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CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF JUNE 13, 2005
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this
thirteenth day of June, 2005, at 6:32 p.m. in the Blue Heron School Commons Area,
Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci,
Laurie Medlicott, Freida Fenn, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer David Peterson, and City
Clerk Pam Kolacy
UPPER SIMS WA Y/HOWARD STREET IMPROVEMENTS
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City Engineer David Peterson and Consultant Scott Sawyer gave the presentation.
Mr. Peterson reviewed the public process to date, which has included public input
through workshops and design charrettes. Staff has also had meetings and ongoing
contact with the business owners in the area.
One of the biggest issues currently is the difficulty of turning on and off Sims Way.
This year's budget contained funding for preliminary engineering and the City has
contracted with W&H Pacific for those services. An open house for the public was
held just prior to the meeting to get comments on the earlier charrette; participants in
the design phase focused on several transportation issues on the upper Sims Way
corridor. Scope of the project is Howard Street, McPherson Street, and the Howard
Street extension.
Other issues addressed during the process include:
Additional entrance to the Business Park
Additional frontage roads
Roundabouts vs. traffic signal at intersection of Howard and Sims.
Sims Way will be at failure level in 20 years if nothing is done to relieve traffic
congestion.
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City Council Workshop
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June 13, 2005
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Scott Sawyer, project manager, noted that the workshop on the 13th resulted in six
different packages of red lines and onionskins that were developed and reported
back; an attempt was made to turn that into a composite, correct engineering packet.
He noted there was more popular interest in a roundabout as opposed to a traffic
signal. There was strong opinion that Sims Way should not end up being a five-lane
highway, that it would be better to find ways to divert traffic and leave Sims at three
lanes.
In answer to Ms. Sandoval's question, Mr. Sawyer stated that Sims Way is a state
right of way and they get the final say; they have a 20-year planning period which
says they want to widen the road up to milepost 8.5, around Mill Road. Widening
Sims in town is not currently on the 20-year plan.
Discussion ensued about emergency vehicle access for both roundabout and traffic
signal; back in parking which has been proposed; and price comparison (costs are
about the same between roundabout and signal).
Mr. Clow noted that there is much less right of way on Discovery than Sims, so if
Discovery is expanded it is likely the City will be buying additional right of way.
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Mr. Peterson stated staff is meeting with Washington Department of Transportation
and property owners to discuss roundabout and traffic signal; concepts will be
brought forward to Council and approval will be by resolution.
Mr. Timmons noted this is the first step in a long process that will probably take well
over a year. He said the City would like to get construction going on the Howard
Street section next year so that will be a priority and is first in line for funding.
Follow-up meetings will be scheduled as the project moves along. He added again
that the City has more control over Discovery as all of Sims Way is under the
jurisdiction of the state transportation department.
HALLER FOUNTAINITAYLOR STREET
David Peterson and Consultant Terry Rekord reported on the workshop and design
charrette held for public input on the Haller Fountain and Taylor Street project which
is included in the 2005 CIP and has been a priority for the businesses on Taylor
Street and in the "Fountain District."
Concerns expressed were aimed toward ways in which to make a more inviting
streetscape from Union Wharf to the Fountain and one block on either side. About
40 interested people attended to develop a common vision for Taylor Street. There
were many ideas in common regarding treatment of the sidewalk, parking,
circulation and signage. There was discussion about making the street "convertible"
for events with no curbs.
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Mr. Benskin raised the issue of maintaining an emergency vehicle turnaround and
handicapped parking space in front of Admiralty Apartments.
Mr. Peterson said there was much interest in reverse parking (backing into slots
rather than driving forward into them).
Staff and consultant have had discussions with the Historic Preservation Committee
regarding materials, signage, etc.
Mr. Timmons noted that individual improvements are being made with limited
existing funding; Council will approve the bigger picture before the phases are
implemented.
Mr. Masci requested a list of charrette participants for both projects, the budgets for
both projects and technical information on reverse parking.
Ms. Sandoval commented on the commonalities that were identified at the charrette,
even though many different groups are working individually.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the workshop was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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Attest:
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Pam Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
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City Council Workshop
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