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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11221999PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF NOVEMBER 22, 1999 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this twenty-second day of November, 1999, at 6:00 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Forrest Rambo presiding. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council members present at roll call were Allen Frank, Vem Garrison, Joe Finnie, Sydney Lipton, Geoff Masci, and Forrest Rambo. Mr. Youse was excused, expected to arrive lat. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2718 AN ORDINANCE FIXING AND ADOPTING 2000 PROPERTY TAX LEVIES City Manager Timmons and Finance Committee Chair Allen Frank introduced the ordinance. The Finance Committee's recommendation is to move forward with no property tax increase. In the overall budget, expenditures will be reduced by approximately $172,000. As the year progresses, the council may consider creating special purpose taxing districts for revenue. Mayor Rambo then opened the public hearing. Speaking in favor: Karen Nelson Gayne Nelson Barbara Anderson Michael Anderson Speaking in opposition: None Speaking neither for nor against:: Michele Sandoval: Urged against cutting funding for non-motorized projects.. Mayor Rambo closed the public hearing. Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of Ordinance 2718, providing no percentage increase over the 1999 rate. Mr. Garrison seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by roll call vote. City Council Minutes Page 1 November 22, 1999 PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED BOAT HAVEN M-II(A)ZONING CODE HEIGHT AMENDMENT (LUP99-72, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND) Mr. Finnie disclosed that a management employee of Platypus Marine was a long-term guest at his hotel and that the bill was paid by Platypus Marine Company. He noted this would not interfere with his ability to make an informed decision on the matter, but offered to recuse himself. No one objected to Mr. Finnie remaining. Planner Jeff Randal made the staff presentation. He noted that several additional letters have been received since the packet was distributed and that these will be marked as exhibits and added to the file. Letters received during public testimony will also become exhibits if they meet the criteria for public comment (must be signed). Mr. Randall summarized the staff memo of November 17, 1999. His presentation included background information on the proposal, history of the discussion of building heights in the Boat Haven, SEPA public review process, Planning Commission Workshops and public hearings (2 each), staff analysis of applicable planning goals and policies, alternatives presented to the Planning Commission, and Planning Commission conclusions. He emphasized that although Platypus Marine, Inc. has proposed construction of a 30,000 square foot structure in conjunction with this legislative amendment proposal, the council should consider that the Platypus project is an example of what could be built if the amendment were adopted; however the issue is a legislative matter and not approval or non-approval of the Platypus project. Many issues were identified during the public process. SEPA identified primarily visual impacts, with the impact varying depending on where residences were Situated facing the Boat Haven. He also noted that many of the city's planning goals and policies strongly encourage economic development in Boat Haven and support the value of marine trade jobs as an important part of the economy; at the same time development in the port must be sensitive to surrounding properties. For example, the Gateway Plan recommends that building heights in the Port be regulated to protect water views down Sims Way. The Planning Commission requested altematives and staff prepared four alternatives for their consideration. The Planning Commission recommended that the proposed amendment be approved with the modification that the maximum building height in the overlay district be limited to 62 feet, measured at the top of a flat roof or at the average gable height of a pitched roof. The proposal for a 20% limitation in square footage was not modified. Mr. Randall noted that the city council may approve, modify, or deny the proposed zoning code amendment. He added that any amendment that would exceed the parameters of the proposed submittal would require additional environmental review. Mr. Youse arrive at 6:30 p.m. City Council Minutes Page 2 November 22, 1999 Mayor Rambo opened the public hearing. Speaking in favor: Larry Crockett, General Manager, Port of Port Townsend spoke on behalf of the port and the Port Commission. He stated that approval would help to promote economic development of marine trades. He stated that throughout the city's planning documents, it is clear that the city is taking a leadership role in supporting marine trades. He noted that Port Townsend has a long history as a working seaport and that the working seaport has sustained the community and the entire county. He said that geography dictates that and the future lies in the marine trades. The enhanced haulout was approved and installed to attract marine trades and now the trades are coming. In 1997, the goal was to attract another marine trade within three to five years. He noted that Jefferson County is a depressed county as recognized by the state of Washington and that the issue of quality of life versus economic development is a false one as these are one and the same. He equated the ability to raise a family as a quality of life issue. Photos taken by Port staff from nine different locations are in the council packets and he noted that most still have a heck of a view, including Kah Tai Park. The recommendation for a 62 foot height is not enough when a building is needed with a door height of 60-65 feet. He stated that although we live in the city of dreams, our young people have a limited ability to live that dream and urged the council to make family dreams come true by approving the amendment. Bob Sokol, Port Commissioner: Stated he has lived in two places here and dealt with view encroachment in both of those so understands the impact. He said the Port had spent considerable time trying to come up with a solution that would have the least impact on people who look down over the industrial area of Boat Haven. He noted that marine related zoning is the most intensive industrial area in the city and one of the most industrialized in the county. The height adjustment is for 2% of the waterfront area and must serve boats the size that the heavy lift is capable of hauling out. He emphasized that the building size is to get vessels in, not to get the travel lift in. In answer to the issue of why vessels need to be inside, he noted that in the last two weeks action in the shipyard has almost come to a halt because of the rainy weather - finish work and varnish must be done inside. The vision of the shipyard with the enhanced haulout was predicted back in 1994. He stated that the issue is about family revenue. Port Townsend demographics show we are below the state average in the 25-34 year age category, mostly because there is not enough family revenue. He stated the city, county, school, hospital and port will all benefit from new revenue. He also spoke of the urgency of the matter as the spring season will be upon us soon; he likened a delay of approval to opening a toy store the day after Christmas. Herb Beck, Port Commissioner. Noted that this is a county issue as well as a city issue. His grandfather came to Port Townsend in the mid-1870s and the city has remained a utopia of a master port. Port Townsend is designated as an urban growth area and that means industrial activities need to take place within the community; there is not much access to industrial land in the county. Designation for industrial trades in the Growth Management Act and the Comprehensive Plan has indicated that marine trades are highly valued and indicates that the port City Council Minutes Page 3 November 22, 1999 should increase activity. The port has grown from a 40-ton hoist to the current 300 ton capacity hoist, and with each increase in capacity, the job ratio has grown by approximately 20% according to his figures. Investment has been made in storm drains and infrastructure to support shipyard activities which support many trades including electricians, mechanics and even attorneys. He stated that the 78-foot height amendment is needed for the creation of jobs and to make us competitive with other ports. He estimated creation of 70 jobs at about $15 per hour, a payroll that would bring two million dollars into the community and the opportunity to become an outstanding United States port. John Eissinger, Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Eissinger read a letter into the record which is marked as an exhibit under "H". He urged the council to accept the proposed amendment and emphasized that the construction will bring new business and living wage jobs to the city's marine trades industry and will not have an adverse impact on the tourism industry. Charles Arthur: Stated approval of the amendment will provide an opportunity to increase living wage jobs for people in an age bracket that have difficulty finding employment here. He said we need to fully provide for the 300 ton haulout and fully utilize the service by having a building which will house the large ships that can be moved by the haulout. He supported focusing growth in a place geared to industrial growth. Regarding view impacts, he stated that in years to come, it will be difficult to sell a home in any case if there are not jobs to support families. He stated that although the Gateway Plan states that views create a first impression for visitors, his first lasting impression upon entering the city is the mill. In spite of the odor, he does not see something that should be shut down, but as a great place where people can work. He characterized the port as a vibrant place where the city can achieve its economic potential. He urged the council to give hope to voters and taxpayers and to look ahead instead of looking out a living room window. Dave King, Townsend Bay Marine. He noted that he and his partners are long time citizens and members of the community and came to share the results of their own deliberations. He stated they realize the town as the right to scalable structures appropriate to its needs, but public concerns about unbridled growth are not well founded because in fact the entire area of the shipyard is defined by the lift and the dock. This discussion really relates to what is appropriate in the legislative process that can handle boats that may currently take advantage of the haulout and travel lift. Some boats are larger than we need to worry about. He provided handouts with photos and drawings of the Roxanna, a vessel built by Admiral Marine, a 157 foot long boat that may be a little bit over what can be handled at the Port, but offered as representative of what we know. He stated that the boats need to come and go at full height. A boat with a beam wider than 30 feet or weight over 300 tons cannot be lifted. He discussed specifics of ways in which the overall height of the structure can be mitigated by altemate methods of framing and roof design. He suggested a critical look at structures and an appropriate decision, a building of 68-70 feet should be sufficient for this kind of work. He noted that the 62 foot recommendation does not suffice and that it would be a mistake to mandate a height a little bit too small - worse than ending up with a height a little too tall. City Council Minutes Page 4 November 22, 1999 Kenny Amundson: Stated he was raised here and is 27 years old, has returned to start a family buy a house. Some friends have left town for Seattle, some live here and travel out of town to work, which means their income leaves town. He said he has lived in the southeast and knows there is good work and craftsmanship here comparable to the rest of the country. He said the marine trades workers are a good group of people and that it would be wonderful to keep them here and bring more in by allowing the 78 foot height for boat haven. Jim Castino, Tacoma, a self-employed registered architect with Pacific Design Group, specialists in the design of manufacturing and heavy industrial facilities. He stated he has appeared to provide technical guidance in terms of the building itself and presented a cross-section of the building showing a clearance in the doorway of 65 to 68 feet, corresponding with the hook height on the overhead bridge cranes. Two five-ton cranes would be in the building. He discussed various clearances and noted that the building would be a pre-engineered metal building which he considers to be the most efficient type of building for this use. He stated that for a 66 foot hook height clearance, 77 feet would be required on the eave. Mr. Rambo asked if there are any lift facilities of this size that have ben excavated below grade to accommodate the interior structure and thus lower the roof height. Mr. Castino stated that he was not aware of any near water or at sea level. He heavily discounted the feasibility because of the height of the water table although he added you can solve anything if you are wiling to spend enough money. He estimated it would cost 10 times more to design that way, and also noted that the travel lift is not designed to do down an incline that steep. There were several more questions regarding details of the conceptual drawing presented by Mr. Castino; consensus was to return to the public hearing and ask questions after all comments have been completed. Steve Brown: Admiral Ship Supply. Noted that the kind of money generated by Platypus Marine and the work they are currently doing brings money to the port now, and a building will sustain that. Admiral Ship Supply's business is seasonal now and the difference between October through January versus the rest of the months is upwards of $30-40,000 per month. The presence of the Platypus business would help sustain other port businesses on a year round situation - both for Admiral and the businesses that rotate around it. He noted that the travel lift must be paid for and if a business is allowed that will provide infrastructure that will let people work year round, it will pay for the machine a lot faster and will increase the number of jobs. He stated that a building must be built that the lift will go in and out of safely and in a cost-effective manner. Boats pay a lot of money in land storage, haulout, etc. and holding up a job costs owners a lot of money. He would like to make it easy, economical and a good experience so owners will return. Rene Bloom: Gig Harbor, noted that approval of the amendment will allow for economic growth in Port Townsend, without a drop in real estate values. David Carmthers: Graduated from PTHS in 1977 when the only place to work was the mill. The City Council Minutes Page 5 November 22, 1999 marine trades were in an embryonic state so he left town and got a marine trades job in Seattle, then moved back in 1990 when the marine trades became strong again. This increase has lead to a greater increase of people in their 20s working in marine trades. The amendment would create more jobs for workers at Platypus as well as satellite jobs. It would increase the business footprint. He noted the need to plan for greater economic growth in the area as the mill may not be around forever. He emphasized the need to create viable jobs; with real estate prices increasing, they are needed in order to live in Port Townsend. Fred Beck: A lifelong resident of county, has been contacted by peers over the years who are interested in moving back to work in trades and professions. The building represents the hope that these people can move back. He stated there are few jobs with security and benefits that provide the support and maintenance of quality of life that keeps young people out of trouble. If the amendment is supported, there will be hope and a trickle down effect. He stated he would like to have a house on a bluff and be able to afford it but would sleep better at night knowing there are other individuals who would like to have theirs too. He said the council must weigh the benefits of the building against real estate values, but can't see sacrificing good paying jobs, and families even if there may have to be a sacrifice. Sean Brown: Encouraged support for the amendment. Bobby Hollis: Noted he has paid a substantial amount of money for use of the heavy haulout. He suggested trusses could be placed over the roof instead of under and stated that 99% of all boats built today for recreation and pleasure are plastic. Bernie Arthur: Stated there were few marine trades at Boat Haven for some time. His son works in the marine trades. He has had experience with blocked views - says the question is always who owes me for that? Do I deserve better? He stated he is not sure whether he is for or against the proposed amendment but respects the council and hopes they stay civil. He stated we all have to make sacrifices and ask how much do we deserve and who do we owe? Probably primarily we owe those who need family wage jobs. Mark Jochems: Shoreline Marine Diesel, located in the Port. He stated his support of the proposed height amendment and is fully aware of the difficult task. He asked the council to see assets and liabilities of the issue. The Platypus project or one similar is greatly needed in the local market. The port has been given some but not all tools to be able to compete with several yards to accommodate vessels this size. The business might mean 30 to 75 full time family wage jobs. He noted that this would not be a case like Admiral or Falcon Marine as the business is refit, not new construction and therefore won't experience the cycles of new construction. He noted the port will generate more revenue with more boats hauled and has always been zoned industrial. He stated we must allow them to become competitive. He also noted that you don't just remove the top of a boat, it takes too much time. The Platypus project is a good fit for use of the property, and one of the few companies that offers entry level jobs and trains workers. Mark Grant: A county resident, supports the Port of Port Townsend in their efforts to promote City Council Minutes Page 6 November 22, 1999 economic stability. He noted that Platypus has stuck with the Port and should serve as an example to those who would question their fortitude. He noted that time is of the essence in building matters, and council should support the amendment. He relocated because of the community, know there is a struggle with growth issues, but should provide economic stability. Is concerned about problems in establishment of policies that would provide balanced economic growth, efforts turned away by one special interest group after another. Remarked on scare tactics and rhetoric of those opposed to growth, and is tired of"lock the door behind us" special interest groups who are not necessarily the voice of the majority. Douwe Reinstra: Noted that many studies explain differences in community health by employment rate and other factors in a community rather than the number of doctors and hospitals. In many studies, 2/3 of the variation in illness is due to unemployment. Those unemployed are seven times as likely to need mental health services, surgery, hospital stays. Additional research links child abuse, and domestic violence to unemployment. He expressed a desire to add these factors to considerations when making the decision on this amendment. Patrick Haskett: Maritime artist from Seattle Read a letter into the record extolling the maritime history of Port Townsend; hopes the tradition will continue. Erik Anderssen: Economic Development Council. Noted that the jobs created in maritime trades would pay 2 to 3 times as much as service sector job. The industry would have a positive impact on the tax base. He stated that development of the shipyard is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the marine trades industry enables Port Townsend to have a working waterfront. Regarding the discussion of quality of life he stated it helps to have an income when you want to try to enjoy living. He said he doesn't want to drive employers out of the area, is a local resident and moorage patron and looks forward to welcoming Platypus Marine and having them thrive. Erwin Adams: read letter from Nancy Dorgan. Noted the classic debate of jobs versus environment has subtle shading, that trees have been cut to create views that will be blocked by a building creating jobs. Consideration should be given to what parts of the environment we develop and what do we preserve, who benefits and who loses. She writes that if the building could have been located anywhere else, height wouldn't have been art issue. Families will benefit from an expansion that will allow inside work on large boats. Some homeowners will lose views or some property value, which is the economic reality of doing this kind of business. The amendment would provide expanded use of the existing working shipyard with infrastructure already built in. She noted the devastating impact of Admiral Marine leaving town, and the benefits of maximizing the heavy haulout. She added that negative impacts on tourism are overstated and there is plenty of natural beauty on the horizon. Erwin Adams speaking for himself. Has sailed in and out of Port Townsend since 1991 and been a customer or marine trades. He noted that Port Townsend has a good reputation and needs to build on it. He finally chose to move here and live here and contributes to local economy. He stated that it is unfortunate that some will love their view; he stated he would be incensed to lose City Council Minutes Page 7 November 22, 1999 his but hopes he could look at it from a calm point of view and wonder if the benefit to the community will offset the loss. Jeff Kelety: Spoke in favor of the height amendment, saying that decisions must be made business by business and issue by issue, and that this business makes sense for the community. He said he understands that compromises must be made but many people sacrifice views for many reasons and it makes a great deal of sense for Port Townsend for Platypus and the other workers in Boat Haven to have additional resources.. Bruce Brian, general manager of Platypus Marine. Submitted a letter from architect John Barnett of Seattle. Stated that it is no surprise that as a direct result of current national economic vitality, yacht building has experienced intense building activity. Power and Motor Yacht Magazine's current list of largest yachts begin at 110 feet and Northwest residents are responsible for building several of these vessels. The Pacific Northwest can now continue to develop a reputation for building several of these vessels. He noted that working with local builders brings pride and that in order to provide his clients with building options in the Northwest, facilities must exist to handle vessels in excess of 130 feet and house them in a protected environment. Presently there is a limited number of adequate facilities for this purpose and the Port Townsend facility is a valuable resource for yacht designers and owners. Approval will greatly increase the likelihood of lucrative jobs. Judson Lambert, Platypus Marine: Stated that wages at Platypus would be between $30,000 and $65,000 per year considering management jobs. He referred to a list of eight boats now that would fit into a building with 65 foot clearance that have either contracted for work or have talked about doing jobs soon. He stated the company can't do those boats without a building of sufficient height. The company would like to be on top of world class business and stay there. Kevin Blake, resident of Seattle: Stated he has family and friends in the area who keep him posted on happenings. He stated four key points regarding the amendment: 1)need for entry level jobs for young people, which are hard to find even in Seattle: 2) economic prosperity - the proposal obviously creates jobs; 3) increase in supplier profits; 4) a long term vision for port prosperity. He noted the approval of the travel lift and stated it is now time to move on and complete the choice for the city and its people. Ron Tisdale: a county resident noted a job offers the well-being of his entire family; stated that without the amendment, jobs will be cut short without room for improvement. He stated that workers contribute to the community and that many people are affected by the decision. RECESS Mayor Rambo recessed the meeting at 8:15 for a break. RECONVENE City Council Minutes Page 8 November 22, 1999 The meeting reconvened at 8:23. Mayor Rambo reopened the public hearing. Those speaking in opposition: Jerry Osborne: Stated that everything the council has heard from proponents has already been heard by the Planning Commission and their recommendation is in the council's hands. He pointed out that where there is an adopted policy basis suggesting that Port Townsend's aesthetic assets not be sacrificed for economic development; in other comments, only passing mention is made of the desire to make Port Townsend a place which seeks balance between livability and economic development. Aesthetic considerations are very important to Port Townsend residents. Many live here because they enjoy being in the midst of natural beauty and amenities, with the natural setting accentuated with appropriate buildings and green spaces. Marine vistas are a dramatic backdrop. He said that element 9.4 of the land use section of the Comprehensive Plan states that the city's development regulations should be reviewed and revised to ensure manufacturing development will be designed, built, landscaped and operated in a manner which maintains the value and desirability of surrounding lands. Eight story or more metal buildings that dominate the foreground of residential areas do not comply. He also questioned the legitimacy of this proposal which is outside the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle. He stated that the consistency of the adopted plans is apparent and that provisions of the Gateway Plan are mandatory and not advisory. The amendment is a blatant inconsistency with the planning documents. He also noted that the 20% of the land area where the height amendment would apply has not been identified and should be. He pointed out there is no policy basis which forfeits aesthetic assets to promote economic development; a decision to ignore Planning Commission's recommendation would neglect binding city policy. He opposed the promotion of development for development's sake and asked the council to abide by the thoughtful recommendation of the Planning Commission. William Boothroyd entered a packet of material into the record (Exhibit BB). This material was recently researched and not provided to the Planning Commission. Information included suggested alterations to the proponent's exhibit drawings, different crane options, and information and statistics on vessel lengths and counts, and required clearances. Jim Marshall: also provided written material to the council. He referred to the Portland shipyard's financial problems which were due to "global economics and a wildly cyclical industry." He went on to discuss the port's outstanding debt and financial position; he referred to a lack of analysis and hard data from the port and stated that Platypus Marine is a "trial balloon" for the port. He questioned whether family wage jobs would be delivered and asked why advertisements for positions with Platypus have been advertised in the Peninsula Daily News but not the Port Townsend Leader. Although a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he is adamantly opposed to the letter submitted by the Chamber in this hearing. He requested denial of the zoning change and expressed his support for enlightened economic development. Bob Gibson: questioned the claim that an increase in building height is essential to growth in the port and states there is little evidence showing that is true. He said credibility is strained as the City Council Minutes Page 9 November 22, 1999 Port tried to retrofit for the compelling financial need. He asked if the height were necessary to the port's economic future, why did they wait until now to aggressively pursue it. He feels Platypus Marine can realize their needs with a design that meets community standards. The adjustment can be offset by lower haulout rates; he noted Platypus made reference to another port where there is a charge of $20,000 to put a boat in the water. He stated that no one should be allowed financial gain which would cause financial loss to neighbors or impose on their property rights. He took exception to a characterization of lack of foresight by the victims, saying they had understood views and other things to be protected by law in the form of zoning and building height limits, and placed that faith and trust in city government. He noted the city has protected property rights in the past, and citizens expect the same diligence in the future. He remarked on the loss of life savings investments when home values plummet; suggested that Platypus come back with a design that fits in with the community. Don Miller: Stated speakers have put diligent effort and research and analysis into their statements. He noted that residents are in favor of continued economic development, family wage jobs and maintenance of quality of life in a town that honors its code. They are opposed to unnecessary and unjustified height requests; expressing height and mean height has a significant effect on some homeowners and an impact on others. He noted that zoning changes have a negative impact on managed growth. He believes it has been clearly shown there is no need for the amendment to enable the port to be competitive in the yacht repair business, to use the travel lift, to attract tenants, or for economic viability. The denial will not damage tourism, or subsidize port business, hinder tax revenues or family wage jobs. Denial will be fair, maintain integrity and quality of life for retirees, telecommuters, real estate development. Denial will not be a win/lose outcome; it will be a winning decision for the city, port, businesses, yacht owners, and all citizens of the community. John Ebner: said it is a mistake to change zoning code to accommodate a special interest group on a site specific land use, and unacceptable to devise a scheme where innocent bystanders pay for a mistake by others. He stated that is was the port's' blunder to acquire a lift too big to work within existing buildings, that now they are in a pickle and financial jam. He said that when Platypus Marine came along, they looked like a "get out of jail free" card to the Port. He added this would be okay if the community is not harmed. The Planning Commission heard, read, and made their recommendation based on the outflow of opposition as well as common sense. He noted that 5 of 6 Planning Commissioners rejected the 78 foot alternative. He asked who wants the most prominent buildings in the city to be metal structures - only those who benefit financially. He reminded that truth is never incompatible with reason. If the council chooses to fly in the face of reason and the Comprehensive Plan, he would expect hard explanations. He noted that door height may be a need, and 55 feet could probably be acceptable, but that even in the Caribbean corridor, where most large yachts are, no such buildings exist. He added that no super yachts call this area home anyway. He noted that no one gets everything they want, but all can go away with something if the Planning Commission's recommendation is adopted. Marcella Younce: Takes exception to Economic Development Council's statement that the amendment would be insignificant. She stated that many bought or built homes in good faith City Council Minutes Page 10 November 22, 1999 with the understanding that the height of port buildings could not exceed 50 feet. She noted if the height increase is allowed, she would have to pay dearly when she looked out her window and pay dearly when she tries to sell her house. She presented an exhibit of a photo showing the effect on her view. She noted community origin was based on a commercial waterfront, but that a boatyard is different from a shipyard with huge metal buildings. The port officials are thinking only of the port - that is their job, but there is a bigger picture. She asked the council to consider the beautiful approach to our town and the unique and wonderful setting we have been given. She referenced the hard work on the Gateway Plan and said the view down the Sims Way S curve would be severely impacted. She said the city needs livable wage employers, but we will get them; five are coming without needing a big building. She stated the Port is doing well without a shipyard, and without sacrificing the town and suggested that increased tax revenue would be offset by devaluation of property. John Buhler: business owner. Stated the port does not have a right to put all their eggs in one basket, and should seek diversity for all businesses rather than accommodate one. Jill Buhler: Stated her mother's property would be affected by the increase in height allowance. She stated that to many people, their home is their major financial asset. She asked why trade the economic well being of family and friends for a handful of promises that may or may not come true and cited Admiral Marine, which was touted as the savior of Port Angeles. Sandy Smith: new homeowner, said she has a beautiful view that comes and goes as the trees grow, but that a 78 foot building will not disappear when the leaves are gone from the trees. She would like to see Port Townsend remain a Victorian town without big ugly blue buildings blocking the views. She is in favor of good jobs and good pay, but notes that senior citizens have worked and save money and spend a lot in town. She hopes they will be able to stay. Rae Tennyson: noted as she listened to testimony, she felt as though she were characterized as a villain of some kind. She stated that the things intimated are wrong; she is retired, has worked hard to afford a view. She and her husband had small houses, too, when they were young. She doesn't have a lot of money, what she has to last to the end of her life is her house. She stated that a realtor has informed her that a big building built in the port will decrease the value of her home from $10 to $50,000. She stated that if she cannot get full value for her house, she will be unable to survive. Jim Everett: state he has no direct interest in height, but does have an interest in the town staying as it is. He said we are stepping more toward a factory town and these are the little breakdowns that will lead to that. Victor Coster: if the building goes up, will lose all his view. He came here in 1929 and came down the S curve, and realized this was a wonderful place to live. He noted if people come down that curve and see a huge metal building, they will think this is an industrial town; we will lose what they can contribute. He asked the council to please think of the people living here, with over 30 homes along the bluff that will be really affected and 30 more lots. He stated the City Council Minutes Page 11 November 22, 1999 property would be destroyed in value. Think of people and how nice the town is, and do not allow industrial buildings of this size. Bob Peters: Longview. He told the council if they allow large buildings, Port Townsend will look like a fat lady in Spandex. There is only one first impression - his occurred in 1960, coming down the hill, when Port Townsend looked like an oasis at the end of a desert. He bought property so he could retire here, with incomparable beauty. He reminded the council they are stewards of the community and urged them not to make a short term decision. He said that in Longview, the city changed from a planned city with the largest lumber mill in the world in 1923 to a town where they corporation no longer exist. He said Platypus may not exist in 50 years, but the height limit will remain. He supported keeping the height limit at 50 feet. Gene Nelson: a lifelong resident. He referred to page 8 of the staff report regarding the economic development strategy of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated approving the height amendment would be in contradiction to the support of development "which is sensitive to the needs and values of the community" and stated it would be like opening a can of worms. Speaking neither for nor against. Sam Courtney: Stated he know how important it is to have jobs for young people. He said newcomers feel there is nothing like Port Townsend on the planet. He stated that what Port Townsend has been created over time, that what we have is fragile and there are costs to young people and costs to property owners. This about making a decision that will contribute to generating jobs for people without destroying the fragile balance achieved in making the town so special. He suggested neutral market studies be done - on home purchases, jobs created, and effects on Boat Haven - even though they might end up being superficial but at least you would have something to base decision on besides debate between people who have a vested issue. He stated the Planning Commission rendered a decision that didn't make anybody happy. Mayor Rambo closed the public hearing at 9:25 p.m. Discussion regarding procedure followed. Motion: Mr. Finnie moved to carry the meeting forward for the purpose of council members posing questions, and deliberate when staff and proponent have returned with answers to the questions.. Mr. Masci seconded. The motion carried, 4-3 with Mr. Frank, Mr. Lipton, and Mr. Garrison opposed. RECESS The meeting was recessed at 9:35 for a break RECONVENE City Council Minutes Page 12 November 22, 1999 The meeting was reconvened at 9:42 p.m. Mayor Rambo noted that the public hearing has now been closed and no more public testimony will be accepted. He asked that the council limit questions tonight to staff and the staff presentation. Mr. Randall noted that a number of exhibits had been submitted this evening which will be added to the record. Questions were then posed by council members. The following questions were posed (a complete list will be prepared by staff). Mr. Masci: Would like list of houses and addresses correlated to exhibit pictures - group 3, most affected. Which houses are impacted to what extent in terms of view. What is legal status of Gateway Plan? What other businesses have been solicited into the new port industrial height region. What are the other five businesses in negotiation with the Port? What are their needs? Request site map of the Port with 5.6 acres laid out and the 1.12 acres marked in another color or would like Mylar outline to place over current exhibit. Mr. Randall noted that the 1.12 acres (20% of site) is not intended to be site specific, but would be floating overlay of the area. Mr. Masci: Requests opinion on setting a ceiling for future use of maximum ceilings - can the council set a permanent height limit? Mr. Frank: Analysis: what does living wage job mean compared to cost of living in Port Townsend? What is the average cost of housing compared to average current wage? What is the gap between current level of wages in town versus what they need to be to match the standard of living? Mr. Finnie: If twin beam architecture as presented by Mr. King were used as a design, could that allow a traveler above and save on some of the total height of the building? What would be cost? What were the numbers of respondents in the three categories of affected housing? What were responses from all citizens? Supply further information regarding the business case presented by the port to justify arguments that 78 foot height is needed vs. 75 or 70. City Council Minutes Page 13 November 22, 1999 Mr. Garrison: What is critical path for proponent (when is final approval needed)? Would like Exhibit C verified as to accuracy of dimensions and get another print in larger scale. Request detail of opposing view of 5-ton crane showing where hook will hang. Would like better idea of how lavishly space is being used, how much can be trimmed on the profile. Would like on Exhibit "C" more clear opposing view, with hook, 2 blocks, hoisting blocks, motor mechanism, where it fits in building between beam and height. Jump scale to twice the size. Requests data from proponent clearly supporting the size of the building needed in exhibit C. Conflicting testimony as to size of boats on market and boats that will be in building. What is the basis support a long term need for this size for their business success. Evolution of size of boats they will be working on. Mr. Youse: Would like more analysis on the need for the building. If a smaller building were built, would it still fit the requirements for economic development in Port Townsend? Would like an answer to what demand there would be for a smaller building as well as for a 78 foot building. What percentage of different size boats that would fit into a 78 foot building, compared to the percentage that would fit into a 62 or 55 foot building? Would like to see the whole spectrum. Also request more facts on the size of boats that will be worked on in this building. What is the ratio of building new boats to retrofitting boats that will be done? Are there other businesses that could fulfill this need in the port? What other businesses use the travel lift and this facility and continue contributing to the investment? Mr. Rambo: Request elevations from the water to get a sense of what kind of bulk and scale the building would present against the bluff, etc. Exhibit "D" - create overlay of the travel lift and where the balance point or center would be on one of these 140 foot boats with 20 or 30 foot beam. How could you balance a boat that long? How does this fit in with the port's master plan for the Boat Haven? Request market analysis to support estimated number of new jobs created. If built at 65 feet, how many family jobs will be created? Mr. Lipton What would the designated 1.12 acres of building look like from the water? City Council Minutes Page 14 November 22, 1999 Provide the exact datum for measuring building height on the site. There is no design standard for this type of building. How will this be handled? How will the company be able to comply with noise restrictions in Chapter 17.22 of PTMC? If the building goes to property lines, what do we do about offstreet parking, etc? Mr. Lipton stated he would supply more questions in writing as he had several issue to address. The council members had no further questions. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Deliberations are continued to a future date, currently set for the regular business meeting of December 6, 1999.. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Minutes Page 15 November 22, 1999