HomeMy WebLinkAbout01242000 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION OF JANUARY 24, 2000
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Deputy Mayor Masci at 6:33 p.m.
Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Vem Garrison, Syd Lipton,
Geoff Masci, and Alan Youse. Mayor Rambo was excused. Staff members present were City
Manager David Timmons and City Clerk Pam Kolacy
Session Topic: Carousel of the Olympic Sea, Funding and Siting
Mr. Timmons began by giving a summary of the obstacles encountered when considering the
carousel committee's first siting choice, Adams Street Park. He noted there may be implied
covenants surrounding the property which would restrict its use to open space.
He also noted that the scope of the original site selection criteria was heavily weighted toward
economic development and an income producing project. This may have narrowed the number
of sites that could be considered and limited them particularly to waterfront locations which
involve significant permitting process. He presented a matrix of required permits which would
apply to several different sites.
Mr. Timmons stated research has found that most carousels in other communities are not stand
alone projects but are event or redevelopment driven.
He then suggested that a temporary use be pursued at the Pope Marine Park location during this
summer's peak season. He noted the permanent placement will be a lengthy process due to
regulatory restraints. The temporary use would require some review but would not be as onerous
as permitting a permanent structure.
BCD Director Jeff Randall noted that he could not make a specific assessment of how long or
successful the permitting process would be since he has no information at all on the project, or
what sort of impact is expected to the site.
Other topics discussed included:
Security issues at Pope Marine Park
Mobility of the carousel shelter.
Whether economic feasibility should be the project driver.
Permanent vs. temporary siting.
Possible grants and partnership with the city in obtaining grant funding.
The importance of addressing hours of operation and noise impact.
Mr. Dentzel then stated that a carousel with a pavilion cannot be in place by this summer under
any circumstances.
Other site possibilities discussed included Chetzemoka Park and the bluff end of Adams at
Washington Street. A schematic of the potential placement of the carousel at Adams &
Washington was provided.
Mr. Timmons emphasized that he is not formally proposing the Adams and Washington site; it is
an example of the kind of siting that may be considered if different criteria are used in assessing
the placement of the carousel. He noted that Pope Marine Park is the best option of the three
original sites, but that those sites were selected based on a set of criteria that were primarily
driven by economics.
Public Comment:
Nancy Dorgan spoke of the importance of the view corridor both at Adams Street and Pope
Marine Parks.
Mr. Finnie noted again his strong objection to Adams Street Park. He also noted for the record
he would not be able to discuss or vote on the Adams and Washington site because his family
owns the adjacent property. He added that he might have to reflect on the role he could play on
the council if the potential siting became a serious financial risk to the family business.
Mr. Masci suggested that each council member state their preferences for a site and state whether
or not they have a strong objection to any site.
Mr. Finnie:
1) Chetzemoka Park
2) Any other location that does 'not financially damage neighbors.
Mr. Frank:
1) Adams & Washington
2) Pope Marine Park
Mr. Lipton:
1) Adams & Washington
2) Pope Marine Park
Mr. Youse:
1) Adams & Washington
2) Chetzemoka
3) Opposed to Adams Street or Pope Marine Park
Mr. Garrison:
1) Adams & Washington
2) Pope Marine Park
3)
Mr. Masci:
1) Pope Marine Park
2) Chetzemoka Park
3) Adams & Washington
Mr. Tmmons noted there must be more detail on landscaping and design standards provided for
any specific sites to be considered.
Mr. Youse questioned the use of tax dollars in support of the project. Mr. Timmons replied that
for a permanent public site to be feasible the city would have to step in as a major partner and
player and that there would be costs associated with that.
Mr. Timmons will bring forward a resolution to the next regular meeting regarding siting and
funding.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC