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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2000 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 10, 2000 Medina City Hall 7:00 PM 501 Evergreen Point Rd. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Becker called the regular meeting of the Medina City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was recorded on audiotape. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Suzanne Cohen, Paul Demitriades, Jim Lawrence, Thomas Morgan, Mary Odermat, Steve Preston and Mayor Daniel Becker Staff Present: City Manager Doug Schulze, City Attorney Kirk Wines, Police Chief Michael Knapp, Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris, City Planner Jenny Schultz, City Landscape Consultant Keith Bates, and City Clerk Kristen Finnigan. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Becker announced that on April 4th, a meeting had been held at Medina Elementary, for the purpose of discussing jet noise and the status of the Part 150 Study. He also announced that an Orientation Session would be held on April 29th. He explained that the session was essentially Government 101, for new board members currently serving on Medina boards and commissions, and he invited all in the community to attend. Mayor Becker reported that there would be an all day workshop on April 27th, on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for King County, as well as an Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP) Meeting on April 14th. Councilmember Demitriades reported that the state legislature special session had concluded without the budget having been passed. He said that the legislature would be back for one day in Olympia. Mayor Becker announced that the city facilities issue would not be a public hearing, but a discussion item, on the evening's agenda. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 2 CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Preston moved to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Demitriades, all were in favor and the consent agenda was approved: A. Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting of March 13, 2000 B. Minutes from City Council/Planning Commission Joint Study Session Of March 27, 2000 C. Approval of March, 2000 Warrants/Treasurer's Report Regular Warrants - #13482— 13588 Void #13581 $189,502.69 Personnel Warrants - #17177 — 17227 $101,251.68 STAFF REPORTS PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT Police Chief Knapp reported that there were no suspects in the recent car theft in Medina. He pointed out malicious mischief activity, relating that three of the four incidents were related to mailboxes. He reminded the audience that vehicles parked on the street, particularly those that were unlocked, are especially vulnerable. He reported that his department was moving ahead with records management, with the use of part time help. Chief Knapp stated that a favorable new jail contract had been achieved with Kirkland, which would save the city money, as well as allow officers to be on the street more, due to the more convenient access to jail facilities. He summarized the reasons for entering the agreement, explaining that the City of Medina was now dispatched out of the Kirkland Police Department, because they are computer -aided in their dispatch procedures. He also explained that the city would be paying a lesser amount each day for prisoners who would be taken to Kirkland. PARK BOARD Chairperson Claudia Stelle was present and said that there were no pressing Park Board issues to report. PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Superintendent Carl Burris reported that all computer systems had been upgraded in the city. He stated that discussions would continue with AGI Technologies, the contractor for the Medina Park Project, regarding the completion of their work and that tree planting had begun in the area. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 3 City Manager Doug Schulze reported that as of April 7th, AGI had completed work and the punch list of items that the City Engineer had assembled. He explained that the city would continue discussions with AGI and that the Public Works Department would be involved in clean up and finishing touches on Medina Park. He explained that the park had been seeded and that the orange fence would stay up until something not so obtrusive could be found, to protect the new plantings. He stated that there are a number of unresolved issues that the engineers would be working on, including coming up with a comprehensive approach to fixing some of the drainage problems that had been emphasized with the work that had been done. PLANNING Mayor Becker introduced City Planner Jenny Schulze to the audience, explaining that she had recently accepted the full-time staff position. R-16 COMMITTEE Councilmember Morgan reported that the R-16 Committee had been meeting twice a month to discuss construction mitigation, limitation of house size, changes to the zoning requirements to the R-16 zone and changes to the reconstruction ordinance, already passed by the Council. He said that they were close to making suggestions on reconstruction and that the committee would probably bring their recommendations to the Council in the next six weeks. He explained that the reconstruction Issue had to do with the favoring of remodeling of a structure, rather than tearing that structure down. JET NOISE Dr. Bob Rudolph, 1455 Evergreen Point Road, thanked the Mayor for having been on the panel of the jet noise meeting on April 4th, and also thanked Councilmembers for their support. He reported that there would be a very important Citizens Advisory Committee -Technical Advisory Committee (CAC-TAC) Meeting on April 26th, at which time he said that there would be a final Committee vote. He explained the approach to the jet noise issue had been four -pronged: grass roots, Part 150 Committee, legal push and also political He said that the meeting would be held at 6 pm at the airport auditorium and that a good turnout was very important. Dr. Rudolph explained that the vote from that meeting would go to the Port of Seattle, with the final decision made about flight tracks in August 2000. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mayor Becker opened the meeting to the audience for non -agenda items. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 4 SAFETY CONCERN Molly Lansinger, 8058 NE 8th, stated that she felt that there was a concern for sidewalks and safety of children around Medina Elementary School. Councilmember Morgan responded that the subject would be addressed at the upcoming Public Safety Committee Meeting scheduled for April 13th. POINT OF ORDER With most members of the audience having identified themselves as being present for the matter of the City Facilities Discussion, Mayor Becker moved the meeting into the Discussion section and invited comments from the audience. DISCUSSION City Manager Schulze apologized for such short notice of the meeting agenda item of Discussion of City Facilities and thanked the audience for coming. He explained that the item had been added to the agenda on March 31 st, and that the objective was to establish dialogue with residents of the community early in the process, particularly neighbors of the Medina Park area, which is the site of the city public works facility. He said that the city was looking at trying to meet needs which had been identified through an organizational study conducted last year, in order to establish some needs for city facilities, so that the municipal employees and City Council could continue to provide services as the needs of the community continue to change. He expressed the hope of continuing dialogue with the community and cooperatively developing solutions that improve on the existing conditions, no matter where or if new facilities are sited. He explained that currently there is a committee comprised of staff members and three Councilmembers to guide the process, expressing the understanding that any solution must be acceptable to the community. He said that an ad had been placed for statements of qualifications from architects, with the hope that technical advice would be provided to the committee. City Manager Schulze stated that the community character was of primary concern to all involved. He identified the project objective as follows • Identify needs of municipal government • Create a committee to guide the process of finding a solution • Hire professional consultant to provide technical assistance • Involve community in the process • Develop a feasible solution to meet the identified needs of municipal government He stated the solution requirements as being: • Neighbor's concerns and acceptance • Community concerns and acceptance • Meets the needs for service deliver • Reasonable cost to complete City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 5 City Manager Schulze said that elements for meeting the needs would be: • Neighbor input • Community input • Municipal input He reviewed municipal government needs and explained driving forces behind the matter, explaining changes to various city departments. Members of the audience expressed their concerns related to the possible siting of a new facility in the Medina Park area, including those of increased traffic, residential characteristics, and impacts on property values. Mayor Becker explained that the Council did not want to start moving along in a process without letting the community know what was happening. He assured the audience that the public would definitely be part of the process. Discussion followed, including what areas for location might be available. Mayor Becker explained that unfunded mandates had created additional burdens for cities. He assured the audience that members of the community would be on the Facilities Committee. Councilmember Preston informed the audience that he was a member of the Facilities Committee, along with Councilmembers Odermat and Lawrence and he invited the audience to contact them with their thoughts. Councilmember Lawrence invited the public to email City Manager Schulze with concerns and he would forward to all Councilmembers. PUBLIC HEARING FAIRWEATHER NATURE PRESERVE FINAL DESIGN FOR THE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT City Manager Schulze explained that the Fairweather Project was nearing the phase for review of the final design and advertisement for bids. He stated that the Park Board had held a series of public meetings relative to the issue and in November 1999, the Council had received a recommendation from the Park Board for the concept to be developed to final design. Charles Anderson of Anderson and Ray, gave a presentation, explaining that the plan would enhance the best characteristics and rid the area of those that were not good. He reviewed drawings for the audience, explaining that almost everything proposed was native or native compatible. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 6 Matt Porteus, Anderson & Ray passed out photographs describing Fairweather Preserve Landscape Restoration plantings. He pointed out the preserve area & gymnasium area on drawings, explaining work that had already been done and that which had been proposed. Plant density was discussed, with Mr. Porteus explaining that larger shrubs & trees would be added the first year, with others to follow, in an effort to attempt to get a strong impact on the park the first year. Discussion followed. Laurel Preston, 7640 NE 32nd Street, stated that she had recalled a vote having been for the minimal plan, valuing the wildness of the park. She expressed the intent to not make the park a destination place. Joseph Brazen, 3204 Evergreen Point Road, said that he thought that it would be helpful to see elevations. Penny Martin, 3205 Evergreen Point Road, asked if there would be money available for maintenance, and Charles Anderson assured her that monies had been stipulated for that purpose. Discussion followed regarding work to the gymnasium area and relative to the times that would be necessary for closure of these areas. Councilmember Morgan suggested sanding of the playing field, rather than grading and topsoil, with the result that the area would be continuously useable. Mayor Becker expressed concerns that the park would be closed in the summer. Randi Brazen, 3204 Evergreen Point Road, stated that children flock to the area in the summer and she would not like to see it closed. Patricia Kendell, 7900 NE 32nd St. stated that she had been to earlier meetings regarding Fairweather Preserve. She questioned what had happened to the noise barrier issue. Mr. Anderson explained that plants don't really retain sound that well. He said that a percentage reduction could occur with the new plantings and that the entire edge will be replanted, mostly with evergreens, and that will improve the situation. Thornton Thomas, 3335 Evergreen Point Road, asked about the time frame involved. He stated that he had walked through the park and had observed that unless something was done soon, invasive weeds could be a problem. Mr. Anderson responded that they intended to get plants in place in the fall. Mr. Porteus described the work in the wetland area. He explained that he had been working with the city and Roth Hill to obtain the necessary permits for this work. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 7 Mr. Anderson explained that he did not believe that they needed to obtain a 404 permit nor a SEPA. Discussion followed, with Mayor Becker expressing concern relative to permits required. Councilmember Preston questioned whether additional work in the wetland area would trigger additional requirements and Mr. Anderson responded that this should not be the case, due to the fact that the area is not part of the lakeshore. Dave Martin, 3205 Evergreen Point Road, stated concern regarding proceeding with the plan unless permits have been obtained. Councilmember Morgan said that the question of parking had been raised at a Public Works Committee Meeting. He said that the decision had been made to not make it be a destination park. He said that the area had been used for overflow parking, a community function that should not be destroyed, as well as the Easter egg hunt coming up and soccer practices in the fall. Relative to the suggestion about parallel parking along 80th, he stated that he thought that parallel parking was a great deal less intrusive than head in parking. Randi Brazen, 3204 Evergreen Point Drive agreed that there is a parking issue and it would be detrimental to take parking away Reliance Ricketts, 3245 78th PI NE, said that she was not in favor of creating a number of parking spaces for park and ride. She expressed concern that increasing parking for those not committed to the community leads to access and exposure and possibly undesirable activity. Gymnasium Area Mr. Porteus stated that the gymnasium area had parking issues as well. He described proposed improvements as being primarily to the parking area, soccer fields, & tennis courts, including a set of steps with walls 8' wide, providing access directly into the soccer area. He said that the concrete pad and backboard would be removed and replaced, with the function moved to either the interior or exterior of the tennis court. He said that the plan did not include resurfacing of the courts. He described an area for signage and provision of pedestrian access where there is none off of 32nd St. He said that the proposal for the parking area included gravel with flushed concrete curb Laurel Preston, 7640 NE 32nd St., suggested that the park not be torn up in the summer as it is used consistently. She stated that money should not be spent in reducing functionality. She encouraged a solution that retains the backboard as well as access during peak use time. Mr. Anderson stated that the construction schedule would be a few months long and that the playfield could be used two months after hydro seeding. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 8 Claudia Stelle, 7632 NE 14th, pointed out that she would not like to see the project drawn out, as had been the case in Medina Park. Councilmember Cohen suggested that it might be an idea to sand the playfield. Councilmember Morgan said that golf courses use a mix of sand and seed and sphagnum moss and it may be easy to accomplish. Councilmember Preston questioned what materials would be used for the steps and paths in the gym area and Mr. Porteus described the use of primarily natural materials. Councilmember Preston questioned what the cost of the gymnasium area's work would be and Mr. Anderson passed out cost estimates to Councilmembers. Mayor Becker closed the public hearing and thanked Charles Anderson and Matt Porteus for their presentation. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS Ordinance No. 686 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTIONS OF MEDINA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 12.28 RELATING TO TREE PRESERVATION/ REPLACEMENT AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS Councilmember Morgan reviewed Ordinance No. 686. He explained that the Tree Preservation Committee had met four times and that these proposed ordinances had been developed to emphasize preservation and make it mandatory to obtain a permit to cut trees during development. He said that the intention was to have Keith Bates, Landscape Consultant, be responsible for seeing that permit conditions were met. He explained that it was an emergency ordinance, to ensure that the developer had a plan during development. He reported that former City Planner, Christine Schwamberger had left the Council with documents, some of which were ordinances which had been passed from other cities, all of which had considerably better urban forestry management procedures than the City of Medina. Councilmember Morgan stated that, in the ordinance, the Committee had added to the landscape plan, as a tree preservation area, an area north of SR520, which has one of the best remaining stands of trees on Evergreen Point Road. Councilmember Cohen explained that there was a vital environmental purpose to the ordinances, to abide by the Endangered Species Act. (ESA) She explained that the goal would be to preserve trees standing close to the shoreline, as important areas of eagle habitat. She explained that the Committee had worked with City Planner Jenny Schulze and Landscape Consultant Keith Bates, and further explained that it was not a punitive change, but one of preservation. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 9 Councilmember Demitriades moved to approve Ordinance No. 686. Seconded by Councilmember Preston. Councilmember Lawrence stated that he felt that the ordinance did not go far enough in that it was related only to development and redevelopment and right of way and building area. Councilmember Cohen said that since this was an emergency ordinance, there was not time to go back and amend every word in the ordinance that would need to be amended, were they to try to expand the scope of the ordinance. She explained that they had expanded the jurisdiction of the City Landscape Architect to look at all of the trees on the lot, not only those outside of the allowable building area, which would be a major change to the existing ordinance. Violations were discussed, as well as replacement of significant trees that are safety hazards. Discussion followed. City Attorney Wines stated that Councilmember Cohen's change to delete the word "only" in 12.28.020 had not been made of record. Councilmember Cohen explained that the deletion was for clarification. Mayor Becker referred to the map attached to Ordinance No. 686. He stated that on the map, the north side of 32nd and west side of 78th did not show restriction in the right of ways on both sides of the street. Councilmember Demitriades accepted the amendments to the ordinance. All were in favor and Ordinance No. 686 was adopted as amended. Keith Bates, City Landscape Consultant, Otak reported that Puget Power was starting to trim trees on Rambling Lane, for the purpose of the upgrading of power lines and that he would be on site for the procedure. ORDINANCE NO. 689 —AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING REFORESTATION OF DISTURBED SLOPES Councilmember Morgan explained that Ordinance No. 689 had been developed because it had been agreed that there should be some type of reforestation required on the steep slopes. He reviewed the ordinance, explaining that the steep slopes were defined in the Shoreline Management Plan and that the main reason for this requirement was to control erosion and re -vegetate the areas around trams and steep slopes. Councilmember Preston moved to approve Ordinance No. 689. Seconded by Councilmember Demitriades, all were in favor and the ordinance was adopted. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 10 Amendment to Variance Fees City Manager Schulze explained that the issue of requiring separate fees for separate variances had come up through the Public Safety Committee. He explained that an increasing number of variance applications had been submitted, addressing multiple variances. He explained that this would be an amendment that would include language in the permit fee schedule, stating that a separate application fee must be paid for each section of the Medina Municipal Code from which a variance is sought. City Planner Schultz stated that $300 per variance was a very reasonable fee, compared to other cities, and that review time is definitely increased with multiple requests. Additional consultant fees were discussed, with Councilmembers expressing their views. The consensus was to hold a Public Hearing at the May Council Meeting, relative to the issue. OTHER BUSINESS AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT FOR ANDERSON AND RAY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ~ City Manager Schulze pointed out the importance of staying within project schedules. He expressed concerns with continuing projects and managing them, with numerous projects being discussed at any one time. He stated that the present window of opportunity would ensure that some of the elements of work already completed relative to Fairweather would not have to be repeated. He explained that design development was progressing. Discussion followed, relative to concerns related to authorization of execution of the contract with Anderson and Ray. Work to be done on the gymnasium area was considered and the consensus was that too many questions still remained regarding that phase of the project to proceed at this time. Permitting issues and concerns were discussed, with Charles Anderson assuring the Council that he did not believe that any permits would be difficult to obtain. $100,000 expenditures for stream reconstruction were questioned and Charles Anderson explained that these costs would not necessarily run so high, depending upon several determining factors. Mayor Becker moved to authorize City Manager Schulze to move forward with construction documents on the preserve, move forward with design development on the gymnasium and confirm with Public Works Committee that everything is in line with the permit before going out for bids. Seconded by Councilmember Preston, five Councilmembers were in favor, with Councilmember Lawrence opposed. City Council Meeting April 10, 2000 Page 11 Mayor Becker asked if the Public Works Committee wanted another estimate of costs before going out to bid. No one requested this information. RIGHT OF WAY QUESTION Councilmember Lawrence questioned how long a property owner is allowed to have the city street torn up. He stated that an iron plate had been across Evergreen Point Road for the past couple of weeks. Public Works Superintendent replied that there was no time limit but that there were requirements to the area's restoration. Councilmember Lawrence made a suggestion that a limit of time be imposed in the future. City Manager Schulze stated that the work being done also involved undergrounding and upgrading of utilities in the neighborhood area. TREE CATALOG Councilmember Morgan stated that former City Planner Christine Schwamberger had recommended to the Council that the City of Medina should develop a catalog of historic and significant trees in the city, which would enable the identification of stands of trees that are important to preserve. Councilmember Demitriades moved to authorize City Manager Schulze to negotiate with Otak, City Landscape Consultant for this purpose. Seconded by Councilmember Lawrence, all were in favor. EXECUTIVE SESSION At approximately 11:17 and under authority of RCW 42.30.110, Mayor Becker announced that the Council would hold an Executive Session to discuss potential acquisition of real estate and matters of potential litigation. ADJOURNMENT At 11:32 p.m. the Council reconvened the Regular Session. Councilmember Preston moved to adjourn the April Regular City Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Demitriades, all were in favor and the meeting was adjourned at 11:32 p.m. Daniel F. Becker, Mayor Attest: Kristen Finnigan> ity Clerk