HomeMy WebLinkAbout010917CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 9th day of January
2017 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, Catharine
Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, David Faber, Deborah Stinson, and Amy Howard.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross,
Public Works Director Ken Clow, Planning Director Lance Bailey, City Engineer David
Peterson, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Finance Manager Sheila Danielson, and City
Clerk Joanna Sanders.
COUNCIL 2017 WORK PLAN AND COUNCIL RULES AS THEY PERTAIN TO
COUNCIL ORGANIZATION
City Manager David Timmons led a review of his staff memo and work plan spreadsheet
divided into strategic plan initiatives, capital projects, organizational activities and
capacity, external factors, and interdepartmental activities. He noted his concern about
adopting a work plan without a full understanding of the needs pertaining to bond
refinancing, capital projects, and other strategic planning initiatives.
During discussion by Council the following priorities were discussed: whether a code
audit was necessary related to housing and how the City might amend its code to
preserve its structure and see what departures are necessary to ensure affordability. A
separate question was whether a Comprehensive Plan amendment was necessary in
order to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and primary residence to both be
rented. Planning Director Lance Bailey noted that the recently adopted
Comprehensive Plan mentions allowing an ADU unit and primary residence to both be
rented. There is a choice on whether to prioritize amending Title 17 of the zoning code to
allow this use and address concerns such as parking. Mr. Timmons confirmed
Staff would be working on these items and as well as the Water Sewer Rate Study and
Stormwater Master Plan as part of the work plan to meet strategic plan goals. Mr. Bailey
indicated that while there are a list of bookmarked items to priorities, there are also
mandates such as the Critical Areas ordinance.
In a review of the capital project initiatives, Mr. Timmons noted that he would be coming
forward with tasking resolutions on parks, community services, transportation/streets,
library and fire annexation. There may be a need to consider creating a transportation
advisory board to work on transportation priorities. The Complete Streets and the
Jefferson Street sidewalk are new additions to the larger project list so there are options
to be discussed related to the capital bonds.
City Council Workshop Meeting January 9, 2017 Page 1 of 2
City Engineer David Peterson gave an overview of capital project initiatives and
responded to questions about accessibility corridors and priority projects being
discussed by the non -motorized transportation advisory board. Mr. Timmons
reviewed options for incorporating $800,000 in trail connectors versus sidewalks
improvements as part of the $3.2 million bond refinancing. There was some concern
about the timeline for Complete Street projects given other capital projects. Staff noted
that the bond refinancing package would include $1.2 million in additional money for the
Water Street overlay, Visitor Center and Jefferson Street (design in 2017 and
construction in 2018). Mr. Timmons reviewed options for expanding these existing
projects with additional authorization of funding and recognized the list of unmet capital
project needs discussed as part of the 2017 budget process. Staff reiterated the City-
wide staffing impact of capital projects and the need for narrowing work plan priorities in
order to be successful. It was suggested that a Gant chart and timeline
comparison would be helpful to understand these projects.
Finance Director Nora Mitchell provided a detailed review of the organizational activities
and capacity items. Mr. Timmons and Planning Director Lance Bailey reviewed the list of
external factors and reported a 48% increase in permit applications, pre -application
conferences, lot line adjustments, and street development permits. In order for staff to
meet the demand, the department focus would be on permit coordination functions. In
reviewing regional efforts/demands regarding housing projects, Mr. Timmons reported
that he has had conversations with property owners looking a public processes and
community needs including a mix of housing types and uses.
In response to Council questions about the length of time for permit review, Mr. Bailey
noted that the timeline often depends because many permits are with people who are
acting as their own general contractors. The City has contracted out for building
inspections/plan review. Staff also completed the LEAN processed which focused on
single family residence review.
Interdepartmental items were reviewed by Mr. Timmons. Ms. Mitchell reviewed the debt
cost and noted that at the next meeting, there would be more discussion of refunding
options. The February workshop would be held for more information and discussion of
the work plan.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting January 9, 2017 Page 2 of 2