HomeMy WebLinkAbout102308CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF OCTOBER 23, 2008
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the
twenty-third day of October 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council
Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, George
Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval and Mark Welch. Brent Butler
was not present.
Staff members present were, City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Planning Director Rick Sepler, City
Engineer Dave Peterson, Police Chief Conner Daily, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy
SIMS WAY/HOWARD STREET PROJECT
City Manager David Timmons stated that the purpose of the meeting is for
Council to review and discuss the project and work up a policy resolution to guide
staff. He noted that because of the state of the bond market, the City is
reviewing the timing and scheduling of the project and the potential of the use of
local improvement districts (LIDs). He noted that the economy makes it even
more critical to have economic initiatives in that area so that development plans
can proceed and permits can be issued. He said it is critical for the City to figure
out how to get the project completed and funded so that business growth and
expansion can occur when opportunities are present.
Scott Sawyer, representing the consultant W&H Pacific, went through a
presentation on the project. He stated that preliminary engineering has been
ongoing and a draft version for the basis of a design report is completed. He
said we are entering the phase of processing documents and distributing them
for review by regulatory jurisdictions (DOT, Corps of Engineers). In addition,
rights of way have been identified for acquisition for the project. He stated the
pieces are in place and the City is in a good spot to transition into the final
contract documents.
Council questions and discussion included issues regarding the roundabouts,
stormwater, and funding sources. It was noted that the Sims Way part of the
project is not as dependent on LID funding as the Howard Street section; other
funding sources identified are a combination of city utility and public funding.
City Council Workshop Page 1 October 23, 2008
Mr. Timmons noted that the intersection improvement has an impact on the Port
Townsend Business Park expansion as Phase II of that project is preconditioned
on those improvements. He added that other parcels in the area will also need
to have conditions on activity to have the intersection in place; without the
intersection there will be nothing happening, but with it there are opportunities for
businesses to expand and grow.
In response to Mrs. Medlicott's question, Mr. Sawyer stated he has talked with
many of the business owners on Sims Way. He stated that the concerns he is
hearing from the individual businesses are being addressed.
Ms. Sandoval said there is a strong need for the elected officials to lobby the
legislature for funding for the project.
Mr. Welch supported completing the plans so that the City is ready to move when
funds are available; the project will provide immediate stimulus for the economy.
Mr. King stated that he is in support but also the City must be fiscally
conservative and make sure a solid plan and funding are available.
In response to a question from Ms. Robinson, Mr. Peterson stated the project is
about three million dollars short on funding and lobbying efforts by the Council
are critical.
Mr. Sawyer stated that he believes the original schedule is still valid and the
roundabouts should be built before the center median.
Council agreed by consensus to consider a resolution at a special meeting on
November 10 providing policy direction concerning proposed upper Sims Way
design and improvement.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Attest:
~~ 1lYt ~~~~~~~
Pam Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 2 October 23, 2008