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Home My WebLink About060115CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2015 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on June 1, 2015. Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with David King excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Planning Director Lance Bailey, Planning Manager Judy Surber, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders . There were none. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA - NONE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Voucher Nos. 151194 through 151322 and Electronic Funds Transfers in the amount of $388,310.83. Approval of Minutes: May 18, 2015 Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 3129 Related to Zoning; Allowing for Planned Unit Developments in the C -II (General Commercial) and the M -C (Mixed Commercial/Light Manufacturing) Zones, Modifying the Floor to Area Ratio Standards in the CII/MU (Community Serving Mixed Use Center) Zone, and Amending Sections 17.32.010, 17.32.020, 17.32.030 and 17.32.090 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code City Council Business Meeting June 1, 2015 Page 1 of 4 The Deputy Mayor read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. No Councilmembers had any interests, financial or property, to disclose in connection with the proposed ordinance. Planning Director Lance Bailey gave the staff presentation explaining the expansion of the Planned Unit Development provisions allowing flexibility to meet goals of Howard Street Extension Project. If the ordinance is approved, a commercial -only development would be limited in the size of building they could build (without a residential requirement). The developer would still need to meet other requirements of a Planned Unit Development and be required to meet floor area ratio standards. Mr. Bailey responded to Council questions and referred to PTMC Table 17.18.030 Bulk Dimensional requirements to clarify that commercial -only development is allowed. He differentiated between C-11 and C-1 and noted in C-1 there is a requirement to have a residential component. Staff further explained a goal outlined in the Hovee Study was the need for flexibility to be successful in the corridor. Mt. Townsend Creamery has expressed a desire to locate on Howard Street. There was no public comment. The Deputy Mayor closed the public hearing. During discussion, Council expressed the following comments: a desire to assist the applicant with their development, a desire to carry out the vision of mixed-use centers, concern over further limiting affordable housing options, and concern over not taking this change through a Comprehensive Plan process. Staff responded to questions and further explained the disincentive for commercial -only development and the criteria to be met through a Planned Unit Development process outlined in PTMC 17.32.040(e). Staff noted the interim regulations in place for Howard Street would come back to Council for extension June 15. Motion: Robert Gray moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3129 Related to Zoning; Allowing for Planned Unit Developments in the C -ll (General Commercial) and the M -C (Mixed Commercial/Light Manufacturing) Zones, Modifying the Floor to Area Ratio Standards in the C1//MU (Community Serving Mixed Use Center) Zone, and Amending Sections 17.32.010, 17.32.020, 17.32.030 and 17.32.090 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Michelle Sandoval opposed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE NEW BUSINESS 2016 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update - Refine Key Issues for Town Meeting Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber gave the staff presentation. She covered the work in developing the key issues to take forward in the planning process and the timeline for the town meeting and Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting. Staff responded to questions about the process for identifying City Council Business Meeting June 1, 2015 Page 2 of 4 key issues, prioritization and development of strategies to address these issues. There was considerable interest in the structure for the town meeting, what written information would be available to guide the exercises, how the flow of people to different tables would occur, and a discussion of the successes of prior town meetings. Staff provided explanations of the planned exercises and the availability of info graphics at the meeting, access to online tools and a specific email address to receive ongoing public input and comment. Ms. Surber noted that the Public Participation Plan adopted in 2014 reaffirmed the 2008 direction statement, so the town meeting discussion would focus on what is and is not working in the community. Public Comment: Debbie Jahnke spoke about the quality of life section of the Comprehensive Plan and the desire in the community for an off -leash dog park. Paul Rice spoke in support of the town meeting and Facebook-type interface. Council was interested in what efforts might be made to inform the public before engaging them in a survey and what outreach would be done to ensure broader participation and access to the meeting. There was concern about limiting access to meeting participants by holding meetings at a time when buses do not run. Having multiple meetings at different times was suggested. The online participation tools were thought to be of value as an option for people who cannot attend the meeting. Ms. Surber explained that business cards are available to distribute with information about the SpeakUp site and the email address for comments. Staff would also inquire about filming the meeting. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the Planning Commission's list of key issues for a town meeting tentatively scheduled for June 24. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. At 9:03 p.m., the meeting recessed for the purposes of a break. At 9:09 p.m., the meeting reconvened. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Ms. Nelson reported attending the AWC Mayors Meeting where there was a discussion of legislative issues. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons reported on the following: - 2014 unaudited financial statement. Finance Director Nora Mitchell reviewed the results and reports provided. Auditors are scheduled to be on site June 15, and invitations to Councilmembers are forthcoming. - Standard and Poors A+ rating moving from stable to positive. Ms. Mitchell gave a brief report of City efforts to improve financial conditions. The sale of the bonds would occur on Thursday, June 4. - City resubmission of a CBDG grant application for the Food Bank and Working Image. The grant award would be in September. City Council Business Meeting June 1, 2015 Page 3 of 4 - Cost overruns in bids for Sheridan and Landes Street sidewalks. Scaling back the project scope is one option to consider. The Sheridan Street sidewalk project would need to be rebid. - Staff budget retreat occurred last week. - Council budget retreat scheduled for June 30 - City qualified for a 2% reduction in AWC medical premiums. - City attendance at AWC Annual Conference later in June. There was consensus supporting Mr. Timmons as the City's delegate. - B&O tax revenues are lagging slightly, but REET revenues are steady. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION None COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Attest: a Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting June 1, 2015 Page 4 of 4