HomeMy WebLinkAbout121114 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF DECEMBER 11, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on December 11,
2014 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order
at 6:35 p.m. by Chairperson MickHager.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Monica MickHager, Jack Range, Nan Evans,
Dwight Nicholson, and Douglas Frick with Kirit Bhansali, and Gee Heckscher
excused.
Staff members present were Planning Manager/Senior Planner Judy Surber, City
Clerk Joanna Sanders, and Deputy City Clerk Kelly McLaughlin.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the Agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 23, 2014
The October 23, 2014 Minutes were unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
OLD BUSINESS
2014 Comprehensive Plan Amendments-Status
Planning Manager/Senior Planner Surber reported on City Council's adoption of the
2014 Comprehensive Plan amendments on December 8, 2014.
She summarized Council's adopted modifications to the Planning Commission's
Findings and Recommendations regarding Jefferson Transit, Kah Tai, and Beech
Street. Council did not modify the Fort Worden and Parkside amendments.
Planning Commission Minutes December 11, 2014 Page 1 of 3
2016 GMA Periodic Update -We're All in This Together!
Budget and Staff- Planning Manager/Senior Planner Surber reported that City
Manager Timmons was unable to attend this meeting to discuss the Budget for the
2016 Growth Management Act (GMA) Comprehensive Plan process, but he wanted
Planning Commission to be advised that a new Planning Director will begin work in
early 2015, support staff are allocated, and additional funds are budgeted to support
the process.
Surber reported that Comprehensive Plan amendments will be identified into three
general categories of priority: 1) mandated updates; 2) necessary revisions to
address current circumstances and emerging trends, and 3) less essential but
desired amendments. The first two priority categories must be completed. Staffing
and budget limitations will determine how much of the third category can be
accomplished. She further reported that cost estimates for outsourcing work on the
Critical Areas Ordinance exceeded the budget and staff will now work to develop a
revised scope of work for that portion of the project.
Introduction of Eric Toews, Cascadia Planning Services - In October Eric Toews
had provided the Planning Commission with an overview Memo of the
Comprehensive Plan process and his scope of work has now been extended to
provide additional work with the Comp Plan amendments. Toews summarized his
planning experience which includes participation in the 1996 Comprehensive Plan
and Code Development project. He cited the importance of Commission, Council
and community buy-in throughout the process in order to achieve consensus in the
development of the vision and for implementation of the plan and code
amendments.
Implementing the Public Participation Program -A handout was provided outlining
the proposed public participation program for the 2016 Comp Plan process. A
series of groups will provide review of focused sections, commencing with a
Technical Review Committee and followed by specific Stakeholder Groups and
Committees. Community surveys and open house meetings will be offered for
additional public input opportunities. Planning Commission members were
designated to serve on the following Stakeholder Groups: Housing - Jack Range;
Land Use - Nan Evans; Capital Facilities - Dwight Nicholson; Economic
Development- Douglas Frick; and Transportation - Kirit Bhansali. Monica
MickHager will attend Committee meetings. Three Commission members will work
with staff to identify the representatives for each of the Stakeholder Groups.
Granicus Civic Participation - City Clerk Joanna Sanders presented the Granicus
Civic Participation technology enhancements that are available for soliciting
increased public participation in City processes, including the Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission was enthusiastic about the potential for e-comment and
"speak up" forums.
Planning Commission Minutes December 11, 2014 Page 2 of 3
OTHER BUSINESS
Chair MickHager noted that although absent, this was the last official meeting for
Planning Commission member Gee Heckscher. His six years of service was noted
and appreciated.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, January 8, 2015.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Attest:
Planning Commissia Chair
City Clerk's Office
Planning Commission Minutes December 11, 2014 Page 3 of 3