HomeMy WebLinkAbout050714 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE JOINT CITY/COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP OF MAY 7, 2014
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City of Port Townsend and the Jefferson County Planning Commissions
met in workshop setting on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in Council Chambers at
540 Water Street. County Planning Commission Chair Kevin Coker called the
meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.
Commissioners present at roll call were Nan Evans, Dwight Nicholson, and
Gee Heckscher with Douglas Frick, Monica Mick-Hager, Jack Range, and Kirit
Bhansali absent.
Staff members present were Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber,
and Deputy City Clerk Kelly McLaughlin.
The County Planning Commissioners present at roll call were Kevin Coker,
Gary Felder, Richard Hull, William Miller, Patricia Farmer, Lorna Smith and
Matt Sircely. County staff members present were Planning Director Carl Smith
and Planning Manager Stacie Hoskins.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
The Commission welcomed guest presenters and interested citizens to this
meeting. This is the third of three Joint Workshops conducted this year
regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2016 (GMA PERIODIC UPDATE)
Staff presentation - Education, Economic Development & Sustainability
of Local Food
County Planner Stacie Hoskins identified the County's current and ongoing
planning issues being considered in the Comprehensive Plan. City Planner
Judy Surber commented that the City's Comprehensive Planning process
emphasizes a sustainable economy that retains the visions and character of
the community.
Guest Speakers
Dr. David Engle, Superintendent at Port Townsend Public School District
discussed the importance of strong community education in supporting a
Joint City/County Planning Commission Workshop May 7, 2014 Page 1 of 3
healthy economy. He presented the Maritime Discovery Schools initiative,
which is a five-year effort by the School District to transform public
education in Port Townsend by connecting K-12 education with the area's
maritime framework.
Peter Quinn, Executive Director of Economic Development Council Team
Jefferson provided an economic update, including community
demographics and challenges. He suggested that 1,000 new incomes are
needed to sustain the economy of the area. He also reported on the Team
Jefferson Initiatives.
Judy Alexander, Volunteer with Northwest Earth Institute summarized the
development of the Jefferson County Farm Survey and work of the
Citizens for Local Food. She encouraged regulations to encourage local
food growth, and a right to farm ordinance.
Robert Greenway, Corona Farm presented an overview of his
development of a farm within the City and encouraged the Planning
Commission to be clear on the goals they are planning for. His suggested
goal is to increase local food production and consumption.
Al Latham, former Manager/Technician at the Jefferson County
Conservation District discussed his work with farmers on critical areas and
requested that some minor revision are necessary in the Comprehensive
Planning and the Agricultural Codes to further enhance farming
opportunities.
Dr. Laura Lewis, Washington State University County Extension
Director/Small Farms summarized WSU educational offerings and
resources. She highlighted the annual Farm Tour and internships as
means to promote new interest in farming.
Discussion
Commission comments and discussion with guests were focused on the
barriers experienced by local farmers to producing an adequate supply,
storing, transporting and selling produce to the larger local grocery stores.
Observer Comment
Doug Lamy spoke to the importance of transportation as essential
infrastructure. He suggested that the planning focus should not be inclusive
only of new ideas. One County Planning Commission member commented
on the impacts to farming and adaptation needed due to climate changes.
Karen Page directed her comments to the County Planning Commission
regarding the need for zoning pinrl 1� 4 ___..,_�
impacts to neighbors of commercial marijuana growing.iKev noClarkr the
Joint City/County Planning Commission Workshop May 7, 2014
Page 2 of 3
suggested the need to consider the projections for climate changes
pertaining to the nation's future ecological civilization.
Meeting Summary/Follow-up Actions
County Chair Kevin Coker commented that this concludes the Joint
Workshops regarding comprehensive planning. He stated that the Planning
Commissions are advisory boards and encouraged citizens to also comment
to the decision makers of the Board of County Commissioners and the City
Council. County Planning Director Carl Smih stated appreciation for this joint
process in planning. City Planner Judy Surber stated that these joint
meetings are available for viewing on the City's website.
UPCOMING JOINT MEETINGS - NONE
May 15, City of Port Townsend Planning Commission Special Meeting at
6:30 pm; City Hall, Conference Room 3; Topic: Howard Street Overlay
(see calendar on back of agenda for upcoming City Planning
Commission Meetings)
JOINT WORKSHOP ADJOURNMENT
The Joint City/County Planning Commission Workshop was adjourned a 3:51
p.m.
CONTINUED COUNTY BUSINESS
Upcoming County Planning Commission Meetings - May 7, 2014 Jeff Co
Planning Commission Meeting at 6:30 pm at the Tri-Area Community
Center to include a public hearing on the sign code
COUNTY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Attest: ~�
Planning Commission C it
Z, i
City Clerk's Office
Joint City/County Planning Commission Workshop May 7, 2014 Page 3 of 3