HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2017 Minutes (2)�k
CITY OF
AURN
At 11
WASHINGTON
Services SFA
October 23, 2017 - 5:30 AM
Council Chambers - City Hall
AGENDA
Watch the meeting video
Meeting videos are not available until 72
hours after the meeting has concluded.
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 Largo Wales, Bob Baggett,
Claude DaCorsi, John Holman, Bill Peloza, Yolanda Trout -Manuel and
Rich Wagner.
Mayor Nancy Backus and the following department directors and staff
members were present: City Attorney Daniel B. Heid, Police Chief Bob
Lee, Assistant Chief of Police William Pierson, Community Development
and Public Works Director Kevin Snyder, Assistant Director of
Engineering Services/City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Innovation and
Technology Director Paul Haugan, Human Resources and Risk
Management Director Rob Roscoe, Director of Administration Dana
Hinman, Assistant Director of Public Works Randy Bailey, Solid Waste
and Recycling Director Joan Nelson, Economic Development Manager
Doug Lein, and Deputy City Clerk Shawn Campbell.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, REPORTS, AND PRESENTATIONS
There was no announcement, report, or presentation.
III. AGENDA ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
A. Resolution No. 5320 (Faber)
An informational presentation from the Auburn Symphony Orchestra regarding the
2016-2017 and 2017-2018 performing art seasons and inclusion of the 2018 draft
contract related to operating support for the Auburn Symphony Orchestra
Resolution No. 5320 authorizes an agreement between the City and the
Auburn Symphony Orchestra for tourism promotion services.
Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Faber presented Resolution No.
5320. Director Faber reported the City has supported the Symphony
Orchestra for the past several years to assist in promoting and marketing
Page 1 of 10
Auburn as a destination for arts and events that in tum contribute to the
economy of the City. Performing art programs serve a s an economic
driver and the activities of the Symphony Orchestra assist in attracting
visitors to Auburn.
It is proposed that the City enter into a contract with the Symphony
Orchestra for 2018 with specific scope of services for marketing, outreach
and audience building, and organization efforts that assist in showcasing
Auburn as a destination for arts and events. The amount of the contract is
$75,000.
Also present were Nancy Colson, Member of the Board of Directors of the
Symphony Orchestra, and Lee Valenta, General Manager of the Auburn
Symphony Orchestra.
Ms. Colson spoke about the mission of the symphony, public outreach,
collaboration and partnerships such as with the Mary Olson Farm, and the
ongoing search for a new conductor.
Mr. Valenta spoke about programs geared for students and youth,
including an education outreach program and discounted family tickets.
Mr. Valenta also spoke regarding the search for a new conductor. There
are three finalists at this time participating in the selection process.
Councilmembers reviewed the orchestra's latest annual report,
fundraisers, and financial statement, while Ms. Colson and Mr. Valenta
answered Council's questions.
B. Legislative Agenda for 2018 (Hinman)
Director of Administration Hinman noted the 2017 Legislative Agenda and
the Sound Cities Association's (SCA) draft 2018 Legislative agenda were
distributed prior to the meeting.
Director Hinman reviewed the 2017 Legislative Agenda and the SCA
proposed legislative agenda. Also, the Association of Washington Cities
released their legislative priorities for 2018.
Councilmember DaCorsi reported at the last AWC Board meeting
approximately 20 subjects were discussed as possible legislative
priorities. The subjects of housing conditions, mental health and social
safety net programs, economic development, and preservation of state -
shared revenues were elevated, but the remaining items will not be
forgotten.
Councilmember Wagner wants to look at ways to incentivize the United
States Post Office to construct a new post office in Auburn.
Director Hinman noted the SCA has three priorities for 2018: adjust the
Page 2 of 10
property tax cap, invest in public health services, and address the housing
and homelessness crisis.
Councilmember Holman urged the Councilmembers to vote on the
legislative priorities at the next regular meeting November 6th.
Deputy Mayor Wales asked for information on the cost of each legislative
priority. She stated she supports all of the issues but wants to know how
the implementation funding will be generated.
Mayor Backus stated the property tax cap adjustment would allow local
governments the option to replace the arbitrary annual one percent cap on
property tax increase with a limit tied to inflation plus population growth.
Councilmember Holman noted the SCA priorities are the same as 2017
but the verbiage is modified to make it a one-page document.
Councilmember Wagner stated he believes there should be a priority for
improvements to State Route 167.
Councilmember Holman stated the property tax cap of one percent is an
arbitrary figure and does not keep up with inflation and the increasing labor
costs and increase in City population.
Councilmember DaCorsi urged the Council to speak with a unified voice
when speaking to legislators regarding the City's legislative priorities.
Councilmember Peloza suggested a special study session on the SCA
legislative priorities on November 6th at 3:00 p.m. so that Council will be
able to support the SCA vote on legislative priorities.
C. Frequency of Special Focus Area Meetings
Councilmember Peloza stated he brought up this subject at a previous
study session.
Mayor Backus stated she heard from Councilmember Peloza his
frustration in not having special focus area sessions as frequently as he
desired. In order to achieve more frequency of special focus area
discussions, the Council would have two special focus areas at each study
session meeting in addition to the general study session. Chairs of the
special focus areas would need to work together to prioritize items for
discussion.
Councilmember DaCorsi stated he does object to two special focus areas
at each study session. He stated he wants to set priorities with staff.
Deputy Mayor Wales stated the Finance special focus area and the
Human Services special focus areas may not need to meet any sooner
than already scheduled.
Page 3 of 10
Councilmember Baggett cautioned that some items take considerable
time and doubling up special focus areas may be burdensome.
Councilmember Wagner suggested using the general discussion item or
other business to bring items forward more often.
Councilmembers discussed the pros and cons for each scenario.
Councilmember DaCorsi suggested that the two chairs of the special
focus areas for Finance and Human Services discuss how the doubling up
of special focus area agendas would affect the study session and special
focus area.
Deputy Mayor Wales recommended further discussion at the next study
session.
D. Development Incentives
Deputy Mayor Wales directed the Council's attention to a memorandum
prepared by Community Development and Public Works Director Kevin
Snyder regarding development incentives. Director Snyder stated the
agenda item was a late addition to the meeting agenda and staff did not
have adequate time to prepare any materials for inclusion in the meeting
packet or to prepare for any substantive discussion with the Council at the
meeting. Director Snyder stated that his memo expresses his thoughts
only; it does not reflect the opinion of Administration or any other
departments or their directors.
Director Snyder referred to the State Constitution limit, which prohibits the
gift of public funds. He stated economic tools that may be available in
other states, such as property tax forgiveness and direct payment of job
training funds to private companies, are not allowed in the State of
Washington.
Director Snyder provided consideration for economic development
incentives: must account for market forces, must be rooted in reality, and
are limited to service and financial.
The City has previously enacted a number of regulatory and financial
oriented development incentives including: 1) deferrals for impact fees
and system development charges; 2) multi -family property tax exemption in
Downtown; 3) construction sales tax refund program; 4) Downtown
Storefront Fagade Improvement Program; 5) Small Business Assistance
Program (50% reduction in planning, building and engineering fees for
qualifying projects); 6) preparation and implementation of a Downtown Plan
and EIS; 7) traffic impact fee waiver for the four Downtown Catalyst
blocks; and 8) reduction of parking requirements in the Downtown.
Director Snyder also reviewed excerpts from an article published by the
Page 4 of 10
Municipal Research and Services Center on Washington's economic
development incentive challenges.
Director Snyder stated development incentives should be used
strategically and carefully evaluated by the City relative to the return on
investment and the impact to the community. He further stated that
developers are attracted to a quality city with robust and well-maintained
infrastructure, great schools, walkable neighborhoods and commercial
areas, diverse retail and service businesses, safe neighborhoods and
commercial areas, and strategic, focused and innovative leadership.
Councilmember Holman stated many incentives can be nor, financial in
nature. The City needs to look at the city code and see if modifications are
needed to help development.
Deputy Mayor Wales agreed that current city policies and regulations need
to be reviewed as to their impact on development.
Director Snyder stated city staff have worked with the City Council and the
Planning Commission for the last several years to identify and update the
City's development regulations to address and resolve vagueness,
inconsistencies and conflicting language as well as to respond to internal
and external concerns related to standards and processes. Director
Snyder cautioned that there must be a balance between the City's vision
as a community and the pursuit of regulatory relief.
Councilmember Wagner stated he wants to focus on special zones rather
than across the board relief from regulation.
There was discussion regarding existing businesses who wish to remodel
or expand and the regulation impacts to those businesses' efforts; i.e.
parking, sidewalks, floor area ratio, etc. There was also discussion
regarding waivers.
Councilmember DaCorsi suggested the City Council provide incentives,
such as shorter review time and expedited permitting, to small businesses
who want to come to Auburn and open up as soon as possible so that they
can be successful.
At 7:31 p.m., Deputy Mayor Wales recessed the meeting for ten minutes for a
brief intermission. The meeting reconvened at 7:42 p.m.
IV. MUNICIPAL SERVICES DISCUSSION ITEMS
Councilmember Bill Peloza, chair of the Municipal Services Special Focus Area,
presided over the meeting during discussion of the Special Focus Area items.
A. Dangerous Dog (Lee)
Discussion on Dangerous Dog Ordinance.
Assistant Chief of Police William Pierson reviewed the Dangerous Dog
Page 5 of 10
ordinance, which was passed in 2004.
Assistant Chief Pierson reported the animal control services have grown
over the years, and the City will have two animal control officers beginning
in 2018 to meet the demand.
Assistant Chief Pierson reviewed the ordinance (Ordinance No. 5829) and
the regulations applied to dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs
and the differences in the two designations.
Assistant Chief Pierson reviewed the application of the dangerous and
potentially dangerous dog regulations and the rights and requirements of
the owner.
B. King County Draft 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (Coleman)
Finance Director Coleman and Solid Waste and Recycling Supervisor
Joan Nelson presented the King County Draft 2019 Comprehensive Solid
Waste Management Plan item. King County is seeking comments from
the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Metropolitan Solid Waste
Management Plan before the draft plan is released to the public for
comment. King County's current plan was adopted in 2001, with updates
in 2011 and 2013 (which were not adopted). King County will release the
draft plan for public comment in December 2017 with an anticipated
adoption in early 2019.
The Plan goals include achieving zero waste of resources by 2030
and keeping tipping fees as low as reasonable.
The proposed Plan incorporates the following updates and changes:
• Reevaluation of 2007 Transfer & Waste Management Plan
• Options to study resource recovery and changes to rate structure
• Possible policy changes such as mandatory recycling and new C&D
recycling and disposal policies
• Consideration of anaerobic digestion and advanced materials
recovery
• Optimizing development of Cedar Hills Landfill
• Consideration of waste -to -energy and other alternative disposal
technologies
C. King County Court Update (Roscoe)
Human Resources and Risk Management Director Rob Roscoe reviewed
historical court costs comparing District Court expenses to projected
comparison of municipal court and probation expenses from 2014 —
2017.
Director Roscoe also reviewed case filings from 2012 to 2017
(estimated).
Page 6 of 10
Director Roscoe also included average daily population statistics for the
SCORE jail from 2013 to 2018 (estimated).
D. Shopping Cart Update (Snyder)
Assistant Director of Public Works Randy Bailey presented an update on
shopping carts.
Using a handout and PowerPoint presentation, Assistant Director Bailey
reviewed the City's shopping cart regulations. The handout included the
Auburn City Code relating to shopping carts as well as the Revised Code
of Washington and code from Livermore, California and other cities
relating to shopping carts.
The City's code provides the following: 1) Abandoned shopping carts
constitute a public nuisance; 2) The intent is to facilitate the retrieval of
abandoned shopping carts in a manner consistent with state law, and 3)
The law applies to any business that provides shopping carts for customer
use.
The code provides that abandonment is prohibited, and it shall be unlawful
for any person to cause or permit any shopping cart to be abandoned upon
any sidewalk, street or other public area, other than the premises of the
owner of such shopping cart.
The code also requires cart identification as follows:
Every shopping cart owned or provided by any owner must have a sign
permanently affixed to the shopping cart that contains all of the following
information:
a. Identity of owner, business establishment or both.
b. Notification to the public that the removal of the shopping cart from the
premises is a violation of state law (RCW 9A.56.270), and notification to
the public of the procedure to be utilized for authorized removal of the cart
from the premises.
C. The address or phone number of the owner of the business
establishment for shopping cart return.
Enforcement is through civil action accordance with Chapter 1.25 ACC.
As an alternative to civil enforcement, abandoned shopping cats may be
impounded. Any impounded shopping carts bearing the identification of
ownership, the City will do the following:
1. Shall mail an invoice/notice of impoundment by certified mail.
2. Require payment of the administrative impoundment fee of $30.00 per
cart and a $70.00 disposal fee, per cart after 14 days.
Councilmember Peloza stated the costs for enforcement was $8,000
annually, while the City was collecting $4,000 in fines.
Page 7 of 10
Deputy Mayor Wales asked about a cart used by the homeless. Assistant
Director Bailey stated that carts used by the homeless for their personal
belongings are not confiscated by the City.
Councilmember Peloza asked whether staff could do a daily search of the
downtown area for abandoned shopping carts. Deputy Mayor Wales
stated it would not be the best use of Public Works staff. Deputy Mayor
Wales suggested the task be included in the next garbage contract.
Assistant Director Bailey confirmed that staff members, in their normal
course of work, pick up carts and drop them back in the store parking lot.
Assistant Director Bailey reviewed shopping cart ordinances from around
the country. He noted some cities require a shopping cart plan by those
businesses who provide 25 or more shopping carts for customers' use.
The shopping cart plans must provide the following: identifying
Information, number of carts and required identification on the carts, public
notices and customer education/public outreach, employee training, signs
on the property, loss prevention measures, and retrieval measures. The
shopping cart plan may be revoked if: a) a shopping cart has been found
on public property on eight or more occasions within the past six-month
period; b) the owner has failed to comply with a provision of the
code/ordinance; c) the owner has knowingly made a false statement or
fails to disclose relevant information in an application, an amendment or in
a report to the city.
Any owner who fails to submit a plan, implement the proposed plan or
implement any required modifications to the plan as required and within the
time frames as specified in this chapter or a plan has been revoked, shall
incur a penalty of $50.00 for each day of noncompliance.
The City of Auburn is working on the following: collaboration with cart
providers, create standards to reduce or eliminate cart abandonment,
amend City code to provide clarity, avoid burdensome process for the City
and cart providers.
Staff will continue to: meet with cart providers to gather ideas and
feedback via phone and in person, collect feedback from other
stakeholders (Police, Code Enforcement), and review other cities' cart
processes to find out what works and what doesn't.
Assistant Director Bailey stated he expects to bring a draft ordinance to
Council in early 2018.
E. 2017 Draft Interfocal Agreement for SCATBd (Snyder)
Assistant Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer Gaub presented
the 2017 Draft Interlocal Agreement for the South King County Area
Transportation Board (SCATBd). The Board is comprised of elected
Page 8 of 10
U
officials representing South King County jurisdictions for the purpose of
information sharing, consensus building and coordinating to resolve
transportation issues, identifying priorities, making recommendations, and
promoting transportation plans and programs that benefit the South King
County area.
The current interlocal agreement expires December 31, 2017. The
changes to the interlocal agreement provide clarifying language as to the
role of SCATBd and various entities' voting rights. The proposed
interlocal will run through 2019 with the ability to extend through 2021.
A resolution approving the interlocal agreement will be presented to
Council before the end of the year.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
Councilmember Wagner brought up an email from Orin Wells regarding the
roundabout at 22nd and I Street NE, and specifically costs and pedestrian
safety.
Assistant Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer presented information
from a Council presentation held November 28, 2016 on the roundabout at 22nd
and I Street NE.
Assistant Director Gaub reviewed the design of the roundabout.
Assistant Director Gaub stated studies have shown that roundabouts are safer
than traditional stop sign or signal -controlled intersections. A study by the
Federal Highway Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
that studied stop and traffic signal -controlled intersection that were converted to
a roundabout. Overall, vehicle collisions are reduced by 37%, injury collisions
are reduced by 75%, fatality collisions are reduced by 90% (may not apply to this
project), and pedestrian collisions are reduced by 40%. Severity of an accident
is also reduced due to slower traffic.
Assistant Director Gaub pointed out that the roundabout described in Mr. Wells'
email is a two-lane roundabout on the east coast and at a major intersection on a
state route. It is not a good comparison to the single -lane roundabout at 22nd
and I Street NE.
Councilmember Baggett expressed concern with any landscaping installed in
the middle of a roundabout.
The majority of funding for the project is from grants. The breakdown of project
funding is as follows:
Funding includes:
$1,140,000 in Grants
$ 405,000 in Water Funds
$ 29,890 in Sewer Funds
Page 9 of 10
$ 315,000 in Street Funds
VI. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
VII. MATRIX
A. Matrix
Deputy Mayor Wales directed the Council's attention to the matrix. The
Municipal Services Special Focus Area item for shopping carts will be
moved to March 2018. Items relating to dangerous dogs and an update
on King County District Court should be removed from the matrix.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9.29 p.m.
APPROVED this �dayaf �2019.
BILL PELOZA, D PUTY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City Clerk
Agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website
(http:/Avww.aubumwa.gov), and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are available for review
at the City Clerk's Office.
Page 10 of 10