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Home My WebLink About060809 CC MinutesDRAFT CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 8, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the eighth day of June, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Catharine Robinson, George Randels, Mark Welch, David King, Brent Butler, Laurie Medlicott, and Michelle Sandoval. Staff members present were John Watts, David Timmons, Ken Clow, and Pam Kolacy . PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City Manager David Timmons introduced guests including: Dave Robison, currently working with the Northwest Maritime Center; Thatcher Bailey, Centrum and Fort Worden; Michael Sullivan, of the Artifacts architectural firm which is associated with the Port Townsend Post Office/Customs House building; Mark Blatter of Historic Seattle; Tim Lawson from the new woodworking school at Fort Worden; and Kate Burke, State Park Manager of Fort Worden. Mr. Timmons discussed the packet materials and highlighted issues and prior discussions about strategy. He noted that the proposed purpose of the PDA is to address preservation of historic assets (including the Customs House); promote development and preservation of affordable housing; and assist with redevelopment of the Mountain View School site. Ms. Robinson asked what other models exist for publiGprivate partnership in the state. Mr. Timmons noted that other states call the PDA model something different, such as "community development corporation." Mr, Watts stated the only other model in Washington would be for the city to relate directly to non- profits without the bridge of a PDA. Dave Robison of the Northwest Maritime Center sfated that the Maritme Center looked at establising a PDA and they chose not to go there for two main reasons: it has to be a very strong partnership with the city and at that time there were questions about the commitment or support of the city council to back the Maritime Center; and that many private donors to non-profits do not like to give money to a creature of local government. City Council Business Meeting June 8, 2009 Page 1 of 3 DRAFT Ms. Nelson asked for clarification that the proposal is for a single PDA for ail the potential projects. Mr. Timmons confirmed that the model suggested is one PDA, which could create different subset responsibilities. Mark Blatter disucssed the Historic Seattle model. Mr. Randels asked whether it would be an option to create subsidiary corporations or a substantial advisory board in conjunction with a PDA. Mr. Watts stated that he has not seen a subsidiary option for PDAs but can look into it. Mr. Timmons stated that a "twin" or clone could be created so that both a profit and non-profit exist for the same purpose. Ms. Robinson asked about the process of adding options. Mr. Timmons stated that it is good to specify an initial game plan with the agreement of the parties; the option remains open to add projects that fit the community's interest -when an addition is proposed, the Council, acting as gatekeeper can amend the ordinance and charter to go in that direction. Mr. Welch asked how much initial seed funding will be needed and where might that come from. Mr. Timmons stated he has talked with the Community Foundation and First Federal, and there may be grant funding available from the State and National Trusts for Historic Preservation. He believes a three year budget plan and commitment for funding will be necessary to get the PDA started while the projects are marketed. The city would help with research and grant writing, not with funding. Mr. King asked if there would be a property management component; Mr. Blatter noted that in the case of Historic Seattle, some properties are managed by the PDA and others by hired property managers. They directly manage their commercial properties. Mr. Timmons noted the PDA should be completetly fiscally independent probably by owning and managing assets. He stated that he, Mr. Watts and Public Safety Analyst Ken Horvath will be involved initially and after that the Council will control how much staff time is spent by their allocation of funds for that purpose. Ms. Sandoval asked if there would be any prohibition to creating more than one PDA. Mr. Timmons stated there was not but in a small community one would probably make more sense although there could be subsidiary groups to deal with different issues. Mr. Blattner gave more information about the number of projects Historic Seattle has participated in. Thatcher Bailey spoke about the consortium involving the Historic Trust, Port City Council Business Meeting June 8, 2009 Page 2 of 3 DRAFT Townsend School of Woodworking and others interested in a school for historic preservation. It could become an economic driver down the road to keep all historic buildings in the community maintained and contribute to the eonomic viability of the community. Mr. King asked about how to balance priorities so that the "hard" things (such as affordable housing) are given appropriate priority. Mr. Timmons noted that benchmarks and performance reviews are important and also good people must be appointed to the board. He added that the Council appoints members and sets their terms. Mr. Bailey addressed Ms. Nelson's question about how the Fort project would intersect with the PDA. Michael Sullivan, one of two advisors to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Past President of the Washinton Trust, discussed a model based on the field school at the University of Oregon. Rick Sepler noted that the key outcome needs to be affordable housing, but the method of achieving that may be projects that include other types of housing; some regular housing may be needed to make affordable housing happen. Ms. Nelson asked about the issuance of tax exempt bonds. Mr. Timmons stated he had some experience with bonds for this purpose in Vermont but not here. Mr. Randels noted that mixed housing is desirable and projects should "pencil" socially as well as financially. Mrs. Medlicott asked how the Mountain View property would fit into the PDA concept and Mr. Timmons reviewed some options such as future affordable housing. There was consesus to add an item to the next business meeting agenda to refer the issue of establishing a PDA to the Community Development/Land Use Committee. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting June 8, 2009 Page 3 of 3