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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022007 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF FEBRUARY 20, 2007 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session the twentieth day of February 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Mark Welch presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Laurie Medlicott, Geoff Masci, Catharine Robinson, and Mark Welch. Michelle Sandoval arrived later and Scott Walker joined the meeting later by phone. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Planning Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes proposed to the agenda. PROCLAMATION Mayor Welch presented a proclamation in honor of Reading Month which was accepted by Library Director Theresa Percy. PUBLIC COMMENT (Consent and non-agenda items) Vi Koenig asked for more involvement of the business owners on Upper Sims Way; she also asked for examples of cities which have roundabouts at their entrances. Staff response: Mr. Sepler noted he has met with Ms. Koenig and will be happy to do so again; he will provide information about roundabouts on entry rights of way. Public notification and process will continue for the length of the project. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of the following items on the consent agenda. Mr. Benskin seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills. Claims and Warrants: City Council Business Meeting Page 1 February 20, 2007 Vouchers 100647 through 100662 in the amount of $19,454.11 Vouchers 100663 through 100770 in the amount of $190,189.75 Vouchers 100784 through 100812 in the amount of $43,307.81 Approval of Minutes: February 2, 2007 Edwards & Shannon-Elder Yachts, LLC Right-of Way Vacation - Postponement. Action: Move to postpone the public hearing date to March 19, 2007, or as soon thereafter as the Mayor determines appropriate. Ms. Sandoval arrived at 6:49 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE 2941 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE 17.30.160(A)(9) BY ADOPTING THE "EAST DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PLAN (JANUARY 29,2007)" AS DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE EAST PORTION OF HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DOWNTOWN; AND REPEALING INCONSISTENT STANDARDS Planning Director Rick Sepler presented the staff report, noting that first reading of the ordinance occurred on February 5,2007. At that time, Council directed staff to meet with the Historic Preservation Committee and the Tree Committee to review specific issues related to the draft plan and also directed staff to conduct another public open house. These meetings have all taken place and appendices providing more specific guidelines on street trees and curb extensions have been included in the revised draft plan (Appendix A and Appendix B). The public open house was held on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007 from 5:00 - 6:30. Public comment: None Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of Ordinance 2941. Ms. Robinson seconded. Mr. Sepler addressed several issues brought up in discussion including: Is it still possible a four way stop might be installed at Quincy and Washington? (Merits will be evaluated - current stop signs will not be removed). Has consideration been given to evaluating whether it would be better for cars to exit parking lot between Elevated and Police Station than enter? City Council Business Meeting Page 2 February 20, 2007 (Has been evaluated; challenge is making left turns across traffic and bad sight lines but traffic calming measures will be considered). Concern that whatever surfacing materials are used, consideration will be given to those with limited mobility. Street furniture. Back in parking (Will be addressed as part of Jackson Bequest area, alternatives will be brought forward by staff.) Concern over dissimilar paving materials. example: "civic plaza" surface being a different level from other surfaces in area. (Details to be addressed in next phase) Bulbouts - exact locations (Have guidance from HPC so it is clear where there will not be bulbouts; other locations to be considered individually by committee or council as whole). Vote: motion carried, 5-1, by roll call vote, Medlicott opposed. ORDINANCE 2942 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING PTMC SECTION 17.72.020 AND RE-ENACTING AND EXTENDING INTERIM PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE UPTOWN C-1I1 COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 2928 City Attorney John Watts presented the staff report. In answer to a question from Mr. Benskin, he clarified the difference between residential and commercial regulations and also clarified the area which would be affected. Public comment None Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved for adoption of Ordinance 2942. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. Motion to amend: Mr. Benskin moved to amend the motion to include commercial development in the C-III Uptown zoning district. Mr. Masci seconded. Mr. Benskin pointed out that one of the major concerns in the Uptown area is the lack of on street parking and he believes this interim ordinance does not go far City Council Business Meeting Page 3 February 20, 2007 enough to offer relief for that situation. He noted that while he agrees there are many empty spaces in the area, the potential for re-development is great and will bring increased parking demand. Ms. Sandoval stated that since this is an interim measure, she would prefer not to change it in mid-stream but rather finish the research and discussion, and then move forward with final legislation which will provide consistency and predictability. Vote: Vote on motion to amend failed, 1-5, by voice vote, Benskin in favor. Vote on main motion carried, 5-1, Masci opposed. NEW BUSINESS lAC GRANT APPROVAL - LEVINSKI PROPERTY City Manager Timmons presented the staff report concerning grant reimbursement of approximately $53,000 to the City from the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. This funding is available for an original application from the late 1990s. There was no public comment. Motion: Ms. Robinson moved to authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents in connection with lAC grant reimbursement of approximately $53,000, consistent with the summary statement contained in the packet. Ms. Sandoval seconded. Mr. Masci stated he would not support the motion because of the poor quality of maps presented to the Council. In answer to Ms. Sandoval's question, Mr. Timmons noted that the area indicated is slightly larger than would be acquired if the boundaries were precisely the bounds of the buffer; staff felt it was more efficient to square it off to a logical boundary. Vote: motion carried, 5-1, by voice vote, Masci opposed. ROSECRANS TERRACE - APPROVAL OF TIME EXTENSION FOR PUD APPROVAL City Attorney Watts provided the staff presentation, noting the matter has to do with a non-timely submittal under a Council Order; however the parties (Strider and Pipia/Langlois) have reached an Agreement settling the appeal, which includes extension of the 90-day timeframe. City staff has two objections to the terms of the agreement: 1) The City should not administer the $30,000 planting fund; and 2) use of the City advisory committees to advise on tree plantings would be optional City Council Business Meeting Page 4 February 20, 2007 (depending on their time and willingness to review the request) rather than mandatory. There was no public comment. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to approve an extension of the gO-day deadline in the Council's October Order regarding Rosecrans Terrace, based on and subject to the agreement reached between the parties, subject to terms set forth by staff (City should not administer planting fund; use of City advisory committees optional) Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Motion: Mr. Benskin moved to approve the Mayor's appointments to City Council Standing Committees as follows. Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Finance & Budget: Welch, Robinson, Sandoval Public Works: Benskin, Masci, Walker Transportation: Walker, Sandoval, Medlicott Public Safety: Welch, Benskin, Medlicott Community Development & Land Use: Sandoval, Robinson, Masci CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons noted that Port Townsend has again received Tree City USA status. RESOLUTION 07-008 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, URGING CESSATION OF COMBAT OPERATIONS IN IRAQ AND THE RETURN OF U.S. TROOPS Mr. Walker joined the meeting via telephone. Mayor Welch introduced the resolution, noting that this is a follow up to a petition submitted by 300 persons to the Council calling for the United States "to implement a plan to withdraw American troops from Iraq within six months..." He noted that the City Manager and City Attorney reviewed other cities' resolutions and updated the draft resolution submitted to the Council on January 2, 2007 to "localize" the costs of the war to Port Townsend. The draft was again modified after Mayor Welch met with representatives of the group presenting the Jan. 2 petition and the final draft includes those changes. Public Comment: City Council Business Meeting Page 5 February 20, 2007 Walter McQuillan (would prefer Council stick to City business) Following comments were in favor of adoption: Bob Schultz Doug Milholland Julia Cochrane AI Cairns - supported Bob Schultz's comments Cindy Wolpin Alby Baker Carey Wallace Bob Deweese Audrey Fain David Jenkins (had issues with changes in meaning from original resolution) Frank Hoffman Gil Clayton - Pat Austin Libby Palmer Terri McCullough - stated individuals should write in opposition personally, should not be done by Council In favor [question marks indicate not sure about last name on those who did not sign in] Raymond Parsons Daney Nealy Kate Franko (?) Owen Fairbank Liz Rivera Goldstein Alea Waters (?) Berry Schoen Scott Walker: precious resources are being wasted on destroying another country's infrastructure; feels resolution is a little weak, but will support. Would prefer resolution with impeachment clause. Ms. Sandoval spoke in support, stating that the budget concerns have come home to roost and there has been precedent with the Council commenting on local and state issues in the past. Mr. Welch spoke in support, stating that the economic effect is local and is increasing the tax burden for our children and grandchildren. Mr. Benskin spoke in support, but stated he would rather have the resolution call for troop withdrawal now than in 2008. City Council Business Meeting Page 6 February 20, 2007 Mr. Masci spoke in opposition, stated he does not share the conclusions and interpretations contained in the resolution. He does not support the position nor the venue: Ms. Robinson spoke in support, stating that part of the Council's job is to address Port Townsend's relationship with other entities such as the County, State, and Federal government. Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved for adoption of Resolution 07-008. Mr. Benskin seconded. Motion carried, 5-2, by voice vote, with Masci and Medlicott opposed. Mr. Walker left the meeting at 10:00 p.m. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING ANDIOR STUDY SESSION Mr. Masci noted that the meeting schedule for committees should be firmed up in the next two weeks. Mayor Welch also noted that assignments to outside committees would be confirmed. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m. Attest: Qchn cP<~ Pam Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting. Page 7 February 20, 2007