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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER 10,
2016
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on Thursday, November
10, 2016, in the City Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Interim Chair Monica
MickHager called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present at roll call were Kirit Bhansali, Nan Evans, Rick Jahnke, Monica
MickHager, and Paul Rice, with Dwight Nicholson excused. Staff members present were
Planning Director Lance Bailey and Deputy Clerk Amber Long.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
The Commission unanimously agreed to approve the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 27, 2016
Motion: Kirit Bhansali moved to approve the minutes of October 27, 2016. Rick Jahnke
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE
OLD BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Text Amendment on Crop Production in Commercial Zones
Planning Director Lance Bailey provided background information on the proposed text
amendment, which has been tasked to the Planning Commission by City Council.
Public comment: Milt Reimers, on behalf of the Port Townsend Winery, gave an update
on the project and explained the proposed use of the land, which would sit vacant if not
used as a vineyard. He also answered questions from Commissioners.
Public comment: Debbie Jahnke read a definition of"small animal husbandry" from the
Port Townsend Municipal Code.
Planning Commission Meeting November 10, 2016 Page 1 of 2
Commissioners discussed the options presented in the staff memo and asked questions
of staff. Outstanding issues for discussion at a future meeting include whether to allow
agricultural uses in all commercial zones, whether to allow animal agricultural uses, and
which terms to use in the text ("crop" vs. "agriculture" and "abutting" vs. "contiguous").
There was general interest in opening up agricultural uses to all commercial zones;
however, Commissioners agreed that they need more information from staff on how
agricultural land is taxed before making a recommendation. The Commission also
requested that staff come back with information on whether commercial properties have
had exceptions to water restrictions in the past.
OTHER BUSINESS - NONE
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next meeting is scheduled for December 8th.
COMMUNICATIONS - NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Attest;
Planning ss
io Chair
City Clerk's Office
Planning Commission Meeting November 10, 2016 Page 2 of 2