City of Burien
BURIEN PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
February 10, 2004
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
MINUTES
Planning Commission Members Present: Robert Simpson-Clark, chair; Jon Newton, Janet Shull, Barbara Williams
Absent: Rebecca McInteer
Others Present: David Johanson, senior planner
Chair Simpson-Clark called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Upon the call of the roll all commissioners were present with the exception of Commissioner McInteer.
Agenda Confirmation
Motion to approve the agenda as printed was made by Commissioner Williams. Second was by Commissioner Shull and the motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment – None
Approval of Minutes
A. October 28, 2003
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted was made by Commissioner Newton. Second was by Commissioner Williams and the motion carried unanimously.
B. November 18, 2003
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted was made by Commissioner Newton. Second was by Commissioner Williams and the motion carried unanimously.
Old Business
A. Distribution of Updated Comprehensive Plan
David Johanson, senior planner, provided the commissioners with copies of the updated 2004 Comprehensive Plan. He thanked the commission for its work in updating the plan.
Commissioner Williams asked if action at the state and King County levels could necessitate additional modifications to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Johanson said the draft Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to the state for comment. The comments received were passed on to the City Council for consideration and most, if not all, of them were incorporated into the draft. The final document is in full compliance with the Growth Management Act.
New Business
A. Discussion of 2004 Work Program
Mr. Johanson reviewed the draft 2004 commission work program by quarter. He noted that in the first quarter the commission will be reviewing the road standards. The City is still using the King County road standards from 1993, and the Public Works Department has been working to update them to better reflect the development patterns and the Burien standard. There will be presentations made to the commission, and the commission will likely be asked to offer comments rather than make an official recommendation.
Mr. Johanson said the Economic Development Department is working to develop a business information packet. Its goal is to assist new businesses in getting established. The commission will be asked to serve as a fresh set of eyes in reviewing the information and to pass along helpful suggestions.
The commissioners were told that in the second quarter review of the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) demolition standards will begin. The primary issue is the vacant land owned by the Port of Seattle, including the former sites of the Red Apple Market and the bowling alley. One goal will be to avoid negatively impacting the businesses and residents in the area should the demolition other buildings proceed.
Commissioner Williams noted that one goal of the City is to oppose expansion of Seatac International Airport. Mr. Johanson said the work program item recognizes that the Port is buying land and may be demolishing some existing structures. While opposition is the overarching goal, the City will need to have a backup plan in place. The City already has acted on the redevelopment area for which the Port will be a major player; there will need to be cooperation between the Port and the City to ensure success.
The commission also will work on the Emergency Operations Plan in the second quarter. Mr. Johanson said work on the plan has been ongoing for some time and the commission will be brought into the loop. There are two levels to emergency operations: regional and local. The primary focus will be on the regional level given that the City already has a local-level plan in place.
The commission will be given an introduction to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) during the second quarter. Mr. Johanson said the intent is to have the commission well in the loop for the CIP because of how closely it is tied to the Comprehensive Plan. The commission will be given opportunity to offer recommendations with regard to the CIP as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Newton asked when the Northwest Neighborhood Plan will be before the commission. Mr. Johanson said it should be on the agenda by the end of March and forwarded to the City Council in April.
The Downtown Façade Program presentation will be made to the commission in the second quarter. Mr. Johanson said KPG, the architect and engineering firm that helped the City with the Southwest 152nd Street project, also assisted with the downtown façade program. They developed ballpark costs for what new awnings and new signs would cost. There may be a wider range of options, however, and that is why the matter will be placed on the commission’s plate for study.
Mr. Johanson said the Comprehensive Plan docket review will occur during the second quarter as well. He said establishing the docket is the first step in the Comprehensive Plan amendment process. The types of issues that get docketed are requests for rezones, Comprehensive Plan map amendments, requests to amend language in the Comprehensive Plan, and amendments to the Zoning Code requiring changes to policy language. Establishment of a public facility zone is an item that might be on the list as well.
In the third quarter the commission will work to develop a recommendation concerning the CIP. The commission also will focus on housing issues, possibly including affordability, design, and a pilot project that may require revising the Zoning Code to establish the process.
The bulk of the work in reviewing the docketed Comprehensive Plan Amendments will occur during the third and fourth quarters. Also during the fourth quarter the commission will continue reviewing the housing issues.
Mr. Johanson noted that a number of issues have yet to be scheduled for Planning Commission study and involvement, including the North Highline Potential Annexation Area, Town Square development plans, online permitting, 1st Avenue South reconstruction, Burien entry improvements, the stormwater management plan, the pedestrian and bike plan, the transit hub and transit-oriented development, creation of a public facility zone, and completing revisions to the Zoning Code.
With regard to updating the Zoning Code, Mr. Johanson reminded the commissioners that upon incorporation the City elected to adopt a version of the King County code. Little by little over time the City has been moving from Chapter 18 to Chapter 19. There are approximately five sections remaining, including the development standards and design requirements, environmental procedures, temporary use permits and re-use, and historic preservation.
Commissioner Newton said the Environmental Protection Agency already has held a round of public meetings regarding its plans for the Miller Creek/Salmon Creek/Walker Creek watershed. No one was present to speak regarding the Salmon Creek area, but the hearings were not well advertised. Mr. Johanson said he would check into that issue and keep the commission in the loop.
Chair Simpson-Clark said he recently was talking with two wetlands engineers for the Port who said there is a sizeable amount of money available from the Department of Transportation aimed at extending the reconstruction and revamping of Miller Creek all the way to the saltwater line. The surprise is that no one has applied for the funds. He said that might be worth some follow up, and Mr. Johanson concurred.
Mr. Johanson indicated that the commission is slated to meet on April 13. However, the schools will be on spring break and there may be a conflict. It was agreed that the commission would continue on the normal meeting schedule through the summer months.
Commissioner Williams noted for the record that she would not be present for the March 9 meeting and would also be gone during the month of May.
Director’s Report
Mr. Johanson informed the commissioners that the City will be going live with the new online permitting system on February 12. One of the objectives is to assist people in getting necessary permits in a manner that will not require them to travel to City Hall.
The commissioners were provided with copies of two press releases having to do with the situation at the Juanita Apartments. He said earlier in the day the City effected the vacating of the complex; it has now been boarded up, and all without incident. The City next will be working with the property owner to remedy the situation.
With regard to the Town Square development, Mr. Johanson said the City is still talking with the developer, Urban Partners, and others focused on getting to an agreement to redevelop the site. There will be public involvement opportunities as the process progresses.
Adjournment
Chair Simpson-Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Approved
/s/ Robert Simpson-Clark, chair
Planning Commission
/s/ Scott Greenberg, director
Community Development Department