HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-2017 2018201:
# TY OF " » City Council Study Session
January 23, 2017 - 5:30 PM
B_ _ Auburn City Hall
WASH I NG rON MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Deputy Mayor Wales called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Auburn City
Hall, 25 West Main Street in Auburn.
A. Roll Call
Councilmembers present: Deputy Mayor Wales, Bob Baggett, Claude DaCorsi, John Holman, Bill
Peloza, and Yolanda Trout -Manuel. Councilmember Wagner arrived at 5:40 p.m. during
discussion of the Auburn Station Access Improvement Project.
Mayor Nancy Backus and the following department directors and staff were present: City Attorney
Daniel B. Heid, Chief of Police Bob Lee, Community Development and Public Works Director Kevin
Snyder, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Assistant Director of Community
Development Services Jeff Tate, Code Enforcement Officer Jason Arbogast, Finance Director Shelley
Coleman, Assistant Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Director of
Administration Dana Hinman, Solid Waste and Recycling Supervisor Joan Nelson, Innovation and
Technology Director Paul Haugan, and Deputy City Clerk Shawn Campbell.
B. Announcements
There was no announcement.
C. Agenda Modifications
An ordinance amending Section 1.02.030 of the City Code relating to powers and duties of city
officers and employees, including affirmation of the value of all Auburn residents was added to the
agenda under Item I of these minutes.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
There was no Consent Agenda item.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Auburn Station Access Improvement Project (20 Minute Presentation)
Sound Transit to provide a project overview, review of key tasks and deliverables and key
milestone dates.
Chelsea Levy, Sound Transit Government and Community Relations Officer, and Sandra Fann,
Project Engineer for Sound Transit, using a PowerPoint presentation, introduced Sound Transit's
Auburn Station Access Improvement Project.
Ms. Fann reviewed the project background. The project is part of ST2 approved by voters in
2008. However, due to funding shortfalls, the Auburn and Kent station projects were suspended
until 2016 when funding for the projects was restored. Sounder staff were also asked to perform
an access study to study how people access all eight Sounder stations.
In the ST2 Plan there is a representative scope of the parking garage, which is a 600 stall parking
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structure on the existing surface parking lot for a net increase of 500 stalls at an estimated cost of
$34.8 million in 2016 dollars.
Sound Transit staff were urged to look at flexible access to Sound Transit facilities, including
examining alternatives to expanded parking that would meet demand and riders' needs. Potential
strategies include; pede.shian/bicycle improvements, additional bus/transfer facilities, transit speed
and reliability improvements, expanded or new kiss -and -ride areas, and off-site parking along an
existing bus route with frequent connections. The study could result in a mix of improvements
along with or instead of parking.
Councilmember Trout -Manuel inquired about potential sites for the Sound Transit parking garage.
Ms. Fann stated Sound Transit has not narrowed down the sites at this time.
Ms. Farm also reviewed the projected project timeline. The projected timeline is seven years,
which is typical for a Sound Transit project of this size. Early 2,017 the project goals and
evaluation criteria will be determined. Access improvement alternatives will be determined and
evaluated in early 2017 as well. Sound Transit will likely identify the preferred improvement
package in late 2017. Environmental review and preliminary engineering will take place in 2018. It
is anticipated Sound Transit will select the project in 2019 and construction should begin in 2021-
2023.
Ms. Fann also reviewed strategies for expediting the project, which Sound Transit has directed. Some
of the potential strategies for a shortened timeline include: gain political/stakeholder buy -in on
alternatives, narrow in on preferred improvements and site, and streamlined environmental and
permitting processes.
Stakeholder engagement will be on four different levels: local government and Sound Transit
Board, stakeholder group, public and transit riders, and a technical advisory committee.
The expedited process will ensure a preferred alternative recommendation in eight months. Project
completion is anticipated by 2021 or 2022.
Briefings/workshops at key milestones in 2017 are as follows:
Jan -Feb: Project Introduction
Mar -Apr: Alternatives Screening
May -Aug: Preferred Alternative Recommendation
Two workshops will be held with the stakeholder group and and two public open houses will be
held in February and April.
B. Code Enforcement Presentation (10 Minute Presentation) (Snyder)
Overview of completed abatement action at 46th Place South
Assistant Director of Community Development Services Tate and Code Enforcement Officer
Arbogast briefed the Council on an abatement action on 46th Place South in Auburn.
Code Enforcement Officer Arbogast reviewed the amount of junk, vehicles, trash and stolen items
recovered from the site. Items removed included: 13 dump truck loads, five pickup truck loads,
three large trailer loads, 500 square feet of unpermitted structure taken down, 13 inoperable, junk
or stolen vehicles removed, two recreation vehicles being used as dwelling units were removed,
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and stolen items to include vehicle, utility trailers, several compressed gas cylinders, portable toilet,
portable hand washing station, and a Genie scissor lift.
The case was opened on January 5, 2016. An infraction was issued on February 5, 2016 and a
penalty was issued on February 10, 2016. A contested court hearing was held April 29, 2016
where the judge found the defendant guilty. Eventually the abatement order/warrant was filed in
superior court on June 6, 2016. The abatement was executed on November 5, 2016. The total
abatement cost was $12,570.71.
Several neighbors were impacted by the site. Mill Creek was also impacted by the illegal
encampment.
In response to questions from Councilmembers, Code Enforcement Officer Arbogast reported two
people were regularly residing at the site, but up to fifteen people frequented the site. Power was
stolen from a neighboring property. Sewer was directed to a hole in the ground. Services were
offered to the residents but were declined.
Code Enforcement Officer Aborgast the site is being monitored. New complaints have been
received about junk, litter, debris and an occupant living at the site. An infraction has been issued
and a court date is pending. Two more stolen vehicles were recovered from the property and
Auburn Police are reviewing charges.
Assistant Director Tate recognized Auburn Police and Auburn Valley Towing for their assistance.
The owner is listed as residing in Sacramento, California. However, the brother of the listed property
owner states he is the owner. The listed owner has not been cooperative.
C. Resolution No. 5273 (10 Minute Presentation) (Coleman)
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Mayor to
execute an agreement between the City of Auburn and Seattle -King County Department of Public
Health regarding the 2017-2018 Local Hazardous Waste Management Program
Finance Director Coleman and Solid Waste and Recycling Supervisor Nelson presented
Resolution No. 5273, authorizing an agreement with Seattle -King County Department of Public
Health for the 2017-2019 Local Hazardous Waste Management Program. The agreement relates to
a biennial grant the City has received in the past. The grant is in the amount of $49,019.76 for the
City to promote the Neighborhood Natural Yard Care Program and provide hazardous waste
education to residents in 2017 and 2018.
The resolution will be appear before the Council at their next regular meeting for approval.
D. Resolution No. 5274 (10 Minute Presentation) (Coleman)
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the Mayor to
execute an agreement between the City of Auburn and King County to implement the 2017-2018
Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program and accepting program grant funds
Finance Director Coleman and Solid Waste and Recycling Supervisor Nelson presented
Resolution No. 5274, authorizing an agreement with King County to accept grant funds for the
2017-2018 Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program. The grant; in the amount of
$75,698.00, will allow the City to promote waste reduction and recycling to businesses, residents
and schools. The grant funding will be used to support the following programs: community yard
sale, bulky item collection, classroom presentations, school waste audits, outreach at City=
sponsored events and business food waste reduction outreach.
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The resolution will be appear before the Council at their next regular meeting for approval.
E. Resolution No. 5275 (10 Minute Presentation) (Coleman)
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the transfer of
funds for the purpose of making loans from the general fund and/or the cumulative reserve fund to
funds sustained by grants, fees, or tax credits sustained or project focused special revenue fund
for up to a three-year period of time
Finance Director Coleman presented Resolution No. 5275 authorizing interfund loans from
February 2017 to February 2020; if and when needed, from the General Fund and/or the
Cumulative Reserve Fund to a fund or funds supported by grants, fees, or tax credits in the event
the City is awaiting reimbursement of federal, state or local grant funds; collection of user fees, or
receipt of tax credits. The authority is limited to $2.5 million.
Interfund loans provide operational flexibility to cover authorized expenditures, for short-term
funding needs in the street programs, Community Development and Block Grant Fund, and Local
Revitalization Area Debt Service Fund.
Resolution No. 5275 will appear before the Council at their next regular meeting for approval.
F. Honorary Naming for Former Mayor Pete Lewis (20 Minute Presentation)
Councilmembers discussed the opportunity for an honorary naming for former Mayor Pete Lewis.
Deputy Mayor Wales referred the Council to the Parks Manual of Policies and Procedures for
naming parks. Deputy Mayor Wales noted in the past, Councils have waited until Mayors have left
office to provide an honorary naming of a City facility. She requested Councilrnembers suggest
possibilities for honorary naming.
Councilmember Peloza stated Mayor Lewis was involved with the M Street Underpass project and
suggested the underpass be named after him.
Councilmember Wagner suggested the Council look at a way to connect Mayor Lewis to Veterans
Memorial Park or the Vietnamese War Memorial in Les Gove Park.
Deputy Mayor Wales suggested naming a future park along the river at 104th in honor of the
former Mayor.
Councilmember Baggett suggested renaming the Environmental Park to honor the former Mayor..
Councilmember Holman suggested the West Hill lake property acquired by the City during Mayor
Lewis's term be named in his honor.
Councilmember Wagner also suggested changing the name of Division Street to Peter B. Lewis
Way.,
Upon further discussion, Deputy Mayor Wales recommended an ad hoc committee to develop a
final recommendation. The ad hoc committee would be comprised of Councilmember Trout -
Manuel, as chair, and Councilmember Baggett. An ad hoc committee recommendation would be
anticipated in 30 days.
G. Council Hybrid Study Session (30 Minute Presentation)
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Councilmember Wagner reviewed the proposal for a hybrid study session format.
Councilmember Wagner reviewed the proposed special focus area and an example calendar of the
meetings. He then reviewed examples of agendas for study sessions with special focus areas. He
noted no voting would occur at the study sessions. Study sessions will be held in Council
Chambers and should be televised.
Councilmember Holman pointed out that the proposal eliminates Council of the Whole meetings and
adds an extra and optional study session on the fifth Monday of the month. The primary focus area
of the fifth Monday of the month study session would be Council Rules of Procedure and operating
arrangements; however, any item could be on the agenda.
Councilmember Wagner recommended a single matrix for all special focus areas. A sample was
reviewed.
Councilmember Wagner explained how the control of the meeting would move from the Deputy
Mayor to the chair of the special focus area...
Agenda topics for future study sessions can be proposed by any Councilmember under New
Business. If there is sufficient interest by the Council and/or Mayor; the Deputy Mayor and Mayor
will meet to place the topic on the matrix for a future study session. At Council discretion, production
and delivery of a "white paper' in lieu of a future agenda items may be considered.
Selection of the Deputy Mayor is determined by the full City Council in a regular meeting.
Each focus area would have a chair and vice chair. Chair and vice chair would be determined by
the Council in a study session. If more than one individual seeks the same position, consensus of
the body will be gauged by the Deputy Mayor. The terms shall run for one year.
Ad hoc committees would continue when needed.
Councilmember Wagner reviewed the possible implementation dates.
The following Councilmembers volunteered as chair and vice chair of the Special Focus Areas:
Public Works and Community Development Special Focus Area:
Councilmember Rich Wagner, Chair
Councilmember Claude DaCorsi, Vice Chair
Municipal Services Special Focus Area:
Councilmember Bill Peloza, Chair
Councilmember Bob Baggett, Vice Chair
Health and Human Services Special Focus Area
Councilmember Yolanda Trout -Manuel, Chair
Deputy Mayor Largo Wales, Vice Chair
Finance and Economic Development Special Focus Area:
Councilmember Bob Baggett, Chair
Councilmember Rich Wagner, Vice Chair
Deputy Mayor Wales requested the City Attorney prepare the necessary resolution to adopt the
hybrid study session format.
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H. Council Corner
Deputy Mayor Wales initiated discussion regarding setting standards for the Council Corner
articles in the Mayor's Weekly Update..
Councilmember DaCorsi suggested the maximum length should be 2-3 substantial paragraphs.
Mayor Backus stated she tried to limit the length to one or two paragraphs, and to date the
information submitted has ft within the allotted area.
Councilmember Baggett suggested edits should be allowed so that the article fits within the allotted
area.
Councilmember Holman encouraged that all Councilmembers adhere to the timeline.
Mayor Backus said that some Councilmembers have requested no edits and others allow edits.
Councilmember DaCorsi supports a Wednesday deadline for submittals.
Councilmember Trout -Manuel said she had issues with editing of her articles. She stated a full
paragraph was cut out of one of her articles and another of her articles was published with errors even
though it was submitted in time for editing
Deputy Mayor Wales stated the deadline for articles will be Wednesday and each Councilmember
can request feedback on edits. The length of the article should be reasonable.
I. Ordinance Affirming the Value of All Auburn Residents
Mayor Backus reported there was a rally at City Hall on Friday. The rally was comprised mostly
of students demanding that Auburn become a sanctuary city. Mayor Backus stated she offered
alternative language of a welcoming city, similar to that adopted by City of Buren. Mayor Backus
stated adoption or designation as a sanctuary city may put the City's federal funds in jeopardy.
Mayor Backus asked Council if they would want to consider the issue further.
Deputy Mayor Wales asked if any mid to large cities in the United States have an ordinance or
other designation that use the term "sanctuary city." City Attorney Heid stated City of Seattle
describes itself as a sanctuary city. He offered to provide the Council with a report of the cities
that use the specific term.
Councilmember Wagner stated he is not in favor of the use of the word sanctuary He suggested
working towards the goals mentioned in the Burien and Seattle examples. Councilmember Wagner
recommended City of Seattle's Ordinance 121063, Section 1(A) be inserted in the City's proposed
ordinance.
Chief of Police Lee explained the Auburn Police do not ask immigration status when they make
contact. If a person is arrested and taken to SCORE jail, ICE uses their own portal in the SCORE
facility to check inmate status.
Councilmember Baggett stated the City is an inclusive city and does not see a need to label the
City as a sanctuary city. Councilmember DaCorsi agreed.
Councilmember Peloza referred to the National League of Cities program for inclusive city, which
the Cityis designated.: He. recommended staying with the inclusive city status.
Deputy Mayor Wales stated she believes the system is broken and believes the Council needs to
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spend more time reviewing the issue. She stated she has met with many documented and
undocumented residents who are fearful for themselves and family.
Councilmember Baggett stated he does not believe Auburn is broken. He believes most of the
people who are fearful need to be educated on the City's policy.
Councilmember Trout -Manual stated she has met with a group of people who have concerns for
their safety and immigration status. She spoke in favor of a safer city for a diverse community.
Councilmember DaCorsi stated the potential sanctions the federal government may impose are still
in discussion. He stated the City does not need an ordinance or resolution to make people feel
comfortable and less fearful to live in the city. He stated it is the responsibility of the Council to
educate and share the City's policy to the community.
Councilmember Baggett agreed with Councilmember DaCors's comments.
Councilmember Holman stated that during his 31 years in law enforcement, he did not arrest
anyone for being undocumented. Councilmember Holman spoke in favor of a resolution recognizing
human rights and respect.
City Attorney Heid referred to the proposed ordinance and stated the ordinance makes the
distinction between local and federal government.
Councilmember Peloza read from a Seattle Times article that states one of President Trump's
priorities is to cancel federal money going to so-called sanctuary cities. Councilmember Peloza
spoke in favor of reviewing the City`s inclusivity resolution.
Deputy Mayor Wales stated the inclusive city resolution and the new proposed ordinance will be
reviewed at the next Council study session.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 738 p.m.
s�
APPROVED THIS i n DAY OF 2018.
BOB BAGGETT, DEPUTY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City Clerk
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