HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Economic and Community Development - 01/14/2013 KENT
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 14, 2013
Committee Members Committee Chair Jamie Perry, Deborah Ranniger, Bill Boyce.
Albertson sat in for Ranniger. Perry called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
Committee member Boyce Moved and Committee member Albertson Seconded a
Motion to approve the November 13, 2012 Minutes. Motion PASSED 3-0.
2. Coal Trains
Public Works Engineering Staff Steve Mullen, Tim LaPorte, Cathy Mooney and Chad Bieren
reported on impacts and issues related to running coal trains through Kent. Initially 18
additional trains will travel through Kent daily. Each coal train is 1.5 miles in length consisting
of 125-150 cars per train. Intersections from South 2591h Street to James Street on the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad tracks will be blocked at once while the trains
run through Kent. It is estimated that an additional 1 hour will be added to the current traffic
delays of 2.5 hours at eight of Kent's at-grade crossings.
Staff spoke about public health issues that include disturbance from train horn noise and
vibrations, and diesel and coal dust pollution. Staff reported that each car can lose up to a ton
of coal dust during the trip from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana to Cherry
Point, Washington. Scoping is being conducted to determine the focus of environmental
review, and staff drafted a comment letter for Mayor and Council signatures.
Staff spoke about a law-suit Kent filed in collaboration with Auburn against BNSF in the
1990's. The law-suit was motivated by issues related to the Stampede Pass connection with
the BNSF main line in Auburn where curves require trains to turn at 20 miles per hour
subsequently creating a bottleneck. Staff reported that Kent may be in a position to receive
Federal funds for grade separations were they made available. Grade separations would
mitigate for train delays.
Staff reported that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) will be issued late this year
with a Final EIS issued in early 2014. Comments may be submitted by US mail to GPT/BNSF
Custer Spur EIS, Co-lead Agencies, 110-1121h Avenue NE, Suite 400, Bellevue WA 98004 or by
email at: www.eisgatewaypacificwa.gov. Staff encouraged the public to submit comments.
Informational Only
3. Economic and Community Development Report
Economic Development Director Ben Wolters, Economic Development Manager Kurt Hanson,
and Planning Manager Charlene Anderson reported on the department's 2012
accomplishments related to the Permit Process, Business, Code Enforcement, the permit
application process, current and long range planning.
Wolters stated that the number of submitted permit applications and issued permits has
climbed. Total building valuation of permits issued has steadily risen with one-half million
dollars in contributed revenues beyond the 2012 fund contributions.
Wolters stated that 2012 initiatives included the introduction of on-line permitting, shortened
timelines, authorizing reviewers to redline plans when possible, and improving departmental
communication. Economic & Community Development (ECD) received many commendations
as a result of these implementations. Additional permits were added for over-the-counter
issuance. An on-line survey was introduced targeting the city's diverse customer base and
used as a tool to gauge the customer's perception of city services.
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Wolters stated that the City anticipates implementing KIVA upgrades in 2013, implementation
of a Council approved wireless remote access system for use by the building inspectors, the
expansion of on-line services with consideration towards adding additional on-line permits.
Wolters stated that ECD is the first department to take on the LEAN Initiative, a rigorous
process whereby a consultant agency will shadow and evaluate individual jobs and device a
method for streamlining jobs and creating more efficiency.
Wolters stated that through the code enforcement process, the cost to demolish the Lupkes
home was $23,000 at city expense. A lien was placed on the property that will allow Kent to
recoup demolition costs when the property sells.
Wolters stated that at the end of 2012, 445 code enforcement cases remain open. 2013 goals
and initiatives include streamlining and automating the code enforcement process. Staff is
considering how to fund a second code enforcement officer position.
Anderson described current planning as being an integral part of the permit process and code
enforcement work mentioned earlier. She classified long-range planning as the strategy arm of
planning. Anderson stated that staff moved numerous code amendments through Council this
year, with the ultimate goal to refresh and modernize the land use codes. She stated there are
approximately 1400 lots vested under the old residential development standards, although
864 lots are not finalized and because of market conditions ultimately could be adjusted to
more closely reflect the new standards. There are 132 lots approved but unrecorded under the
new standards.
Anderson stated that staff worked extensively on the Downtown Subarea Action Plan (DSAP),
with a study area expanded to include areas west of 167 and areas further north on Central
Avenue. Staff developed strategies for encouraging growth in those areas through a Planned
Action Ordinance (PAO) and SEPA infill exemptions. The preliminary draft Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for DSAP is now being reviewed. Anderson stated
that with the DSAP update, staff is looking at new strategies for determining levels of service
for parks and multimodal transportation, e.g., pedestrian, bicycles, and roads.
Staff worked extensively on Medical Marijuana code amendments and will be reviewing new
legislative changes associated with this issue.
Anderson stated that Planning, Economic Development, Development Engineering, and
Building division staff collaborate to efficiently manage various significant projects, such as the
Boeing Surplus Properties and Heritage Bank project. The collaboration ensures the strategies,
options and process are well known, which then helps move those projects to completion.
Anderson mentioned the Bridges Planned Unit Development (PUD) project (located on the old
city watershed facility south of Kent), which as a PUD has incorporated enhanced design
guidelines. Approximately 380 residential development units are approved with about 325
units yet to be built.
Anderson stated that probably the most significant part of the long range strategy arm is
Kent's influence on regional policies to ensure that the City Council's concerns are addressed
in the regional policies under discussion. This includes work on the State's update to SEPA.
Phase I of the SEPA updates includes higher optional SEPA exemption levels and will be
effective January 281h for consideration by cities. Work on Phase II just began and will
consider additional improvements to the SEPA code.
Anderson stated that she and the City's senior transportation planner have worked closely
with regional groups such as Metro to look at how Metro's service guidelines might better
mesh with local planning policies.
Anderson stated that she sits on the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) regional staff
committee which is currently working on the process for prioritization of projects in
Transportation 2040.
Anderson stated staff participates in PSRC's Growing Transit Communities Partnership which is
looking at guidelines for station areas along the future light rail line in the area around Pacific
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Highway South. Staff is looking at how Envision Midway goals, policies, and standards can
influence and benefit by the transit-oriented development approach under consideration.
Anderson stated that she sits on the Transit Service Overlay Zone Advisory Committee. She
stated that the committee is looking at transit emphasis corridors and where transit dollars
might best be provided on corridors that utilize a transit-oriented development approach.
Anderson stated that Sound Transit recently took over a group she established in South King
County to create a voice for influencing Sound Transit work in the South Corridor. This
current Interagency Working Group is reviewing draft products for alignments, screening
criteria and other materials for future light rail.
Anderson stated that she also sat on the Affordable Housing Subcommittee for the Countywide
Planning Policies and was successful in addressing the City Council's direction on recognizing
what South County cities like Kent already have accomplished in provision of affordable
housing.
Anderson stated that she assisted in setting up a roundtable on the importance of agriculture
to Kent, how Kent can influence agriculture, and how agriculture can benefit from Kent's urban
centers.
Anderson stated that staff has worked on significant issues related to the floodplain, levee,
and river setbacks, and has considered how those issues might affect the capacity for growth
in the Kent Valley.
Anderson stated that along with continuation of regional policy work, Planning's efforts for
2013 will include finalizing the DSAP and moving forward on implementation measures. A
Planned Action Ordinance will require a separate action from the adoption of the Plan. Staff
also will analyze how to move forward on corner stores; by implementation of regulations or
through a pilot project and will consider parking requirements.
Anderson stated that through the process of updating the Zoning Code staff will consider how
the update can influence successful development projects and process efficiencies, what the
community will support, and how these codes are compatible with Kent's growth strategies.
Anderson stated that staff will begin work on the comprehensive plan update incorporating
new strategies related to social equity, environmental justice, healthy living, and climate
change. Capital improvements that the City funds should mesh with the City's vision and with
the comprehensive plan goals and policies. New strategies for levels of service related to parks
and modes of transportation need to be considered.
Wolters stated that from a planning perspective, Planning and Public Works staff continue to
serve as the City's point of contact. Sound Transit's project manager has indicated
appreciation that Kent has a light rail plan in place as they embark on planning a light rail
route. Sound Transit is going through a scoping process to identify what should be studied and
to bullet-proof the legality of Sound Transit's environmental assessment upon which their final
decision rests.
Hanson reported Kent recruited 1247 jobs to Kent in 2012. He stated that the aerospace
facility Omax plans to complete a 22,000 sf. facility expansion and is working with the city to
rectify flood plain issues. Corbi Plastics is experiencing growth and staff is working with the
company with respect to new fire standards. Staff is working closely with Heritage Bank to
help resolve access issues associated with their new development project located on a small
irregular shaped site at the corner of 41h and James Street.
Sysco Foods Food Distribution Company employs 600 people with plans to double their
employee base. Staff has been working with their real estate team and providing the company
with ideas on how they can expand onto adjacent properties. Wolters stated that staff is
watching to see what impact the Business and Occupation (B & O) Tax decision may have on
Sysco Food's decision on where to locate their expansion project.
Hanson stated that Kent has been successful in recruiting POP Gourmet Popcorn Company.
The company has secured the Castle Bridge Winery Property on 1801h They produce 47,000
bags of popcorn per month, currently service the Alaska Airlines industry and will be working
with Costco to showcase their product. The company will incorporate a retail presence. Hanson
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stated that Kent's Economic Development Specialist Josh Hall recruited the Full Circle Farms
Distribution Centerto Kent, a growing business that delivers vegetables.
Hanson stated that Kent recruited an avionics aerospace manufacturer, Carlisle Interconnect
Technologies (CIT). The company initially employed 800 people, has grown to 900 employees
with a goal to employ 1200 people. CIT manufactures in-flight entertainment system hardware
with a plan to manufacture wiring harnesses. Staff is working to resolve parking issues. The
Tazo Tea/Starbucks relocated from Portland to Kent with 58 employees and has reinvested
two-million dollars in the Kent Plant.
Hanson stated that REI employs over 1200 people at their Corporate World Headquarters in
Kent. The City would like to acknowledge their importance by installing attractive signage
acknowledging their presence. Since REI has a staggering number of bicycle commuters the
City has teamed up with Seattle Bike Supply, Raleigh Bicycles and REI to find a cost effective
solution to provide a dedicated route from the Interurban Trail to the REI Campus or beyond.
REI is donating $100,000 to this cause and the HRP properties south of REI are donating up to
twelve feet of their property.
Hanson stated that ECD co-hosted a Foreign Trade Zone Summit in 2012 with Enterprise
Seattle and the Port of Seattle attended by over 30 businesses. A Brownfield assessment was
conducted and resulted in Kent receiving a 3 year grant of $400,000 from the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA). Hanson further stated that the City received a $25,000 grant from
United Way of King County as a result of the East Hill Revitalization effort.
Hanson stated that work will continue in 2013 on the East Hill Revitalization effort. Staff will
strategize on how to define the East Hill commercial corridor and will work to cultivate and
identify those people who can partner together to build that area up. Staff will look at ways in
which the youth of that area can best be served. A survey will be conducted with East Hill
businesses and residents to further determine what they envision.
There is an initiative to implement and market warehouse district sales to retail customers.
The concept of warehouse sales is a real opportunity with Wolters stating that this initiative
could be a way to achieve some of our long term strategic goals of the Council's and City.
Informational Only
Adiournment
Committee Chair Perry adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Pamela Mottram, Secretary
Economic & Community Development Committee
PIAPlanningAECDCA2013\MlnutesV01-1413_DaftMln.doc
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