HomeMy WebLinkAbout061311 Workshop Meeting CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP OF JUNE 13, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
The workshop meeting of the Port Townsend City Council was called to order in the
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street by Deputy Mayor George Randels at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George
Randels, Catharine Robinson, and Mark Welch with Michelle Sandoval excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Development Services Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
PROJECT BRIEFING #2 WITH WAYFINDING CONSULTING TEAM
Development Services Director Rick Sepler introduced the item and noted that the
wayfinding consulting team was present to present an update on the planning process and
the work prepared to date. Consultants Don Illium of Illium Associates, Craig Summers
with Edquist Davis Exhibits and Kelly Brandon of Kelly Brandon Design reviewed the
presentation "The Port Townsend Wayfinding Project - Linking Community, Business and
Heritage."
Council questions and discussions indicated the following concerns and ideas:
Any strategy adopted must not disrupt, but should enhance the inherent experience of Port
Townsend (first "do no harm");
Connectivity and linkage among various parts of the City should be enhanced; for example,
people coming to Fort Worden should discover there are many other places to visit within
the City;
More emphasis should be placed on the port/waterfront aspect of the City, less on the
"industrial park" connotation;
Layering of interpretive signs, directional signs and informational signs is important - signs
become clues for visitors to discover various aspects of the City;
The plan for communication technology is visionary, and because of fast moving changes,
any proposed technology should receive thorough review and analysis so it will not become
outdated.
Mr. Sepler noted that if Council feels this is the right kind of approach, they will go to the
next step and develop more concrete designs. Mr. Randels encouraged all the Councilors
to let Mr. Sepler know about any particular concerns they have. The Council was in
City Council Workshop Meeting June 13, 2011 Page 1 of 2
general agreement that the overall concept should not be so intrusive that people can't
come here and feel they are able to discover their "own" Port Townsend.
STATUS UPDATE FOR THE LOCAL INFORMATION SIGNS PILOT PROJECT - FOUR
OFF-PREMISE SIGNS BETWEEN THE KEARNEY AND HAINES STREET
INTERSECTIONS ON SIMS WAY FOR POTENTIALLY 16 FOOD AND LODGING
BUSINESSES
DSD Director Rick Sepler reviewed the packet materials and updated the Council on the
progress of the pilot program for off-premise signage for businesses located off Sims Way
between Haines and Kearney Streets. He stated that the response has been excellent
from business owners. The bid for the local information signs and panels has been
awarded and work will begin soon.
Council held a brief discussion. It was suggested that a line for the business license
number be added to the sign application. If the program is successful, it may be extended
to other areas of the City after a preliminary study.
Other topics included the need to look at cleaning up the City's own signage in that area
and clarification of the long term sign replacement strategy.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were presented:
Information and Technology Committee: Mark Welch
Finance and Budget Committee: David King
Community Development and Land Use Committee: George Randels
Community Support Services Committee: Catharine Robinson
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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