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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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