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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041408 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the fourteenth day of April 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Brent Butler, David King, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Laurie Medlicott and Mark Welch were excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer Dave Peterson, Planning Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. UPPER SIMS WAY AND HOWARD STREET IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Timmons discussed the "big picture" of an overall economic development package which includes the waterfront as well as Upper Sims Way. Mr. Sepler talked about the Howard Street corridor and infrastructure needed for that to happen; he noted that the Comprehensive Plan designated this as a mixed use corridor. City Engineer Dave Peterson and Scott Sawyer from W&H Pacific presented a Power Point presentation which provided a large scale overview of the combined Upper Sims and Howard Street projects. Funding, LID information regarding Howard Street, and potential project timelines were included. Steps include refining the conceptual design, permitting and rights of way issues, LID formation hearing, and a rezone for Howard Street Mr. Timmons stated that once an LID District is created, the City finances the special district and a repayment schedule is worked out for property owners. This would be the first large scale LID the City has undertaken. There is also City owned land at the northern end of Howard Street and developing it would help facilitate relocation of the Public Works shop and other City facilities. Mr. Timmons also noted that the budget presented is "worst case" and it is possible that more help will be provided from the federal and state governments. This would make a better situation for property owners who are part of the LID. It is also important to move forward on this as some pending development projects City Councii Workshop Page 1 Aprii 14, 2008 are dependent on it He added that the Port Townsend Business Park owners are looking to develop further office space in cooperation with the City. Mr. Sepler stated that opportunities often have costs; staff believes this is the one of the best opportunities the City has had in 20 years, but it will take a huge commitment of staff and consultant time for the next 90 days. Mr. Timmons said that broad policy resolutions which would authorize staff to proceed on Upper Sims and other capital projects will be brought forward to Council; the documents will also set forward a three year economic stimulus package. In response to Mr. Butler's question about the proposed rezone, Mr. Sepler stated that the C-II zoning has some inconsistencies; the rezoning would serve to better fix mixed use and commercial designations for that area. He added that the Planning Commission held discussions about Howard Street zoning about a year ago in conjunction with a proposed assisted living center and nursing home. Now the process would start again with the Planning Commission. He added that if land use actions are taken that implement the Comp Plan, they are not subject to the yearly update process. Mr. Randels stated that as a participant at the Planning Commission level, he recalls discussing that even large uses such as grocery stores can and should have residential above; he hopes to encourage that aspect of mixed use if at all possible. Ms. Sandoval expressed concern about the capacity of staff to take on another intensive project Mr. Timmons stated that part of the action plan is to outsource to consultants and use them to jump start the project Staff will be working on two projects, Upper Sims and Downtown. They will begin to coordinate projects and deliver by augmenting with consultants and consultant groups. Accomplishing the three year economic stimulus plan is an aggressive task. Mr. Timmons also noted the costs will be allocated to the capital budget In answer to Mr. Butler's question, he stated that utilities are not included at this point but will be concurrent with street work. Mr. Timmons stated that a set of resolutions will be brought forward to the next Council meeting which would enable the Council to direct administration to start the implementation process. RECESS Mayor Sandoval declared a recess at 7:47 p.m. for the purpose of a break. City Councii Workshop Page 2 Aprii 14, 2008 RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 7:58 p.m. COUNCIL RETREAT UPDATE Mr. Timmons and Mr. Sepler reported on staff preparation for the retreat on Saturday. Staff has assembled a list of various projects that are underway and the attendant capital and policy legislative framework required. They added that projects will be earmarked as critical or discretionary. The Council will work with five goal statements that have been prepared, and focus on the broader policy level within which specific tasks will be accomplished. The City needs to show a coordinated thought process and show linkage between the City's goals and what we are hearing from the community. Mr. Sepler noted the Council will have the benefit of Thursday's town meeting where citizens will be able to weigh in on government functions, the service levels the City provides, and how will the City address these issues using current resources. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Attest: r--:J ~--1 J /J VZtrn.' --P"j ,,-t::"',-- c'J Pam Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Councii Workshop Page 3 Aprii 14, 2008