HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2016 CITY OF = City Council Study Session
October 24, 2016-5:30 PM
City Hall Annex- 1 East Main Street
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Deputy Mayor Wales called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in Room 2 of the City Hall Annex located
at 1 East Main Street in Auburn.
A. Roll Call
Councilmembers present: Deputy Mayor Largo Wales, Bob Baggett, Claude DaCorsi, John
Holman, Bill Peloza, and Yolanda Trout-Manuel. Councilmember Rich Wagner arrived at 5:33
p.m.
Mayor Nancy Backus and the following department directors and staff members were present: City
Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Chief of Police Bob Lee, Community Development and Public Works
Director Kevin Snyder, Environmental Services Manager Chris Andersen, Environmental Planner
Jenna Leonard, Assistant Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Assistant City
Attorney Jessica Leiser, Economic Development Manager Doug Lein, Property Analyst Josh Arndt,
Director of Administration Dana Hinman, Human Services Coordinator Emily Pearson, Innovation
and Technology Director Paul Haugan, Assistant Director of Community Development Services Jeff
Tate, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Human Resources and Risk Management Director Rob
Roscoe, Transportation Manager Pablo Para, and Deputy City Clerk Shawn Campbell.
B. Announcements
There was no announcement.
C. Agenda Modifications
There was no change to the agenda.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
Consent agenda items are not considered at study sessions.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Boeing Auburn Facility Groundwater Contamination Update(20 Minute Presentation/10 Minute
Q&A) (Snyder)
Representatives from the Washington Department of Ecology will provide an update briefing
regarding the progress and status of the Boeing Auburn Fabrication Site groundwater
contamination remedial investigation.
Neil Hines, P.E.., Site Manager, for the Washington State Department of Ecology provided the City
Council with a brief update on the Boeing Auburn Fabrication Site Investigation. Mr. Hines
reported the Boeing Auburn investigation has reached a milestone this year. The Remedial
Investigation is nearing completion, and the Department of Ecology has made significant progress in
understanding where groundwater contamination is located and if there are concerns for the
environment or human health.
Mr. Hines provided a brief review of the project background and what is known about drinking
water, surface water, groundwater as well as indoor air quality. In parts of Auburn and Algona,
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groundwater is contaminated with a degreaser called trichloroethene (TCE) and its breakdown
products. It is believed that the contaminants originated from the Boeing Auburn plant. The
contaminated groundwater (plume)flows north and northwest away from the Boeing property into
portions of southwest Auburn and northeast Algona. The chemicals found are at low levels that
are not expected to pose a risk to human health and the environment.
The Remedial Investigation and Draft Report has been completed. The Remedial Investigation
Report contains the boundaries of the contaminated groundwater; the locations, concentrations,
and depths of chemicals and breakdown products in soil, groundwater, surface water and air; an
evaluation of the potential pathways for human exposure to the chemicals; and a detailed
description of the areas of potential impacts.
In 2017, the Feasibility Study will identify solutions for cleanup of the affected areas, the cost, the
likelihood of success and permanent remedy, timeline for implementation, and cleanup levels for
any areas where concentrations are elevated.
Mr. Hines reported the surface water has not been a health concern. The City's drinking water
wells are not at risk, and the chemicals are not detected in the wells.
Mr. Hines advised that Department of Ecology has reviewed Boeing's draft Remedial Investigation
Report, and Boeing is currently responding to Department of Ecology's comments. The
Remediation Investigation Report will be released to the public and a public comment period will
occur in early 2017.
B. 10 Year Economic Development Strategic Plan(30 Minute Presentation/30 Minute Q&A)
Economic Development Manager Doug Lein introduced the following consultants who provided
the analysis to develop the ten-year economic development strategic plan: Jeff Marcell, Senior
Partner with TIP Strategies, Caroline Alexander, Project Manager with TIP Strategies, Matt
Hoffman, Senior Project Manager with Heartland, and Kimberly Allred, Project Manager-Retail
Strategies with Retail Coach. Together the team of consultants provided economic and
demographic analysis, analysis of retail data, and real estate analysis as well as public engagement.
Mr. Marcell provided a brief overview of the components of the plan: kick-off meeting; existing
conditions analysis; market capacity study; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats; reverse site selection; perception survey; best practices case studies and performance
metrics; target industry validation and selection; public engagement; ten-year Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategic Plan; Economic Development Strategic Plan review; refinement
and adoption; and project management.
Mr. Marcel reviewed the outcomes thus far: assessment of existing conditions, including
demographic, retail and market data; documentation of Auburn's competitive position both within
and outside the region; stakeholder engagement in the planning process with goal of creating "buy-
in" for the resulting plan; identification of relevant best practices; and preparation of city-specific
plan, including detailed strategies, actions, and implementation matrix.
Ms. Alexander reviewed the key findings; strong population growth, large labor pool, strong
education and training assets, authentic downtown, diverse economic base, and geographic
location. Some of the weaknesses include: weak external perception, educational attainment, labor
costs, availability of buildings, and energy costs.
Mr. Hoffman reviewed commercial, office, and industrial land uses within the city and the
surrounding competing cities. He also reviewed the regulatory findings and the commercial impact
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fee comparison. He noted permitted uses are generally flexible, height is prescriptive and massing
is flexible for most zoning categories, parking requirements are comparable to peers, development
process is relatively predictable and responsive, and the fee structure makes Auburn "average" in
terms of cost of doing business.
Mr. Hoffman reviewed the market capacity analysis, the supply and demand report, and
opportunity areas.
Ms. Allred reviewed the retail trade area, the demographic profiles, and a retail opportunity
analysis.
Mr. Marcell noted the retail data that has been compiled for the strategic plan has already been
used to educate retailers about what is happening in Auburn.
Mr. Marcell directed the Council to the strategic plan where the economic development vision
includes: a vibrant, connected, healthy community for residents to live, visitors to enjoy, and
businesses to thrive; a robust, diverse employment base that provides good economic opportunities
for residents and supports high-quality city services; and a strong educational system that prepares
residents with skills that Auburn-based employers seek.
Areas of opportunity include delivery of economic development services, an inventory of sites, a
business climate, and a physical environment that fosters business growth and ensures a resilient
employment base, attractive gateways, impression corridors, and destinations that define the character
of Auburn, and a coordinated marketing and branding campaign that elevates Auburn's reputation
among internal and external customers.
Mr. Marcell stated it is important to formalize the program to sustain economic development in the
City. He also also spoke about the importance of performance measurement.
Mr. Marcell stated the finalized strategic plan will be presented in November.
C. Community Sustainability Briefing#2(20 Minute Presentation/10 Minute Q&A) (Snyder)
The Current State of Climate Science; Technological Advances for Municipal Use
Jenna Leonard, Environmental Planner, provided a briefmg about community sustainability in
Auburn.
Planner Leonard provided a brief overview of the current state of climate science. She reviewed
the findings that the earth's climate is warming. The leading cause of the earth's temperature
increase is due to increased carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels comprises 65
percent of global greenhouse emissions. Other global emissions include: carbon dioxide from
forestry and land uses, methane, nitrous oxide, and other F-gasses. On a local level, greenhouse
emissions by municipal sector include: water and wastewater pump stations, buildings, vehicle
fleet, street lights and employee commute.
Planner Leonard reviewed the effects of climate changes in the Puget Sound region, including
impacts to snowpack and streamflow, landslides and sediment transport, flooding, impacts to
salmon, altered timing of biological events, changes in species distributions, impacts to forests,
and impacts on agriculture.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report models project
increases in annual temperature of 2.0 degrees by the 2020's, 3.2 degrees by the 2040's and 5.3
degrees by the 2080's.
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The April 1 snowpack is projected to decrease by 28 percent across the state by the 2020's, 40
percent by the 2040's and 59 percent by the 2080's, compared with the 1916 to 2006 historical
average.
The Yakima basin reservoir system will likely be less able to supply water to all users, especially those
with junior water rights.
Rising stream temperatures will likely reduce the quality and extent of freshwater salmon habitat.
Due to increased summer temperatures and decreased summer precipitation, the area burned by fire
regionally is projected to double by the 2040's and triple by the 2080's.
There are projected increases in extreme high precipitation over the next 50 years, particularly in the
Puget Sound region.
An increase in deaths related to heat and air pollution will continue throughout the century.
The primary impact of climate change on Puget Sound natural water supply will be a shift in the
timing of peak river flow from late spring to winter.
Changes in seasonal temperatures and water availability are projected to lead to declining crop yields
for crops of regional importance, such as cherries, apples and potatoes.
Annual hydropower production is projected to decline by a few percent due to small changes in
annual stream flow, but seasonal changes will be substantial.
Due to climate stress on host trees, mountain pine beetle outbreaks are projected to increase in
frequency and cause increased tree mortality.
Forest species composition is expected to change in response to water availability, disease outbreaks,
and forest fires.
Rising stream temperature will reduce the quality and quantity of freshwater salmon habitat
substantially.
Increased flood risk will in turn increase the risk of streambed scouring of spawning habitat.
Sea level rise will shift coastal beaches inland and increase erosion of unstable bluffs.
Increased ocean temperatures and acidity will negatively impact shellfish, as well as potentially lead to
increased harmful algae blooms.
Sea level rise will impact the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, which are both situated only slightly above
existing sea level.
Planner Leonard reported work has begun on updating the City's 2010 greenhouse gas inventory.
Also, a Climate Action Plan will be developed for the City.
Some technological approaches for municipalities to take advantage of to reduce emissions is to
introduce alternative fuel fleet, conversion to LED lighting, Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design(LEED)certified construction, green rooftops, and increased digital access.
One of the leading regional efforts in climate change is the King County Cities for Climate, also
known as K4C.
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Councilmember Peloza spoke regarding the potential use of solar power.
Councilmember Wagner suggested using the connection between air quality and climate change.
Councilmember Baggett suggested a pamphlet on sustainable Auburn for distribution to the public
as a tool to communicate to the residents on how they can reduce their carbon footprint.
D. Ordinance No. 6619 (5 Minute Presentation/5 Minute Q&A) (Snyder)
Northwest Pipeline Franchise Agreement
Transportation Manager Para presented Ordinance No. 6619, granting Northwest Pipeline (NWP)
a franchise for a ten year term to continue to operate within the City's rights-of-way a natural gas
transmission and distribution pipeline. NWP's existing facilities currently only serve Enumclaw
Natural Gas located in south Auburn off of Auburn Way South in the Academy Drive
neighborhood. NWP currently has no plans to expand services.
A public hearing on the franchise agreement is scheduled for November 7, 2016.
Assistant Director of Engineering Services Gaub explained the state and federal governments
regulate pipeline safety. NWP is required to perform periodic testing for pipeline safety purposes.
E. Pedestrian Crosswalks (20 Minute Presentation/10 Minute Q&A) (Snyder/Roscoe)
Transportation Manager Pam and Human Resources and Risk Management Director Roscoe
presented information on pedestrian crosswalks.
Manager Para explained the definition of a crosswalk: the portion of a roadway between the
intersection area and a prolongation or connection of the farthest sidewalk line or in the event there
are no sidewalks then between the intersection area and a line ten feet therefrom, except as
modified by a marked crosswalk. A marked crosswalk is any portion of a roadway distinctly
indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway.
The City uses the Federal Highway Administration's report, the manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, and engineering judgment on whether to mark a crosswalk at uncontrolled locations.
There are three types of crosswalks: traffic signal controlled crossings, stop sign controlled
crossings, and designated school zone crossings. Typically, all legs at a traffic signal controlled
crossing are marked as a crosswalk unless a traffic study determines otherwise. At stop sign
controlled crossings, the crosswalk area is not marked unless a traffic study determines a safety
benefit to directing pedestrians to a preferred crossing location. In designated school zone,
crosswalks are determined in coordination with each schools Safe Walking Committee.
The City relies on a report from the Federal Highway Administration for"uncontrolled" locations.
The FHWA report provides crosswalk markings at uncontrolled locations should not be used
indiscriminately and should be justified by an engineering study. Marking crosswalks alone is not
associated with improved safety. Marking crosswalks on multi-lane roads is associated with
increased pedestrian crash rates.
Deputy Mayor Wales asked whether the City uses a consistent design for crosswalks.
Transportation Manager Para stated the City uses the piano keys style.
Councilmember Wagner asked about roundabouts. Transportation Manager Para advised
crosswalk markings would be used with roundabouts.
Councilmember DaCorsi asked about theintersection on 8th Street NE at Pike Street NE west of
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R Street NE. Transportation Manager Para explained that staff have looked at the intersection.
The crossing was moved from the west side of the intersection to the east side of the intersection
to decrease pedestrian exposure.
Director Roscoe stated crosswalks can give pedestrians a false sense of security. He also stated
that crosswalks should only be installed after an engineering study and with ample warrants and
justification for its installation and design.
Director Roscoe spoke about the liability and risk with traffic accidents and crosswalks. He
directed the Council's attention to RCW 4.22.070 which provides that in most cases in
Washington, the trier of fact is responsible for apportioning fault between the parties, including the
plaintiff, the defendants and any third parties. Each party is responsible for its proportional share
of the damages, but there are several exceptions. If two or more patties are found to be at fault
and the victim is determined to be fault free, the victim can collect the entire judgment awarded
from any of the at fault parties regardless of their apportioned liability.
Joint and several liability leads to lawyers searching for "deep pockets" to sue even though those
defendants may only be remotely related to an accident.
The City's duty is to design and maintain roadways in a "reasonably safe" condition for ordinary
travel. The City is not required to update to present day standards, and the City is not required to
anticipate and protect against all imaginable acts of negligent drivers. It is important that the City
conduct traffic studies and always follow normally accepted engineering practices.
F. 2017-2018 Human Services Funding(10 Minute Presentation/20Minute Q&A) (Hinman)
Council to further discuss 2017-2018 Human Services Funding recommendations as presented by
the Human Services Committee Chair on September 26, 2016.
Director of Administration Hinman and Human Services Coordinator Pearson presented additional
data for the 47 agencies selected for human services funding by the Human Services Committee.
The focus areas for funding are: poverty reduction, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence
and sexual assault, and health care services.
Director Hinman noted additional columns were added to the matrix to indicate total agency
budget,percent of human services program funding, and number of Auburn residents served.
Councilmember Peloza requested an additional column to identify the percent of human services
funding to the overall agency budget.
Deputy Mayor Wales spoke favorably for funding for employment assistance, but she questioned
the funding recommended for King County Public Health.
Councilmember DaCorsi noted the funding requested from the multi-service center for shelter and
transitional housing but questioned whether they could expand their program to serve more
Auburn residents.
Councilmembers asked several other questions about the various programs recommended for
funding.
Councilmember Wagner stated the City Council should re-evaluate its funding criteria for future
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human services funding.
IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:30 p.m., Deputy Mayor Wales recessed the meeting to executive session for approximately 30
minutes in order to discuss three issues of pending/potential litigation pursuant to RC W 42.30.110(1)(i).
At 9:01 the executive session was extended an additional 10 minutes.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:11 p.m
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
APPROVED THIS ` 'DAY OF o.,ex--& , 2018.
BOB BAGGETT, DEPUTY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City Clerk
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