HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2000 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 17, 2000 5:00 PM
Council Work Area
PRE-BUDGET GOAL SETTING
Minutes
I. Welcome and Introduction
Mayor Charles A. Booth called the special meeting of the Auburn City Council to
order at 5:00 PM in the Council work area located in the Mayor's office.
Councilmembers present included: Fred Poe, Jeanne Barber, Pete Lewis,
Stacey Brothers, Sue Singer, Rich Wagner, and Trish Borden. Staff members
present included: Assistant Personnel Director Roger Cartwright, Finance
Director Diane L. Supler, Planning and Community Development Director Paul
Krauss, Public Works Director Christine Engler, Assistant Fire Chief Russ
Vandver, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Police Chief Jim Kelly,
Assistant Police Chief Marion Dukes, Assistant City Attorney Judy Ausman, and
Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson. The workshop was directed by Michael
Hildt of Michael Hildt and Associates, Inc.
Mayor Booth explained that the purpose of the meeting is to review the City of
Auburn Vision for the Future, Mission Statement, and Goals as a primary step in
the overall budget process.
Mayor Booth read the Vision for the Future statement and explained that it is
intended to' be a very expansive statement.
Councilmember Wagner suggested that the Mission statement should include
statements regarding Auburn's regional role and activities.
Councilmembers Singer, Lewis and Poe concurred and agreed to draft a revised
Mission statement to include Auburn's regional influence. Mayor Booth clarified
the intent of the Mission statement and expressed his interest in participating in
the drafting of the new statement.
Councilmember Poe suggested the first bulleted sentence of the Mission
statement should be changed to read "Providing a user-friendly government to
meet the citizens for:". Councilmember Borden concurred.
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May 17,2000
Page 2
Mayor Booth referred to a handout reflecting the top ten Capital Facilities
Projects that were selected by the Council at the April 22, 2000 retreat. Mayor
Booth called on staff for updates on the various items.
1. Public Safety Building
Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss reported that staff
has researched recently constructed public safety buildings and is in the process
of preparing a Request for Proposals/Request for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ). Mr.
Krauss explained the public safety building is a very complex project with many
different elements involved, including various locations and economical and
political issues. It would be beneficial to work with someone with specific
expertise in that area.
Mayor Booth explained that Police Chief Jim Kelly and Mr. Krauss have toured
the new public safety facility in Issaquah. The facility was constructed for
approximately $11.5 million dollars for an approximate population of 12,500.
In response to questions from Councilmember Singer, Mr. Krauss stated that
some of the programming expertise needed, in addition to the architectural
design, is in determining the area needed, placement of the various departments,
location, use of existing buildings, and bond issues.
Finance Director Diane L. Supler clarified that a similar approach is being used
regarding the construction of the Valley Comm structure through a Program
Project Manager. The Project Manager coordinates with the various experts,
such as the architect and the technology consultant, and acts on behalf of Valley
Comm.
In response to questions from Councilmembers Poe and Lewis, Mr. Krauss
stated that the RFP will be reviewed by the Municipal Services Committee and
should be available in a few weeks.
2. Downtown Plan Funding
Mr. Krauss reported that the Downtown Plan is coming forward with a variety of
recommendations. Many of the recommendations deal with code changes.
Other recommendations include elements which are not specifically part of the
Downtown Plan funding such as the regional drainage basin for downtown and
related projects such as completing "A" Street. The most immediate cost for
fulfilling the Downtown Plan will be a determination on the expanded parking
garage structure including a possible retail area. A meeting is scheduled with
Sound Transit to discuss possibilities. Councilmembers Poe and Lewis stated
the City does not need to be a landlord and requested to have an RFP out to
Special City Council Meeting - Pre-Budget Goal Setting
May 17, 2000
Page 3
leasing agents now to purchase lease rights and help fund the parking garage
project.
Mr. Krauss stated that he anticipates that the Downtown Plan will be completed
within the next month. The Committee will than delve into the completion of the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is partially completed. The
Committee hopes to bring these items to Council by the end of summer or early
fall of this year. Councilmember Lewis reminded that funding of crosswalks in
the downtown core area per the Downtown Plan should be done and could be
done relatively cheap.
In response to questions from Councilmember Wagner, Mr. Krauss explained
that a market study was completed, which was followed by the hiring of a real
estate broker. The City then solicited for prospective tenants and made a
proposal to Sound Transit.
3. Community Center
Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal reported that staff has met with the
YMCA and has obtained a copy of the Partnership Agreement the YMCA has
with the City of Sherwood, Oregon. Staff also requested a copy of the
agreement between the Scottsdale, Arizona YMCA and the Boys Club, which
should be available by the end of the week. Mr. Deal explained that staff is
compiling information from various local cities that presently have community
centers such as Kent, Tukwila, and Renton and also from cities in Colorado.
Councilmember Borden stressed the importance of the timeline on behalf of the
YMCA. The YMCA will be conducting a marketing survey this summer. It would
be beneficial to the City to participate in the survey.
Councilmember Wagner suggested a letter of endorsement to the YMCA
expressing the City's interest. Councilmember Borden agreed to help draft a
letter to the YMCA after having seen the support of the Council.
4. Highway 164 Improvements (SIR 164/SIR 18 Bypass)
Mayor Booth reported that a committee has been formed, but they have not
reached the study process as of this date. A community meeting was held.
Mayor Booth emphasized that Highway 164 has been rated as one of the most
dangerous roadways of that type in the state of Washington. The Committee
made many recommendations towards improving Highway 164. Due to the
issues regarding the plateau and the Amphitheater, the Committee was
discontinued. A subsequent Committee has been formed, but has yet to meet.
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May 17, 2000
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Mr. Krauss explained that the Muckleshoot Tribe has received funding from
Puget Sound Energy Council for a study to improve Highway 164. A consultant
has been selected under Department of Transportation's Office of Urban Mobility.
The study will look at safety, capacity, and the need for a by-pass. King County
has opposed the construction of a by-pass.
Mr. Krauss reported that Mayor Booth and other elected officials are part of the
committee involving the Highway 164 improvements. Mr. Krauss is involved in
the technical committee along with members of the City's Public Works staff.
The likely by-pass location is actually outside the city limits.
Councilmember Wagner expressed his support of this project and suggested the
City dedicate a part-time staff member towards the study to facilitate the process.
5. Technology Improvements
Ms. Supler reported that a meeting with the current accounting software vendor
has been scheduled for May 30, 2000 to evaluate various options. The advent of
the "ILOVEYOU" virus has interfered with the progress in other technology areas.
Councilmember Singer stated that improvements in the one gigabit area were
inadequate for present needs and the City should be looking at ten gigs.
Councilmmeber Lewis concurred with Councilmember Singer.
6. Land Acquisition for Future Needs
Ms. Supler reported that staff has been working with the Fire Department to
identify future sites for fire stations.
Mayor Booth added that Ms. Supler has been working with Boeing regarding one
possible location.
7. Non-motorized Plan
Mr. Deal reported that staff has been working with consultant Steve Worthy with
Worthy and Associates for the last two years on a non-motorized plan. That
project, as well as mapping that will show the proposed routes and existing
routes within the city are near completion. The map showing the trail
connections should be available within the next two months. Also, additional
signage showing safer routes through the community has been planned for
existing streets for Class Four trail spaces.'
In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Mr. Deal stated that
physical barriers are not included on the proposed non-motorized routes. Due to
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May 17, 2000
Page 5
budget restraints, certain areas will receive signage and painted markings
designating the paths. All Class Four standards will be met.
8. Fire Stations
Assistant Fire Chief Russ Vandver reported that in addition to land acquisition,
the Fire and Police Departments are working together to determine the
administration of the proposed Public Safety Building.
Councilmember Barber suggested that police and fire projects should be
combined in the event of a vote for a bond sale. Councilmembers Borden and
Lewis concurred.
9. Gateway Improvements
Mr. Krauss stated that a preliminary map has been prepared showing potential
locations for various gateways throughout the city.
Mr. Krauss reported that staff and the Planning and Community Development
Committee have discussed the potential of contracting a firm that has marketing
and design expertise regarding gateways. Recent replacement of staff and
completion of the Downtown Plan .will allow staff more time to devote to the
gateway program. Mr. Krauss anticipates completion of a plan at the end of
summer of this year.
Councilmembers Lewis, Poe and Singer commented that it would be beneficial to
have a unified concept for the overall gateway improvements throughout the city.
Mr. Krauss stated that a portion of the budget will be used toward that effort by
the use of consultants with expertise in that area.
Councilmember Wagner pointed out that the completion of various projects will
have tremendous impact on the placement of the gateways.
Councilmember Borden suggested that funds should be budgeted for the year
2001 for planning of the gateway improvements and requested that a review of
the program be brought to the Planning and Community Development
Committee.
10. Transit Station
Mayor Booth stated that the Transit Station is just one element of the overall
downtown plan and is now under construction.
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May 17,2000
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II. Trends and Issues Affecting the 2001 Budget
Mr. Michael Hildt requested that Council review trends and issues that might
affect the year 2001 budget. Mr. Hildt called on Council to determine external
issues that may increase the cost of operations or might increase or decrease
the City's revenue stream.
Mr. Hildt explained that the purpose of this evening's meeting is to review the
2000 budget goals to identify which goals should be continued into the year
2001. The specific activities for each goal will be determined through the
standard budget process through the Finance Department, the Mayor, and the
department directors. The Council will then be given an opportunity to identify
new goals and initiatives they wish to see added to the 2001 budget and will go
through an evaluation process for those items.
The Council determined that the following trends and issues might impact the
2001 budget:
· Initiative 695
· Initiative 711
· Initiative 745
· Salmon Issues-
Endangered Species Act
· Water Quality and Supply
· Healthy Economy-
More Tax Dollars
· Increase in Interest Rates
· Increase in Revenue -
Sales Tax and Property Tax Collection
· Adequate Debt Capacity
· Increased Transportation Pressures
· Increased Population
· Annexation
· Tight Labor Market
· Increase in Capital Project Costs
· Increase of E-Commerce -
Loss of Sales Tax
· More Unfunded Mandates from State
· Increased Labor Costs vs
Less Increase in Property Tax
· Property Tax Limitations
· More Prisoners in Custody
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May 17, 2000
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The meeting recessed at 6:00 PM and reconvened at 6:12 PM.
III. 2000 City of Auburn "Common Future Goals"
Mr. Hildt referred to a budget handout and led the Council and staff members in a
review of the year 2000 budget goals. The Council determined the following
existing goals should be continued into the 2001 budget:
Goal Lead Resl3onsibilitv
Community Identity Retained and Preserved:
-Identify significant community gateways Planning
-Maintaining downtown as a focal point - Planning
Downtown Revitalization Plan
-Neighborhood family centers expansion Planning
-Senior Center remodel (old library) Parks
Moving Parks staff
-Neighborhood Program Planning
Revitalize Downtown:
-Downtown Plan Planning
-Transit Hub Planning
-Rehabilitation of Downtown Buildings Planning
Economic Development
-Coordinate economic development efforts with Planning
Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Downtown
Association
Resolve Water Issues
-Persevere in efforts to acquire additional Public Works
water rights
Podions of the following 2000 goals have been completed and the goals will be
rewritten to include the following items for the 2001 budget:
Goal Modify/Additional Goals Lead Resl~onsibility
Community Identity Retained and Preserved:
Senior Center remodel (old library) Comprehensive Plan Amendments Parks
Moving Parks staff Completion of remodel by Spring, 2001
Land acquisition funds
Neighborhood Program Expand to include physical development Planning
Delete Terminal Park area/add the area
of West Main Street, between BNRR
tracks
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May 17, 2000
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Sidewalk rehabilitation
Goal Modifi/IAdditional Goals Lead Responsibility
Revitalize Downtown:
Downtown Plan Redraft to implement plan Planning
Transit Hub Redraft with specific goals to continue Planning
with garage
Rehabilitation of Downtown Buildings Include with the Downtown Plan Planning
Resolve Water Issues:
Water Rights Strategize/persevere efforts to acquire Public Works
additional water rights
Add Puget Sound Energy/Lake Tapps
Add regional issues
Monitor the ESA listing for the region Move to miscellaneous category Public Works
Rewrite to be goal specific
Remove "ensure the survival of the
species"
Successful Annexations:
Develop affordable annexation policies Develop economic impact thresholds Planning
and strategies Additional study of annexation costs
Develop analytical policy
Healthy Environment for Youth:
Expand youth activities, services Further expand participation Parks
and opportunities in youth activities
Collaborate with other entities Add Boy's and Girl's Club Parks
to develop opportunities
Transportation Issues Resolved:
Secure final funding/begin construction of Rewrite into separate goals Public Works
separated grade crossings at 3r~ SW Secure final funding for 277th
and South 277m Begin construdion of 277th
Design of Black Diamond bypass and Continue to seek funding Public Works
"M" Street grade separation
Miscellaneous:
Upgrade of computer wiring Prioritize and research costs Finance
Establish performance needs
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May 17, 2000
Page 9
The Council determined that the following goals have been completed or should
be removed from the year 2000 budget:
Project Lead Responsibility
Community Identity Retained and Preserved:
New Library Parks
Revitalize Downtown:
Design and funding of Transit Hub All Departments
Develop focused Economic Planning
Development Program
Resolve Water Issues:
Wetland Banking Program Planning
Investigate opportunities to secure financing Planning
for economic development
Secure wholesale partners financial commitments Public Works
Development of joint use water facilities Parks/Public Works
in city parks
Successful Annexations
Dialogue/clarification regarding Lea Hill and Planning
West Hill annexations
Healthy Environment for Youth:
Skate Park at Brannan Park Parks
Transportation Issues Resolved:
Complete "A" Street SW corridor design Public Works
Complete "B" Street LID Public Works
Plan for implementation of next phase of Parks
Green River Trail
Construction of the White River Trail, Phase I Parks
Miscellaneous
Employee access to Internet and internal/external Finance
E-mail and Home Page development
Year 2000 technology Finance
The meeting recessed at 7:30 PM and reconvened at 7:42 PM.
IV. 2001 Budget Initiatives
Mr. Hildt led the Council in an exercise to list possible new initiatives for the 2001
budget. The possible initiatives included:
· Neighborhood Planning
· Economic Development
Marketing Plan
· Skateboard Park
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May 17, 2000
Page 10
· "A" Street NW
· Removal of Blight Review Code
Review Enforcement Efforts
· Community Center Partnering
· Curbside Recycling Study
· Crosswalks in Downtown Core
· Renovate Old Senior Center
City Hall Space Needs
· Reorganize Auburn Downtown/Economic Development
· Street Trees/Streetscape/Sidewalk Improvement
· Street Trees and Sidewalk Condition
Management Strategy
Maintenance Budget
V. Wrap-up
Mr. Hildt then directed Council to remove those projects that are capital projects
or are not enterprise funds. The Council selected the following projects to remain
as goals for the 2001 budget (in no particular order):
· ,** Neighborhood Planning
Transit Center Neighborhood
"A" Street to 17th Street SE
· *** Economic Development Initiative
Marketing Plan
o,*, Removal of Blight Review Code
Review Enforcement Efforts
o*** Implement Results of Curbside Recycling Study
o~, Crosswalks in Downtown Corridor
Policy and Budget
o*** Street and Median Trees and Sidewalks
Condition Management Strategies
Maintenance Budget
Discussion followed regarding liability and safety issues that might exist in
connection with crosswalks and sidewalk maintenance and the structure of the
Auburn Downtown Association (ADA)/Business Improvement Area (BIA)
organization.
It was suggested by Councilmembers and the Mayor that a review of the ADA
and the BIA with regard to the downtown economic development area was
appropriate. Mayor Booth requested that Councilmember Lewis work with him
on this issue.
Council and staff discussed possible locations within the city that would benefit
from the neighborhood planning program and various methods and solutions for
SpeciaiCity Council Meeting - Pre-Budget GoalSeffing
May 17,2000
Page 11
the removal of blight, including the possibility of annual inspections for multi-
family dwelling units to reduce unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.
Mayor Booth summarized that the budget process will include funding for the
continuing projects on the revenues that are available. Remaining resources will
be evaluated to determine which additional initiatives might be achievable for the
year 2001. The preliminary budget will be brought forward for Council review
and approval.
Mr. Hildt commended Council for their cooperation with one another and their
accomplishments with regard to the budget process.
VI. Adjournment
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Approved on the ,-~ ~ day of ~ ~ ,2000.
Charles A. Booth, Mayor uty City Clerk
2000rn05-17special.doc