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HomeMy WebLinkAbout081408CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF AUGUST I4, 2008 7:00 PM CITY" HALL THIRD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM Meeting Materials: EXH ]. Planning Corrnnission Meeting Agenda for August 14, 2008 CAhL TO ORDER Chair Steve Emery called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM II. ROLL CALL Present: Stove Emery. Jerauld Fry, I3i11 LeMaster, Monica Mickhager (arrived 7:05 PM), Kristen Nelson, Julian Ray, George Unterseher Staff: Rick Sepler, Planning Director Ill. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA Commissioner Nelson moved for acceptance of the agenda, which was seconded by Comrissioner Unterseher, and approved all in favor. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of July 10, 2008 -Page 5, paragraph 6, line 4: " ... contradictory to the goals of the City of Port "Townsend." Page 4, paragraph 2: '`.... University District (Seattle} model ... _" Mr. LeMaster moved and .TIr. Unterseher seconded for approval of the minutes, as amended. The minutes of July ]0, 2008 were approved, as amended, al! in favor. Minutes of July 24, 2008 -Page 5. paragraph 2: '`Mr. LeMaster raised a question related to affordability, property values .... °. Mr. Ray moved and Mr. LeMaster seconded fur approval of the minutes, as amended. The mimrtes of July 24, 2408 mere approved, as amended, all in favor. Mr. LeMaster requested that staff review the July 24 minutes, in particular, to develop a list of issues and ideas for fuhtre discussion. Mr. Sepler said that staff would incorporate those elements in materials for the upcoming meetings on Scope of Work, likely beginning on with the meeting on August 28. V. GENERAL PUBLICCOMiVIENT-None P/arming Commission Page 1 oF10 August 14, Zo08 VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on Sign Code and Upto~~ n Parking Ordinances (Rick Sepler, Planning Director) Mr. Sepler said that on September 8, City Council would have its second workshop meeting on the Sign Code (Council Chambers beginning at 6:30 PM). The first dealt with recommendations and reports; the second is to walk through the Ordinance per se. Council requested research on additional items to aid in their review, which will be documented and distributed shortly. The Uptown Parking Ordinance is scheduled for public hearing on September 15. The parking study was completed on August 1. Results have been quantified and summarized; copies were made available to Platming Commissioners. Vll. NEW BUSINESS Presentation on Economic Issues and Approaches (Bill Wise, et al., Team Jefferson) Bill Wise introduced himself and his associates: Alisha and Colin Merriman, Linda Kay Smith, llanille Turissini, Katherine Baril, and Greg Weir. He said he would tune his presentation toward affordable housing and the wage/housing gap, and suggest a broadened view over the next ten to twenty years. He then walked through a Power Point presentation entitled Year in Review. beam Jefferson formed about a year ago. It is funded by Jefferson County and the State. The six-member operating committee meets weekly on Friday mornings. As the process evolves, monthly meetings include increasing numbers ofbusiness community members and agendas address more specific issues. WSU has provided start up leverage in the form of office and Internet resources. etc. The two "modest" first year objectives were: Set a new tone for business, and Create a positive, motivating environment for the Jefferson County business community. Mr. Wise said this was driven by observations of earlier Economic Development efforts. Another important goal was to Build Credibility by listening to business leaders and the ewnmunity, developing partnerships and gaining some early victories. Mr. Wise noted the importance of celebrating the positive throughout the County and City in "Setting the New Tone". He briefly reviewed an exemplary list of accomplislnnents: • Power Trip Energy - 100ih Solar PV Install • Mobilisa-39'h Fastest Growing Telecomm • Main Street "Outstanding Achievement In Promotion' NW :Maritime Funding & Groundbreaking • PT Paper Mil] Restructuring & New Management • Fort Worden-"Full Service, Year Round Destination" School Of Woodworking Opens At Fort Worden Bon Appetit Management Co Delivers Local Foods Madrona MindBody Institute Opens Doors Neninsula College Announces S6M Expansion Plan Planning Commission Page 2 of SO August 14, ZOOS Wine & Apple Cider & Cheese Chimacum Grange &Chimacum Farmers' Market Preservation Of Two Farms In Chimacum Valley in terms of `Building Credibility' and listening, Mr. Wise mentioned the Fast Fifry Interviews, where Team Jefferson talked with business St community members individually and conducted small group business assessments. This was complemented by business tours and business association updates. Team Jefferson has established partnerships with WSU and Peninsula College, and is developing a leadership program under that. With Clallam County they are exploring a larger geographic reach on the peninsula. They also have memberships in each of the Chambers of Commerce. He briefly described several early "victories', including_ • Nx Level Business Course - W'SU Green Industry Seminar -WSU Co-Sponsored Spring Business Workshop Series CTED Recruiting Trip to California PEAK Leadership Program-WSU & Peninsula College Key "feam Jefferson activities include: • Revitalize SCORE Counseling • New Local Energy Audit Business • Demonstrate Feasibility of PO Ferry Service P7 /Kingston • Backup Network Support For PO Ferry Service • Intervened Por Local Business To Restore Losl Customer Working With Several Green Industry Business Opportunities • Working To Locate Emerging GIS Business To Jefferson County • Team Jefferson "Portals to Portals' Web Leverage • Working With Flow Of SQ Business Requests /Quarter • Business Assessment Sessions Business Assessment Advantages -Mr. Wise said lately a significant portion of meetings are devoted to exploring ideas for new businesses that individuals wish to start, and there is positive traction. From small group business assessments, they have documented what was learned about the advantages and challenges of being in this location. People are universally positive about the beautiful surroundings and lifestyle. He said this is a common theme and can serve as the basis for positive planning and problem solving. The "advantage" list can serve as the foundation for how we present ourselves and attract additional businesses. • Waterfront & Mountains • State Parks, Beaches, Marinas • Rich Selection Of Events & Interests • Community & Lifestyle • Highly Skilled Workers • Vibrant Local Culture • Entrepreneurial Spirit • Sense Of Local Connection Businesses Clusters-Mr. Wise described various categories of local businesses and briefly discussed how they have shifted over time. The paper mill bas lessened in importance, but is certainly still a major influence. The port facilities and marute trades are growing and rising in importance, with more than 400 jobs. He also mentioned healthcare providers and technology/ Planning Commission Page 3 of 10 August 14, 2008 telework as important elements of the job market. There is some emerging technology such as Mobilisa and other businesses that strengthen the East Jefferson economy. Other clusters include: Arts and Fine Crafrs; Tourist oriented endeavors and services; Retail and small business; Fisheries and Shellfish; and the number one employer Education and Government with over 1600 jobs. This list represents possibilities for further expansion. Business Challenges - Mr. Wise noted that many businesses based on low cost energy may not be able to survive. This will affect recreational boating, aviation etc. This is a transitional economy with rising operating costs. There are also issues with transportation services, including marginal ferry service and planned Hood Canal bridge repairs/outages- fIe said that business needs predictability, but many businesses must now operate in less than certain conditions and at greater risk. He said that he did not yet have a good sense of how local businesses are being affected. He said that there are insufficient funds to develop infrastructure. There is also competition for tax revenues behvecn the City and County. Only moderate to slow growth is expected. Available workforce-Mr. Wise briefly described factors such as: the aging worker population; flat/declining school enrollments, Jittle vocational training and nationwide competition for younger and skilled workers. He said virtually every business is experiencing the same problems. On a positive note, he mentioned the successful Northwest Maritime program. Housing and Wage Gap - In order to help attract workers, housing that workers can afford is critical. There is housing competition from incoming retirees. Another issue is the high cost of land and construction. Wages for entry employees are very low. 7 here is a need for commercial and industrial land for expansion. Mr. Wise said [hat he believes Glen Cove is a more positive option but requires infrastructure; an effective strategy to make that happen is still lacking. He also mentioned the landlocked boatyard at the Port of Port Townsend. Long term Plan - Mr. Wise listed these key elements developed by Team Jefferson as the way forward: • Shared Economic Vision • Strategic Action Plan • Sustainable Local Economy • Pmate'Public Partnership • Education & Training • Develop Leadership • Coordinated Promotion Following this presentation, Katherine Baril gave her perspective on several issues. In speaking of Economic Development, she said that tracking the l R to 45 year olds in a rural community is critical to growth. "this was the impetus for starting the Rhody Revolution group, which now has about ?5 members. In preparation for this evenine, she said that surveys had been sent out to the Rhody Revolution group and about 20 Wooden Boat graduates. She said it is important to consider how statements and questions are phrased. especially with regard to "affordable housing''. She mentioned that in responses from those polled, the important issue is not affordable housing; it is low wages. If the issue is framed as affordable housing, then [he answer is lower environmental cost, lower land use cost and higher taxes for infrastructure, and it is a government solution. However, the issue can also be portrayed as being able to live in a commmtity with good housing, and wages to afford it She said she had realized that for many years it was possible for young people to "work on a boat over the summer", and supplement their income Cor the rest of the year. During the last ] 5 years, most of those jobs have been lost. Meanwhile the focus has been on land use, instead of growing alternative jobs. She said that she P/arming Commission Page 4 of 70 August I4, 2008 hoped the discussion could be focused on how the County and City can come together with a strategy to keep 18 to 45 year olds. Mr. Wise asked Collin Merriman to share his experiences with looking for a home in the area. Mr. Merriman said that he had recently finished coursework for his PhD at WSU in Mechanical Engineering and is employed with Pacific Aerospace Electronics at Diamond Point. He said he had started looking for housing about nine months ago. After seeking a house in the Sequim area for two months, he focused more on the Port Townsend - Quilcene area. He said that both he and his realtor/friend from Bellingham were shocked at the $200 per square foot cost for the quality of housing that can be found. Ile also noted that most houses start at about 1400 square feet, which is more than he and his wife need_ Although Port Hadlock was seen to be more affordable, he was advised that there are more crime(safcty issues there. Mr. Merriman pointed out that he is in the top 1 % income range for Jefferson County. He said he could have found and purchased a house in almost any other area with that level of income. When asked what price range he is seeking, Mr. Merriman said that he evaluates on the basis of cost per square footage. He pointed out that by the ratio of income to housing costs, the square foot price here is the second highest cost in the State and on the West Coast including California, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada. Wben asked why he chose this place, he said that his company had paid for his PhD research costs, and he had agreed to work there for at least three years. He had then been assigned here instead of Wanatchee where the corporate offices are located. In his case, he is not particularly attracted to the lifestyle, and does not find that it is geared to his age group. However, he does like his job, which would be the major factor in deciding to stay beyond three years. He mentioned that his company has open positions for college ~-aduates and associate degrees, but cannot attract enough candidates. Mr. Emery asked whether his company would be interested in investing in workforce housing. Mr. Merriman indicated that while his company may have the means to do so, they are not necessarily committed to staying in this area. Ile cited less than welcoming treatment of businesses by local govermnents as one factor. Mr. Wise said that there is a certain vibrancy in the economy at this time. but there is not a plan for the 10 to 20 year horizon. He said Mr. Memman's remarks drove home certain realizations about lifestyle assumptions. Mr. Merriman added that he and his wife had lived in various types of multiplex housing over the last 8 years, and had had their fill of that. Ms. Merriman pointed out that it should not be assumed that young professionals are seeking or will accept this type of housing. Ms. Mickhager returned to the subject of what attracted young people to come here in former years. She asked the Merrimans if they could describe what they would like in a community. Mr. Merriman said that customer service is very poor here, even worse than in a college town. Ms. Baril said that it is advisable to be strategic about what group(s) we try to attract and why; she noted that there are obvious generational differences. She said that we are really good at "cultural creatives"°. She said it is not uncommon for rural communities to export their young people. The issue is whether they come back, and for what reason. I)o drey come back as young professionals pursuing a career? Or, do they come back to raise (heir families? Mr. Sepler noted that the whole plan is now predicated on these young professionals, but it is not really geared to provide them with what they want. Ms. Baril added that it is necessary to have public/private partnership to make that happen. P/arming Commission Page S of 10 August 14, 2008 Mr. LeMaster cited his own background and what trade offs he made to live here. He said the typical person moving here is in more ways akin with a post consumer crowd, looking for sustainability and active participation in community building that is of an entirely different nature than consumerism. He said that in looking at targeting and attracting there must the realization that that worldview will not fit for everyone and for every age group. Dandle Turissini restated Mr. Wise's earlier point about the need to plan for the future, and not necessarily focus on the present. Ms. Mickhager pointed out that there is no evening day care in this community, and that there is need to plan £or certain specific needs. Mr. Wise referred back to the clusters of businesses identified earlier. He asked if the people being attracted are those who will be able and willing to fill the slots in those businesses that are being opened up through retirements. If not, what will happen to those businesses`? Judy Surber noted the number of young planners that have cycled through the County offices because they could not afford to live here. Mr. Unterseher expressed his conviction that there is really no way to change the most important given. That is, we live in a market driven, capitalistic society. Mr. Sepler said that the framers of the 1997 Comp Plan had tried to find the balance between preserving the quality of life and still meeting various social ends. The "solution' was getting smokestack free businesses to move here, bringing in young people with high wage jobs. That has not succeeded. There were differing opinions as to whether that strategy can succeed in the future. Ms. Baril said Urat there are well paying home-based jobs that no one sees. She said there is actually an increase in the number of children, but they do not attend schools. She suggested that there must be accurate data. She said the Plamring Commission must help educate the citizetry about the difference between community wealth and taxable events. She said there is pressure for the latter, which means retail sales, but that is not the coming future. Mr. Merriman mentioned the case of a Microsoft spinoff company which he said was driven away by the City and County; presumably it was cheaper to build in Redmond than in this area. He reported that they had spent $75,000 on the first quarter of the permitting process. Mr. Unterseher cited a similar experience with very slow permit processes in attempting to build an addition to an existing business. He said this caused a delay in hiring fourpeople at about $35 per hour. Mr. Wise summarized by stating that the opportunity lies in changing that milieu, i.e. raising the ]eveI of service by and for businesses. Ms. Merriman added that the County and City need to work with businesses and not against businesses, and to support instead of discourage them. Ms. Bari] said that it is important to address the Glen Cove water and sewage issue. Mr. Sepler suggested a review of that situation as a case study. He said that the citizenry in general does not wish to change its lifestyle; there have been many arguments against changing R-III and R-IV zoning that has been in the Plan for I S years, because they do not wish to have multi-family housing in their neighborhoods. The community purposefully ]eft a property out in order to create Glen Cove separate from the City, despite the fact that it could be served immediately by sewer and water. In response to a question. he said that there had been organized and passionate opposition to implementation of that infrastructure. There was further discussion about the need for political wit} to make these plans happen. Mr. f eMaster suggested that if the County does not P/arming Commission Page 6 of IO August 14, 2008 take [he lead, the City should annex the area; Mr. Sepler pointed out that the need for inclusion in a UGA as a prerequisite. There was agreement that discussion of that idea should be addressed in a future Planning Commnission session as part of erafring the scope of the mid-cycle assessment. Mr. Ray discussed the fit of existing plans to the local community. I le observed that there has been a narrowing of the communitys lifestyle, and a concentration on certain beliefs and ideals. He said the "symptoms" are inability to be inclusive with businesses and an unfriendly legislative process with regards to permitting. He said that perhaps we should capitalize on the ecological theme park notion. He suggested that perhaps the Planning Commission should help to articulate the new ethos and help the community "get out oI' its own way". Ms. Baril mentioned a set of strategies: energizing entrepreneurs in the state; attracting and keeping 18-45 year olds; focusing on community re-investment; and collaborative community leadership. She said the community must be ready when proposals come in and in pursuing grants, rather than having the County and City compete with each other. Mr. l.eMaster mentioned the various layers of County and City government and asked why overlapping entities are necessary. He also mentioned the lack of vocational training for the core competencies that do exist in the community, and programs to provide skills for those that do not choose college. He also pointed out the large percentage of County and City employees supported by tax dollars, and noted the relationship to permitting fees. He also mentioned PT Paper employees who see recent steps to increase efficiency, including layoffs, as positive. There was a brief discussion about the likely future of the mill. Greg Weir said he wished to widerscore the previous comments about vocational training. He also cited his involvement with affordable housing on Orcas Island where there is limited resource in teens of land. Since infrastructure is the problem here, he suggested that be the focus of housing efforts. There was discussion about the need for balance in addressing infrastructure, jobs, and other factors, such as the cost of residential housing, whether building new or buying an existing structure. Mr. Merriman cited the high cost of designing and building a septic system and of drilling a well, if not hooked to community facilities. Mr. Ray suggested that the solution is to build a healthy economic engine and the rest would settle out. He said there may always be pockets of the population that are not as well served. However, ifthe community does not find ways to be more attractive and supportive of new businesses, it will simply be a beautiful place to live that remains unaffordable for most. Mr. Sepler addressed the issue of whether the County/City discourages business. He pointed out that the cost of infrastructure is a given. The Comp Plan assumes that, despite cost, people and businesses will desire to be in the area because of its intrinsic beauty and qualities. He said that we must either re-create oursch~es or decline within ten years. In that time, the population that is moving here will have aged and completely changed the balance needed for the community to remain viable. It is critical to decide what the community wishes to be in the future, and then to temper that with the realities. It is necessary to identify the things that can and are done well here. Ms. Baril expressed her appreciation at having been invited and her hope that these discussions would continue. She conveyed a story about working with 4-H and the communities of Quilcene and Brinnon for the opportunity of a $1 million grant. She pointed out the importance of a Planning Commission Page 7 of 10 August 14, 2008 presenting a positive image in these and similar situations. She stressed how important it is to tell stories that empower us a community and that attracts people that we want to be part of the community. That is, "it is not part of being a Victorian bed and breakfast, anymore'. She said it is important to talk about the stories, the partnerships and the statistics. "Whether we like it or not, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state; we are attractive, cultural, creative; were the 1 T~' highest county in the nation in terms of dividends, transfer payments and community wealth coming in." She described how Quilcene has shifted from a focus on the problems to a focus on their unique accomplishments, assets and resources. She said she really wanted to be involved in talking about the great assets of the City/County and community. Mr. Merriman stated that he does feel like an outsider because he does not see a peer group here. However, he has a willingness to participate in community planning and decision making, and this would be motivation to stay here. It is important to be part of a community that is considering new ideas and that accepts him as an equal. Ms. Nelson pointed out that it is important for everyone to have others with whom they can relate and communicate. Ms. Merriman suggested that Team Jefferson, with its diversity of assets and differences in perspective, is a good mode] for moving forward. She said that she believes people can complement each other and be all the more effective for their differences. She stressed the need for mutual respect, inclusivity, acceptance of different viewpoints, creativity, and community. She noted that economic development or planning cannot be operated from a purists standpoint. "That's not community, thats church.' She said that the Team wishes to work with the Planning Commission. She noted that their mandate is not to create jobs, but to create an environment where people can create jobs; the infrastructure is part of that. She discussed the possibilities for meeting the needs of younger people without compromising the lifestyle enjoyed by all. Ms. Merriman noted that the "reasons for being here" list, with lifestyle at the top, that Mr. Wise had presented was based on information gathered from Por[ Ludlow, Port Hadlock and Port Townsend-three very different areas, yet all coming to the same conclusion. She encouraged everyone to "think outside the big box"_ Judy Surber asked if Team Jefferson had consulted any national surveys of I S to 40 year old college educated people to see generally what they are seeking when relocating. She relayed her own experience of choosing Port Townsend. The most important reasons were low crime, natural beauty, low traf}3c, little or no commuting, a job where she could contribute to the community, and a good, safe place to raise children. Ms. Baril thanked Judy for her ideas, and encouraged everyone to contribute their ideas and suggestions. She said that Alisha Merriman was working on a form that would be made available soon. Linda Kay Smith added her thoughts about the importance of the transition that many people make when they have children, noting that the shift in values and priorities is not simply age related. She also said that the planning task is to determine who is coming and why, and developing/promoting the existing assets and attractions. She pointed out that "kids just out of college" isn't the segment that is naturally coming here. She said the more natural fit is more family oriented. Mr. LeMaster asked if Team Jefferson was aware of any other land use issues or obstacles, other than land prices, permitting costs and tum-around time, that the Planning Commission could or should address. Mr. Wise recognized that land cost and the cost of building are important issues. Ms. Baril advised care in framing questions and identifying issues. Shc also said it is important to think regionally and collaboratively. She noted that one problem is being forced to have all P/annrng Commission Page 8 of IO August 14, 1008 taxing in one taxing district. However, she suggested that when dealing with the possibility of a new company coming in or starting up, all parties need to help identify the best site within the larger area, not compete for that. She noted drat there are ways to share revenue and be more effective overall. She said that in order to be competitive, we need to "stop fighting and start collaborating"; work force is the number one priority for the next ten years. She pointed out that '`today was decided by a Planning Commission ten years ago' and `'you need to help us work with the professional entities to figure out where we are going to be ten years from now". Mr. Merriman returned to the issue of crime. He said that he was told by neig}tbors in the Cape George colony that any possessions that are visible and not secured will be stolen. Also, he had been told by the Sheriff that he should avoid the Port Hadlock area because of theft and meth labs. He also noted that people in his generation are not necessarily averse to raising children in a large city, and that the quality of the school system is one of the most important faetars in choosing a place to live. Ms. Baril asked the Planning Commission to identify any issues or topics that they would like Team Jefferson to pursue. Mr. Fry said that he was pleased with the emphasis on the positive, in contrast with the Town Meetings which had been more concerned with problems. Other commissioners thanked Team Jefferson for their participation in this meeting. Mr. Wise asked Ms. Nelson if she believed that the fact that Pori "Townsend is viewed as an eco- themepark was a positive or negative for her business. She said it was definitely positive, since anything that brings people to town brings people to her business. However, she said she spends considerable energy on local patrons, who then refer visitors to her establishment. Ms. Nelson inquired as to the process by which Mr. Wise and Team Jefferson would implement/develop their step-wise plan. Mr. Wise said that °`shared economic vision" means that the City, County and Port would be working together. There are communities with different views within the City/Comtty/Port that will begin to appreciate the common ground among them, and may take 3-5 to 10 years to accomplish. Common political will arises from this, having begun with setting a positive tone and an appreciation of all the assets. He said this will happen as various groups get together and discuss and appreciate different views. Once the shared economic vision is in hand, a strategic action plan is developed. Ms_ Baril interjected that a team approach is critical. She asked the Planning Commission for help in assuring that each community (City, County, Port, etc) does not have its own economic strategy. She said that Team Jefferson has financial support from the County but not the City and Port. Ms. Nelson noted that timelines for Planning Commission work and Team Jefferson collaborative plans seem disjointed. She cited Glen Cove infrastructure as an example. Mr. Sepler said that the difficulty lies in the limited resources and that only one initiative as big as Glen Cove is possible. He said that if Glen Cove is the priority that message must be conveyed to City Council. The implication is that to accomplish that, other initiatives such as tear downs, historic preservation, alternative energy, etc must be deferred. In response to a question about working directly with the County Planning Commission, Chair Emery said that he had not received a reply to his e-mail and would follow up. Mr. Wise reminded that it is crucial to take a long term view, decide direction and goals together and ]ink all plans into one. Otherwise, the resources would continue to be eaten up by the individual plans and projects. He said it is advisable to take one step at a time and not necessary to bring all die entities together immediately. Planning Commission Page 9 of 10 August 14, 2008 Ms. Smith mentioned the work of Puget Sound Partnership, and the speed of their process. She suggested that there is an opportunity within that process to adopt and promote a more regional view, i.e. as North Olympic Peninsula, which is different from other parts of western Washington in that it is not yet so developed and built up. The water quality is better, the population density is comparatively low, etc. She mentioned the possible redistribution of funds from cities to more rural areas and the opportunity it presents to Jefferson County/Port Townsend. Chair Emery thanked Team Jefferson for attending and for their presentation. There was ageement that the two groups would keep in contact and continue to exchange information. VIII. UPCOMING MEETINGS August 28: Workshop - Developing a Mid-Cycle Scope of Work IX. COMMUNICATIONS -None X. ADJOURNMENT George Unterseher moved for adjournment, and there was a second. Chair Emery adjourned the meeting at 9: ] 0 PM. !/s~CiL~•~Gvwf~ ail Bernhard, Recorder Planning Commission Page 10 of 1 o August 19, 2008