Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/15/1971 325 ., MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 15, 1'971 8 Port Townsend, Washington The City Council of 'the ,City of Port Townsend, met in regular session this 15th day of June 1971 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the City Hall. Mayor Smith presiding. ROLL CALL Officers'and members present'were as follows: Mayor Smith~ City Attorney Abraham, City Clerk Youngb1øod, Councilmen Hoglund, 'Judy, Steve, Lindsey, Camfield. CoUD,cilman Scheyer, Councilman Norwood arrived after roll call. I MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION The minutes of the previous session were read in full, and it WaS moved by Councilman Hoglund, seconded by Councilman Lindsey that the minutes be approved as read and the Mayor and City Clerkj sign same. Motion carried. TREASURERS REPORT The Treasurer's Report WaS read in full for the Month of May 1971 and WaS ordered filed. I COMMUNICATIONS The. following communications were read and acted upon as follows: From: Port of Port Townsend, June 11,1971, to-wit: M~yor Frank Smith Ci ty Hall Port Townsend, Wash. 8 Sub j ec t: Kai Tai Lagoon De ar Fr ank : At the regular meeting'of the Port of Port Townsend Port Commission held on June 9,1971, the Commissioners passed a moti n to engage the services of Mr. LeRoy Jones to plan the park setting in the area adjacent to Kai Tai Lagoon. A copy of Mr. Jones proposal is attached herewith. The motion was conditioned, however, on the premise the County Commissioners and the City of Port Townsend would also participate as it is incumbent that all thr€ e government entities do share in this project. I In fiev of the above, I would like to suggest an early meeting to acertain whether or not we are going to go forth with our prøgram and if so, to then draft a joint letter to Mr. Rones engaging his services. A similar letter is being sent to the Board of County Commissioners. V ery truly"'~,~!JQur;l, Port of Port Townsend George H. Randolph, ManagEIr Mayor Smith said he would bring the above communication up under new business. From: Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce, June 14, 1971, to-wit: 8 Honorable Mayor Frank M. Smith and Membeers of the Port Townsend City Counci~ Port Townsend, Wn. Dear Sirs: Re: Restroom facilities for tourists, particularly Ferry Patrons It has come to our attention that there is a great need for restroom facilities: for ~he public who are c;oming in increas ing numbers as touris ts. We are aware of pJ:'oblems ins tallation of new facilities could cause, but are sincerely interested in puttirlg forth every effort towards pleas ing, our visitors. . I We urge that you give this matter careful cons.ideration at your earl:lest 'Convenience. We know that you are fully aware of the potential of the industry of tourism:, and with your knowledge of this will solve this problem. Yours very truly, Robert c. Harper, President Chamber of Commerce cc: Olympic Ferries, Inc. I From: Mrs H. B. Swearingen, Port Townsend, June 3, 1971, to-wit: Port Townsend City Council Mr. M. Youngblood, Sec'y. Ci ty Hall, City 8 Honorable Mayor and Council Members, May I please call your attention to the streets intersections of Water & Taylor, and Washington & Taylor. At the tourist season progresses these intersections have become a bottleneck'of inconvience, Waiting at these intersections can take as long as 7 minutes for foot traffic, ferry traffic or pay-day traffic. Many of us feel that a stop & go traffic light should be installe~ at the intersection of Taylor & Water streets, with two minute changes. Arter business hours changed to a Caution signal. It is sincerely hoped that the City Council will consider this proposal. Very Sincerely, Mrs. H. B. Swearingen, 528 Madison 32G MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 15, 1971, CONTINUED m____- -- " - - --, - - - - - -,- --.. ---- -----..-.-,- --,-----------------------------,--, ---------,---------- - ------------..'-'. --- From Arthur Garrett, Port Townsend" INn. June 7, 1971, to-wit: City Council, Port Townsend, Washington Sirs and Madam: Mrs. Garrett and I have just returned from a trip to Spain and Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Perhaps the most amazingly prosperous city we saw ~as Stockholm with a saturation of automobile and tens of thousands of well-kept family boats and cruisers. We understand that the Stock- holm standard of living is at the top in all the world, or near the top, and we were told that at the same time the percentage of Stockholm residents now living in multi-family houses and apartments has been greatly increasing and is now 85%. We were told that individual villas (what we call single family houses) are rapidly becoming expensive and inconvenient things of the past. Stockholm is rich and is getting richer as a result of its planned prosperity by which it eliminates waste in the use of land, and efficiently uses every square foot of city land to provide more and more efficient housing for more and more people who more efficiently use the city streets and other city facilities, who pay more and more taxes on each square foot because each sQuare foot earns more. Stores and business establishments in turn serve more customers to make more money to pay more taxes to allow the city to plant more flowers and provide more parks and playgrounds and a higher standard of urban living all around. Now contrast this experience in Stockholm with what we found in Port Townsend:- Not Planned Prosperity like Stockholmts~ but Planned Poverty set forth in the Planning Commission's Zoning Ordinance now before the City Council:- "C. To prevent the overcrowding of land; D. To avoid undue concentration of population;" (Section 1,02). The Zoning Ordinance prevents Multi-family housing in large areas of the city, requires large amounts of land for each in- dividual resident and stretches the town out into' a series of rural CoUntry Corners, and cit~ farms in which agriculture cn be pursued. How more and more taxes can be squeezed out of a limited number of residents to support a Building Inspector and his staff, and how merchants and business men can make ends meet (much less pay taxes) with limited customers already too limited in number is not spelled out by the proposed ordinance or by any responsible officaia1 I have talked to. I respectfully petition the City Council to vote down ~his unnecessary and unfortunate erd- inance, this Poverty Plan for Port Townsend, and any similar ordinance which is not submitted and explained in detail to all the voters, and approved at least informally' by the voters. Zoning is a complicated and technical subject at best, and our people naturally feel they can entrust their best interests to the Council Membc3rs they have elected. It would be a betrayal of that public trust to pass this Zoning Ordinance without' the public knowing ,more about it than they de. In my opinion the least that can be done before a final reading of the Ord- inance is to print in the Leader a detailed resume of the Ordinance by the City Attorney with a map and particulars as to the jail sentences and fines which may be levied for non-conforman- ces,together with the proposed budget required to enforce such an Ordinance. No Ordinance is bad if the people understand it and want it. All Ordinances are bad if they are slipped thru without the people knowi~g what they are all about and the penalties they may have to pay. ¥ours Respectfully, 'Arthur Garrett From: Jefferson County¿,Historical Society, Port Townsend, June 7, 1971, to-wit: The Honorable Frank M. Smith, Mayor The Honorable Members of the City Council Port Townsend. ta~and Gentlemen: Discussion in the City Council has indicated that the proposed zoning ordinance may be mod- ified by the elimination of the historical section. Opposition to this. move was voiced by our board of directors at a meeting Thursday, June 3. . This city of Port Townsend is significant in its architectural heritage. The Victorian lines, reflected in the business blocks on Water Street and elsewhere within the downtown shopping area, and the historical residential structures along Washington and Lawrence, Morgan Hill and other sections, attest to the desirability of preserving such esthetic values. These are the architectural gems which elevate this city above municipalities without distinctive character. The preservation of our historical heritage may easily be retained and preserved by appre- priate language in the zoning ordinance. We sincerely trust that every consideration will be given to our recommendation, as indicated in this letter. Respec tfull ~T, V.J. Gregory President Mayor Smith said he would b~ing up the two abo~e communications along with the zoning ordinance. OLD BUSINESS Mayor Smith said that on the ~enda was the third reading of the proposed zoning ordinance, and if any councilman wanted to make any changes by motion, it should be done pryor to the third reading. Councilman Steve made a motion seconded by Councilman Scheyer, that on Page 3-2, after Single Family Residèntial R-1 (A), change'the word Exclusively to Primarly, on Page 3-2, after the paragraph Community Commercial, C-ll1, add the following, Partially use as apartments is a permited use. Upon roll call vote, motion was carried. ' Councilman Steve made a motion seconded by Councilman Norwood, that under Chapter 6, Section 6.04, delete the last of the paragraph that reads- Non-conforming uses of land and non- conforming buildings for which no certificate of o~cupancy has been issued within the year provided for herein, shall be conclusively presumed in violation of this Ordinance and may be abated as provided herein. Upon roll call vote, motio~ was carried. Councilman Steve said that there Was one more thing he thought should be changed and it was on Page Vl-6 Section 6.16 under Violations and penalties. He said in his opinion the fine is in excess the jail sentence is in excess and continued violations of one week is to short. Attorney Abraham said the state law provides that the violation of a city ordinance is a misdemeanor. Ater some further discussion, it was moved by Councilman Steve seconded bv Councilman Lindsey Section 6.16 Ví~lations and Penalties Paragr Ph A th 1 t t t read E h 30 d . ' a, e as sen ence 0 Moti~n ~~ried.ay continued violatlon shall constitute a separate additional violation. 8 I I 8 I 8 I I 8 ¡j ,8 I I 8 I 8 I - I 8 , 32:{ MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 15,1971, CONTINUED , - Councilman Scheyer made a motion seconded by Councilman Camfield that the third reading of the zoning ordinance be by title only. Upon the quest:iDn, Mr Garrett objected that ta.~ third reading be by title only. Upon roll call vote motion was carried. Councilman Scheyer made a motion seconded by Councilman Camfield that the zoning ordinance be now adopted. Upon the question, Mr Walter Addie said the informatiorl on the ordinance had been hard to obtain, he had checked one out of the Library but Was only able to have it for one night, he said he felt there WaS not enough information let out on the ordinance and felt itshouldnt be passed at this time. Mr. Merle Hufford said if the ordinance WGS passed tonight, it would be unfair to the general public, that there isnt one person in a thousand that has any idea how they will be affected. Mr Dan Thompson spoke against the zoning ordinance, saying the pas:3age of the ordinance would be an infringement on the rights of 'the private property ovmer and møntioned such things as variances and board of adjustment, ,~hat it would be a good way for a lot of ~der the table money if passed, he said h~ felt the wholè ordinance should be thrown out and'forgotten. Mr Kay Miner, Chairman c;>f the Planning Commission said that the òr,dinance would protect the property owner and also property value. Mrs Wallin urged the restòration or the historic zone deleted by the council from the planning commissions draft.ordinance. . . Mr Wallin'Jquestioned the citys ability to enforce the ordinance, and asked the council to table the ordinance until the public has a real chance to understand it, he said copies had nGt been available until last w,eek. Councilman Camfield mentioned that there had been ,no requests for his work copy of the ordinance, and that the proposed èounci1 changes to the orginal draft had been publicized on the front page of the local paper. . Councilman Steve said that he was in favor of a zoning ordinance, but felt at this time he wa"S not ready for this ordinance. Councilman Steve made' a motion seeonded by Councilman Norwood'that the zoning ordinance be tabled indefinitely.' Councilman Steve, Judy, Lindsey, Hoglund, Norwood" voted yae, Councilman Camfield, Scheyer, voted nae. Motion carried. Councilman Steve said that only a member who voted.with the majority could vote for it to be take off the bable. Attorney Abraham said that the ordinance when brought up again would have to start with a first reading. Councilman Steve told the audience that just because this'å1s now tabled, he didnt want to see any apathy and to be prepar'c3d for this to corne up again, that he wantäd to give the opposition one more reprieve and that would be it. Mr. Bill Eaton, ,said he favored the ordinance that it had been publicly discussed for about five years. . . r~ Fred.Lester, a planning commission.member said if this goes to bed for another two years, the state.may~comein and give you zoning, and asked if they had rather have the city or stage do the zo~ing.' -, , . Attorney Abraham stated that the state already had started zoning within the city and referred to the Shqreline Protection Act which envolved the city. .. . . NEW B US IN ESS Mayor .Jmith said that on the letter from the Port Commission, he ha.d.cdiscussed with the Port Manager and some of the commissioners about the area around the lagoon, they would like to have it be a city-county-port project, he said they recognized the fact that the city dosent ha~ any money, the least the city can do is to'give them our moral suppo:['t. He said if there WaS no objection he would meet with, the mommittee. Mayor Smitþ brough up the request for a street light on water street. thecounc i1. No action was taken by The letter from the Chamber of Commerce about rest room facilities for tourists WaS brought upon the floor and after some discussion, Councilman Lindsey said he would meet with the Olympic Ferries about the facilities. Mayor Smith announced that the city was granted a variance permit for burning at the garbage dump for another year. PETITION FOR STREET VACATION The following petition Was read and acted upon as follows: TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, GREETING; The Port Commission of the Port of Port Townsend, a municipal County, Washington, here and hereby respectfully requests and the following portions of City streets: Benedict Street from the Sounth boundary of Washington Street to the South end of Benedict Street; corporation in Jefferson petitions the vacation of . Washington Street bewween Benedict Street and Prosper Street; . Prosper Street, between Washington Street ,and Jefferson Street; and 0 Belle Street between Washington Street and Jefferson Street. All of said Streets lie within the area now'developed as a part of the Port's small boat haven project, and are included within the comprehensive plan of the Port for this area; All abutting property is owned by the Port. R.G. Harms . President of the ,Port Commission, Port of Port Townsend . Mayor Smith set the. Public Hearing at a regular council meeting on the 6th of July 1971 . ') ADJOURNMENT . As there was no further business to come before the council at this time it was moved by 328 _~JIINU~tES QF ~~__REGVL.AR SE,$_S_I_QN QF JPN.K.15_,_:L~7.¡-,_C_QN.T]NJ.IED >-- _._- . -- --.-------- --, Councilman steve seconded by Councilman Lindsey that the meeting do now adjourn. carried. MAY~ ~ Attest: MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JULY 6,1971' Port Townsend, Wh. The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this 6th day of July, 197.1 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the City Hall. Mayor Smit~.presiding. ROLL CALL Officers and members present'were as follows: Mayor Smith, City Attorney Abpaham, City Clerk, Youngblood, Councilmen Scheyer, Hoglund, Judy, Lindsey, Norwood. Councilman CI~ield, Steve absent. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION It was moved by Counci~man Hoglund seconded by Councilman Judy that the minutes of the previous session be dispensed with. Motion carried. BILLS & CLAIMS The following bills & Claims:'; as audited by the Finance Committee were presented and ac ted upon as follows: CURRENT EXPENSE FUND-------------------------Voucher No. WATER-SEWER FUND------------------------~----Voucher No. STREET FUND----------------------------------Voucher No. GARBAGE FUND---------------------------------Voucher No. LIBRARY FUND---------------------------------Voucher No. PARK FUND------------------------------------Voucher No. SPECIAL ARTERIAL STREET FUND-----------~-----Voucher No. "~' FIREMEN PENSION & RELIEF FUND----------------Voucher 10. ---1~.19' 176'~ 42 ---,' 8; 530.59 --- " 5; 983~ 68 " --- ,) 5; 345~ 04 ---: 1,,64l~91 ---I 888.10 ---; 454.00 ---; 479.52 8220 3172 2131 1976 2482 1202 27 360 through 8302 through 3208 through 2160 through 2014 through 2513 through 1214 through 28 through 362 It was moved by Councilman Hoglund seconded by Councilman Judy that the Bills & Claims be approved as read and that the Mayor & City Clerk draw warrants upon the proper funds for paYment of same. Motion carried. POLICE REPORT The Police Report Was read in full for the Month of June 1971, and was ordered filed. COMMUNICATIONS The following communications were presented and acted upon as follows: From: Earth Care Organization, Port Townsend, Wn. July 3, 1971 - to-wit: Honorable Mayor and City Council City Hall Port Townsend, Wàshington Dear Madam and Gentlemen: I The Revised Zoning Ordinance, recently tabled by the Council, included two changes, from the original ordinance as presented by the Planning Commission, that ECO feels could make the diff- erence between Port Townsend's becoming just another undistinguished town, and its remaining in its rightful place along with San Francisco as the Victorian showplace it deserves to be. If it is precious today, think what a rare jewel it will be in another hundred years if its Victorian image 'is enhanced rater than steadily lost to the tide of "Progress." . At its June meeting ECO resolved to go on the record as objecting to these changes~ which we feel will detract from Ðather than enhance our still largely unspoiled environment. First, ECO is disappointed at the omission of the Historic Overlay, which, if included, ECO members believe could insure the real progress of the community through setting aside an area of Victorian homes and businesses which would be preserved from incompatible change.' Because some fear it might be difficult to enforce, they apparently prefer to ignore OU1" unique heritage and hope it won't be destroyed~ ' Actually, the Historic Overlay, rather than hurting anyone, ought to help them. It would serve as a sort of "code"--a pact between homeowners and businessmen in the area to help one another' I ¡protect and enhance all their property values through controls that would help keep. the unique and colorful character of the area. A person taking the care and expense of renovating a Victorian home should have an easier time selling it if the prospec tig'e buyer can be reasonably assured I that neighboring Victorian homes and businesses will continue to add to the cha:rm of the area ana therefore maintain and enhance the value of his propeBty.' , A second unfortunate change made in the Revised Zoning Ordinance, ECO members b'31ieve, was to eliminate the lot size restrictions that could have preventéd seëtions of the town from the eventual fate of a slum--thisis the allowing of the 5909-square-foot lots anywhere in the city, which would most probably present not only a fire hazard buy an eyesore as well. While Victorian homes may look charming bunched up together on small lots, modern ranchtypè hom13s do not. This is because the older homes were' built up rather than out; their modern counterparts tend to hug the ground and sprawl out. On a small lot his is not attractive, and, as a form of "visual pollution,'" can adverselÿ affect the well being of the people living there. : It is true that some people in townriow'own isolated IIfifty-foot" lots, and the Council can be understood for not wanting to hurt them. However, those lots surrounded by buildings or isolate<l on corners could be granted variances, and the r,est shoUl~ not be that difficult to sell where neighboring lot-owners cooperated on ~he terms of sale. et us not, through fear of possib~y hurting a few, decide instead to hurt the many, now and in the distant future. 8 I I 8 I I 8 I I 8