Loading...
2017-06-14 Planning Board MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS PLANNING BOARD MINUTES June 14, 2017 Vice Chair Monroe called the meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 — 5 h Avenue North. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Nathan Monroe, Vice Chair Matthew Cheung Todd Cloutier Phil Lovell Daniel Robles Mike Rosen BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Alicia Crank (excused) Carreen Rubenkonig (excused) STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Carrie Hite, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jerrie Bevington, Video Recorder Karin Noyes, Recorder Newly appointed Board Member, Mike Rosen, was welcomed to the Board. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF MAY 24, 2017 BE APPROVED AS CORRECTED. BOARD MEMBER ROBLES SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. AUDIENCE COMMENTS No one in the audience indicated a desire to comment during this portion of the meeting. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR REPORT TO PLANNING BOARD Vice Chair Monroe referred the Board to the written report that was provided by the Development Services Director. Board Member Lovell observed that the June 2nd Affordable Housing Conference attracted a large number of participants, including some Planning Board Members. PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONE OF PROPERTY WITHIN THE HIGHWAY 99 PLANNED ACTION AREA TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) Mr. Chave provided two maps, one illustrating the existing zoning along the Highway 99 Corridor, and the other illustrating the proposed zoning. He noted that the Board is generally familiar with the proposal, which is a legislative rather than a quasi-judicial action because it would apply area wide. He reviewed that the Planning Board previously considered the Highway 99 Subarea Plan and forwarded a recommendation of approval to the City Council. In addition, the Board conducted a public hearing on May loth on amendments to the development regulations to establish new standards for a consolidated CG zone in the Highway 99 area. The proposed zoning changes were shown as part of the Board's May loth hearing presentation. Following the public hearing relative to the rezone proposal, the Board will be asked to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. The City Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing next week on both the zoning code and the map. Mr. Chave reviewed that, through the Planned Action process, the City is working to consolidate the zoning throughout the Highway 99 area. Historically, the properties have been zoned both CG and CG2, but there is very little difference between the two zones except for the height limit. Currently, the CG zone allows a maximum height of 60 feet, and the CG2 zone allows a maximum height of 75 feet. The proposed rezone would make the overall zoning along the corridor consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Map, which designates the entire corridor for a consistent development pattern. Through the Planned Action process, the properties that are currently zoned CG and CG2 would be consolidated into a single CG zone, and new standards and design parameters would apply. The proposed action would bring all zoning into consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Highway 99 Subarea Plan. In addition to consolidating the CG and CG2 zoning, the proposal would also rezone some properties that are currently zoned Multi -Family Residential (RM) to CG. He explained that, in some cases, commercial property owners also own the adjacent RM-zoned property, which means that the zoning is split in some cases. The intent is to consolidate these RM-zoned properties into the CG zone. In addition to providing greater consistency, the new CG zone has built-in transition standards. For example, combined stepbacks and setbacks are not required in the current CG zone, but would be added as part of the new standards and design parameters. The thought is that some of the transition issues could be handled via the zoning standards rather than through transitional zoning areas. Mr. Chave recalled that when the Board previously conducted a public hearing on development code amendments to implement the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, some of the comments were related to the anticipated CG zoning changes. Tonight's hearing offers a formal opportunity for the public to comment specifically on the rezone proposal. Following the public hearing and Planning Board deliberation, the Board will be asked to forward a recommendation to the City Council. Board Member Lovell pointed out that each of the maps identify the properties located within the City of Edmonds, as well as those located within unincorporated Snohomish County (Esperance). Mr. Chave emphasized that the proposal would not change the zoning in the properties located in unincorporated Snohomish County. Board Member Lovell said it is important to make sure the Board Members understand that the current CG zoning allows a maximum height of 60 feet and the current CG2 zoning allows a maximum height of 75 feet. As proposed, the CG and CG2 zones would be consolidated and the maximum height would be 75 feet along the entire corridor. Mr. Chave pointed out that the only reason for the two zones (CG and CG2) was to follow through on the distinctions made by Snohomish County prior to when the properties were annexed into the City. Vice Chair Monroe pointed out that there are slivers of white area on the two zoning maps. Mr. Chave responded that these identify City rights -of -way, which are considered un-zoned properties. Stanley Piha, Edmonds, said he participated on the original Highway 99 Task Force and he also owns property within the Highway 99 Subarea. He commented that the evolution of the proposed Highway 99 Subarea Plan meets many of the goals and objectives brought forward by the original task force a number of years ago. He said he supports the good work done by the consultant and City staff and felt the plan would offer an opportunity for a wonderful transformation to occur along the Edmonds portion of Highway 99. He encouraged the Board to recommend approval of the proposed rezone as presented by staff. Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 2 No one else in the audience indicated a desire to comment and the public portion of the hearing was closed. BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE FINDINGS OF FACT, ANALYSIS AND ATTACHMENTS IN THE STAFF REPORT AND FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PROPOSED REZONE OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE HIGHWAY 99 PLANNED ACTION AREA. BOARD MEMBER CHEUNG SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. UPDATE FROM THE PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIRECTOR Ms. Hite provided an overview of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services projects that have been done or are in progress. Civic Field Acquisition and Master Plan. The City purchased the Civic Field from the Edmonds School District in February of 2016, and this was followed by a robust community process, working with consultant Walker Macy, to create a master plan for the site. An advisory committee was formed to provide guidance to the consultant and staff, and the Planning Board played an integral part in the process, as well. The final Civic Field Master Plan is a culmination of a very robust public conversation, with a lot of give and take and compromise. The goal moving forward is to complete the survey and geotechnical work this year. Staff recently sent out a notice to tenants of the stadium advising that they must vacate their space by October 31st. The plan is to take down the facility in November. Monies will be built into the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan for design development work, and staff will also prepare a financial package for the park's redevelopment, including grant applications. Implementation of the plan is anticipated to cost about $10 million, and it is hoped that construction work can start in 2020 or before. City Park. The spray pad at City Park opened on May 26th. The weather was awesome, and the facility was packed. It continues to be very popular. To mitigate noise for the neighbors, the City planted a number of trees and additional foliage. Staff has received a lot of favorable comments about the new facility. Board Member Lovell asked if the water retention/recirculation system is working as planned, and Ms. Hite answered affirmatively. Rather than the direct -to - drain approach, the new spray pad uses a water recycling system. The system is backwashed once each week to clean it out and start with fresh water, and the Public Health Department has given it a clean bill of health. • Dayton Street Plaza. A ribbon -cutting ceremony for the Dayton Street Plaza was held in March. This gathering area in the downtown allows people to have a resting/stopping spot when walking from downtown to the waterfront. There have been a number of performances in the plaza area, as well. • 4`h Avenue Cultural Corridor Interim Projects. The artwork, Luminous Forest, was dedicated in conjunction with the Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)'s IOth Anniversary celebration in July of 2016. The artwork leads walkers from Main Street to the ECA. • Wayfinding Signage/Park Signage. The existing wayfinding sign at 5th and Main Street is scheduled for replacement in 2017, and the new sign will be consistent with the current sign program standards. New signs were installed at Yost Park and Maplewood Park, and the City has received a number of favorable comments from the public. The Parks Department will continue to update wayfinding and park signage as time allows. She noted that the old sign at Yost Park was donated to the Edmonds Museum. • Marina Beach. The Marina Beach Master Plan was adopted in February of 2016 following a robust public process. The purpose of the plan was to find a route for Willow Creek to come across the parkland. Parallel to the Master Plan work, the City is working on a proposal to daylight Willow Creek. However, there is no funding set aside for the Master Plan implementation, which will not likely occur for at least five years. Board Member Lovell asked about the City's plans for sequencing major projects. Ms. Hite answered that Civic Field will likely remain the first priority if the City is successful in reaching its financial goals. The project to daylight Willow Creek will not likely be ready to submit for grant funding until the 2018 cycle, and construction will not likely occur until at least 2020. The daylighting project will be done in conjunction with implementation of the Marina Beach Master Plan, and the total cost of the two projects is estimated to be between $6 and $10 million. There have been extensive discussions about looking for federal grant funding, which depends on the environment at the federal level for parks grants and salmon rehabilitation. Board Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 3 Member Lovell pointed out that the City is in the process of doing drainage work in the area. Ms. Hite explained that there are several solutions associated improving drainage in the area, and daylighting Willow Creek is just one. Other projects include cleaning out the culverts and adding another pump station to the treatment plant. • Fishing Pier. The fishing pier was opened again to the public last September, but there are some issues that need to be addressed. The contractor will be back on site starting June 15"' to repair some of the center joints. It will not be necessary to close the entire pier during the approximately 5-week construction period, but some areas will likely be closed as work is done under specific sections of the pier. The work will be done at no cost to the City since the project is still under warranty. • Public Restroom. A new downtown public restroom was opened in 2016, and informational panels were recently installed on the east wall of the new facility. The Economic Development Department and Cultural Services Division worked with the Edmonds Museum to create the historical panels, which were funded by the Hubbard Family Foundation. • Edmonds Marsh. The City will continue to work on daylighting Willow Creek, and the City will continue to contract with Keeley O'Connell to project manage the phases of the marsh rehabilitation efforts. • Critical Areas Report for Edmonds Parks. Recent changes in the Critical Areas Ordinance required the Parks Department to hire a consultant to prepare critical areas reports for all parks where maintenance and restoration activities are expected to be conducted within critical areas during the next five years. The reports will enable park maintenance staff and volunteer stewardship groups to lawfully continue removing invasive vegetation and restoring native vegetation within critical areas following approval by the Planning Division. • Parklet Development. The City has received requests from a number of private business owners in the downtown about the idea of constructing parklets. The City's plan is to construct a parklet on 4`' Avenue between Main Street and the ECA as a pilot project to gauge interest. Vice Chair Monroe noted that creating parklets could result in a loss of parking. He asked if there is a process whereby the City will solicit feedback from the community about whether or not this would be desirable. Ms. Hite said the first parklet would be constructed closer to the ECA where there is not as much demand for parking space. The goal is to see how much it is utilized before considering opportunities to expand to other locations. • Outdoor Fitness Zones. Money has been set aside in the Capital Improvement Program for the past two years to provide leverage or matching funds for grants to complete this project. The City's grant application has been put on hold based on a recent decision by Verdant Health to place a hold on all grants pending discussions with their auditors. The project is still in Verdant's queue, but it will not be done until grant funding has been received. • Meadowdale Playfields. The City is partnering with the City of Lynnwood and the Edmonds School District to renovate the Meadowdale Playfields in 2017. The intent is to replace the natural dirt and grass fields with synthetic fields so they can be played on year-round. The City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the school district and the City of Lynnwood, and the City of Lynnwood recently awarded the contract. The project should be on line by the end of the year. • City Storage Building. The previous building was destroyed by an arson fire, and the City is in the process of replacing it with a larger facility that will serve the needs of both the Parks Department and the Public Works Department. Progress towards completion of the new building should be made before the end of the year. • Community Garden. This project has been identified in the City's Capital Improvement Program for quite some time, but it has been difficult to find land. City staff is in discussions with Snohomish County about entering into an interlocal agreement to use a portion of Esperance Park for a Community Garden. Snohomish County recently completed a master plan for the park, which includes space for a community garden. Working together, they should be able to get the garden area ready for the 2018 growing season. Board Member Lovell asked how large the garden would be, and Ms. Hite answered that it would be about'/2 acre, divided into about 50 raised beds. Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 4 • Veteran's Plaza. There was a very successful ribbon -cutting event on Memorial Day, but there is a final punch list of items that still need to be completed. Waterfront Redevelopment and Walkway Completion. The City has been working parallel to the Senior Center's efforts to rebuild. The City's interest is to pull back the creosote pier from the Sound and introduce a filtration system from the parking lot to the Sound. In addition, the City is interested in completing the walkway south of the Senior Center. The City owns an easement in front of the Ebbtide Condominiums, and it is working with a designer to figure out the possibilities of connecting the walkway. The City has applied for grant funding, and there will also be some funding available from the Real Estate Excise Tax and Park Impact Fees. They are currently in the design phase, and also have a contractor working on the environmental permits that will be needed for the project. The goal is to break ground in 2018 and complete the overwater construction work during the fish window (mid -July through mid - September). • Frances Anderson Center Bandshell. The City received occupancy papers for the new facility today, and it will be used by the Arts Festival this weekend. They have received a number of positive comments about the bandshell, which fits Edmonds nicely. Informational Panels. A committee with representatives from the Arts Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Development Services, and Parks Department have met to develop draft guidelines for informational panels located in City parks and rights -of -way to ensure a stylistic consistency and sensitivity to number and locations. The informational panels are intended to provide environmental, historical and cultural information associated with specific sites. Two informational panels are currently in development, one for Yost Park to identify an old -growth cedar stump showing notches from logging at the turn of the 20'h century and another for Sunset Avenue showing the waterfront sawmills in 1910. The Historic Preservation Commission developed the concept for the two panels and the design was reviewed by the Arts Commission. The City Council approved allocation of funds to create the two panels in December of 2016, but they required that the Planning Board review the design before final fabrication. Board Member Lovell noted that the proposal is to place an informational sign at the end of Bell Street on Sunset Avenue. He noted that, as currently proposed, a new crossing over the tracks is proposed at Edmonds Street. There have been suggestions that a minipark could be established in this location, as well. He said the Historic Preservation Commission should be made aware of this proposal so they can consider the option of moving the informational sign further north to a higher location at some point in the future. Ms. Hite said it was difficult to find an ideal location on City property that did not have trees that blocked the view. She agreed to invite the group to consider this alternative location, as well. Board Member Lovell inquired about the exact location of the informational sign at Yost Park. Ms. Hite answered that it would be located about 200 feet down a trail off of Main Street that starts near 2nd Avenue where an old -growth cedar stump is located. She noted that a lot of walkers use the trail, and the sign would be highly visible. The intent is to locate it right next to the stump. Board Member Lovell asked if any thought has been given to creating a map to illustrate the location of each of the informational signs, and Ms. Hite answered affirmatively. Board Member Robles said that these signs have been used in other cities, and they tend to fade and become weathered over time. He asked if there is sufficient funding to ensure that the signs are high quality. Ms. Hite answered that the signs would be constructed of a high -quality laminate material that is weather resistant. The same material has been used on other signs in the City over the past five years, and they are very happy with the durability of the product. Board Member Robles said he likes the concept of historical panels. However, he asked if the City has considered opportunities for historical panels that celebrate the indigenous community that used to live in Edmonds. Ms. Hite answered that the informational signs that were installed on the new restroom in the downtown tell the story of the indigenous people. Vice Chair Monroe asked if the City is planning to install more informational signs over time. Ms. Hite answered hat is possible as they work with the Historic Preservation Commission to identify stories and places. However, there is Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 5 nothing planned right now. She cautioned that it is important to balance the number of signs in places where people want to enjoy the natural beauty. Vice Chair Monroe asked about the average cost of the signs, and Ms. Hite answered that they cost about $5,000. Board Member Cheung noted that the history contained on the two new signs is tied together. He suggested that references should be added to somehow tie the two signs together. Ms. Hite agreed that would be appropriate. BOARD MEMBER LOVELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY ACCEPT AND APPROVE THE HISTORIC MARKER SIGNS AS PRESENTED BY STAFF WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY BE AWARE THAT THE BELL STREET SIGN MAY NEED TO BE RELOCATED IF AND WHEN THE EDMONDS RAILRAOD CROSSING SOLUTION COMES TO FRUITION. VICE CHAIR MONROE SECONDED THE MOTION. BOARD MEMBER CHEUNG MOVED THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO ADD THAT A REFERENCE BE PROVIDED ON EACH SIGN TO CONNECT THE TWO TOGETHER. BOARD MEMBER CLOUTIER SECONDED THE MOTION TO AMEND, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MAIN MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS AMENDED. Economic Impact of Arts and Cultural/Community Cultural Plan. The Arts Commission and staff are currently working to implement the strategy identified in the Community Cultural Plan involving a study of the economic impact of arts and culture in Edmonds. The study is funded through the Parks Department, Arts Commission and Economic Development Commission, and BERK was selected as the project consultant. The first meeting with the advisory group was held, and stakeholder interviews have been conducted. A survey of the attendees has been tested for use over the summer and early fall, and additional data will be collected from arts and culture nonprofits and businesses. Board Member Rosen asked about the Board's role in the economic impact study. Ms. Hite said the draft will likely come before the Board as the Parks Board before moving on to the City Council. If the Board is interested, they could also be involved in the process via the on-line and in -person surveys that will be conducted over the next several months. Board Member Rosen said it would be helpful to see the methodology the consultant used to prepare the survey, and Ms. Hite agreed to send it to the Board Members. • Willow Creek Fish Hatchery. After nearly 30 years operating the hatchery, Trout Unlimited announced it would be retiring from operations within the next two years. Sound Salmon Solutions, a non-profit organization and regional leader in salmon conservation, has agreed to take over management of the hatchery operations and expand the educational programming and outreach activities at the site. A Professional Services Agreement was signed in February to cover staff time for training and grant writing, and Sound Salmon Solutions staff has been working closely with Trout Unlimited with the goal of fully taking over operations at the facility in 2018. Western Washington University Initiatives. This year the City has had the benefit of several projects from Western Washington University (WWU) students as part of the Sustainable Cities Partnership. Students from the parks and recreation program provided creative and innovate ideas for recreation programming in Edmonds, a marketing class provided proposals for the 4"h Avenue Cultural Corridor, an environmental class provided a Phase 1 environmental assessment of Stella's Landing, and a GIS and marketing class worked on mapping the cemetery. Once the cemetery project is completed, people will be able to find information about where loved ones are buried on line and even view a photo of the actual gravesite. There will also be a map available at the cemetery for those who are not comfortable searching on line. • Urban Forest Management Plan. The Parks Department is working with the Development Services Department to complete an Urban Forest Management Plan in 2017, and they have retained the services of Davey Resources Group to engage with the community to draft the plan. The first public open house is scheduled for June 22nd in the Brackett Room of City Hall from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The intent is to create some goals, going forward, for management of the public forests. Board Member Lovell urged Board Members to attend the open house. He recalled that, two years ago, the Tree Board presented a plan to the Planning Board that nearly caused a riot at the public hearing. He expects there Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 6 will be a lot of public participation as the plan moves forward, and it would behoove the Planning Board Members to follow the process closely. • Staffing Changes. After 30 years of service, Renee McRae has retired, and Dave Johnston has been hired as the new Deputy Director. He comes from the City of Tukwila where he serves as the Parks and Recreation Supervisor. Board Member Lovell reminded the Board that one of its members typically participates as a judge in the Sand Sculpture Contest that is held in July. He said he has fulfilled this assignment in past years and it has been a lot of fun. Board Member Robles said he was a judge in 2016, and he found it to be fascinating. Board Member Rosen commented that the presentation provided by Ms. Hite, as well as the written report that was included in the Staff Report, makes him even more proud to be a member of the Edmonds community. Parks not only enhance the quality of life for Edmonds citizens, they also provide an economic value to the City. Ms. Hite said she has an incredible staff team, which means that she does not have to be the lead on all projects. She said she loves her job, and feels that Edmonds is an amazing town that supports parks. Board Member Lovell commented that, looking to the future, the City may be reaching the point where it may need to consider opportunities for obtaining additional funding for parks, and the concept of creating a Metropolitan Park District may come up again. Ms. Hite reviewed that Board Member Lovell participated on the committee that researched the concept a few years ago, and there was a lot of support for the approach. However, at the time, the financial forecast improved and the City Council made the decision not to float it as an initiative. As the City looks forward, the financial picture is tight and it may be appropriate to consider the option once again if there is community support for projects such as daylighting Willow Creek and implementing the Marina Beach and Civic Field Master Plans. She said she has discussed the concept with Mayor Earling and also submitted an article in THE EDMONDS BEACON regarding options for financing projects. Forming a Metropolitan Park District is one option the legislature has given to cities in the state, and quite a few have taken advantage of the opportunity. Board Member Lovell asked if the impetus to reconsider the option would come from the Mayor or the City Council. Ms. Hite advised that if the City Council is interested in pursuing the option again, Mayor Earling could direct her work to do that. It would likely be part of the financial discussion that takes place during the budget process. REVIEW OF EXTENDED AGENDA The Board reviewed that the agenda for the June 28th meeting includes a review of the proposed Planned Action Ordinance for the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, as well as a presentation on the 2017 Water Comprehensive Plan update. The July 12th agenda includes a public hearing on the Proposed Planned Action Ordinance for the Highway 99 Subarea Plan, and a public hearing on the 2017 Update to the Water Comprehensive Plan. Vice Chair Monroe asked that the extended agenda be updated to include an update on the Economic Impacts of Arts and Culture Study, as well as an update on the Urban Forest Management Plan. PLANNING BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS Vice Chair Monroe reported on his attendance at the May 17th Economic Development Commission Meeting where they came up with a number of topics to focus on over the next six to eight months. He also reported that he met with Mayor Earling to discuss the Board's report to the City Council on June 20th. He advised that he and Chair Rubenkonig would work together to prepare the report. PLANNING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Board Member Rosen said he was happy to be a member of the Board and will work hard to learn so that he can add value to the Board as quickly as possible. Board Member Lovell welcomed him on the Board and said he looks forward to his participation and valuable input. ADJOURNMENT Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 7 The Board meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Planning Board Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 8