City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Development Services Committee Meeting Minutes from April 19, 2017 Chairperson Dale Ragan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Council members Bob Fiedler, Mark Hulst, Mary Hudson, Joe Lindquist, Gary Molenaar and Mayor Jill Boudreau. Staff members present were Development Services Director Chris Phillips, Senior Planner Rebecca Lowell, Human Resources Director Kandy Bartlett, HR Assistant Chelan Robbins, Project Development Manager Peter Donovan, Police Chief Jerry Dodd, and City Attorney Kevin Rogerson. Council member Ken Quam was absent. Minutes: Mr. Hulst moved, second by Mr. Lindquist, to approve the minutes from March 15, 2017, June 15, 2016, August 17, 2016 and September 21, 2016. Motion carried. HR Update: Ms. Bartlett provided Council with recent activity in the HR department. There have been six new hires; three in Development Services, one each in the Fire, Police and Library Departments; four internal promotions. There are open positions in five departments and several retirements are anticipated this year. Ms. Bartlett also reported on the following items: • Collective bargaining negotiations and agreements • Payroll • Medical Benefits • Labor & Industries • Training • Civil Service • Safety & Wellness • Annual Evaluations & Service Awards • Update Employee Handbook • Volunteer Program • Review of Property Insurance Adult Entertainment Advisory Committee Update: Mrs. Lowell provided Council with an update to the Adult Entertainment Advisory Committee and the process to date. A brief discussion ensued regarding the area chosen that will allow adult entertainment uses. Mrs. Lowell stated the options were South Mount Vernon or the Riverside Drive – College Way area, and the Committee concluded the Riverside Drive – College Way area has businesses or uses that serve families. Mr. Ragan added South Mount Vernon provides more visibility. The draft ordinance was reviewed and recommended for approval by Planning Commission the night before. It will be presented to City Council next month. Permanent Supported Housing: Mrs. Lowell reported the Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the ordinance that adopts Permanent Supported Housing. The ordinance will be presented before City Council next week. When asked if there was discussion regarding locating a housing facility in a flood plain, Mrs. Lowell stated she has provided supporting data that addresses construction within a floodplain and emergency evacuation plans. Page 1 of 2 Public Private Partnership: Mr. Phillips reported on the EDASC Schmooze Fair and the Public Private Partnership. A survey asking what people would like to see in their downtown was emailed to Comprehensive Plan stakeholders and business owners. A number of responses indicated parking, keeping the library downtown, connectivity between downtown and west Mount Vernon; and the option to ‘work, live, play’ downtown. Types of development not favored were big box stores and low income housing. Permit Value Stream: Mr. Phillips presented a detailed report on the processing of permits Type 1 and Type 4, working with staff to improve the process, and expedite issuance of the permit for the customer. Using data graphs Mr. Phillips illustrated the number of building and land use permits issued over an eight to ten year period. He will provide this information to Council quarterly. The Development Services department will be using new software for plan review. This system will provide a more timely review and comment to the applicant. It also has the potential for auto pay and will reduce the amount of paper. Smaller projects will be scanned at the counter; or for those applicants that do not use electronic software, paper permit applications will continue to be accepted at the counter. Miscellaneous: Mrs. Lowell provided current and historical building, land use and code enforcement activity. She will continue to provide this information on a quarterly basis. She updated the Council on recent commercial building activity. A permit was issued for 401 E College Way, a retail building that will house three tenants, and a permit was submitted from Skagit Valley College for a restroom and stadium seating. Mr. Rogerson read the State constitution definition of loitering. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. Page 2 of 2