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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2013 Planning and Community rip car'_ .. Development ` URN March 25, 2013 - 5:00 PM "$ %VAsrtiNc,'rc)N Annex Conference Room 2 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Nancy Backus called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in Annex Conference Room No. 2 located on the second floor of One Main Professional Plaza, One East Main Street, Auburn, Washington. A. Roll Call Chair Nancy Backus and Vice-Chair John Holman were present. Member Largo Wales was excused. Also present were Jeff Tate, Planning and Development Director, Interim; Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Assistant City Attorney Steven Gross, Transportation Manager Pablo Para, Traffic Engineer James Webb, Economic Development Manager Doug Lein, Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain; and Planning Secretary Tina Kriss. Members of the audience present included: Robert Whale of the Auburn Reporter, Scott Pondelick, Planning Commissioner Yolanda Trout; The Auburn Downtown Association Board President Allison Vandenberg, and Executive Director Laura Westergard. B. Announcements 1. Presentation - The Auburn Downtown Association (Tate) The Auburn Downtown Association (ADA) Board President, Allison Vandenberg, introduced the new Executive Director, Laura Westergard, and reviewed the 2013 work plan. Ms. Vandenberg stated the first item of business for the ADA in 2013 was to hire a new Executive Director, Laura Westergard. This year the third annual Wine, Art and Music Festival will be held July 20th and the annual Art Walk will be held May 10, 2013. The annual Holiday Window Painting contest will take place this year along with the downtown trick or treat event in coordination with the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. A design committee is being formed to work with the City to redesign the landscaping in the mural parking lot and a facade Page 1 of 4 f improvement grant program will be implemented. The ADA website is being redesigned and the 2013 Downtown Guide is currently being printed for distribution. A community calendar is in the design phase (working in collaboration with City staff, chamber, and tourism). The Community Services events for 2013 will be the Fall Food Drive and the Adopt a Senior for the Holiday Giving program. Executive Director Laura Westergard stated the ADA would like to continue to build the historic preservation of Downtown Auburn by assisting visitors and residents in learning more about Auburn's downtown history. The ADA would like to work with the City on developing a plaque program to recognize historically significant buildings. Committee thought it might be helpful to use mobile applications in addition to brochures and maps so that any changes or additions are updated. Executive Director Westergard also stated that the ADA will be working to gather focus groups from various Auburn locations to gain feedback on what would draw or encourage residents to the downtown area; the ADA would then meet with the City to discuss the feedback. C. Agenda Modifications There were no agenda modifications. II. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes - March 7, 2013 (Tate) Vice-Chair Holman moved and Chair Backus seconded to approve the March 7, 2013 minutes as written. Motion Carried Unanimously. 2-0 III. ACTION A. Resolution No. 4927 (Faber) Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber explained that Resolution No. 4927 authorizes the acceptance of a $20,000.00 grant from the King Conservation District to benefit the Auburn International Farmers Market and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary agreements to accept said funds. Page 2 of 4 Vice-Chair Holman moved and Chair Backus seconded to recommend City Council approve Resolution No. 4927 to accept a $20,000.00 grant from the King Conservation District. Motion Carried Unanimously. 2-0 IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Amtrak Update (Welsh) Transportation Planner Joe Welsh provided an update on the Washington State Department of Transportation feasibility study for a station stop expansion in Auburn. The Washington State Department of Transportation is acting on behalf of Amtrak to conduct the study. The study will address how additional stops fit into current operations; station suitability and marketing (studying the demographics of potential riders within five, ten, and twenty miles); station access from the freeway; and parking. The feasibility study is expected to be complete in June of 2013. B. Commercial Vehicles Within Downtown (Chamberlain) Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain explained that with the completion of the South Division Street Promenade project, City Hall Plaza and Plaza Park, and other projects within downtown, staff would like to discuss with the Committee commercial vehicles and potentially limiting semi trucks and other larger vehicles on specific streets. A handout was provided to show damage to the street and bollards off Division Street. The main concern noted by staff is when drivers are lost or unfamiliar with the downtown area and safety issues increase due to the inability to maneuver their trucks. Committee provided the following feedback: *Provide signage to assist drivers in finding appropriate directions and routes. *Restrict truck routes on Main Street and Division Street (except for haul routes that have been approved as part of a construction project). *Meet with local stakeholders to obtain feedback and educate drivers. *Provide a mobile application to assist drivers on the location of truck accessible routes. Page 3 of 4 C. Director's Report (Tate) The City of Auburn has approximately 4,000 business licenses each year for renewal. This year follow-up letters were sent out in February and phone calls were made in late March to bring the remaining expired licenses into compliance. The City has approximately 150 expired licenses remaining. City Code Enforcement staff, through personal outreach opportunities, will assist with the remaining business license renewals. The interviews for the Senior Planner position have been ongoing and the City is ready to choose a candidate for the position. The building permit for the 37,000 square foot Auburn Marketplace Medical Office building was issued on March 21 , 2013. City staff has coordinated a meeting with staff from the Green River Community College (GRCC) to discuss ideas and issues regarding student housing. Meeting with representatives from the college will be beneficial for both parties to gain a better understanding of policies and procedures. After meeting with GRCC and gathering important information, the City will look at next steps. D. PCDC Matrix (Tate) Committee and staff reviewed the matrix, there were no changes or additions recommended. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Planning and Community Development Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. d , DATED THIS day of ' 2013. Nancy Backu - hair Tina Kriss Planning Secretary Page 4 of 4