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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02212002 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2002 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this twenty-first day of February, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolffpresiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Freida Ferm, Kees Kolff, and Catharine Robinson. Joe Firmie and Michelle Sandoval were excused. Mr. Youse arrived at 6:45. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CITY HALL ANNEX City Manager Dave Timmons gave the background and history of the project, noting that the City has had an identified need to develop a long-term solution to its office needs since 1968. Last year the City Council approved a partnership with the Jefferson County Historical Society for renovation of the existing City Hall and authorized development of an annex for administrative needs. He added that what staff is seeking tonight is a decision by the Council for the preferred alternative of the three which have been analyzed by the architectural firms. He then introduced Dave Rutherford, Architect for ARC, who has been developing the project. He discussed the three options, "A" being Waterman & Katz; "B" the option of building in the existing parking lot behind City Hall; and "C" building next to existing City Hall on property currently owned by the American Legion. Mr. Timmons noted that staff is recommending Alternative "B" as the best choice. Mr. Rutherford discussed the different options and summarized as follows: Altemative "B" (behind City Hall) Points in favor: The City already owns the land. The space has more flexibility Offers best opportunity for "green' architecture Points against: More fagade to deal with Parking issues (parking displaced from current parking lot) City Council Special Business Mtg Page 1 February 21, 2002 Alternative "C" (Water Street site) Points in favor: Fills "missing tooth" along street City Hall remains on Water Street Entrance to the annex could be right next store to City Hall Less fagade to deal with in terms of historic aspect Overlooks the water Points against: Width of the site is a limiting factor and forces the building to three stories; makes it more difficult to keep public access space on the ground floor. City does not own the land Close proximity to City Hall would require more expensive construction, including walls with higher fire ratings Difficult to add "green" elements, wouldn't be able to provide much daylight. Waterman & Katz (Option "A") In terms of long term needs, the City would have to purchase the building. There would be significant costs to really bring it to an equitable standard in terms of a new building we would design; at that point it does not become cost effective to look at an acquisition and reconstruction plan. The floor was then open to questions from the Council. Mr. Masci asked about covered parking on the ground floor with two stories above that. Mr. Timmons noted there would be a great deal of speculative space and there is already a large amount of downtown space which is not used. Mr. Masci asked about the possibility of room for a PEG television studio and a theatre and art center. Mr. Timmons noted that the plan already includes about 9,500 square feet which would provide room for a studio and enough flexibility for future needs. Public Comment: Todd Wexman: stated that the administrative offices should move back to historic City Hall and the City should provide funding for relocation of the Jefferson County Historical Society. Phil Dinsmore: member of the Farmer's Market Board of Directors, stated he is encouraged to see the Farmer's Market included in the reconfiguration and is pleased that the Market is acknowledged as an integral part of the community. He added that there City Council Special Business Mtg Page 2 February 21, 2002 will be a lot of discussion among the producers and growers to help determine the best venue for selling local produce to the local market. Michael Hyland: stated the project is a big deal and a good opportunity to do something right. He urged the council to go slowly and perhaps appoint a committee to look into this and get a lot of public input. He suggested that local workers be hired and good wages be paid for the project. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to direct staff to proceed with implementation actions for Alternative "B" (current City Hall parking loO. Mr. Youse seconded. Mr. Masci noted there has been discussion of this project on an annual basis in the City and we are still coming up with the same findings so he doubts yet another citizen committee would find any new insights. He added in terms of the space allocation of the building, that bureaucracy expands with the space allotted and space should be geared to culture and not government. Mr. Timmons noted we would house a limited amount of services downtown because of the danger of emergency in the liquefaction and tsunami zone. Ms. Fenn questioned the extent of seismic safeguards. It was noted that the seismic structure will not necessarily preserve the building, but will save lives. Mr. Timmons also noted that there will be a great deal of public process during the permitting and design phase of the project. In taking with the historical society, he has determined there may be no need to connect the buildings. It might be better to separate the buildings with an alley between to access parking; this would be more consistent with the character in the downtown district. Ms. Fenn has been disappointed with the loss of the use of historic City Hall; it is awkward to have meetings there and have to go down the street to link with staff. She stated she would personally like to maximize the continued use of as much of the building as possible. She added that this is an opportunity to create public space the town has talked about in terms of performance space, etc., instead of establishing a second site. She stated this will be a community design and perhaps would be a first and great reason for a town meeting. Mr. Youse suggested continuing the vote to the Monday meeting but added he did not want to delay the staff work. Ms. Robinson asked what is the real feasibility of the Water Street lot being used for the annex. City Council Special Business Mtg Page 3 February 21, 2002 Mr. Timmons noted it is an option but a more complicated one since it requires dealing with a third party. The property has been appraised and discussions have been held. In addition the narrow site creates a design challenge. Mayor Kolff asked if the parking issue has been analyzed creatively enough; which option gives us a significant advantage in terms of flow of traffic, particularly in light of the Maritime Center project located within the same area. Mr. Timmons stated the traffic flow has not been particularly addressed in terms of the advantage of either "B" or "C". There have been discussions about whether Madison Street might be pedestrian only but from the historic perspective we heard a negative response because it would not be consistent with the historic character of the downtown as Madison has always been a throughway or street; however this could be dealt with through a more creative design to make it pedestrian friendly and also provide parking. He also added that because of the number of artists in the City, the plan would not only create the market gallery across Washington but also incorporate a gallery within the lobby of the building; building behind City Hall would give more flexibility to design that sort of space. Mayor Kolff asked if there were more public comment. Michael Hyland: clarified his statement regarding public input. He stated that he meant that more for the design than the siting process. He stated that there is probably not much choice and noted that in his experience closing down streets has been a terrible mistake. Perhaps the Santa Cruz model of one way street and a lot of parking in one lane would work. Barbara Marseille: noted it is pretty obvious that alternative "B" is the more practical solution from the City's point of view and accessibility may be possible between the two buildings. She stated that the second floor of City Hall is undemsed and she would like it to be filled and exposed as a subjective lesson in historic architecture. She added her concerns about parking, which is very important if the museum is to survive economically. She stated that the Historic Preservation Committee would be a major player working with the architects on the design. Richard Berg: although originally thought the other options had appeal, he said he is now leaning toward "C", now thinks site "B" is intriguing from an urban planning point of view. He stated that an urban center at the comer of Washington and Madison would do a lot for Washington Street and would tend to promote more retail activity and business, etc. Niki Clark: JCHS Director, initially agreed with Mr. Berg that "C" would be the best choice, but has been on a steep learning curve relating to the realities of codes and architectural problems. Now "B" seems the best choice and would enable traffic to move in more of a circle and give the building choices more flexibility. In either case, joining City Council Special Business Mtg Page 4 February 21, 2002 the buildings does not seem as feasible and independent buildings make a lot of sense since City Hall has its own rhythm in an earthquake. She stated her belief that staff is taking the right path, by making "B" the preferred alternative. Vote: the motion to approve site plan "B" carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Special Business Mtg Page 5 February 21, 2002