HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-2011
c1Tv oF_ PLANNING COMMISSION
February 8, 2011
WASHINGTON MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Judi Roland called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers
located on the first floor of Aubum City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Aubum, WA.
Commission Members present were: Chair Judi Roland, Vice Chair Kevin Chapman,
Bob Baggett, Michael Hamilton, Joan Mason, Wayne Osbome, and Dave Peace.
Commission Member Excused Copple.
Staff present included: Planning Director Kevin Snyder, Planning Manager Elizabeth
Chamberlain, and Admin Support Tina Kriss.
Audience Members Present: Terry Davis, Chamber of Commerce (Urban Core Task
Force & Bicycle Task Force Member)
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 4, 2011
Commissioner Osbome pointed out an error on page two, VI. A. Election of Officers;
Commissioner Roland should be changed to CommissionerChapman as the elected
Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson.
Commissioner Osbome moved and Commissioner Hamilton seconded to approve
the minutes from the January 4, 2011 meeting as amended.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY7-0
III. PUBLIC COMMENT-
There were no members of the puhlic present for comments.
IV. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT .
Planning. Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain updated the Commission on the progress of
the Promenade and City Hall Plaza projects. Ms: Chamberlain stated the Promenade is
in final design stage and soon to be but for bid and ready for construction possibly at the
end of May. The landscaping and pavers for City Hall Plaza will start next week for
about` four weeks. Staff expects to be finished with the City Hall Plaza at the end of
March to beginning of April. Chair Roland asked if the Promenade encompasses just
the intersection at Main and Ms. Chamberlain stated it starts at Main and extends to
Third Street SE. The signal at the intersection of Main and Division (Promenade) has
been redesigned to integrate with the new street light standards. 1Ndh the change in the
signal the consultant provided the design for a gateway at the end of Third and Cross -
Street to create a book-end look. The City agreed to install the gateway and may
possibly install and locate these in other areas of downtown fo create entrance points
into Downtown.
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. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 8, 2011
Director Kevin Snyder updated Commissioners on the three party agreement between
Wal-Mart, Glimcher, and the City: The agreement stated within 90 days the new Wal-
Mart opening one of the parties must move forward to present a plan for either reuse or
demolition of the old existing site. Glimcher opted not to purchase the old existing
building leaving Wal-Mart with the responsibility of going forward with a plan. To date
we have not received a solidified plan from Wal-Mart, the City continues to work with
Wal-Mart to bring forward a development plan for the existing old site. They have
identified potential developers and the City continues to work with them. The City has
the ability to weigh in on the tenant mix for the site or building.
Mr. Snyder also discussed an ordinance for fee deferrals and a construction sales tax
exemption for specific businesses with the Planning Commission.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There are no items for public hearing.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Urban Core Task Force
Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain provided the Planning Commission with
recommendations of the Urban Core Task Force (UCTF) which was appointed by Mayor
Lewis in January 2010. The task force, along with facilitator Kathryn Rogers Merlino and
Chair Terry Davis created the following mission sfatement:
"Creating a vibrant, green walkable urban core with connections to multiple activities and
destinations in Auburn°.
The task force released a report summarizing the work in the form of Six Guiding
Pcinciples for the City of Auburri. Each of the six principles is detailed with sub-principles
and action items, giving recommendations for future projected growth and development
for up to 50,000 more residences in the urban core by 2050 and beyond.
Ms. Chamberlain and Chair Terry Davis provided the following details of the Six Guiding
Principles which were guided by the UCTF mission statement:
1. Capitalize On Auburn's Uniqueness 2. Promote Mixed-Use - Mixed-lncome Residential Development and Urban Infill in the
Proposed Urban Core Boundary
Ms. Chamberlain pointed out a map, page 18, showing the current core boundary in
blue and the new larger proposed boundary in red.
Commissioner Chapman asked if the areas that are commercial or light industrial will
be in an urban downtown area, will rezoning need to take place. Ms. Chamberlain
answered stating that cezoning of property may 6e needed in the future but not now.
The UCTF was charged with developing a vision 40-years out and recommendations
for implementation. Implementation of those recommendations will be discussed
with the City Council and evenfually the Planning Commission through
comprehensive plan policies and potentially zoning changes.
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 8, 2011
Commission and staff discussed the growth in the urban center. Most of the growth
would be directed to the urban center, see map on page 22.
Commission members and staff discussed the variations of increased density in
urban core as well as the future height of buildings in the downtown area and future
infrastructure.
3. Provide for Economic Growth in the City through a Diversity of Means
The UCTF discussed areas of growth for future economic development and among
the areas discussed was the Aubum Airport. The UCTF considered expansion of the
Auburn Airport through: extension of fhe runway to 5,000 would allow the airport ta
accept larger cargo planes. The hospital also has great potential #or growth; the City
would like to work with the hospital on future visions and staff will be working on this.
The Council would like to look into a medical overlay which ties info the future goals.
4. Provide a Variety of Gonnectivity Choices
Widening sidewalks to proVide improved and pleasant accessibility from parking and
transit to retail destinations as well as in between retail and entertainment venues
themselves. The UCTF worked to find what the City's pedestrian environment is and
what connective choices provide for pedestrian movement. The task force also
looked at how to connect downtown to other locations throughout the City (e.g. Les
Gove Campus, Emerald Downs).
5. Expand, Protect and Enhance City Open Space
Ms. Chamberlain discussed the vision of providing the Urban Core with a centrally
located urban civic park and smaller parks (play parks; dog parks, pocket parks) with
the newly identified boundaries. Page 34 provides two of the UCTFdeterminations of
where new open spaces would work and be beneficial.
6. Encourage Developmental Practices that Lesson the Impact on the Environment and
Encourage Economic Growth.
Everyone is moving towards sustainable development and the UCTF needed to look
at greener, low impacf development: In 40 years there will be a lot of technologies to
be incorporated into construction. Many types of development were looked at for
sustainability effort in the future.
Commissioners asked about the railroad property and the Muckleshoot properties for
potential growth and development. Staff stafed at this time there has 6een no
discussions with either group for future plans.
Planning Commissioners expressed their concem to make sure we also look ahead
to the needs of ouc disabled eitizens and work towards goals of the future in
providing safety as they frequent our local businesses.
B. Bicycle Task Force ,
Director Snyder explained the Bicycle Task Force (BTF) wes established in March of
2010 by Mayor. Lewis. The BTF is comprised of 12 individuals plus representatives from
Aubum School: District, Green River Community College and Cascade Bicycle Club and
the owner of Cycle Therapy Bike Shop:
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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 8, 2011
The BTF focused on possible improvement on Connections, Recreational Opportunities,
and Economic Development.
The BTF provided the following shorE=term. reeommendations:
• The BTF determined; a short-term program recommendation would be to use
ShaROws/Share the road signage in residential and some non-residential areas
of the City. It was'recommended that a shairows pilot program be started for 18
- 24 months. Possible locations are Green River Road, F Sfreet - Les Gove
Campus to Main Street, Main. Street Corridor and Oravetz Road SE from A Street
SE to Lakeland Hills SE bike lanes.
• Continue installation of bike lanes in parts of City where there is
existing/adequate right-of-way.
• Develop Aubum specific bicycle signage program to highlight corridors,
connectors and in-city out of City destinations.
o Make improvements to existing Interurban Trail signage, pavement conditions,
vegetation maintenance, grade crossings, and upgrades to user facilities at main
Street crossing.
• Develop Capital improvement program project with cost estimate for design and
construction of bicycle/pedestrian bridge at southern terminus of M Street west of
existing Stuck River Vehicle Bridge.
• Develop a capital improvement program project with cost estimates for the
design and construction of innovative and safe pedestrianlbicycle crossing at M Street Aubum Way South 'intersection.
• Install one or more bike boxes through "pilot program" approach to test
effectiveness and public response - possible locations West Main Sfreet / C
Street intersection; M Street / Aubum Way South intersection, Ellingson Rd / A
Street intersection.
• Install bicycle / pedestrian crossing waming systems along Interurban Trail at all
crossing locations - 277t', 37th Street NW, West main Street and 15th Street SW.
Lonp-Term ProQram recommendations
• Develop Official Auburn Bike Map
Planning Commissioners expressed their concern that our parking is not reduced to the
point where the balance befinreen cars, pedestrians, and bicycles are not equal.
Commission members stated the City should provide more education to promote safety
for both the riders and drivers.
Chair Roland also broughf up the overall cost of these ideas. Mr. Snyder stated this will,
not be immediately implemented, small steps will be taken first to create complete
streets. Council is supportive of bringing forward elements yet being cost conscience.
Prior to implementing these recommendations the capital improvement plan will come
before the Planning Commission for your ideas and thoughts.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chair Roland
adjoumed the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
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