributed at the door this evening. The handout addresses commonly asked questions with regard to annexation such as tax information. At this time Lea Hill area residents would save a little on taxes. Staff goals and visions for annexation of the Lea Hill area should result in no decrease of services on Lea Hill, and land use patterns established by area residents and King County should not change significantly. If annexed the City would be committed to providing an increase police force presence, additional park land and improved recreational services, and improved access to local government. The City will encourage and recommend annexation of other areas as long as the City is not burdening service levels provided to existing taxpayers within the city. Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 4 During the last year staff has worked with the Lea Hill Task Force to learn more about the Lea Hill community, and to acquire a planning process to cover the area. The City has looked at transportation, zoning, emergency services, and other issues. Another purpose of tonight's meeting is to prepare and plan for annexation when it occurs. Question and Answer Period Walt Jacobsen - 29231 132nd Avenue S.E. Auburn, WA. As a Lea Hill Area Task Force member, Mr. Jacobsen, reported that the question of whether or not a member of the Task Force was for or against annexation of the Lea Hill area was never brought up. Kevin Van - 29300 112th Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA. Mr. Van introduced himself and his wife Mary. Mr. Van has resided in the Lea Hill area for most of his life. Mr. Van's concern centers around development of a four acre parcel of property where a portion is classified as a sensitive area. He reported in order to obtain a building permit from King County he will have to give up half his property just to build a house. Paul Krauss responded that Auburn's policy with regard to sensitive areas are aligned with King County's policy on environmental protection issues. Issues such as wetlands and water quality are defined the same way. He invited Mr. to meet with City staff to get a more detailed answer. Bill Walker - PO Box 698, Auburn, WA. Mr. Walker has been a resident of Lea Hill for the last eight years. Mr. Walker requested clarification on who decides if annexation should occur; the property owners or residents. He further questioned whether or not the City of Kent has considered annexation of this area. Mr. Walker pointed out that developers and other governmental agencies who have signed pre-annexation agreements appear to be 60% of total assessed valuation of the Lea Hill area. Paul Krauss responded that annexation in the state of Washington is based on the assessed value of properties who sign an annexation petition. It is Auburn's understanding that the City of Kent will not pose annexation of the Lea Hill area. They do, however, have a watershed in the Lea Hill potential annexation area that is a part of Kent. I therefore connot be counted towards an annexation to Auburn. Auburn does not expect Green River Community College to be active in Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 5 the annexation process but will be listed in the pro column when annexation moves forward as they signed a preannexation agreement with the City. Karen Allison - 29407 11 lth Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Allison has lived in the Lea Hill area for three years. Mr. and Mrs. Allison were attracted by the relatively rural nature of the Lea Hill area community. Ms. Allison questioned why the City of Auburn is interested in annexation when there does not appear to be a financial benefit to the City of Auburn for annexation. Mr. Krauss explained that Auburn has been looking at annexation of the Lea Hill area for approximately 15 years. It is a logical extension of the city, and is viewed in a functional sense as part of the Auburn community in that residents shop, recreate, and work in Auburn. Yet they are not Auburn residents, they do not get to vote in Auburn, and they pay a premium for using our services. Additionally, Auburn is concerned about how development takes place both from a practical and philosophical standpoint. Standards for development in Auburn are higher than in King County particularly in areas of development of park land and transportation. Marta Sanford - 11627 SE 323rd Place, Auburn, WA. Ms. Sanford raised a question with regard to zoning of the state owned land surrounding Green River Community College should this area be annexed into Auburn, and if 116th Avenue SE will be extended beyond 320th. Paul Krauss responded that state owned land is part of the Green River Community College campus. Mayor Booth pointed out that a portion of the state-owned land is outside the City's potential annexation area and urban growth area. Bob Sokol discussed land use zoning on Lea Hill. The City intends to maintain the current land use designations and similar zoning. There will not be drastic changes in the types of development occurring on Lea Hill as a result of annexation. Cheri Wickland - 29404 11 lth Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA 98092 Cheri Wickland represents the equestrian community on Lea Hill. Ms. Wickland commented upon the diverse equestrian community that exists in the Lea Hill area. Ms. Wickland thanked the City for recognizing that they are here, and would like to be involved in the decision making process for annexation into the Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 6 city of Auburn. As a member of the King Conservation District, Ms. Wickland is working with area problems of pest control, water, and manure management. Ms. Wickland described the benefits of open pastures that provide an area for migratory birds such as wood ducks, canadian geese, and herons. Paul Krauss mentioned that Councilmember Rich Wagner is a homeman and issues raised on his committee provide for equestrian consideration. Mr. Krauss explained the City is working on a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan for the Lea Hill area. At the previous meeting held a year and a half ago, staff explained that general City policy did not allow for farm animals on property. Bob Sokol further explained the City has changed its position on farm animals and recognizes the Lea Hill area as unique. He explained that the City is looking at allowing farm animals on parcels larger than one acre. Mr. Sokol hopes area residents will work with the City in determining an allowable number of farm animals. A gentleman who did not identify himself expressed concern of government becoming larger when it should become smaller. Linda Curtis - 10848 SE 305th Place, Auburn, WA. Ms. Curtis introduced hemelf as a resident who resides on the down slope of 304th and 108th S.E. Ms. Curtis' primary concern is the water runoff that appears to be increasing every year. This causes the ground to erode as the water makes its way to the Green River. Another concern raised by Ms. Curtis relates to improvement of 304th Street S.E. It is especially a concern during the winter months when the roads are icy. Mr. Krauss explained that Auburn cannot promise that annexation will fix all problems overnight. There is, however, a commitment to improve storm drainage based on Auburn's regional approach to storm drainage problems. Dennis Dowdy reiterated that Auburn addresses storm water runoff in its regional storm drainage plan. Auburn is impacted by Lea Hill development primarily because when development takes place the storm water runoff is not mitigated downstream. Auburn's storm water utility would develop a storm water master plan for the Lea Hill area. With regard to improvement to 304th, the City, if annexed, would provide snow and ice removal during winter storm events. Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 7 King County representative Bruce Whitacre commented that the development referred to by Ms. Curtis is currently before the King County Hearing Examiner which limits discussion on this issue this evening. Generally, new development on Lea Hill requires larger detention ponds. Mr. Whiracre commented that there are plans to combine efforts to build a pipeline. He further reported that King county does go downstream to look at the impacts of water run off due to new development in the Lea Hill area. Tim Gilmore 11818 SE 310th Street, Auburn, WA. Mr. Gilmore referred to mitigation hearings for development of apartments across from Lea Hill Elementary. Developers were informed that the only way to obtain water and sewer permits for that area is to sign an annexation agreement. Mr. Gilmore also expressed concern of Auburn School Districrs mitigation efforts for the same development. Paul Krauss confirmed that any development that occurs on Lea Hill requires that an annexation agreement be signed prior to issuance of water and sewer permits. Auburn does not receive any impact fees related to current development on Lea Hill. Regarding the Auburn School District, Bob Poldervart responded to issues raised with regard support for street improvements and other impacts related to the proposed apartment complex development. Mr. Poldervart explained the Auburn School District did support street improvements in front of Lea Hill Elementary School. A letter was filed with King County addressing the safety concerns related to pedestrian access to the proposed development. A suggestion was made to build a pedestrian overpass to alleviate safety concerns. Roads are suffering as a result of continued development on Lea Hill using King County standards. Bob Sokol explained that Auburn has a higher standard when it comes to development of streets. If annexation of the Lea Hill area is put off for a number of years it will become more and more difficult for Auburn to upgrade the streets. Mr. Sokol noted that this is why Auburn is interested in annexing sooner rather than later. Auburn reviewed development plans for construction of the Lea Hill Town Homes or Village Square Condominiums. Originally, there was little or no allocated for parks. During its review of the development plans, Auburn was able to secure a Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 8 one acre park for public use by the entire community. Additionally, it was pointed out that Auburn further assisted in reducing the number of units. Peter Super 110410 SE 301 st, Auburn, WA. Mr. Super has been a resident of the Lea Hill area for the last fifteen years. Mr. Super questioned if the City or Task Force has projected estimated costs for new roads and development in the next two to five years in the Lea Hill area. Dennis Dowdy reported that the City has conducted a cursory study for traffic on Lea Hill. Mr. Dowdy expressed concern of current development on Lea Hill in that it impacts the City of Auburn especially in the area of traffic. From a capacity point of view, Mr. Dowdy, explained that the streets on Lea Hill today would not need to be expanded before the year 2005. During the review process in looking at development on Lea Hill, Mr. Krauss noted that the standards for development are higher than King County especially in the areas of street connectivity, preservation of right of ways, and half street improvements. The City of Auburn will not be able to fund and fix the existing problems. Paula Thrush Ms. Thrush reported that a small group of Lea Hill residents have contacted King County Representative Kent Pullen's Office on a daily basis over the last two months. Ms. Thrush urged resident to contact Representative Kent Pullen's Office to express concerns of development in the Lea Hill area. Morris Spiess - 11911 SE 312th, Auburn Mr. Spiess introduced himself as a resident of the Lea Hill area for the last 25 years and lives on approximately 10 acres along 312th Avenue SE. Mr. Spiess questioned how property values and assessment rates are established, how sidewalks are constructed in Auburn, and what Kent's position is on annexation of the Lea Hill area. Property values are determined by King County Department of Assessments every two years and filed with the City of Auburn. Assessment rates are established by the City of Auburn on an annual basis. Auburn has a fairly aggressive sidewalk program throughout the community that are constructed by either a Local Improvement District or through development. Dennis Dowdy reported the City of Auburn establishes a Local Improvement District each year. During the last four to five years the focus has been to complete connectivity of pedestrian areas throughout the city where curb and Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 9 gutters currently exists, and where schools and parks exist. The City has been successful in obtaining grants to support the sidewalk program. Under the Growth Management Act, cities were obligated to show what areas they are going to annex. Kent has annexed as far south as they will go. The Auburn City Council entered into an interlocal agreement with Kent establishing annexation area boundaries. Jane Held - 11839 319th Place S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Held encouraged staff to notice all residents for further public meetings. She recommended a guard rail along the street on 304th and 106th Avenue SE. and further noted the construction of a water line that eventually will connect with Covington. Mr. Krauss reported there is a compact for Auburn to provide water to Covington. Dennis Dowdy explained the water line will be constructed on 304th Avenue SE. Bob Sokol encouraged Lea Hill residents to sign up for future mailings with regard to public hearings. Norma Kay Fetz - 11604 304th Street S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Fetz has been resident of the Lea Hill area for 15 years. Ms. Fetz expressed interest in knowing what King County has planned for the intersection of 116th and 304th Avenue SE going north, and if annexed to the City of Auburn what did Dennis Dowdy mean about more connectivity of streets and roads. Dennis Dowdy explained 116th Avenue SE is a better route going north, however, it crosses a sensitive area and there would environmental issues that would need to be addressed. It is anticipated that this project would cost approximately $5 to $6 million to bridge the gap. Auburn would not construct the improvement unless a determination was made that it was needed. A King County representative responded that long range regional planning provides for improvements to the intersection of 116th and 304th Avenue S.E. The traffic division reviews statistics annually to determine when changes are necessary. It was recommended that any concern or issues with regard to the intersection be brought to the attention of the traffic division of King County. Kelly Rogers - 29702 132nd Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Rogers lives off of 132nd Avenue SE. Because of the change to the interchange to highway 18, Ms. Rogers raised the issue of traffic enforcement. Currently, King County provides no support for traffic enforcement in her area. Depending on when the annexation occurs, the Police Department will study the area to establish traffic flows and police enforcement needs in the Lea Hill area. SpeciaiCity Council Meeting Lea HillTask Fore May 1,1997 Page No. 10 Ms. Rogers encouraged city officials to note that in addition to the housing development on 304th, there are plans to build 126 single family homes and 26 townhouses. Ms. Roger would like to be notified of further public meetings. Kim Claussen Kim Claussen is a representative from King County DDES. Ms. Claussen announced that there are public hearings scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 1997 at the King County Courthouse, Room 402, with regard to the two developments Ms. Rogers referred to above. Paula Thrush - 110872 318th Place S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Thrush announced there is a public hearing scheduled on Tuesday morning at the County Courthouse with regard to DuBerry, and that there were no appeals filed for construction of 208 homes. Ms. Thrush pointed out that King County conducts its traffic counts when Green River Community College is not in session. Ms. Thrush suggested City staff obtain a 5-year King County traffic study for the Lea Hill area. A concern was raised with regard to a mandatory requirement of having to switch from the Hazelwood water district (a private system) to the City of Auburn water if annexation occurs. Frank Currie responded that no change is made to water service unless it is requested by the property owner. A neighbor just purchased a house and signed the closing papers. As part of the closing paper there was clause that if annexation occurs they would have to agree to go onto City water. Frank Currie responded that he was not aware of any requirement like that. Nila Bostwick - 30510 122nd Place S.E., Auburn, WA. Nila Bostwick drew attention to garbage services provided to Lea Hill residents. Currently, Ms. Bostwick chooses not to have garbage pickup, and questioned whether or not garbage pick up in the City of Auburn would be mandatory if annexed into the City. Because Ms. Bostwick lives on a private road, she asked about what changes to that mad would be necessary should annexation occur or if they sold a portion of their property to a developer. Frank Currie indicated according to state law garbage service is not provided by the City for five years after annexation unless the garbage service provider wants to turn it over to the City. Frank Currie further indicated that even though the City has a mandatory garbage pick up, there are means for applying for an exemption status. With regard to a private mad, Frank Currie noted that is it Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 11 difficult to explain without knowing the particulars of a certain project. He indicated the City would not have any input to the way the private road is being used. If it is sold, it would depend on whether or not the buyers had a right to use the road. Ms. Bostwick concluded her comments by directing a question to the King County representatives with regard to when a traffic light will be installed at 304th and 124th Avenue SE. She noted signal boxes were installed one year ago. King County representative responded the traffic signal should be complete before the end of the year. Kathy Fitzgerald - 11305 326th Place S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Fitzgerald has lived in the Lea Hill area for approximately 30 years. Ms. Fitzgerald wondered what impact fees were. Paul Krauss explained that impact fees are charges to developers to pay for the cost of development. When new development occurs it's going to impacts its surroundings. The impacts fees are charged to the developer and the City or County does the work to mitigate the impact or a developer may be required to construct a new road or build a park. Irs only a charge put on new development. Ray Oden - 28915 144th Avenue S.E., Kent, WA. Mr. Oden questioned if an interlocal agreement will be required between the City of Auburn and the City of Kent for police protection in the vicinity of 288th and 144th Avenue SE. Chief Purdy projected eight additional officers would be added to cover the Lea Hill Area. Auburn is divided into six sectors and within each sector a sergeant and police officers are assigned to cover these areas for a minimum of two years. This enables the police officers to become more familiar and better understand public safety issues facing residents. Chief Purdy pointed out that there are mutual aid agreement between Kent and Auburn to respond to public safety concerns. Each emergency call is dispatched from Valley Communications. Dan Timm - 31624 117th Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA. Mr. Timm has lived in the City of Auburn and on Lea Hill during the last eighteen years. Mr. Timm maintains his residence in the Auburn area because of the quality of schools. Mr. Timm urged Lea Hill residents to annex into the City of Auburn for the purpose of being able to address area concerns with the City of Auburn rather than King County. Special City Council Meeting Lea Hill Task Force May 1, 1997 Page No. 12 Greta Pfaff - 29204 124th Avenue S.E., Auburn, WA. Ms. Pfaff recommended an election to determine whether or not resident wish to annex to Kent or to Auburn. Paul Krauss concluded that Auburn is committed to providing an open door policy. He encouraged citizens to contact the City of Auburn with any questions or concerns. The purpose of the meeting tonight was to assist the City in developing plans for traffic, land use, and parks when annexation does occur. There will be open public hearing with regard to establishing a plan for this area. Property owners will voice their opinion on whether to annex by signing a petition. Bob Sokol noted that annexation agreements represent approximately 15% of the property owners; 60% is necessary in order to proceed with the annexation of the Lea Hill area. City staff is researching whether GRCC can be counted in favor of annexation. The Auburn School District is not counted in favor of annexation. Mayor Booth thanked Lea Hill area residents for attending tonight's meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM. Approved this 2nd day of June, 1997. Charles A. Robin Wohlhueter, City Clerk 97M5-1