Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-2015 MinutesAcinor. /` ` P • - • ' WASHINGTON CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance City Council Meeting May 18, 2015 - 7:00 PM Auburn City Hall MINUTES Mayor Nancy Backus called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Auburn City Hall,.25 West Main Street in Auburn, and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call City Councilmembers present: Deputy Mayor Holman, Rich Wagner, Bill Peloza, Largo Wales, Wayne Osborne, Claude DaCorsi, and Yolanda Trout. Department Directors and staff members present included: Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Human Resources and Risk Management Director Rob Roscoe, Community Development and Public Works Director Kevin Snyder, Finance. Director Shelley Coleman, Director of Administration Michael Hursh, Innovation and Technology Customer Support Manager Reba Stowe, Innovation and Technology Operations Manager Ashley Riggs, Assistant Director of Engineering Services /City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Assistant City Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Police Commander Mark Caillier, Public Affairs and Marketing Manager Dana Hinman, Domestic Violence Victims Advocate Shelly David, and City Clerk Danielle Daskam. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND PRESENTATIONS A. National Public Works Week Proclamation Mayor Nancy Backus to proclaim May 17 -23, 2015 as "National Public Works Week" in the City of Auburn. Mayor Backus read and presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 17 -23, 2015, as National Public Works Week in the city of Auburn to Assistant City Engineer Jacob Sweeting. Assistant City Engineer Sweeting reported Public Works staff are responsible for maintaining 216 miles of roadway, 275 miles of water pipe, 200 miles of sewer pipe, 209 miles of storm pipe, 9 water reservoirs, 11 wells, 34 pump stations, 151 storm ponds, 17 storm vaults, 127 drainage outfalls, and 41 miles of ditches. Assistant City Engineer Sweeting commended the Public Works staff and thanked Mayor Backus and the Council for the recognition of Public Works Week. B. Committee to End Homelessness Presentation Mark Putnam, Director of the Committee to End Homelessness -King County, presented a PowerPoint relating to the draft strategic plan for ending homelessness in King County. The Committee to End Homelessness focuses on homeless prevention, building affordable housing, linking housing to the supportive services that help people maintain their housing and achieve self - Page 1 of 9 sufficiency, and creating stronger regional coordination of resources Mr. Putnam reviewed the 10 -year plan summary highlighting successes and ongoing challenges experienced in the last 10 -year plan. Some of the successes included: dedication of 5,700 more housing units for the homeless, approximately 40,000 people exited homelessness, and new funders. Some of the challenges are the growing number of people becoming homeless and program funding alignment with best practices and strategies. Mr. Putnam reviewed statistics of homelessness and the vision to make homelessness rare and a brief, one -time occurrence. He spoke about the correlation between increase in rents, poverty and unemployment, demographic composition, mental health funding per capita, and transience and the rising rate of homelessness. Mr. Putnam reviewed the Community to End Homelessness Strategic Plan for 2015 -2019. Goals of the strategic plan are to make homelessness rare, brief and a one time occurrence, and engage all sectors of the community to end homelessness. Action steps to achieve the goals include addressing the causes of homelessness through advocating and aligning systems to prevent people from experiencing homelessness, advocating and supporting partners to preserve existing affordable housing and creating more affordable housing to those making below 30 percent average median income (AMI). Also, improve and expand existing programs and processes by addressing a crisis as quickly as possible, fostering collaboration between first responders and service provides to improve public safety and increase housing stability for those experiencing homelessness, increasing access to permanent housing, and creating employment and education opportunities. A community to end homelessness requires engaging residents, the business community, and the faith community to take community action and increase public awareness. Ellie Wilson- Jones, Policy Analyst for Sound Cities Association, introduced herself to the Council. Ms. Wilson -Jones explained that the strategic plan to end homelessness suggests priorities and particularly to take a regional approach to end homelessness. The City of Auburn will not be asked to change its code to support the plan. Ms. Wilson -Jones reported the draft strategic plan was reviewed by the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee, and in June 2015, the Public Issues Committee will vote on whether to endorse the plan. Councilmember Wales commented that a significant amount of money is being spent county -wide on homelessness; however, the funding could provide better outcomes. In response to a question from Councilmember DaCorsi, Mr. Putnam described efforts to reach out to the "invisible" homeless (those that may move from house to house). Mr. Putnam stated the population of invisible homeless is primarily comprised of youth and young adults and there is an effort to account for them in the One Night Count. There have been improvements in prevention efforts for youth and young adults in the area of family reconciliation programs. Mr. Putnam stated the proposed King County program, Best Starts for Kids, will also provide funding for homelessness prevention for families, Page 2 of 9 youth and young adults. Mr. Putnam explained that the Department of Housing and Urban Development funding for homelessness requires that the funding target those who are unsheltered first. A new funding source is required to assist those that are in unstable housing. Deputy Mayor Holman spoke regarding the urban gentrification and the displacement of the poor to the suburban areas. He expressed concern that the majority of homelessness funding is targeted in the urban cores. Deputy Mayor Holman referred to the Salt Lake City approach and the regional distribution of funding and resources. Mr. Putnam spoke about the challenge to end veterans homelessness and new funding available to end veterans homelessness. Mr. Putnam stated the region experienced a 15 percent decrease in veterans homelessness from the previous year. In response to a question from Councilmember Peloza, Mr. Putnam stated the proposed program, Best Starts for Kids, if approved by the voters, could generate up to $15 million in funding for homelessness prevention. Councilmember DaCorsi questioned landlord engagement in the effort to end homelessness. Mr. Putnam stated a few years ago, King County launched the Landlord Liaison Program and the One Home Program to recruit more landlords to rent to the homeless. Councilmember Wagner suggested zoning codes could be changed to allow very small living quarters. He stated that changes could be made to development standards that could lower the cost per space per person. Councilmember Wales recommended the coalition to end homelessness should include representatives from public schools and public health. Mayor Backus stated the draft strategic plans will be presented at a future Council study session for further discussion. C. Fire Fighters Local 1352 Presentation to Councilmember Trout Fire Fighter Ryan Freed of the Valley Regional Fire Authority, and representing Fire Fighters Local 1352, spoke regarding a program called Fire Operations 101, which provides local leaders, elected officials, and administrators an opportunity to experience the demands and resources required of a fire fighter. The exercise is held over one day in Richland, Washington. This year Councilmember Yolanda Trout participated in Fire Ops 101, which included scenarios for house fire, car fires, propane tank fire, auto extrication, and search and rescue. Fire Fighter Freed presented Councilmember Trout with a fire fighter's helmet and certificate of completion. III. APPOINTMENTS There was no appointment for Council consideration. IV. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS A revised version of Ordinance No. 6560 was distributed prior to the meeting. V. CITIZEN INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS & CORRESPONDENCE Page 3 of 9 A. Public Hearings B. Audience Participation This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak to the City Council on any issue. Those wishing to speak are reminded to sign in on the form provided. Julie Pedersen, 1917 N Court SE, Auburn Ms. Petersen spoke regarding the proposed senior housing development on Howard Road by F & M Development LLC. Ms. Petersen expressed concern with air quality, soil stability, traffic increases, aesthetics of the neighborhood, lack of privacy, and emergency access. Vista Gifford, 1415 21st Street SE, Auburn Ms. Gifford had many questions regarding the proposed senior housing development on Howard Road. She questioned the dimensions of the proposed structure, the amount of parking area, any traffic mitigation measures that would be imposed, whether the developer purchased the house at 1405 21st Street SE, if units would be open to the general population if they could not be filled by seniors, and whether the area was rezoned to allow the development. Ms. Gifford expressed concern about the proposed development's proximity to the neighborhood and the loss of privacy. Mayor Backus stated a pre - application conference meeting was held with the developer on January 17, 2015. The pre - application conference meeting is an informational meeting; no action or decisions were made during the meeting. There was a neighborhood information meeting held by the developer on April 12, 2015 at Olympic Middle School. No firm plans have been presented to the City for review and approval. The proposed development elements are senior housing land use, and the property is zoned C1. Senior housing is permitted in a C1 zone as an administrative use. Virginia Haugen, 2503 R Street SE, Auburn Ms. Haugen stated she attended the meeting held by the developer for the proposed senior housing project on Howard Road. Ms. Haugen expressed concern with the height of the proposed building and the emergency exit on O Court SE. Ms. Haugen submitted a petition from neighbors and a copy of the proposed project's site plan. Russ Campbell, 31606 126th Avenue SE, Auburn Mr. Campbell, via an imitation of Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent, commented on Green River College's proposal to eliminate certain trade programs. Mayor Backus reported she recently signed a letter supporting and offering suggestions to retain the Green River College GIS program. Mayor Backus stated a similar response to the proposed elimination of the Green River College carpentry and auto body technology programs will be submitted. C. Correspondence There was no correspondence for Council review. VI. COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS Council Ad Hoc Committee Chairs may report on the status of their ad hoc Page 4 of 9 Council Committees' progress on assigned tasks and may give their recommendations to the City Council, if any. Councilmember Wales reported on behalf of the Council ad hoc committee on finance that reviews claims and payroll vouchers. Councilmember Wales reported she and Councilmember Osborne reviewed the claims and payroll vouchers reflected on this evening's Consent Agenda. The ad hoc committee recommends approval of the claims and payroll vouchers as presented. VII. CONSENT AGENDA All matters listed on the Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. A. Minutes of the May 4, 2015 City Council Meeting B. Claims Vouchers (Coleman) Claims voucher numbers 433479 through 433680 in the amount of $4,063,152.76 and 3 wire transfers in the amount of $30,626.47 and dated May 18, 2015. C. Payroll Vouchers (Coleman) City Council approve payroll vouchers 535538 through 535574 in the amount of $913,506.75 and electronic deposits in the amount of $1,319,003.91 for a grand total of $2,232,510.65 for the period covering April 30, 2015 to May 13, 2015. D. Public Works Project No. CP1323 (Snyder) City Council approve Final Pay estimate No. 8 on Contract No. 14 -11, to Rodarte Construction in the amount of $19,544.38 for Project No. CP1.323, 2014 Local Street Pavement Reconstruction Project Deputy Mayor Holman moved and Councilmember Trout seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda includes minutes, claims and payroll vouchers, and final pay estimate for Project CP1323. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Acting Deputy Mayor Deputy Mayor Holman reported that he has requested two weeks leave and requested Council appoint an alternate chair to serve over the Council study sessions. Deputy Mayor Holman moved and Councilmember Wales seconded to nominate and appoint Councilmember Osborne to serve as Chair of the Council Study Sessions during Deputy Mayor Holman's absence. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 X. ORDINANCES Page 5 of 9 A. Ordinance No. 6560 (Second Reading) (Snyder) An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, amending sections 18.04.031, 18.04.125, 18.04.249, 18.04.390, 18.04.440, 18.04.660, 18.04.835, 18.04.891, 18.07.020, and 18.31.130 of the Auburn City Code relating to Communal Residences (Ordinance No. 6560 was tabled at the May 4, 2015 City Council meeting until the meeting of May 18, 2015.) Deputy Mayor Holman moved and Councilmember Osborne seconded to amend Ordinance No. 6560 Osborne as presented in the revised Ordinance submitted via agenda modification. Councilmember Osborne recalled the Ordinance was tabled. at the May 4 Council meeting in light of concerns expressed by the Rental Housing Association. Changes were made to the ordinance as a result, and the Rental Housing Association has expressed support of the Ordinance via an email dated May 18, 2015. Deputy Mayor Holman submitted the May 18, 2015, letter from the Rental Housing Association expressing support for Ordinance No. 6560 in its amended form. MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 6560 IN ITS AMENDED FORM CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 B. Ordinance No. 6557 (First Reading) (Faber) An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, creating a new Chapter 2.23 to the City Code entitled Special Event Permits, and amending Section 8.28.010 of the City Code relating to Special Event permits Councilmember Osborne moved and Deputy Mayor Holman seconded to adopt Ordinance No. 6557. Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Faber explained the City is approached by numerous organizations interested in hosting special events in the community utilizing City streets and public properties. More and more events are anticipated with the development of the downtown and the Les Gove Community Campus. Ordinance No. 6557 establishes a procedure that would streamline existing steps and necessary permits needed to produce an event and determine any fees for the event based on the impact to the City. Councilmember Osborne referred to Section 2.23.020(4) and the term "place of assembly permit ". Councilmember Osborne stated a place of assembly permit does not exist in city code. Director Snyder responded the International Building Code, adopted by Council, provides the authority to issue permits for temporary assemblies, although there is no specific definition of a place of assembly permit in the ordinance. Councilmember Osborne noted that according to Ordinance No. 6557, garage sales and rummage sales are exempt from special event permits. He pointed out that garage sales and rummage sales are also referred to in City Code 18.46A.050. Councilmember Osborne stated the proposed Ordinance does not provide a timeline for the City to complete its review of the application. A timely review Page 6 of 9 and decision on the permit is needed in order for the event organizer to have sufficient lead time to advertise its event. City Attorney Heid stated Council's comments will be reviewed by staff and responded to by second reading of the Ordinance. C. Ordinance No. 6561 (First Reading) (Snyder) An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, amending Exhibit "B" to Ordinance No. 6049 relating to the Financial Plan Element of the Community Renewal Plan for Downtown Auburn Councilmember Osborne, moved and Deputy Mayor Holman seconded to adopt Ordinance No. 6561. In response to a question from Councilmember Peloza, Director Snyder stated the B Street Plaza is included within the boundary of the Community Renewal Plan. Councilmember Osborne stated the Ordinance relates to the amendment of the Financial Plan element of the Community Renewal Plan to provide for the $200,000.00 appropriated for the Downtown Storefront Improvement Program. Councilmember Wagner moved and Councilmember DaCorsi seconded to suspend rules and adopt Ordinance No. 6561 on first reading. Councilmember Wales expressed concern with suspending the rules and voting on an ordinance, unless it is an emergency situation. Director Snyder stated staff is interested in launching the Storefront Facade Improvement Program the first part of June. The adoption of the Ordinance would ensure its strong tie to the Community Renewal Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 6561 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 XI. RESOLUTIONS A. Resolution No. 5137 (Snyder) A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, revoking the Auburn Junction Design Guidelines Deputy Mayor Holman moved and Councilmember Osborne seconded to adopt Resolution No. 5137. Director Snyder stated Resolution No. 5137 will revoke Auburn Junction design guidelines; downtown design standards and guidelines would apply. The Auburn Junction design guidelines were implemented in anticipation of a specific development project. Auburn Junction Project did not come to fruition, and there is no further need for the overlaying design guidelines. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 B. Resolution No. 5150 (Roscoe) Page 7 of 9 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, regarding sponsoring the Valley Communications Center request to join the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust Councilmember Peloza moved and Councilmember DaCorsi seconded to adopt Resolution No. 5150. Human Resources and Risk Management Director Rob Roscoe reported _Valley Communications Center has expressed a desire to move from self - insurance status to membership in the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. As a non -city entity, Valley Communications Center must have a city member of the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust sponsor their request. Resolution No. 5150 expresses the City's sponsorship of Valley Communications request to participate in the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. There is no financial obligation of the City associated with adoption of the Resolution.. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 -0 XII. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS At this time the Mayor and City Council may report on their significant City- related activities since the last regular Council meeting. A. From the Council Deputy Mayor Holman reported he toured the new Trek Apartment building located in downtown Auburn. Deputy Mayor Holman also attended the graduation ceremony for the latest group of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, King County Councilmember Peter von Reichbauer's Good Eggs Breakfast, and the Junior City Council meeting. Councilmember Trout reported she attended the Kent - Auburn Sister Cities annual auction, a tour of the new Trek Apartment building located in downtown Auburn, the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighter Association Conference, the MultiCare Community Leaders Luncheon, Fire Ops 101, and Petpalooza. Councilmember Peloza reported on his attendance at the King County Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting, the King County Flood Control District meeting, the Sound Cities Association meeting, and the Water Resource. Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 Ecosystem Forum. Councilmember Wagner reported on this attendance at the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board meeting. Councilmember DaCorsi reported he participated in the National Day of Prayer event at the City Hall Plaza. B. From the Mayor Mayor Backus reported on her attendance at a meeting with Seattle City Council President Tim Burgess with the the Sound Cities Association leadership team to discuss partnership opportunities. Mayor Backus also reported on her attendance at the first meeting of the Accountable Communities of Health, the MultiCare Community Leaders Luncheon, the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound, the Sound Cities Association Page 8 of 9 Public Issues Committee meeting, Petpalooza, and her monthly meeting with Auburn School District Superintendent, Dr. Kip Herren, who will be retiring in June after serving 40 years in public education. XIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. APPROVED the 1 st day of June, 2015. Danielle Daskam, City Clerk Page 9 of 9