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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-2001sp SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 26, 2001 6:30 PM COUNCIL WORK AREA COMMUNITY CENTER WORKSHOP MINUTES I. Call to Order The special meeting of the Auburn City Council to discuss the proposed Auburn Community Center was called to order at 6:30 PM. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers located in Auburn City Hall. Mayor Charles A. Booth and the following Councilmembers were present: Rich Wagner, Jeanne Barber, Trish Borden, Fred Poe, Sue Singer, Pete Lewis, and Stacey Brothers. Staff members present included: Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, Recreation Coordinator Sharon LaVigne, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Recreation Manager Brian Petty, Senior Center Supervisor Cheryl Sallee, and Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson. Also present were Community Center Advisory Group members Jean Asplund and Gene Cerino. II. Discussion of Community Center Options Mayor Booth explained that the purpose of this evenings meeting is to provide the opportunity for Council to discuss issues and concerns regarding the Community Center Advisory Group report. Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal reviewed the Advisory Group recommendations in order of priority, as follows: 1. Full City of Auburn Ownership a. City of Auburn own the facility and operate all programs and services. Special City Council Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 2 b. City of Auburn own the facility, operate a portion of programs and services and sub-contract a portion of programs and services. c. City of Auburn own the facility and sub-contract all programs and services. 2. Joint ownership between City of Auburn and another entity. 3. Equitable partnership with both entities co-managing operations and services Director Deal stated that full own'ership by the City is the preferred scenario. Director Deal noted that problems that might occur under joint ownership include management and operation issues and associated liabilities. There are few facilities operating under scenario number two. The Advisory Group found no models operating under scenario number three. Director Deal explained architect Bob Bignold with ORB Organization provided tremendous support to the Advisory Group. The ORB Organization is a premier designer of community centers and has built many such facilities on the west coast. There are a variety of design options available to choose from. The Advisory Group report indicates that there is strong public support and interest regarding a community center facility. Director Deal stated that the site considered for a community center is Les Gove Park. The location of this park and existing amenities, such as the White River Valley Museum, Auburn Senior Center, King County Library, and the YMCA, make the park an ideal location for a community center. Director Deal suggested that there are several options that might be considered in partnering with the YMCA. The development of various amenities that the YMCA needs for the current or an expanded YMCA facility, such as an additional parking lot with lighting, storm drainage, and landscaping, is an example. Another option would be for the YMCA to deed property to the City of Auburn. The City could then develop and maintain a parking lot and enter a use agreement with the YMCA. A similar arrangement was made with King County with regard to the library facility. Director Deal stated that the King County Forward Thrust lap pool agreement between King County and the Auburn School District expires in 2013. The agreement calls for the pool to be replaced with a like facility. Special City Council Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 3 Director Deal stated that the Advisory Group survey revealed that the community is in favor of constructing a zero depth family pool, including a water slide, wave pool, spas, fountains, and circulating currents. The cost to construct this type of facility is approximately $1 million. Director Deal urged Council to explore the possibilities of supporting or partnering with the YMCA in their efforts to construct a family pool or similar facility. Director Deal pointed out that the YMCA facility in Grays Harbor, which includes a family pool, has been a tremendous success. Director Deal suggested that Council explore opportunities with King County with regard to the Forward Thrust Pool. Several years ago, King County was interested in turning over ownership and management of the pool to the City of Auburn, together with three years operating expense. King County also discussed various options with the Auburn School District. In response to questions from Councilmember Singer, Director Deal explained that two types of pools are needed in a community. A lane pool is generally used for competitive swimming or exercise laps. A family pool has many amenities designed for concurrent usage of varying age groups. The City of Auburn currently has two lane pools, the Forward Thrust Pool and the YMCA pool. The YMCA pool is over forty years old and is in need of major repairs. The Forward Thrust Pool was built in the early 1970's. Councilmember Poe commended the Advisory Group on their report, conclusions, and recommendations with regard to a community center. Councilmember Singer stated that she favored partnering with another entity and subcontracting certain operations and programs, with the City retaining ownership of that portion most used by the City. Councilmember Singer also favors grouping facilities in a common area of Les Gove Park near the ACAP Daycare facility. Councilmember Wagner stated that he is in favor of a City owned facility and subcontracting a portion of operations and concurs with Councilmember Singer as to the location. Councilmember Wagner pointed out that the old Senior Center is needed for the Parks and Recreation Department staff to eliminate the need to expand City Hall. Special City Council Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 4 Councilmember Poe stated that he visualizes a partnership wherein each entity owns and operates separate facilities in a common area so as to maximize all the funds available from various sources. The amenities in each facility, such as an aquatics center, gymnasium, and meeting rooms, could be determined by the funds available to each entity. Mr. George Frasier with the YMCA stated that they still have $3 million from the YMCA of Greater Seattle for development in Auburn. The YMCA is very interested in padnering with the City of Auburn. The YMCA is currently moving forward with fund raising efforts. Councilmember Lewis stated that the YMCA would be better suited to own and operate a facility such as an aquatic center. The idea of a multi-purpose room is very appealing. Councilmember Lewis stated that he is opposed to any type of convention center. Councilmember Lewis is in favor of City ownership of any facility built by the City. Councilmember Singer pointed out that establishing a unique partnership with the YMCA would present additional opportunities with regards to grants and fund raising. Councilmember Barber stated that she is in favor of further negotiations with the YMCA regarding a partnership. Councilmember Poe stated that any agreement regarding partnering with another entity should meet the recommendations of the Advisory Group report. Funds should not be committed until such time as joint goals and terms of a partnership agreement are negotiated. Councilmember Singer stated that separately, neither the City of Auburn nor the YMCA would be able to afford all the amenities wanted by the community for a community center. Partnering would increase the possibility of reaching the desires of the community. Councilmember Borden stated that long term operational costs should be considered. She would like to see a community center built so as to significantly increase indoor programs for the community. A partnership with the YMCA would increase the opportunity for additional programs. Councilmember Poe recommended a Council sub-committee to investigate partnering options. Special City Council Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 5 Mayor Booth suggested that Council might consider putting the proposed community center to an official public vote. Councilmember Brothers expressed support for of a community center and for putting it to an official public vote. Councilmember Brothers urged caution due to the current economic downturn. Councilmember Lewis suggested that the previous Council sub-committee, consisting of himself, and Councilmembers Borden and Wagner, resume negotiations with the YMCA. Mayor Booth appointed Councilmembers Lewis, Borden and Wagner to the Council Sub-Committee on the proposed community center and also directed Directors Krauss and Deal to continue working with the Council sub-committee with regard to negotiations with the YMCA. Director Krauss pointed out that at some point, architectural assistance and guidance will be necessary. Councilmember Lewis requested written comments from Council with regard to their visions for the City's portion of a community center facility. Councilmember Wagner proposed a $3 million line item in the 2002 budget, contingent upon successful negotiations with another entity as a good faith gesture. Councilmember Borden concurred with Councilmember Wagner. Councilmember Poe suggested that it is premature to discuss funding options, but favors some type of commitment to the YMCA conditioned on reaching a successful partnership agreement. Councilmember Lewis concurred with Councilmember Poe. Special City Council Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 6 III. Adjournment There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 PM. APPROVED THIS //2 i(:~DAY OF/~~-'Jj'~ , 2001. ., 0 ~ Charles A. Booth, Mayor Cathy R'~ardson, Deputy City Clerk f:/clerk/council/2001/2001 al 1-26SpecialCommunityCenter