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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/1991 I I I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 5, Cont. RECESS Mayor Shirley recessed the meeting until March 14, 1991, at ~>: 00 PM at 6:50 PM. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Shirley declared the meeting adjourned on March 14, 1991. Attest: ;!J~ Clerk-Treasurer MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, 1991 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this Nineteenth day of March, 1991, at 6: 30 PM in the Council Chambers of city Hall, Mayor Brent S Shirley presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Jean Camfield, John Clise, Vern Jones, Michael Kenna, Julie McCulloch, Norma Owsley and Sheila Westerman. Also present were Clerk-Treasurer David Grove, city Attorney Keith Harper, Director of Planning and Building Michael Hildt and Public Works Director Robert Wheeler. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rocky Friedman was recognized and questioned if he should speak at this time about the Rose Theater or if he would be allowed to speak later on the Agenda. Mayor Shirley responded that the Rose 'I'heater Acquisition will be addressed later and that he should speak at that time. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Jones made a motion to approve the following it.ems on the Consent Agenda which was seconded by Councilmember Owsley and passed unanimously by voice vote. Approval of the following Bills and Claims: Current Expense Street Library Park Emergency Medical Services Community Development Block Water-Sewer Storm and Surface Water Equipment Rental Firemen's Pension and Relief Total $ 40,200.97 4,631.70 74.06 625.33 10,925.76 4,991.00 39,299.16 42,744.10 12,369.55 185.00 $156,046.63 Grant Setting Hearings: Rezone Application 9011-03 and Conditional Use Permit Application No 91-3-02 -City of Port Townsend for April 2, 1991. Shoreline Substantial Development Permit Application No 9103-02 -City of Port Townsend will also be considered for this project at this mE~eting. 177 178 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Cont. Approval of Re-Appointment: Lowell Bogart to the Shoreline Advisory Committee to expire 3-1-94. communicatiöns: A letter dated February 25, 1991, from Melanie Bozak, President and Festival Chair, Rhododendron Festival Association, requesting an increase in the 1991 Budget allocation was copied for Council and referred to the Finance Committee. A Final Report dated March 5, 1991, from the Affordable Housing Committee was copied for Council. A memorandum dated March 5, 1991, from Mélrianne Walters, County Clerk and Chair of County Law and Justice Committee, including a Forum Agenda for a presentation on "Changes in Felony Jail Populations" was copied for Council. ' A request dated March 5, 1991, from DenniB and Paulette O'Rourke for an extension to Conditonal Use Permit 9002-01 for operation of a Bed and Breakfast Inn at 411 Filmore Street was copied for Council and referred to the Legislative/En'~ironmental Committee. A lawsuit dated March 6, 1991, from Charles and Donna C Enfield related to the application of Robert Little for a rezone of certain property from R-IA and C-II to M-I was copied for Council and referred to the city Attorney. A letter dated March 7, 1991, from Evan Jones and Jim Hargrove, state Representatives, and Paul H Connor, State Senator, to Jan Tveten, Director, Parks and Recreation commission, concerning principles and policies relative to the Fort Worden Management Action Plan approved December 7,1990, and the Fort Worden Master Facility Use Plan subject to review March :3, 1991, was copied for Council. A letter dated March 8, 1991, from Dave Robison, Planner, City of Port Townsend, to Lee Wilburn, President, Vantage Homes, Inc, stating concerns about probable significant adverse impacts for the proposed Parkview Plat was copied for Council. A letter dated March 13, 1991, from Mrs Kathleen Jackson to the Port Townsend Leader requesting the purchase of flags and signs which display thank you and welcome home 'to those who served in Operation Desert storm was copied for Council and referred to the Community Services Committee. An Environmental Checklist copied for Council on March 14, 1991, for the City of Port Townsend about the Gateway Development Plan was referred to the Legislati ve/Environmen1:al Committee. A Memorandum dated March 15, 1991, froI1 Etta Roth regarding Townsend Meadows was copied for Council and referred to Unfinished Business later on the agenda. A letter dated March 15, 1991, from Gordo~ L Meling, President, Superior Refuse Removal, Inc, stating that current problems with the recycling program will be resolved by the end of April and enclosing a bill for reimbursement for recycling bags and rubber bands was copied for Counc~l and re~erred to the community Services Committee. \, ' " r' , ',' .. A memorandum dated March 15,1991, from the Board of Director, Port Townsend Main Street Project supporting several provisions of the Sign Code Update (fifth draft) was copied for Council and referred to the Public Hearing later on the agenda. 'I r. , I \ " ,. \ " ,I \' \ , \ I I I I I I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Ccmt. This concludes the Consent Agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS Variance Application No 9011-06 -Maxwell. Mr Hildt revie\\red the recommendations of the Planning Commission to approve this véJœiance for a front porch to the home at 514 Van Buren under certain conditions. Mayor Shirley opened the hearing to the Public. There being no testimony, Mayor Shirley closed the hearing to the Public and turned to the Council for disposition. Councilmember Clise made a motion that the Council adopt the following findings, conclusions and condition and approve Variance Application No 9011- 06 which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote. Findings: 1. The applicants proposed to construct a front porch addi t:ion to their home at 515 Van Buren Street. The subject property is located on the west side of Van Buren Street, between Franklin and Clay Streets. The surrounding neighborhood has been designated as an R-I zoning district, and is residential in character. 2. The current front setback of the dwelling from the street right-of-way is 22 feet. In the R-I zoning distriGt the minimum front setback is 20 feet. The applicant proposes to construct the addition so that the front setback of the building would be 16 feet. As this is less than the required 20 foot front setback, a variance is required. 3. The houses which are located on both sides of the subject property have porches setback 16 feet from the street right- of-way. The proposed porch would have an identical setback from the street right-of-way, and be of a similar design to that of the neighboring homes (see attached site plan). The proposed porch would extend streetward six feet from the existing structure. 4. The applicants state that the addition of a front porch will improve the appearance of the house, and make it archi tecturally more consistent with the houses which are located on the abutting properties. In addition, the applicants believe that a front porch similar to that which is proposed existed at one time. Conclusions: 1. The proposed variance would not amount to a rezone~, constitute a change in the district boundaries. nor 2. Special. conditions and circumstances exist which are pec:uliar to the land that are not applicable to other lands in the same district. A literal interpretation of the provisions of title 17 would deprive the property owner of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties similarly situated in the district. The surrounding district is not in general compliance with the front setback standard of twenty feet. Many of the buildings have less than tþe currently required front setback. A::; non- standard front setbacks are the norm, not the exception, the variance would not, if granted, conf 3r a special privil~9ge to the subject property that is denied j:o oth¡er lands in tbe same district. 3. 4. The granting of the variance wj,.l¡ l1Qt be detrimental 1:0 the public welfare and injurious tq y.oe proPl~rty or improv'9ments in the vicinity. / 179 180 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Cont. 5. The variance, if granted, would not be inconsistent with the zoning code purpose set forth in section 17.04.020 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code. 6. The reasons set forth in the above--referenced application justify granting the variance. The va:ciance is needed to make reasonable use of the land. 7. The granting of this'variance would be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of Title :_7 (zoning) of the Port Townsend Municipal Code. In consideration of the aforementioned findings and conclusions, the City Council finds that the above-referenced application be granted as conditioned: 1. The proposed porch shall not be fully enclosed, with no less than 40% of each new exterior wall frE!e from posts, railings, balustrades, windows or exterior sheathing. Sign Code Update. Mr Hildt reviewed the recommendations of the Planning Commission for revision to the sign code ordinance. Mayor Shirley opened the hearing to the Pul>lic. He noted that the council also received a memorandum datec, March 15, 1991 which suggests a number of changes. Ken Webb was recognized and expressed concern that the proposed chan;Je would eliminate his ability to use a sandwich board sign which ,~ccording to a survey of his customers, attracts thirty percent of his business. He explained that they do not own a storefront~ downtown and requested that there be some consideration for unique businesses like his. Bob Harper was recognized and explained that the Townsite Professional Center sign would need to be replaced by a monument sign under this proposal. He objected because it would then eliminate a parking space which is already in short supply. He explained that fuel price signs are commercially made at a standard of eighteen square feet. The new code crea'tes a maximum of sixteen square feet and a height of six feet. If the overall height were increased by two feet, then the signs could be stacked. He requested that this section be revised to agree with the industry standard. He expressed concern for the siqns which are painted on vehicles. Steve Hayden was recognized ani expressed concern for the increase in size of real estate signs allowed in residential areas. Bob Sokol was recognized and expressed support for the sandwich board signs indicating they are a part of the history of Port Townsend and expected by the tourist:;. He pointed out that there are many other obstacles on the sidewalks besides the present sandwich boards. He suggested regulations could be instituted to mitigate the objections. David Hero was recognized and spoke in favor of sandwich board signs because businesses off Water Street need the exposure. There being no further 1:estimony, Mayor Shirley closed the hearing to the Public and turned to the Council for disposition. Mr. Hildt reported that 1:he council received a recommendation from the Mainstreet Project dated March 15,1991 on this issue. During discussion which ensued, Mr. Robert Harper was again recognized to clarify his testimony on gas signs which he did. It was indicated that there should be some kind of exemption on the size of lettering on gasoline pumps. Other issues discussed included signs on vehicles, multiple busir.,ess complexes, limiting the size of lettering in internally lit signs" shielding flood lights and grandfathering. Further discusBibn ensued during which sandwich board signs were discussed at, length. Ms. Webb was recognized from the audience and indicated that there is insurance available for sandwich board signs and she ~as purchased it. Cindy Wolpin was recognized and reported on t,he survey she took of sandwich board signs which showed a concentration of signs near the intersection of Water and Taylor Streets. ~s the distance on Water '\ ' ",...~\\,'\ ".k..' "1. ..' ";'." \i~,\\ 'i,,' , \~\\y"", , I I I I I I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Cont. Street from that intersection increases, the number of sandwich board signs decreases. After further discussion, Councilmember Kenna made a motion to continue this discussion to the rl3gular meeting on April 16, 1991 which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote. RECESS Mayor Shirley declared a Recess at 8: 45 PM. The meeting was reconvened at 8:52 PM. Councilmember Camfield was excused during the recess. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Rose Theater Acquisition. Robert Friedman was recognizE~d and reviewed the progress to date on the proposed restoration of the Rose Theater, what has been done to provide for parkinÇJ, the requirements for free public access, and reassured the council of his continued interest in completing the project. Councilmember Westerman reported that President Bush has included in his budget at the federal level funds to continue support for historic preservation. She requested that the council embrace a policy of support for more local use businesses in the downtown core area. Mr. Harper asked for input from the city council on the length of a term for the lease of the building. Councilmember Westerman requested that the council receive a proposal from the proponent. Councilmember Owsley suggested that the proposal be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting scheduled for March 26th Slt 5: 00 PM. Phil Johnson was recognized from the audience and indicated that there is no real time pressure now to complete the lease agreement because the seller is being patient. After a brief discussion, it was a consensus of the council that the F'inance Committee should review the agreement at their next meeting and offer any input so that the entire council can review the dc'cument on April 2nd with the intent to take action on April 16th. Waste Water Treatment Lawsuit Settlement. Mr. Wheeler rEiported that an agreement has been worked out which will dismiss t,he law suit. He explained that it meets the goals of the city while satisfying the concerns of the neighbors. Further negotiat:ion is pending with the Department of Ecology to establish a revised schedule for construction. Another limited value engineerinq study may be appropriate to evaluate the changes. RESOLUTION NO. 91-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO COMPLETE AN AGREEMENT. Councilmember Owsley made a motion that the council adopt Resolution No. 91-23 which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote. Townsend Meadows. Mr. Harper reported that he and Michael Hildt have met with Mark Johnson and have determined that the storm water drainage system will need to be revised to deal with the faGt that there is no drainage pipe out of that area. A definition of the senior retirement community is being prepared so that will no longer be a problem. Mr. Harper indicated that it will be appropriate for it to go back to the Planning Commission to look at the changes to simply approve it to be fo¡lowed with an amEmdment to the planned unit development agreement ~y the City Councilor if they found it to b~ a sl,lbsté;t.nJ.;i,Æfl change from what was pJ::'oposed before, the Plannipg commiss;iç~ pould, have a public hearinq on it with appropriate recommendationø after tha,. 181 182 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCB 19, Cont. Union Wharf. Councilmember McCulloch explained that she asked for this to be put on the agenda so that the council might consider writing a letter to the developer listing 1:he areas of concern and areas needing resolution. She expressed ::;ome concerns about the attachments to the resolution adopted a1: the previous meeting noting errors of reference. She explained that the same agencies who received a copy of the resolution shoulj also receive a copy of the letter. After a brief discussion during which support was expressed for issuing a letter, Councilmembl~r McCulloch volunteered to draft the letter with some staff assista,rlce. When she asked Mr. Hildt if he could help, he reminded the council that further action had been put on hold until the legal concerns about the authority of the lease have been resolved to the city council's satisfaction. Mayor Shirley declared that the letter would be prepared. COMMITTEE REPORTS/STAFF REPORTS Parks and Property. Councilmember Owsley reported that the commi ttee discussed concerns with David Hel'o about young people on the streets in Port Townsend, but no solutions to the problems were identified. She indicated the committee is going to meet with representative from the golf club. She reported that the committee is recommending adoption of the Parks Comprehensive Plan coming up later on the agenda. Street/Storm Drainage/Light. Councilmember Jones reported that the committee discussed Parkview and asked Mr. Wheeler to report on their findings. Mr. Wheeler explained thélt a resolution will be forthcoming defining points of access to this subdivision. Councilmember Jones reported that work haE not begun on the Dahl property, Mr. Bergstrom has trimmed his hedge, but there are still concerns in the neighborhood about the view, Two walnut trees were removed from the intersection of Lawrence ,:md Walker. The Poplar trees at the corner of Elm and "F" are also causing a problem. Mr. Wheeler was asked to report on the new trenching laws which he did. He explained that they are a lot more restrictive than in the past and the street cuts will be larger as a result. He indicated that a landscaping plan approved by the city council for John Foley has created some safety concerns. He indicated that the council will receive a request to approve a change to the landscaping plan to allow the trees to be moved back. Mr. Hildt suggested that the council make a motion allowing staff to modify the landscaping plan to assure sight visibility for traffic. Councilmember Westerman made a motion to that effect which was seconded by Councilmember McCulloch and passed unanimously by voice 'Tote. Legislative/Environmental. Councilmember I<enna made a motion that the council issue a declaration of non-significance for the Gateway Project which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote. Communi ty Services. Councilmember Weste!'man reported that the council has received a final report from the Affordable Housing Commi ttee. She indicated that the subc:ommi ttees are meeting weekly. She reported that the committee would like to continue to offer the services previously offered b:r Bayshore to collect recycling until the new bins are delivered c,nd the every other week pickup starts. Meetings with Gary Olels of Superior are still occurring to resolve communication problems. Mayor Shirley reported in response to Mr. Meling's lett(~r that he has offered $1,200 per month reimbursement for commerci,:il recycling collection services plus the cost of the bags and rutber bands from January 1991 to date. Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the council approve this offer which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote, I I I I I I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Ccmt. Legislative/Environmental. Councilmember Kenna made a motion that the council extend the conditional use permit for Dennis and Paulett O'Rorke at 411 Fillmore Street for one year which was seconded by Councilmember McCulloch and passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilmember Kenna reported that he received a lettE!r back from the Washington state Parks indicating they are willing to complete a non-project SEPA analysis he requested at Fort Worden provided they're budget is funded. Mayor Shirley reported on a meeting he attended with representatives from Washington State Parks addressing concerns about the classification of Chinese Gardens. RESOLUTION NO 91-24 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENT NO.4 TO AN EARLIER AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH CH2M HILL. Mr. Wheeler explained these contract provisions for engineering services on the design of the storm drainage facilities. RESOLUTION NO 91-25 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND TO ENTER INTO A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT TO AN EARLIER ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH CH2M HILL. Mr Wheeler explained that this supplemental is for additional work on the Water Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember McCulloch made a motion that the Council Adopt Resolutions No 91-24 and 91-25 which was seconded by Councilmember Westerman and passed unanimously by voice vote. Impact Fee/Rate Study. Mr. Wheeler reported that the collect:ion of data is continuing for the impact fee and rate study. He indicated the advisory committee met a week ago and explained that we have a long way to go before any final conclusions will be reached. Chetzemoka Benefit Fundraiser. Mr. Wheeler reported that the volunteer effort during the last weekend generated over $9,000 towards the restoration effort for Chetzemoka Park. Ci ty Dock Replacement. Mr. Wheeler reported that the steering commi ttee is meeting to review proposals for the replacemlent of city Dock and will be discussing it with the city council Finance Committee. Brushing Policy. Mr. Wheeler reported that a meeting will be held on April 6th of interested parties to discuss the conten1: of a brushing policy for along city rights-of-way. Gateway Development Plan. Mr. Hildt reported that the Planning Commission met to review the Gateway Development Plan and explained some of the concerns. Because their work on this is takin.g more time than originally anticipated, he asked that the City Council postpone their hearing because this project is too important to rush. Mr. Hildt explained that the Planning Commission is looking at returning to one business meeting per month which will slow development project, but give them an opportunity to do more planning. A discussion ensued on code revisions which would eliminate repetitive applications which are always disposed of in the same way. 183 184 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 19, Cont. NEW BUSINESS Parks Comprehensive Plan. RESOLUTION NO 91-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCr::. OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND ADOPTING COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN. Mr. Wheeler explained that a lot of hard ', ork has gone into this document from a number of people. Scott Wéllker was recognized and indicated he would be available to answer questions. He explained what action the Park Board would take if the plan is adopted to develop trails. After a brief discussion, Councilmember McCulloch made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No 91-26 which was seconded by Councilmember Owsley and passl3d unanimously by voice vote. COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION Park Board Vacancy. Mr. Walker was recogr,ized and requested that the vacancies in the Park Board be filled. After a brief discussion, Mayor Shirley indicated tha't: he would review the applications he has received. CouncilmembHr Owsley explained that the normal procedure is for the Mayor t,:> advertise that he is seeking interested parties. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Shirley declared the meeting adjourned at 10:33 PM. 6?d:=J Attest: M~ ~~gr~~frREGULAR SESSION OF' APRIL 2, 1991 The city Council of the city of Port Townsend met in regular session this Second day of April 1991, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Brent S Shirley presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Jean Camfield, JohnClise, Vern Jones, Michael Kenna, Julie McCulloch, Norma Owsley and Sheila Westerman. Also present were Clerk-Trea:;urer David Grove, city Attorney Keith Harper, Director of Planning and Building Michael Hildt and Public Works Director Robert WhE!eler. PUBLIC COMMENTS Dan Van Slyke, General Manager, Paradise Bay Sea Farms was recognized and questioned if the extensi on of their shorelines permit will be discussed tonight. Mayor Shirley responded that the request will be discussed under New Business later on the agenda. Monica Mick-Hager was recognized and spoke of her concerns about the Economic Development Agreement, specifically sections 1A and IB stating that it is too general and not spncific. I I I