HomeMy WebLinkAbout011217 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 12,
2017
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on Thursday, January 12,
2017, 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 Nan Evans, Rick Jahnke, Monica MickHager, and
Paul Rice, with Kirit Bhansali and Dwight Nicholson absent. Staff members present were
City Manager David Timmons, Planning Director Lance Bailey, City Attorney Steve Gross,
and Deputy Clerk Amber Long.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
The Commission unanimously agreed to accept the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 22, 2016
Motion: Paul Rice moved to approve the minutes of December 22, 2016. Nan Evans
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 4-0 by voice vote.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE
OLD BUSINESS
Future Work Plan Items/"Bookmark" Subcommittee Update
City Manager David Timmons gave an overview of the draft work plan and discussed
how staff developed the revised recommendation for future work plans. He clarified that
the items on the list are in numerical, not priority, order. Subcommittee
members expressed that the overview was a fair reflection of the discussion at their
December 30th meeting.
Proposed Text Amendment on Agriculture Production in Commercial Zones
Planning Director Lance Bailey discussed questions that came up in the last meeting.
City Attorney Steve Gross clarified the tax issue and how the County's agricultural
program works. Staff stated that the program benefit is not enough of an incentive,
given potential penalties, for commercial property owners to start agricultural uses just for
tax reasons.
Planning Commission Minutes January 12, 2017 Page 1 of 2
Public comment: Milt Reimers, on behalf of Port Townsend Vineyards, discussed his
comments that were provided in the meeting packet.
Mr. Bailey responded to the written comment from Nancy Dorgan. The Commissioners
agreed to permit the agricultural use outright, as presented in the staff memo, rather
than as a conditional use. They also agreed to have staff add a statement clarifying that
this new use does not apply to outdoor marijuana growing.
Motion: Nan Evans moved to direct staff to prepare Planning Commission
recommendations for public hearing. Paul Rice seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 4-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Rick Jahnke nominated Paul Rice as Chair, and Mr. Rice accepted; he was unanimously
elected. Paul Rice nominated Rick Jahnke as Vice Chair, and Mr. Jahnke accepted; he
was unanimously elected.
OTHER BUSINESS
Interim Chair MickHager confirmed that Commissioner Evans will be resigning from the
Commission. Commissioners and staff expressed their appreciation to Ms. Evans for her
work, particularly on the Comprehensive Plan update.
Mr. Bailey announced for the viewing audience that the City is seeking applicants to
fill vacancies on the Planning Commission.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The public hearing for the agriculture text amendment will be on February 9th. The
Commission will discuss the Howard Street Subarea Plan on February 23rd.
COMMUNICATIONS - NONE
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Attest: °
Planning Commission Chair
City Clerk's Office
Planning Commission Minutes January 12, 2017 Page 2 of 2