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Home My WebLink About110509 CC Draft MinutesDRAFT CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP SESSION OF NOVEMBER 5, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend and the Jefferson County Commissioners met in workshop session the 5th day of November 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, Michelle Sandoval, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Mark Welch, County Commissioners John Austin, Phil Johnson, and David Sullivan. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, County Administrator Phiiip Morley, County Director of Community Development AI Scalf, City Director of Development Services Rick Sepler, and City Public Works Director Ken Clow . PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Establishing a Direction for Coordination of 2011 Comprehensive Plan Updates by City and County Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley reported on recent discussions between County, City, Port and PUD staff to consider opportunities to work together for mutual benefit. Areas identified were: (1) City and County legal mandates for Comprehensive Plan Updates by 2001; (2) Economic Development, and (3) Water Issues. County Director of Community Development AI Scalf talked about upcoming assessments of comprehensive plan amendments. He reviewed areas of commonality with the City (best available science, land use, housing, capital facilities, utilities, transportation, parks, and economic development). In difference, the County has large tracks of agricultural, mineral lands, aquaculture, and rural elements and densities. City Manager David Timmons reported that a primary issue affecting the City, County and PUD is water. The City has a federal mandate to add secondary disinfection to the water system by 2013. Following the census, it also needs to update population data in the water system plan. He distributed several handouts and reviewed water issues facing the City. He proposed reconvening the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee (Council, County, Port, and UGA representatives) to start discussions on a framework for core policies to be used for future discussions. City Council Joint Workshop Page 1 of 4 DRAFT Catherine Robinson joined the meeting at 7 pm. Ms. Sandoval asked Mr. Morley to present his recommendations. Mr. Morley suggested Rick Sepler and AI Scalf work together to come up with recommendations on a county-wide planning process. He agrees with convening the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee in 2010. On joint growth planning, an item on the table for discussion is what happens to urban growth area planning. This ties to the census and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) or if there is significant disagreement, then to independent population and job modeling. There would be a need to look at available land, projections, assumptions about infill development and existing urban growth areas, and what is the land capacity and need. He noted the current economic crisis would present a cost constraint. Mr. Timmons spoke of the need to balance Joint Growth work with the rulemaking underway through the WRIA 17 Planning Unit. The City and County will have to pool resources to be successful. Mr. Morley reminded that in looking toward a shared vision, other groups to involve are the Water Utility Coordinating Committee, the PUD and Port. Public involvement is also an important element. Mr. Timmons noted that the schools are also a partner. There were additional comments by the Commissioner and Council in support of working together on a shared strategy. Councilors and Commissioners shared examples of current collaboration and voiced support for reinstituting the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee. Develop Coordinated Economic Strategy (County, City, Port, Team Jefferson) Mr. Morley spoke about revenue constraints and the need to work together with Team Jefferson on a common economic development strategy to ensure all areas of the county thrive. Katherine Baril, Director of the WSU Extension Office, reported on Team Jefferson's collaborative efforts and economic planning opportunities. She distributed a Think Local First brochure, a list of advisors, facilitators, and business group representatives engaged in Team Jefferson, as well as the contract with the county. She solicited support from the City and Port on a base lands inventory that would help them develop a joint economic strategy. Mr. Timmons noted that any development beyond Howard Street is going to need a sewer lift station. An element of the study that might result in a joint policy decision is where that station should be placed. He agreed with the need for broader thinking in creating an economic development strategy. City Council Joint Workshop Page 2 of 4 DRAFT Bill Wise of WSU Team Jefferson added that it would be more of an economic assessment, including data on jobs, industry, retail, and accommodations. Most of the data they have is anecdotal. It is critical to get data on how past decisions have affected economic growth. In response to questions about the lands inventory, Ms. Baril noted the last economic assessment was in 2002. There is a need for more participation in discussions about the data desired. Mr. Randels suggested that the comprehensive plan update include an expansion of economic development sections. Developing affordable housing is also part of an economic development strategy. Mr. King noted that the various businesses that have expanded in the Boat Haven are examples of economic development which started locally. Ms. Sandoval agreed land use is not going to create economic development. She referred to a New York Times article which stressed the importance of putting money into education. Mr. Timmons commented that there is an opportunity in wireless broadband with Jeffcom co-locating antennas with Verizon to provide wireless broadband. Mayor Sandoval then solicited public comment. Bill LeMaster spoke in support of collaborative relationships being discussed by elected officials. Sam Gibboney urged the City and County to think of innovative ways to engage the public. George Yount thanked elected officials for their dedication to service and urged regular meetings to share and communicate. Pete Langley reiterated the importance of curbing water use and focusing on education and technology investments. BREAK Mayor Sandoval declared a recess at 8:15 p.m. for the purpose of a break. JOINT COUNTY/CITY COMMITTEE UPDATES Housing Action Plan Network Committee & Surplus Property Rick Sepler Development Services Director provided an update on this City and County joint committee and distributed a written report. City Council Joint Workshop Page 3 of 4 DRAFT Climate Action Committee & Grant Applications Rick Sepler Development Services Director provided a status report. UPDATE ON CENTER FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND PDA Mr. Sepler announced the City is currently soliciting members for the Public Development Authority. Staff is also doing due diligence on a variety of projects that might be appropriate for the PDA (such as the Customs House and restoration of unrestored buildings at Ft. Worden). Ms. Sandoval suggested a public meeting on the PDA to explain the large economic development opportunity. Tim Lawson of the School for Woodworking and Preservation Training announced Fort Worden recently received awindow-based energy conservation grant. He talked further about the grant and scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurial training. Mr. Randels noted that for the purposes of countering any public misperception, the PDA will not spend taxpayer money and will be financed by other sources. FUTURE MEETINGS AND POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS Mr. Morley recognized the value of regularly-scheduled meetings and suggested quarterly 2010 joint meetings with the next meeting being in February. Possible topics would be a schedule for reconvening the Joint Growth Management Steering committee, coordinated growth management planning, economic development strategy, and partnership with the PUD and timing for moving forward on the water issues. It might also be possible to have an update on the PDA and feedback on grant applications. Ms. Medlicott noted the importance of including the PUD and the Port. Ms. Sandoval indicated the Port was invited. Mr. Scalf suggested the next agenda also include a census update and UGA update. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Joint Workshop Page 4 of 4