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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Economic and Community Development Committee - 07/11/2016 (2) • KENT WASHINGTON ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES July 11, 2016 Committee Members Committee Chair Bill Boyce, Tina Budell, Jim Berrios 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Changes to the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes Committee Member Budell MOVED and Committee Chair Boyce SECONDED a Motion to Approve the Minutes of June 13, 2016. Motion PASSED 3-0. S. Landscape Easement Dwell Brennan Taylor, Development Engineering Manager, stated that he was seeking approval for a grant of non-exclusive easement for maintenance of landscaping within public right of way. Taylor stated that the developer proposes to put in a fully landscaped planting strip instead of the standard 12 inch sidewalk with intermittent street trees and tree wells. Staff was amicable to the idea because landscaping provides a buffer from busy Fourth Ave S and provides a protective environment for pedestrians. In coordination with the City's legal staff, it was decided the best way to accomplish this and put the maintenance responsibility squarely in the hands of the developer is to create the easement. In response to Chair Boyce, Taylor stated that a medium variety of trees will be used, with a root system that will not disturb sidewalks. They will probably reach 25 feet in height. Taylor explained that the new requirements will require installation of a "root barrier". Matt Gilbert, Current Planning Manager, stated that the trees were chosen by the City's Arborist specifically for their quality with deeper roots to reduce the chances of these trees causing the same problems as other trees in the City that have been removed in recent years. City staff assured Committee member Berrios that the developer/applicant worked with staff on choosing what to plant and that the easement belongs to the City but is maintained by the developer/applicant. MOTION: Berrios moved to recommend that City Council approve a Grant of Non-Exclusive Easement for maintenance of landscaping within public right-of way for the Dwell at Kent Station project. Budell seconded the motion. Motion Passed 3-0. 6. Sound Transit update Ben Wolters, Economic and Community Development Director, gave an update on Sound Transit. Wolters stated that staff met to review the latest changes to Highway 99. Sound Transit is trying to complete a crossing along 236t" between Highline College and the light rail station, making it as pedestrian friendly and safe as possible. There is discussion that the City will provide feedback to Sound Transit on narrowing lane widths, creating room for new turn pockets and some heavily landscaped medians that will create visual friction for drivers and gives pedestrians a sense of protection. There is discussion on changing the texture of the pavement and adding strips of flashing lights. Wolters informed that Taylor is coordinating with utilities in the area to discuss what utilities would need to be upgraded to handle the transit oriented growth anticipated upon opening of the station. In response to Committee Member Budell, Wolters stated that the type of lights being placed on the roads are either flashing or solid strips of lighting and that there will not be raised intersections due to current speed limits of 45 miles per hour. Sound Transit plans to petition Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to lower speed limits in that area. There is discussion to add colored concrete to that section of road to help handle movement of the buses. In response to Berrios, Wolters stated that Sound Transit has provided some information to the public. They still have a year or two of interacting with business and property owners that will be impacted by the project. Wolters stated that the Council President asked the City to get some information already presented to the Committee onto the City website which is currently underway. Ben states that the hope is for more public out-reach in the fall and into next year as Kent and Sound Transit establish a development agreement. Information Only 7. ShoWare Update Wolters stated that interest in the building for different shows continues on pace for having another great year. The ice plant installation is nearing completion, and should be the final fix to get the full operational use of the ice plant. Initial costs were estimates at $40-$50 thousand dollars, with the final bill being closer to $25,000. The City settled with the contracting parties and checks have been received. The City will conduct a final accounting of the whole process from litigation to recovery costs and will bring that information back to the Committee. Committee member Berrios expressed his appreciation for a great leadership team and their continued work running a facility that is challenging. Wolters stated that the revenue the City receives in taxes from the operations of Showare Center and the business activity it generates for the community shows more than just the income statement. Information Only S. Economic Development Update William Ellis, Economic Development Analyst, reported on a workshop that was held the week prior with the Port of Seattle Economic Development Office (PSEDO) to discuss their partnership program grant. The City is evaluating a few options to participate with the Port on the new grant. The grant was created by the PSEDO to make a $1 per capita grant per city in King County, which grants them $952,000. Based on population size there are different grant awards. There is a cap on the grant and the City of Kent would qualify for the total cap of $65,000. This grant requires a one-to-one match or in-kind match and requires Council to pass a ECDC Minutes July 11, 2016 2 resolution supporting the project identified for the grant. Grant submissions are to take place between now and mid-August and staff would like an inter-local agreement written up and put in place by mid-September. A couple opportunities the team discussed are to use the grant for revolve around workforce training and small business development. The City is looking at the America's Promise Grant opportunity with a variety of potential partners. One of those partners would be The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). This company is looking to move into Kent and Pioneer Human Services is looking to co-locate a variety of different training entities into the same warehouse. One idea for use of the grant would be to buy equipment to support that transition into the community in hopes to further the partnership of co-tenanting entities. The city is examining the Food Innovation Network. This company is primarily working in SeaTac and Tukwila. They intend to work with all of South King County. This company revolves around culinary training, concepts around new farmers markets, or community gardens focused around import substitution etc. One of their allied groups called Project Feast works with immigrants and refugees to teach culinary food preparation skills in preparation to work. They have signed a lease on Second and Gowe to create a pilot kitchen. The City has discussed the concept of developing a partnership with the small business development center and creating a virtual 'kitchen incubator". In response to Boyce, Ellis stated staff is hopeful that the grant will be an annual grant. Wolters stated that they are encouraging all cities to give their best shot at opportunities for this grant so that it can be demonstrated to the Washington State Commissioner that this is a good way to promote economic development in the region. Chair Boyce voiced support for this program with Committee Berrios questioning if this grant is matched, would it be $130,000 and questioned what an "in-kind match" looks like. In response, Ellis stated that it could be staff time, or other equipment such as resources that the companies the City discussed sub-contracting with already has in use, and we could match something they are already looking to do. Wolters stated that the next step is for staff to formulate what would be best moving forward; such as submitting an application that covers both bases. The Port has asked for some indication of City Council's support for whatever is submitted. The Committee concurred with moving forward. Information Only 9. Preservation of Trees Code Amendment f ZCA-2016-61 Jason Garnham, City Planner, presented a proposal to amend zoning code requirements for preservation of trees in new residential developments. Garnham stated that trees perform a number of vital ecological functions, add aesthetic value to development, and improve quality of life for residents in urban areas. This ensures that the City's development regulations encourage preserving and planting of trees, in support of several Council and City comprehensive goals. Current tree preservation requirements focus on preserving existing trees and were adopted in 2007 but have not achieved intended results. Success of these requirements has proven to be inconsistent in part because sites for development ECDC Minutes July 11, 2016 3 with few or no trees have no trees to retain. There is a high potential for conflict between our tree requirements and development requirements. Staff has found that if trees are not compatible with development they are often removed by future residents, making it difficult to achieve the goals of the Code. Staff proposes to adopt a tree density credit system adapted from the City of Kirkland. The goal is to provide consistency and flexibility while achieving the City's goals for new residential development. With input from stakeholders and city staff, a requirement was fine-tuned that targets retention or planting of 2-3 trees per lot. The City used the South Ridge neighborhood as guidance. This neighborhood has trees planted in a manner that is appropriate for residential development context. Current tree requirements apply to all new development in Kent. The new amendment will only apply to single-family and duplex residential development because critical areas and shoreline regulations already protect vegetation in the City's most important natural areas. In commercial, industrial and multi-family zones we find that the current, well established landscaping requirements, are already achieving the appropriate results. Chair Boyce proposes a hypothetical question, if he was to buy a piece of land today, could it knock out all the trees there; and if this amendment passes what would the change look like? Garnham explained that as of today he would have to retain 15% of the trees. If he was to purchase it after the passing of the amendment, 20 tree credits per developable acre would be required, which could be achieved by retaining existing trees or planting of new trees with credit based on the size of the trees. Committee Member Budell questioned if there is any specifications as to what type of trees are required to be planted. Jason states that Cottonwood and Alders only get 50% credit and that there is a street tree list managed by the Parks Department that provides relevant guidance. Budell asked if the proposed developed property has a snag on it, will it be kept as an ecological benefit feature? Garnham states that trees in critical areas will not be impacted by this proposal. Committee Member Berrios questions how the developers are feeling about this new concept. Garnham states that they received positive feedback from developers during the process. Motion: Committee Member Berrios Moved to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed amendment to the Kent Zoning code, related to the provision of trees in residential development, as recommended by the Land Use and Planning Board. Committee Member Budell Seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0 Adiournment Chair Boyce adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m. 4Amytc:rs Economic & Community Development Committee ECDC Minutes July 11, 2016 4