Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/15/1999 3926 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington March 15, 1999 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Braun called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at SPECIAL MEETING: 4:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Braun, Councilmembers Campbell [arrived at 4:40 p.m.], Doyle, Wiggins, and Williams. Members Absent: Councilmembers Hulett and McKeown. Port Commissioners Present: Commissioners Beckman, Foster, and Waud. City Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, J. Pittis, T. Smith, and P. Rasler. Port Staff Present: Director Anderson, D. Hagiwara, K. Sweeney, B. James, P. Deja, and P. Volk. Public Present: No one signed the roster. Mayor Braun opened the meeting by welcoming the Port Commissioners and indicating the importance of developing a strong parmership between the two entities. Commissioner Foster agreed with the importance of working together, as many citizens are anxious to see something, accomplished in the community. Landfill - Wildlife Landfill - Wildlife Management Plan: Manager Ibarra introduced Public Works & Management Plan Utilities Director Pittis who reviewed the status of the Landfill - Wildlife Management Plan. The wildlife assessment was prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (USDA), and the City was given a permit to continue operation of the landfill pursuant to the adoption of the Wildlife Management Plan. The draft plan will soon be reviewed with the USDA and, in conjunction with the plan, an interlocal agreement between the City and the Port will soon be presented to the City Council for consideration. The agreement establishes the formation of a committee with Port, City, County, and Federal representation, charged with the responsibility of oversight of the plan. Chris Anderson, Executive Director of the Port, indicated the Port has been cooperating with the City on this issue, as both entities stand to gain a great deal by this cooperative effort. Discussion followed, and brief commentaries were made with regard to the drainage at Lincoln Park and its direct impact on wfldhfe in the area of the airport and the landfill. Airport Road Relocation Airport Road Relocation Project: Director Pittis reported that the City has been in the Project midst of acquiring property for the Airport Road relocation. The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) will be approached with a request for increased funding which is mainly due to the increased costs for right-of-way. Discussion ensued, and Director Pittis explained the specifics of the project, the planned access to the airport, - 1 - 3927 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING March 15, 1999 Airport Road Relocation and the improvements to the intersection. He noted that, once complete, this project Project (Cont'd) will provide direct access from Highway 101' to the airport. Storm Water Management Storm Water Management: Director Pittis explained storm water issues relative to drainage from Lincoln Park to Big Boy Pond to Stevens School. In discussing the details on this specific area, he noted that many of the problems of drainage have been encountered by virtue of the rain experienced this year, as well as development of lands to the south. The water from this drainage ultimately ends up in Tumwater Creek. Discussion followed, and the merits of drainage from this area passing through the airport were questioned. Also discussed were grant oppommities to resolve the drainage problems. AnOther area of concern relates to the slope stabilization above Marine Drive, and Director Pittis indicated the water flows down the bluff, also due to development from the south. On the matter of the Airport Industrial Park, the Port Commissioners expressed interest in working with the City on a storm water management plan, which should address future growth. Further, needed infrastructure at the Park is a matter of great concern, and the Port urged further planning efforts in that regard which should include funding possibilities. Dave Hagiwara showed the group an aerial photo, describing the natural water drainage in the area of the airport. Director Piths indicated ponding would be a natural method to collect the water; however, this cannot be a consideration in view of the water fowl that would be assembled in the airport vicinity. Consideration must also be given to how drainage plans affect the salmon habitat. It was realized by all concerned that the matter of storm water is deserving of immediate attention in a joint partnership between the City and the Port. Infrastructure Development Infrastructure Development Needs: The next matter addressed in this joint meeting was Needs the matter of needed infrastructure at the Airport Industrial Park. Chris Anderson cited a study done on the area's needs and felt it might be appropriate to proceed to the next phase of the project which would include more engineering. Dave Hagiwara indicated there are various funding oppommities that might be available to either the City or the Port, and a partnership might be advantageous in order to build the necessary infrastructure. Port Commissioner Foster felt the only place in the short-term for the development of jobs in Port Angeles would be at the Airport Industrial Park. By consensus, the group agreed that efforts in this area should proceed as discussed. City and Port staff members will plan to meet and formulate a strategy. It was pointed out that the County might be a participant as well. Marine Drive Slope Marine Drive Slope Stabilization: Discussion again focused on the Marine Drive slope Stabilization stabilization, and Chris Anderson summarized discussions held between the Port, the City, and various area landowners. Different landslides have occurred, and it is apparent that the problem will not go away. Consideration has been given to various possible means of at least lessening the degree that different properties are damaged by the slides, and it was noted to be of great importance that a geotechnical study of the entire area be conducted. The Port placed emphasis on the need to get something done as quickly as possible, particularly because the Port owns property as the base of the slope. In addition, it was indicated that the County may be an interested property owner in these discussions. Planning Director Collins reported on meetings held with property owners, at which time discussion was held about having a geotechnical study conducted between Tumwater and Hill Streets. Also at that time, discussion was held about the possibility of the property owners providing financial assistance for the study. At this state, it is unclear as to the necessary resolution for the problem, but it is certain to be quite -2- 3928 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING March 15, 1999 Marine Drive Slope expensive. Stabilization (Cont'd) In the ensuing discussion, a question was raised by Councilman Campbell as to whether such a study would identify certain actions that could be taken in order to lessen the likelihood of additional slides. Director Collins indicated he would hope the study would include the kinds of action that could be taken, and he indicated the study should be done in three to four months. Discussion followed as to the parties likely to participate in the funding of this study, and Chris Anderson posed a question as to the possibility of adding the costs of the study to a future LID. Attorney Knutson felt such costs could be added to an LID. Oak Street Development Oak Street Development: Manager Ibarra addressed the matter of Oak Street development. A memorandum of understanding has been drafted to identify the different roles of the City and Port, and there are two issues remaining to be considered: a convention center still appears to be a possibility, and it must be agreed upon as to which entity would maintain the site. Commissioner Foster summarized the histow of discussions relative to the property, and Chris Anderson indicated the community has expressed the need for a convention facility. Until the time other property might be identified for convention center possibilities, she indicated she would not be comfortable pursuing other development oppommities for the Oak Street property. Lengthy discussion ensued, and Councilman Campbell noted that convention centers seldom break even, which often reqUires subsidization to some extent. The group agreed there was a need to identify other properties that might accommodate a convention center so that other options for the Oak Street property could be considered. Manager Ibarra suggested that a feasibility study for a convention center be conducted, whether for the Oak Street property or elsewhere. Discussion also centered around the timing of construction of the Multi-Modal Transportation Center, possible convention center additions at the DoubleTree, as well as the involvement of the Downtown Forward Executive Committee in the convention center discussions. Rayonier Site Rayonier Site: Chris Anderson referenced the study conducted by Rayonier to determine the highest and best use of the Rayonier site, and she distributed copies of a document summarizing the study which was a matter of discussion at a Port Commission work session. Ms. Anderson expressed the opinion that the future use of the property should be directed toward industrial and warehousing uses. The Port has been studying the possibility of barging for import and export business, and Ms. Anderson noted how vital it is to protect the existing in-water structure. It is expected to be more and more difficult to obtain approval for the futt/re construction of piers because of stringent environmental standards. In the discussion that followed, it was noted that the Port and City are interested in the long-term use of the site, as opposed to Rayonier's interest to pursue short-term and financially lucrative options. Discussion was also held relative to the clean-up of the site and the group's desire to see the State named in an oversight capacity. Harbor Wood Waste Harbor Wood Waste: The Department of Ecology has issued a report that several points in the Port Angeles Harbor have various degrees of wood waste and organic debris present. Most of the debris is on the west end of the harbor, and the Port expressed concern as relates to remediation, as many of the Port tenants involve wood handling in the course of their business. Discussion was held as to the role of government in the clean-up efforts, and Planning Director Collins felt the City's only role in the matter would be in specific relation to the SEPA review or harbor line management. However, Councilman Campbell pointed out that it would be helpful to have City representation on any committee appointed, particularly because of potential economic impacts. -3 - 3929 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING March 15, 1999 Update on Admiral Marine Update on Admiral Marine: Chris Anderson and Dave Hagiwara provided a status report on Admiral Marine, noting that it appears the creditors are willing to work with Admiral in a Chapter 11 reorganization. The potential timelines of the reorganization were reviewed. Claim for Damage to Port Claim for Damage to Port Pier: City and Port staff discussed damage to the Port's Pier Terminal 2 pier in January of this past year. The City had hired a contractor to do certain repairs to the City Pier; however, some of the camel logs broke loose and damaged the Port pier. Both entities expressed a willingness to work together to resolve the issue. Next Meeting Next Meeting: Everyone present agreed it is important to continue with this type of meeting in the future and to work together in the interest of the community. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. B~clcy ]. Up~, (~y Clerk/ - Gary Braun, M~r' ~ -4-