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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2009 ~ CITYOF CITYCOUNCIL . MEETING MINUTES ~ ~WAS H I N GTON FEBRUARY 2, 2009 7:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER A. Flag Salute Mayor Peter B. Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call Mayor Lewis and the following Councilmembers were present: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus, Bill Peloza, Lynn Norman, and Virginia Haugen. Staff members present included: Risk Manager Rob Roscoe, Information Services Director Lorrie Rempher, Chief of Police Jim Kelly, City Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Planning, Building and Community Director Cindy Baker, and Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson. C. Announcements and Appointments 1. Announcements a) Auburn Professional Plaza Update by Jeff Oliphant Developer Jeff Oliphant thanked Mayor Lewis and Councilmembers for their attendance at the ground breaking for the Auburn Professional Plaza which was held on January 2, 2009. Mr. Oliphant reported that more than 150 people were in attendance in spite of the inclement weather. The demolition is now complete and construction of the foundation will begin later this week. The project is on target for completion of the main part of the building in Page 1 City of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 November 2009 after which tenant improvements will begin. Mr. Oliphant noted that the project is producing in excess of 200 full time jobs for a period of approximately one year, including construction, design, and other aspects of the project. Mr. Oliphant estimated approximately 90% of the jobs are in the local economy which provides a ripple effect that could support as many as 500-600 local jobs, which in turn supports the general economy. Mr. Oliphant stated that there was a sign on one of the demolished taverns located at 1 East Main which was written in gold leaf and is quite old. That is the address of the project and he will be incorporating that sign into the building. Also found was an exceptionally old survey marker depicted by a stone "X" located in the street approximately 3-4 feet down at the corner of Auburn Avenue and 1St Street. It is one of the first stone markers, dates back to when the City of Auburn was first platted as the Town of Slaughter, and is approximately 120 years old. 2. Appointments There was no appointment for Council consideration. D. Agenda Modifications There was no agenda modification. II. CITIZEN INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS & CORRESPONDENCE A. Public Hearings No public hearing was scheduled for this evening. B. Audience Participation This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak to the City Council on any issue. Those wishing to speak are reminded to sign in on the form provided. Darrel Shiley, PO Box 2374, Auburn Mr. Shiley stated that he lives on A Street NE but also owns a condominium at 37th and M Streets where the City recently reconstructed the road and installed sidewalks. Mr. Shiley indicated that he responded to a notice from the City requesting public comments related to the project. He requested that the Page 2 City of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 sidewalks on the east side of M Street be extended to the curb and was told that the sidewalks were currently installed to City standards. Mr. Shiley expressed his disappointment. C. Correspondence There was no correspondence for Council review. III. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS A3.7.6 A. Municipal Services Chair Cerino reported that the Municipal Services Committee met on January 26, 2009 at 4:00 pm. The Committee discussed emergency preparedness related to the condition of Howard Hanson Dam. The Committee also discussed the Municipal Services Committee matrix. The next regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for February 9, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. B. Planning & Community Development Chair Norman reported that the Planning and Community Development Committee met on January 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The Committee approved Resolution No. 4441. The Committee also received a report from Transportation, Transit and Trails Committee Chair Roger Thordarson, and discussed A Frame signs and related code changes and Environmental District/Green Zone development. The next regular meeting of the Planning and Community Development Committee meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. C. Public Works Chair Wagner reported that the Public Works Committee met this afternoon at 3:00. The Committee approved a Right of Way Use Permit and discussed Ordinance No. 6223, Resolution No. 4445, and a proposed loading door tax. The Committee also received a report on the federalization of the stimulus projects and discussed the code update projects and truck parking in a particular location on 8th Street SW. The next meeting of the Public Works Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. D. Finance Chair Backus reported that the Finance Committee met this evening at 6:30. The Committee approved claims and payroll vouchers, Ordinance No. 6223, and Resolution Nos. 4445 and Page 3 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 4447. The Committee also discussed Resolution No. 4446 and received a report from Mayor Lewis regarding emergency preparedness efforts related to the condition of Howard Hanson Dam and upcoming public meetings. The next regular meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. E. Community Center Chair Wagner reported that the Community Center Committee met on January 27, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. The Committee received a design budget update from the architects who reported that the project is still on budget and the design is staying reasonably stable. The Committee discussed metal panels being used for accent areas and color selection. A Boys and Girls Club representative was in attendance and spoke regarding the expansion of their elementary school based day care services in Auburn in advance of their occupancy in the old Pratt building. Chair Wagner also reported that the Committee decided on a bid strategy wherein contractors will be required to submit separate bids on the community center and the gym activity center and also a joint bid for both components. The Committee also received a report on the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) progress. The project is almost certain to qualify for either the Silver or Gold certification. The Committee also received a presentation from the artist providing the two pieces of artwork for the lobby and a report on the furniture and fixtures, which will be of a better quality at lower costs than originalty thought. The Committee also received a report on commissioning, an engineering oversight recommended for large projects to keep them within budget. The next meeting of the Community Center Committee is scheduled for March 25, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. F. Downtown Redevelopment Chair Norman reported that the Downtown Redevelopment Committee met on January 22, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. to review design concepts for the City Hall Plaza. The Committee focused on details to provide a safe and welcoming gathering space for community events in the downtown core. The Committee discussed signage, lighting, green space, and accommodations for various uses. The Committee also discussed Downtown Urban Center design guidelines and how they might apply to alterations or additions to existing structures in the downtown core. The date for the next Downtown Redevelopment Committee meeting has not yet been set. Page 4 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 IV. REPORTS At this time the Mayor and City Council may report on significant items associated with their appointed positions on state, regional and local organizations. A. From the Council Deputy Mayor Singer reported that she and other Councilmembers attended the grand opening for the ACAP facility now located at the White River Presbyterian Church. She also presided at the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Executive Board meeting where they received a report regarding the federal stimulus package. At present, the four county region is slated to receive approximately $60 million. Approximately $30 million of that will be going to King County. She will be attending a meeting soon to finalize the recommendations to the PRSC Executive Board regarding criteria for final project selection. Councilmember Wagner reported that he attended the Puyallup River Watershed Council meeting at which they received a presentation by the fishery biologists from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The presentation was regarding the dramatic improvement in the fish count for the White River Chinook Salmon run due to the slow down of the hydro project in Lake Tapps. Councilmember Wagner also reported on a presentation from Puget Sound Partnership Regional Liaison John Taylor. Councilmember Peloza reported that he attended a King County Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee meeting to discuss the challenges faced by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) and their plans to ensure reliability and achievable goals in improving energy efficiencies. WTD represents 55% of King County's total energy usage. The WTD goals are to reduce that percentage by employing renewable fuel technologies, convert 100% of waste products and landfills and wastewater treatment plants by year 2012, adopt mandatory energy efficiencies and resource use guidelines for operation and maintenance at all facilities, develop energy management plans for the west and south treatment plants, conduct energy audits of all King County facilities by year 2010, pursue grant funding, and to generate 50% of power in King County from renewable resources by 2010. Page 5 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 Councilmember Haugen reported that she attended the ACAP ribbon cutting ceremony. She commended the participation and support of the Auburn community. B. From the Mayor Mayor Lewis reported on the attendance at ACAP ribbon cutting ceremony and thanked Councilmembers and staff for their efforts related to the ACAP relocation. Mayor Lewis noted the recent passing of Auburn residents Bill Kyle and Don Hill. Mayor Lewis spoke regarding their active leadership in the Auburn community and their efforts regarding Howard Hanson and Mud Mountain Dams, the Auburn Performing Arts Center, construction of State Route 167, and improvements to State Route 18. Mayor Lewis encouraged citizens to follow their fine example and become involved in the community. Mayor Lewis stated that he emceed "Uniquely Auburn", which is an event operated solely by volunteers and stated it was an honor to be a part of this wonderful event. He also attended the Miss Auburn Pageant at the Auburn PerForming Arts Center. Twenty- one contestants participated in the targest local program of Miss America Pageant in the United States. During the course of the pageant, they collected over $4,000 in donations which will be awarded to the Auburn Food Bank in addition to the food items collected on their behalf. Mayor Lewis reported on the condition of Howard Hanson Dam. During the last storm event, the dam was raised to a level higher than it has ever been and, once it was lowered, the Army Corp of Engineers discovered that a sink hole had developed. Mayor Lewis reviewed the problems related to the current amount of water being released from the dam into the Green River. If another significant storm event occurs, there is a probability that flooding will occur in the northeastern and northwestern areas in Auburn causing those areas to experience up to four feet of water. Areas north of Auburn could experience from eight to ten feet of water. City staff recently began a public notification process for those areas considered to be at highest risk of flooding. Two public meetings are scheduled for Saturday, February 7 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. to provide information to the public. With long range weather forecasting, the City could have as much as five to eight days notice of a flood event. It takes from four to seven hours for water released from the dam to reach Auburn. Page 6 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 Mayor Lewis stated that the City will be providing notice to the best of its ability and encouraged citizens to attend the public meetings for more information. Mayor Lewis also urged citizens to contact the City if they have any questions. Deputy Mayor Singer requested clarification regarding notification to citizens via Auburn Alert. Information Services Director Rempher stated that citizens having an unlisted telephone number should register their number on the City's website or contact City Hall. New telephone numbers are not added automatically and it is best to register with the City. Mayor Lewis clarified that telephone numbers which are listed will automatically be called via 911. V. CONSENT AGENDA All matters listed on fhe Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. A. Minutes 1. Minutes of the January 20, 2009 regular City Council meeting. B. Vouchers F4.9.2, F4.9.5 1. Claims 2008 claims check numbers 382183 through 382187, 382189, and 382189 through 382193 in the amount of $998,227.58 and dated February 2, 2009. 2009 claims check numbers 382188, 382190 through 382192, and 382389 through 382658 in the amount of $755,644.71 and one wire transfer in the amount of $4,722.00 and dated February 2, 2009. 2. Payroll Payroll check numbers 525576 to 525678 in the amount of $378,750.14 and electronic deposit transmissions in the amount of $1,207,623.37 for a grand total of $1,586,373.51 for the pay period covering January 10, 2009 to January 28, 2009. Page 7 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes February 2, 2009 Deputy Mayor Singer moved and Councilmember Wagner seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. MOTION CARRIED. 6-1 Councilmember Haugen voted no. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. VII. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. VIII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. Ordinances 1. Ordinance No. 6223 F2.4.9 LID 350 An Ordinance of the City of Auburn, Washington, approving and confirming the assessments and assessment roll of Local Improvement District No. 350 for the improvement of sidewalks, curb/gutters, driveways, wheelchair access ramps, and landscape strips, as provided for Ordinance No. 6111, and levying and assessing a part of the cost and expense thereof against the several lots, tracts, parcels of land and other property as shown on the assessment roll Mayor Lewis explained that Council agreed a number of years ago to advance the cost of up to 50% for sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements requiring the neighborhood to provide matching funds, which can be paid up front or paid over a number of years via a lien on the property. Councilmember Backus moved and Councilmember Peloza seconded to introduce and adopt Ordinance No. 6223. Councilmember Haugen inquired regarding the timeline for noticing property owners and expressed concerns for individuals who may not be able to pay their portions. Director Coleman reviewed the Local Improvement District (LID) 350 as follows: Page 8 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 • Resolution No. 4278 declaring the intent to form LID 350 and setting the date for the first public hearing was approved July 2, 2007 • First notice published on July 11, 2007 fixing the date of the public hearing • Second notice published on July 12, 2007, consecutively as required by law, fixing the date of the public hearing • Notices mailed to property owners, as shown on the King County Assessors roll, via certified mail on July 13, 2007 Mayor Lewis reminded Councilmember Haugen that this particular type of lien does not take property for failure to pay and assistance has been offered to property owners throughout the LID process. Council and Finance Department staff have had many discussions with citizens since July 2007. A number of public meetings and meetings set up individually with various property owners at their request have occurred. Director Coleman reported that once the LID is finalized, property owners have the option to pay the LID assessment in full within 30 days or make 10 annual installments, without accruing interest, beginning 12 months after the 30 day period elapses. If the assessment becomes delinquent, then late notices are sent to the property owners. Simple interest is accrued at 5% per annum on the unpaid principal balance and if payment is not made in first 30 days of the year, then interest would be due for the whole year. Councilmember Wagner pointed out that it has only been , the past seven or eight years since the City has required a 50% LID participation rate. Before that, property owners were required to pay for all improvements. More recent Councils have been much more willing to participate in the LID costs. Councilmember Norman expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in an LID in her neighborhood. Many property owners would not have been able to afford the significant infrastructure improvements if the City had not shared in the costs. Page 9 Citv of Auburn Council MeetinQ Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 Mayor Lewis stressed that LID improvements are not forced upon property owners. A majority of property owners in a neighborhood have to agree in writing to the improvements or the City does not implement an LID. MOTION CARRIED. 6-1. Councilmember Haugen voted no. B. Resolutions 1. Resolution No. 4441 F5.3 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing acceptance of a King County 2008 Youth Sport Facility Grant (YSFG) to make surface improvements to Field No. 4 at Brannan Park Councilmember Norman moved and Councilmember Backus seconded to adopt Resolution No. 4441. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0. 2. Resolution No. 4445 F4.6.1 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, approving the demolition of residence located at 2033 4th Street Southeast, in Auburn, Washington Councilmember Backus moved and Councilmember Peloza seconded to adopt Resolution No. 4445. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0. 3. Resolution No. 4447 F5.4.2 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Auburn City Council to accept grant funds in the amount of Forty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Three Dollars ($48,693), from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, for rehabilitation of inedium intensity runway light (MIRL) runway 16/34 (PHASE 2) and authorizing the execution of the grant agreement therefor Page 10 Citv of Auburn Council Meetinq Minutes Februarv 2, 2009 Councilmember Backus moved and Councilmember Peloza seconded to adopt Resolution No. 4447 MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. APPROVED THE ~ DAY OF FEBRUARY 2009. P te . Lewis, Mayor Cathy Ric rdson, Deputy City Clerk City Council agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website, and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are available for review at the City Clerk's Office and at the Library. Internet: http://www.auburnwa.gov Page 11