HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2017 MinutesWASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND
SPECIAL FOCUS AREA
MAY 8, 2017 — 5:30 PM
Auburn City Hall
MINUTES
I: CALL TO ORDER
Deputy Mayor Largo Wales called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall located at 25 West Main Street,
Auburn.
A. Roll Call
Councilmembers present: Deputy Mayor Wales, Bob Baggett,
Claude DaCorsi, Bill Peloza, Yolanda Trout -Manuel and Rich
Wagner. Councilmember Holman arrived at 5:31 p.m.
Department directors and staff members present included . City
Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Assistant City Attorney Jessica Leiser,
Police Chief Bob Lee, Assistant Police Chief William Pierson,
Community Development and Public Works Director Kevin Snyder,
Assistant Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer Ingrid
Gaub, Assistant Director of Community Development Services Jeff
Tate, Director of Administration Dana Hinman, Human Resources
and Risk Management Director Roscoe, Innovation and
Technology Director Paul Haugan, and Deputy City Clerk Shawn
Campbell.
II. ANNOUNCEMENT, REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
At 5:31 p.m., Deputy Mayor Wales recessed the meeting to executive
session for approximately 20 minutes in order to discuss pending or
potential litigation pursuant to RCW 43.30.110(1)(i). City Attorney Heid,
Assistant City Attorney Leiser, Director Snyder, Director Roscoe, and
Assistant Director Tate attended the executive session.
The meeting reconvened at 5:51 p.m.
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
III. AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A. Audubon Society — Solar Power
Jen Syrowitz, Chapter Conservation Manager for the Audubon
Society, Ben Silesky, Field Organizer for the Audubon Society,
Bonnie Frye Hemphill, Solar Design Consultant, and Shane
Nesbitt, Commercial Project Developer for A & R Solar, presented
information on the advantages of solar power in the Northwest.
Ms. Syrowitz spoke about the effect of climate change on birds and
the need to reduce carbon emissions through the use of solar
power.
Mr. Silesky spoke about the economic trajectory of solar and a
menu of options for solar, including: residential, community
centers, schools, public buildings, community solar projects,
commercial projects, updating the environmental action plan and
implementing a climate action plan.
Ms. Frye Hemphill spoke about the number of solar related jobs
across the state. She stated there are currently 3,700 solar related
jobs in Washington and 100 in Auburn. Solar in Washington
produces 85 megawatts of electricity and is used in over 13,000
homes and businesses across the state.
Mr. Nesbitt spoke about the financial benefit of solar in the
Northwest. He stated that solar panels actually work better in
cooler climates and the long, sunny summer days in Washington
are beneficial. He showcased some of the projects performed in
the state. Mr. Nesbitt spoke about the cost/benefit of using solar
and the current tax incentives and solar grants available.
Councilmember Peloza inquired about installing solar at the
Community Center. Mr. Nesbitt estimated the cost to install solar
at the Community Center is $100,000 to $115,000. He indicated a
commerce grant could pay for half of the cost.
In response to questions from Councilmember DaCorsi, Mr. Nesbitt
estimated the return on investment for a commercial project is
around eight to twelve years.
Deputy Mayor Wales asked if one can sell excess power back to
the grid. Mr. Nesbitt explained the use of a net meter.
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
Ms. Frye Hemphill spoke about the solar jobs bill that is under
consideration in the state legislature this year.
B. Potential Code Changes for Improved Development Processes
Mayor Backus stated she recently asked Community Development
and Public Works staff to identify currently adopted regulations that
are frequent concerns for developers and that regularly challenge
the efficiency and flexibility of the staffs work effort in conducting
development review.
Community Development and Public Works Director Snyder
presented the Council with a matrix that highlights key sections of
the city code previously adopted by the Council and their impacts
on development review activities. He requested the Council's
feedback on whether staff should initiate code update efforts for
some or all of the code sections.
Deputy MayorWales stated her concerns about the process
include: timeliness, sidewalks in industrial areas, street lights,
mitigation fees, and flower boxes.
Councilmember Peloza also stated his concern over timeliness in
permitting.
Director Snyder stated there is a give and take in the review and
permitting process, and sometimes the City is waiting for the client
to respond. The department has been working on a. lean process.
Staff members are seeking feedback from developers of completed
projects to learn where improvements in the process can be made.
Assistant Director Tate reviewed each of the code sections
proposed for modification.
Section 18.02.065 defines the method for calculating residential
density. A number of residential developers have expressed
concern over the number of lots that are lost as a result of the
current method for calculating density. It has led to several mid-
sized lots (5 acres) being deemed unviable for subdivision.
Chapter 18.25 establishes "infill" development standards. While
the standards allow some flexibility, the public right-of-way
standards do not provide flexibility and often times the public right-
of-way improvements make development of the site cost
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prohibitive. By granting relief from some or all of the public right-of-
way improvements two and three -lot short plats could become
more viable. Infill is important for achieving Growth Management
Act objectives.
Section 18.52.050(B)(2) requires a 40 -foot setback for drive aisle
throat depth. Any deviance must go through the variance process
via the Hearing Examiner. The deviance process costs money and
time. Staff suggests either eliminating the section and moving it
to the Engineering Design Standards or modifying it to reference
the Engineering Design Standards.
Section 18.68.030(B)(1)(b) currently requires all Comprehensive
Plan map changes to go before the Planning Commission and City
Council. It also requires all rezones to go before the Hearing
Examiner and City Council. Staff proposes that when a
Comprehensive Plan Map is allowed the requirement for the rezone
to go before the Hearing Examiner should be eliminated so that the
City Council can take action on both items at the same time.
Section 12.64A.020(A) and (B) defines when new development or
re -development will be required to construct half -street
improvements. Triggers for re -development include the value of
the improvements compared to the property value based on the
current County Assessor records, additional parking, or additional
new driveway access points. This also impacts infill development.
Chapter 13.32A defines when new development or re -development
will be required to underground the overhead wiring. Concerns are
similar to those stated above.
Councilmembers expressed support for the proposed changes to
encourage development. Councilmembers urged staff to further
review other areas of the code for potential changes to make the
development process easier for developers.
C. Safer Cities/Inclusive Cities Ad Hoc Presentation
Councilmember Trout -Manuel, chair of the ad hoc committee on
inclusive cities, reported on behalf of the committee consisting of
herself and Councilmembers DaCorsi and Baggett. She reported
that following the last regular meeting the ad hoc committee met to
review current City resolution and policy regarding safer and
inclusive cities.
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017
Councilmember Trout -Manuel stated she has listened to many
opinions about the issue.
Councilmember DaCorsi stated he has concern with creating a
piece of legislation that the federal government will not abide by,
and it could put police officers in a difficult position. The current
police policy and procedures do not ask for immigration status.
The police department does not detain or arrest anyone without
probable cause.
Councilmember Baggett agreed with Councilmember DaCorsi. He
expressed support for the proposed resolution rather than an
ordinance.
Councilmember Trout -Manual stated she favors public safety and
does not want legislation that will tie police officers' hands.
City Attorney Heid explained the proposed resolution and
ordinance. The resolution was originally patterned after the
National League of Cities inclusive cities resolution. The proposed
resolution is now focused on the issues in Auburn. It
acknowledges and states the provisions of the Fourteenth
Amendment. The resolution states a commitment to a diverse and
inclusive community. It provides policy and direction that the City
Council and personnel shall not interrogate people based solely on
their civil immigration status, race, religion, inability to speak
English or their inability to understand City personnel or its officers.
City Attorney Heid explained the proposed ordinance creates a
code section that states the same policy and direction as contained
in the resolution..
In response to questions from Deputy Mayor Wales, City Attorney
Heid responded that neither the resolution or ordinance impedes
the police from providing mutual aid. Deputy Mayor Wales stated
she feels the issue deserves more attention than a resolution.
Councilmember Wagner commented the ordinance contains many
specifics, including participating in mutual aid, which the resolution
does not. City Attorney Heid stated the resolution provides policy
direction. The police have a separate mutual aid policy.
Councilmember DaCorsi noted that according to Assistant Chief of
Police Pierson, ICE has come in to the Auburn community twice in
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
the last 36 years. He also stated that regardless of whether a
resolution or ordinance is adopted, the federal government will take
whatever actions they are authorized to perform. He spoke in. favor
of the proposed resolution.
Councilmember Peloza spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Wagner stated the resolution only repeats the
resolution from 2008 and adds reference to the Fourteenth.
Amendment. He spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance..
Assistant Chief Pierson assured Council that police officers will
respond regardless of the person's immigration status. He stated
police officers will not enforce immigration laws.
Councilmember Baggett spoke in favor of a resolution establishing
the City's policy rather than the proposed ordinance. He stated the
police are here to serve all of the residents regardless of
immigration status.
Deputy Mayor Wales suggested looking at providing funding for
human services for supportive services.
At 7:45 p.m., Deputy Mayor Wales recessed the meeting for a 15 -
minute intermission. The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Wales announced that the resolution and ordinance
will come before the Council at their next regular meeting for
consideratiton.
IV. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS
Councilmember Trout -Manuel, chair of the Health and Human Services
Special Focus Area, presided over the meeting during discussion of the
Health and Human Services agenda items.
A. Auburn Day Shelter/Overnight Shelter Project Status
Director of Administration Hinman updated the Council on
homeless sheltering. She informed the Council that the City
expanded the number of days the inclement weather shelter was
open.
Also, the City, in partnership with Valley Cities and the Auburn
Food Bank, will be operating a day shelter and overnight shelter at
the Valley Cities location at 2536 1 Street NE. The shelter's
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
operating hours will be Monday -Friday with the intention of growing
to seven days a week. Valley Cities donated the temporary use of
a vacant lot on their property to provide for the day shelter structure
that the City of Auburn is leasing and is also providing the use of
their Common Building to be utilized for nighttime services. Puget
Sound Energy has expedited work to provide temporary power to
the site. Valley Cities will be reallocating current outreach worker
staff to support the shelter clients, and the Auburn Food Bank will
be providing staff, food and resource connections for the day
sheltering operation.
Director Snyder spoke briefly about the temporary use permitting
process for the site.
The average use for the inclement weather shelter was 35-40
people, but there is more capacity at the proposed shelter.
Councilmember Wagner spoke in favor of the proposal.
Director Hinman indicated a budget amendment will be coming in
the next cycle to fund the shelter. Mayor Backus reported there is
$30,000 in the budget for homelessness; if additional funding is
needed, a budget amendment will be requested.
Deputy Mayor Wales suggested looking at a solution for storage for
the homeless.
B. Ordinance No. 6652 — Regulation of Fair Housing Practices
City Attorney Heid introduced the two versions of an ordinance
prohibiting rental housing discrimination based on source of funds.
The difference between the two versions is that one version
creates a separate new chapter (Chapter 5.40) to the city code
providing for fair housing practices, and adding regulations that
prohibit source of income discrimination for rental housing related
to multi -family residential properties. The other ordinance seeks to
do the same, but seeks to do so by adding a new section to the
existing Chapter 5.22 of the city code, the city's rental business
license. Business licenses are enforced through code enforcement,
whereas the separate chapter (Chapter 5.40) has a penalty and an
appeal process that would fall within the purview of the City
Administration Department.
City Attorney Heid indicated there is a fair amount of variation in
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
what cities do in these regards. In evaluating the different
approaches cities have taken, staff felt that rather than creating
expanded civil liabilities, it would be sufficient for the City to either
provide for a penalty for violations of source of income
discrimination, or enforce it through business licensing, where there
is already an existing framework for licensing criteria and
enforcement. Either way, both ordinances limit their application to
multi -family residential rental units (the ordinances would not apply
to single family residential structures, duplexes, etc.).
Mr. Heid recommended the business licensing approach should be
simpler because the multi -family residential property owners should
already be licensed, and rather than seeking to impose a penalty,
the city could, were violations to occur, seek revocation or
suspension of business licenses. Because the licensing
enforcement process already exists, it would probably also be a
quicker enforcement route.
Councilmembers discussed the merits of the business license
model.
Councilmember Peloza requested a briefing on license fees from
neighboring cities.
Councilmembers indicated they would like to consider he business
licensing model for regulations prohibiting rental housing
discrimination based on source of income.
V. OTHER DICUSSION
There was no other discussion.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
See the matrix for new business items.
Al. MATRIX
The following items were added to the matrix:
• Business Licensing (Municipal Services)
• Council Chambers security discussion (Municipal Services)
6 $20 car tab fee
® Services for those who may be undocumented (Health and Human
Services)
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
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City of Auburn Council Meeting Minutes May 8. 2017
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
APPROVED THIS `34 DAY OF � c��.�, 2018.
BOB BAGGETT, DEP TY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City Clerk
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