HomeMy WebLinkAbout082422CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION OF AUGUST 24,
2022
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission met in regular session on August 24,2022, in the City
Council chamber at 540 Water Street. Chair Lois Stanford called the meeting to order at
6:29 pm.
ROLL CALL
Commissioner present at roll callwere Andreas Andreadis, Bob Doyle, Rick Jahnke,
Viki Sonntag, Samantha Bair-Jones, and Lois Stanford. Neil Nelson was absent.
Staff members present were DSD Director Emma Bolin, Planning Manager Judy
Surber, Building Official Dave Nakagawara.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Agenda was accepted by consent
APPR OF MINUTES - JU Y 27.2022
Corrections to agenda: On page one under old business and general public comments,
change spelling Io Stanford from Stanwood. On second page below the heading of,
"Encouraging infill" change to, "af /easf one parking space on the /of. " Also on page 2,
under boirding houses, change "are planned" to "were proposed'for boarding houses.
And on page 2, change conversions "shou/d' not "must" be considered. On page 3,
under parking surface material, should say,"forgrass with parking sfnps". Rick Jahnke
motions to approve minutes and Bob Doyle second.
GENERAL PUB LIC COMMENT
There were no general comments
OLD BUSINESS
Amendments to PTMC Chapter 17.60 Temporary Use Regarding Tent Encampments
Staff Presentation
Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin lead the overview of the
discussion for the proposed amendments to 17.60. Planning Manager Judy Surber
reviewed the staff presentation included in the packet. Building Official Dave
Nakagawara explained how to apply building codes to wooden tents. He listed that the
wooden tents would have the amenities of a sleeping area, a lockable door and the
ability to heat the structure. He also noted there are no cooking or bathroom in these
facilities. A shelter differs from a home since there are no cooking amenities, they are
not energy code compliant, and they differ in the type of structure. The shelters will have
periodic fire inspections, operable windows and locks. States shelters have a set of
rules, and the common areas will have a more commercial standard.
ln response to questions from the Commissioners, staff noted that future permits will
provide for inspections to ensure structure longevity, and that as we progress to create
new communities, we must learn from the past and look at different parameters in the
future for these temporary shelters.
Guest Speakers
Mike Moore with Bayside Housing and Services Community advocacy group and Kathy
Morgan with OLYCAP presented information about their respective agencies which
serves the homeless population. Ms. Morgan spoke specifically about Caswell-Brown
Village. The two speakers addressed clarifying questions from the Commissioners.
Public Comment
Barbra Morrey
Commission Discussion
Staff noted they will continue conversations with the County to better establish
definitions and solutions to the questions being asked. Staff will meet with County
representatives in early September. They will explore ways to base regulations on
performance standards and omit the "temporary" language; we are defining a new type
of facility that was not defined before. Ms. Surber explained the difference between a
conditional use permit and a temporary use.
Regarding safe parking, the chair noted this could be discussed at a future meeting.
Proposed Amendments to 17.72 Off-street Parking and Loading Requirements
Residential Parking Requirements
Ms. Surber reviewed the staff report provided in the packet, including the scope of the
SEPA. There was no action on this item.
NEW BUSINESS
Draft Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement
Ms. Surber reviewed the staff memo. Chair Stanford noted that relevant bullet points for
the Commission are'.2 (seeking and eliminating institutional and unconscious bias in our
municipal code, especially in our zoning code, and City plans while supporting state and
federal non-discrimination laws regarding daily life in our community; 4 (creatively
provide programs and environments that reflect the diversity of our community and
elevate cultural awareness; 6 (ensure that all our plans, policies, and practices are
inclusive and equitable for all our residents and visitors in our delivery of services).
Public Comment
No public comment on this
Commission Discussion
Discussion ensued. The Commission generally agreed on a broad statement that it is
the intent of the city planners is to find a wide diversity of communities, actively seek
information to support our planning from these communities and sub communities. Then
ask if there are any people we are missing and search for those who are most impacted
and seek their participation in planning beyond a2}-year time frame. ln pursuit of this
statement, the planning commission hopes to broaden their education of different
diverse communities in our city and learn from those of their experiences and what are
their needs.
Commissioners had consensus agreement to authorize the Chair to review the
statement that staff finalizes.
UPCOMI MEETINGS - WED ESDAY. SEPTEM B 28.2022
COMMUNICATIONS (NONE}
ADJOURN
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS . THE MEETING A ED AT 9:30
P.M.
Attest:
J
Planning Commission Chair
Ift,n
Clerk's Office