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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021108CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the eleventh day of February 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Brent Butler, David King, Laurie Medlicott, George Randels, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch. Catharine Robinson was excused. Staff members present were Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Attorney John Watts, Planning Director Rick Sepler, Senior Planner/Assistant Director Patricia lolavera, DSD Director Leonard Yarberry and Legal Assistant Joanna Sanders. FERRY HOLDING AREA BRIEFING Planner Rick Sepler reviewed Council's previous discussion on the topic of the interim ferry holding area. Due to real estate development, the ferry holding area at Indian Point would likely be unavailable in the future. Of the potential holding areas discussed as part of the community meetings, the most desirable was the Visitor Center Location (Jefferson Point and SR 20). Washington State Ferries (WSF) representatives Leonard Smith and Steve Beadle were present to update Council on the status of their site analysis, including screening criteria. Jefferson Point would be the most popular option as an interim solution and they would work with City Staff to lay out plans using this option. Council questions/comments: Clarification is needed on who would take the lead in modifications to or a relocation of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Smith said WSF has been in communication with Port Townsend Chamber General Manager Tim Caldwell to work on plans. Tim Caldwell added that the Chamber has set aside funding for a temporary structure at Haines Street Park and Ride provided there is signage and transition assistance from WSF as well as the County and City. Posting estimated wait times and improved access to the park and ride and/or downtown shopping for those waiting. Ferry representatives acknowledged there are many factors to be addressed as part of the ferry communication plan. City Council Workshop Page 1 February 11, 2008 Plans for extra traffic control/enforcement personnel and restroom facilities. Ferry traffic impacts to existing businesses and their parking. Could more sailings be added. Quantity of cars that could be held at Jefferson Point? Ferry reps said approximately 80 cars. Mr. Sepler said the City would move forward to discuss issues on street use and when a decision from Council is needed, Staff would return to brief Council. In the next two weeks, there would be another meeting to reach closure on vessel recommendations and begin dialogue on recommendations and mitigations (including an additional passenger ferry during the Hood Canal Bridge closure}. Ms. Sandoval reported on her experience in the test run of the Steilacoom ferry. Tree Committee Presentation Ken Clow reviewed agenda packet material on the Tree Committee's work. Tree Committee member Nancy Stelow presented the results of the committee's work (provided to Council in hard copy). She circulated tree plans from other jurisdictions and displayed a map pinpointing high priority areas. Their tree replacement program is focused on developing along-term plan regarding trees on Water Street. Council Questions/Comments: How long can the trees stay before replanting? Committee Member Dave Keeler responded it would vary depending on tree type, but 10-12 years is the average life of an urban tree. Cost of tree planting along with cost of potential impact to sidewalks. Mr. Clow reported that the focus of downtown streetscape funding was for the area near the Northwest Maritime Center. There is not money in the grant to do additional work on Water Street. In response to a question about whether modifications are needed to the Tree Ordinance, Mr. Sepler responded that Staff had a session with the Planning Commission and that the only changes that were thought to be needed were in terms of ease of comprehension. Nancy Stelow requested Council consider approving the development of a tree plan and allow test areas for tree planting. Council might also form a City Scape Committee to address trees along Water Street down to the Ferry Dock. City Council Workshop Page 2 February 77, 2008 Ms. Sandoval suggested Council add this item to a future meeting so that Council could discuss and give directives as well as to request Staff research budget implications. Demolition/Tear Downs John Watts provided an overview of agenda packet materials, including historic regulations and the legal framework. A recommendation resulting from a previous review of demolition regulations was that SEPA was not adequate to protect downtown historic buildings. Also discovered was that Port Townsend did not have the type of regulations as other Cities who had strengthened their provisions. While the recommendation was limited to downtown commercial buildings, the Task Force requested that an additional phase be considered. The Demolition ordinance does not freeze a building in time and does allow for adaptive reuse. He also mentioned the ordinance allows a building to obtain Certified Local Government Status (CLG). Pat lolavera reviewed the definition of National Historic Landmark District (NHLD) designation and the types of issues the City is facing with current demolition applications. Council guidance is needed to address how it might respond to these applications and specific outcomes. Mr. Sepler addressed some of the recommendations of the task force and the interim regulation that Council may wish to consider. Staff recommended creating a task force and suggested that Council consider interim controls. Staff would come back with a focused interim control and provide a reasonable course of action. A list of buildings and map was provided in the agenda packet. Mr. Watts responded to Council comments/questions related to whether a property owner could apply for a variance, the implications of a tax credit from an open space exemption, and a suggestion to address bulk and dimension standards. Another concern was that there are many historic structures outside the downtown historic district. Council asked Staff to proceed with developing a scheme with an ad hoc work force and schedule, interim controls, and develop acriteria-based ordinance. It was suggested that CDLU be the Council Committee to receive any task force recommendations City Council Workshop Page 3 February 11, 2008 ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p. m. Minutes by Joanna Sanders, Legal Assistant Attest: ~,:.-rr.~., Pam Kolacy, MMC City Clerk Crty Council Wortcshop Page 4 February 11, 2008