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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04092001 StudyCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION OF APRIL 9, 2001 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this ninth day of April, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Geoff Masci presiding. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. Councilmembers present at roll call were, Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Veto Garrison, Syd Lipton, Geoff Masci, Bill Wolcott and Alan Youse. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer Dave Peterson, City Clerk Pam Kolacy. LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE/TOURISM MODEL Mr. Finnie, chairperson of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, discussed a volunteer project by four members of the committee (Barry Anderson, Bob Sokol, Bill Medlicott, and Joe Finnie) to develop a tourism impact model which would be based on factual information. The study would use sets of data from a number of existing studies and incorporate the group's own fact finding. He provided a written outline of the project. At this time, it is anticipated that the effort will be entirely voluntary and not a city council project; however, he asked if the council approves the effort and if they would like to suggest any kind of data or information in particular that the committee may not have thought of or that would be useful to the council. Mr. Masci commended the project and complimented the volunteers for their efforts. He stated he would endorse the effort and encouraged them to proceed. Public comment Nancy Dorgan: Asked about the term "business unit impact model." She mentioned the statement that the project would attempt to elevate the tourism debate to factual analysis but commented that facts are only there to serve as a discussion of community values and therefore the word "elevate" is questionable. She added that it is necessary to protect small town character, not just the retail tax base. She urged that the recommendations be carefully scrutinized in light of the livable community discussion. She asked when tourism promotion will cease because of negative impacts. She supported created a tourism vision statement for the town. She cautioned about enthusiasm for a Seattle passenger ferry. She asked if it were legal to use LTAC money for a consultant and stated that she would not support additional council funding for this project. City Council Study Session Page 1 April 9, 2001 Robert Greenway: urged the committee to study the impact of tourism on the community as well as on the economy. Stated that Mendecino, California is a good example of priming the tourism pump and then not being able to turn it off. He added that the more subtle effects of tourism on those who do not benefit directly should be carefully assessed. Mr. Frank stated that the debate would ultimately be qualitative, but wonders how we can "pull up the drawbridge" and preclude others from eaming a living. Mr. Wolcott noted that everyone in the room is a tourist at some time and we all impact other communities. The question may not be how to limit tourism, but how much money we want to devote to it. He stated that a strong community will naturally attract tourists. Mr. Garrison thanked Mr. Finnie for the planned effort and agreed that we don't want to get the pump primed to the point where it can't be stopped. Mr. Lipton stated that tourism stimulates capital improvements to historic property which would have a spinoff effect and asked if the multipliers, such as workers who work on the restoration, will be included. Mr. Finnie stated that it might be beyond the ability of the group to attach economic multipliers to the study. He added in answer to Ms. Dorgan's questions, that a business unit is a component of a revenue based economy. In Port Townsend, examples are tourism, marine trades, the paper mill, and government services.. SIMS WAY RENOVATION UPDATE City Engineer Dave Peterson stated that the construction contract has been awarded to Lakeside Industries, with the project scheduled to start May 1. He updated the council on the status of the project since funding cuts related to 1-695. The project will be primarily overlay and striping. Several curbs, gutters, and tum lanes will not be funded. A grant has been received for a sidewalk and pedestrian crossing between Hancock and Sherman. A federal grant will be used to widen the shoulder land past Cleveland for improved bicycle safety. The issue of the Haines Street sidewalk bulbout will not be addressed but other solutions are being considered as the traffic pole cannot be moved. State money for improvements near the Bayview which would provide a bicycle lane has evaporated. The plans now show moving the center lane to the south in order to get six feet of clearance from the jersey barrier on the north side. This leaves just over 8 feet on the south side of the street which is enough for a legal parking area. This is not wide enough for a ferry holding lane so it will not be striped as such. Mr. Peterson asked for feedback regarding parking along the Bayview Restaurant. City Council Study Session Page 2 April 9, 2001 Mr. Garrison noted the issue had been discussed at length before. He remains opposed to parking there as a dangerous situation. He noted that the condominiums are supposed to have parking on site. Mr. Timmons noted that the revised Sims Way improvement plan has been finalized just recently. An option that had been discussed earlier was partnering with the owner to move the sidewalk back. Public comment: Nancy Dorgan: stated her recollection of the public forum and that the outcome was to not allow parking on the street in front of the Bayview; her understanding is that the permit was granted on the basis of no street parking. She supports no parking on the street and clear signage for bicycles. David McCulloch: said he was heartened that as much of the project has been preserved as possible given the funding issues. He expressed concerns about access management at the top of the hill in the neighborhood of the Sea Breeze and Jefferson Transit. He noted that there is too much traffic volume there for unlimited access and that there are still issues that must be addressed at McPherson Street. Another concern is parking along the bluff corridor; he urged the council not to permit parking which should never have been there in the first place. The bluff corridor is the only flat entrance into Port Townsend and bicyclists and pedestrians shouldn't be forced to go up over the hills to get downtown. He added that extra shoulder width is particularly important when a bicycle is headed uphill because one tends to weave more and cars are coming up quickly from the rear. He noted widening the shoulder in that area would be a good start given the funding restraints. Council discussion: Mr. Garrison again urged no parking on the street in front of the Bayview. Mr. Timmons stated that parking changes must be done by ordinance, but this can be done at any time in preparation for the project. Mr. Frank encouraged a press release and the use of utility bills to notify residents of the project. He asked what would be done about a ferry holding area. Mr. Timmons stated that there have been discussions regarding additional signage and striping. He added that the project paving will be done in the evening to keep disruption of day traffic to a minimum. This will take place after 9 pm, with curb, gutter and sidewalk work going on during the day. There was further discussion of a traffic light. City Council Study Session Page 3 April 9, 2001 Mr. Masci noted that he has a different perspective on pedestrian and traffic needs on upper Sims Way. He noted that some good ideas don't necessarily meet the pattern of use there. He urged establishment of the council's transportation committee as soon as possible because of the numerous outstanding issues. He supports placement of a traffic light at Hancock rather than Sheridan. Mr. Timmons agreed that the city needs more of a concurrency approach to traffic issues. A rational plan must be in place and consistent with other plans. Mr. Youse supported formation of a transportation committee. He read a memo into the records from Mr. Masci encouraging the formation, with members to be the chairpersons of the Public Safety, Public Works, and Community Development Committees. Consensus was to place a resolution on the next business agenda which would establish a council Transportation Committee. Staff will also begin work on an ordinance for parking changes. UPDATE ON 2001 BUDGET WORK PLAN Mr. Masci announced that the presentation will be postponed to April 23. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Masci announced that the council would adjourn to executive session to discuss pending litigation and the City Manager's performance evaluation. Mr. Lipton stated for the record that he would like the city attorney present at all executive sessions. Mr. Masci stated that he expected the session to last 30 minutes and that no action was anticipated following the session. The council went into executive session at 7:59 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 8:35 p.m. ADJOURN There being no further items for discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Attest: Pam Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Study Session Page 4 April 9, 2001