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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102512 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 25, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Port Townsend Planning Commission met in regular session on October 25, 2012 in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers, 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order by Chair Steve Emery at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners present at roll call were Dwight Nicholson, Steven Emery, Monica Mick-Hager, Jack Range, Kirit Bhansali, and Jerauld Fry with Gee Heckscher excused. Staff members present were Public Services Director Rick Sepler, City Attorney John Watts, Planning Director Judy Surber, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA Motion: Jerauld Fry moved to approve the agenda. Kirit Bhansali seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 Motion. Jack Range moved to approve minutes of September 13, 2012. Dwight Nicholson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEW BUSINESS - WORKSHOP: PLANNING COMMISSION ORIENTATION Welcome & Introductions Each member of the Commission provided a brief introductory statement. Mr. Sepler presented a general overview of the Planning Commission's work, which ranges from small issues that affect a single property to significant community issues such as changes to the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that both staff and the community highly value the work of the Planning Commission. Rules & Procedures Planning Commission Meeting October 25, 2012 Page 1 of 3 City Attorney John Watts reviewed various legal issues pertinent to the Commission's work. These included the difference between quasi-judicial and legislative actions, appearance of fairness doctrine, public hearings and decisions, open public meetings act, ethics, and public records law. Mr. Sepler addressed issues relating to these rules which are particular to a small town. Team Building Exercise (All) There was consensus to move ahead with the agenda since Mr. Watts' presentation was brief. The team building exercise was tabled until completion of the rest of the agenda. Ms. Kolacy reminded Commissioners that all meetings are recorded and available for viewing by the public. She reviewed proper use of microphones. Comprehensive Plan & Development Regulations Ms. Surber gave an overview of planning in general, including the Growth Management Act, Countywide Planning Policies, and the City's Comprehensive Plan. She reviewed the City Land Use Map and Zoning Map and the relevant sections of the Port Townsend Municipal Code. In addition she touched on development regulations and the Comprehensive Plan update process. She provided some materials to the Commissioners, including "Ten Habits of a Good Planning Commissioner" and information on the PlannersWeb. Role of the Planning Commission & Public Participation Mr. Sepler talked about the roles of the Planning Commission, staff, and community. He noted the Planning Commission is the steward of the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners do not have to be subject matter experts, but their decisions reflect the values of the community. The Planning Commission does considerable work to develop a complete record and make a recommendation to the City Council for their decision. The work includes considering oral and written testimony, considering research by staff, and reviewing the merits of the proposal in light of the legal criteria involved. The final decision of the Commission is embodied in findings of fact and conclusions of law forwarded as a recommendation to the Council. Staff assists by collating and assembling the record, researching the issues and using their technical expertise to determine which legal standards apply. Staff will propose their best recommendation to the Commission but the Commission may accept staff's recommendation, modify it or make a completely different recommendation. Staff forwards the Commission's recommendation unless it violates the law. Mr. Sepler then reviewed various methods of public involvement including workshops, structured meetings with public comment, public hearings, and other Planning Commission Meeting October 25, 2012 Page 2 of 3 types of oral and written comments and testimony. He said that rules of procedure have been established to allow everyone to have a fair opportunity to express their opinions. The rules are designed to avoid exclusion of any comments or domination of the microphone. Oral testimony may be limited to accomplish these goals but written testimony is never limited. Regarding the Planning Commission's work plan, Mr. Sepler stated that there are two things that contribute to the work plan. First are legal requirements, such as periodic review of the Comprehensive Plan and subsequent updates; and second, direction from the City Council. Examples of work plan items that may be coming forward from the Council in 2014 are regulations concerning transient accommodations and local information signage. Questions and Answers There was further discussion and clarification of what constitutes the "record" before the Commission, the role of "best available science" and the public records and open meetings law. OLD BUSINESS - NONE UPCOMING MEETINGS Mr. Sepler said that although a number of potential issues will be coming forward to the Commission, it is unlikely any meetings will be scheduled for the remainder of the year. ADJOURNMENT The team building exercise was discussed. Ms. Surber said that the exercise was not specific to any item before the commission, but was a general role play which could be done in a social context. It was agreed to adjourn the meeting and retire to the Hildt Room so that new and sitting commissioners could mingle in a social setting. Motion: Kirit Bhansali moved to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Dwight Nicholson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Attest: Planning Commission air r. Ci y Clerk's Office Planning Commission Meeting October 25, 2012 Page 3 of 3