HomeMy WebLinkAbout021209CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall, Council Chambers
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Materials:
EXH 1 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, February 12, 2009
EXH 2 Implemented Community Initiatives Matrix
EXH 3 Focus Areas, Challenges and Initiatives Matrix
EXH 4 Draft Ordinance for Howard Street Corridor Overlay District and Bonus Density
Scheme
EXH A Howard Street Corridor Overlay Map
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kristen Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
A quorum of Planning Commission members was present: Steve Emery, Jerry Fry, Bill
LeMaster, Monica Mick-Hager, and Kristen Nelson
Julian Ray was excused.
III. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Mr. Emery and Mr. Fry moved for acceptance of the agenda. The age~Tda was approved, as
written, all in favor.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of January 8, 2009 -- Correction, page 8, paragraph 7: The number associated with Mill
Closure should be 2, not 3. Mr. LeMaster moved to approve the minutes, as amended, and Ms.
Mick-Hager seconded. The minutes of January 8, 2009 were approved, as amended, all in
favor.
Minutes of January 22, 2009 - Mr. Le~Llaster moved to approve the minutes, as written, and Mr.
Emery seconded. The minutes of January 22, 2009 were approved, as written, all in favor.
V. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT (None)
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
City Projects in the Works - An Overview
(Rick Sepler, Planning Director)
Mr. Sepler said he would tike to review the results of the City Council workshop, which would
set the context for the upcoming review of the Planning Commission's work plan. Materials
Planning Commission Page 1 of 7 February I2, 2009
were distributed. He noted that Planning Commission workload ebbs and flows over time. He
said there are substantial changes are in the works and will likely generate the need for more
Planning Commission public hearings in the coming year than in the previous two years. He said
he would provide a status of each project and outline what the Planning Commission's role
would be for each project.
The City is at a stage where it is now implementing many projects of the Comprehensive Plan for
which decisions were made some time ago. The actual building or implementation phase will
take place over the next two years. City Council has acknowledged that at least the first third of
the year will be taken up by a "brick and mortar'' construction period. The next wave of policy
and initiatives are also coming forward.
He discussed the Upper Sims Way project, which falls under Public Investmen/ Infrast~zrcture.
It is the highest prioritized transportation project on the Olympic Peninsula, and is also ranked as
one of the Governor's top ten projects for the region. It is likely that the funding will be
disbursed and that finalizing of all required preparation, design and documents will be completed
to be "shovel ready" within 60 to 90 days. The SEPA entitlement is still not ready; there have
been citizen concerns raised and there is likely to be an appeal and follow on process in court.
However, Mr. Sepler believes the project will go forward. There is still some uncertainty as to
whether this project will encompass both Sims Way and Howard St., and whether the monies are
unencumbered or encumbered. He said he was confident that the SR 20 frontage will be done
with all improvements, and somewhat less confident, although optimistic, that the increment will
be available to also get Howard Street done. There was a brief discussion about "what ifs",
including the possibility of a Phase 2 stimulus in two years.
In response to a question about competitive bidding, Mr. Sepler said that bids all over the State
are down substantially due to general economic conditions. Mr. Sepler also noted that staff is
tracking dates very carefully and has reserved dates for City Council and the hearing examiner
well in advance, so as not to lose any time.
This will impact the second item on the list, the Downtown Streetscape, which should go out for
bid in about two months. This project encompasses street frontage from Quincy Street to
Monroe Street. The plan was approved two years ago; design review and neighbor meetings
have been held. He described the scope of work for Madison Street; as much of Washington
Street as possible is included. The access to Memorial Field will be enhanced to include
handicap accessibility and the fence will be moved back. Madison Street will be paved with dark
pavers all the way to the dock. Pope Marine Park will have a new foreground. The tidal clock
will be filled and become a platform that serves as a performance area. There was a review of
the design drawing, and explanation of the work planned for each section. There will be
remodeling of the police station funded by a grant, including a day room and a place for police
volunteers. City Hall will have more of a foreground and the Pope Marine area will also be
enhanced. The overall design is intended to complement and integrate existing structures and
buildings in this civic area. Mr. Sepler also briefed Commissioners on the planned changes to the
police station (Cotton Building}, which will eventually become a visitor's center. He also
described the process and funding for work related to the Tidal Clock and dock areas.
Mr. Sepler noted that the signage plan for the Maritime Center will be reviewed; although
excellent, it may require an amendment to the sign code. He also described the additions and
deletions to parking spaces in this whole area, which nets out to minus seven parking spaces.
There is also a $200,000 grant from Preserve America to "way find" this area: the model will
then be useful in other areas of the City. There are also funds for redoing the sidewalks on
Taylor Street, which will allow seismic bracing underneath.
Planning Commission Page Z of7 February IZ, 2009
In response to a question, Mr. Sepler said there are no funds for remuneration of businesses for
disruptions due to construction. He said that many business owners are supportive, recognizing
the long term benefits. There are plans to do marketing during construction. The overall
schedule calls for completion of the bulk of the work to be completed in time for the Wooden
Boat Festival in September. The Shoreline Permit is the last component part; SEPA will go out
next week. Construction must start on the wave viewing gallery by April. He said some details,
such as plantings may not yet be in place by September. Mr. Fry noted that because of the
economic collapse, many contractors are putting their best employees on the jobs they are able to
land.
There are no plans for the Quincy Street Dock. However, there is a possibility that Kenmore Air
may be flying here during the bridge closure, landing at the Maritime Center dock and possibly
using the float from Union Wharf.
Cotton Building - This is the existing police station and will be the new visitor's center. Mr.
Sepler noted that this was once a three story building with a different name.
Post Office -The City is working with the County on this project, which may be the first project
of a PDA. The notion involves moving County offices here and trade land with the Post Office
for a new distribution site. The Post Office keeps the window and mail boxes, but deeds it to the
PDA. According to a recent architectural report, the building is extremely well built. The City
role would be in forming the PDA, finding seed funding, and making this the first project. He
said there is space and opportunity for leasing to other users. He mentioned that there is a space
for an elevator shaft. Mr. Emery suggested that the historic bathrooms on the second floor
should be retained and a new ADA restroom facility should be built elsewhere.
Library -The voter approved levy provides for continuing operation. There is no money for
expansion from the City; this would need to be funded by grants and leverage.
Taylor Street -New sidewalks are funded, as mentioned above.
State Ferries -This is an ongoing issue. There are bills introduced in the legislature which could
allow suspension of the requirement to build in Washington. When the new boat arrives, the
existing vessel will be returned to Island County. The challenge is to find a way to build a
second vessel. Mr. Emery mentioned the Kitsap passenger ferry, now dry docked at the Boat
Haven, as an option. Mr. Sepler said that the cost of the new ferry may come to $80 million
instead of the $64 million specified in the contract. A rebid might save considerable money but
cost considerable time.
San Juan Avenue -Sidewalks are planned to be extended out and around the corner to the
Fairgrounds. Mr. Emery noted that the existing yellow crosswalk signs are not visible in fog, and
should be replaced with the lime green option for safety throughout Happy Valley and North
Beach.
Federal and State Initiatives - Mr. Sepler noted that jurisdictions do infrastructure well. He said
that the State will provide funding for building sidewalks and safe routes to schools; the City is
prepared to get the work done within 6 months. He noted that the City has been very successful
in acquiring grants and funding of this nature.
Regional Partnerships -The City Council will continue to participate broadly in the region.
Planning Commission Page 3 of 7 February 1 Z, 2009
Under the focus area of Education, Mr. Sepler noted the outcomes of the three town meetings.
City Council will continue to support the school system in whatever ways it can.
For Housing, he mentioned the work that the City had done on the Housing Action Plan and
HAPN staff support. He said that all the code revisions in the Housing Action Plan had been
adopted.
Quality of Life - Mr. Sepler mentioned the Library levy, which also increased the Parks funding.
Regarding Alternative Energy, Mr. Sepler said that any Planning Commission involvement is
uncertain. At this point, the committee recommended moving to a PUD and formation of a
municipal utility.
Climate change will come back to the Planning Commission, including legislative issues. The
background is that there was agreement by resolution to cut carbon emissions by 10%, and bring
it back to 1990 levels. The single largest contributor is vehicle use. There are plans to develop a
municipal code parking program that specifies requirements for businesses with a certain number
of employees. (State-wide, the threshold number of employees is 100 and is likely to drop.} It
will be necessary to reduce the number of vehicle miles.
Mr. LeMaster referred to a recent routing revision by Jefferson Transit. He said it was his
understanding that no inquiries had been made of the larger employers in the area, with regard to
where employees live and how they could be better served by public transit. There was a
discussion about various transit options that are emerging. Mr. Sepler said that the Maritime
Center would be the first to do their own TDM (transportation demand management), including
providing bike storage, clocking in at the Transit Station, etc - he said this is a mosaic composed
of many small accommodations and changes. There will be a section of the code dealing with
Transportation and Parking Management. Commissioners agreed that the City would need to
model the overall strategy, and that there will be parallel efforts by the County and State.
With regard to Make Waves, the City has proposed trading the right of way at the Port for the
land owned by the Port at Kah Tai, so that it can remain a Park. The Park and Ride sight would
then become the Make Waves sight for the pool. The City would also mitigate the wetland near
the Larry Scott Trail where the water comes down from Sims Way and restore the wetland at Kah
Tai near Washington Mutual. Mr. Sepler said that the Port needs a letter of intent (MOU) from
the City, and the City needs to secure the site. The Friends of Kah Tai are involved. There was
additional discussion about the possible particulars of an eventual agreement.
Mr. Sepler said that there will be a series of Historic Preservation issues related to bulk and scale
committee recommendations. Chair Nelson noted that the newspaper coverage had conveyed
that criteria and decisions were final. Mr. Sepler stated that the committee had not yet agreed on
the criteria for designating a building as historic, and that the newspaper article was misleading.
There was further discussion about a viable process for determining what is and what is not
considered to be a historic building, and the notion of "demolition by neglect". Mr. LeMaster
said that there has also been discussion about including some designation in the deed for historic
properties. After the ad hoc committee has submitted its recommendations, there will be a series
of public hearings regarding these issues.
Mr. Sepler then pointed out the matrix column "Balance of the Year'. These issues and projects
will be addressed as time permits. In response to a question about consolidating certain
City/County services, Mr. Sepler said that attempts have been made in certain areas, and there are
others that can be pursued. such as formation of a Parks and Recreation District.
Planning Commission Page 4 of 7 February 12, 2009
Under Education, he discussed the recommendation for a Blue Ribbon Commission to look at
capacity, etc. The PEAK program is being supported and encouraged.
With regard to Housing, he said the challenge is the lack of an agency that can take charge,
monitor and implement. The City will work with the County on identifying an agency and
mechanisms that can ensure affordability over the long term. Mr. Fry pointed out that successful
implementations have involved establishment of housing trusts whose focus is on maintaining
low income housing into the future. The issue of adequate capacity for raising seed money was
also discussed.
In terms of Quality of Life, Mr. Sepler mentioned the plans for Fort Worden. There are also
concerns about right of ways and street ends to be addressed. The Historic Building Survey has
been funded and started; it is key to the bulk and scale issues, including preparation of an
accurate map. A Parks Manager will be hired, the Parks and Tree Board will be reconstituted,
and a Parks Plan must be developed in order to qualify for funding.
Next, Mr. Sepler reviewed a matrix of the Challenges and Opportunities associated with each of
the Focus Areas. Regarding Public hafrastructure, he noted the ambitious scope and the limited
capacity in terms of City Council and staff time. In addition to the uncertain economic times, it
is difficult to influence decisions and funding from the State and nationa} government. He
pointed out the number of things beyond the control of the City or region, and the difficulty of
clear commmunication. Along with these issues, there are opportunities for working more
effectively in preparation for meetings, use of reserve capacity, and leveraging the work and
accomplishments that have already been done. He briefly described the Granicus system which
has been purchased to allow streaming of meetings and potential time savings in preparing,
maintaining and retrieving documentation of all types. Commissioners discussed the differences
in formality required for public hearings versus workshop type meetings.
Regarding the Education focus area, Mr. Sepler pointed out concerns about the perception that
the City had been overstepping its bounds in attempting to help with school issues, and the
challenge of effective communication in this area.
With regard to Housing, he identified the fractionalized delivery capacity and challenges of
funding and resources. There is a need to encourage next steps by helping to direct, empower
and enable.
Quality ofZife -Many of the positive steps are not visible, but perhaps are more important. It is
necessary to show the value of decisions and initiatives that are strengthening the fabric of the
community. He listed the opportunities: better ommunication, additional town meetings,
painting the whole picture, visioning and letting people know we are "open for business".
Mr. Emery noted the recent Broadstripe bankruptcy and the fact that the business may be
available for purchase.
Sims Way/Howard Street -Update and Discussion (Rick Sepler, Planning Director}
Mr. Sepler provided copies of a Howard Street Corridor Overlay (Exhibit A}. He reviewed the
history of Howard Street, which was seen as the last and largest area of C-II, undeveloped
commercial in town. The idea was to do some selective land use planning in conjunction with
transportation to accommodate the area. In addition, there was a proponent with plans to build a
significant building there. After a number of meetings, the proponent dropped the plans, leaving
local property owners skeptical about achieving the desired ends; further work was suspended.
Planning Commission Page 5 of7 February 12, 2009
One objective was to develop a broader mixed use district. The benefits would derive from
having a population there, which would activate the neighborhood during day and evening hours,
and an increase in housing opportunities and options. It would also reduce the need for car trips,
thereby alleviating traffic and pollution. With mixed use, the issue of scale is important - i.e.,
what is the critical mass to get things started? Also, what is the appropriate density? What are
the appropriate uses for housing, and what type of environment should be created for
pedestrians? How will transit and parking be handled? There is also a need to be mindful of
open space and the environment.
On February 17, City Council will approve the vacation and dedication for realignment of
Howard Street. The balance of Howard Street corridor will be the connection to the Larry Scott
Trail. Currently, it ends at the business park. Mr. Sepler showed the new alignment on the map.
The right of way will be shifted so as to allow commercial frontage on both sides. The trail will
now serve the back of all the developments and eventually connect across the street and down to
the Larry Scott Trail. He also mentioned the application for a building permit for a computer
company in the area.
In the previous discussions, the plans were to do a PUD amendment for the Business Park to
allow broader uses there. There had also been discussion of an Overlay District, with special
restrictions for the area along the corridor. Requirements would include two story structures and
some other restrictions. The road would be built to standards allowing further development. A
draft ordinance was prepared; Mr. Sepler provided copies of that ordinance (EXH 4).
Mr. Sepler discussed three issues. He said that expansion of the Overlay scope should be
considered, i.e. that the properties along Sims Way will be developed and there should be
guidelines addressing frontages and uses from Howard Street to Logan Street. He said that given
the cost and the extent of changes, all related issues should be addressed now, since that
opportunity will not likely come again. Either residential or offices are permitted on the second
floor in C-II/MU.
The second issue is Formula Stores. Mr. Sepler said that there should be consideration of a
limited allowance of formula stores, which may be able to afford slightly more per square foot,
and help to start up the area. Things to consider are uses, intensity, some sort of ramping up or
down, and what it will take to jump start this area.
The third issue is Integration. He said he was confident about the applications along the
commercial street, but less so with what happens behind it. What are the transition needs, and
what are factors that will make this work?
Mr. LeMaster suggested that the South Lake Union experience be reviewed, since many of the
same issues applied there. Mr. Sepler said that copies of the student work on that area were
available online at the UW Department of Urban Design and Planning website. He mentioned
discussions about compatible uses,. quality of open space, etc. He said he would send out the
reference information. Mr. Fry said he had seen a great example of effective round-abouts
located at the first exit in Gig Harbor. He also noted the excellent example at Whatcom
Community College in Bellingham.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Appoint Representative to Bulk and Scale Ad-hoc Committee
Commissioner Emery agreed to serve on the committee as replacement for George Unterseher.
Planning Commission Page 6 of 7 February I2, 2009
VIII. UPCOMING MEETINGS
Mr. Sepler noted that the City Council would act on the Planning Commission work plan on
February 17. He reviewed the schedule for the remainder of February, March and April 9.
February 26 -Short Course on Local Planning (CTED). This will be held at the Pope Marine
Building beginning with dinner at 5:30 PM. The County Planning Commission is also invited.
March 12 -Public Hearing on Uptown Commercial Design Standards
March 26 -Public Hearing on Sign Code Amendments, dealing with Sign Master Plans for
Public Facilities (Maritime Center, Library and Port).
April 9 -Mid-Cycle Assessment Council Direction
Vice Chair Mickhager will chair the March 26 meeting in Chair Nelson's absence. Ms_ Nelson
noted that she would also be unable to attend the City Council meeting of March l 6 regarding the
Sign Code. Commissioners Mickhager and LeMaster said they would attend that meeting.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Emery moved to adjourn and Ms. Mick-Hager seconded. Chair Nelson adjourned the
meeting at 8:55 PM. ,~
Kristen Nelson,
Gail Bernhard, Recorder
Planning Commission Page 7 of 7 February 12, 2009