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HomeMy WebLinkAbout081814CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2014 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session the 18th day of August 2014 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor David King. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Community Services Director Rick Sepler, City Engineer David Peterson, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Item C of the Consent Agenda (Resolution 14-046, Granting Final Plat Approval to Birkenfeld Community Planned Unit Development, Application LUP14-044) was moved to New Business. There was also the addition of an Executive Session on litigation (RCW 42.30.110(i)). COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Steve Oakford urged Council to move forward on the Blue Star Banner sign program. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 124084 through 124093, Vouchers 124104 through 124190 and Electronic Funds Transfers in the amount of $752,884.22. Approval of Minutes: July 21, 2014 City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 1 of 6 Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board Appointment of Ed Robeau to Position 3 - Term expires May 1, 2017. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve the consent agenda with one correction to page two of the minutes to reflect only six members on the vote and removing Item C. Resolution 14-046, Granting Final Plat Approval to Birkenfeld Community Planned Unit Development, Application LUP14-044. Robert Gray seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 3111, amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.18 and 17.20 Establishing Interim Land Use Regulations in the Vicinity Between 6th and 10th Streets and Howard Street and Discovery Way, and Referring the Matter to the Planning Commission for Hearing and Review, and Providing that the Interim Regulations, Unless Extended, will Sunset on the Earlier of Six (6) Months from the Date of Adoption of this Ordinance or the Adoption of Regulations that Supersede this Ordinance. Mayor David King read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were no disclosures financial or property by City Council. Community Services Director Rick Sepler reported that interim regulations were adopted July 7. The purpose was to preserve the proposed alignment of the future streets in order to prepare a road design and preserve zoning controls until more planning could be completed. Staff noted that some affected property owners requested to remove the restriction on office uses in Table 17.18.020 and 17.20.020 that were excluded in the interim regulations. Council discussed how the interim regulations might need to be amended to allow office uses and whether the PUD would be able to participate in consideration of these uses. Staff noted that the interim regulations preserve development opportunities until a feasibility study could be completed. Staff asked for direction on whether to explore office uses primarily relating to access and orientation. Steve Oakford spoke about the need to consider public transit routes on Howard Street. Brent Shirley, business owner on Howard Street, spoke in support of the interim regulations. Ford Kessler, owner of Safe Harbor Recovery, spoke in support of allowing office uses in the zoning regulations. City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 2 of 6 There was Council discussion about public facilities that would be allowed, clarification of the term "amusement devices" in C -II Zoning, and a question about the inconsistency in the existing code related to allowing lodging and rooming houses. In addition, staff responded to questions about the use tables prohibiting antique sales, but permitting flea markets, and under miscellaneous service uses, commercial schools are prohibited whereas colleges and universities are conditional. There were also questions about formula store criteria. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve adopting the recitals in Ordinance 3111 as Findings in support of imposition of the interim regulations. Michelle Sandoval seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve to direct staff to prepare interim office standards for Howard Street Corridor for consideration at a future meeting. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. The Mayor closed the public hearing. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolution 14-047 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements with Berger ABAM Engineering Services for Final Design Engineering and Preparation of Bid Documents, Final Permitting, and Right of Way Plans for the Howard Street Extension Project and Resolution 14-048 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements for a Right of Way Appraiser and a Review Appraiser for the Howard Street Extension Project City Engineer David Peterson explained the importance of the Howard Street Corridor design as a priority project on the City Council's 3 -year Strategic Plan. With construction scheduled for 2015, it is necessary to begin the preparation of final design and bid documents to meet this schedule. He presented drawings of cross section and alignment that have been further refined since presentation to Council on June 23. Final cost estimates and a funding plan will be developed as part of the final design and presented to City Council later in 2014. Staff will also bring the final design to City Council for approval prior to bidding. Staff is also proceeding with right of way work and has received proposals from right of way appraisers. There were questions from Council about the roundabouts and trail development possibilities south of Howard Street toward Larry Scott Trail. There were also questions about zoning on the south side of the highway. Staff provided further explanation of bike lane configuration and there were City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 3 of 6 questions about the width of pedestrian access and curb height as well as mention of the continued safety concerns on Upper Sims Way due to the growth of vegetation. Public comment: Jim Todd commented about his concern over a low curb. Ford Kessler spoke about his concern over a loss of property due to this design. Steve Oakford spoke in favor of a higher curb than two inches. Staff responded to Ford Kessler's concern about the 60 foot right of way, noting that if the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant is awarded, it would lead to a construction project that would lessen the stormwater requirements. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 14-047 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements with Berger ABAM Engineering Services for Final Design Engineering and Preparation of Bid Documents, Final Permitting, and Right of Way Plans for the Howard Street Extension Project and Resolution 14-048 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements for a Right of Way Appraiser and a Review Appraiser for the Howard Street Extension Project. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Selection of Matt Babcock's Original Artwork Great Blue, under the City's Public Art Program - One Percent for Art Staff presentation was given by Rick Sepler who reviewed the background on the Public Art Program. He also addressed concerns regarding the site triangle visibility, county concurrence on power access from the Community Center, and long-term maintenance. Arts Commission members Erin Fristad and Kris Morris provided an overview of the call for artists and selection process and thoughts on public art maintenance. Ms. Morris urged the City to pursue a comprehensive public art maintenance plan. Staff responded to Council questions regarding the location of art in the bulbout, safety of sculpture, the addition of descriptive signage, and whether the Call for Artist could give priority to local artists. It was noted that the City could not legally give preference to local artists similar to other City bidding. Public Comment: Max Grover spoke about the selection process and spoke in favor. City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 4 of 6 Chair of the Arts Commission Stan Rubin spoke highly about the support for this piece of artwork. During deliberations, there was appreciation for the subcommittee's work and the art chosen, interest in prioritizing Upper Sims Way and the Howard Street Corridor for future art, and a desire to investigate long- term maintenance of public art. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Matt Babcock to provide the original artwork Great Blue as recommended by the Port Townsend Arts Commission. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Joint Service Agreement - Fort Worden Public Development Authority There was Council support for postponement of this item to a future meeting. Resolution 14-046, Granting Final Plat Approval to Birkenfeld Community Planned Unit Development, Application LUP14-044 Community Services Director Rick Sepler gave the staff report and requested final approval. Preliminary plat approval was granted by the City's Hearing Examiner on September 9, 2013 subject to certain conditions. He noted that as the conditions have now been met, there can be no additional conditions or restrictions placed on the low-income single-family project between 11th and 12th Streets. Senior Planner John McDonagh responded to questions regarding the multi- family units and traffic concerns in this neighborhood on the 12th Street dead end at Sheridan. There was no public comment. Motion. Kris Nelson moved to approve Resolution 14-046, Granting Final Plat Approval to Birkenfeld Community Planned Unit Development, Application LUP14-044. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT David King reported on the following: - Attending the Thursday dedication of the Tony Angell "Courting Guillemots" sculpture at the Northwest Maritime Center. - on the Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader on-line comments about a perspective he wrote on parks and recreation. - Email to the Library Advisory Board providing them direction. City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 5 of 6 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager reported on the following: - Status of traffic concerns at 9th and Sheridan. - City has initiated a hiring process for the Library Director. - Interviews have been completed for Police Sergeant. The City is also expediting recruitments for officer replacements. - Corena Stern, Deputy Finance Director has submitted her resignation. - Waiting to hear on acceptance of the USDA loan - City project was voted number two for Public Works Trust Fund Loan. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Pam Adams reported on her attendance at a Washington Supreme Court justice presentation. Michelle Sandoval announced the Northwest Maritime Center signed a lease with the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building on a lease for the school to use their shop. Robert Gray reported on the expansion of senior meals at the Senior Center. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:05 p.m., the Council went into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Litigation (RCW 42.30.110(i). At 9:13 p.m., the Council came back into Open Session. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve authorizing the City Manager to enter into a settlement agreement with CAFS, LLC ("CAFS'), in the amount of $45,137.65 in full settlement of the judgment lien records by the City in Jefferson County Superior Court Case No. 14-2-0017-6, City of Port Townsend vs. St. Francis Estates. Michelle Sandoval seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting August 18, 2014 Page 6 of 6