HomeMy WebLinkAbout041614 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE JOINT CITY/COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP OF APRIL 16, 2014
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Port Townsend and Jefferson County Planning Commissions met in
workshop setting on Wednesday, April 16 in Council Chambers at 540 Water
Street. Chairs Monica Mick-Hager of the City Planning Commission and Kevin
Coker of the County Planning Commission called the meeting to order at 1:37
p.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Commissioners present at roll call were Nan Evans, Douglas Frick, Monica
Mick-Hager, and Jack Range with Kirit Bhansali, Gee Heckscher, and Dwight
Nicholson excused.
Staff members present were Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber,
and Deputy City Clerk Joshua Stecker.
County Planning Commissioners present at roll call were Kevin Coker, Gary
Felder, William Miller, Patricia Farmer, Lorna Smith, and Matt Sircely.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2016 (GMA PERIODIC UPDATE)
Staff presentation - Transportation Element
Jefferson County Planning Manager Stacie Hoskins gave a brief overview of
the segments of the County Comprehensive Plan Update. Judy Surber gave a
brief overview of the segments of the City of Port Townsend's Comprehensive
Plan. Jefferson County Associate Planner Zoe Ann Lamp and Ms. Surber
talked about the Joint City and County Climate Action Committee work as it
relates to insertion of the Climate Action Committee Plan strategies into each
respective Comprehensive Plan documents.
Guest Speakers - Cindy Jayne and Brian Goldstein (Chair and Vice
Chair of Joint City/County Climate Action Committee. Brian formerly
served as Resource Conservation Manager to the City/County/Port
Townsend and Chimacum School Districts/Fort Worden.)
Ms. Jayne and Mr. Goldstein led the presentation as included in the packet.
Ms. Jayne covered Climate Action for Comprehensive Plan Updates and Mr.
Joint City/County Planning Commission Workshop April 16, 2014 Page 1 of 3
Goldstein presented Climate Change Mitigation - Energy Conservation
Considerations for Port Townsend/Jefferson County Comprehensive Plans.
Ms. Evans asked where the biggest financial impacts could be found.
Mr. Goldstein stated that agriculture is not a large contributor to greenhouse
gases in Jefferson County.
Mr. Goldstein responded to public comment saying that wind power is not a
good option locally due to height and space requirements.
Ms. Jayne responded to a County Planning Commissioner's question about
incorporating ideas into a Comprehensive Plan. She is looking at examples
that fit specifically into the County's plan.
Mr. Goldstein stated this area is at a disadvantage because energy is cheap
here.
A citizen commented that Jefferson County PUD is very green and advised
that energy gains should be sought in transportation and heating.
Samantha Thomas, Chair of Port Townsend's Local 2020 Transportation
Lab and Project Manager with the Walkable Livable Communities
Institute
Ms. Thomas presented an overview of Transportation and Comprehensive
Plans.
A County Planning Commissioner cited Portland as an example of city taking
focus off of cars.
Mr. Range asked about the how the Living Streets program is working on
Kauai as a rural community. Ms. Thomas responded that the public process
has been important. Emphasis was placed on public and staff education.
Kauai Public Works and Planning are now working in unison. Kauai has
great examples of applying complete streets to a rural setting.
Discussion
Observer Comment (optional)
A Brinnon citizen presented a letter to County Planning Commissioners
regarding a Brinnon resort development. She expressed concern about
traffic pollution impacts.
Todd Wexman responded that the Brinnon resort project is not viable
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Rick Jahnke of Port Townsend advised the commissioners that Jefferson
County PUD is developing a new Strategic Plan. He suggested that they
should be brought on board with this discussion.
Jim Todd of Port Townsend said the Comprehensive Plan should address
bicycles and Pedestrians on sidewalks.
Frank Kauffman asked the commissioners to take the presentations
seriously.
Meeting Summary/Follow-up Actions
UPCOMING JOINT MEETINGS (SEE CALENDAR ON BACK OF AGENDA)
May 7: Wednesday 1:30-4:30 Joint City/County Planning Commission
Workshop (tentative topics) Education and Economic Development/
Sustainability and Local Food (Council Chambers)
Mr. Coker reminded the attendees that DCD prepares a schedule of
community events to address issues around the county.
A County Planning Commissioner expressed interest in breaking the County
Comprehensive Plan into 4 pieces to make it more understandable and
manageable. Resources limit the County's ability to work on their
Comprehensive Plan. State requirements take up most of the Comprehensive
Plan efforts.
Ms. Evans agreed that it is important to creatively address Comprehensive
Plans beyond State requirements.
ADJOURNMENT - COUNTY PC MEETING
At 4:01 p.m., the Joint Workshop was adjourned. The County Planning
Commission continued with their regular business meeting.
Attest:
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City Clerk's Office
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