Planning 2013-05-23 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET

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PC Work Session Minutes Utilities Rebecca Fox gave an overview of the legal requirements for utility planning. Both city run utilities and other utility districts are included. Changes proposed include updates to reflect current conditions, consolidation of policies, incorporation of the Strategic Plan priorities and consistency with Vision 2040. The flood policies have been relocated to other elements. Undergrounding policies have been clarified to allow flexibility. Commissioner Mann asked why language on p. 2 about prioritizing residential neighborhoods for utility improvements was struck. Staff and the Commissioners discussed improvements since the original language was adopted in 1995, remaining deficiencies and the need to continue improving residential areas. Commissioners discussed the circumstances under which undergrounding would be triggered, how costs are shared and joint use of conduit. Commissioner Alford raised the issue that the tree canopy should be recognized as part of Tukwila's urban infrastructure and retention of trees should be incentivized. Staff had prepared a new policy for consideration. ACTION ITEMS — STAFF WILL DEVELOP: Utilities p. 2 - Language that restores the struck language about residential priority Utilities p. 9 - A new policy that recognizes trees as part of the utility infrastructure system Utilities p. 11 - A new policy about prioritizing residential neighborhoods for utility projects and extensions Utilities p. 14 — A new policy that recognizes the benefits of trees for surface water control Utilities p. 15 — A new implementation strategy about investigating financial incentives for property owners who retain trees Minutes By: Nora Gierloff NG Page 4 of 4 05/17/2013 Z: \DCD n Clerk's \PC Laserfiche Packet \05 -23 -13 PC Packet \ 4-23-13PC_WS_Minutes.doc 8