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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-27 Community Development and Neighborhoods MinutesCity of Tukwila City Council Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes November 27, 2017 - 5:30 p. m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall Councilmembers: Kathy Hougardy, Chair, Verna Seal, Kate Kruller Staff: David Cline, Rachel Bianchi, Brandon Miles, Jack Pace, Moira Bradshaw, Stacy Hansen Guests: Richard Liu, Bellwether Housing; Jonathan Smith, Bellwether Housing; Alyssa Alcantara; Bellwether Housing, Charis Chin, Human Services Advisory Board; Jan Bolerjack, Human Services Advisory Board; Zak Idan, resident. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Hougardy called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. I. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Tourism and Economic Development Branding Staff is seeking Council approval of a Brand Blueprint, Checklist, and Style Guide culminating from the work performed by Total Destination Marketing (TDM) over the course of 2017. TDM was hired by the City for branding and marketing services, and the project included stakeholder interviews, focus groups, a destination assessment, surveys, and an advisory committee. The City Council has been involved in decision-making about the branding throughout the year, most recently via approval of a brand mark/logo on October 2, 2017. Pending Council approval of the three brand documents, staff will develop an action plan for implementation. Councilmember Seal clarified that the brand is to be used for day marketing. Councilmember Hougardy asked about the existing monument signs. Staff clarified that this effort is not being proposed for any monument signs. Councilmember Hougardy asked what happens to the Brand Advisory Committee at this point. Staff suggested that they be transitioned to a smaller group called a Brand Leadership Committee that provides ongoing advice for the next one to two years. Additionally, regular meetings with stakeholders will continue during the implementation phase. Councilmember Hougardy asked that the material be shared with the council in advance of the December 11 packet since it is being contemplated for adoption on December 11 at the special meeting. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 11, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. B. Ordinance: Development Agreement with Bellwether Housing Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance to enter into a Development Agreement (DA) with Bellwether Housing for an affordable housing project to be located on South 152nd Street, bordered by the Avalon, Ambassador Gardens, and Seasons apartment complexes. Bellwether would like the City to modify its existing High Density Residential (HDR) regulations via the development agreement process to allow them to achieve a financially viable project that is in character with a transit oriented development. In 2016, the Council expressed support for Community Development & Neighborhoods Minutes November27, 2017 Bellwether's goals for Tukwila, and directed staff to negotiate a development agreement with Bellwether on a different site in the Tukwila International Boulevard neighborhood. Bellwether has the option to purchase a new site and their acquisition funding is dependent on this DA. They would also like to take advantage of King County funding intended for affordable housing projects in transit oriented areas. Variations from the existing zoning in the draft DA include the areas of height, parking, recreational space, unit density, front yard setback, side setback, maximum length, and development area. Staff sent postcards to property owners within 500 feet of the site to invite them to a December 11 public hearing and open house for more information about the project. In addition, per council suggestion, staff spoke with the Tukwila School District and Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) about the proposed development agreement. Staff recommends approval of the conditions of the DA due to the public benefit, and because once the TIB zoning is updated as an outcome of the Comp Plan it will have similarities to this proposed project. Councilmember Hougardy asked for clarification of height and what is proposed on the first floor. Bellwether staff clarified that the first floor would be a mixture of parking, two live/work units and a lobby. The height would be six stories. Councilmember Hougardy asked for additional information on the right -sized parking studies and the data behind them. In addition, she requested that Bellwether bring their experience with parking at other locations to the Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Seal reminded the group that previous studies have provided insight as to the parking standards in the City as it relates to high density housing and transit access. Staff agreed to provide additional information. Councilmember Kruller asked about the neighborhood park discussed in the packet. Staff clarified that this is from the PROS plan and is a parklet, though no projects are included in the CIP and that the Bellwether development will include play spaces for kids, as well as other amenity spaces. Councilmember Hougardy asked why the development includes less recreation space than is currently required and this needs to be addressed at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Hougardy asked why there is no maximum for unit density. Staff reminded the committee that the current standards were developed in the 1970s and adopted in the 1980s and are more suburban. However, the comprehensive plan lays out more dense, transit oriented goals and the City is behind in updating its standards. Councilmember Hougardy clarified that she is asking for the data behind the decision to deviate from the standards. Councilmembers Seal and Kruller agreed that our code has not caught up with our current goals. Councilmember Hougardy asked for clarification on the mayor being able to make amendments and staff indicated that the mayor was only able to make minor amendments that don't change the scale of the project. The Committee asked why staff and the developer were asking that this item is moving so quickly. Bellwether indicated that they are under a tight timeline due to options expiring as well as funding sources being contingent on the development agreement being approved prior to December 21. Councilmember Kruller indicated that the Council needed to determine whether there are any deal breakers in the agreement. Councilmember Hougardy indicated that she would be reaching out to Bellwether for more information and will share any insights with the committee. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 11, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Community Development & Neighborhoods Minutes November27, 2017 C. Human Services Strategic Plan Staff is seeking Council approval of a new work plan for the Human Services Program. The Plan was developed following information gathering from internal and external partners, factoring in current needs and gaps, best practices, and the department's reorganization. The Plan describes short, medium and long-term goals and creates a foundation for the future as community needs, funding and priorities change. The Committee members asked as to whether there are any major diversions in the plan. Staff indicated that there is no major diversion but concentrated some of our efforts, particularly around partnerships and other activities that we can improve. Members of the Human Services Advisory Board in attendance indicated their support for the plan. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 11, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. D. Lease Agreement: Way Back Inn Staff is seeking Council approval of a five-year lease agreement with the Way Back Inn for the Gregor House property located at 14239 42nd Avenue South for continued operation of short term housing for homeless families with children. Both Tukwila Village and the Tukwila School District have confirmed there are no plans to purchase the property, and on October 25, 2017 the Committee expressed support for staff to return with a lease agreement. The Way Back Inn operates three properties owned by the City and are considered excellent partners and property stewards. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 11, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. II. MISCELLANEOUS None. Adjourned 6:52 p.m. Committee Chair Approval