HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 08/01/1989 KENT CITY COUNCIL
PLANNING COMMITTEE
August 1, 1989 4 :00 PM
Committee Members Present Planning Staff Present
Judy Woods, Chair Charlene Anderson
Steve Dowell Jim Harris
Dan Stroh
Others Present
Other City Staff
Leona Orr
Carolyn Lake
John Marchione
Alana McIalwain
SOOS CREEK INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
In the agenda packet was a synopsis of concerns and responses regarding the
Soos Creek Interlocal Agreement. Senior Planner Dan Stroh stated that the
proposed amendments to the County's version of the agreement were the result
of staff s best effort to answer the concerns raised by Council and other
City departments. Should the amendments not be acceptable to the county, Mr.
Stroh suggests the County and City Councils meet to resolve areas of
isagreement.
Mr. Stroh mentioned some major areas of concern. One relates to SEPA and
agreement that the interlocal agreement does not supplant requirements of
SEPA and applicable City and County ordinances. The other major area of
concern relates to the County's Comprehensive Plan and City regulations. The
Planning Department believes the interlocal agreement needs to state that
Kent recognizes a regional policy for residential density. The Legal
Department wants deleted any reference to the County's Comprehensive Plan and
specific densities of 7-8 units per acre. Planning Director Harris added
that there are other regional goals besides King County's goals, e.g. , PSCOG
and METRO; he wants reference to "King County" goals for clarification.
Assistant City Attorney Lake stated that the first version of this interlocal
agreement which was passed by Kent City Council referred to regional goals;
this second version refers specifically to King County goals. She added that
although this is intended to be an interlocal agreement it states the City
is bound to residential densities on a city-wide basis. She believes the
reference to "city-wide" is a back-door expansion of the parameters of the
original agreement and intent. In addition, by citing specific densities the
agreement binds Kent to subrogate its plans and policies to the County's
Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Lake recommends that Kent agree to consider the
County's Comprehensive Plan when that plan is consistent with the City's own
goals.
'Tr. Harris stated that Kent is not in isolation; it is in a region. He
jelieves Kent must recognize that some of the County's goals are applicable
to Kent but Kent cannot subrogate to the County. Kent should recognize King
"TY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 1989
County as a regional agency whose goals are applicable in part to Kent.
In response to Councilman Dowell, Mr. Stroh stated that this agreement would
afford both Kent and King County better notification of development activity
within their Spheres of Interest. Councilman Dowell added that for that
notification Kent is giving up some control.
Councilman Dowell asked if this is the best agreement we can have. Jim
Harris responded staff believes it is workable. He added that Renton and
Auburn already have approved the County's version of the agreement. Staff
is requesting that Council chose between the Planning and Legal Departments'
options. Councilman Dowell will talk to Councilman Johnson who is absent to
determine which alternative the Committee will recommend. This item will be
on the Planning Committee's and City Council 's agendas for August 15th.
GRANT FROM DEPT. OF ECOLOGY RELATED TO WETLANDS
Planning Director Harris informed the State that Kent could not accept the
$6, 000 grant from them until the Council decides the 1990 budget. This grant
would require matching funds from the City. The funds would be used to
inventory wetlands. Councilman Dowell MOVED and Chairwoman Woods SECONDED
yhe motion to recommend acceptance of the $6, 000 grant from the Dept. of
cology.
ADDED ITEM
Staff informed the Committee that the Mayor's Assisted Housing Committee is
proposing a $6.7 million bond issue for senior housing. This item will be
on the Committee's agenda for action on August 15th. It is estimated that
the bond proceeds would address 25% of the senior housing needs in Kent.
Chairwoman Woods asked that Council members be briefed on this issue prior
to the Committee meeting.
Because the bond issue will appear also on the Operations Committee agenda
for August 15th, it was suggested that the Planning Committee meet in the
early morning of the 15th to prepare a recommendation. Staff will call
Councilman Johnson to decide on a convenient time.
The Planning Committee adjourned at approximately 4: 30 PM.
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