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HomeMy WebLinkAbout060815CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2015 CALL TO ORDER The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on June 8, 2015. Mayor David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance Director Nora Mitchel, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders . ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Fort Worden Public Development Authority (PDA) Annual Report Executive Director Dave Robison and General Manager Todd Gubler presented their annual report, including financials. With a focus hospitality and customer service, they reviewed accomplishments in the following areas reservation systems, strategic marketing plan, improved overnight accommodations, building renovations, campus wifi and high speed internet, plans for the beach canteen, buyout of hospitality, maintenance and capital plans and projects, Building 202 and Historic Tax Credits, and Discovery Pass. Initiatives for 2015 were said to be focused on new programs, the tenants and the shoulder season, hospitality facility investment plan, expanding food service, including a pub, officer row renovations, energy audit, the June 13 open house, and on-site shooting of a movie "To Save the Man." Mr. Robison responded to questions about the reservation system, financials, and historic tax credits. He noted the next annual report pursuant to the PDA Charter with the City would be sometime after April 2016. This year, they delayed their reporting until completing a full year of operations. He noted that the executive committee serves as the finance committee, although they are also advertising for a chief financial officer. During discussions, there was a suggestion for a continued strong relationship between the City and PDA especially in soliciting City input on future PDA Board City Council Workshop Meeting June 8, 2015 Page 1 of 3 members, in further Charter amendments, and about future programming (including Art -X). Mr. Robison noted that the current liaison in the Charter is the Mayor and hopefully he or she would be involved in future member selection processes. There was further explanation of the State Parks and the PDA in terms of the staff transition specifically in areas of hospitality and housekeeping. Mr. Robison reviewed the importance of Coast Auxiliary Museum as a partner and the need for building improvements for that structure. A master use planning process would hopefully result in a positive solution. Jeannie McMacken talked about plans for the Art -X (a nonprofit school at Fort Worden) in Building 306 (for artisan opportunities). She described her small business more as an incubator at Fort Worden and some of her concerns about paying market rate for the building in need of a lot of repairs. Roger Schmitt, representative of State Parks Commission Advisory Board, complimented the day to day operations of the PDA Board. He also spoke about some of the communication concerns related to the Coast Auxiliary Museum. At 8:09 p.m, the meeting went into recess for the purposes of a break. At 8:15 p.m. the meeting resumed. Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program Annual Update Public Works Director Ken Clow presented the 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Program for council review. Projects listed are identical to the list from last year with the exception of Sheridan and Landes Street projects due to their scheduled completion. The Discovery Road project was moved up on the priority list based on Council comments about increased traffic concerns on Howard Street. Staff would return on Monday, June 15 for a required public hearing. Mayor King asked about adding a project for expanding a path from Bishop Park under Sims Way to Larry Scott trail. Staff noted it would not qualify as stand alone project (not major arterial or collector street), but a pedestrian underpass or overpass might be able to be investigated as part of Priority #5 Sims Way #2 Logan Street to Sheridan Street. There was also discussion of Discovery Road development opportunities and limitations because of the lack of a State Transportation bill. Staff responded to additional questions including splitting Discovery into two projects, qualifying for Transportation Alternatives Programs (sidewalks, bike paths), trail connection to Scout House from Howard Street. Mr. Timmons also provided update on sidewalk project funding. During discussion there were requests for future plans for crosswalk improvements across Tyler on the water side of Water Street and at the Safeway gas station. It was noted that Howard Street is still listed because it might carry over to 2016. City Council Workshop Meeting June 8, 2015 Page 2 of 3 ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Attest: City Council Workshop Meeting June 8, 2015 Page 3 of 3