HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-2007 - Agenda PacketMEDINA, WASHINGTON
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
MEDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JULY 23, 2007
7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
7:00 pm
Miles Adam, Lucius Biglow, Drew Blazey, Jim Lawrence, Katie Phelps,
Bob Rudolph, and Pete Vail-Spinosa
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Mayor
2. Council
3. Staff
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
1. Non -Agenda Items (3 minutes per person)
PUBLIC HEARING
1. VIEW & SUNLIGHT ORDINANCE: Public Hearing continued to Monday. August 13.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. HISTORICAL USE PERMIT — MEDINA STORE
City Council deliberation upon receipt from the Planning Commission of a recommended action on
Historical Use Permit No. 2007-01. The applicants request is to expand the allowed uses for the
upper floor and the rear of the main floor to include office use.
2. 2008 BUDGET DISCUSSION ITEMS AND PROPOSED CALENDAR
It is recommended that the Mayor and Council: 1. Approve the 2008 Budget Planning Calendar,
and 2. Advise the City Manager of any Proposed New Programs or Service Expansions which the
Council wishes to see incorporated into the 2008 Annual Operations Budget.
3. UPLAND ROAD STREET VACATION
It is recommended that the City Council take no further action on the petition to vacate a portion of
Upland Road.
4. SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS — LOCAL ACCESS STREETS
It is recommended that the present basic rule of twenty-five miles per hour on city streets as set
forth in RCW 46.61.400 be adhered to unless engineering and traffic investigation should provide
sufficient evidence for it to be modified.
(Other Business cont.)
5. PITCHED ROOF INCENTIVES
Review the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the topic of "Pitched Roof Incentives"
and schedule a public hearing if the City Council wishes to pursue this proposal.
6. KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM MEMBERSHIP
Discussion initiative by Council Member Blazey regarding whether or not to submit a ballot.
measure to the voters regarding continued membership in the King County Library System',
7. UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES PRO AND CON COMMITTEES APPOINTMENTS
In accordance with election law, the City Council will appoint committees of no less than one nor
more than three persons who wish to write statements in favor of, or in opposition to, the ballot
measure.
8. COUNCIL AGENDA CALENDAR
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
10:00 PM
The Medina City Council encourages public participation and values input from citizens. In an effort to conduct
meetings in a fair, but efficient manner, the City Council wilt follow previously adopted procedures, which are
available in the City Clerk's Office. All comments shall be addressed to the Council as a whole in a courteous and
respectful manner. Citizens wishing to address the Council should complete a speaker card and submit it to the
recording secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Speaker cards are on the podium prior to the start of the
City Council meeting.
Meeting Agenda is subject to change prior to approval of the agenda during the meeting. Persons interested in a
specific agenda item may wish to call the City Clerk at (425) 233-6400 before 4:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting
to confirm agenda items.
Medina City Council Meeting Agenda
July 23, 2007
Page 2
ITEM F-1
CITY OF MEDINA
Development Services
501 Evergreen Point Road, Medina WA 98039
425.233.6400 (phone) 425.454.8490 (fax) www:medina-wam
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 12, 2007
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Joseph Gellings, AICP, Director of Development Services
RE: Historical Use Permit Application No. 2007-01 — Medina Store
The Mayor has requested an early distribution of materials for the Medina Store case,
which is scheduled for City Council discussion on July 23, 2007. All case exhibits are
attached or referenced in this memo. The Planning Commission closed their hearing
record at the conclusion of public testimony at the June 26 meeting. Therefore, the
exhibit list below reflects all exhibits submitted to the record before the conclusion of the
public hearing portion of the June 26 meeting.
There has been a great deal of public involvement in this case and the majority of the
90 exhibits are comment letters and comment emails by interested citizens. Notable
documents in this transmittal include the staff report (Exhibit 21) and the Planning
Commission findings document (Exhibit 89) and draft City Council Resolution (following
the last exhibit). The findings document is being mailed to all parties of record. The
resolution has been prepared to match the Planning Commission recommendation
pursuant to MMC 17.94.100-17-2.
Please note that Exhibit 90 is the minutes of the June 26 Planning Commission
meeting. These have not yet been completed by staff and will be provided to the City
Council in draft form on July 17. At that time the minutes will be in draft form since the
next Planning Commission meeting occurs after the July 23 City Council meeting.
There are no plans to prepare a verbatim transcript of the June 26 Planning
Commission meeting. However, the electronic audio recording of the June 23 meeting
is available upon request. Please note that Exhibit 88 is quite voluminous (109 pages)
so it is not being distributed with this package. It is, however, available upon request.
Exhibit List
1. City of Medina Resolution 302 regarding Historical Use Permit (HUP) 2003-01, Passed
December 8, 2003
2. Architectural drawing: "Sheet A-1, Site Plan," Wu Architecture, April 30, 2007
Page 1
ITEM F-1
3. HUP No. 2007-01 application cover sheet with heading "Narrative of proposed
modifications," Wu
Architecture, May 10, 2007
4. Architectural drawing: "Sheet A-2, Floor Plans Proposed Modifications to Historic Use
Permit," Wu Architecture,
May 10, 2007
5. Comment Email
Delphine Stevens
May 7, 2007
6. Comment Email
Ally Svenson
May 14, 2007
7. Comment Letter
Henry Paulman
May 14, 2007
8. Comment Letter
Shawn Fitzpatrick
May 15, 2007
9. Comment Email
Gerry Zyfers
May 15, 2007
10. Letter from Wayne Tanaka, City Attorney, to Henry Paul man,
May 15, 2007
11. Comment Letter
Michael Larkin
May 16, 2007
12. Comment Letter
Dave Mellor
May 16, 2007
13. Comment Letter
John Frost
May 16, 2007
14. Comment Letter
Erbe Scott
May 17, 2007
15. Comment Letter
Shirley Crawford
May 21, 2007
16. Comment Letter
Carolyn and Gerald Grinstein
May 23, 2007
17. Traffic report, Christopher Brown, PE,
June 15, 2007
18. Comment Letter
John Frost
June 21, 2007
19. Comment Letter
Wilma Edmonds
June 21, 2007
20. Memo from Joe Willis, Sr., Director of Public Works,
June 21, 2007
21. Staff report and recommendation,
June 21, 2007
22. Comment Letter
Charles Pember
June 21, 2007
23. Comment Email
Marianne and Mark Mowat
June 23, 2007
24. Comment Email
Kristen Edelhertz
June 23, 2007
25. Comment Letter
Shawn Fitzpatrick
June 23, 2007
26. Comment Email
Chuck Pettis
June 24, 2007
27. Comment Email
Janie & Raymond Lee
June 24, 2007
28. Comment Email
Judy Seidell
June 24, 2007
29. Comment Email
Sue & John Bethke
June 24, 2007
30. Comment Email
Shelley Carlson
June 24, 2007
31. Comment Email
Tim O'Brien
June 24, 2007
32. Comment Email
Amy & Shakil Haroon
June 24, 2007
33. Comment Email
Wendy Paisley
June 24, 2007
34. Comment Email
Patrick Machiko, Jeffrey & Zachary Moore
June 24, 2007
35. Comment Email
The Holmes Family
June 24, 2007
36. Comment Email
Kris & Beth Swanson
June 24, 2007
37. Comment Email
Beth, Terry, John & Elspeth Drayton
June 24, 2007
38. Comment Email
Jane & Larry Meitl
June 24, 2007
39. Comment Email
Steve & Gail Kaneko
June 24, 2007
40. Comment Email
Jill & Chris Birkeland
June 24, 2007
41. Comment Email
Peggy Cossano
June 24, 2007
42. Comment Email
Larry & Mary Ortbal
June 24, 2007
43. Comment Email
Marnix & Liesbeth Bosch
June 24, 2007
44. Comment Email
Nam & Hyun Bae
June 24, 2007
45. Comment Email
Patrick B. Hill
June 24, 2007
46. Comment Email
Jodie Major
June 24, 2007
47. Comment Email
Dorothy Worthington
June 24, 2007
48. Comment Email
Gina Wackerbarth
June 24, 2007
49. Comment Letter
John Dern-Palmer
June 25, 2007
50. Comment Email
Pam Reilly
June 25, 2007
51. Comment Email
Lucy Reilly
June 25, 2007
Page 2
WIM-5il
52. Comment Email Memie Huang
June 25, 2007
53. Comment Letter Henry Paulman
June 25, 2007
54. Comment Email Rich Stevenson
June 25, 2007
55. Comment Email Molly & Bob Piper
June 25, 2007
56. Comment Email Mary Douglas
June 25, 2007
57. Comment Email Rosalie Gann
June 25, 2007
58. Comment Email Jack Norman
June 25, 2007
59. Comment Email Marjorie Danz
June 25, 2007
60. Comment Email Danya & Brad Hill
June 25, 2007
61. Comment Email Schneider Family
June 25, 2007
62. Comment Email Lynn Witham
June 25, 2007
63. Comment Email Tom & Monica Whaley
June 25, 2007
64. Comment Email Estrada Family
June 25, 2007
65. Comment Email Jonathan R. Young
June 25, 2007
66. Comment Email Jeff & Mary Jane Murphy
June 25, 2007
67. Comment Email Danya Hill
June 25, 2007
68. Comment Email Vicki Powers
June 25, 2007
69. Comment Email Donald & Beverly Jefferson
June 25, 2007
70. Comment Email Holly Greenspoon
June 25, 2007
71. Comment Email Rebecca Panos
June 25, 2007
72. Comment Email Dan Newell
June 25, 2007
73. Comment Email Helen Naini
June 26, 2007
74. Comment Email Read & Marianne Langenbach
June 26, 2007
75. Comment Email Randell Walton
June 26, 2007
76. Comment Email Dina & Jerry Johnson
June 26, 2007
77. Comment Email Darcy Johnson
June 26, 2007
78. Comment Email Allyson Jackson
June 26, 2007
79. Comment Email Chuck and Junia Curran
June 26, 2007
80. Comment Email Jerry Johnson
June 26, 2007
81. Comment Email Dale Ahrens
June 26, 2007
82. Submittal during hearing testimony by Paul Saad: comment letter by Paul Saad dated
June 25, 2007
83. Submittal during hearing testimony by Peter Lucus: comment letter by Peter Lucas dated
June 26, 2007
84. Submittal during hearing testimony by Heija Nunn: letter regarding tax assessment
procedures from Stanley W. Roe to Heija Nunn, dated June 8,
2007
85. Submittal during hearing testimony by applicant: second, independent traffic and parking
analysis report prepared by Mark Jacobson, PE, of Jake Traffic Engineering, Inc.
86. Submittal during hearing testimony by Wilma Edmonds: Memorandum from Roger D.
Crum to the Medina City Council dated February 22, 2007
87. Submittal during hearing testimony by Wilma Edmonds: Email
from Heija Nunn to
undisclosed recipients dated June 23, 2007
88. Submittal during hearing testimony by Wilma Edmonds: transcript
of proceedings before
the Medina City Council on Historical Use Permit 2003-01 (not
included in transmittal to
City Council on July 13, 2007)
89. Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and Recommendation, Medina
Planning Commission,
July 12, 2007
90. Minutes of the June 26 meeting of the Medina Planning Commission
Page 3
EXHIBITS NO.1 - 90
UNDER
SEPARATE COVER
To view the exhibits, please visit the City's website at www.medina-wa.gov
or contact the City Clerks Once at 425-233-6411 or
email to rbaker(a-)medina-wa.gov.
EXHIBIT #90
June 26, 2007
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
DRAFT
CITY OF MEDINA
Planning Commission Meeting
Medina City Hall
501 Evergreen Point Road
Bret Jordan called the Planning Commission meeting of June 26, 2007, to order
at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Jim Frank, Bret Jordan, Kirk Beardsley, Mark Nelson, Judie
O'Brien, John Maffei
Absent: John Maffei (excused)
Staff Present: Joseph Gellings, Director of Development Services; Mark
Weinberg, City Manager; Vicki Orrico, Assistant City
Attorney; Pam Greytak, Administrative Assistant
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jordan welcomed new Planning Commissioner Kirk Beardsley. He
acknowledged the end of Mark Nelson's term and thanked him for serving on the
commission.
MINUTES
MOTION FRANK/SECOND NELSON TO APPROVE MAY 22, 2007 MEETING
MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 6-0, 7:06 PM
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Charles Pember, Resident
Mr. Pember inquired about plastic fence around SR-520. Gellings said he wasn't
sure the reason it was there, but would follow up with Public Works Director.
Paul Saad, Resident
Mr. Saad discussed concerns over placement of Medina city hall and Medina
grocery store trashcans. Gellings explained location of grocery store trashcan
was in conflict with preservation of Douglas fir tree, so applicant had to relocate
it. Mr. Saad said he would address his concerns with the city council.
Heija Nunn, Resident
. = /
Ms. Nunn spoke about issues related to grocery store trashcan placement and
reiterated that it is located on private property.
PUBLIC HEARING
Amendment to Historical Use Permit (HUP 2007-01)
Medina Grocery Store
Jordan explained that the Planning Commission's role is to formulate a
recommendation to City Council, and they in turn, make the final decision. He
reiterated that the hearing is quasi-judicial and code requires the ruling to be
made after weighing findings of fact of conclusion of law. Jordan affirmed that
opinions may not have any bearing on the contemplation of the application and
the commission can only consider evidence that is a finding of fact of conclusion
of law. He said commissioners are bound by the code to disregard anecdotal
information and they would only evaluate facts. Jordan stated that in an effort to
run a productive meeting he would ask speakers who are not addressing facts of
the application to conclude, present the facts, or yield podium to another
speaker.
Orrico provided public hearing rules for Nelson, who had questions about
proceedings.
Charles Pember, Resident
Jordan confirmed for Mr. Pember that commissioners had received his letter.
Paul Wu, Architect
Kirkland, WA
Mr. Wu affirmed that the Medina store is almost finished and landscaping should
start this week. He said owner is asking for upper floor to be used as office space
for someone other than herself. Mr. Wu reiterated that owner is currently allowed
to use the upper floor for accessory use including office or storage space for the
store, or lease it out for storage use.
Mr. Wu stated that since residents were concerned about traffic impact, the
owner hired Mr. Mark Jacobs, who has 23 years traffic engineering experience,
to complete a peer review of the work provided by Christopher Brown, PE &
Associates.
Mr. Wu commented that in the past the building had been used for banquets,
weddings and for 15 years was leased by the post office. He confirmed for
Nelson that store would be operated by Mrs. Lee and is scheduled to be open
this summer.
Nelson and Jordan discussed the questions that can be considered. Jordan
explained that commissioners are limited by code.
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 2
DRAFT
Kristine Wilson, Attorney
Perkins Coie, LLP
Ms. Wilson reviewed the two decisional criteria. She asserted that the staff report
indicated addition of office use would not create an excessive noise impact nor
would it have significant impact on lighting. Ms. Wilson said the city's agreement
with owner would further assure minimized effects on traffic, hours of operation,
landscaping, parking, lighting, signage and noise. She also reported that traffic
limits and parking duration limits would also apply to the office use. Ms. Wilson
stated that due to the permit conditions, the authorization of limited office use is
not materially detrimental to neighboring properties. Ms. Wilson reviewed legal
definition of "material" as published in Black's Law Dictionary. She further cited
examples supporting reasons permit amendment request would not be materially
detrimental to surrounding properties. Ms. Wilson said owner would like store
open for Medina Days and asked that amendment be brought before the city
council at their next regular meeting.
Sparks asked for clarification regarding parking duration limits, in which Gellings
reported that a maximum of 30 minutes would be allowed for the front of the
store. He also explained that a portion of the parallel street stalls have the same
30 minute maximum. Gellings also noted for Sparks that a gravel driveway with
four parking spaces was being proposed for office employees. Gellings handed
out a drawing showing the proposed parking areas.
In response to Frank, Gellings replied that the owner is requesting office space
for the entire upper floor, as well as for the eastern portion of main floor. He also
indicated main floor would be used for accessory storage for office and retail.
Ms. Wilson clarified for Frank that square footage and parking limitations would
dictate which tenants would be willing to lease space.
Responding to Sparks, Gellings confirmed proposed employee parking stalls
would be for the entire building.
Sparks questioned maximum fire occupancy, in which Ms. Wilson said she was
unsure. Gellings said building official reviewed all plausible upper floor
occupancies during building permit approval from over a year ago. Mr. Wu
clarified that 100 square feet per occupant is IBC's fire occupancy rule for offices.
He further explained that IBC waives ADA requirements for floor areas less than
3000 square feet, so there is no requirement to provide elevator to upper floor.
Gellings confirmed for Beardsley that the current proposed amendment has no
self imposed limitations on number of tenants.
Paul Saad, Resident
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 3
DRAFT
Mr. Saad affirmed that if Mrs. Lee were able to lease the storage space at a rate
that would provide her desired economic return there would be no need for a
change in use, and if her desire to increase the rent did not exist, the application
would not exist. He further reported that the circumstances are specific to
applicant, which is denied by the HUP. He stated that any attempt to justify use
change, based on applicable review criteria is short-sighted and misses actual
reason for the change.
Mr. Saad said residents do not want 40 cars parked on Evergreen Point Road
between Overlake Drive and NE 12th Street, as Mr. Brown's traffic report
indicated were available. He also stated an office would generate more traffic
than a storage space, and therefore, would have an adverse impact on
neighbors. He reiterated that the original HUP allowed new retail area to be much
larger than the historical store and it restricted the second floor use knowing that
a larger retail area would have a greater impact on neighbors.
He further indicated store was determined by most citizens to be a community
asset and those who supported it must respect the impact on neighbors. He
asserted that an error was made when allowing the original historic structure to
be torn down. He concluded that the city should subsidize second floor rent and
keep it as storage. Mr. Saad explained that the upper floor square footage allows
for five employees and reiterated that the proposed parking would not work.
Diana Murray, Resident
Ms. Murray reiterated that when people bought their property they knew there
was a historical use store nearby.
Wilma Edmonds, Resident
Ms. Edmonds handed commissioners a packet of documents. She agreed that
Medina children are entitled to store just as children previously were. Ms.
Edmonds stated application does not meet criteria because it seeks to change
the comprehensive plan, and she affirmed that it is not a concomitant agreement,
but a change in zoning to commercial business offices. She explained several
reasons why applicant's request does not meet the original intent of HUP.
Ms. Edmonds declared the city offered owner $1400 to lease store's upper floor
for storage, but could not come to an agreement. She said city did their part to
keep their end of agreement. Ms. Edmonds said she included a copy of an e-mail
that was sent to approximately 60 residents indicating the city did not keep their
end of agreement. She commented that she provided commissioner's with a
complete transcript of December 2003 city council meeting. She stated the city
gave applicant about 12 variances and bent over backwards for applicant.
Hei a Nunn, Resident
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 4
DRAFT
Ms. Nunn asked for clarification regarding Jordan's request to not discuss
anecdotal comments. Jordan explained that commissioners are only allowed to
consider findings of fact and anecdotal information must to be ignored. Ms. Nunn
suggested that the applicant's people had not been given a fair opportunity to
speak, and asked that they be allowed a fair amount of time.
Mark Jacobs, Traffic Operations Engineer, JTE, Inc.
Mr. Jacobs reported that a business serving the local community would most
likely lease upper floor. He said some Medina residents might already work from
home and have employees coming to work. Mr. Jacobs listed several types of
businesses he thought would lease the office, and said he doubted a doctor or
dentist would be interested in the space.
Mr. Jacobs said a storage space would not have generated much traffic, but an
office would generate 3.3 pm peak hour trips or 1 trip every 20 minutes.
Sparks asked for clarification regarding trip generation. Mr. Jacobs said his data
came from ITE's nationally recognized office use, which listed 1.73 trips per hour
per 1000 square feet. He said 3.3 trips per hour was an average of several
different types of offices. He confirmed that medical offices are the only type of
offices broken out in the ITE, and they could possibly generate six trips per hour.
Responding to Beardsley, Mr. Jacobs said based on his experience, an
accountant or attorney would benefit the most from leasing the store's upper floor
office space.
Jordan reminded commissioner that a medical office would not be permitted
under the application. Responding to Nelson, Mr. Jacobs explained that a doctor
would generate 6-7 trips per hour and an attorney may generate 2-3 trips per
hour. He said a residential real estate office is considered specialty retail and
would generate five peak hour trips per hour. Mr. Jacobs said that leasing to
more than one tenant would reduce usable office space, so would not generate
more traffic.
Paul Wu, Architect
Mr. Wu commented that according to the IBC, medical facilities are required
accessibility regardless of square footage; therefore, would be precluded from
consideration as a tenant.
Christopher Brown, PE
Mr. Brown reiterated that when looking at minimums and maximums, the ITE
considers averages to be industry standard. He also explained that no curbside
parking or striping is being considered. Mr. Brown told Nelson that he used the
City of Seattle's standard to determine net usable parking spaces.
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 5
Gellings confirmed for Jordan that parking demand could be considered when
making a decision.
Mr. Brown indicated that Mr. Jacobs included an aerial photo in his presentation
packet showing enormous available surplus street parking should it ever be
required.
Shawn Fitzpatrick, Resident
She stated that store is not the same as when her parents bought their property
in 1952. Ms. Fitzpatrick announced that neighbors recently called the police
about some problems at the store. She voiced concerns over proposal to
increase employee parking from two to four spaces and encouraged
commissioners to evaluate parking on a summer day. Ms. Fitzpatrick asked
commissioners to consider how many people lived in Medina when Mr. Frost ran
the store. Jordan reminded Ms. Fitzpatrick that commissioner's could not
consider sentimental feelings at the hearing. Ms. Fitzpatrick said it would be
easier if the owner had a plan that showed exactly what office would be.
Charles Pember, Resident
Mr. Pember disputed Mr. Brown's report indicating 30 potential curbside parking
stalls from Overlake to NE 10`h Street.
Anthony Pagones, Ali Svenson and Shakil Haroon, Residents
Mr. Pagones announced they all have kids in Medina, and Ms. Svenson asked
that the amendment be approved quickly.
He ya Nunn, Resident
Ms. Nunn explained that the police were recently called because Mrs. Lee had a
late delivery. Jordan reminded Ms. Nunn that commissioners are only allowed to
consider facts. Ms. Nunn read aloud a letter she received from the King County
Assessors office, and she discussed a letter from a council member regarding his
property tax deduction that was used to deny the previous HUP.
Ms. Nunn noted that St. Thomas School would be doubling in size, going from
traffic level D to traffic level C.
Ms. Nunn said the city did not offer $1400 to lease storage space and she
explained attempts were made to subsidize the lease based on community
funds.
Ms. Nunn said the reconstruction is an accurate representation of the store. She
asked commissioners to approve permit and affirm findings at a special meeting
within the next 2 — 3 days so council can consider it at their July 9 meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 6
Sparks asked if there was a reason store could not open, which Nunn said the
upper floor had a use approved that was tailor made to the city. Nunn
commented that the city expressed an interest in leasing the upper floor. Gellings
confirmed for Jordan that the applicant received all land use permit approvals
necessary to open store's main floor, and only needs permits for plumbing and
finishes. Mrs. Nunn explained that owner wants to complete all construction at
once.
Orrico told Beardsley that commissioners should consider Mr. Jacob's and Mr.
Brown's reports to be facts of the applicants, and Public Works Director, Joe
Willis' letter to also be fact. She agreed with Sparks that these are expert
opinions based on fact.
Pete Lucas, Resident
Mr. Lucas agreed with Ms. Nunn that the store looks good, and that the
commission needs to make a quick decision. He said he believes the application
should be denied because there is no reason to justify amendment. Mr. Lucas
said proposal is a change of use and stated that Resolution 302 indicates that a
change of use is not permitted without a new conditional use permit or an HUP.
Mr. Lucas pointed out that proposed amendment requires a historical use permit,
which can only be considered by having a historical use. He explained leasable
office space is not a historic use since it had not been proven that an upper floor
office ever existed. Mr. Lucas stated that code indicates historic use is based on
what occupied the property when the city was incorporated. He said there has
been an effort to avoid fact that amendment is a change of use by calling it an
expansion of use or amendment to use.
Mr. Lucas said 2000 square feet of office space available, so 20 parking spaces
would be needed. He voiced concern that store could become a real estate office
if it were sold to a developer who could not sell the property.
Jordan reminded speakers that rebuttals needed to be directed to
commissioners, not to neighbors.
Mark Jacobs
Mr. Jacobs explained from a traffic standpoint, retail is more intense, and it is
unlikely store would convert to an office since retail rents are generally higher. He
pointed out that community is better served by a store than by a real estate
office.
He#a Nunn, Resident
Mrs. Nunn said the city's own briefing indicates that historic use is impossible to
define because of all of the possible historic uses as they apply to today's
Medina. She said she was sorry she did not get an affidavit from the US Postal
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 7
DRAFT
Service real estate person regarding timing and dates when Kendall Marks
leased space in the store for a post office.
Pete Lucas, Resident
Mr. Lucas suggested looking at Historic Use Ordinance, which states historic
uses are those that existed at the time of incorporation. He said a statement
proving that there was leasable office space at the time would be helpful.
In response to Sparks' questions about leasable office space on first floor,
Gellings clarified that traffic engineer's trip generation numbers were based on
full retail use of space, because retail generates higher traffic levels than dry
cleaner pick up.
Lucas said the 20 additional parking spaces would be significant compared to trip
generation.
Henry Paulman, Resident
Mr. Paulman said Mr. Frost confirmed some inaccuracies in Gellings' report. Mr.
Paulman then offered to ask Mr. Frost to sign an affidavit stating there were no
offices in the store from 1955 forward. Gellings confirmed Mr. Frost was his
source of information about previous office space.
Orrico confirmed for Jordan that historical use of the property should be part of
the criteria to be considered.
Gellings affirmed the HUP 2006-01 confirms documentation exists from historical
newspapers that post office use existed during city incorporation.
Paul Wu, Architect
Mr. Wu clarified that building code low factor is specifically related to life safety
issues such as stairways, doorways and corridors, but that parking requirements
fall under the land use code. He reiterated that requirements are based on
square footage and use. Mr. Wu stated that the two office classifications are
administrative and customer office. He went on to say that typically there are
three parking stalls per 1000 feet of square feet gross area.
Mr. Wu indicated that the HUP is not asking for new uses. He said the question
now is who can use the upper floor space.
Jordan described the "change of use" term to Mr. Wu.
Ned Clapp, Resident
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 8
DRAFT
Mr. Clapp affirmed that Bellevue residents probably would not be using the
services of a business located in the store office space. He also commented that
the office tenant would probably be a huge benefit to neighbors.
Chuck Curran, Resident
Mr. Curran reported that proposed office use would only create a small
percentage of change to existing traffic on Evergreen Point Road. He asked
commissioners to urge city and Mrs. Lee to reach an agreement for city to lease
upstairs office space. He stated this would not create additional trips into Medina,
and might make entire functioning of the location work more equitably.
Jordan and Orrico agreed to continue public hearing until their motion was
shaped.
Commissioners discussed if applicant met burden.
Nelson asked if historical use issue was relative to criteria being discussed, and if
commissioners were satisfied that the post office qualifies as an office use as
being used in this HUP.
Gellings noted that the city attorney agreed the evidence of post office qualified
property owner to ask for general use of office, and a decision was made to
consider post office a historic office. Gellings remarked that special permit
process requiring another hearing would still be open to owner for any use of the
property.
Jordan explained that applicant met the burden since Resolution 302 was
granted.
Frank said commissioners heard many factors that were emotional, visceral,
human and warm. He reiterated that there are two criteria commissioners are
allowed to consider, which he read and reviewed. Frank also said property
devaluation and "not the feel of our neighborhood" are not tangible evidence.
Frank said if someone wants to show that their property has decreased in value
they must present it as fact. He reiterated that commissioners must rely heavily
on facts, and things that are tangible and measurable. Frank reiterated that the
two criteria are the only criteria the panel can incorporate into decision. He said
he had a clear picture of how commissioners can go.
Gellings replied to Jordan that the only applicable review criteria are those listed
in Resolution 302.
In response to Jordan, all commissioners agreed that the applicant met the
requirements of the application.
Gellings reviewed his findings that support the conclusion that criteria were met.
He said size of store was compliant; and the existing 30 minute parking and limit
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 9
DRAFT
of 10 seats in the market would adequately control parking and traffic demand.
Gellings said the configuration of parking accommodation and the building end
buffer wall would address lighting impacts. He said the rest of his findings review
all twelve of the mitigation categories found in Resolution 302 concludes that no
further mitigation is needed office versus storage.
Responding to Sparks, Gellings explained he consulted with the Municipal
Research and Services for the list of possible tenants that would lease office
space.
Frank commented that it was difficult not to take in to account economic viability
of store, but that it had to be pushed aside. He also commented it was
reasonable to assume commissioners were thinking about property possibly
being sold to real estate developer and becoming a real estate office. Frank
reiterated personal feelings cannot be used, but that it was important to note
them. He stated that based on criteria; he agreed it had to be approved. Frank
remarked that he was not sure from a legal perspective the definition of a
historical store or what it could become in the future.
Beardsley suggested creating a condition to remove some of the profiles of
tenants in definition of office, and to also consider limiting number of tenants who
could lease the space. He also suggested adding a condition indicating building
be kept the same even if someone else buys it in the future. Jordan explained
that the conditions are incorporated into concomitant agreement, which runs with
the property, so it is not unique to any particular owner.
Orrico explained that even if city council approved the concomitant agreement as
it is, they cannot bind future city councils. She said a later city council could
agree to amend the agreement. Jordan reiterated that a concomitant agreement
would run with the property and would be in effect until the agreement reopened.
He noted that a property sale would not trigger a change in agreement, and only
council could open it up.
Break (9:10 pm — 9:24 pm)
Beardsley stated he was no longer suggesting a condition around ensuring the
uses being defined flow into future ownership, but that he would still like to
remove tenants that would create a large volume of traffic.
Jordan asked for confirmation that if commissioners did not find a fact indicating
it was a materially detrimental effect they would be powerless to condition it.
Commissioners and Orrico further discussed Jordan's question.
Frank expressed concern over determining different types of possible tenants.
He said they needed fact.
Jordan reviewed and clarified his question.
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 10
DRAFT
Orrico explained that commissioners need to make a determination that traffic
that would be generated at any level of uses proposed would have a material
detrimental effect.
O'Brien said in her experience, a real estate office would not lease store's upper
floor space. She reiterated that a limited amount of parking would dictate the type
of business it will attract.
Jodan reiterated that first commissioners must find a fact in proceeding that
demonstrates there could be a material detrimental effect based the conversion
to office in the traffic issue before could limit or condition the approval or
disproval in the traffic vain. He asked if anyone had seen in the findings of fact
that traffic could have a materially detrimental effect.
Nelson asked if a high trip generation office would create traffic problems that
would have a detrimental effect on neighbors. Jacobs said that it would not be a
noticeable event. He further explained that in his experience it takes 50 pm peak
hour trips to really notice something. He explained that a maximum of 15 or 16
cars would need to be parked at the store and people would not be parked longer
than 5 or 10 minutes. He said that four parking spaces for office employees
would probably not affect residents.
Jacobs said because retail use creates more traffic he considered first floor
changing to an office mute.
Jacobs told Sparks that for safety reasons, stores usually have two employees in
the store. Jacobs confirmed for Jordan that he was not aware of any business
that would create 20 pm peak trips for a 1400 square foot building.
Jordan concluded that commissioners did not have a finding of fact that could
support any conditions to staff report.
Nelson questioned if the number of tenants should still be considered a condition.
Jordan explained that in his experience, the more separate tenants put on the
floor, the fewer bodies, and therefore, fewer trips generated. Jordan further
explained that the building does not have the square footage for more tenant
space.
Responding to Sparks, Jordan explained that Resolution 302 established that
HUP 2007-01 is in compliance with the historical use of the building because the
use of office was already given under original HUP. He said they have not seen
any findings of fact providing evidence it was done in error.
Frank and Gellings discussed change of use. Orrico confirmed that applicant is
applying for a new historic use permit, and the request is to expand offices into
areas previously designated as other uses.
Planning Commission Minutes .tune 26,
Page 19
DRAFT
Sparks spoke about Michael Larkin's letter to commissioners that indicated
Councilmember Jim Lawrence's property taxes were reduced due to negative
impacts from commercial traffic thereby creating a detrimental effect.
Beardsley stated that prior traffic is not in question. He reiterated that the traffic
assessment shows there would be no material impact. Frank commented that if
there was a previous traffic increase, it was not because of store. Nelson said
there might be impacts to house values that existed before the change of use.
Jordan said commissioners had not yet taken into account the savings in trips by
reducing the density of use on the first floor from retail to office and as a result
would end up with a negligible effect.
MOTION O'BRIEN/SECOND FRANK THAT THEY RECOMMEND TO CITY
COUNCIL THAT THEY APPROVE APPLICATION WITH STAFF CONDITIONS.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0 AT 9:52 PM
Gellings reported that a findings document would be presented to commissioners
and the findings from the staff report would be used.
DISCUSSION
Pitched Roof Incentives
(9:54 pm)
Gellings provided commissioners with pitched roof incentives code language they
requested. He explained the language was written for R-20 zone, which is
identical to R-30 zone. He clarified that in order to get code language for R-16,
everything relative to buildings over 25 feet tall would be eliminated. He
elaborated saying 25 feet tall buildings were not allowed in R-16 zone.
Responding to Jordan, Gellings said the code language does not reflect any
penalty for flat roof homes less than 25 feet, but they would also not receive a
reward.
Gellings confirmed for Beardsley that they are not seeking to reduce flat roof
caps. Responding to Sparks, Gellings confirmed for this purpose the definition of
flat roof is anything less than 3/12 pitch.
Gellings confirmed for Jordan that 13% is R-20 zone's standard coverage
allowance for houses over 25 feet. He noted that code is complicated because R-
20 zone already has a bonus for short houses regardless of pitched roof issue.
Responding to Beardsley, Gellings explained that coverage jumps from 13 % to
21 % when a house is shortened to 25 feet in height.
Sparks and Gellings discussed code language issues.
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 12
DRAFT
Gellings said in his report to city council he will indicate that it is fine not wanting
to take anything away from flat roof homes at 25 feet, but he will also make sure
they know it is legitimate for them to take away the overall height for flat roofs.
Jordan asked Gellings to report to the city council that the commissioners
evaluated both options and unanimously believe they should not adopt a penalty
for flat roof homes, but should only provide a bonus. Sparks reiterated that they
are not trying to dictate design standards.
MOTION JORDAN/SECOND TO DIRECT STAFF TO FORMULATE A
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE CODE
LANGUAGE THAT GELLINGS PRESENTED TO COMMISSIONERS. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0 AT 10:08 PM
Commissioners agreed that the "building on sloping lots" topic would be
discussed next month.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION NELSON AND SECOND FRANK TO ADJOURN JUNE 26, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 10:10 PM, MOTION CARRIED 6-0
The Planning Commission meeting of June 26, 2007, adjourned at 10:10 pm.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 24, 2007,
at 7:00 pm.
Minutes taken by:
Pam Greytak
Administrative Assistant
Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2007
Page 13
ITEM F-2
CITY OF MEDINA
Office of the City Manager
July 9, 2007
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: 2008 BUDGET PLANNING
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Mayor and Council
1) Approve the 2008 Budget Planning Calendar
2) Advise the City Manager of any Proposed New Programs or Service
Expansions which the Council wishes to see incorporated into the 2008
Annual Operations Budget.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
The 2008 City Budget will be developed and submitted in accordance with best
government practices for budget formulation and presentation and will comply with
applicable state requirements. The Council is encouraged to advise the City Manager
early in the planning process of any anticipated policy initiatives which could have an
impact on the proposed budget.
BACKGROUND:
Department Directors and City Staff will begin preparing 2008 budget requests
within the next 30 days. The proposed City budget is the City Manager's recommended
plan for allocating and managing City resources. However, in facilitating the delivery of
a budget which meets the Council's expectations, the City Manager welcomes broad
direction relative to service level adjustments, additions or deletions, as well as other
fiscal policy guidelines.
Attached you will find a list of "2007 Budget Concept Level Discussion" topics
presented to you last year. Each of these topics remains appropriate. However, as your
City Manager I would submit to you that the "drivers" of prudent budget formulation
include: anticipated revenues; labor agreements and other contracted and fixed
expenses; scheduled capital expenditures; and service levels and associated operating
costs. These factors and others, such as liability, insurance, retirement contributions,
reserves and contingency expenditures, viewed in the context of historical data, current
trends and future projections provide a sound basis for budget formulation.
Page 1
ITEM F-2
The overarching budget objective should be to achieve a balanced budget
without drawing on reserves to meet recurring operational expenses, and to provide
high quality service delivery in an efficient and effective manner.
DISCUSSION:
While the Council may entertain any of the discussion topics on the attached
2007 list, and others, the most appropriate and helpful information the body can provide
its Manager will include the following:
■ Directives regarding new or expanded programs, or service levels.
■ Directives regarding the elimination of programs or reduction in services.
■ Changes regarding scheduled capital improvement projects.
■ New or modified fiscal policies such as: status of financial reserves; cost
recovery via imposing or modifying fees; capital project financing
strategies; and willingness to explore new sources of revenues.
■ Service delivery model preferences; use of contract and consultant
services, willingness to enter into interlocal agreements; insourcing;
outsourcing; enterprises; and public -private partnerships.
The Council is urged to resist specific targets at the outset of the budget process,
i.e. limit expenditure growth to X%. These targets self -define to a large extent during
budget formulation when projected revenues and recurring fixed costs become known.
The budget development project is more natural, and fluid when staff is not directed to
"back into" arbitrary, albeit educated and perhaps even reasonable, limits.
Prepared by: Mark F. Weinberg
Presented by: City Manager
Attachment: 2007 Budget Discussion Items
2008 Proposed Budget Calendar
Page 2
ITEM F-2
2007 Budget Concept Level Discussion
1. Property Tax (Rate/Actual $ Amount)
• Discussion must distinguish between the tax rate and the actual property tax levy
(dollar amount to be collected);
• What factors should be considered by the City Council as part of the decision
making process?
• Decrease — How much will be meaningful to taxpayers and what are the short -
and long-term impacts to the City?
• Increase — Maximum allowable increase established by law is 1 %. Is an increase
necessary and what are the short- and long-term impacts to the City?
• Status Quo — See comments above (decrease/increase).
2. Revenue Projections
• Notable changes
• Short- and long-term projections
• Sustainability
3. Expenditure Growth
• What is the target for 2007?
• 2007 — 2008 target?
4. Salaries & Benefits
• Determined by collective bargaining agreements for union positions.
• Discussion should take place in executive session
5. Fiscal Policies
• Draft of Fiscal Policies attached for informational purposes
• Council input and direction requested
Page 3
ITEM F-2
iwl 701% 2008 Budget Calendar
City of Medina, Washington
Statutory
Planned
Dates
Dates
2008 Budget Process
N/A
7/09/07
Review budget calendar & discuss budget targets at City
Council Study Session.
9/10/07
8/1/07
Department Directors begin preparing 2008 Budget Requests.
9/24/07
8/31/07
Department Directors 2008 Budget requests submitted to
Finance Officer and City Manager.
10/1/07
9/24/07
City Council Study Session. City Manager presents 2008
Preliminary Budget to City Council.
10///07
9/24/07
2006 Year End Revenue Projections shared with the City
Council.
Prior to setting
10/8/07
City Council Meeting. City Council must hold a public
property tax levy
hearing on revenue sources for the coming year's budget,
including consideration of possible increases in property tax
revenues.
11/2/07
11/2/07
City Manager files 2008 Preliminary Budget & Budget
Message with the City Clerk & the City Council.
11/15/07
10/29/074
City Clerk publishes notices that 2008 Preliminary Budget has
11/5/07
been filed with City Clerk and copies are available for the
public. Notice includes date & time of public hearing to be held
prior to City Council adoption of the 2008 Budget.
12/3/07
11/13/07
City Council Meeting. Public Hearing on 2008 Preliminary
Budget and 2008 Property Tax Levy.
11/16/07
11/13/07
2008 PROPERTY TAX LEVY SET. The City is required to
certify the Tax Levy with the King County Assessor's Office.
*Note: Assessor's Office is traditionally late in providing the
necessary levy information to the City and typically extends
the deadline to mid -December.
11/19/07
11/13/07
Copies of the 2008 Preliminary Budget are made available to
the public at the City Council meeting.
12/31/07
12/10/07
City Council Meeting. 2008 Final Budget Adoption at the
Regular Monthly City Council meeting.
After Adoption
As soon as final
Copies of 2008 Budget are available to the public and filed
document is
with the Washington State Auditor's Office, MRSC, AWC, and
printed.
Bellevue Library.
Page 4
ITEM F-3
PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF MEDINA
1000 80TH Ave NE, Medina, WA 98039
(425) 233-6439 www.medina-wa.gov
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 17, 2007
TO: City Council, City Manager
FROM: Joe Willis Sr., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Upland Road Street Vacation Request
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council take no further action on the petition to
vacate a portion of Upland Road.
POLICY IMPLICATION
This action will maintain the Council's decision to grant the subject petition subject
to payment by the applicants for the appraisal cost plus the sum of $163,000.
BACKGROUND
Item 2 of my Public Works monthly report for June 2007 provided information
relative to what neighboring jurisdictions require as compensation for granting a
street vacation. That information was as follows:
a. City of Kirkland (KMC 19.16.160) 100% of the appraised property
value when owned by the City for more than 25 years.
b. City of Bellevue (BMC 14.35.130) 100% of the appraised property
value when owned for more than 25 years.
c. City of Mercer Island Y2 of the appraised value based upon highest
and best use, or 100% if City acquired the land.
d. King County (KCC 14.40) 50% of the land value for undeveloped
land, 75% for maintained land, and 100% if land was purchased by
the County.
The Council's approved compensation amount of $ 163,000 during the Public
Hearing on May 141h (just under 50% of the $ 326,700 appraised valuation) is more
than fair and fits with neighboring city and county policies.
During the presentation of the monthly Public Works Report on July 9th,
Councilman Biglow asked about the former street vacation of a portion of Upland
Road by King County where the County granted the vacation without
compensation.
Page 1
ITEM F-3
DISCUSSION
A review of the topography north of the applicants' properties gives some
indication as to why the original street vacations were granted. The ridge and steep
slope to the east impacts the buildable area of the platted lots to such an extent
that a major portion of the original plat of Kenwood Park platted in 1891 on paper
was vacated in 1912 along with portions of Upland Road.
From my research of the County's most recent street vacation in September of
1951, the petition to the Board of County Commissioners requested the street
vacation because portions of the street north and south of the subject property
were vacated many years ago (from the information on the assessor's maps, those
vacations occurred in 1912 and for some reason, the portion subsequently
vacated in 1951 was omitted from the earlier 1912 vacation). The request was
endorsed by the County Engineer since those portions north and south of the
requested vacation were already vacated and thus that portion under consideration
was an isolated section of public right-of-way rendering it not useful as a part of the
general road system.
In the present case, that portion of Upland Road under consideration connects with
a developed portion of the public right-of-way (Ridge Road and the southerly
extension of Upland Road) that contains a paved street and underground utilities.
In fact, the westerly portion of Upland Road adjacent to the proposed vacation
contains a paved street and underground utilities to the extent that only twenty -feet
of the potential thirty -feet right-of-way request was granted by the Council.
Page 2
PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF MEDINA
1000 80TH Ave NE, Medina, WA 98039
(425) 233-6439 www.medina-wa.gov
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 12, 2007
TO: City Council, City Manager
FROM: Joe Willis Sr., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Speed Limit Reductions (Local Access Streets)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the present basic rule of twenty-five miles per hour on city
streets as set forth in RCW 46.61.400 be adhered to unless engineering and traffic
investigation should provide sufficient evidence for it to be modified.
POLICY IMPLICATION
This action is consistent with Chapter 10 of the Medina Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND
During the May 29th Council meeting, the Mayor requested that the present 25
miles per hour speed limit on local access streets be lowered to 20 miles per hour
and staff was instructed to provide a report to the Council at the July 23rd Council
meeting.
RCW 46.61.400 defines the basic rule and maximum lawful speed for vehicles on
a highway as follows:
1. No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the
actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event speed shall be
so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person,
vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance
with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
2. Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for
compliance with subsection (1) of this section, the limits specified in this
section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be maximum
lawfull speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a
speed in excess of such maximum limits.
Page 1
ITEM F-4
a. Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets;
b. Fifty miles per hour on county roads;
c. Sixty miles per hour on state highways.
The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in
RCW 46.61.405, 46.61.410, 46.61.415.
RCW 46.61.415 sets forth when the maximum speed may be altered by local
authorities as follows:
Whenever local authorities in their respective jurisdictions determine on
the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the maximum
speed permitted under RCW 46.61.400 or 46.61.440 is greater or less
than is reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon a
highway or part of a highway, the local authority may determine and
declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit thereon which
a. Decreases the limit at intersections; or
b. Increases the limit but not more than sixty miles per hour, or
c. Decreases the limit but not less than twenty miles per hour.
4. Any altered limit established as hereinbefore authorized shall be
effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected. Such
maximum speed limit may be declared to be effective at all times or at
such times as are indicated upon such signs; and differing limits may be
established for different times of day, different types of vehicles, varying
weather conditions, and other factors bearing on safe speeds, which
shall be effective when posted upon appropriate fixed or variable signs.
DISCUSSION
A number of studies and papers prepared by transportation engineers have
considered the effectiveness of traffic calming devices including lowering of the
posted speed limit. Through research of information provided by the Institute of
Transportation Engineers (ITE) I have gleaned the following information:
• Speed limit signs have very little effect or impact on driver's
speeds on streets. Motorists drive at speeds that they consider
reasonable, comfortable, convenient and safe under existing
conditions.
• Drivers do not operate their vehicles by the speedometer, but by
roadway conditions.
• The general public gives little attention to what speed limits are
posted.
• The general public has a false conception of speed.
• An unrealistic low speed limit can lead to disregard of traffic
control signs that may lead to a lack of regard for a sign indicating
a traffic hazard.
Page 2
ITEM F-4
• Enforcement of traffic laws relies on the lawful obedience to the
law by the public. Unjustified or unreasonable speed limit signage
encourages unlawful behavior and imposes an enforcement
burden on the law enforcement agency.
Recent traffic counts on 78th Ave NE between NE 24th and NE 28th, a long straight
stretch of road, indicated that the average speed for 2157 vehicles counted during
the monitoring was 23 miles per hour. Of those, approximately 27 percent of the
drivers exceeded 25 mph, with a resulting 85th percentile speed of 28 mph or 3
mph over the speed limit.
So what should the posted speed limit be for residential streets? When I drive our
city residential streets, unless there is limited sight -distance or a number of hidden
driveways, I travel at or near the posted speed limit and that seems to be a
conservative speed. In those locations where the roadway is narrow and
vegetation or parked cars are along the street, speeds tend to be much less.
My recommendation is that unless there are justified reasons for a lower than 25
mph speed limit, the state speed limit should remain in effect. In those areas that
prove to be the exception, only with engineering and traffic investigation should we
consider lowering the speed limit to 20 mph (as was the case of 83rd Ave NE
between 84th Ave NE and NE 81h Street where the roadway curves, has limited
sight distance, and a hidden driveway). In a number of instances, providing
advisory signage of the special roadway condition such as hidden driveway, sharp
roadway curve, narrow roadway, etc. would be more appropriate. Case by case
evaluations of roadway conditions will be more focused and provide better
alternatives than blanket reduction of the speed limit.
One minor point is that adoption of a lower speed limit on residential streets will
require the posting of more speed limit signs. Since the law requires signs giving
notice thereof to be erected, this will proliferate speed limit signs in our
neighborhoods and increase maintenance costs.
Page 3
City of Medina
AGENDA STATEMENT
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
MEETING DATE:
DATE THIS ITEM WAS LAST
CONSIDERED BY COUNCIL:
Pitched Roof Incentives
July 23, 2007
not previously considered
ITEM F-5
SUMMARY OF ISSUE/TOPIC: This item presents the Planning
Commission's recent recommendation on the topic of creating an incentive
in the Zoning Code for pitched roof home designs.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
® APPROVE ❑ DISAPPROVE ❑ SEE COMMENTS ❑ N/A
CITY MANAGER:
M APPROVE ❑ DISAPPROVE ❑ SEE COMMENTS ❑ N/A
COMMENTS: See staff report dated July 16, 2007.
❑ No Action Requested M Action Requested
ATTACHMENTS: Staff report dated July 16, 2007
Staff report to Planning Commission dated May 17, 2007
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: $0
❑ BUDGETED ❑ NON -BUDGETED FUND: ❑ ® N/A
RECOMMENDED MOTION: (ADOPT/APPROVE/AUTHORIZE)
1. 1 move to direct staff to schedule a public hearing on the proposed
code change that has been recommended by the Planning
Commission.
If Council Members have questions, you are urged to call the staff person who prepared this agenda
statement prior to the council meeting.
P:12007 Agenda Packets10723200711tem F-5, pitched roofs, cover form.doc
ITEM F-5a
CITY OF MEDINA
Office of the City Manager
July 16, 2007
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER
RE: PITCHED ROOF INCENTIVES
RECOMMENDATION:
Review the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the topic of "pitched roof
incentives" and schedule a public hearing if the City Council wishes to pursue this proposal.
POLICY IMPLICATION:
Maximum building height regulations are used by the Zoning Code to further the
community goals of view protection, neighborhood character, and sunlight access. Adding a
pitched roof incentive to these regulations is a legitimate way of balancing the community goals
with individual property rights.
BACKGROUND:
The topic of pitched roof incentives was placed on the Planning Commission work plan
by the City Council in March of this year. The Planning Commission has recently completed
their recommendation on the topic.
DISCUSSION:
Medina has seen a gradual trend toward the use of flat roofs in the designs new homes.
Beyond the subjective issue of architectural styles, pitched roofs have undeniable benefits to
neighbors because they mitigate the reduction in views and sunlight caused by the new house.
The Planning Commission adopted the following problem statement to guide their work on this
topic:
Problem Statement — Pitched Roof Incentives
The City should create an incentive for designers to use methods of
construction and design that maximize sunlight, maximize views, reduce bulk,
and maintains the character of community.
The Planning Commission considered several alternative code change concepts, which
all had the objective of creating an incentive for home designers to use pitched roofs in Medina.
These are referenced in the attached May 17, 2007 staff report to the Planning Commission.
Two noteable examples are as follows. The City of Seattle's approach to the issue is to switch
the point of height measurement from the top of the roof to the midpoint of a roof for all pitched
Page 1
ITEM F-5a
roof designs. The merit of this was identified but it was ultimately rejected by the Planning
Commission because it deprives the City of having absolute control on the height of the top of
the roof.
A second idea that was considered and rejected concerned homes that are between 25-
feet and 36-feet in height. These are only allowed in the R-20, R-30, and SR-30 zones. The
initial proposal was to create a pitched roof incentive that is an adaptation of the pitched roof
incentive for 25-foot-tall homes. The problem that emerged is that these zones already utilize a
lot coverage bonus for shorter houses and the code would become very complicated if a bonus
for pitched roofs were "layered -on" to the existing bonus for house height, which is independent
of roof type.
The final recommendation of the Planning Commission is as follows:
1) A 1 % lower -level structural coverage bonus is granted to homes that have pitched
roofs at 25' or flat roofs at 20', ....�.�
2) No structural coverage bonus is
granted to flat roofs at 25',
3) Step back lines would address the ZS •
bulk issue on all homes taller than
25' (allowed only in R-20 and R-30)
regardless of roof style. These ea
stepback lines would be inclined into LA•t
the property starting at point that is
25' above the side setback line. cw -mot
This proposal is illustrated to the right
and below.
7r I T-1 n r) ri TrIl �rl r I
� 4
Staff Recommendation
�'�ratd.� c'Ovt'rccq�
.5TE'{'-'L' *_1 KS
One of the objectives that emerged from the Planning Commission's discussion was to
not penalize flat roofs that are 25 feet stall. Accepting this premise, the Planning Commission's
proposed code solution is an appropriate one. It is also staffs position, however, that it is
warranted to simply cap flat roof homes at a height that is less than 25 feet and to only grant the
25 foot height to pitched roof homes.
Page 2
ITEM F-5a
Code Language
Section 17.12.010 - Definitions
"Pitched roof" means a building roof that sheds rainwater
through a slanted surface the predominate slope of which is
equal to or greater than 3 units vertical to 12 units
horizontal
Section 17.24.010 - R-20 District Minimum Requirements.
A. The minimum lot area for each dwelling in this district
shall be 20,000 square feet.
B. The minimum setback of any part of any building or
structure shall be 30 feet from the front property line and
30 feet from the rear property line, and shall be 10 feet,
or 15 percent of the site width at any location of the
structure on the building site, whichever is greater, but
not more than 20 feet from each side line. The minimum
setback from the Lake Washington shoreline shall be as
established in Chapter 17.38 MMC. The minimum setback of an
improved parking space (nondriveway) in the front yard shall
be 15 feet. Setbacks shall be measured from the property
line to the furthest horizontal projection of the structure,
including gutters. In addition, all buildings and
structures shall remain under stepback lines that are
inclined up and into the lot at a forty five degree angle
starting at a point that is on the side setback line and 25
feet above the original grade.
C. The maximum allowed building height is described as
follows: no higher than 30 feet from the highest point of
original or finished grade whichever is lower, and no
higher than 36 feet from the lowest point of original or
finished grade whichever is lower. Structural coverage
bonuses are awarded to properties with shorter buildings
pursuant to the subsections below. The terms "original
grade" and "finished grade" in the height regulations apply
to the grades at the outer walls of the building in
a- ,- , 1.. , , L. , • ,tea- 13
gu e S t 1 On . T� c-cr�S-L r-�1�cu�a-�co-���ag �sr�ur�� be ��
Peq=ee*4 #4 the area ef any let. Ted—rmpei=-,oFi e;rs siurfaee,
,e
1. A property with anv building height that exceeds 25 feet
above the lowest point of original grade or over 28 feet
above the lowest point of finished grade shall be
assigned a structural coverage of 13%.
2. A property where the highest building has a non -pitched
roof the highest point of which is more than 20 feet
above the lowest point of original grade and no more than
25 feet above the lowest point of original grade and no
Page 3
ITEM F-5a
more than 28 feet above the lowest point of finished
grade shall be assigned a maximum structural coverage of
21%.
3. A property where the highest building has a pitched roof
the highest point of which is no more than 25 feet above
the lowest point of original grade and no more than 28
feet above the lowest point of finished grade shall be
assigned a maximum structural coverage of 21% with an
additional 1% of structural coverage that only applies to
a portion of the building that does not exceed 15 feet
above the lowest point of original grade.
4. A property where the highest building has a non -pitched
roof the highest point of which is no more than 20 feet
above the lowest point of original grade and no more than
23 feet above the lowest point of finished grade shall be
assigned a maximum structural coverage of 21% with an
additional 1% of structural coverage that only applies to
a portion of the building that does not exceed 15 feet
above the lowest point of original grade.
MIMS
WIN
any let if t-he -hei-gilt 6f—cr3�adi rdiigra is limited te net
+-1.. 1 �..,.-, l l +- 1, e 1, f- ,•, t e£��ho
r-r�E�'c-cc�-cz-re-����3�i�-� aPcrr�te-crrc-�gzics�po
r-evzf pi -epee anelr liffiited te-28-feet freffi t=he-l-ewest peiz t of
finished grade- to the -highest paint of the reef pi-eper.
Total impervious surface, including structures, shall not
exceed 52-1/2 percent.
F. There shall be a minimum of 70 feet of frontage on a
dedicated and improved street.
G. Two on -site parking spaces shall be provided for each lot
accessing from a public street.
Uses shall be limited to single-family dwellings.
I. An additional two percent of lot coverage shall be
allowed for decks, porches or verandas, as defined in MMC
Page 4
ITEM F-5a
17.12.010, provided said structures do not have an overhead
covering, except eaves of 24 inches or less.
J. Four (4) percentage points of structural coverage bonus
shall be granted to properties with a net lot area less than
16,000 square feet This structural coverage bonus is in
addition to the standard structural coverage allowance
prescribed by the applicable clause of subsection C above.
i ti nn
z '� er—rers-Tdarrrczx—az�ez-� ,vvn —-�seftccrre—feet er— less -i?area, 4-f-
any
rlding—ems -s t r-ttetueemeeeels the —2 S feet e r 28 feet
height restietian set f-arth in subseetien (F) ef- this
-6vellings and
a eeess ery s t ru e$ures-ftaye Beth e- 4: �7 1,12
pereentef theareaef the let.
7 Fer lets
whieh aresej�dareless in area 4f
nebidilding--erst r-tttttire— eHee eds- the 2S feet e r 28 feet
height—restrietien set Pert in s tb=n_e4 ien (E) ezthis
a eeesse
area.
FISCAL IMPACT
Pitched roof incentives do not have a fiscal impact to City operations.
Prepared By: Joseph Gellings, AICP, Director of Development Services
Attachments: May 17, 2007 staff report to the Planning Commission
Page 5
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Fr /—
Drew Blazey
Councilmember
Position #5
16 July 2007
Statement: The question before the Medina City Council is whether the voters of
Medina should be given the choice to leave the King County Library System (KCLS).
This handout will offer some financial information on the actual costs of the KCLS. This
information is meant to provide comparative cost information to the voter so they can
make decisions where their tax money is best spent.
The Medina City Council cannot by statute decide to leave the library system. The
Council can only offer this decision to leave the library system to the voters of our City.
It takes greater than 50% of the voters to decide the outcome to leave the KCLS.
Recent History: Last year the Medina City Council discussed this issue and there were
some concerns about the cost of putting the question to the voters in 2006. It was twice
as costly to place this issue on the ballot in 2006, as it will be in 2007. The Council also
was interested in sending out a query to other cities to see if they wanted to work with
Medina on this issue. Most did not answer the mail.
In discussion with several Medina residents, the point was raised that other communities
should not decide this issue for Medina, but the voters should make this choice.
With undergrounding utilities bond issue headed towards the November 2007 ballot in
Medina, passing this resolution gives voters the opportunity to do a comparative analysis
of where they want their taxes to be spent. From our original presentation' the annual
levy rate regarding the $22,000,000 bond issue for undergrounding utilities would be
$0.53/$1000 Assessed Value. For a home valued at $1,000,000, the cost per year would
be approximately $530. This is now a $26,000'0002 bond issue and for every $1M of
assessed value, the cost is projected to be $854 per year.
When the Council discussed the KCLS in 2006, our city manager gave us the following
information showing the costs of the KCLS.
Year
Tax Rate*
City AV
KCLS
2006
$0.459
$2,268,340,629
$1,041,168.35
2005
$0.483
$2,145,560,536
$1,036,305.74
2004
$0.492
$1,980,247,843
$ 974,281.94
2003
$0.50
$1,932,913,761
$ 966,456.88
2002
$0.526
$1,715,585,971
$ 902,398.22
* 3
Tax rate does not include $.075 capital bond levies.
Quick View of Costs per $1,000,000 of Assessed Value:
Original $22M undergrounding bond.................$530
Revised $26M undergrounding bond..................$854
King County Library System ........................... $489
The proposed bond issue lasts 20 years whereas the costs of the KCLS go on forever.
Brief History:4 Prior to the 1991 annexation, including the 1992 Budget, the City
contributed approximately $60,000 annually to the King County Library as part of the
General Fund Budget, but the contract fee was going to increase to more than $150,000 if
the annexation did not pass and eventually as much as $400,000 by 1995. The City
budget could not continue to fund the contract, which was the impetus for the annexation
proposition. The 1991 annexation went into effect in 1992.
Comparative Cost Analysis: The imbalance between the Seattle Public Library (SPL)
and the KCLS is well documented. Essentially, SPL pays $104,000 per year to the KCLS
and has since 1999. According to The Seattle TimeS5, "A survey in June found that King
County was spending $927,078 more to serve Seattle residents than Seattle was spending
to serve county residents. Seattleites borrowed 80,000 books from King County in June,
while county residents borrowed 25,800 from the city."
To address this imbalance the SPL Board of Trustees on 16 May 06 agreed to the
Director of KCLS March 21 st, 2006 proposal to continue the reciprocal agreement at
$104,000 per year until 2010. The only real stipulation would be "the SPL patrons would
be limited in placing holds on KCLS materials."
Pat Boogaerts, President of the Maple Valley Library Guild and Chair of the Library
Advisory Board ......expressed her unhappiness that KCLS previously agreed to accept
$104,000 instead of the $600,000 SPL owed in cross -use. She said the Board has
a fiduciary responsibility not to give away $1 million to SPL. As a library lover, who
doesn't like idea of cutting services off, she said the current situation is inequitable.6
With 80,000 books borrowed in a month by Seattleites, I have asked more than once the
KCLS on usage by Medina residents. All requests have gone unanswered.
N
Relative Costs:'
Costs of KCLS to Medina
$1,200,000
1,000,000
$800 000
$600,000
$400.000
$200,000
199 - 2006
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003.2004 2005 2006
■ Rlscl na ■ S 0ttle
Grand Total --- 7,117,137.3
Iztformaiiflrxprovided by KCI S Fiiranc -Ifa alter B.Tun -'CA*
2000 Census Data for King County:
The residents of Medina pay five times the amount residents of King County to the
KCLS.8 Using a rough order of magnitude, Medina residents pay $333 per person
whereas King county residents pay $68 per person.
Costs of putting this on the November ballot:
Sean Bouffiou, King County Election Office, told me "the odd years [2007] are cheaper
because there are a greater numbers of elections across the state, so that they can spread
out the election costs to more jurisdictions." He estimated $1.00 per voter on the odd
year versus the $2.50 per voter in an even year [20061. Furthermore, he said there were
2,200 voters in Medina, so the $1.50 difference would be ($1.50 x 2,200= $3,300)
between the odd/even years. Sean also told me the voter pamphlet adds .08 to .10 cents
per voter.
Available Alternatives to the KCLS:
• All public libraries are required to provide in-house use to everyone.
• Bellevue Schools have student oriented libraries.
• Seattle and U. of W. Library cards are available at $55/$50.
✓ Get a Seattle Library card and borrow from the KCLS!
• The Internet, now our most important reference resource, provides 24hr
worldwide data access.
• Save money, add to your personal library, buy books rather than borrow.
' Medina City Council Meeting 29 May 07, Presentation by A. Dashen & Associates "Financing Options
for Utility Undergrounding."
2 Medina City Council Meeting 9 August 07.
s E-mail from Linda Glenicki, KCLS Finance Manager, to Drew Blazey dated 8 June 06 7:35 PM. There
seems to be some confusion surrounding KCLS levies. Here is what the KCLS Finance Manager said in
response to my question. `By "levy" I assume you mean bond levies that are added to the operating levy.
The only bond levy that Medina has been assessed over this timeframe is in 2006. The levy amount is 3
cents per $1,000 of assessed value. This is for the capital plan that was approved by the voters in 2004.
The first levy for these bonds was in 2006. The $.075 that our City Manager provided includes 4.5 cents
for the 1988 bonds, which Medina is not paying since Medina wasn't part of the library system in 1988."
think an additional 3 cents can be added to the 2006 Tax Rate which would total $0.489/$1000AV.
4 Provided by Doug Schulze, Medina City Manager, in an e-mail to me upon my request dated 7 June 06
5 The Seattle Times, 18 May, 2006.
628 March 2006 Minutes of the KCLS Board of Trustees Minutes.
7 E-mail from Linda Glenicki, KCLS Finance Manager, to Drew Blazey dated 8 June 06 2:36 PM.
S Year 2000 US Census Data on population figures.
11
A Proposed Medina City Council Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO.
A resolution of the Medina City Council to put before the voters a proposition to
withdraw from the King County Rural Library District in the General Election on 6
November 2007.
WHEREAS, the Revised Code of Washington 27.12.380 specifies the legislative body of
such a city or town which has annexed to such a library district, may, by resolution,
present to the voters of such city or town a proposition to withdraw from said library
district at any general election held at least three years following the annexation to the
library district.
WHEREAS, the City of Medina was annexed into the King County Rural Library District
in 1991.
WHEREAS, for essentially the same services rendered by the King County Library
System to county residents, Medina property owners are paying an unequal amount for
said services.
WHEREAS, the approximately 1,100 Medina property owners paid $902,398.22 in 2002,
$966,456.88 in 2003, $974,281.94 in 2004, $1,036,305,74 in 2005 and $1,041,168.35 in
2006 to the King County Library System.
WHEREAS, the City of Seattle paid King County Library System $104,000 per year since
1999 to use KCLS facilities; the Seattle Library System charges $55.00 and the
University of Washington $50.00 for a yearly library card.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Medina City Council hereby adopts this
resolution to put before the voters a proposition to withdraw from the King County Rural
Library District in the General Election on 6 November 2007.
Adopted this 23rd day of July 2007.
ATTEST: CITY OF MEDINA
City Clerk
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520 Bridge Replacement and HOV ProjectUa
Eastside Collaboration Team Workshop #4 Agenda
July 11, 2007 1:00 — 6:00 p:m.
Yarrow Point Town Hall
TopicTime
p.
1:00
Welcome and Introductions
Julie Meredith
• Review agenda
Lindsay Yamane
1:10
Update and Feedback from Eastside Design Advisor
David Alm
• Status update on work conducted with Eastside
jurisdictions
1:20
Status Update
Lindsay Yamane
• Bellevue —Bellevue Way/108th
• 92"d Ave NE — Yarrow Point and Clyde Hill
• Medina — Maintenance Facility
1:30
Corridor Concept Plan
Daniel Babuca
• Design Elements
Betsy Moll
2:10
Stormwater Overview
Paul Fendt
2:30
Segment Review
Daniel Babuca
• Evergreen Point to 84th
Paul Fendt
• 8e to 92"d
Brad Phillips
• 92"d to Bellevue Way
Michael Horntvedt
• Bellevue Way to 108th
Betsy Moll
• 108th to 124th
Donn Hogan
Tresia Bass
Shannon Patterson
5:00
Review Decisions Made and Follow Up Items
Lindsay Yamane
Daniel Babuca
5:30
Next Steps
Lindsay Yamane
• Briefing with Eastside mayors
Daniel Babuca
• Roll -out strategy
5:45
Adjourn
Lindsay Yamane
Daniel Babuca
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R 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project
Eastside Collaboration Team Workshop #3
June 6, 2007, 1:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Yarrow Point Town Hall
Welcome and Introductions
Lindsay Yamane, SR 520 Program Advisor, welcomed the participants to the
third workshop and asked everyone to introduce themselves. Lindsay went on to
provide a brief overview of the evening's agenda:
■ Answer questions raised at the last workshop
■ Discuss concepts for a transit stop at 88t" Ave NE
■ Discuss integrated urban design concepts including, bike/ped, path/trail,
retaining walls, and sound walls
■ Review decisions made or to be made
■ Review workshop schedule and possibility of adding an additional
workshop
Julie Meredith, SR 520 Deputy Program Director, provided a quick snapshot of
the conversation that occurred at the June 4t" Eastside mayors briefing where the
project team shared the work completed to date and asked for feedback about
the design concepts being pursued. This meeting was also the first opportunity
for the mayors to meet the new program director, Ron Paananen. Ron is the
director for both the Alaskan Way Viaduct project and now the SR 520 project.
Update and Feedback from Eastside Design Advisor
David Alm, Eastside Design Advisor, reiterated his role in the Eastside
collaboration process as the liaison between the SR 520 design team and the
Eastside communities. He noted that he has had individual meetings with all the
jurisdictions. These meetings were used to follow up on items from the previous
workshop and to prepare for the next workshop. He also commented that his,
primary goal is to keep everyone informed and identify issues that could be
addressed by the team.
Recap of 6-1-ane Plan
Daniel Babuca, SR 520 Project Engineer, walked through the fly -through video
and reviewed the base 6-lane plan elements from east to west, including:
■ Direct Access at 1081h Ave NE
■ Bellevue Way NE Interchange
■ 92"d Avenue NE Interchange
■, 84th Avenue NE Interchange
■ Mitigation of noise effects
■ Separation between the Points Loop Trail and the SR 520 Regional
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path
■ High capacity transit (HCT) is not precluded
■ Maintenance facility at east end of bridge in Medina
Lindsay Yamane commented that the design team made the assumption that the
interchange at 84th Ave NE would be a half -diamond, so that is what was shown
in the fly -through video. He also noted that sound walls and lid concepts were
based on the Draft EIS assumptions and added to the video.
Julie Meredith noted that the team will make updates to the fly -through as the
process progresses and decisions are made.
Daniel Babuca commented that the team added green along the corridor to the
areas they think they can provide some landscape buffers. He explained that
some sort of low shrubs or other types of landscaping would be good options for
ensuring the landscaping is safe and accessible to maintenance.
Questions/Comments
Q: Mayor Miles Adam, City of Medina, requested the team take the fly -
through all the way through Medina and to Lake Washington.
A: Daniel Babuca confirmed the team's plan to extend the fly -through.
Follow -Up from Workshop #2
Lindsay Yamane previewed the next section's topics, by explaining that the team
planned to share findings about 108th Ave NE, discuss the modified Bellevue
Way configurations, and finally, spend some time on the micro -simulation that
displays how traffic works on the highway and local streets around 84th Ave NE in
the 2030 Design Year.
108th Ave NE
Brad Phillips, SR 520 Project Engineer, recapped the primary concern regarding
108th Ave NE and Bellevue Way from the last meeting, which was how high
occupancy vehicles (HOV) could access the HOV lane from 112th Ave NE. Brad
noted that the team researched past traffic analysis studies and found that
everything points to "yes". The team believes that a separated bike path on the
east side of the columns and all traffic lanes on the other side of the columns will
accommodate the left turn. He explained that the roll plot was modified to show
that it is indeed possible to turn left from 112th into the HOV lane.
Michael Horntvedt, SR 520 Transportation Manager focused the conversation on
Bellevue Way. The modified interchange includes:
■ Removal of loop ramp
■ Modified geometry of off -ramp
■ Added eastbound Northup lane
Michael commented that at first the team didn't know if a second westbound lane
would be more advantageous than keeping one westbound and two eastbound
lanes. He noted that adding a second westbound lane may require the project to
take additional right of way. Michael noted that with a westbound lane you could
essentially provide a bypass lane or a queue storage lane, which would be the
advantage to this configuration. He explained that in this configuration freeway
access would be in the left lane and local traffic in the right lane.
Questions/Comments
Q: Mayor Fred McConkey, City of Hunts Point, asked if the off -ramp is
removed at Bellevue Way, if traffic would flow better.
A: Michael Horntvedt responded that yes, anytime conflict points are
removed, congestion decreases.
C: Mayor McConkey also noted that cut -through traffic at 84th Ave NE is a big
concern for the Points communities.
Q: Mayor Miles Adam confirmed that if a person is traveling on Bellevue Way
the only way for them to head west is to come back via 108th Ave NE.
A: Michael Horntvedt. Correct, you cannot go westbound from Bellevue Way,
but you can go on Northup and turn right.
Q: Mayor Fred McConkey noted that his office is in that area and from what
he can see, this option would improve it. He also commented that it is
hard to convince people that it would not backup traffic and effect traffic
around 84th Ave NE.
A: Michael Horntvedt responded that the traffic models do not show a backup
queue to Northup. If there was another lane going westbound that could
act as a staging lane.
Q: Rick Logwood, City of Bellevue, asked what happens to general purpose
(GP) traffic under this configuration and whether or not there is any
opportunity to add capacity for GP traffic to turn left.
A: Michael Horntvedt commented that he doesn't see this as a possibility.
C: Brad Phillips commented that the team looked at many configurations and
all are documented in a report. This is a very difficult intersection, and we
are trying to avoid ending up with three closely placed intersections in a
row.
C: Michael Horntvedt noted that the issue today is at the Northup
intersection, not the ramp traffic. It is the local through trips that back up,
not the on -ramp. Only about 200 vehicles an hour are using the on -ramp.
Q: Mayor George Martin, City of Clyde Hill, asked if the staff honestly
believes that people aren't going to take a left on 24th. He reiterated his
concern for people cutting through the Points communities. Mayor Martin
stated that Clyde Hill's position is not in favor of removing the loop ramps
at Bellevue Way.
A: Michael Horntvedt stated that the intersection would have three additional
lanes and would function better than it does today. He explained that
regardless of whether the modified configuration works better or not, the
concern Mayor Martin is raising has to do with diversion.
Q: Rick Logwood asked if the merge point for the westbound onramp
significantly changes or not.
A: Brad Phillips replied that the merge point would be similar to what exists
today..
M
Q: Mayor David Cooper, Town of Yarrow Point, raised the question of
whether or not direct access serves traffic both to and from the west,
as well as whether or not it can accommodate traffic coming from
someplace other than SR 520.
A: Michael Horntvedt responded that yes, direct access serves traffic to and
from the west on SR 520. A person could access108th, but they would
have to access it from an arterial system somewhere.
Q: Mayor David Cooper followed up by asking if there would still be a mix of
single occupancy vehicle and high occupancy vehicle traffic on the
arterial.
A: Michael Horntvedt responded with a "yes."
C: Brad Phillips asked the group to remember that the project team began
looking at this option because the environment and stream are very
sensitive. He explained that this configuration would take out two
crossings and repair the environment through the area. He noted that it
also helps address challenges to bicycle/pedestrian movement on
Bellevue Way.
Q: Mayor Fred McConkey stated that the communities are so conditioned to
all this traffic that they can't envision traffic flowing. He suggested getting
some hard numbers to help the group better envision this.
A: Lindsay Yamane stated that the team would be showing the group a tool a
later on that could also be used to show future traffic conditions at this
location.
C: Tresia Bass, SR 520 Project Team, explained the need for a good storage
pocket going northbound left and southbound. She added that the team
would be working with Bellevue and Kirkland to see how to continue
working through this.
Q: Bernard Van de Kamp, City of Bellevue, asked if the background
assumptions the team used are the same as what was used in the Draft
EIS.
A: Michael Horntvedt replied with a "yes."
Q: Bernard Van de Kamp commented that this does not reflect 1-405. There
is a lot of discussion about tolls on 1-90 and SR 520. He asked how
WSDOT plans to consider how tolls on 1-90 and SR 520 would affect
traffic and if this analysis would be part of the SDEIS? He noted that
Bellevue has given a lot of thought to this, and our model spits out
different numbers so we are having trouble with this.
A: Julie Meredith stated that the project team needs to know the assumptions
Bellevue is using. She stated that she does not believe anyone is going to
be able to say anything definitive about tolls for the next several years. We
haven't defined exactly what these conversations will be.
C: Lindsay Yamane stated that the team is looking for general consensus
from the group that the direct access is desirable and minor changes to
4
the ramps could be considered. Direct access is obviously desirable to the
service providers, but permitting agencies will be a challenge. We need to
avoid, minimize, and mitigate, and we must show we have explored all
options before we can satisfy the permitting agencies.
C: Rick Logwood suggested that WSDOT sit down with Bellevue staff to look
at Bellevue's basic analysis and what each groups' assumptions are.
Q: Mayor David Cooper asked if part of the problem is mixing SOV and HOV.
He also asked if the plans WSDOT is looking at take the 30-year future
into consideration.
A: Michael Horntvedt stated that there is a separate HOV lane all the way to
Redmond.
C: Mayor Cooper added that it is a big deal that HOV direct access does
not connect to 1-405.
A: Julie Meredith commented that at one point all mega projects had to
rescale. In the past the SR 520 program carried a plan for 1-405/SR 520.
Julie speculated that the 1-405/SR 520 connection alone could cost
between $1-2 billion. She noted that WSDOT is looking at replacing
vulnerabilities as a first order and mobility as a second.
A: Lindsay Yamane stated that WSDOT is embarking on how to create a
vision for improvements on the SR 520 corridor east of 1-405 to Redmond.
A master planning process for the SR 520/1-405 interchange will need to
take place under a future project. The SR 520 project does not include
HOV to HOV direct connections at the SR 520/1-405 interchange. WSDOT
may have to rebuild some of this somewhere down the road, but since we
don't have that master plan nor anyway to fund that interchange,, we are
trying to work with what we know is planned for the 1-405 project.
Lindsay Yamane noted that the project team has a lot of work to do to help the
group understand how the Bellevue Way interchange would operate before we
can make any decisions. He stated that it is unlikely that we can finish all of this
work by the end of June but the project team would get together with Kirkland
and Bellevue and bring the results back to the group at the next workshop.
Lindsay suggested that it is possible that the Bellevue Way Interchange decision
may still be an open, unchecked box at the end of this process.
84th Ave NE
Lindsay Yamane opened by explaining that at the last workshop, the team
showed a loop ramp to the west and proposed a new half -diamond interchange.
Lindsay stated that since the last workshop the team had explored traffic
operations on 24th 28th and Points Loop Drive with this configuration.
Michael Horntvedt commented that the entire SR 520 freeway system is plagued
with bottleneck points. Congestion occurs when buses or HOV's must merge into
traffic. Michael walked the group through a traffic model called VISSIM that
shows existing conditions, the 6-lane base alternative, and the 6-lane alternative
with a half diamond at 84th Ave NE instead of the loop ramp.
5
He explained that the dots are cars with red representing stop and go traffic, teal
representing a vehicle moving at free -flow speed, and yellow representing a
vehicle moving at 10-30 mph.
V-Sim model of current conditions showed:
■ The freeway is congested under the existing conditions.
■ Traffic slows where buses merge
■ Further east at 84t" Ave NE, there is a general purpose (GP) lane that merges
into an HOV lane. It only provides 1500 feet before you have to get out of the
HOV lane. Cars get on, but must accelerate at up -grade, which considerably
slows traffic down. The traffic then backs up around the loop, and people line
up in the outside lane to get to the loop ramp.
VISSIM model of the 6-lane base configuration in 2030, which includes two GP
lanes and one HOV lane in each direction and assumes a toll, showed:
■ By moving HOV to the inside lane, it allows HOV and transit traffic to not have
to mix with GP traffic.
■ When buses merge back on, they have much more distance to accelerate
and merge onto the corridor.
■ Under these conditions traffic is free -flowing. Michael noted that the corridor is
still congested, and it wouldn't take a lot for traffic to fall apart, but it is
moving. In this simulation the ramp is metered at 84t" Ave NE and the traffic
volume is 20% higher than existing conditions.
■ This configuration works far better than existing conditions by opening up the
freeway and allowing it to serve more trips.
Questions/Comments
Q: Mitch Wasserman, Clyde Hill, asked if tolling takes off a considerable
amount of volume.
A: Michael Horntvedt replied that when we look at 1-90 when SR 520 is tolled
we see a 2% increase in volume. Our region is pretty well congested and
diversions do not really change that. There are people who will choose not
to make a trip, change their mode to HOV or bus, or change their work or
home location to avoid tolls.
VISSIM model of the 6-lane configuration with a half -diamond interchange at 84tn
Avenue NE:
■ Michael explained the 84th Ave NE half -diamond uses the same lane
configuration as the 6-lane base. The difference is that the merge point has
moved out a little bit farther and there is a stop controlled intersection at 24th.
Questions/Comments
Q: Pat Finnelly, Hunts Point, asked if HOV and SOV traffic would be sharing
occupancy on the lid.
A: Michael Horntvedt replied yes, but there is still an HOV bypass lane on the
ramp. There are two lanes going on the loop, and one is HOV bypass. In
this configuration the queue is held on the ramp and does not back up into
the local system.
2
Q: Mayor Fred McConkey asked if you are leaving Hunts Point would you
have the right of way.
A: Michael replied with a "yes" and added that it is an uncontrolled left turn.
Q: Mayor George Martin asked what the holding capacity currently is for the
ramp.
A: Michael Horntvedt answered that the length of the ramps is the same in
the current conditions and under this configuration. They are both
designed to hold the same number of vehicles. It's the improved operation
of the freeway that improves local street operations. This is based on the
best available information we have today. The model is running more
volume because of the geometric changes.
C: David Alm, Eastside Design Advisor, noted that the pinch point for getting
on the freeway is the ramp meter. In spite of the stop sign, the queue from
the ramp meter backs up into the intersection. Since freeway operations
improve, the ramp meter rate will be adjusted to allow more vehicles onto
the freeway, and therefore, operations on local streets will improve.
Q: Brad Phillips commented that there are going to be times when it is
congested, and then asked what the difference is with the two options
during a congested period.
A: Michael Horntvedt replied that it comes down to HOV access. If the loop
ramp and the half -diamond both back up it is going to be the same impact
on the local streets. The only difference is that HOVs would not be able to
bypass without the loop ramp and the half -diamond proves a bypass lane
for local trips.
Q: Mayor Miles Adam asked which option the design team thinks is the
best.
A: Lindsay Yamane replied that he tends to lean towards the half -diamond
configuration because by removing the loop ramp it opens up a lot of
opportunities to enhance the landscaping and bike/ped path options
around the interchange.
Q: Mitch Wasserman stated that this is the first he has seen free -flowing
traffic on SR 520. He noted that it has always been his understanding that
there wouldn't be any appreciable improvements to single occupancy
vehicle (SOV) traffic on the new corridor.
A: Michael Horntvedt commented that in the morning there is congestion that
backs up across the bridge. 84th Ave NE is not a cut through area during
the AM peak period, therefore the morning is where you seethe
appreciable HOV/transit travel time improvements.
C: Mayor George Martin commented that he believes both he and Mayor
Adam are concerned with cars backing up in front of residences. He also
asked if a lane is eliminated across the overpass, if this would extend the
backup even farther on 84th Ave NE.
7
Q: Michael Horntvedt asked if the team changes the design to include a
bypass in the outside lane, if the group would be more comfortable. He
noted that this type of intersection would need to be stop -controlled.
Q: Mayor Miles Adam asked if a person could get on the freeway when the
got to 84th Ave NE what would determine which route they take from 24t
and Bellevue Way headed west. He stated that if it is driving time that his
guess is a person could drive faster through neighborhoods.
A: Michael Horntvedt stated that there are many considerations that factor in
to why a person chooses one route over another. He believes a primary
one is convenience.
C: Mayor Adam commented that he thinks the half -diamond helps all of the
Points communities, if it doesn't bother Hunts Point.
C: Brad Phillips noted that the half -diamond interchange is closer to following
the grade at 84th Ave NE than the flyover. A lot of it comes down to the
bike path design, but we are getting closer and closer to that house [Brad
pointed to a property along 84th Ave NE].
Q: Pat Finnelly noted that with the half -diamond cars would be level with
several houses. Even though sound walls would be on the back side of
these homes, it seems like it would be much louder.
A: Michael Minor, SR 520 Noise Advisor, commented that he doubts it would
be any louder than it is today.
Q: Mona Green, Town of Yarrow Point, asked what the impact to air quality
would be at this location.
A: Michael Minor stated that as long as traffic is free flowing it should not be
an issue. He noted that he doesn't think it would be worse than today.
Q: Mayor Miles Adam asked if sound walls would tie into the surrounding
topography.
A: Michael Minor replied, yes. He also stated that there are many types of
architectural features that could be used; it doesn't necessarily have to be
solid concrete.
84th Ave NE Flyover
Lindsay Yamane commented that by request, the team looked at another
interchange option at 84th Ave NE called the flyover. Brad described the
configuration and stated it would be a signalized intersection and the ramp would
be pushed further west because of the geometry requirements. Darby noted that
they flyover also required the placement of the lid to shift, causing it not to be
very usable or accessible.
Questions/Comments
Q: Mayor Miles Adams asked what the downside of the 84th flyover is.
A: Brad Phillips replied that the biggest difference between the flyover and
the half -diamond is that the flyover has more right of way takes and a
higher elevation, which may increase noise volumes for surrounding
areas.
1.1
A: Tresia Bass, SR 520 Project Team, added that the operations would not
be that much different except for the stop light.
C: Pat Finnelly disagreed and stated that he thinks the flyover would be
more aesthetically pleasing as opposed to a wide bridge with cars backed
up and huge sound walls.
C: Rick Huxley, Yarrow Point, commented that the flyover causes substantial
changes to the lid, resulting in a much different character than the group
had originally discussed.
Q: Lindsay Yamane asked if there is anything the team should continue to
pursue with the flyover.
A: Mayor Fred McConkey replied and stated that the half -diamond is
probably better because it provides shielding with the noise walls and
more landscaping. He also noted that since the Town of Hunts Point has
not had any public meetings on this yet, he would need to allow people an
opportunity to weigh in.
A: Mayor Miles Adam stated that he is fine with the half -diamond if it can
accommodate two left turn lanes.
15-minute BREAK
Transit Use
Michael Horntvedt began by explaining that the team is currently using Metro
data from 2006. Michael noted that as a follow-up from the last workshop, he
tried to obtain the data from 2007, however Metro will not release this information
until September.
Michael went on to describe the ridership counts for 2005 and 2006 from King
County Metro. The numbers show:
■ Daily transit use for Montlake and Evergreen Point (westbound) has
increased.
■ Daily transit use for Evergreen Point (eastbound) has stayed about the
same.
■ Daily transit use for Yarrow Point has decreased.
Questions/Comments
C: Mayor Fred McConkey, Hunts Point, clarified by stating that the license
plate survey doesn't tell us who actually parked there and got on a bus
and who parked and walked to another location.
Q: Mayor George Martin stated that the Yarrow Point transit stop was closed
a few weeks last year, so that could have been a reason for why the
numbers showed a decline.
A: Lindsay Yamane stated that the team plans to update their transit stop
usage study in the fall once UW is back in session.
A: Michael Horntvedt replied that he will look into if this was an average of
months prior to September and if it included timeframe during the Yarrow
Point transit stop closure. He did state that he does have forecasted bus
9
service, which shows a 1 Y2 percent per year of growth (ST and Metro
combined), which equates to about 5 additional busses per hour heading
westbound.
Q: Mitch Wasserman asked how one might wrap their mind around forecasts
and gas prices and how that might affect mode choice in the future.
A: Michael Horntvedt stated that as a project, the team does not go to Sound
Transit and say "we think you should have X amount of buses in the
future." What we can say is that we have ridership that will or will not
exceed the bus capacity. Then it is up to the service provider on what a
true bus load is, and what they want to design to.
88t" Ave NE Concept
As follow-up to the previous workshop, the design team examined the
configuration for a transit stop at 88t" Ave NE. The group discussed the
configuration and some of the benefits and challenges.
Questions/Comments
Q: George Fies, SR 520 Project Team, asked the group, from a purely
highway design perspective, does it make sense to have two transit stops
that close together.
C: Mayor Fred McConkey stated that at the mayors' meeting on June 0', the
group discussed one potential benefit of this location would be the
potential for an urban village development around the Tully's. On the other
hand, he stated that it would complicate traffic and zoning, and that some
additional homes may need to be taken. Fred also commented that the
Points Communities would like to stay with the -two transit stops, one at
Evergreen Point Road and one at 92"d Ave NE, for now and keep the idea
for a transit stop at 88t" Ave NE on the table for additional study.
C: Lindsay Yamane stated that the DEIS identified four affected parcels with
the base transit stops, but with the 88t" Ave NE option, the project would
save two full takes. Therefore this option would only require one full take
and three partial takes.
C: Mayor Miles Adam stated that there is no way Medina would ever vote to
remove the transit stop at Evergreen Point Road.
Betsy Moll, SR 520 Project Team, explained three different scenarios for a transit
stop at 88t" Ave NE. She also noted that the elevation decrease in this area is a
major design consideration that the team would have to consider. The design
options included:
■ Option 1 — Park -and -ride and kiss -and -ride at lower area accessed by
redeveloped 88t" Ave NE (different bridge than other options)
■ Option 2 — Kiss -and -ride cul-de-sac at lower end of redeveloped 88t" Ave
NE
■ Option 3 — Kiss -and -ride and park -and -ride developed in terraced manner
on lots fronting Points Dr. across from Tully's. Preserves room for
development if Yarrow Point wants to consider a possible town center
10
■ Option 4 — Same as Option 3 but with revised bike/ped access trail/ramp
adjacent to freeway alignment
■ Options 2-4 utilize same bridge concept
Questions/Comments
Q: Mayor David Cooper asked if option 1 was a minimal approach.
A: Betsy replied that yes, option 1 could be considered a minimal approach
since it does not take any existing homes.
C: Rick Logwood, stated that he would expect option 1 to have additional
effects on adjoining properties.
C: Mayor Fred McConkey stated that he believes it's largely a Yarrow Point
and Clyde Hill decision because residents from those communities would
have to walk farther to access the transit stop. He did comment that 88tn
would be the only place to create some sort of urban village feel.
Q: Lindsay Yamane stated that over the years the SR 520 Project team has
looked at transit stops at a lot of different locations. We are obviously
hearing that two transit stops is the preference, and any effort like 88tn
would take an intensive effort on jurisdictions' part to facilitate this idea.
Lindsay asked the jurisdictions if they saw anything at 88t" that they
thought the design team should continue to evaluate.
Q: Bernard Van de Kamp, Bellevue, asked if the team had heard anything
about the shoreline in Medina or additional right of way from resource
agencies regarding the Evergreen Point Road Transit Stop.
A: Lindsay replied that yes, through conversations regarding the
maintenance facility under the east approach, the team discovered that
there is a potential sockeye spawning spot in this area.
Q: Mayor David Cooper noted that he had concerns about the stream at 88tn
Ave NE and asked if there have been any discussions with environmental
agencies about that.
A: Daniel Babuca replied and stated that the team plans to advance this type
of environmental work regarding stream and fish barrier issues this fall.
C: Mayor George Martin stated that two transit stops are very important to
the communities and given the fact that transit will be a major factor in the
future. He went on to add that it is easier to sell what is already there.
However, he did find the 88th Ave NE concept to be intriguing.
C: Mayor David Cooper noted that one of the things this exercise has done
for him is address the issue of the kiss-n-ride, which is his primary concern
regarding the operational aspects of the lid at 92"d The kiss-n-ride is
intensively used and will create traffic problems if we don't do it right. This
concept starts to alleviate this. I'm in favor of a minimal approach
because it solves the main problem, but it doesn't close the door on
further development with parking. I think it's still worth studying as an
either/ or solution to 92"d
11
C: Mayor Miles Adam, added that his concern with pursuing the transit stop
at 88th is that from a transit and highway standpoint, if the team pursues
this we will end up with only one stop total. He stated that Medina
supports the base plan with two transit stops. He is curious if 92"d can be
modified to include some of the concepts from the 88th design.
C: Bernard Van de Kamp commented that Bellevue doesn't feel strongly
about the number of transit stops. It really comes down to what are
reasonable trade offs between having one transit stop and having two.
Q: Mayor George Martin asked what staff would prefer in regard to one
transit stop vs. two.
A: Lindsay Yamane responded by stating that there was never serious transit
planning done in the SR 520 corridor. The history of why the transit stops
are where they are is because there was a wide spot in the freeway. The
needs in the corridor are saying that one transit stop serves that need.
Lindsay noted that personally, he likes the concept of separating the
neighborhood places from the public places. From an engineering
perspective, it's a little bit more simplistic design. If there was ever a
possibility of light rail, I'd have to ask myself does having two stops get me
a light rail station at both stops. I don't know if that does it for you or not.
C: Lindsay proposed that the design team would not throw away the work
done on 88t Ave NE, but would set it aside. If in the future the Eastside
communities are interested in pursuing this option again, the project team
could go back to the plans.
C: Mark Hinshaw, SR 520 Project Team, commented that it would take
approximately 6-9 months for a public and stakeholder involvement
process. He also noted that transit always does better when it's around
multi -use development.
C: George responded that he didn't believe an urban village concept could
ever be sold to the Points communities. He noted that this is an issue that
went before the Clyde Hill City Council and lasted about 30 seconds.
Lindsay Yamane concluded by thanking the group for their patience on this
matter and assuring them that the design team will continue planning for two
transit stops (1 at Evergreen Point Road and 1 at 92" d Ave NE) and
conversations that go forward will focus on two stops. He confirmed that the team
will keep the preliminary concepts for a transit stop at 88th Ave NE in case there
is an interest to look at this location again in the future.
Integrated Corridor Concepts
Transit Themes
Betsy Moll, SR 520 Project Team, walked the group through the transit themes
used to create each of the transit stop design concepts presented. The transit
elements included:
■ Station with elevator and stair access from one side of the lids
■ Platform with day -lighting opportunity at vertical circulation points
12
■ Provide transit waiting areas under and on lids
■ Provide ADA accessible pathway from nearest sidewalks and
intersections
■ Recommend 2 ft warning strip for blind patrons at edge of platform
■ Provide wheelchair seating location at each waiting area
■ Width of platform to be 12 or 14 feet (pending WSDOT recommendation)
■ Bypass lane provided for bus breakdowns
■ Provide 30 linear feet of seating, wind and noise protection panels, trash
receptacles, information kiosks, signage
■ Use colors, lighting, textures and design details to reflect adjacent
neighborhood character
■ Investigate "Next Bus" technology for the waiting areas (including the lids,
when appropriate) for transit systems
Regional Trail System
Darby Watson, SR 520 Project Team, highlighted the design elements that must
be taken into consideration when planning a regional trail system. These
elements included:
■ Safety and Security - Influence of Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED)
- Natural Surveillance, like windows and doors that overlook public
spaces, people can survey their surroundings. More people and more
programming equals less crime and greater safety.
- Natura[Access Control, like clear signage denoting what is public or
private
- Territorial Reinforcement, clearly denote public and private areas with
materials, landscape, etc. Keeping areas well maintained shows care
and ownership.
- Target Hardening, structural deterrents, fencing and gates.
■ Lighting and Signage
- Roadway Lighting, 30' to 50' high and 80' to 300' apart, typ. Cobra -
head
- Pedestrian Lighting, 14' to 18' high and 60' to 120' apart, ornamental
- Local Area Lighting, may be bollards, sconces or flush to the ground or
a wall
- Clear signage and maps that consistently reinforce behavior
Trail Separations - When trails are parallel it improves safety to create
some visual relationship between the trails, the trails can still be separated
by:
- Landscaping or other materials/surfaces
- A low wall or fence
- A difference in grade
■ Tunnels - Often have safety and security issues including:
- Perception of safety issues
- Lack of exits and escape routes
- Pedestrians will often choose a surface route over a tunnel if one is
available
13
- Tunnels do not offer a pleasant pedestrian experience
- Reported crimes more often target women
- Graffiti is common
- Hours may be limited to reduce crime
- Some solutions include creating a canyon for a short distance on either
side of the lid and crossing just beneath the roadway to reduce tunnel
effect. Bringing the regional trail to the surface of lids where possible,
both to connect to the street system and to eliminate the need for
tunnels.
Darby also shared the specific feedback she heard from a meeting with the
Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the Cascade Bicycle Club. This feedback
included:
■ Keep trail direct and ADA compliant
■ Reduce tunnels but not at the expense of slope or directness of trail
■ Connect to other trail systems
■ Connect communities and to street system without interruptions to the
regional trail
Roadside Landscaping
Susan Wessman, SR 520 Project Team, provided a brief overview of the Design
Advisory Group's (DAG) goals, which included:
■ Support and work with nature - don't compete with it
■ Recreate green canopy with terraced planters
■ Use interchange and stormwater landscapes as opportunities to enhance
plantings and signify community entrances
Susan went on to describe the landscape types, and characteristics of those
types, found throughout the corridor. The landscape types include:
• Lid surfaces
• Interchanges
• Roadside and medians
• Regional Path and Points Loop Trail
Susan also introduced the discussion on sound and retaining walls. She
explained that many factors go into the design and placement of wall, including
right-of-way and topography. Susan provided a few cross -sections of examples
of the relationship between walls and landscape, depending on how much space
you have to work with.
Noise and Sound Walls
Michael Minor, SR 520 Project Team, provided a brief overview of noise
modeling in the corridor. He explained that he used the assumed worst case,
meaning the peak period traffic volumes moving at the posted speed (60 mph).
He tested 300 locations throughout the corridor, and based on that data,
determined who exceeds 66 dBA or greater.
The Washington State Noise Abatement Criteria is 66 dBA or greater, which is
the level at which conversation between two people 3 feet apart would be k",
14
impaired. Michael noted that on the Eastside it is fairly easy to mitigate noise with
sound walls, except for those residences located on the hill.
Wall heights will vary based on location. Wall height is driven by topography and
truck traffic. Michael noted that because SR 520 does not have a great deal of
truck traffic, in many places along the corridor 8 — 1 0-foot-high walls would
provide sufficient noise abatement. Walls must be close to the source or the
receiver to have the maximum benefit. The further you get away from the wall the
higher the noise volume will be:
Questions/Comments
Q: Mona Green asked what properties trees have for reducing noise.
A: Michael Minor replied that you need about 30 meters of dense evergreens
to make a noticeable difference.
Q: Mona Green asked the status of evaluating quieter pavement for the SR
520 corridor.
A: Michael Minor responded that he is taking a "wait and see" approach. He
noted that quieter pavement will not affect the noise wall heights. Quieter
pavement stops the noise at the roadway surface, but it doesn't do a lot
for trucks or busses. It does seem to help at locations further away from
noise wall. He cautioned people to keep in mind that Arizona has only
taken a 4-dBA credit due to quieter pavement, and that inevitably overtime
some of its properties are going to be returned.
Q: Mona Green followed up by asking if there are plans to increase truck
traffic on 520.
A: Michael Minor responded "no", but to keep in mind that one semi truck is
as loud as 55 cars.
C: Michael noted that there would probably not be a need for a wall over 10
feet at 84t" Ave NE. He described how he takes the wall height to the point
of diminishing return and then settles on a height. The most reduction you
will see with sound wall is usually between 16 —18 dBA, however it is
typically more like 12-14 dBA.
Q: Mayor George Martin asked if the noise modeling only assumes concrete
as the material.
A: Michael Minor replied that there are different options available for
materials. The key is making sure the walls amount to a certain mass to
be effective.
Q: Mayor George Martin followed up by asking about cantilever walls.
A: Michael Minor stated that cantilever walls can be effective. The main
difference is that they are shorter.
Regional Bike/Ped Master Plan
Darby Watson, SR 520 Project Team, explained to the group that Bellevue is just
getting started on revising their 1999 Bike Master Plan. Currently, the plan calls
for the development of a trail along the BNSF tracks from Bellevue to Kirkland. It
would make sense to tie into that trail with the 520 Regional Trail as well as
connect to the end of the existing 520 Trail at 124th. Trail options include staying
15
along the mainline (green line), connecting along Northup Way (blue), or
connecting directly to the BNSF Corridor (orange). These alternatives still need
review and refinement to see if they work with grades and crossings. It makes a
great deal of sense to cross under 405 along the BNSF corridor, but there may
be a temporary connection along Northup until the BNSF Trail is built.
Darby noted that the bike groups indicated that they would be more comfortable
with a canyon than a tunnel.
Questions/Comments:
C: Mayor Miles Adam expressed his dissatisfaction with a canyon taking a
chunk out of the Evergreen Point Lid.
C: Brad Phillips added that this is just the opinion of the bike communities,
and that it is possible to go underneath the lid at Evergreen Point
C: Darby noted that her preference would be to cross at the surface level,
that way there is always the option of connecting with the street systems.
Evergreen Point Lid
Betsy Moll described the lid concept at Evergreen Point Road. She noted that
there are currently about 50 spaces in the park & ride. The new concept lays out
about 65 spaces. Another change is with the circulation; the new concept has a
kiss-n-ride near the parking area.
C: Mayor Miles Adam responded by stating his preference would be for
bicyclists to stay above ground wherever possible. He also noted how
much he and others love the lookout on the lid that looks toward Lake
Washington. C11
Q: Brad Phillips asked how many parking stalls the City of Medina is aiming
for.
A: Mayor Miles Adam responded that the goal is to increase the park & ride
by 50%, so 75 stalls would be great.
Mayor Adam went on to comment that the City's vision was to blend the
Evergreen Point lid into the park. He noted that it would be great to add
plantings to emphasize that, if possible. He also commented that the team
may want to consider using the same benches used in Medina Beach
Park, since those have been successful.
Q: Brad Phillips asked if there was a desire to still maintain connections and
local access to the Points Loop Trail at various access points. He went on
to comment that it is going to be difficult to make those connections and
meet ADA requirements because of the topography.
A: Mayor David Cooper commented that the existing access points to Points
Loop Trail are at logical points.
Q: Pat Finnelly, Hunts Point, asked if the team was suggesting Points Loop
Trail be changed to accommodate a 5% grade.
`I
A: Brad commented that the SR 520 Bike/Ped Path would meet ADA
requirements, but Points Loop would remain as it exists today.
A: Daniel Babuca added that the team would further explore whether or not
Points Loop Trail would be required to meet ADA requirements or not,
since the regional path would meet ADA requirements and runs parallel to
it.
84th Ave NE
Brad Phillips reviewed the 84th half -diamond configuration with the group.
Questions/Comments
C: Mayor Fred McConkey commented that the Town of Hunts Point was
considering keeping the traffic circle at 84th Ave NE because it slows traffic
down. He noted that he would have to talk to the town council and
residents to discuss the pros/cons of a Y2 diamond interchange as
opposed to the flyover.
C: Mayor David Cooper added that the Points communities should update
their councils in some type of unified fashion.
92" d Ave NE
Darby Watson and Brad Phillips provided an overview of the 92nd Ave NE
interchange configuration. Darby explained that the SR 520 Bicycle/Pedestrian
Path would most likely have to go underneath the lid, while the Points Loop Trail
would remain above ground.
Betsy Moll noted that the team originally shortened the lid to accommodate the
difficult elevation changes; however they took another look and are now able to
provide some terracing along side the roadway to hide the conditions the team
was first concerned about. She commented that after making this revision she
now felt more comfortable with providing a longer lid.
Questions/Comments
C: Mayor David Cooper commented that this is a downgrade from what
Yarrow Point has now. He stated that just having a 2-3 car drop-off area
wouldn't satisfy the demands. Most of the drop-offs occurring are parents
dropping kids off for school during the peak drop off time between 7:00
and 7:30 a.m. He noted that people want to be as close to the stop as
possible so they can monitor their kids at the stop.
Q: Brad Phillips asked how people currently turn around, since there isn't any
area to do a u-turn.
A: Mayor Cooper replied that there is an off -set traffic circle that works pretty
well, so it would be ideal to maintain or improve that. He went on to note
that a roundabout concept might have some merit. The community wants
a kiss-n-ride, but no long-term parking.
108th/Bellevue Way Vicinity
Darby walked the group through two bike path options at 108th. The base
alternative would stay to the north through the "canyons" and could cross
Bellevue Way at grade at the intersection or cross under next to the mainline. To
17
the south, the regional trail could cross at grade (at a new signal) in conjunction
with a new half -diamond interchange. The trail would most likely move to the
south to avoid wetlands and streams in the area between Bellevue Way and
108th Ave.
The second option would be for the base line trail to cross 108th at Northup Way.
The south alternative could cross back to the north side on 108th (this could be
via bike lane or widened sidewalk, preferably the latter). The trail could continue
to Northup Way or follow the mainline.
Questions/Comments
C: Mitch Wasserman stated his preference is to not have the SR 520
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path adjacent to the residential street.
C: Brad Phillips noted that the reason there is a canyon effect in this area is
because we are trying to get down to meet grade. If we decide this path is
going to continue on, then this path can stay at the same elevation as SR
520. Therefore, the canyon effect could be helped if the path continues on.
Next, Brad posed the question of whether or not it is better to connect the
path on the north or south side.
C: Michael Minor commented that 'if the trail is moved to the south, there is
more opportunity to move the walls farther up the hill, therefore providing
better sound mitigation.
C: Darby Watson commented that the biggest issues with staying to the
south is that once the path hits 1-405 it is really hard to get across that
interstate. She noted that the preference would most likely be to stay on
north or switch back to the north. She stated that coming across 108th
there are opportunities to stay along the SR 520 corridor. What we are
really trying to tie into is the BNSF trail.
C: Rick Huxley commented that it makes sense for the Points Loop Trail to
go to the south, but not the Regional SR 520 Bicycle/Pedestrian Path.
C: Daniel Babuca suggested the team look at an option for the regional path
to stay to the north and the greenbelt on the south side to become an
extension of the Points Loop Trail.
C: Rick Logwood commented that he thought that was a good idea, but that
the group needed to look at how such a facility would be braided through
the interchanges. He stated that the City of Bellevue considers Northup
Way a primary route and Bellevue Way a secondary route. He commented
that it is still important to look at how we connect to Lake Washington Blvd
and Bellevue Way.
C: David Godfrey, City of Kirkland, commented that he likes the SR 520
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path to the north.
18
Next Steps
Questions/Comments
C: Rick Logwood suggested that the representatives from Bellevue and
Kirkland meet with the project team to discuss the Bellevue Way
interchange modifications. He also stated that be believes the Northup
Way connection should be taken off the table since it does not interact
with the arterial street system.
Q: David Godfrey asked Rick if he could envision a design of Northup Way
that could accommodate a bike/ped path.
A: Rick Logwood responded that he could envision it, even though it could
have a lot of impact on driveways and buildings in the area.
C: Daniel Babuca stated that there is obviously more work to be done with
the bike/ped path with both Bellevue and Kirkland. Daniel posed the
question of whether or not any assumptions could be made about the
bike/ped path based on the day's discussions. He added that there seems
to be general consensus to keep the SR 520 Bicycle/Pedestrian Path on
the north side of SR 520 and to work more on how to get it out of the
canyon if at all possible.
Lindsay Yamane noted that the team would work on scheduling a separate
meeting with Bellevue and Kirkland to discuss the Bellevue Way Interchange. In
addition, a meeting with the representatives from Yarrow Point and Clyde Hill
would also be scheduled to discuss the 92"d Ave NE lid concepts and kiss & ride
options.
Lindsay also commented that there seemed to be good concurrence on
Evergreen Point Road and 84t" Ave NE. He noted that the team will move
forward with the Yz diamond at 84t", unless the mayors let the team know they
should be doing something different. He also confirmed the decision made on the
two transit stops — one at Evergreen Point Road and one at 92nd Ave NE. He
stated that there hasn't been much work done on the style for the over -crossings,
so the team plans to bring back some additional over -crossing ideas to the next
workshop.
Based on the tight schedule, the Eastside Collaboration Team decided to
postpone the final workshop. The workshop was rescheduled from June 27t" to
July 11t" from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Yarrow Point Town Hall.
With no further questions or comments the workshop was adjourned.
19
Eastside Collaboration Team Attendees:
Mayor David Cooper, Town of Yarrow Point
Mayor George Martin, City of Clyde Hill
Mayor Fred McConkey, Town of Hunts Point'
Bernard Van de Kamp, Bellevue Department of Transportation Regional Projects
Manager
Bruce Dodds, Clyde Hill City Councilmember
David Godfrey, City of Kirkland Transportation Engineering Manager
Joseph Gellings; City of Medina Director of Development Services
Mitch Wasserman, City of Clyde Hill Administrator
Mona Green, Hunts Point and Yarrow Point Planning Director
Pat Finnely, Town of Hunts Point Design Advisory Committee
Rick Huxley, Town of Yarrow Point
Rick Logwood, Bellevue Department of Transportation Capital Projects Manager
Terry Marpert, City of Redmond Principal Planner
David Alm, Eastside Design Advisor
SR 520 Project Team Attendees:
Julie Meredith, Deputy Program Director
George Fies, Corridor Engineering Manager
Daniel Babuca, Corridor Project Engineer
Lindsay Yamane, Program Advisor
Brad Phillips, Corridor Project Engineer
Michael Horntvedt, Transportation Program Manager
Betsy Moll, Urban Designer
David Taylor, Urban Design Team Leader 01
Darby Watson, Urban Designer
Mark Hinshaw, Urban Designer
Chelsea Tennyson, Outreach Communications Coordinator
Clair Leighton, Outreach Communications Coordinator
20
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Daniel Lipkie [Daniel Lipkie@a lipkie.com]
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 1:59 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Cc: 'Daniel Lipkie'
Subject: Library Resolution background contains incorrect information that needs clarification at
Council 7/23 meeting.
Attachments: City Mgrs Memo June 5, 2006.pdf; Agenda July 23, 2007.pdf; Blazey's Resolution July 16,
2007.pdf
Council member Drew Blazey is distributing incorrect information.
He states on page 3 of the attached resolution pdf
"Get a Seattle Library card and borrow from the KCLS"
This is absolutely NOT true.
I called the Seattle Library system and spoke with a person in their "library cards" section.
According to them ... having a Seattle Library Card DOES NOT entitle one to borrow from the
KCLS. They are separate systems and you have to apply separately to each. The Seattle website
specifically points out that Yarrow and Hunts Point residents do NOT get free Seattle library cards.
Even if they the $55/yr for a Seattle Library card this DOES NOT entitle them to access to KCLS.
BOTTOM LINE: If Medina withdraws from KCLS there is no way for a Medina resident to get
access to the KCLS unless you are willing to go to the library and read your materials there.
NO checkout, NO web access etc.
I will be attending the meeting on the 23rd and look forward to your clarifying the information
distributed by Council Member Blazey during the discussion of the resolution.
Daniel Lipkie
mailto: DanielLipkie@lipkie.com
http://www.lipkie.com
7/20/2007
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Daniel Lipkie [DanielLipkie@lipkie.com]
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:28 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Cc: 'Daniel Lipkie'
Subject: RE: Library Resolution background
1) (page 1) Concerning the 2002-2006 table showing tax rate, City AV and KCLS in Council Member Blazey's pdf
file.
For the City AV he uses only dollar amounts, but for KCLS uses dollar and cents amounts. This gives the false
impression that the two value are about the same size (i.e. the number of digits in the two columns is about the
same).
From his resolution
Year City AV KCLS
2006 $2,268,340,629 $1,041,168.35
2005 $2,145,560,536 $1,036,305.74
2004 $1,980,247,843 $ 974,281.94
2003 $1,932,913,761 $ 966,456.88
2002 $1,715,585,971 $ 902,398.22
But a more "apples -to -apples" table would look like:
Year City AV KCLS
2006 $2,268,340,629 $1,041,168
2005 $2,145,560,536 $1,036,305
2004 $1,980,247,843 $ 974,281
2003 $1,932,913,761 $ 966,456
2002 $1,715,585,971 $ 902,398
2) (page 2) Comparing the cost of a onetime purchase such as the undergrounding bond with the ongoing costs
of the library is like trying to compare the purchase cost of a car and the ongoing costs of groceries. This is hardly
an accurate comparison. More accurate would be comparing ongoing costs for services, e.g. library, police, fire,
city government.
3) (page 3) "Save money, add to your personal library, buy books rather than borrow". This is a VERY narrow
view of a library. It has not only books in house but periodicals in house as well are web access from my home to
resources via the KCLS website as well as interlibrary loan. It would be VERY costly for me to purchase
subscriptions to the periodicals I have access to via KCLS let along access to the historical periodicals.
Daniel Lipkie
maiIto: Daniel Lipkie@lipkie.com
7/20/2007
0
SYSTEM
Community
Libraries:
Algona -Pacific
Auburn
Bellevue Regional
Black Diamond
Bothell Regional
Boulevard Park
Burien
Carnation
Covington
Des Moines
Duvall
Fai rwood
Fall City
Federal Way Regional
Federal Way 320th
Foster
Issaquah
Kenmore
Kent Regional
Kingsgate
Kirkland
Lake Forest Park
Lake Hills
Library Connection
@ Crossroads
Library Connection
@ Southcenter
Maple Valley
Mercer Island
Muckleshoot
Newport Way
North Bend
Redmond Regional
Richmond Beach
Sammamish
Shoreline
Skykomish
Skyway
Snoqualmie
Tukwila
Valley View
Vashon
White Center
Woodinville
Woodmont
July 23, 2007
Mark F. Weinberg, City Manager
City of Medina
PO Box 144
Medina, WA 98039
Dear Mr. Weinberg:
In anticipation of the fact the City Council will be asked again to consider a resolution
to withdraw from the King County Library System (KCLS), and in response to a request
from a number of Medina residents, we thought it might be helpful to provide an
updated summary of Medina's KCLS voting history, the tax rates applicable to Medina
residents (and all King County residents) and other relevant information about KCLS:
Medina residents have overwhelmingly supported libraries since annexing in 1991
In 1991, Medina citizens voted to annex to KCLS with a 56% majority. In 2002, Medina
voters supported a levy lid lift with one of the highest approval ratings in King County:
69%. In 2004, Medina voters again supported KCLS' September 14, 2004 bond issue
with a 70.4% approval rate.
KCLS has efficiently managed its operational and capital resources to minimize
the impact on taxpayers
KCLS' operating levy is limited by Initiative 747 to a 1% increase per year, plus new
construction. Voters approved a one-time levy lid lift in 2002 to restore KCLS'
operating levy to the constitutionally allowed 50 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation
in 2003. Since then, the rate has declined in each subsequent year: 49.2 cents in
2004, 48.3 cents in 2005, 45.9 cents in 2006 and currently 43.3 cents in 2007. Despite
the declining taxation rate, KCLS has preserved adequate operating funds to delay the
need for additional levy lid lifts.
Year
Tax Rate*
City "
KCLS
2007**
$0.433
$2,461,265,142
$1,065,728
2006
$0.459
$2,268,340,629
$1,041,168'
2005
$0.483
$2,145,560,536
$1,036,305
2004
$0.492
$1,980,247,843
$974,281
2003
$0.500
$1,932,913,761
$966,456
2002
$0.456
$1,715,585,971
$782,307
* Tax rate does not include $.075 capital bond levies
** In 2007, Medina residents pay $462 per $1,000,000 of assessed value (operating levy
and 2004 capital bond)
KCLS also made a promise to voters in 2004 to keep capital bond rates less than 8
cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. With the 1988 bonds soon retiring and the
issuance of new bonds, that rate is currently at 6.7 cents. The combined rate
(operating levy and capital bond) most King County residents are currently paying is
50.0 cents. Medina residents are not paying on the 1988 bonds, so they are currently
paying 46.2 cents. Because taxpayers whose property is within the King County Library
District at the time of the 2004 Capital Bond measure must pay for the measure
regardless of boundary changes, Medina residents will continue to pay on the 2004
bonds even if they withdraw from the Library System (currently 2.89 cents/$1,000).
960 Newport Way NW • Issaquah, WA 98027 • 425-462-9600 • www.kcis.org
Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement between Seattle Public Library (SPL) and KCLS
For many years, KCLS and SPL have operated under a Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement
allowing residents served by each system to cross -use the other library system's
resources at no charge to the user. Part of the agreement has been to conduct regular
cross -use studies to determine usage by each library system's residents. When there is
an imbalance, one system reimburses the other to make up the difference.
Since 1999, Seattle residents have consumed more KCLS services than King County
residents have of SPL. The 2005 cross -use study showed that cross -use from Seattle
patrons costs KCLS about $1.6 million, while cross -use from KCLS patrons costs SPL
nearly $800,000. To address the imbalance, the Reciprocal Use Borrowing Agreement
between the library systems was modified. Effective October 1, 2006, City of Seattle
residents retained full access to KCLS libraries and online resources, including the
ability to checkout KCLS materials, but are not be able to place "holds" on KCLS
materials. In addition, SPL makes an annual payment to KCLS of $104,000.
It is important to note that reciprocal borrowing agreements are predicated on
the fact that residents of neighboring library systems contribute financially to
library operations. In this case specifically, Seattle residents pay taxes to the
City for library services.
KCLS Library Cards
Many years ago KCLS sold individual library cards to residents of non -participating
cities, but that option was stopped in 1988 because residents in unincorporated areas
and participating communities felt the practice was unfair to those whose tax support
made KCLS resources possible. The selling of cards was also counter to KCLS' mission
of providing free and open access to library services for all, regardless of one's ability
to pay.
The Seattle Public Library provides non-resident cards ($55 per year) for people who
do not qualify for Seattle Public Library cards in other ways. Non-resident cards are
$55 and good for one year. Possessing a Seattle Public Library card does not
entitle the cardholder to borrow from KCLS; address verification that the patron
lives in an area with a reciprocal borrowing agreement is necessary. KCLS does
not have a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the University of Washington
libraries.
These additional facts may help in your decision:
• In 2006, Medina residents checked out 16% more items than in 2005 (29,000
versus 25,000). KCLS' total circulation in 2006 was 19.2 million items.
• For the past 15 years, Medina residents have enjoyed unlimited access to 43
community libraries in 2,028 square mile area, including one of the finest
libraries in the United States - the Bellevue Regional Library, an AIA national
award winning building that has the highest circulation in the System.
• The structure for Medina's tax support is the same as every KCLS community and
is set out in State Law.
• KCLS has been studied by national economists who found that for every dollar of
tax support, KCLS generates $4.67 of direct benefit to its residents.
KCLS is the second busiest library in the United States, circulating more than
19.2 million items in 2006.
• KCLS continues to provide an unparalleled collection of books and materials,
investing more than twice the national per capita average on library materials.
• KCLS supports the academic achievement of students in 18 school districts
throughout King County.
Libraries are a "public good" requiring participation by the entire community. Funded
by property taxes, KCLS distributes library resources equitably even if property values
vary community to community. We ask that you consider the long-term investment
you are making in the quality of life for all residents throughout King County through
your participation in the Library System. KCLS is committed to providing outstanding
public service that is responsive to the needs of library users and provides diversity in
materials and programs that encourage discovery, enhance personal development,
contribute to recreational activities, and supports educational and cultural programs.
Sincerely,
Bill Ptacek, Director
King County Library System
Page 1 of 2
Mark Weinberg
From: Chris Crandall [2chris@pobox.com]
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 4:26 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Re: Allied Waste -- and library
Me again. Honestly, I don't usually have so many vocal opinions, but so much is happening in Medina these days,
it's just bringing out my voice.
don't know if you're involved in the library vote ( I assume you are?), but PLEASE don't stick with our original
plan to NOT include any kind of vote on withdrawing from the King Country library system. Frankly, I find it hard to
believe this has come up again so soon. It makes me fear about who's listening to whom. So many of us wrote
the last time...
We must be part of the library system to continue with some sort of educated, rational society. That may sound
corny, but it's true. My family uses the library system all the time -- I probably visit their site 3 times a week myself.
French movies; books for my 50+ year book club (that's over 50 years as a club; I'm a newbie (:) I can't imagine
living in a town that even questions this.
Thanks. Maybe you won't have to hear from me again for a coupla weeks
Chris Crandall
7715 NE 12th St.
Original Message -----
From: Chris Crandall
To: Mark Weinberg
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: Allied Waste
Thanks much, Mark. How's the job going? Hope it's fun at least part of the time (:
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Weinberg
To: Chris Crandall
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10:26 AM
Subject: RE: Allied Waste
Thank you Chris, I have not forgotten about the waste collection issues, nor you. However, We are still a few
months off from negotiating and approving a new waste agreement. I will keep you posted...
Best regards,
Mark
From: Chris Crandall [mailto:2chris@pobox.com]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 4:23 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Allied Waste
Hi, Marc. You and I had an email conversation about the changes you might be able to get in recycling for
Medina -- anything up with that? Thanks much.
7/23/2007
Page 2 of 2
Chris Crandall
7715 NE 12th St.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.9/870 - Release Date: 6/26/2007 10:07 AM
7/23/2007
Doug Dicharry
7/23/2007
851 80`h Avenue NE
Medina WA 98039
July 23, 2007
"...The reduction of the citizen to an object
of propaganda, public and private, is one of the greatest dangers
to democracy... the people must save themselves by strengthening
their minds so that they can appraise the issues for themselves... people
must have the information on which to base a judgment as well
as the ability to make one"
Robert M. Hutchins
Preface to "The Great Conversation"
December 1, 1951
Medina City Council
C/O Mark F. Weinberg, City Manager
City of Medina
Medina, WA
Dear Mr. Weinberg and Council members:
I understand that the Council will discuss an initiative on whether to submit a
ballot measure for Medina to withdraw from the King County Library System.
respectfully urge the Council not to take this step, which would only incur
unnecessary expense for an issue that has the obvious historical support of
Medina residents.
It is clear that KCLS provides a wealth of information and services that are vital to
an informed citizenry. For the modest amount of property taxes paid into the
system, it appears to be a phenomenal bargain, and Medina's repeated approval
of bond measures for the library system demonstrates clear support for
continuation of participation the library system and even further enhancement of
services.
We should do everything in our power to support an educated citizenry in our city
and our county, and the library is one thread in that fabric of public education. I
consider Medina a fair, well-informed and civic -minded community, and I urge the
council to exercise its leadership by endorsing Medina's continued contribution to
the King County Library System, and to refrain from using our taxes to fund an ill-
advised ballot measure.
Sincerely,
Douglas C. Dicharry
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Allyson Jackson [abjack5@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 12:17 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Input Regarding Library Proposal
Mark,
Please distribute this to the Medina City Council Members prior to this evening's meeting.
Dear Medina City Council Members,
The library system is an invaluable resource to my family and thousands of others across
America. It is a tremendous institution that has done more for literacy in our country than
any other. It deserves our continued support. Please do not spend another council minute
or additional tax payer dollars on a ballot measure to determine whether Medina should pull
out of the library system. It is not only short sighted but smacks of elitism and makes me
embarrassed to be a part of this community. As a citizen, I encourage you to spend your
time and our money pursuing more worthy causes that actually represent the voice of the
citizen's in this community.
Thank you,
Allyson Jackson
7/23/2007
Mark Weinberg
From: rieggett@nwlink.com
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 4:32 AM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Library Issue
The council is considering opting out of the library again? This was such an object of
derision the last time they brought it up, it was dropped like a hot rock. I can't tell you
how opposed I am to even considering the process. Libraries are as important to the greater
good of the public as almost anything I can think of. I am traveling in Philadelphia as we
speak and am looking at the beginnings of our country where many of our wonderful early
statesman were self educated reading books. I am a freqent flyer at the library and I love
the fact that my property taxes go in part to support this institution and that we
subsidize other communities who do not share our bounty in Medina. Really, this whole thing
is silly and ultimately dangerous thinking to a civilized society.
Randi Leggett MD
847 83rd Ave NE Medina
1
Mark Weinberg
From: Heather Singh [heather@singhs.us]
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 12:35 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Library support
Mark,
I understand that the City Council is going to discuss a proposal to put on November's
ballot the issue of whether to withdraw from the King County Library System.
I would like to say that I support the King County Library System. As a mom, a reader and a
writer, I use KCLS on a regular basis. I benefit from the ability to review their catalog
online, place holds on books and receive books from any one of the libraries. My children
also check out books, and we all enjoy borrowing audiobooks and magazines. I have also used
the library's access to Proquest and other databases which provide archives of journals,
newspapers, photos and magazines. I have lived in King County for over 10 years, and one of
the things I love about is its library system. I believe it is a treasure that cannot be
replaced by school libraries, personal book collecting, the Internet, or in -person visits.
Should this issue come to the ballot, I would vote no. I believe libraries are an important
part of our civic life, and the citizens of Medina should continue participating in this
system.
Sincerely,
Heather Singh
3616 Evergreen Point Rd.
Medina, wA 98039
(425) 646-7898
1
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Alicia Schneider [aliciaschneider@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 12:45 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: KCLS
Dear Mr. Weinberg,
The purpose for this letter is to urge you to please abort further discussion related to the proposition of
taking away the benefit of the KCLS from our community. Maintaining access to our regional library is
important to the Schneider family. Please do not allow a few voices of opposition threaten our freedom
to enjoy such a rich resource, not only for ourselves, but for those less fortunate.
Respectfully,
Alicia Schneider
7848 N.E. 8th Street
I'm makinfa difference. Make every IM count for the cause of your choice. Join Now.
7/23/2007
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: GARY CORBETT [consuelogary@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 12:57 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: King County Library proposal
Dear Mr. Weinberg,
We want to let you know that we want the Medina government to continue to support the King
County Library system. We receive so many benefits from it. We realize we may be paying more
than others in King county but are willing to pick up that tab.
We will not be able to attend the City Council meeting on Monday so am sending this memo to
you in place of our voice at the meeting.
Sincerely,
Consuelo and Gary Corbett
8405 NE 7th St.
Medina, WA 98039
7/23/2007
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Kristen EDELHERTZ [edelhertz@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 2:43 PM
To: mradammedina@comcast.net; looshb@AOL.com; fieryblaze@msn.com; jiml@saltchuk.com;
dspkep@msn.com; hemrhr@earthlink.net; petevall@hotmail.com; Mark Weinberg
Subject: Monday, July 23 - Comments for the Record
Dear Mark and Council Members,
We would like to express our position on a couple of issues that are on the July 23, 2007 meeting
agenda.
Kind; County Library System
We do not believe the Medina's participation in the library system should be placed on the upcoming
ballot. Last year when this issue came up at a city council meeting (that Kristen attended) the
overwhelming response was that Medina should stay in the KCLS. I believe there were only 1 or 2
people supporting a measure to remove Medina from the library system. Please don't put this on the
ballot. We feel it is unnecessary given the majority response last time the issue came up and we also
feel it is a bit of an embarrassment to our community.
Green Store
We support the Planning Commission findings regarding the HUP for the Green Store. We hope that
you will also support their findings so that our community can begin to enjoy use of the store.
Paul and Kristen Edelhertz
8215 NE 8th Street
h: 425.455.0240
c: 425.241.9093
7/23/2007
Page I of 2
Mark Weinberg
From: Justina Chen Headley Dustina@justinachenheadley.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 3:02 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Medina/Library Issue
To whom it may concern:
I am a Medina resident and award -winning author for young adults. I am very much distressed that
Medina is considering putting to ballot the removal of our town from the KCLS system.
Libraries have always been at the heart of *any* thinking community --across time, across civilization.
They are the gathering centers of people, a place where everyone is welcome regardless of means or
social standing. That Medina would even consider not supporting a community -wide library system is
appalling to me from a philosophical standpoint.
Our library system is one of the top in the entire country. When I present at other libraries around the
U.S. and abroad, when I meet with my publisher in NY, when I talk to other authors, everyone
recognizes the treasure that we have right here. Our library has an incredibly vast and current collection
of books. They bring in amazing authors, support various literacy efforts, work with school curriculum
where possible. In particular, have you even spoken with the children's librarians at our own Bellevue
Regional Library? These are experts in children's books --I am always astounded by their ability to
match the perfect book to every child. I certainly hope that the council members appreciate the value of
a library to its citizens as well.
Having no library system to call my own would be a personal and professional hardship. At any given
time, my two children and I have 60 books on hold at the library --both for the research I do for my
novels as well as their own research and reading as budding authors. To say we use our library system
extensively --borrowing from collections throughout the system and oftentimes getting books from
outside collections --is an understatement. I cannot believe that we are alone in our wide and frequent use
of the library. To put it frankly, without a library, my ability to write would be sorely hampered, and my
children would be far less well-read than they are now.
Unfortunately, I am out of town, otherwise you can be sure that my children and I would be at your
meeting on Monday night, proclaiming LOUDLY our need and our love for the library.
All best,
Justina Chen Headley, author
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (and a few white lies)
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, 2007
coming soon ... GIRL OVERBOARD (January, 2008)
7/23/2007
Page 2 of 2
www. j ustinachenheadley. com
www.myspace.com/justinachenheadley
www.myspace.com/readergiriz
7/23/2007
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: janieblee@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:07 PM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Library ballot
Dear Mr. Weinberg,
I'm writing in regards to Councilman Blazey's initiative to put the King County Library issue to ballot.
My husband and I feel that this is a WASTE of our tax payer dollars to bring up an old subject. We've
already had a public hearing in which the majority of the citizens is against pulling out of the King
County Library system so WHY IS HE WASTING time, money and energy on an old subject? The
Library system is crucial to many citizens and certainly a vital part of providing educational resources
for our young people as well as to our older citizens.
Councilman Blazey is certainly NOT acting on behalf of the majority of the citizens of Medina but
appears to be drumming up an issue for his own personal behalf or on the behalf of a few. Please pass
on my sentiments to Mr. Blazey and let him know that we do not appreciate what he is doing and plead
that he stop wasting our tax payer dollars.
Sincerely,
Ray & Janie Lee
1259 Evergreen Point Road
Medina, WA
425-451-9449
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
7/20/2007
Library Issue Rears its Ugly Head
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: FLAGG, SUSAN [SUSFLA@SAFECO.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:12 AM
To: Mark Weinberg
Subject: Library Issue Rears its Ugly Head
Attachments: Blazey's Resolution July 16, 2007.pdf
Mark,
will be out of town on vacation on Monday or I would be there. I can't believe we're still talking about and
wasting people's time on this issue. The library is a shared resource and something we need to protect for our
children and the families that continue to move to our city. If other towns did not respond to Medina's e-mail it's
probably because they can't believe we would even consider leaving the library system.
You might want to mention that the library was a haven for everyone, especially the kids, during the November
storm.
With no power in Medina and projects due for school the kids went to the library to work and upload their papers
to Turnitin.com
Especially for high school students the library is an important resource. My daughter often came home with
research topics or book lists that required materials from the library.
There isn't a week that goes by that I don't go to the library or use an online resource.
Regards,
Susan Flagg - Library Supporter
2403 79th Ave NE
Medina
<<Blazey's Resolution July 16, 2007.pdf>>
7/ 19/2007
Page 1 of 1
Mark Weinberg
From: Chuck Pettis [cpettis@brand.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:29 AM
To: Mark Weinberg
Cc: Shawn Whitney
Subject: Library
Dear Mark,
My family uses the library system and the Bellevue library a lot. It would be a mistake to withdraw from this
fantastic resource.
Thanks,
Chuck Pettis
BrandSolutions, Inc.
8222 Overlake Dr. W.
Medina, WA 98039
425-637-8777
Fax: 425-637-8778
www.brand.com
ccpettis aQbrand.com
7/ 19/2007