City Council Committee Agendas

Committee of the Whole January 31, 2024 Police Court Campus, 1805 Continental Place Mayor Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm Present Mayor Donovan Councilmembers: Beaton, Brocksmith, Carías Hudson, Molenaar, Tercero, and Vander Stoep Staff Present: Finance Director Volesky, City Attorney Rogerson, Parks and Enrichment Services Director Berner, Library Director Huffman, Police Chief Cammock, Human Resources Keator, Fire Chief Brice, Public Works Director Phillips, Development Services Director Pratschner, Information Technology Director Thomas, and City Clerk Jensen Citizens 4 1. Housing Ms. Pratschner reviewed the Washington State Department of Commerce new housing element requirements and the Growth Management Act Steering Committee housing allocations. The Capital Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Plan will be updated to incorporate these changes. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) reform including the number ADU’s allowed, size, setbacks, impact fees, parking and new Homeowner Association limitations were presented. Mr. Rogerson discussed the option of declaring an affordable housing emergency with a temporary ordinance. Next steps are engaging a consultant to assist with Comprehensive Plan updates, schedule a planning retreat with staff and Council, then approve a resolution with desired updates. Council, Mayor, and staff engaged in a lengthy discussion of code updates, permit and development fees, housing types and locations throughout the City, mixed use options, variances, Affordable Housing Sales and Use Tax (HB1590), and partnerships with local housing agencies. 2. Fire Station #1 Chief Brice provided a background of the fire station needs assessment, past bond proposal and renovations of Stations 2 & 3. New strategies for Station 1 replacement, including location, bond options, and the timing of presenting a ballot measure to residents were discussed. Finance & Parks and Enrichment Services January 31, 2024 Page 2 of 2 3. Parks Ms. Berner discussed the City’s park system and the challenges with maintenance, equipment, and funding. Current priorities are maintaining the current parks and connecting residents to the parks and trails. Volunteer opportunities and review of parks impact fees were discussed. 4. Public Works Mr. Phillips shared that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to paint the SR 536 Bridge (West Side Bridge) between May and October, 2025. The Complete Street/Active Transportation portion of the project proposal has not yet been defined by WSDOT. 5. Unhoused Response Funding, resources, and engagement with local housing agencies were discussed. 6. Planning Retreat A planning retreat with Council and staff will take place on Saturday Feb 24th from 9 am – 3 pm. Potential topics:  Downtown sub-area plan  City tour for potential housing locations  Buildable land map  Parks planning and funding strategies  Unhoused needs, potentially invite non-profit agencies  Partnership with non-profit organizations Opportunities to spend time with Integrated Outreach Services staff and Community Court were discussed. 7. Police Chief Recruitment Ms. Keator provided an update of Police Chief recruitment and a proposal to adjust the salary of the position, out-of-state recruitment, and assistance from recruiter. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Submitted by: Becky Jensen