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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-29-2001sp SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 29, 2001 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS PROPOSED COMMUNITY CENTER MINUTES I. Call to Order The special meeting of the Auburn City Council to discuss the proposed Community Center was called to order at 5:35 PM in the Council Chambers located in Auburn City Hall. Mayor Charles A. Booth and the following Councilmembers were present: Jeanne Barber, Trish Borden, Pete Lewis, Sue Singer, Rich Wagner, Stacey Brothers, and Fred Poe. Staff members present included: Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Personnel Director Brenda Heineman, Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Finance Director Diane L. Supler, Police Chief Jim Kelly, City Attorney Michael J. Reynolds, Assistant Fire Chief Russ Vandyer, Recreational Manager Brian Petty, 'Recreational Coordinator Pam Gallion, Recreational Coordinator Sharon LaVigne, Senior Center Supervisor Cheryl Sallee, and Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson. I1. Introduction Mayor Booth explained that the purpose the Special City Council meeting was to enable Councilmembers to discuss issues, propositions and proposals related to a proposed community center. There will be no action by the Council. III. Discussion of Proposed Partnership with YMCA for Community Center Mayor Booth stated that the City established a Committee of three Councilmembers and staff to evaluate the proposed partnership for a Community Center with the YMCA (Y). Mayor Booth invited YMCA of Greater Seattle President Nell Nichol to summarize the proposal. Special City Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Nichol distributed handouts to Councilmembers. Mr. Nichol explained that the YMCA of Greater Seattle is a 501 C3 non-profit corporation which is affiliated with YMCA of the USA. The YMCA of Greater Seattle is an independent organization controlled by a volunteer Board of Directors. Mr. Nichol read the YMCA Mission Statement and reviewed the association's operating goals and principals. Mr. Nichol stressed the importance of maintaining high quality facilities and programs and providing the programs at affordable fees. Mr. Nichol presented an overhead graph of the financial structure of the YMCA for the year 2000, which included contributions, United Way revenue, investment income, program fees and membership dues, and government funding. Mr. Nichol introduced YMCA Executive Director David Ports to review the history of the proposed Community Center and partnership with the City of Auburn. Mr. Ports stated that the process began in 1998 with informal discussion by YMCA members, volunteers and staff with regard to the services and needs of the community and the possibility of the YMCA providing those services. In May, 1999 the YMCA appointed a Future Development Study Committee. The Committee's goal was to build a comprehensive program needs and priorities study which included a demographic study of the area, community leader survey, and current and future programs analysis. In November, 1999, the YMCA Board of Managers approved the study which indicated that the Auburn valley had the need and could support a larger YMCA facility. In May, 2000, the YMCA of Greater Seattle met with the Capital Reserves Committee to review project proposals submitted by various YMCA organizations. In October, 2000, the Auburn YMCA was awarded $3 million for their proposed project. The award is contingent upon a match of funds by the City of Auburn. Mr. Ports explained that the original proposal was to partner with the City of Auburn to build a Community Center/YMCA. The current YMCA proposal to build the facility includes a commitment of $3 million each from the Y and the City of Auburn with an additional $500,000 from the Y. This total includes the cost of relocating the ACAP child-care facility currently leasing YMCA property. Mr. Ports noted that the proposed facility includes the following elements: · Family recreational, instructional and lap pool · Youth and family program zone · Teen center · Childwatch area Special Ci~ Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Communi~ Cen~r Janua~ 29,2001 Page 3 · Large gymnasium · Large muilti-purpose room · Large community meeting room · Health and fitness area · Expanded locker facilities · Special needs locker facilities · Small meeting and program room · Expanded storage, office and parking · Additional community room Mr. Ports stated that a new and larger facility would provide an opportunity for expanded participation and concurrent programming for youth and families. Mr. Ports reviewed the programs that would be offered for volunteer, youth, family, adult and senior activities and the current YMCA program participation. In response to questions from Councilmember Brothers, Mr. Nichol stated that the market survey was conducted within a three mile radius of the current YMCA. In response to questions from Councilmember Wagner, Mr. Ports reported that the projected participation is based on an expanded facility. A larger facility will house additional programs and services which will increase membership. Mr. Ports presented a list of estimated projected membership rates. Auburn residents would receive discounted daily, monthly, and annual membership 'fees. Mr, Nichol displayed an estimated valuation of the facilities that would be used by the City of Auburn based on minimum usage. The YMCA is proposing that the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department would have first priority in scheduling the Community Room. The value is based on a fifty year agreement with the City of Auburn. Mr. Ports reported that some of the benefits of the proposed City of Auburn/YMCA Community Center would provide are as follows: · Provides Auburn residents with a modern recreational facility · YMCA assumes all operating liability · No tax burden on those who don't use the facility · Enhancement of Les Gove Park · Strengthens YMCA ability to continue to serve the Auburn community over the next fifty years Special Ci~ Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Communi~ Center Janua~ 29,2001 Page 4 · Provides access to residents regardless of financial ability · Provides a facility that provides a positive environment for all ages In response to questions from Councilmember Poe, Mr. Nichol explained that there are several options with regards to the relocation of ACAP, The ACAP facility could remain at its present location or could be relocated elsewhere on the property. The relocation could be processed in phases so as not to disrupt services provided by ACAP. Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss reported that he was directed to work with the YMCA, together with Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal and Finance Director Diane Supler, to research the legalities involved in a partnership with a community based organization. The results indicated a partnership agreement would be allowed as long as the City receives fair value for its investment. Director Krauss stated that during the negotiating process with the YMCA, they received suggestions and comments from Council and community members. In addition to the YMCA proposal, staff developed three other options as follows: 1. Staff negotiate with the YMCA to include a greater percentage of time allocation to the City Recreational Department use. 2. A facility proposed by Councilmember Singer predicated upon a building with two fronts. The building would be connected internally with the City entrance facing the park and the YMCA entrance facing the street. 3. Relocate Parks staff into the former Senior Center, use an equivalent amount of money proposed for the partnership, and build a gym onto the existing facility to be used as a community center. Additional cost to manage the facility would be minimal with the presence of staff onsite. Director Krauss discussed possible solutions that might be implemented with regard to the relocation of the ACAP facility including the YMCA proposal or the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Although CDBG funds cannot be used for new construction, they can be used to purchase prefabricated buildings. Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal displayed an aerial photo of the Les Gove Park area. Director Deal stated that the complexion of the park is changing dramatically. Improvements in the park include the renovation of the former Special City Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 5 library into a Senior Center. This move will increase the square footage from 7,000 to 12,600. Director Deal displayed the new facility floorplan and reported that the Senior Center not only serves the senior population, but is used by other community groups for private uses and by recreation staff for classes and programs. The new facility will include a large meeting space which will accommodate approximately 300 occupants. This space is capable of being divided into three individual meeting rooms. The facility will contain a commercial kitchen and two additional meeting rooms. It will provide an opportunity for major community activities and events as well as the daily senior programs and activities. Moving staff into this facility will provide a presence on the Auburn Community Campus, much needed office and day-time program space, and will free up office space at City Hall. Director Deal explained that the Auburn Community Campus at Les Gore Park includes the King County Library, the ACAP and YMCA facilities, the Museum, Senior Center, and the Parks and Recreation facility. Director Deal noted the second phase of expansion at the Museum will begin later this week and includes the completion of an additional meeting room and storage space for artifacts. Director Deal commented that an excellent working relationship exists between the YMCA and the City of Auburn. In order for a joint use operation with the YMCA to succeed, it must be equitable for all parties. Director Deal suggested the City of Auburn and an equitable constituent representation serve on the YMCA Board of Directors. Director Deal reviewed the proposed partnership agreement with the YMCA and stressed the City's need for more gymnasium time than that presented in the current proposal. The ten percent proposed by the Y is substandard to the City's current needs. The YMCA has committed to the maintenance and operation of the interior of the facility and the City would maintain the grounds, parking areas, and associated utilities. A valuation needs to be determined for the maintenance obligations. Director Deal reported that the majority of the office space for the proposed facility will house YMCA staff and recommended that a City staff member be on site to answer questions regarding City programs and activities at the facility. Director Deal recommended the City have control of thirty percent of the gymnasium and meeting rooms schedules and five percent of the pool usage Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 6 schedule and that any sbrplus YMCA revenue should be used to enhance the facility or be used within the community. Director Deal stated that any surplus YMCA revenue should be used to enhance the facility or within the community. In response to questions from Councilmember Lewis, City Attorney Michael Reynolds spoke regarding the "Test of Legal Sufficiency" or "Test of Consideration" of the contract. Mr. Reynolds explained that the contract is reviewed for the element of consideration or value received. The City must review the contract as a gift of public funds as well as consideration received by the City. Mr. Reynolds explained that in the Test of Consideration, the City must recapture the $3 million and the rate of capitalization over the term of the fifty- year contract. For example, using a five percent capitalization rate, the City must recapture approximately $210,000 per year. Mr. Reynolds juxtaposed the YMCA' estimate of value to be received by the City as $186,000. Mr. Reynolds noted that $65,000 of the Y's value received by the City is in reduced membership fees, which may not be considered part of the recapture for the City. Mr. Reynolds reiterated that legal counsel must review a public contract under the Test of Consideration and determine whether the City will receive $3 million worth of value for the investment. In response to questions from Councilmembers Brothers and Singer, Mr. Reynolds responded that membership fees are difficult to forecast. There is intrinsic value with the services provided by the Y. The Test of Consideration only includes the value of the investment and the recapture figures. The ten percent discount offered by the Y can be viewed as a discount for Auburn residents or a surcharge for non-residents. Councilmember Borden stressed the intrinsic value, such as greatly expanded recreational services, that might be gained through a partnership with the Y. These are services a city might feel responsible to provide to the community if they weren't provided by a facility such as the Y. Councilmember Borden cited a similar partnership with the Y in Sherwood, Oregon and also a partnership between the City of Kirkland and another non-profit organization that operates the Performing Arts Center built by the City. Mr. Reynolds noted that the intrinsic value should be based on the value of the consideration vis-~-vis the current financial environment of the municipality as a whole and should be a decision of the Council. Mr. Reynolds pointed out that the City of Auburn is presently engaged in two major highway projects and also Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 7 significant issues regarding the storm water and other systems, which have high potential liabilities. Councilmember Poe pointed out that the resolution passed by the Council was to consider the joint venture with the Y. In response to questions from Councilmember Poe, Mr. Nichol stated that the Y is proposing a fifty-year agreement. The contract would contain a minimum level of service, but would be re-negotiated on an annual basis with regard to schedules and agreements. Director Krauss referred to the memorandum received from Councilmember Singer regarding the proposal for a building with two entrances. The idea has merit with regard to architectural design and bifurcated ownership. In review, staff determined that the City has a greater need for gymnasium space or recreation areas versus community center/conference rooms. The renovations in connection with the old and new Senior Centers will provide a substantial amount of meeting space for the community. Director Deal referred to an overhead display of the old library and the renovations taking place for the Senior Center. Director Deal spoke of the benefits of the addition of the new King County Library and the possible option of adding a gymnasium to the renovation of the old senior center. In response to questions from Councilmember Borden, Director Deal summarized the potential improvements and stated that, in the event the old senior center renovation included a gymnasium, the ACAP facility would not need to be relocated. Mayor Booth opened the floor for public comment. Mike Morrisette, 4720 Millpond Drive SE, Auburn Mr. Morrisette represented the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Morrisette referred to correspondence from the Chamber distributed to the Councilmembers speaking in favor of a partnership between the YMCA and the City of Auburn. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Morrisette expressed concern with the capacity, availability and suitability for community events of the proposed facility and suggested that the conference center portion of the proposed facility should be designed, owned, and governed by the City and should not be a gymnasium that requires conversion to serve as a conference center. Special City Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 8 Ellen Cropp, 17053 SE 312th Street, Auburn Ms. Cropp stated that she was the first director for the ACAP child care facility. Ms. Cropp expressed her concern for the future of ACAP. She urged Council to find a definitive solution to the ACAP relocation that is acceptable to the ACAP Board of Directors and management before a decision is made with regard to the YMCA partnership. George Osborn Mr. Osborn has been a volunteer for ACAP for many years. Mr. Osborn spoke in opposition of a new YMCA facility. Mr. Osborn urged the Council to consider the human factors and not just financial interests and to keep ACAP at its current site Deborah Sexton, 1900 Taylor Avenue N, Seattle Ms. Sexton stated that she is President of the ACAP Board of Directors. Ms. Sexton thanked the Mayor and the City Council for support given to ACAP over the years. Ms. Sexton spoke in favor of partnership with the YMCA but urged the Council and the YMCA to find a long-term, permanent solution for the ACAP housing issue. Ms. Sexton expressed a desire for ACAP to remain at Les Gove Park due to the services and amenities available there. Ms. Sexton urged a collaboration between the YMCA, ACAP, and the City to find a solution without interruption of ACAP services. Linda DiRienzo, 1102 J Street SE, Auburn Ms. DiRienzo stated that she is Executive Director for ACAP. In response to questions from Councilmember Borden, Ms. DiRienzo stated that the ACAP facility has approximately 5,000 square feet of class room space, which includes six classrooms, and several office spaces and outdoor play areas. ACAP is licensed for eighty children. In response to questions from Councilmember Poe, Ms. Sexton stated that ACAP is in favor of the partnership between the Y and the City of Auburn and reiterated ACAP's desire to be a part of the decision making process with regard to moving ACAP's facility and expressed concern regarding the connected costs. Dan Shields, 2610 Forest Ridge Drive SE, Auburn Mr. Shields spoke in opposition to a partnership between the YMCA and the City of Auburn. Mr. Shields stated that the City should own the community center and use City staff to operate the facility. Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 9 Bill Kyle, 2001 19th Drive NE, Auburn Mr. Kyle stated that he is on the Board of Directors for ACAP. Mr. Kyle spoke in opposition to a partnership between the YMCA and the City of Auburn. Mr. Kyle urged Council to take more time and to consider long range plans for the Les Gove Park area. Mayor Booth recessed the meeting at 8:15 PM for a short break and reconvened at 8:25 PM. Christy Burke, 30440 104th Avenue SE, Auburn Ms. Burke spoke in favor of the proposed partnership with the YMCA. Ms. Burke encouraged the Council to take advantage of the contribution of funds from the YMCA for the benefit of the community. Elaine Prenovost, 304 I Street SE, Auburn Ms. Prenovost suggested Council make use of the old Senior Center for a Community Center. Ms. Prenovost stressed the need for a facility for evening use by the youth in the Auburn community. Dave Williamson, 4248 A Street SE #113, Auburn Mr. Williamson and his daughter spoke in favor of the proposed partnership with the YMCA. Mr. Williamson praised the current YMCA facility and pointed out that it is a facility that is used by youth and seniors. A new facility would benefit all members of the community as well as future generations. Mike Dalfit, 1235 25th Street SE, Auburn Mr. Dalfit stated that he is a Board Member of the YMCA. Mr. Dalfit spoke in favor of the proposed partnership with the Y. Mr. Dalfit stated that it presents an opportunity for the City to provide an expanded facility for all members of the community. Mr. Ports reported that last year the YMCA served 1,600 children in summer day- camp, 37% of which were subsidized. The child-care programs served 175 children per week and approximately 40% of them were subsidized. The Y also served 70 children in the drop-in programs and over 3,000 children participate in the youth sports programs. Nancy Colson, 1214 O Street NE, Auburn Ms. Colson spoke in favor of the proposed partnerships and of public/private partnerships in general. Ms. Colson expressed the need for additional meeting Special Ci~ Council Meeting Minutes - Proposed Community Center Janua~ 29,2001 Page 10 space in the community and the benefits of using the YMCA's programming expertise. Mike Bocatch, 111 H Street SE, Auburn Mr. Bocatch spoke in opposition of a partnership with the Y and of moving the ACAP facility. Mr. Bocatch questioned the impact a partnership might have on other businesses with City relationships and expressed displeasure at the fee structure and the lack of privileges accorded at other YMCA facilities without additional fees. Kip Herren, 212 Riverview Drive NE, Auburn Mr. Herren spoke in favor of the proposed partnership with the Y. Mr. Herren stated that he was a participant in the Developmental Committee for the Greater YMCA of Seattle. A total of nineteen Y's competed for the available funds. Due to the leadership qualities and the high regard towards children and families found in Auburn, 60% of those funds were directed to the Auburn community. Rodger Scott, 20405 SE 344th, Auburn Mr. Scott spoke in favor of the proposed Y partnership and stated that the Y provides services and programs that other health clubs do not offer. The Y provides leadership for the youth of the community. Mr. Scott encouraged the City to join in the partnership and to take advantage of the funds being offered. Councilmember Wagner stated that more time is needed to discuss the proposed partnership and negotiations. Councilmember Wagner expressed concern with the deadline of March 1, 2001. Councilmember Barber concurred with Councilmember Wagner and expressed a desire to study the other options presented this evening. Councilmember Barber also has concerns with regard to ACAP. Councilmember Singer stated that more discussion and more public input are needed prior to a final decision. Councilmember Singer expressed concerns regarding a public/private partnership, potential complications and legal ramifications, and with meeting the March deadline. Councilmember Poe concurred with Councilmembers Wagner, Barber, and Singer and spoke of the need to analyze a final agreement before a decision could be made. The Y partnership would be a benefit to the community and would offer expanded opportunities for the Parks Department. Councilmember Special City Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Community Center January 29, 2001 Page 11 Poe stressed the needs of the community for the services of both the Y and the Parks Department and urged to Council to consider the potential loss of value. Councilmember Lewis concurred that more discussion is needed with regards to the unique opportunity presented by the Y. Councilmember Lewis stressed the need for additional community input and opinions, establishment of the legalities connected with the use of public funds, and the determination of a value. Councilmember Singer stressed the need to ascertain public support for this and future community projects such as the Public Safety Building. Councilmember Borden expressed concern regarding the impact a delay might have with regard to the funding for the Community Center partnership from both the City and the Y and suggested that the City's portion be placed in reserve in the event Council decides to go forward. Councilmember Borden suggested that Council design a process to be used to make that determination. Councilmember Wagner concurred with Councilmember Borden and suggested that the YMCA extend their deadline of March 1,2001. Councilmember Brothers spoke in opposition of the proposed Y partnership and spoke in favor of using the old Senior Center in conjunction with new construction. Councilmember Brothers concurred with the need for additional community and Council participation with regard to a Community Center. Discussion followed regarding operating costs and fees, expansion of services provided to the community, Council priorities, and Parks Department needs. Councilmember Borden urged the Council to establish a process to be used to make a final determination with regard to a partnership with the Y. Councilmember Singer suggested hiring an independent consultant or facilitator to study the need and gather more public input with regard to a Community Center. Councilmember Wagner suggested Council schedule a work session to discuss Council priorities including all transportation and capital projects prior to March 1, 2001. SpecialCi~ Council Meeting Minutes- Proposed Communi~ Center Janua~ 29,2001 Page12 IV. Executive Session Mayor Booth recessed the meeting to executive session at 8:25 PM for approximately twenty minutes in order to discuss personnel and legal issues. Mayor Booth reconvened the meeting at 9:15 PM. V. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM. Approved this c2~/--~ day of February, 2001. 2001 m01-29 special.doc