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HomeMy WebLinkAbout062509CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP SESSION OF JUNE 25, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners met in workshop session this twenty-fifth day of June, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall. Council members present were Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Commissioners present were Phil .lohnson and John Austin. Council members David King and Mark Welch and Commissioner David Sullivan were excused. HOUSING ACTION PLAN NETWORK COMMITTEE & SURPLUS PROPERTY Staff members Judy Surber and Cara Leckenby reviewed the packet materials, noting this is a follow-up from prior joint meetings regazding the County's housing inventory. More details were presented on County-owned three sites -the QFC complex area, land adjacent to Laurel Grove Cemetery and Jackson Street site. There was discussion regarding the possibility of selling the Jackson Street site and earmarking the funds for affordable housing. The property would be more desirable as high end housing and probably too expensive to accommodate an affordable housing project. Mr. Morley stated that proceeds from that sale must go to the taxing districts so the entire amount would not be available for use by the City and County (example: sale at $65,000 would result in about $36,000 to City and County). Discussion ensued about the Laurel Grove site, questions were raised about the allowed density and whether it could be rezoned to R-III. Mr. Sepler noted the current infrastructure would not meet R-III requirements but a Planned Unit Development would be a possibility. Ms. Surber noted that a column for assessed value has been added to the City's property matrix. However, staff has not had time to go to the next level of review. Once the Council authorizes property to be listed in the affordable housing land bank, the City can look for partners and grants to further the analysis. Joint Workshop Page 1 June 25, 2009 Mr. Randels requested information on "LLA" (lot line adjustrrtent) and what that means. Ms. Surber noted if a lot line adjusment is in place, the parcels would not be eligible to be sold separately. Mr. Timmons added that the lot line adjustment was related to a state wildlife corridor grant. He stated it is not in perpetuity, but a subdivision process would have to be completed in order to divide the parcels out again. Mr. Randels suggested it would make sense to proceed from here with one parcel from each jurisdiction and have staff concentrate on those, look for partners, eta He suggested the Umatilla site from the City and the Laurel Grove parcel from the County as having the most immediate potential. Other suggestions were putting Jackson Street property up for auction, and exploring a PUD for Laurel Grove. Ms. Nelson asked if we might be limiting ourselves by not doing due diligence on the other properties. She agreed these two properties are good choices but if the analysis shows there is a problem with either of them the process would have to begin again. Mr. Morley suggested creating an inclusive pool to present to those involved in providing affordable housing and ask which sites they might be interested in pursuing, in other words, let the market decide. He stated he doesn't know if either jurisdiction has much ability to do their own analysis. Ms. Robinson noted that the Levinski property is owned by the stormwater fund; Mr. Timmons stated that the Council would have to approve some sort of transaction to release that funding from the stormwater account. Ms. Sandoval expressed concern about a decision to market the Jackson Street property in this economic climate. Staff will move the process forward with tonight's direction. CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE Kees Kolff, Judy Surber and Zoe Ann Lamp reviewed the Committee's work plan. it was noted that the draft potential measures have been provided to the Department of Commerce, ICLEI and the Department of Ecology, to solicit their input. None has been Joint Workshop Page 2 June 25, 2009 received so far. Three public "road shows" have been scheduled for June 29, June 30 and July 1. Mr. Kolff introduced Annie Young and Molly Thompson, high school students who will take the places of Nora Burnfield and Taylor Beard, the current student representaties. Mr. Randels asked if the Committee has looked into prioritization of the action items yet, and asked how that will be done. Mr. Kolff noted that the action plan is being implemented already in many respects. Mr. Kolff stated the Committee got a handle on how to prioritize from the software program, but the variables are so wide that the "scores" didn't mean much. Funding would help pay for a professional consultant who could perform a cost benefit analysis. Commissioner Johnson stated that the County is considering energy saving improvements at the Courthouse. Ms. Surber stated the Committee hopes to have an actual plan in hand for the next round of workshops. PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PllA) -UPDATE Mr. Timmons gave an update of the Public Development Authority project for the Commissioners and noted that the City Council has authorized a committee to review the concept. At this time it is proposed that there would be two primary purposes for the PDA, retention of the communitys historical assets and creation of affordable housing. After agreeing that a County presence would be desirable during the PDA discussion process, Commissioner Johnson volunteered to represent the County at the Community Development /Land Use Committee meetings. The committee will determine a regular meeting time that is convenient for all members. Mr. Morley said the BOCC can formally designate the delegate at their July 6 meeting. POTENTIAL ASSIGNMENTS TO STAFF FOR ,JOINT DEVELOPMENT Regional Services Agreement -Court and Jail Services Joint Workshop Page 3 June 25, 2009 Mr. Morley stated that he and Mr. Timmons have met about the Court and Jail Services interlocal agreement and are close to completing the draft. He added that in order to reduce staff overhead, they suggest negotiating amulti-year agreement starting in 2010. City/County Parks 8~ Recreation Sustainability Mr. Timmons stated the County has done a lot of work addressing the park situation and that the two entities started to address their issues separately but it appears the time has come to reengage the discussion of a joint plan. He stated concern that if the park system does not work at that level, there may be a risk that the City will need to step in and try to preserve County assets within the City. He stated that we need to work together on a regional plan and work on a measure to present to the voters. Mr. Morley said that staff will bring something forward when it is more mature; at this time they axe fleshing out ideas about how to partner and build on work done in the past. The County is taking stock of parks and recreation and programs and facilities throughout the County including those in the City as our mutual citizens rely on them wherever they live. He also noted that the County is facing revenue shortfalls this year and next year so there maybe some steps and actions that are needed in the long term and he does not want the City to be surprised by any of these. POSSIBLE AGENDA TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Mr. Timmons suggested discussion items including the second round planning grant for Community Development Block Program funds; the City /County emergency plan update (with FEMA grant funds); the Department of Ecology joint rule; and staffs report back. on the identified affordable housing potential properties. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Sandoval at 8:20 p.m. At 8:21, Mr. Austin moved to adjourn. Second by Mr. Johnson. The BOCC meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Joint Workshop Page 4 June 25, 2009 Attest: ~---~ _, +, ,1 J ~ Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk Joint Workshop Page 5 June 25, 2009