HomeMy WebLinkAbout042808CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF APRIL 28, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the twenty-
eighth day of April 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the 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, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Mark Welch was
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Planning Director Rick Sepler, and City
Clerk Pam Kolacy
QUIMPER WILDLIFE CORRIDOR HABITAT PLAN
Mr. Sepler reviewed the packet materials and introduced Sarah Spaeth and Owen
Fairbank representing the Jefferson Land Trust. It was noted that adoption of a
management plan for the Quimper Wildlife Corridor will facilitate grant applications; a
potential major grant may be available but the City must have an adopted
management plan in place for the project. Mr. Sepler noted that the management
plan affects only City or Land Trust properties. Adoption of the management plan
would allow application for funding for acquisition of properties identified by the plan.
Mr. Timmons stated that this is not a new program, but the City has been involved
since 1992.
Mr. Randels asked if the plan could be adopted while still designated "draft" as he
has identified several items in the document which he believes should be considered
more carefully.
In answer to a question from Mr. King, Ms. Spaeth stated the plan was originally
prepared in 2005 and has been worked on by Land Trust and City staffers in the
meantime; it has become apparent that adoption of the plan could be a key piece
that would make the project eligible for substantial grant funding. Mr. Sepler added
that the plan provides more guidance than regulatory authority.
Mrs. Medlicott requested information on how much land would be removed from the
tax rolls and how much staff time has been devoted to the project.
Mr. Spaeth stated that in order to be eligible for this grant cycle, a plan would have
to be adopted by the City no later than June 2.
City Council Workshop Page 1 Apnl 28, 2008
Mr. Sepler stated that the plan has been reviewed by the Planning Commission
which held a workshop and two public hearings prior to issuing their findings and
SEPA review has also been done. He added that most of the work on the plan has
been done not by City staff but by the Land Trust.
Mr. King asked if the management plan could be adopted in stages. Mr. Timmons
noted that it is necessary to adopt a document that satisfies the grant agency's
requirements so that we will have eligibility for grant funding during the upcoming
cycle.
Mr. Randels stated a plan once adopted can be amended and he would be willing to
approve even though he has some serious questions and suggested amendments.
Adoption would just initiate the process. Ms. Spaeth agreed that the plan can be
amended after adoption. She stated that some parts of the plan are guiding the
current actions of the Land Trust.
Ms. Sandoval stated she would have liked to see the work done by the Planning
Commission in more detail. She expressed philosophical support of the concept,
supports the long term relationship with the Land Trust, and believes designation of
these properties will save problems down the road with people who don't understand
why they can't develop parcels they have bought sight unseen that are not
developable, for example, wetlands.
Ms. Spaeth noted that there is some development pressure in the area; the plan
could be postponed until the next grant cycle but the Land Trust is committed to
going forward even if the City is not willing to be a sponsor.
Ms. Robinson said that it would be wise to put money forward for prevention of
future problems rather than spending more for the "treatment" when these problems
come forward.
Mr. Sepler stated that staff can add appropriate recitals to the proposed resolution
adopting the plan.
Mr. Randels stated that none of his concerns rise to a level that must be addressed
before making a decision on whether to adopt the document. He stated that his
broader philosophical issues include assuring that this plan is consistent with our
obligations as a City.
Mr. Sepler stated that Council members should forward any areas of concern to him.
Mr. Timmons will check to see if it is possible to adopt this as an interim plan.
RECESS
Mayor Sandoval declared a recess at 7:50 for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
Cify Council Workshop Page 2 Apnl 28, 2008
REVIEW OF CITY OWNED LANDS
Mr. Timmons presented an overview of the public property within the City and
reviewed prior Council actions regarding these properties. He noted that property
owned by the City must ultimately have a public purpose and cannot be held for
speculative purposes. Ms. Sandoval stated that if any lands are designated for low
income housing, she would prefer a long term lease arrangement rather than an
outright sale.
Discussion ensued about the various properties and their histories. Mr. Timmons
also explained the differences and impacts to properties in relation to specific City
funds.
Mr. Randels noted that in addition to affordable housing, community gardens on
public property should also be considered.
TOWN MEETING DISCUSSION
Mr. Sepler presented the summary results of the exercises completed at the Town
Meeting. He noted that there was support from participants on seeking voter
approval of some sort of levy issue. Mr. Timmons stated that if the Council wishes
to consider an August ballot measure, it would have to be delivered to the County no
later than May 27. For the November ballot, the deadline is in July.
Mr. Sepler said that although this is not a mandate, a substantial number of
community members have said they would rather have the City pursue more
revenue than cut services. Staff believes this provides grounds to explore a second
step and will prepare scenarios with pros and cons for the Council's consideration.
Ms. Sandoval stated her hope that staff would pursue getting the City Managers'
"Civics 101" recorded on film for the website and other venues. She also reiterated
that developing a set of Frequently Asked Questions for distribution would be
desirable.
There was discussion about optimum days of the week and times for the next Town
Meeting. Staff was directed to check availability of the High School gymnasium on
Monday, June 2.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 3 Apri! 28, 2008