City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Economic Development Committee Minutes from February 20, 2013 Chairperson Joe Lindquist called the meeting to order at 6 pm. Present were Council members Dale Ragan, Mike Urban, Gary Molenaar, Mark Hulst, Bob Fiedler and Ken Quam. Staff members present included Jana Hanson, Rick Prosser, Alicia Huschka and Kim Kleppe. Minutes: Mr. Fiedler moved, second by Mr. Urban, to approve the minutes from October 17, 2012 as presented. Motion carried. Proposed Land Clearing Ordinance: Mrs. Hanson provided an overview of the proposed land clearing ordinance. City Council has reviewed draft documents and a public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on February 5, 2013. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the ordinance. Mrs. Hanson explained what the ordinance does and does not do. It is not a tree preservation ordinance and it does not prohibit home owners on developed single family lots from removing trees. DNR will transfer the permitting of land clearing to the municipality in which the clearing will take place. The ordinance includes DNR requirements and the City has added language which regulates the timing of clearing to coordinate with the building permit. Uncontrolled clearing can cause drainage and critical area issues and the spread of noxious plants in addition to being unsightly. Activities that require permits and ones that do not were summarized. The ordinance also includes an alternative that would allow for clearing for homes at the same time as clearing for infrastructure where development is imminent as well as performance standards. New stormwater regulations may restrict removing trees in the future. One of the criteria that trigger a land clearing permit is the removal of 5,000 board feet or more of timber. Mr. Urban inquired how board feet are determined. Mrs. Manville-Ailles stated ‘timber cruising’ performed by a forester is the method used to assess a stand of timber for its potential value. The City has a list of references of cities with tree clearing regulations. There have been 32 forest practice permits issued within a recent 3 year period within the City. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the timing of clearing, and its economic impact upon the developer. Mr. Hulst inquired about heavy equipment making extra trips to a site. Mrs. Hanson stated repair to damaged infrastructure would be borne by those responsible for the damage and that equipment for clearing will have no more impact on infrastructure than what currently happens during the building of houses by cement trucks or other heavy equipment. Mr. Fiedler stated Mount Vernon has a history of building neighborhoods with trees. Mr. Urban added the ordinance provides options. As an alternative, in those cases where building is imminent within 2 years, limited clearing of building lots is allowed prior to obtaining a building permit if specific standards are met; including but not limited to retaining an arborist and providing a performance bond or cash security. Mr. Fiedler asked staff to provide a matrix which would show what activities and processes are required when applying for a land clearing permit. Mr. Quam asked if this will increase the cost of lots. Mrs. Hanson referenced the SICBA Built Green Guide book Page 1 of 3 which recommends the same principles for development as the land clearing ordinance. There will be additional cost but there is also more value in properties with trees. Mr. Fielder commented that the City has provided its’ share of affordable housing; adding this is a good idea. Mrs. Hanson stated DNR will continue to process permits on those properties 20 acres or more that agree to a 10 year moratorium. Mrs. Manville-Ailles stated DNR has reviewed the ordinance and it is currently under final review with DOE. Technology Fee: Mrs. Hanson stated staff is requesting a technology fee be added to building permits to help pay for the costs of maintaining and upgrading the department’s software system. Mr. Kleppe explained staff requires additional training to access the data needed to perform their daily duties; and the public expects the technology and information to be accessible. A discussion regarding how the fee will be implemented followed. Mr. Ragan feels it should live within the building permit fee. Mr. Prosser stated the City will be adopting the 1997 IBC fee schedule later this year. Mrs. Huschka recommends the technology fee have a separate line item for transparency and clarity. Mr. Urban commented he prefers the fees be itemized. Following a brief discussion on the percentage amount staff was directed to draft an ordinance reflecting a 3% technology fee. C-4 District: Staff is seeking direction regarding the uses within the C-4 district. The intent is to provide commercial services to residential neighborhoods without the negative impacts of noise, lighting, vehicle emissions and odors. Discussion centered on whether fuel should be allowed in the C-4 district. Mr. Fiedler and Mr. Ragan are opposed to gas stations in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Urban is concerned about being too restrictive. Mr. Molenaar inquired if a smaller operation, such as 2 pumps, could be an option. Mrs. Hanson stated smaller fueling stations are too cost prohibitive to build and operate. Staff was directed to review the uses before Planning Commission and return results to Committee. Mr. Urban stated he opposes drive-up windows and (electric car) charging stations. Mrs. Hanson also mentioned the following code amendments will come before Committee this year: • Right of Way in the alley (for a sidewalk café) • Enforcement of Title 12 • Land Clearing Permit Fees Miscellaneous: Mrs. Hanson reported on several commercial developments: • Rite Aid – building permit is ready to issue. • Hobby Lobby – building permit has been issued. • Former Swan Moving Company is a seafood cold storage processing business. • Former Sager’s Restaurant has been purchased by a digital legal firm. • Skagit Valley Hospital is building a 28,000 sf medical center on Freeway Drive. • Residential development is also increasing. Page 2 of 3 Mr. Prosser commented Skagit Valley College Lewis Hall is progressing as well. Mrs. Hanson briefly discussed 2 final items. Innovative Partnership Zone, or IPZ, is an economic development approach to partner businesses and other organizations to promote growth in the area; and restaurant week featuring ‘farm to restaurant’. The latter is a cooperative between local farms and restaurants to promote local economy, food and agriculture. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. Page 3 of 3