City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from January 18, 2017 Vice Chairperson Mary Hudson called the meeting to order. Present were Council members Mark Hulst, Gary Molenaar, Joe Lindquist and Mayor Boudreau. Council members Dale Ragan, Ken Quam, Bob Fielder were absent. Staff members present included Bob Hyde, Rebecca Lowell, Ana Chesterfield, Bill King, and Linda Brookings. (This meeting was taped for missing council members.) A motion was made to approve the minutes from November 16, 2016 by Mr. Hulst, a second by Mr. Lindquist, approved by all. Downtown Design Standards Update: Mr. Hyde presented to City Council an overview of the process that has taken place for this update. The Downtown Design Standards Committee has been established and has been meeting. The Planning Commission has also been briefed. The committee would like to provide guidelines instead of standards when applicable. They have created the zone for the Downtown Design Standards District. The applicant of a proposed façade remodel or new construction would first go to the Design Review Committee, then to the Development Services Department. Appeals would go to Planning Commission or the Hearing Examiner. Members of the Design Standards Committee (Mr. Gordon, Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Koetje, and Mrs. Gamson) spoke to the council. They explained the importance for revitalization of the Downtown area of Mount Vernon. The Design Standards document should be a “living” document for potential of updates and changes. The Design Standards are not meant to be a barrier or to control, but to give guidance. Mr. Lindquist made the suggestion to continue to move forward with the progress of the Design Standards. Mr. Hulst stated that he had been resistant to the Downtown Design Standards but is feeling more supportive due to the make-up of the committee. Alfco Subarea Plan Update: Mrs. Lowell led the Council through a power point presentation. First, introducing the Maker’s company team, and then explaining the process of gathering data and looking at options for the boundary. The time frame was reviewed along with the explanation of why a new Sub Area name is needed. Public Private Partnership Update: Mr. Hyde provided a brief time frame. The consultant, Collins- Woerman, will meet in the 3rd week of February to start facilitating public and private entities for the downtown redevelopment. Then back in March /April. Comp Plan Amendment Process review: Mrs. Lowell gave a power point review of how a Comprehensive Plan is processed and the codes that govern that process. There was discussion and explanation on the 2016 Comprehensive Plan applications that were not docketed. Code Amendment Schedule for 2017: Mrs. Lowell explained that Burke Consulting will be working on the Affordable Housing code. This code will provide bonuses to density which will be tied to income limits. They will be looking at transitions that will be well thought out and effective. The intent of this process will be to ensure that the program stays true to income limits and has monitoring in place. This is different than a permanent supportive housing with wrap-around services. Adult Entertainment Advisory Committee Update: Mrs. Lowell explained that the committee has been meeting on a regular basis. The group is discussing secondary negative impacts and what areas we want separated from Adult Entertainment uses. The work is leading up to the Planning Commission meeting presentation on February 7th. Waugh Road Roundabout: Mrs. Chesterfield shared details of the project. She explained that the roundabout will be 56 feet end to end. The landscape plans are to be approved and the conceptual plans have been reviewed. A 10 foot truck apron around the center was explained. Discussed potential road closures. Parks and Enrichment Services- Mount Vernon Parks and Parks Foundation Overview: Mr. King introduced Dan Pickering, Peter Wheeler and Linda Brookings. They have been working on establishing values and missions. They explained the different roles each have. The Parks Foundation representatives described future plans. Mr. Wheeler spoke about e-commerce platform for donations. He also displayed and spoke of new mapping. Mr. King spoke to the 2016 and 2017 success stories. The HOP, trail building, annexations etc. The Parks planning and priorities include: CIP, 2017 Capital projects, priorities from 2014 Parks Comprehensive Plan and the 2009 Little Mountain plan. Mr. King finished with a list of future projects. Eagle Rock Lease Update: Mr. King briefed Council on a new lease at Eagle Rock Challenge Course. He will be back next week to present the contract. He also reviewed the boundary issue with Silver Bowman. The contract amendment will be present next week as well. Mayor Boudreau- 2017 Legislative Priorities: Mayor Boudreau briefed Council on some upcoming dates and subjects: EDASC dinner is next week; AWC Mayor’s exchange was yesterday and today. AWC has a new priority. She met with Dave Hayes to discuss 911 state funding and the need for the city to get more funding. Pearson & Litten have been asked to look at the Hidden Lakes issue. Public records reform: what are we doing to be more transparent. The Mayor suggests keeping the document recording fee because it will help to pay for our embedded social worker. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.