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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030509o~ ~ District No. 1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No. 3 Commissioner: John Austin County Administrator. Philip Morley Clerk of the Board: Loma Delaney MINUTES Special Meeting with Port Townsend City Council March 5, 2009 Chairman David Sullivan called the Special Meeting to order in the presence of Commissioners Phil Johnson and John Austin, and Port Townsend City Councilmembers Michelle Sandoval, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, George Randels, Mark Welch, Brent Butler, and David King. Staff present from the County included County Administrator Philip Morley, Director of Community Development Al Scalf, and Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler. Staff present from the City included City Manager David Timmons, Planning Director Rick Sepler, and Senior Planner Judy Surber. Surplus Property for Affordable Housing: City Senior Planner Judy Surber explained that at the previous joint City/County meeting there was discussion about looking at properties owned by the City and County within the Port Townsend city limits that could be potential sites for affordable housing. This could be accomplished by transferring the land to another organization or entering into along-term lease. The City staff conducted a coarse level analysis to find properties that were at least one acre and that didn't have a designated use and identified five properties that range in size from P/z acres to 15 acres. They used the zoning surrounding the properties to estimate the ballpazk yield of the density. She noted that there will need to be further review of the sites. The critical azeas information is based on information from the GIS system and not from a field investigation. Their goal is to have the City Council choose 2 or 3 of the sites for further analysis regazding title seazches and infrastructure needs. She added that four of the sites would require payback to a utility fund. However, the City has owned the Umatilla site for several yeazs and it wasn't purchased by a utility fund. Director of Community Development Al Scalf referenced a map of County-owned properties within the city limits. He stated that County staff was not able to do any coarse level analysis of zoning or development potential for these properties. He added that the County supports affordable housing across the County and it is a very significant issue for the community. Councilmember Butler asked about the process once the specific sites aze identified? Judy Surber answered that the City Cotmcil would provide direction to staff which would probably be to work with the Housing Action Plan Network Committee (HAPN) to identify the appropriate housing for the sites. It will make a difference if it is a single family or multi-family model, or if it is a leased model, purchased model, or self- help model. The partners can't be identified until the type of housing is identified. The City Council and Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: W"eek of March 5, 2009 _5"~ ; HAPN have expressed an interest in looking at work force housing and that limits who the partners will be because most partners deal with subsidized housing. This may result in mixed income and subsidized housing. Details of several of the City and County properties were discussed. Planning Director Rick Sepler stated that the traditional next steps in the process would be to decide on a "short list" of likely properties and to make sure there azen't any constraints on the sites. Before a site visit is done, a rough feasibility study of infrastructure requirements and a cost per unit would need to be developed. Councilmember Butler stated that staff resources are an issue. Many local governments rely upon non- profits to determine the yield, do the environmental review, and make a proposal. The local government would make a decision at that point. Mayor Sandoval stated that she would like to see some sort of criteria to help narrow down the possible sites. The Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan specifies that affordable housing should be integrated into existing communities. She would not like to see 83 units in one big block. She would also like to see a variety of housing, including multi-family, lease land, single family and workforce housing. Councilmember Randels agreed that potential developers need to be made aware that they would be building a mixed income development. He added that the larger City sites would work as long as this was made clear. Councihmember Butler pointed out that in the City's Comprehensive Plan there are provisions to grant increased density in exchange for affordable housing. This mechanism is already in place, although it hasn't been used over the past ten yeazs. The discussion turned to mixed use developments. Councilmember Butler explained that Seaport Landing in the City is an example where tax credits were used and 20% of the units have to be affordable low income housing for a certain number of years. It was noted that this is a management style rather than a construction style and Seaport Landing targets a specific age bracket. Councilmember Robinson stated that families and singles should be the focus for new affordable housing. Mayor Sandoval added that she thinks smaller living spaces with studios for people who work at home should also be part of the mix. Chairman Sullivan asked if anyone is tracking Stimulus Packages that could pertain to housing? Judy Surber replied that some of the HAPN members are watching for funding opportunities. There was additional discussion about the specific sites for both the County and the City that could actually be developed. Properties that could be put on the "short list" for further review were discussed. Councilmember Robinson stated that she would like to see the County and the City provide similar information on the properties, including feasibility and infrastructure needs. Al Scalf asked for clarification on the criteria. It was agreed that the property should be vacant or have an imminent use change that would allow it to be included in the pool. Councilmember King suggested prioritizing the properties to reduce staff work on the project. Several City Councilmembers gave their top two picks for the City properties. Mayor Sandoval said that she wants the City Council and the County Commissioners to make a commitment to landbanldng for future affordable housing. County Administrator Philip Morley stated that he views this Page 2 `~-, Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of March 5, 2009 process as a way to determine properties that are good candidates for affordable housing. The County has not gone through a final analysis on these properties and the financial future of both the County and the City will play an important role. He agreed that it is good to put the properties on a priority list and have them be a "landbank" in concept with the idea that they would not be removed from the list without careful thought. Chairman Sullivan mentioned that when landowners default on their taxes, the Treasurer has a committee that reviews each property to see if there is a potential future use rather than automatically surplusing it and auctioning it off. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that prioritizing the properties may not work if it isn't what the developer wants because the developer would be financing the project. The Commissioners agreed that they don't feel comfortable prioritizing the County properties at this time. Everyone agreed that this needs to be a topic at the next joint meeting in May when more information on the properties will be available. Councilmember Butler noted that at the next meeting he would like to see the list of properties and a process because he thinks they need to be advanced at the same time. Rick Sepler clarified that staff can do further work to see if there are any constraints or opportunities on the properties, develop a preliminary program based on the housing needs assessment and the need for certain types of housing, and do a preliminary pro forma about proper development. However, it would not be designing a project. He noted that, at that point, it might be good to look for anot-fox-profit fee developer to partner with also. Customs House (Post Office) Update: City Manager David Timmons reported that the City is at a point where a decision needs to be made whether to continue to explore the feasibility of a j oint venture with the County on this proposal. Representatives from the Regional Office of the Postal Service are willing to come to Port Townsend for a meeting. Alternatives need to be analyzed and feasibility scenarios need to be determined that may or may not include County offices. Other organizations have expressed an interest to relocate to Port Townsend such as the Washington Historic Trust. He asked if there is still consensus to continue to explore this joint project? Councilmember Medlicott asked for more information. David Timmons explained that the Post Office does not currently have ADA accessability or a way to address the situation. The City met with Postal Service representatives who said that the Postal Service wants to get out of the business of owning buildings. The Port Townsend Post Office Building is a distribution center combined with retail and the Postal Service wants to separate those uses. In some communities they have done an exchange where the community develops a distribution center and they trade the Post Office for the distribution center fox $ I. The Postal Service has then entered into a long term lease to retain the retail space in the old facility. The building was assessed and it is in excellent condition. The ADA accessability could be solved by taking out vaults located on each floor and installing an elevator. This would also maintain the historic integrity. When the building was originally constructed, it was a Federal Courthouse and the Courtroom, Judge's Chambers, and Witness Chambers are still there. Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of March 5, 2009 Historic Seattle has agreed to mentor the startup if a Public Development Authority (PDA) is formed. The PDA would facilitate the transaction. The City began to look for a partner and Commissioner Johnson agreed to look into County participation. One scenario would be to relocate some of the County Offices from Castle Hill Mall into the Post Office which would free up space for the QFC to expand. The distribution center would be built on County property at the Port Townsend Business Park. David Timmons stated that there is a lot of state and national interest in seeing this project work. Councilmember Butler asked for more information about the PDA structure. He also suggested that possibly Team Jefferson could become involved to do an analysis of the economic development potential. Philip Morley stated that there are two potential roles for the County, one as the purveyor of land for the distribution center and the other is as a potential tenant of the Post Office building. Staff is currently doing feasibility research. David Timmons noted that another model would be the sale of the Post Office to a private developer who would agree to accept the covenants and conditions and protect the building, and provide the distribution center also. Two City Councilmembers requested more information, but the majority of the City Counsel and the Commissioners agreed to continue to explore the feasibility of the project. Coordinated Tourism Outreaeh: David Timmons explained that the City has begun to look at a coordinated tourism outreach marketing effort by working with other tourism stakeholders including the County. Their goal is to create a unified message and approach and consolidate efforts so that tourism funding is better spent. As this project evolves, it will need the support from the City Council and the Commissioners. He proposed that a presentation on this collaboration be included at the next joint meeting. Several things they hope to accomplish include: a common theme that can be shared while still maintaining individualism; consolidating and coordinating web access; and a consolidated event calendar on the internet that businesses could subscribe to. Philip Morley stated that he appreciates the City taking the lead and initiating coordination on this project. Potential Assignments to Stafffor Joint Development: Philip Morley reported that there are several items that need to be worked on by staff and then brought forward to the City Council and the Commissioners. He reviewed the list. Regional Services Agreement -Municipal Court and Jail Services. This agreement expired on December 31, 2008 and he and David Timmons have had one meeting where they have begun discussions. Regional Services Agreement -Voter Registration. The City is seeking some clarification on prior billings and the accounting method that will be used in the future. Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of March 5, 2009 (~/ • Potential Metropolitan Parks District. The County has almost completed a public outreach effort on the future of parks and recreation throughout the County. One area of interest to the community is the need for a reliable ongoing funding. It may be time to take another look at a Metropolitan Parks District. Commissioner Austin suggested that representatives from Make Waves should be included in the discussions. Glen Cove and Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Areas, and Water Issues. Both the City and the County have ongoing interests in a number of potential urban growrth areas. The County has a compliance hearing scheduled before the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board regarding the Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Grownh Area within the next few months. The City is interested in opening a discussion about the future of Glen Cove. There are also significant water issues involved because of the instream flow rules. He would like to work with David Timmons and Rick Sepler from the City and Al Scalf on this issue. The PUD will also need to be involved. Broadband. This infrastructure could be very helpful for economic development and there may be Federal Economic Stimulus money available for this type of project. A partnership could include the City, the County, and other public and private entities. Standing Committees - HAPN and Climate Action Committee He asked if the City Council and Commissioners concur with this list of items? Councilmember Welch stated that he agrees with all of these issues, but would have a difficult time prioritizing them. Chairman Sullivan asked that transportation connecting the Port Townsend ferry terminal to SR104 be added to the list. He also mentioned that Team Jefferson is working on the broadband issue. Councilmember Randels said that he thinks that it is helpful for professionals to look at these topics in depth and then came to the Council and the Commissioners with defined decisions to be made. Chairman Sullivan also mentioned the Port of Port Townsend's proposal to expand the airport as another topic of interest and Mayor Sandoval agreed. Possible Agenda Topics for Future Meetings: The next joint County/City meeting is scheduled on May 7, 2009. Mayor Sandoval suggested that updates on all of the topics discussed at this meeting be included in the next joint meeting agenda. Philip Morley mentioned that if some of the items don't seem to warrant being on the next agenda, the City Manager and County Administrator will work through the Chairman and the Mayor to have them removed. Public Comment Period: A citizen noted that he is very pleased that the City and the County are taking these steps to work together. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of March 5. 2009 =z: NOTICE OFADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m. Commissioner Austin seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MEETIN~'i~~,UUmbJ~1VED ~` y~~~ ATTL'~~'. ~!'«~ ~~ v~ a r ~ f vlA.l/ cX~ `'i' l~ JuliL!~es, CMC Deputy Clerk of the Board CITYnOfF PORT TOWNSEND Pam Kolacy, MMC '" City Clerk JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ~~7 , T David Sullivan, hair ' ~~ Phi John n, Member John ustin, Member Page 6