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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-29-2010 CITY OF * CITY COUNCIL UBCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WASHINGTON November 29, 2010 5 00 PM Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Deputy Mayor Sue Singer called the meeting to order at 5 18 p m in the Council Chambers located at Auburn City Hall 25 West Main Street in Auburn Councilmembers present Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Nancy Backus Bill Peloza, Lynn Norman, and John Partridge Councilmember Virginia Haugen was excused Department Directors and staff members present Finance Director Shelley Coleman Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Chief of Police Bob Lee, Risk Manager Rob Roscoe, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber Planning and Development Director Kevin Snyder City Attorney Daniel B Heid, and Deputy City Clerk Cathy Richardson Also present during the meeting were the following Urban Core Task Force members Auburn Downtown Association representative Kathleen Keater citizen Dawn Heilbrun, citizen Mike Clark, citizen and Co-Chair Gail Spurrell, Facilitator Kathryn Merlino Chair Terry Davis Nancy Colson of Windermere Real Estate, Way Scuff of Scarf Ford, and Ronnie Roberts of Gosanko Chocolates Deputy Mayor Sue Singer suggested that as there are not many fifth Mondays in 2011 for meetings of the Committee of the Whole, Council may want to consider meeting quarterly if necessary II Urban Center Extended Areas Planning Manager Chamberlain reported that the Urban Core Task Force was formed in partnership with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) The Chamber nominated approximately twenty-four citizens local business owners, and other community members to participate in the Page 1 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 Urban Core Task Force The task force was challenged with developing a vision for downtown Auburn and outlying areas of the Auburn community to address issues such as continued growth redevelopment land usage density and connections to various areas and destinations within Auburn The task force met monthly to address these and other issues to develop a vision for Auburn over the next thirty to forty years and was facilitated by Kathryn Merlino, a professor at the University of Washington Mr Davis thanked Mayor Lewis and Councilmembers for allowing him to present the results of the work of the task force Mr Davis reported that the current population of the City of Auburn is approximately 68,000 The task force was charged with planning for an additional 50,000 citizens migrating to the City of Auburn over the next 20 years The task force was comprised of five citizens the Auburn Downtown Association Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and seventeen businesses located throughout the City Mr Davis spoke regarding development of the mission statement which guided the task force in the development of six guiding principles Mr Davis read the mission statement and reviewed the following guiding principles Mission Statement. "Creating a vibrant, green, walkable urban core with connections to multiple activities and destinations in Auburn " Guiding Principles 1) Capitalize on Auburn's uniqueness Mr Davis spoke regarding Auburn's ideal location and assets such as the Municipal Airport, entertainment venues, historic sites parks, and retail opportunities Auburn's existing rail lines and vibrant airport provide two essential economic opportunities and are unique qualities that will allow for expansion and growth of the city 2) Promote mixed use and mixed-income residential development and urban infill in the proposed urban core boundary Mr Davis reviewed current urban center boundaries as defined by the Puget Sound Regional Council The task force felt that the boundaries should be extended in order to plan for effective residential in-fill and development The task force recommends expanding the boundaries to M Street on the east, State Route 167 Page 2 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 on the west to 15th Street on the north, and 17th Street on the south Deputy Mayor Singer pointed out that the City of Auburn has a unique circumstance as it does not have to go through Puget Sound Regional Council to redefine the boundaries of the urban center Mr Davis stated that, within the recommended boundaries, there are historical characteristics that should be protected, but there will be in-fill and height increase opportunities in the urban center area 3) Provide for economic growth in the City through a diversity of means Mr Davis stated that Principle No 3 is centered on economics There must be prosperity and growth in order to progress The unique qualities of Auburn with regard to location the highways, rail lines, and airport provide long-term opportunities As residential activity increases within the urban center, it will drive a demand for retail services to support the residential units and will provide short term opportunities 4) Provide a variety of connectivity choices Mr Davis reported that the task force reviewed connecting neighborhoods to the downtown area for those wishing to travel via modes other than automobiles The task force also reviewed ways to make the urban center more walkable and friendly, such as using portions of the right-of-way currently used by vehicles and designating it for foot or bike traffic 5) Expand, protect and enhance City open space Mr Davis stated that the task force recommends adding more urban parks which would provide quiet settings for citizens to enjoy and allow them an escape from an urban environment 6) Encourage developmental practices that lessen the impact on the environment and encourage economic development Mr Davis stated that in order to accomplish the previous principles it is imperative to encourage development that is sustainable, uses as little energy as possible takes care of its own stormwater, and is Page 3 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 sustainable over time The Environmental Park is a great example of Principle No 6 Mr Davis displayed a map depicting a variety of connective choices for navigating Auburn The more connectivity is accommodated, the more the community will embrace it Mr Davis spoke regarding various types of in-fill densities and new development densities within the urban core with regard to residential housing There are many historic houses along the M Street corridor, which provide unique opportunities to maintain, enhance and build upon these neighborhoods If opportunities arise the task force encourages Council to purchase properties in this area in order to provide urban parks Around the existing downtown core, the density is 20 to 40 dwelling units per acre and the task force recommends providing a buffer between East Main and the downtown area The Les Gove Community Campus provides another great opportunity for high density in-fill which would allow the retail center on Auburn Way South to develop and expand as well as supporting connectivity into the park The area around the Longhorn BBQ Restaurant south of State Route 18 might provide another great opportunity for high density housing Some retail is already sprouting in this area The C Street trail would provide connectivity to the downtown core and some walkability The area of West Main provides an opportunity for lower density townhomes or single-family units with great connections such as the Auburn Environmental Park Interurban Trail, and YMCA Mr Davis displayed a map depicting more open space throughout the new proposed urban center boundaries The west side of Auburn has the Environmental Park, but there are many opportunities to add more open space It does not have to be a huge park area and could be as simple as a fountain with trees around it. The City Hall Plaza and Promenade projects are a great start, but open space is needed in the existing and proposed urban center area Councilmember Wagner suggested that the Auburn Environmental Park be included within the proposed boundaries of the urban center Page 4 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 Ms Spurrell noted that, during the initial task force planning and visioning, they discussed the downtown core connectivity to amenities that would draw people from other areas into Auburn such as the Environmental Park which was not included in the expanded urban center boundaries In addition to adding additional parks, the task force was also concerned about maintaining and adding green streets that are comforting approachable walkable and attractive In response to questions from Councilmember Peloza regarding expansion or enhancement of the Auburn Airport Mr Davis stated that ideally, the runway needs to be expanded to the north which would take a lot of planning and effort BPA lines would need to be undergrounded or removed and there are businesses and connecting streets that would have to be dealt with As Boeing Field continues to expand, costs may be prohibitive for some and the Auburn Municipal Airport would provide a good alternative Mr Scarff stressed the importance of commerce in order to support growth and opportunity in the City and the need for incentives for development In conclusion Mr Davis stressed the need for prosperity in order to achieve growth and livability in the future and reiterated the task force mission statement Deputy Mayor Singer thanked task force members for their presentation and spoke regarding the difficulties involved in this type of visioning Deputy Mayor Singer commended the members for their efforts and diligence Councilmember Norman stated that she was very impressed with the work performed by the task force and spoke regarding complexities involved in visioning Councilmember Norman thanked task force members for providing a plan that supplies follow-up substance for Councilmembers now and in the future Councilmember Peloza thanked task force members for their contributions and stated that this is a good plan for the Auburn community Councilmember Backus commended the efforts of task force members and expressed her admiration for development of the guiding principal stating "We must consider the way we humans operate navigate, use and understand the environment" Councilmember Backus also commended Page 5 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 the task force on development of their mission statement as it encompasses connections to multiple activities and destinations in Auburn Councilmember Norman pointed out that one of the key discussions at the last City Council retreat related to connectivity to areas throughout the City rather that just the downtown core Councilmember Wagner noted that the term used by Council during the retreat was extended areas rather than connectivity and stressed that this is a different concept The task force captured some of the ideas discussed by Council at that time but Councilmember Wagner urged Council to continue to develop the concept of extended areas within the various plans of the City Councilmember Partridge commended the task force for an excellent job and stated that he liked the guiding principles, which provide for a lot of flexibility Discussion occurred regarding mixed uses for the Environmental Park area, historic preservation, and use of downtown Auburn historic character urban design guidelines Mr Davis stressed that, in order for Auburn to grow, there has to be a balance between the value of historic preservation of a structure versus the economics of a new structure In response to questions from Mayor Lewis, Mr Davis stated that the task force recommendations need to go to the various Council committees for review and suggested an open house to present to the community Deputy Mayor Singer suggested that it might be appropriate to present the task force plan during the comprehensive plan update process, but cautioned the task force that their recommendations will be considered individually and would not be accepted wholesale Mayor Lewis thanked task force members for accomplishing a very difficult task and invited them to attend the Council committee meetings when their recommendations are presented Mayor Lewis cautioned that there are limitations on what can be done at this time and expressed his appreciation for the long-term vision of 40-50 years out which provides good starting points for current and future Councilmembers Page 6 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 At 6:25 p.m Deputy Mayor Singer recessed the meeting for a five minute intermission Deputy Mayor Singer reconvened the meeting at 6.32 p.m Ill Bicycle Task Force Report Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Snyder introduced Bicycle Task Force Chair Terry Davis Mr Davis was accompanied by the following task force members • Dick Orting, Lake Tapps • Bob Smith, bicycle shop owner • Terry Carpenter, bicyclist • Jim Schwinn bicyclist • John Bradley, bicyclist and Transportation, Transit and Trail Committee member • John Callahan, bicyclist Mr Davis reported that the Bicycle Task Force was formed in March, 2010 and was tasked with examining bike trails and routes throughout Auburn The task force was comprised of twelve members Mr Davis reviewed terminology and definitions of bike boxes, bike lanes and sharrows There are new opportunities that have come about with regard to sharrow legends that are helpful in areas with very narrow right-of way width Sharrows are not separate bike lanes but are markings indicating a shared lane between bicycles and vehicles The task force was charged with looking at connections between communities Auburn serves as a gateway to the foothills and many bicyclists and bicycle clubs such as Cascade Bike Club and Tacoma Wheelmen, come from various areas en route to destinations such as Black Diamond Mud Mountain, and Flaming Geyser The task force reviewed connecting to other communities as well as connecting to various neighborhoods and areas within Auburn The task force was also charged with looking at recreation as a major aspect with regards to encouraging more people to ride their bikes The task force also reviewed economic development possibilities with regard to utilizing Auburn's crossroads to bring opportunities to our business community and build economic development opportunities Mr Davis displayed several maps including existing bike routes included in various comprehensive plans Some streets on the plans are not Page 7 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 conducive to sharing roadways for safety purposes Mr Davis reviewed several examples of unsafe areas for bicyclists, including a portion of 15th Street NW and A Street SE which are listed as future bike routes Mr Davis also displayed a map with conceptual bike routes and reviewed the best bicycle routes, destination and key connectors, and trails Mr Davis also reviewed potential capital improvements and routes that vehicles and bicycles can travel safely together if marked properly to provide a safe environment The task force also discussed key routes identified as bicycle routes and the sort of facilities recommended for those routes Mr Davis gave Green River Road, a major corridor into the Kent area as an example of a narrow road which would be a good opportunity for sharrow legends and share the road signage The task force developed a matrix in connection with the maps with regard to connectivity, signage, current bike trails, lanes, and paths, and expansion possibilities Mr Davis reviewed some of the task force recommendations including the following 1) Bicycle signage campaign in connection with the corridors and connectors within the Auburn area 2) Where there are narrow streets with narrow or improper right of- way use sharrow legends with proper signage to warn motorists of lanes being shared with bicycles 3) Public education program for adults and children with regard to safety 4) Pilot program for sharrow legend locations 5) Continue use or the addition of bicycle lanes where adequate right- of-way exists 6) Continue work on the signage program showing visitors and residents how to maneuver through the City 7) Improved signage on the Interurban Trail and more vegetation management and maintenance especially near intersections 8) Improvements of facilities at Main Street and the Interurban Trail, such as a permanent restroom facility as well as providing picnicking opportunities Mayor Lewis reported that the participating cities of the Valley Cities Association have discussed the possibility of adoption of one standard with regards to legends and signage Councilmembers discussed samples of trail rest-stop facilities located throughout the region Page 8 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 Mr Davis reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of the following long term recommendations 1) Develop capital improvement program project with cost estimate for design and construction of bicycle/pedestrian bridge at the southern terminus of M Street, west of the existing Stuck River vehicle bridge 2) Develop capital improvement program project with cost estimate for design and construction of innovative and safe pedestrian/bicycle crossing at the intersection of M Street and Auburn Way South 3) Install one or more bike boxes through a pilot program approach to test the effectiveness and public response with possible locations at the intersections of West Main Street and C Street M Street and Auburn Way South, and Ellingson Road and A Street 4) Install bicycle/pedestrian crossing warning systems along the Interurban Trail at all crossing locations 5) Develop an official Auburn bicycle map connecting with King and Pierce counties, which would provide an opportunity to develop family friendly routes and include bicycle map connections with Google and MapQuest and consider including the cities of Algona and Pacific Mr Davis reviewed the following economic development recommendations • Develop the Sounder Station as a starting point for Cascade Bicycle Club and other bicycle club rides • Develop the perception of Auburn as a bicycle city of South King County • Continue garnering support of the Auburn Downtown Association and Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce to develop support of the business community for bicyclists • Establish an annual bicycle event in Auburn similar to Redmond Criterium and Enumclaw Days that offer bicycle awareness and other events such as time trials road races and multiple terrain racing • Tie in with bicycle racing events at Pacific Raceway • Cyclocross is a major event that draws riders from all over the Pacific Northwest and other states Consider including Pacific Raceway Green River Community College and Game Farm and Roegner Parks for the Cyclocross event, which needs multiple venue opportunities Page 9 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 Mr Davis stated that the task force recommends retaining the Bicycle Task Force to advise the Mayor and Council on bicycle planning and implementation including • Continue to seek funding for development of a Bicycle Master Plan • Continue development of an Auburn bicycle map • Continue development of a public information and education campaign • Continue development of safe routes and a targeted presentation for the school district to encourage children to ride their bicycles or walk to school to reduce the need for buses Mayor Lewis suggested negotiating with the Auburn School District with regard to partnering on a bicycle to school project in an effort to reduce their expenses related to bus transportation Councilmembers discussed possible partnerships, advocacy group contributions, demographics with regard to bicycle usage and inclusion in the City survey process, economic development transportation choices and education, bicycle storage lockers, corrals and boxes, regional mandates, and potential funding sources At 7 48 p.m. Deputy Mayor Singer recessed the meeting for a brief intermission for approximately five minutes Councilmember Backus was excused at 7 50 p m Deputy Mayor Singer reconvened the meeting at 7 52 p.m IV Scorecard for Council's Credit Deputy Mayor Singer briefly reviewed forty credits currently received monthly by Councilmembers under Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Councilmembers have the ability to receive more credits according to the time spent on City business Councilmember Partridge distributed Department of Retirement Systems rules for local officials and information worksheets on estimated contributions by Councilmembers and the City to the PERS system and reviewed opportunities related to earning service credits for PERS 2 and 3 members Each month that compensation is more than 90 times the state minimum wage, the elected official receives a service credit or portion thereof based Page 10 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 on the documented hours served The service credit schedule is as follows Less than 70 hours = 25 credit 71-89 hours = 50 credit 90+ hours = 1 credit Councilmember Partridge stressed that there is no additional cost to the City A councilmember who desires to participate is eligible for a minimum of 25 service credit for each month of eligible service If the councilmember provides the City with the completed service hours report, the allowable service credit amount will be applied The City and councilmembers must develop a system for councilmembers to account for their time served on behalf of the City Councilmember Partridge presented a sample form to account for hours served more than 70 hours, and for calculating service credits A system must be in place to record council activities in order to provide accountability Councilmember Partridge also reviewed retirement buy-back opportunities and requirements Mayor Lewis pointed out that City costs with regard to retirement buy-back may only go back to a councilmember's current term Councilmember Partridge reviewed the following points • Must have 60 credits to be vested • Membership is a permanent decision and it establishes a deduction of qualified funds from your monthly compensation • 12 service credits equal one year of service • If 12 service credit are not earned, you have access to the value of your contributions plus interest/investment earnings • You may retro-actively become a PERS member to the beginning of your first term • For a full description of the retirement options, see the Plan Choice Booklet and Rules for Local Officials • Once you have established PERS membership you are allowed to purchase service credits for previous terms • Councilmembers would receive a minimum of 25 service credits for each month of eligible service • Documentation will be required for additional credit received This provision is important if Councilmembers are trying to reach vesting status as vesting requires a minimum of five service credit years Page 11 City of Auburn Committee of the Whole Minutes November 29, 2010 • To receive those credits, Councilmembers must catch up their account by paying the prior employee and employer contributions and the interest as determined by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) • Service years must be purchased in four year increments Councilmembers agreed to present the DRS issue to the Council Operations Committee to develop a system for tracking and recording Council activities to provide accountability to DRS V ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8 30 p m Summary prepared by .o1J �L Cathy Richardson, Deputy City Clerk Page 12