HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-16-2005 Special
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CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
June 16, 2005 3:00 PM
Truitt Building, 102 West Main Street
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Peter B. Lewis called the Auburn Environmental Park Kick-off Meeting to
order at 3:00 p.m. The following Councilmembers were present during the
meeting: Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Bill Peloza, Roger Thordarson, and Lynn
Norman. Staff members present included: Planning and Community
Development Director Paul Krauss, Parks and Recreation Director Daryl Faber,
Parks Planning and Development Manager Dan Scamporlina, Senior Planner
Mitzi McMahan, Community Development Administrator David Osaki, Utilities
Engineer Duane Huskey, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Assistant Police
Chief Bob Lee, Information Services Director Lorrie Rempher, Assistant Fire
Chief Mike Gerber, Assistant City Attorney Steve King, Economic Development
Manager Holly Ryan, Environmental Project Manager Aaron Nix, City Engineer
Dennis Selle and City Clerk Danielle Daskam. Several members of the public
were in attendance.
Mayor Lewis opened the meeting by introducing Auburn City Councilmembers
and provided a brief introduction of his involvement and support of the Auburn
Environmental Park (AEP) project. The project aims to improve water quality and
stormwater detention, as well as provide a variety of public recreation and
environmental benefits for the community. Mayor Lewis urged the Council,
community groups, and residents to support the AEP project.
Tom Young, Constituent Liaison from the office of Congressman Dave Reichert,
delivered greetings from the Congressman. He noted the Congressman is
originally from Auburn and believes the economic, environmental, and
recreational opportunities related to the park are excellent. The Congressman
will work at the congressional and local levels to garner support and momentum
for the project.
Senior Planner Mitzi McMahan introduced the project staff, provided a general
project overview, and touched on some of the next steps. The project area is
bordered by the West Valley Highway on the west, Interurban Trail and Union
Pacific Railroad on the east, 15th Street NW, on the north and Main Street on
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City of Auburn Special Council Meetina Minutes
June 16. 2005
the south. The project area is near a portion of Mill Creek within the Green River
Valley and visible from State Route (SR) 167. David Evans & Associates
produced a comprehensive feasibility report and determined there were no "fatal
flaws" with the project. Therefore, opportunities and constraints shaping the AEP
project will be based on public involvement and support and funding availability.
Environmental Protection Manager Aaron Nix discussed the feasibility study in
more detail. Landau & Associates produced the supporting wetland delineation
and functional assessment. The need to enhance and rehabilitate wetlands
results from problems with hydrology and invasive reed canary grass that has
taken over major portions of the site. Mr. Nix explained that the City plans to
convene a Technical Advisory Committee in the near future that will be asked to
review the functional assessment and feasibility study in more detail. Public input
and collaborating with the Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) will guide development of the project and will be critical to its success.
Following the coordination of a Technical Advisory Committee, a park master
plan will be developed to identify specific project components.
Ms. McMahan spoke about the potential features and conceptual plan for the
AEP project. The Imagine the Possibilities poster illustrates the various benefits
and opportunities the project offers. The poster suggests public art opportunities,
a birding park, educational and cultural programs, stormwater detention and
water quality improvements, and others
Merlin Wiese, a spokesperson for the Rainier Audubon Society, described the
partnership opportunities associated with the project. He presented a $1,000
check to the City in support of the project. With 500 members, the Rainier
Audubon Society represents a significant source of financial and grassroots
support. Birding enthusiasts are the largest group of environmental tourists in
the country, totaling 71 million and spending $29.2 billion annually on the hobby
and $9.4 billion on trip-related expenses. In Washington State, more money is
spent on birding than hunting, and 47% of residents participate in some sort of
birding activity.
After the formal presentation, the floor was opened to public comments and
questions. In general, members of the public supported the project and
encouraged adding elements that reflect the Native American, Japanese, and
agricultural history of the area. Several citizens were also concerned about local
flooding issues and how the project would impact their homes.
The meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m. with a break out session for more informal
discussion. Representatives from the City's Planning, Public Works, and Parks
Departments, and the consultant team were available to answer questions.
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City of Auburn Special Council Meetina Minutes
June 16. 2005
APPROVED THE \s.1:- DAY OF AUGUST 2005.
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Peter B. Lewis, Mayor
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Danìelle Daskam, City Clerk
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