HomeMy WebLinkAbout011011CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session the tenth day of January,
2011, in the City Council Chambers, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson,
George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Development Services Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY -JOINT WORK SESSION
City Manager David Timmons introduced Public Development Authority Co-chairs
Tom Keegan and Cindy Hill Finnie.
Development Services Director Sepler reviewed the packet materials and added other
background information. He addressed the changed circumstances regarding
emerging funding issues associated with State Parks and the effect on Fort Worden.
Mr. Timmons reported on the Customs House, stating it is ready to go if the PDA
wants to take it on.
Mr. Sepler reviewed the status of the Griffiths House (originally targeted as a potential
PDA project).
Other members of the PDA Board were present and Kate Burke, Dave Robison, and
Tim Caldwell added comments to the discussion.
Permanent Board members must be appointed; Councilors were asked to contribute
ideas for members.
Questions were raised about funding. In addition to the City's in-kind contribution,
funds are anticipated from Centrum and the Friends of Fort Worden. Mr. Timmons
noted that funding for the PDA would be project based and rely on long term income
generated by a project such as the Fort.
Mr. Keegan noted that the PDA will need to hire staff.
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Mr. Keegan stated that the technical team has been directed to look at the viability of
the Fort project so the Board can decide whether to move ahead. He noted that
Centrum has been involved in these conversations. It was also noted that Goddard
College is still interested but is concerned about the state's budget issues.
Regarding public process in relation to PDA projects, it was noted that the PDA itself
would take the lead and that a firewall between the City and the PDA is important.
Brief discussion occurred about the possibility of forming another PDA to take on
projects originally assigned for review such as the Customs House and affordable
housing.
Mayor Sandoval declared a recess at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:41 pm.
FEE DEFERRALSNVAIVERS FOR LOW INCOME HOUSING PROJECTS
City Attorney John Watts reviewed the packet materials and the recommendation of
the Community Development/Land Use Committee. He noted that because Habitat
for Humanity plans to submit permits in February, an ordinance allowing deferrals for
these upcoming projects will be presented at the January 24 meeting. A discussion
of the overall concept of fee deferrals including source of funding and effect on the
Development Services Department will be part of the February 5 retreat.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Written reports were submitted from Community Development and Land Use and
Finance and Budget Committees.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Attest:
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Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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