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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/01/2000 4121 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington February 1, 2000 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Doyle called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Campbell, Erickson, Hulett, McKeown, Wiggins, and Williams. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, G. Cutler, S. Ilk, D. McKeen, Y. Ziomkowski, T. Smith, D. Madison, G. Kenworthy, and P. Rasler. Public Present: B. Harbick, L. Lee, A. Andaleon, K. Rogers, C. Merrill, and L. Ross. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Deputy Mayor McKeown. ALLEGIANCE: CEREMONIAL None. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: WORK SESSION: None. LATE ITEMS TO BE Councilman Wiggins asked for a discussion of the DNR Habitat Conservation Plan, PLACED ON THIS OR which was added as Item I. 5. FUTURE AGENDA: Councilman Williams asked to discuss the Downtown Watermain Project and underground sites. This was added as Item 1.6. FINANCE: Final Acceptance of "I" Street Sidewalk Construction (Project No. 98-10) "I" Street Sidewalk Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Public Works and Utilities Construction Project Department. Councilmember McKeown moved to accept the project and authorize the release of Strider Construction Company's retainage in the amount of $7,751.21 upon the receipt of clearances from the Departments of Revenue and Labor & Industries. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Wiggins moved to accept the Consent Agenda, to include: 1) Travel request - City Manager Department, Information Services; 2) Travel request - City Clerk; and 3) Council minutes - January 18, 2000. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Councilmember Erickson indicated that on Page 10, Item 6, the minutes reflect that she seconded the motion, which she did not. Councilman Wiggins corrected Paragraph 2 of Page 2 of the minutes, which reflect that Councilman Williams will step down as alternate, not Councilman Wiggins. Mayor Doyle pointed out that Page 5, the last paragraph should read "Harmon" lots not Herman lots. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Erickson toured City facilities with the Department Heads. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilmember McKeown deferred her Downtown Forward Executive Committee Report, as it will be discussed later in the meeting. Councilman Wiggins attended a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting; the -1- 4122 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2000 CITY COUNCIL Colmmittee's recommendation will be presented at the next Council meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Williams attended a Gateway Review Committee meeting, met with Pete (Cont'd) Modoff from Congressman Dicks' office, and also with Senator Murray. Mayor Doyle received a letter from Mutsu City thanking the City for the hospitality shown to the school group on its recent visit. A delegation also plans to visit Port Angeles in June to mark the five-year anniversary of the Sister City program. Mayor Doyle also received a letter from Bruce Monro, Co-Director of the Northwest Tandem Rally 2000. A tandem bicycle rally will be held in Port Angeles from June 30 to July 4, 2000, and is expected to draw between 700 and 1,000 cyclists. Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. Other Considerations DNR Grant Contract 1. Department of Natural Resources Grant Contract - Valley Creek Estuary Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Parks & Recreation Department. Director Brodhun noted that the grant application was submitted on the basis of the entire project of $350,000, so all the local grant match requirements are in place. This involves establishing a cost center, and up to $75,000 can be spent on the project with full reimbursement from DNR. Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize the Parks Director to sign the grant contract with the Department of Natural Resources providing funding assistance for development of the uplands park at the Valley Creek Estuary. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion. Councilman Campbell asked for a financial status report, and Director Brodhun deferred to Linda deBord, of the Soroptimist Club. Linda deBord, 1309 E. 7th Street, Co-Chair of the Valley Creek Estuary Committee, stated that a little over $80,000 has been spent on this project to date. The money from this grant will be added to the approximately $60,000 in unreserved funds for the project. With the existing funds, plus another funding issue which will be brought to. Council in the future, Ms. deBord felt that the park was within $10,000 of completion. She hoped the estuary would be completed by fall 2000. Mayor Doyle thanked the Soroptimists and Director Brodhun for their efforts in getting this project off the ground. He also thanked Director Brodhun for his efforts in procuring grant funding. Manager Quinn advised the Council that Lodging Tax funds had been designated for this project. Also, approximately $3,700 in General Fund money has been budgeted for this project. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Lincoln Park Caretaker 2. Leasing of the Caretaker House at Lincoln Park House Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Property Manager. Following brief discussion and clarification regarding lead based paint, Councilman Campbell moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a month-to-month lease agreement with Robin MeLay for the caretaker's house at Lincoln Park for $450 per month. Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Conference Center 3. Review of Promus Corporation Conference Center Proposal Proposal Mayor Doyle stated Tim Smith, Economic Development Director, would be giving a report on this issue. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Smith reviewed the report contained in the packet and updated the Council on the status of this proposal. He introduced Rick Hert of the North Olympic Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau (NOPVCB) and Bill Lindberg, of Lindberg Smith Architects, who helped in the development of the review. Mr. Smith reviewed the background and past efforts in developing a convention center and explained why past efforts for a conventions center by McClaskey Enterprise and Shilo have failed. Mr. Smith reviewed the Promus proposal and described the process -2- 4123 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2000 Conference Center of the review which contained six steps: market projects; basic design, size and facility Proposal (Cont'd) layout, schematic design options, cost estimates, affordability and partnering options, advisory committee input, and City Council action. Mr. Smith explained that the challenges to this type of project include financing, supply and demand, cost of the project itself, timing, and governmental regulations. He felt that this type of project had failed in the past primarily due.to lack of financing. A 1995 revenue analysis conf'nxned that this community would benefit by a convention center in five ways, which Mr. Smith then described. He stated that the convention facility requirements necessary to capture the Washington audience include proximity to the hotel rooms, break out and exhibit space, and recreation and shopping opportunities. Most of these requirements would be met by the Promus location. Mr. Smith then introduced Bill Lindberg, who demonstrated the three schematic design options he had developed and the associated cost estimates. Mr. Smith stated that this project could increase the lodging tax revenues from the existing facility, and the projections are reasonable. The original proposal, which placed the full financial burden of the convention center on the shoulders of the community, is not acceptable. However, the new tax revenues that would be generated should be put on the table in an effort to stimulate a new negotiation for this type of undertaking. Discussion has been held regarding ownership of the facility in a public/private partnership. Mr. Smith indicated that ownership was not as important as assuring the operation. If the project works and stimulates the economy, it may be more advantageous to keep the ownership in the private sector. In the public sector, the main concern should be the continuation of the project to function, but this could be performed through an arrangement other than owning the facility. Yet nothing can be resolved without the opportunity for negotiation. Mr. Smith felt the Promus proposal was excellent in terms of market projections, design and size. The project could be affordable if a balanced approach is taken to the financial parmership between the public and private sector. He suggested if nothing else is risked, the City should at least gamble the increase in lodging tax that the project is expected to generate. Mr. Smith recommended a copy of the review be forwarded to the Red Lion and any other potential private sector interests in Port Angeles with similar properties. Also, the potential for using some balanced portion of lodging taxes be used toward the project be indicated, and before any commitment is negotiated, a public review process be provided. Councilman Wiggins congratulated Mr. Smith on the excellent job done on the study. Discussion followed, and Counciimembers Campbell and McKeown were concerned with the public perception of a public/private partnership for a convention center and they both stressed the importance of public input. Counciimember McKeown was concerned that money would be tied up in a bond issue instead of being used for infrastructure that would help bring more economic stability and family wage jobs to the community. Councilman Wiggins felt the first step was to see if Hilton Hotels, which purchased the Red Lion, was interested in the partnership. If not, the question is moot. Troy Woody, 2216 W. 12th Street, Manager of the Red Lion, stated he had spoken to the senior officers of the Hilton, who assured him there is an interest in this project. Further discussion ensued, and Mr. Smith responded to questions and provided additional clarification. Mr. Smith suggested the review presented to Council also be shared with the Downtown Forward Executive Committee, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, the Port Angeles Works! Committee, the Downtown Association, and other lodging facilities prior to the Town Meeting. Councilman Williams noted that Downtown Forward will be meeting February 28, 2000. A town meeting could be held in approximately 30 days, and Councilman Wiggins moved that staff establish a schedule for all those interested parties as identified by the Council, as well as the public, for a town hall meeting, and at the conclusion of the meeting, a proposal be made to the Red Lion. Couneiimember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -3- 4124 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2000 Break Mayor Doyle recessed the meeting for a break at 7:25 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:45 p.m. Municipal Code 4. Municipal Code Amendment MCA 99-02 - Various Amendments: Correction Amendment to Ordinance #3042 to include Sections 17.18 and 17.26 Ordinance No. 3042 Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. Director Collins explained that there was an error in the title of this Ordinance when it was passed at the last meeting. Tonight's action will allow for correction of the title to read as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 3042 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, making amendments to the City's land use ordinances by revising the permitting process for home occupations, bed and breakfast uses within residential areas, and retail stand uses, eliminating confusing and unnecessary wording found throughout the zoning ordinance, clarifying permitted uses and buffer and signage requirements within the Industrial Heavy zone, and clarifying the improvement requirements for short subdivisions and subdivisions, including street improvement and bonding requirements, amending Ordinances 1709, 1631, and 2222, as amended, and amending Chapters 16.04, 16.08, 17.08, 17.15, 17.17, 17.18, 17.21, 17.22, 17.24, 17.26, 17.30, 17.32, 17.34, 17.94, 17.96. Councilman Hulett moved to adopt the corrections to the title of Ordinance 3042. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. QUASI-JUDICIAL: PUBLIC HEARINGS - Rezone Application - REZ 00-01 - Clallam County Housing Authority, located between OTHER: Eunice and Francis Streets and Lauridsen Boulevard and Park Avenue: Rezone of property from RS-7, Residential Single Family to RMD, Residential Medium Density Rezone Application Ordinance No. 3043 Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. Director Collins pointed out that the legal description on Page !41 contains an error. The third line from the bottom should read "...a distance of 614.20 feet, thence...". The decimal point was inadvertently omitted. Mayor Doyle opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. There was no public testimony, and Mayor Doyle closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. and read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 304) AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles rezoning property located in Blocks 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 of Dan's Park Addition to Port Angeles, Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Broadway Addition to Port Angeles, and Government Lot 2, Section 10, Township 30 North, Range 6 W.W.M. Town- site of Port Angeles and amending the Official Zoning Map, Ordinance 2801 as amended. Councilman Hulett moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title citing Findings 1 - 13 and Conclusions A - C, as set forth in Exhibit "A", which is attached to and becomes a part of these minutes. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. DNR Habitat Conservation Other Considerations Continued Plan 5. DNR Habitat Conservation Plan Councilman Wiggins participated in a hearing of the Senate and Natural Resources -4- 4125 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2000 DNR Habitat Conservation Committee regarding the road maintenance account of the Department of Natural Plan (Cont'd) Resources. There had been a concern that, out of the $8.5 million in road maintenance money, $1.6 million had been siphoned off for purposes other than road maintenance. There was a concern that eventually there will be a similar situation on State of Washington road systems as there is currently on the Forest Service road system. Councilman Wiggins stated this is a very serious problem, and he explained how the infrastructure of the Forest Service is failing. He took part in panel discussions with the Committee. Forks representatives also participated in the discussions of the allowable harvest fi.om DNR which also affects Port Angeles. He reminded the Council that the City of Port Angeles had been a plaintiff in the HCP law suit, which didn't proceed, not due to lack of substance but because of the lack of funding. He advised the Council that the City of Forks is taking great interest by participating in this issue. On another related matter, Mayor Doyle stated the City had received a letter from the County recently on the matter of a timber inventory on the Olympic Peninsula. A survey of existing timber will be performed at a cost of approximately $25,000, of which 50% will be funded by the State. The County will invest $4,000 and the Port $1,000 in this study. The County has asked the City to participate by donating $2,000. Mayor Doyle suggested using the Opportunity Fund for this purpose. Attorney Knutson .stated that he had asked Economic Development Director Smith to contact the County in this regard. Manager Quinn advised the Council that the County has made a proposal concerning their participation. They have asked eight other agencies for support on this issue. Discussion followed, and it was the general consensus of the Council that staff proceed by participating in the timber inventory. Downtown Watermain/ 6. Downtown Watermain/Underground Sites Underground Sites Councilman Williams gave a report on a tour conducted earlier in the day of the City's underground sites. Those participating in the tour included Councilman Williams, Jackson Smart, Don Perry and Terin Gloor. The purpose of the tour was to look at the opportunities that exist under the sidewalks. He felt the downtown underground tour and historical preservation should be separated fi.om retaining the walkway underneath the existing sidewalk. The streets of downtown Port Angeles were raised in.1914, turning most of the businesses original ground floors into basements. Some of the original store fronts are still preserved and are capable of being restored. Based on his observations, Councilman Williams felt the watermains needed to be replaced quickly. He felt that shoppers wanted to park close to stores due to exposure to the elements. The vault system still exists underground, and Councilman Williams felt staff needed direction in this issue. Councilman Williams asked for permission to have Jackson Smart, Don Perry, and Aria Holzschuh address the Council on this issue. Jackson Smart, 472 Mt. Pleasant Rd., stated a Committee had been formed and its tn'st meeting held to seek direction in this issue. Interest in project sponsorship was expressed by the Soroptimist Jet Set, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Historical Society. He encouraged the Council to attend the tour of the underground sites scheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2000, and described the location of the various underground sites. Councilman Wiggins asked about costs and Director Cutler stated it was scheduled for discussion at the February 8, 2000, Utility Advisory Committee meeting, the Council "' meeting of lVfarch 7, 2000. Councilman Williams explained to the Council that his reason for asking to discuss this issue this evening was due to the need to make a decision regarding putting the watermain in the street or in the fill. This will be reviewed with Downtown Forward and with the Public Works Department. Councilmember McKeown stated she had discussed historical preservation with Aria Holzschuh who was present to share this information with the Council. Arla Holzschuh, Executive Director of the Port Angeles Downtown Association (PADA), 1521 W. 13th Street, gave her impressions of the underground sites. She stated the PADA felt the underground would be a wonderful project for non-profit groups. Her major concern is if fill is used underground it will erode the store fronts and once the historical sites are gone they cannot be retrieved. Ms. Holzschuh felt the underground sites would be of benefit to the community for its heritage as well as increasing tourism. -5- 4126 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 1, 2000 Downtown Watermain/ Councilmember McKeown asked the Council to bear in mind that various service clubs Underground Sites such as Soroptimists and Lions Club are interested in adopting an area of the (Cont'd) underground to begin preservation. Don Perry, 1735 W. 13t~, echoed the comments of Mr. Smart and Ms. Holzschuh. He encouraged the Council to attend the tour and offered a special tour for any Council member unable to attend on Saturday. Lorraine Ross, 418 E. Front Street, stated she had seen the underground sites many years ago and was pleased to know that some action might be taken for preservation of these sites. Mayor Doyle reminded the Council that the watermain break that took place several years ago cost the City $250,000. Public Works must take a good look at the watermains. He hoped that any project delay would not result in a major watermain break. INFORMATION: City Manager's Report Manager Quinn advised the Council he had received a request from County Commissioner Boardman for a letter of support regarding the impact of 1-695 to the State ferry system. With Council's permission, Manager Quinn will draft a letter of general support for the ferry system. Manager Quinn reminded the Council that on Wednesday, February 2, 2000, at 6:00 p.m., the National Marine Fisheries will hold a hearing on the 4(d) Rule. Referring to the meeting schedule in the packet, Mayor Doyle noted that the UAC meeting had been changed to Tuesday, February 8, 2000. Brief discussion followed regarding the AWC Conference. Councilman Campbell noted that the additional biological assessment work for the bull trout will cost the City $9,000. Lorraine Ross, 418 E: Front Street, asked if discussion had been held on the Convention Center and Mayor Doyle informed her that a public meeting would be held in the near future. Ms. Ross then distributed information to the Council regarding the Convention Center. ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss matters of real EXECUTIVE SESSION: estate and potential litigation for approximately one-half hour. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to Open Session at 9:02 p.m. Brief discussion was held regarding SESSION: the Department of Ecology as Lead Agency for the Rayonier mill site clean up, Councilman Wiggins and staff meeting with Congressman Dicks' staff, potential illegal signs and banners, and inquiries regarding the Carnegie Building. ADJOURNMENT: B'~cky £ -6- 4127 Exhibit "A" FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF REZONE APPLICATION - REZ 00-01 - CLALLAM COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY: Findings: 1. The proposal is to rezone approximately 18 acres from Residential Single Family (RS- 7) to Residential Medium Density (RMD). 2. The Comprehensive Plan designates the area as Medium Density Residential (MDR). 3. Some single family structures exist on the site, but it is mostly developed with duplex and four plex structures. 4. The subject property was granted to the Clallam county Housing Authority by the Federal Government following its development and use for military housing. The property was granted to the local Housing Authority in March, 1941. 5. Office uses are not permitted in residential zones. Certain office and support uses are permitted by conditional use permit in the RS-7, Residential Single Family zone by a public housing authority on public housing authority properties. 6. A conditional use permit was approved (CUP99-02) to allow an office, maintenance structures, and a boys and girls club for residents of the Housing Authority site in 1999. 7. Surrounding uses are residential. Most were developed following or during the same time period that the subject housing authority development was established. 8. The site abuts the Peabody Creek Ravine, which is zoned Public Buildings and Parks (PBP). 9. The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Policies A1 and A2 establish the need for land use decisions to be consistent with the Plan. 10. The SEPA Responsible Official issued a Determination of Non-Significance and Adoption of a Previous Document (#892) for the proposal on January 7, 2000. 11. The public comment period for this application ran from December 23, 1999, to January 7, 2000. No written or verbal comments were received during that time period. 12. The Planning Commission conducted a public heating on January 12, 2000, following which a recommendation of approval was forwarded to the City Council for consideration on February 1, 2000. 13. The City Council conducted a public heating for consideration on the issue on February 1, 2000. 4128 Findings and Conclusions - REZ 00-01 February 1, 2000 Conclusions: A. The proposed rezone is compatible with surrounding land uses and recognizes the historical development of the site. B. The rezone complies with the City's Comprehensive Plan, specifically Land Use Element Policies A1 and A2, and with the City's zoning regulations. C. The rezone is in the public interest. Adopte~d by the Port Angele~s City Council at its meeting of February 1, 2000. l~ia~or,Jy of Po~(ngeles ~eck-y J. ~n,gqity C-leK--