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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04122001 Min · · · CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 12,2001 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Larry Harbison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. II. ROLL CALL Mr. Jeff Randall introduced and welcomed Ms. Lyn Hersey as a new Planning Commissioner filling the vacant position previously held by Ms. Christine Ota. Mr. Randall also introduced Ms. Jean Walat, BCD Staff Planner. He reported the ordinance making changes regarding the Hearings Examiner had been adopted. Other members answering roll were Bernie Arthur, Jim Irvin, Frank Benskin and Karen Erickson; Jerry Spieckerman was excused. Also present were BCD staff members Jeff Randall and Judy Surber. III. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA There was consensus to accept the agenda. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve the minutes of February 22,2001 as written was made by Ms. Karen Erickson and seconded by Mr. Frank Benskin. All were in favor. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - There was none. VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Assessment of the Comorehensive Plan Ms. Surber made the Staff Presentation noting the Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) update would follow the same format as last year. She outlined the seven criteria set forth in Chapter 20.04 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code and gave the findings of each criterion. Criteria 1: (Growth as envisioned). The annual growth rate is nowhere near what was anticipated when they adopted the Comp Plan. Ms. Surber indicated there are discrepancies in the Office of Financial Management (OFM) projected growth rate; slower growth does not create as great a problem as faster growth which would require looking at needs of an expanded Urban Growth Area. She indicated valid numbers would 1 · · · not be available until the census data is received, perhaps in time for the Comp Plan update of2002. 2, 3 and 4: Still valid 5: (Changes in community wide attitudes). Individual input has been received, but is not to the degree the community wide effort made during the Comp Plan adoption process. Ms. Surber stated the new Community Development Committee discussions of affordable housing will probably not conflict with policy already included in the Comp Plan, and, therefore, the Comp Plan and community direction statement remain valid. Mr. Randall explained the process for updating the Comp Plan and indicated BCD staff has some suggested amendments. Ms. Surber stated they have received seven suggestions from the public regarding such things as rezones and text amendments. She knows of a few more suggested amendments being proposed, and she pointed out the deadline to receive these is May 1. BCD feels there are some conflicts with the code and the Comp Plan. Discussion followed regarding adequate zoning, the growth rate in the C- II zone, and infrastructure requirements. Ms. Erickson asked if language could be added to Criterion 2 to address infrastructure in the C-II zone. Mr. Harbison asked Ms. Surber if she could language add to Criterion 2 regarding the City's ability to support infrastructure. CONSENSUS: Include in Criterion 2 language regarding the City's ability to support infrastructure. Mr. Irvin suggested the Capital Facilities Chapter of the Comp Plan is now outdated. There was discussion as to the impact to functional plans and municipal codes along with tax burdens on homeowners. Mr. Randall pointed out that since the function of the Planning Commission is no longer quasi-judicial, the Commission would have more clout in bringing up these issues. 2. Affordable HousinS! - Summary of MeetinS!s with City Council Community Develooment Committee Mr. Randall reported the City Council's Community Development Committee has charged him with assessing the City's affordable housing policies. He presented recommendations he suggested in his memorandum to the Planning Commission of April 5,2001 regarding affordable housing. The issue of wages was raised. Ms. Hersey stated the cart is before the horse to talk about affordable housing before you talk about wages; Mr. Randall suggested perhaps they should look more to increasing wages. Mr. Arthur suggested you can't raise building standards and also lower costs. Discussion followed. Additional suggestions for consideration included: > Help with insurance -- overhead for individual contractors. > Licensing. > Meeting with contractors for their input. 2 · · · Mr. Randall indicated he would revisit the issue of cottage housing, bonus densities and parking requirements. VII. UPCOMING MEETINGS April 26, 2001 VIII. COMMUNICATIONS - Current Mail IX. ADJOUIRNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Frank Benskin and seconded by Mr. Jim Irvin. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9: 10 p.m. /J~}~ Larry Harbison, cliiii'r' ~~ Sheila Avis, Minute Taker 3