HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/1989
93
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 3, 1989, Cont.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Shirley declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:42 PM.
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~..4
Attest:
lad L-
Clerk-Treasurer
Mayor
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989
The city Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular
session this seventeenth day of January, 1989, at 7:30 PM, in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Brent S Shirley presiding.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Jean camfield, Karen
Chang, John Clise, Vern Jones, Mike Kenna, and Norma Owsley.
Councilmember Julie McCulloch was excused. Also present were City
Attorney Keith Harper, Public Works Director Ted stric}~lin, Clerk-
Treasurer David Grove and Executive Administrative
Assistant/Planner Michael Hildt.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gene Jenkins was recognized and asked the status of the Jefferson
County Shelter. Mayor Shirley replied that they are aware that a
conditional use permit is required before a building pE~rmit can be
purchased and so far they have not made application.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Jones made a motion to approve the following items
on the Consent Agenda which was seconded by Councilmemt>er Camfield
and passed unanimously by voice vote.
Approval of the minutes of January 3, 1989, as written without
reading.
Approval of the following Bills and Claims:
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Current Expense
Street
Library
Park
1988 ~ire Equipment
Emergency Medical Services
Capital Improvement
Storm Drain Construction
Water/Sewer
sto1;"l'!\ Drainage
Equipment Ren~aa
Firemen's Pension & Relief
Total
$ 93,391. 99
5,123.27
5,151.58
5,522.01
481.46
4,327.48
78.00
2,141.25
225,292.62
21,306.51
4,012.76
110.25
$366,939.18
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
Setting Hearings:
Rezone Application 8807-04 -Wm Amburn, et al Feb 7,1989
Variance Application 8811-03 -Mathias Feb 7,1989
Ordinance proposing Amendment to Zoning Code Feb 7, 1989
Communications:
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A letter dated June 16, 1988, to the Chamber of Commerce from
Carole L Greene of Vancouver, WA, was copied for council stating
their disappointment and anger at the conditions of the Puffin and
Gull Motel when they were forced to stay there on June 11, 1988,
because there was no other facility available. This was referred
to the Legislative/Environmental Committee.
A letter dated December 16, 1988, from Ruth J Hickenbottom was
copied for Council requesting renewal of the conditional use permit
for the school/day care center at 1632 32nd Street. This was
referred to the Legislative/Environmental Committee.
A letter dated December 30, 1988, from Robert L Ellis was copied
for Council requesting renewal of the conditional use permit for
Heritage House at 305 Pierce Street. This was referred to the
Legislative/Environmental Committee.
A letter dated January 3, 1989, from John R Foley, Career
Directions NW, Ltd, was copied for council including the planting
schedule for the landscaping for his building under construction
at 3001 F Street. This was referred to the
Legislative/Environmental Committee.
A letter dated January 4, 1989, from Jennifer Paine and David
Burroughs was copied for Council regarding the degree of wood smoke
pollution in Port Townsend. This was referred to the
Police/Fire/Animal Control Committee.
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A letter dated January 6, 1989, from Mayor Shirley to Don Roberts
including a copy of a letter received from the Washington state
Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation regarding the plans
to demolish the DeLeo Building was copied for Council.
A letter dated January 8, 1989, from Paula Amell was copied for
Council requesting renewal of the conditional use permit for the
Puffin and Gull Motel at 825 washington street. This was referred
to the Legislative/Environmental Committee.
A letter dated January 10, 1989, from Audrey and John Delmore was
copied for Council stating that they are adjacent property owners
and are against renewal of the conditional use permit for Ruth
Hickenbottom's Learning Play Care Center. This was referred to the
Legislative/Environmental committee.
An article from the Seattle Times dated January 9, 1989, writt~T1
by Bill Dietrich concerning the fight by the citizens of Winslo~
to keep a McDonald's Restaurant from being built in their community
by banning the use of plastic-foam packaging was copied for
Council.
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This concludes the Consent Agenda.
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95
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
BID OPENING
Mr Grove announced that there were two bids received for liquid
chlorine:
Incon Inc
Pennwalt Corp
$ .355 per pound
$ .355 per pound
Mr Stricklin recommended that the bid from Incon Inc be accepted
for the Water Department and the bid from Pennwalt Corp be accepteq
for the Sewer Department which has happened before when the bids
were equal. A motion to that effect was made by Councilmember
Camfield and seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously
by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Variance Application 8811-02 -Tremain. Mr Hildt rE:!viewed the
findings and conclusions of the Port Townsend Planning Commission.
Mayor Shirley opened the hearing to the public. There being no
testimony either for or against the variance, Mayor Shirley closed
the hearing to the public and turned to the council for
disposition. After a brief comment, Councilmember Owsley made a
motion that the Council concur with the Planning Commission and
deny the application adopting the following findings and
conclusions which was seconded by Councilmember Camfield and passed
unanimously by voice vote.
Findings:
1.
The applicant proposed to construct a 920 square foot garage
at 420 Filmore Street. The subject property is located on the
northeast corner of Filmore and Jefferson St:reets, and
consists of one-and-a-half lots totaling 9,075 square feet.
A single-family residence is currently located on the
property. The residence is setback 20 feet from t:he from the
front property line on Jefferson Street, 20 feet from the rear
property line, and 5 feet from the other side property line.
The applicant proposes to construct the garage wi1:h a 10 foot
setback from the side property line on Jefferson street, and
no setback from the rear property line. Because section
17.20.020 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code requires a
detached outbuilding to have a 5 foot rear setback" a variance
is required.
2.
The subject property is located in the R-II zoning district.
The existing residence has a ground coverage of approximately
1300 square feet. The residence and the garage combined would
cover approximately 2100 square feet, or 23 percent: of the lot
area. The remainder of the lot is currently open with the
exception of a small clump of trees located in tIle center of
the site.
3.
The lots immediately adjacent to the subject property are
owned by the First presbyterian Church. The church proposes
to develop parking in the lot directly east of the subject
property. The parking lot which presently serves, the church
is located to the northwest of the property, whilE~ the church
itself and tþe pastor's quarters are located to thE~ northeast.
4.
The applicant maintains that because the First presbyterian
Church intends to use the neighboril\g site as a parking area,
there is no need to establish a setback from the property
line, since no building will be constructed on the adjacent
property. The applicant also states that the purposes of the
zoning code, s~ch as adequate open spaces for light ~q ~ir
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5.
6.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
and prevention of land overcrowding, will still be served if
the variance is granted.
Conclusions:
1.
The proposed variance would not amount to a rezone nor
consti tute change in the district boundaries shown on the
official zoning map.
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2.
There are no special conditions or circumstances of the
subject property which exist which are peculiar to the subject
property and which are not applicable to other lands in the
district. Although the site adjacent to the subject property
is currently planned for parking, there is no certainty that
the adjacent site will always be used for parking and never
buil t upon. Furthermore, there are no constraints to building
on the subject property. Therefore, a literal interpretation
of the provisions of the Port Townsend Municipal Code would
not deprive the property owner of the rights commonly enjoyed
by other properties similarly situated in the district under
Title 17 (Zoning).
3.
The variance requested would, if granted, confer a special
privilege to the subject property that is denied to other
lands in the same district.
4.
The granting of the variance would not be detrimental to the
public welfare and injurious to the property or improvements
in the vicinity and zone in which the property is situated.
The reasons set forth in the above-referenced application do
not justify the granting of the variance and the variance is
not the minimum variance that will make possible the
reasonable use of the land.
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Because the granting of the variance would not be in harmony
with the general purpose and intent of Title 17 (zoning) of
the Port Townsend Municipal Code, the City council denies the
above-referenced variance.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Recycling. Councilmember Chang reported on a Recycling Legislative
Workshop that she attended in Olympia. She has a lot of good
information on how communities have banned the use of styrofoam.
Mayor Shirley suggested that a meeting of interested parties be
scheduled in a couple weeks to work on this project and announced
that he has asked for copies of l~gislation that has been passed.
Councilmember Chang also reported that fifty percent of the
Recycling Questionnaires that were sent out in December have been
returned and that 250 people have asked to be signed up
immediately. This will be accomplished when the new equipment at
the Recycling Center can be purchased and is working.
Police/Fire/Animal Control. Councilmember Clise reported that the
Committee had met and had not been able to finish discussing the
recommendations from Bayshore revising the Animal Control Program.
He set a meeting for January 24,1989, at 5:00 PM and hopes to have
a full report in the near future.
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Legislative/Environmental. councilmember Kenna made a motion that
the Council approve the landscaping plan for Career Directions NW
which was seconded by Councilmember Clise and passed unanimously
by voice vote.
Councilmember Kenna made a motion that the Council make a mitigated
declaration of non-significance for the Convenience Store proposed
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97
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
by Penny Saver Mart (Jim Ramey) which was seconded by Councilmember
Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote. The mitigating
measures are as follows:
1.
The site shall have no curb cut onto Kearney StrE!et.
2.
Ingress to the site shall be from Sims Way and Jefferson
Street. Egress from the site shall be by way of Jefferson
Street and sims Way; however, traffic exiting the :site to Sims
Way shall be directed westbound only. A "Right Turn Only"
sign meeting the specifications of the Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices shall be placed next to the driveway.
3.
Access to and from Jefferson Street shall be cle!arly marked
using curbs, as shown on the site plan submi t:ted by the
proponent dated January 13,1989. No driveway from Jefferson
Street shall be closer than 50 feet from the intE!rsection of
Kearney and Jefferson Streets. The gravel base is to be
extended back on Jefferson Street from the edge of the
sidewalk on Jefferson Street on the far back side~,¡alk 20 feet
to provide greater access to the back of the building.
4.
The proponent shall develop a five-foot-wide sidewalk along
Sims Way. The sidewalk shall be located along t:he northern
five feet of the Sims Way right-of-way, as shown on the site
plan submitted by the proponent dated January 13,. 1989.
5.
The proponent shall develop a seven-foot-wide planting strip
along Sims Way. The planting strip shall be located to the
south of and adjacent to the proposed sidewalk. ~rhe planting
strip shall be landscaped with low-cut plants and shrubs so
as not to restrict view access to the site. An underground
sprinkler system shall be used to maintain all landscaping
areas.
6.
All outdoor lighting shall be designed, placE~d, and, if
necessary, hooded so as not to create glare that ~,¡ould impair
the safety of automobile traffic.
A free-standing monument sign shall be permit:ted on the
subject property which is no higher than six fee1: and placed
not to obstruct traffic sight.
7.
Councilmember Kenna made a motion that the Council make a mitigated
declaration of non-significance for the Emerald Development Company
to build a congregate care facili ty at the southwestern
intersection of Discovery Road and 27th Street which ~,¡as seconded
by Councilmember Jones and passed unanimously by voice vote with'
Councilmember Chang abstaining. The mitigating measures are as
follows:
1.
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2.
3.
4.
A storm drainage plan for the proposal must be prepared by a
licensed civil engineer. The plan must be submitted to and
approved by the City Public Works Director.
A six-inch water main shall be provided by the proponent in
27th Street. The main shall connect the existing six-inch
water ~ains in Landes Street and Discovery Roàd.
The proponent shall provide a fire hydrant for the project to
be located in the vicinity of 27th Street and Discovery Road.
The proponept shall measure the elevation and slope of the
surrounding area to gauge the most appropriate plslce to extend
City sewer ~ins. The propon~ Shall provide eight-inch
sewer mains ~W any extension. 'l'Ife sewer plan will be shown
clearly on ,~r proponent's building plans at the time of
98
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17,1989, Cont.
application for a City of Port Townsend Building Permit, and
approved by the City Public Works Director.
5.
The congregate care facility shall include a fire prevention
sprinkler system which shall be designed as an automatic
system. The control system locations must be submitted to and
approved by the City Fire Chief at the time of application for
a building permit.
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6.
paving shall be provided by the developer to Landes Street to
City street specifications.
Councilmember Kenna made a motion to approve in concept an
alternative parking plan for the Recreation/Senior Center by the
County, Ci ty and Seniors. ** After discussion, the motion was
seconded by Councilmember Owsley and passed by voice vote with
Councilmember Jones voting against the motion.
Councilmember Camfield made a motion to renew the conditional use
permit for the Heritage House which was seconded by Councilmember
Kenna and passed unanimously by voice vote.
A Committee meeting was set to discuss the renewal of conditional
use permits for 6:15 PM on February 21,1989. The permits to be
considered will be the Puffin and Gull Motel and the School/Day
Care Center. Mayor Shirley suggested a memo from the Police Chief
to the Street Committee be brought up at that meeting as well.
Naval Air Station Trip. Mayor Shirley reported that the meeting
with the Commander and tour of the Naval Air station on Whidbey
Island opened up a line for communication. Any low flights over
the City should be reported as they are not supposed to happen and
the minimum height is 3,000 feet for any such flights. There are
23,000 people at the station and the yearly payroll is $276
million. The number to call to complain about low flights is 257-
2681. There is an Environmental Impact Study being done by a
private firm and the group has suggested that one of the hearings
be held in Port Townsend.
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Bluewater Farms Annual Report. Mayor Shirley distributed the water
quality report from Bluewater Farms and stated all the readings are
very good.
AWC Legislative Conference. Mayor Shirley announced that the
Association of Washington cities Legislative Action Conference will
be held on February 22 through 23,1989, in Olympia.
Chebuhar Property. Mayor shirley reported that a letter to Evan
Jones from Richard L Fankhauser, Chief, of site Planning and
Acquisition for the State of Washington was copied for the Council
informing that the property now belongs to the Washington State
Parks. The next course of action is to work with the City of Port
Townsend, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Wildlife
to establish a management plan for the pond and set the level at
which the pond should be maintained.
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Police/Fire/Animal Control. Councilmember Clise set a meeting of
the Committee for January 23,1989, at 5:00 PM, to start discussing
air (woodsmoke) pollution in Port Townsend.
Street Light at 12th and Landes. Councilmember Chang reported that
the request came from Jefferson Transit. The residents at claridge
Court have no problem right now, and considering the cost of a
light, it would be fine to leave things as they are but keep an eye
on it. Mayor Shirley stated this would be put in abeyance.
** and that the Counci 1 shou 1 d ~ork to,qeth~r' dl rect ly with the Scni ors and the
County to come up '~ith a reasonable solution for parking.
99
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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Shortplat Application No 8802-01 -Sudlow & Dalzell. Mr Hildt
reviewed the revised findings, conclusions and conditions of the
Port Townsend Planning Commission dated January 5, 1989.
Councilmember Jones made a motion that the Council adopt the
following findings, conclusions and conditions which ~las seconded
by Councilmember Camfield and passed unanimously by voice vote.
Findings of Fact
1. The applicants have made application on February 3,1988, for
proposed short subdivision of approximately 8.35 acres into four
lots pursuant to Chapter 18.38 Port Townsend Municipal Code and RCW
58.17. A preliminary short plat dated January 14, 1988" and titled
"Panorama Heights Short Plat", was submitted by the applicants and
is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
2. The subject property is within the R-IA zoning district and
is described as the West Half of the West Half of Government Lot
1 of section 4, Township 30 North, Range 1 West, W.M.; City of Port
Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington.
3. An environmental checklist, submitted by the applicant, was
reviewed by the City Council, which determined on Marc:h 1, 1988,
that the proposed short subdivision would not have a probable
significant adverse impact on the environment, and that an
environmental impact statement would not be required under RCW
43.21C.030(2)(c). A Determination of Non-Significance~ was issued
on March 2, 1988.
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4. The Planning Commission issued Findings and Conclusions on-
March 10, 1988, approving the preliminary plat with certain
conditions.
5. On May 26, 1988, the applicant appeared before the Planning
commission to ask for reconsideration of conditions #5 and #6
pertaining to rights-of-way dedications which had been included in
the Findings and Conclusions of the Planning Commission, dated
March 10, 1988.
6. The Planning Commission adopted on May 26, 1988, revised
Findings and Conclusions in approval of the preliminary short plat
which required dedication of a reduced area for public street
purposes.
7. On July 19, 1988, the applicants, represented by counsel,
appeared before the City Council to appeal certain conditions
imposed by the Planning Commission in its preliminary plat
approval.
8. On August 2, 1988, the City Council heard additional testimony
on the appeal and adopted Findings and Conclusions dated August 2,
1988. The City Council denied the appeal ~nd remanded the
application to the Planning Commission for final plat approval.
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9. Applicants appealed the Findings and Conclusions of the
Planning Commission and City Council to Jefferson County Superior
Court. On November 15, 1988, the Court issued its Findings of Fact
and Conclusions of Law, decla~ing conditions (5) and (6) imposed
by the City void pnd remanding the application of the plaintiffs
to the City to be processed in a manner consistent with the court's
decision.
10. On November 15, 1988, the City Council remanded the
application to the Planning Commission for reconsideration in view
of the decision and direction of Superior Court.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
11. On December 8, 1988, the Planning commission, on advice of
the City Attorney, asked that the application be scheduled for
rehearing at its next meeting, December 29,1988, and ordered that
the hearing be properly publicized.
12. On December 29,1988, the Planning Commission conducted a new
hearing on the application in view of the decision of Superior
Court. During the hearing the applicants verbally suggested
amending the proposed plat to take access to Lots 1 and 4 on
unopened 36th, 37th, 38th and South Garnet Streets, rather than
Howard Street. Lot 3, they suggested could take access from
developed 35th Street as does Lot 2, currently. Such an
alternative plan would lack adequate physical access to Lots 1 and
4 due to the unopened status of several of the streets, topographic
obstacles, and lack of adequate area between the western boundary
of Lot 2 and developed facilities on site to establish a suitable
access easement over Lot 2 to provide access for Lot 1 to and from
opened 35th Street.
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13. On January 5, 1989, the Planning Commission continued the
hearing at a special meeting scheduled at the convenience of the
applicants.
14. The Planning Commission takes special notice of the stated
purposes of short subdivisions in its determination on the
application. Of particular importance in the instant case are the
following:
a) "The legislature finds that the process by which land is
divided is a matter of state concern and should be
administered in a uniform manner by ci ties, towns, and
counties throughout the state. The purpose of this chapter
is to regulate the subdivision of land and to promote the
public health, safety and general welfare in accordance with
the standards established by the state to prevent the
overcrowding of land; to lessen congestion in the streets and
highways; to promote effective use of land; to promote safe
and convenient travel by the public on streets and highways.
. ." [58.17 RCW, Plats--Subdivisions--Dedications, 1969]
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b) "The legislature finds that there is an increasing need
for local and regional transportation improvements as the
result of both existing demands from economic growth and the
foreseeable future demands from economic growth and
development wi thin the state, including residential,
commercial, and industrial development." [39.92 RCW, Local
Transportation Act, 1988]
c) "The purpose of this chapter is to provide rules,
regulations and standards for the partitioning of land parcels
within the city, when the total number of lots involved shall
be nine or less. It shall promote the public health, safety,
convenience and general welfare by ensuring orderly growth,
and development of the municipality, and conservation and
proper use of land, and by requiring adequate provisions for
circulation, utilities, drainage and services." [18.38 Port
Townsend Municipal Code, Short Subdivisions]
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15.
The Planning Commission is also guided in its plat
recommendations by the particular requirements of RCW
58.17.110 that "The city, town or county legislative body
shall inquire into the public use and interest proposed to be
served by the establishment of the subdivision and dedication.
It shall determine if appropriate provisions are made for, but
not limited to, the public health, safety, and general
welfare, for open spaces, drainage ways, streets, alleys,
other public ways, water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks,
playgrounds, sites for schools and school grounds, and shall
101
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
consider all other relevant facts and determine whether the
public interest will be served by the subdivision and
dedication. . . . Dedication of land to any pubLic body, may
be required as a condition of subdivision approval and shall
be clearly shown on the final plat. . ."
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16.
Applicants propose four lots as follows:
a. Lot 1, 218,069 square feet (5.006 acres)
b. Lot 2,26,395 square feet (.606 acres)
C. Lot 3, 43,555 square feet (1.000 acres)
d. Lot 4,75,958 square feet (1.744 acres)
17.
The application requested access to the propm;ed lots as
follows:
a.
Lot 1, by a 24-feet-wide, private, dri ve1'Ñay easement
from Howard Street along the boundary of Lots 3 and
4.
Lot 2, from 35th street.
Lots 3 and 4, from Howard street.
b.
c.
18. Water supply would be taken from the 10-inch main in Howard
street to Lots 1, 3, and 4. Lot 2 would be served from the 6-inch
main in 35th street.
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19. Sewage disposal would be accomplished through individual
septic tanks and drain fields. The drainfield serving Lot 4 would
be located in a conditional drainfield easement, measuring 60 by
190 feet, which is declared on Lot 1, adjacent to the north
boundary of Lot 4. This easement is made conditional on the lack
of available city sewer lines within 600 feet of Lot ~:, and would
become null and void within ninety days of the extension of city
sewer lines within 600 feet of Lot 4.
By letter dated December 29, 1987, the Jefferson County Health
Department has stated, "The four designs meet t:he current
requirements for on-site sewage disposal systems as set forth by
WAC 248-96 and Jefferson County ordinance No. 2-77."
20. An existing fire hydrant is located at the intersection of
Eddy and 35th streets. No additional hydrants are shown on the
proposed plat.
21. The proposed plat does not include a proposed storm drainage
system.
22. The subject property is not traversed by any \t.ratercourse,
stream or drainage channel; is not in a flood-control :2:one; and is
not within 200 feet of a body of water of statewide significance.
23. The property is bordered on the south by 35th stre!et which is
opened within a right-of-way of 50.74 feet in width. Thirty-fifth
street is designated as a collector street by the Port Townsend
Comprehensive Plan.
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24. The Howard street right-of-way, which borders proposed Lots
3 and 4 on the west, is a "half street" of 27 feet width. Howard
street is unopened north of 35th street and the right-of-way
terminates at an unnamed street one block north of 36th street.
An existing 10-feet-wide water line easement extends north from
the terminus of the Howard Street right-of-way to 39th street
wi thin the subject property. The proposed short subdivision would
depend on this "half street" Howard Street right-of-way for access
to Lots 1, 3 and 4. No dedication of land is proposed in the
proposed plat to complete the width of Howard street to serve the
three lots taking access from Howard street.
25. The 39th Street right-of-way, generally 55 feet wide, is
reduced to a "half street" width of 30 feet where it borders the
102
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
subject property on the north. No access is proposed from 39th
Street in the proposed short plat.
26. As has been the long-established practice in Port Townsend,
the "half-street" Howard street right-of-way adjacent to the
subject property was established by dedication to the City of Port
Townsend in the John G. McBride's Addition (Vol. 1 of Plats, Page
111, official records of the Jefferson County Auditor), a small
plat immediately west of the subject property. (Howard Street was
named "Olgar street" at the time of the McBride's Addition.) The
area dedicated to the City of Port Townsend for street and alley
rights-of-way in the McBride's Addition is 41% of the total land
area of the plat. The other plats which abut the subject property
have also dedicated similar proportions of land area for street
purposes.
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27. Each of the existing street rights-of-way adjacent to the
subject property which now affords access to the proposed short
plat was established by dedication to the City at the time each of
these existing plats was accepted.
28. The road system established throughout the history of the City
of Port Townsend has in the main been by dedication of appropriate
street and alley rights-of-way within and adjacent to each area as
each plat was approved and accepted by the city. Typically, such
plats dedicated a traditional grid system of streets and alleys to
serve the platted lots in a manner which would also provide access
through to adjacent properties. Through this policy the overall
traffic circulation system of the city has been provided. Streets
of one-half standard width were often dedicated at the borders of
each plat, the other half to be dedicated by adjacent property
owners whenever they should decide to subdivide their property.
Each segment of dedicated rights-of-way has been incrementally
opened and improved to keep pace with development as it occurs.
Where development has occurred without dedication of the second
half of such streets, hazardous conditions of concern to the city
have developed. Out of this concern, the design criteria for short
subdivisions in the Port Townsend Municipal Code was adopted in
1978 to provide in pertinent part that "Half-width roads shall be
prohibi ted except adjacent to existing half-width roads. [PTMC
18.38.120(B)(5), Ordinance 1806]
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29. The proposed plat does not include any interior public
roadways to serve the plat itself or to continue the overall area
circulation system to serve neighboring properties. Although the
subject property is benefitted by the access afforded by the
dedications of prior subdivisions to the south, west and north,
the proposed plat includes no dedication of street area which would
provide access to the unplatted lands to the east.
30. The applicants or subsequent owners are permitted by Section
18.38.100 (Port Townsend Municipal Code) and RCW 58.17 to further
divide the property by additional short subdivision five years
after a short subdivision, or at any time by filing a full long
plat. Accordingly, Lots 1,3 and 4, which are to be accessed from
Howard Street, could be further divided into as many as forty-seven
building lots of 7,200 square foot each, the minimum lot size
established for short subdivisions assuming future water and
sanitary sewer services.
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The actual buildable portion of this area would, however, likely
be reduced by approximately one-half due to the steep slopes which
occur on portions of Lots 1 and 4, the portions of the remaining
area which would be required for internal street access. Thus, it
is a reasonable expectation that approximately twenty-three
dwelling units may ultimately be developed on the portion of the
subject property proposed to have access from the Howard Street
right-of-way.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 198~~, Cont.
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Future subdivision of the northern ( lower) portion of Lot 1,
however, is unlikely to take access from Howard Stree1: due to the
steep slopes encountered between this area and the current Howard
street right-of-way. Unless Howard street is to be extended to
39th street, access to these future lots would be from 39th street
which is currently a 30-foot-wide "half-street" adjacent to the
north boundary of the subject property. This area could be divided
into approximately twelve minimum-sized lots and attendant internal
streets, leaving approximately eleven future lots which might
reasonably be expected to require access from Howard Street. As
two such lots (72 ft. x 100 ft.) could be located on 1:he southern
half of Lot 3 and served from 35th street, the number of lots which
may realistically take access from Howard street is reduced to
nine.
31. The Institute of Traffic Engineers Trip Generation Manual,
based on over two hundred independent studies, indicatles that each
single-family residence generates a weekday average of 10
vehicular trips per day (vtd). The average on a per-acre basis is
25.7 vtd.
Consequently, it is expected that future daily vehicular
traffic into and out of the three lots proposed in the instant plat
to be served by Howard street will be approximately thirty (30)
vehicle trips per day. Similarly, approximately ninety (90)
vehicle trips per day would be generated by the nine (9). lots which
could be produced by future subdivision of the buildable portions
of these three lots.
I
32. Future access to 39th street and any additional s1:reet right-
of-way which may become necessary due to developl11lent of the
northerly (lower) portion of Lot 1 may be determined at such time
as further subdivision of this property may be proposed. In the
instant plat, however, adequate street capacity must ble assured to
serve the area proposed to have access from Howard str~:!et in order
to provide for safe ingress and egress of the residents, as well
as emergency and service vehicles.
33. The Design criteria for Short Subdivisions set forth in the
Port Townsend Municipal Code require that minimum roétdway design
standards shall be in conformance with "City Design Standards,"
published by the washington State Department of Transportation.
January, 1980, or latest revision. [18.38.120(B)(2) P()rt Townsend
Municipal Code] These state standards include the Minimum Roadway
Design Standards for New Construction in cities and Towns which
establish the minimum right-of-way width for access streets at
fifty feet.
I
34. In a letter dated April 13, 1988, Patrick W. M:ason, Legal
Consul tant for the Municipal Research and Services. Center of
Washington, reviewed the authority of the City of Port Townsend to
require a street dedication as a condition of approval of a short
plat. The letter states, "It appears to be the almost universal
pattern to require, as a condition of short plat approval, that
streets be designated and appropriate easements for such streets
provided and conveyed where necessary. This does not appear to be
an unusual provision in the Port Townsend Short Plat ordinance but
rather it appears to be the accepted practice in municipalities
throughout the state."
35. On January 3, 1989, the applicants submitted an alternative
access plan providing access to all four lots exclusively to and
from 35th Street by private access easement adjacent to the east
boundary of Lot 3. '
104
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
Conclusions
1. The proposed short subdivision is in conformance with the
goals and policies of the Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan.
2. Pursuant to Chapter 18.38.130 Port Townsend Municipal Code,
private roads are not required to be constructed inasmuch as the
proposed short subdivision is to have four or fewer lots.
I
3. The requirements for short subdivisions set forth in the Port
Townsend Municipal Code, together with the "city Design Standards"
ci ted above, indicate that the obligation of the City of Port
Townsend to protect public safety requires a fifty-foot-wide street
to serve the proposed short plat. The existing twenty-seven feet
width of Howard Street is inadequate for safe passage of vehicles,
particularly larger emergency and service vehicles, as well as the
normal space needed for pedestrians and drainage. Accordingly, the
plat as originally proposed would not meet the purposes and
cri teria of RCW 58.17 or Chapter 18.38 of the Port Townsend
Municipal Code, unless dedication is required of sufficient land
to complete the Howard Street right-of-way to the prescribed
standard width of fifty feet.
Such dedication would be necessary under the original access
plan due exclusively to the traffic which will be generated by the
development ¡made possible by the proposed short plat. In addition,
if Howard Street were to remain a "half street", the hazardous
conditions resulting from the inadequate width of the street would
become substantially more hazardous should future subdivision of
the subject property occur. The need for dedication of an
additional twenty-three feet of Howard Street right-of-way would
arise directly from the proposed plat and development; such
dedication would be reasonable and would be for legitimate and
necessary public purposes.
4. Under the conditions prescribed below, the proposed short
subdivision meets the purposes, standards and criteria of Chapter
18.38 Port Townsend Municipal Code and RCW 58.17, and the Port
Townsend city Council grants the proposed preliminary plat as
conditioned:
4.
5.
I
1.
Easements shall be provided for utility installation and
maintenance and shall conform to standard width of five
feet on each side of interior lot lines and five feet
along front lot lines.
2.
City water supply must be provided to each lot by the
applicant at no cost to the City and without placement
of reservations on future use of water lines so provided.
An as-built plan of installed water connections and lines
shall be provided to the Public Works Director.
Installation of sewer disposal systems shall be in
compliance with the regulations and standards of the
Washington State Department of Social and Health
Services, the Washington State Department of Ecology,
the Jefferson County Health Department, and the city of
Port Townsend.
I
3.
A fire hydrant shall be installed on the east side of
the right-of-way of Howard street north of the proposed
boundary between Lots 3 and 4. Said hydrant shall be
supplied and installed in conformance with City
Specifications and the Uniform Fire Code.
Under the alternate access plan which provides access
exclusively to and from 35th street without access to or
from the half-street ri~hts-of-way of either Howard or
105
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17,1989, Cont.
I
I
I
39th Streets, improvements shall conform to certain
setbacks from existing rights-of-way in lieu of
dedication but in anticipation of the future necessity
of bringing these rights-of-way to full-wid'th standards
as future subdivisions and developments occur. Such
setbacks shall be as follows:
a) In addition to those setback (yard) requirements of
the Port Townsend Municipal Code, all buildings and
structures shall be set back a minimum of 'twenty-three
(23) feet from the Howard Street right-of-~{ay north of
the 35th Street right-of-way to the northern terminus of
the 37th Street right-of-way.
b) In addition to those setback (yard) requirements of
the Port Townsend Municipal Code, all buildings and
structures shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five
(25) feet from the west property line of Loi: 1 from the
northern terminus of the 37th Street right-of-way to the
north property line of Lot 1.
c) In addition to those setback (yard) requirements of
the Port Townsend Municipal Code, all buildings and
structures shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five
(25) feet from the 39th Street right-of-way,.
6.
Access to and from each of the four proposed lots shall
be exclusively to and from Thirty-fifth (3~)th) Street.
The face of the final plat shall indicate that there
shall be no access to or from either Howard Street or
Thirty-ninth (39th) Street until such time as said
rights-of-way are dedicated or acquired to a width of at
least fifty (50) feet and opened and developed to the
then-applicable city street standards.
7.
In conformance with the City Design Standards, the access
easement shall serve all four lots and shall be at least
fifty (50) feet wide and shall terminate at: the closed
end in a cul-de-sac turnaround which has a diameter of
at least one hundred feet. The surfaced portion of the
access easement upon which vehicles travel shall be at
least twenty-four (24) feet wide and shall be located
such that required minimum distances from septic
drainfields are maintained. Such easement and cul-de-
sac turnaround shall be located approximaltely on or
adjacent to the boundary between Lots 2 and 3; the
precise location to be approved by the Public Works
Director and be shown and described on the final plat.
8.
Access to 35th Street, a collector street pursuant to
the Port Townsend comprehensive Plan, shall be limited
to the single access easement described above; provided
that:
a)
a private access road and cul-de-sac turnaround
shall be graded and graveled to thl3 standards
approved by the Public Works Director no later than
September 1,1989; and
b)
the existing driveway on Lot 2 which opens onto 35th
Street shall be eliminated and closed no later than
September 1, 1989; and
c)
if a residence is constructed on Lot 3 prior to the
availabili ty of city sewer service, .a tempörary
driveway to and from 3,5th Street is permitted in
order to preserve the planned location for septic
drainfields on the eastern half of IJot 3; such
106
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17,1989, Cont.
temporary access to be eliminated and relocated to
the single access easement within ninety (90) days
of the extension of city sewer service to wi thin 600
feet of Lot 3.
9.
A final short plat shall be prepared pursuant to all of
the applicable requirements of Chapter 18.38 Port
Townsend Municipal Code and shall be submitted to the
City Council within three years of the date of
preliminary plat approval.
I
Councilmember Jones made a motion that the Council approve the
final plat of Panorama Heights which was seconded by Councilmember
Camfield and passed unanimously by voice vote.
ORDINANCE NO 2143
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,
ADOPTING SIDEWALK DESIGN STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN
DOWNTOWN STREETS, AND AMENDING SECTION 12.12.103
OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE.
Mr Hildt reviewed the ordinance and recommended certain amendments.
Mr Grove read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Kenna made a
motion that the first reading be considered the second and the
third be by title only which was seconded by Councilmember Jones
and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr Grove again read the
ordinance by title. Councilmember Jones made a motion that the
Council adopt Ordinance No 2143 as amended which was seconded by
Councilmember Camfield and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
NEW BUSINESS
I
RESOLUTION NO 89-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS.
Mr Grove explained the resolution. Councilmember Jones made a
motion that the Council adopt Resolution No 89-03 which was
seconded by Councilmember Clise and passed unanimously by voice
vote. '
COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Owsley asked the status of the ferry traffic parking
problem and have we heard from the Department of Transportation
regarding it. Mayor Shirley and Mr Hildt reported that there has
been no response and Mr Grove reported that the State does pay for
the extra traffic control help that is used as necessary. Mayor
Shirley suggested that a meeting of the Police and Street
Committees as well as staff be held in order to get a discussion
started.
Councilmember Chang asked the status of recycling bins and
receptacles at city Hall and in the parks. Mr Grove reported that
City Hall is recycling paper but there is very little use for a bin
for cans. The parks do not have bins for cans as yet although any
help in getting suitable containers would be appreciated.
Councilmember Chang asked about access to toilets during the Rhody
Parade as brought up in a letter from Sarah Hudson in June. After
a brief discussion, Councilmember Chang will pass the subject on
to the Rhododendron Festival Committee.
I
Councilmember Chang asked the status of a commercial building being
used as a residence downtown in the commercial zone. Mr Hildt
107
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 1989, Cont.
I
reported that it is on a list of enforcement probl.~ms that is
waiting for attention. Councilmember Owlsey asked the next step
in the enforcement of the removal of the hedge in front of the
Davidson property on Lincoln street. Mr Harper report:ed that the
property owner had led him to believe the problem was: taken care
of and will try to follow up on this.
Councilmember Chang commented that the Building and Zoning
Enforcement status report given the Councilmembers in June was very
interesting and informative.
Councilmember Clise suggested the possibility of encouraging
citizen help in keeping up the property at the entrance sign as
well as the sign itself. The Arts Commission was sugge~:;ted for the
sign.
Call for Bids on Mower and Backhoe. Mr stricklin announced that the
specifications for the bids for a mower for the street: Department
and a backhoe for the Water Department have been prepared.
Councilmember Kenna made a motion to authorize the, advertisement
for bids which was seconded by Councilmember Jones and passed
unanimously by voice vote.
Councilmember Jones reported that he has received a letter from
Edward Merrill of US Bank regarding the drainage problem by the
bank. He suggested that he and Mr stricklin go down and talk to
Mr Merrill.
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Mayor Shirley announced that Mike Early has remitted ~;1123.00 for
their rent per the contract and that he has suggest'ed that the
money be set aside for road and parking lot improvements. The'
status of rent fees and reasonable costs was briefly discussed.
Mayor shirley stated he would ask for a schedule of costs for use
of the room in the basement of the Golf Course building and then
there could be a meeting held with them if necessary.
Councilmember Camfield commented that she would like to go into the
rates to be charged for the restaurant in the building.. Mr Harper
stated that he would look into his notes to see if there is
anything in the lease addressing this.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor shirley declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:12 PM.
Mayor
63:X7 JJ
Attest:
I
/L)~
Clerk-Treasurer