HomeMy WebLinkAbout06252009DRAFT
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP SESSION OF JUNE 25, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners met in workshop session this twenty-fifth day of June, 2009, at
6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall.
Council members present were Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels,
Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Commisssioners present were
Phil Johnson and John Austin. Council members David King and Mark Welch
and Commissioner David Sullivan were excused.
HOUSING ACTION PLAN NETWORK COMMITTEE & SURPLUS PROPERTY
Staff members Judy Surber and Cara Leckenby reviewed the packet materials,
noting this is a follow-up from prior joint meetings regarding the County's
housing inventory. More details were presented on County-owned three sites -
the QFC complex area, land adjacent to Laurel Grove Cemetery and Jackson
Street site.
There was discussion regarding the possibility of selling the Jackson Street site
and earmarking the funds for affordable housing. The property would be more
desirable as high end housing and probably too expensive to accommodate an
affordable housing project. Mr. Morley stated that proceeds from that sale
must go to the taxing districts so the entire amount would not be available for
use by the City and County (example: sale at $65,000 would result in about
$36,000 to City and County).
Discussion ensued about the Laurel Grove site; questions were raised about
the allowed density and whether it could be rezoned to R-III. Mr. Sepler noted
the current infrastructure would not meet R-III requirements but a Planned Unit
Development would be a possibility.
Ms. Surber noted that a column for assessed value has been added to the
City's property matrix. However, staff has not had time to go to the next level
of review. Once the Council authorizes property to be listed in the affordable
housing land bank, the City can look for partners and grants to further the
analysis.
Mr. Randels requested information on "LLA" (lot line adjustment) and what that
means. Ms. Surber noted if a lot line adjusment is in place, the parcels would
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not be eligible to be sold separately. Mr. Timmons added that the lot line
adjustment was related to a state wildlife corridor grant. He stated it is not in
perpetuity, but a subdivision process would have to completed in order
to divide the parcels out again.
Mr. Randels suggested it would make sense to proceed from here with one
parcel from each jursdiction and have staff concentrate on those, look for
partners, etc. He suggested the Umatilla site from the City and the Laurel
Grove parcel from the County as having the most immediate potential. Other
suggestions were putting Jackson Street property up for auctin, and exploring a
PUD for Laurel Grove.
Ms. Nelson asked if we might be limiting ourselves by not doing due diligence
on the other properties. She agreed these two properties are good choices
but if the analysis shows there is a problem with either of them the process
would have to begin again.
Mr. Morley suggested creating an inclusive pool to present to those involved in
providing affordable housing and ask which sites they might be interested in
pursuing, in other words, let the market decide. He stated he doesn't know if
either jursidcition has much ability to do their own analysis.
Ms. Robinson noted that the Levinski property is owned by the stormwater
fund; Mr. Timmons stated that the Council would have to approve some sort of
transaction to release that funding from the stormwater account.
Ms. Sandoval expressed concern about a decision to market the Jackson
Street property in this economic climate.
Staff will move the process forward with tonight's direction.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
Kees Kolff, Judy Surber and Zoe Ann Lamp reviewed the Committee's work
plan. It was noted that the draft potential measures have been provided to the
Department of Commerce, ICLEI and the Department of Ecology, to solicit their
input. None has been received so far. Three public "road shows" have been
scheduled for June 29, June 30 and July 1.
Mr. Kolff introduced Annie Young and Molly Thompson, high school students
who will take the places of Nora Bumfield and Taylor Beard, the current
student representaties.
Mr. Randels asked if the Committee has looked into prioritization of the action
items yet, and asked how that will be done. Mr. Kolff noted that the action
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plan is being implemented already in many respects. Mr. Kolff stated the
Committee got a handle on how to prioritize from the software program, but the
variables are so wide that the "scores" didn't mean much. Funding would
help pay for a professional consultant who could perform a cost benefit
analysis.
Commissioner Johnson stated that the County is considering energy saving
improvements at the Courthouse.
Ms. Surber stated the Committee hopes to have an actual plan in hand for the
next round of workshops.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PDA) -UPDATE
Mr. Timmons gave an update of the Public Develoment Authority project for the
Commissioners and noted that the City Council has authorized a committee to
review the concept. At this time it is proposed that there would be two primary
purposes for the PDA, retention of the community's historical assets and
creation of affordable housing.
After agreeing that a County presence would be desirable during the PDA
discussion process, Commissioner Johnson volunteered to represent the
County at the Community Development /Land Use Committee meetings. The
committee will determine a regular meeting time that is convenient for all
members. Mr. Morley said the BOCC can formally designate the delegate at
their July 6 meeting.
POTENTIAL ASSIGNMENTS TO STAFF FOR JOINT DEVELOPMENT
Regional Services Agreement -Court and Jail Services
Mr. Morley stated that he and Mr. Timmons have met about the Court and Jail
Services interlocal agreement and are close to completing the draft. He added
that in order to reduce staff overhead, they suggest negotiating amulti-year
agreement starting in 2010.
CitylCounty Parks & Recreation Sustainability
Mr. Timmons stated the County has done a lot of work addressing the park
situation and that the two entities started to address their issues separately
but it appears the time has come to reengage the discussion of a joint plan.
He stated concem that if the park system does not work at that level, there
may be a risk that the City will need to step in and try to preserve County
assets within the City. He stated that we need to work together on a regional
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plan and work on a measure to present to the voters.
Mr. Morley said that staff will bring something forward when it is more
mature; at this time they are fleshing out ideas about how to partner and build
on work done in the past. The County is taking stock of parks and recreation
and programs and facilities throughout the County including those in the City
as our mutual citizens rely on them wherever they live.
Ne also noted that the County is facing revenue shortfalls this year and next
year so there may be some steps and actions that are needed in the long
term and he does not want the City to be surprised by any of these.
POSSIBLE AGENDA TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
Mr. Timmons suggested discussion items including the second round planning
grant for Community Development Block Program funds; the City /County
emergency plan update (with FEMA grant funds); the Department of Ecology
joint rule; and staffs report back on the identified affordable housing potential
properties.
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor
Sandoval at 8:20 p.m.
At 8:21, Mr. Austin moved to adjourn. Second by Mr. Johson. The BOCC
meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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