HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-085Resolution No. 98- C) ~ ~
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
AFFIRMING THE SIX-MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF
,aPPLICATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF ANY PERMITS OR APPROVALS FOR THE
SITING OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington, does resolve as follows:
~, by Ordinance No. 2638, the City Council adopted a six-month moratorium
with respect to the acceptance of applications for and the issuance of any permit or approval
currently required to construct, install, repair, remove, relocate, or perform any other work on
wireless telecommunications equipment and facilities within the City of Port Townsend. The
moratorium applies to conditional use permits, right-of-way use permits, street and utility
development permits, shoreline substantial development permits, shoreline conditional use
permits, franchise agreements, building permits and variances and other similar permits; and
WI-IEREAS, on June 15, 1998, the City Council held a duly noticed open public hearing
on the moratorium; and
WHEREAS, following the public hearing, the Council considered the public testimony
and discussed the reasons justifying the moratorium; and
WI-IEREAS, based on testimony presented and based upon the City's ongoing analysis of
the issues and concerns with respect to Ordinance 2638, the Council enters the following
additional findings:
1. The Findings of Fact contained in the recitals clauses of Ordinance 2638 are
affirmed and incorporated by reference into this resolution; and
2. The Council finds that it best serves the interests of the public to formulate a
coherent policy regarding the siting of wireless facilities and, if possible, to include the wireless
industry in the policy discussion; and
3. The Council finds that given the myriad of issues involved, it is desirable to
continue the moratorium so that policy decisions can be made in an atmosphere without the
pressure of pending applications; and
4. The Council finds that it needs time to develop technical knowledge so that
regulation occurs in the most educated and comprehensive way possible; and
5. The Council finds that, given the special architecture of the town as an historic,
Victorian seaport, the City should proceed carefully to develop an ordinance that works well for
the industry and that preserves the unique nature of Port Townsend; that is compatible with the
goals and policies of the community; and most particularly, is consistent with the City's
Comprehensive, Plan; and
6. The Council desires to form an ad hoc committee -- ideally made up of two
councilmembers, two Planning Commission members, and two Historic Preservation Committee
members -- to develop policy direction and to assist City staff in drafting an ordinance for
Planning Commission and City Council review; and
NOW, TItEREFORE, the Port Townsend City Council resolves as follows:
1. Based upon the above Findings, the City Council hereby affirms Ordinance 2638
and continues the moratorium with respect to the acceptance of application for wireless
telecommunications equipment and facilities, as defined in Ordinance 2638.
2. The City Council approves in concept the hiring of a consultant to aid the City in
formulating policy and drafting of an ordinance at a cost of up to Five Thousand and No/100
Dollars ($5,000.00). The Council shall review this appropriation through the supplemental
budget process.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend and signed by the Mayor
on this 6th day of July, 1998.
Ju~.fvlcCulloch, Mayor
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, City Cl~k~'
06/24/98 [Cable] CA§Res{mori-aff. res}
Approved as to Form:
'~imo: /L.//M~Mah'an, City Attorney
2 Res. 98- (~) ~5