HomeMy WebLinkAbout08092000CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF AUGUST 9, 2000
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this ninth day of
August, 2000, at 6:35 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor
Geoff Masci presiding.
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Coulcilmembers present at roll call were Vem Garrison, Geoff Masci, Syd Lipton, Bill
Wolcott and Alan Youse. Allen Frank was excused and Joe Finnie was excused.
PUBLIC HEARING (OPEN-RECORD)
"F" STREET ALTERNATIVES
Mr. Masci opened the public hearing at 6:37 p.m. He asked whether any council
members had interests in connection with the public hearing subject, financial or
otherwise, they wished to disclose. There were none.
Staff Presentation: City Engineer Dave Peterson and Jeff Lamoreaux of the SvR
Consulting Firm
Mr. Peterson and Mr. Lamoreaux presented options A, B, and C for the design of"F"
Street. Mr. Peterson noted that after an option is chosen, design will proceed and another
public meeting will be scheduled in mid to late September.
Additional correspondence received from Liesl Slabaugh and Michael and Karen Gates
Hildt were summarized and entered into the record.
Public Comment
Nancy Dorgan: member of the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee; would like to
see a safe street and also a street with no planting strip - one of the ways to best preserve
neighborhood character. She believes the planting strips will end up full of weeds,
especially if homeowners are disgruntled. She suggested a bike lane between the street
and sidewalk or a bike lane inside the curb with a separated area for bicyclists and
walkers. She stated that she continues to ask for answers to a question regarding the
impact of improvements over a 20 year period; also question6d what traffic calming
measures are part of the design.
Scott Walker: stated the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee reviewed the
proposals, but without in-depth discussion and there is no official opinion from the
committee. He provided a previous letter expressing his personal views to the council.
City Council Minutes 1 August 9, 2000
He strongly urged separating the sidewalk from the roadway with a planting strip and
jogging the sidewalk toward the property owner any time it would save a tree.
Staff Response
Mr. Peterson noted that the design will try to incorporate rock walls wherever possible
instead of concrete retaining walls. He also indicated that markers will be put up so
people can adjust their fall plantings to the proposed borders.
Regarding 20 year projections on traffic volume, he noted that the improvements are not
being made to attract more use but in response to increased use. Narrowing lanes and
curving the road are two methods of traffic calming.
Mr. Lamoreaux stated that the planting strips should be a minimum of four feet because it
is hard to maintain the plantings otherwise. It has been his experience that property
owners generally are cooperative in maintaining planting strips.
Mr. Frank arrived at 7:22 p.m.
Mr. Wolcott was excused at 7:23 p.m.
Mr. Peterson noted that although options A and B are both more costly than fiands
available, the City can apply for additional funding. The Board meets in October, so
requests must be ready prior to that meeting.
Mr. Youse questioned Mr. Walker about his letter recommending that the streetscape be
altered near the golf course and questioned why that would be best for pedestrian safety.
Mr. Walker replied it was because of the golf balls being driven off the course. They are
often deflected by the trees.
Other questions regarding cost allocation, stormwater and relation to the golf course
issues were discussed and clarified.
It was noted that the landscaping costs include a year's worth of maintenance;
landscaping is for new planting and doesn't include relocation of existing large
vegetation.
Mr. Garrison questioned whether there have been recent speed studies on "F" Street.
Mr. Peterson noted there is data from last summer, with no evidence that the traffic on
improved San Juan Avenue is any faster.
Mr. Lamoreaux noted that "F" Street is a minor arterial and therefore neighborhood
traffic calming measure aren't appropriate.
City Council Minutes 2 August 9, 2000
In answer to a question from Mr. Masci, Mr. Peterson noted that speed tables cost
approximately $10,000 each.
Questions and clarifications were completed and public testimony was closed at
7:55 p.m.
Discussion
Mr. Timmons reminded council members that although there is some flexibility of
design, the design has to be within the rules of the fund grantor. The policy issue to be
resolved is which alternative should be moved to the next phase of the project. He noted
that funding was based upon the classification of the street as a minor arterial road.
Motion: Mr. Garrison moved to direct the City Manager to proceed with 30%
engineering of Option "B" with as many amendable features from the other designs as it
is Possible to get. Mr. Youse seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 4-0 by voice
vote.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjoumed at 8:16 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes 3 August 9, 2000