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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/26/1985 312 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Public Hearing City Hall Site Selection Port Angeles, Washington March 26, 1985 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor Whidden called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. II ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Whidden, Councilmen Gerberding, Haguewood, Hordyk, Quast, Schermer, Stamon. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Flodstrom, Attorney Knutson, Deputy Clerk Anderson, P. Carr, M. Cleland, R. Saville, J. Marsh, L. Glenn, R. Orton, J. Hicks, L. Danks, T. Smith. Public Present: G. Mattson, L. Sunny, L. Lee, D. Vautier, R. Taylor, R. Bradshaw, S. Fahnestock, D. Price, G. Buck, L. Leonard, M. Riebel, F. Feeley, Jr. J. Fairchild, J. Cornell, D. McLean, M. Hansen, M. Merrick, J. 'Falk, M. Doherty, J. Montgomery, M. Gruebel, G. Doty, F. McPhee, G. Hodgdon, J. Austin, T. Fraser, J. Cammack, B. LaRue, C. Carlson, D. Duncan, G. Andersen, L. Ross, P. Feeley, D. Bradshaw, C. Whalley. III - VI - SUSPENDED I VII OPENING REMARKS - MAYOR WHIDDEN Mayor Whidden explained that the purpose of tonight's meeting was to hear I input on all of the aspects of the City Hall site selection and development process. He explained that the Council desired to receive ideas and con- cerns from the audience. He stated that the Council would not address the public comments this evening; that these comments would be reviewed at a later date. He then deferred to Manager Flodstrom for staff presentation. VIII STAFF PRESENTATION A. Back9round Information Manager Flodstrom presented, for the Council and audience, background information on the City Council's goal for a new City Hall facility. He provided the most recent background, dating back to 1972, of City Council discussions on a new City Hall facility, obtained from a review of past City budgets and City Council minutes. He stated that from 1972 until 1978, discussions had occurred in the City Council considering the pursuance of a City Hall facility and most particularly, a joint City/ County facility, to be built when the new Clallam County Courthouse was constructed. He stated that during this time, the City Council did set aside a portion of its Revenue Sharing funds for the construction of the City's portion of a governmental complex. In July of 1973, the City Council made a motion to approve a resolution to enter into a joint inter- governmental cooperative agreement with Clallam County to construct a new public safety building and to further explore a joint governmental complex, meeting the needs of both the City and C1a1lam County. In February of 1974, the City Council informed the County that the City was only inter- ested in a joint City/County law enforcement facility at that time. In May of 1976, during negotiations with the County for the City's purchase of the Roosevelt School property, the Council instructed City negotiators to explore all areas of cooperation and shared publiC facilities with Clallam County. In 1976, the Port Angeles Comprehensive PIan was adopted by the City Council and that Plan recognizes the City's support for combined facilities of a City/County public Safety and Administrative facility in a joint governmental complex. In May of 1977, the City Council discussed a City Hall adjacent to the proposed Clallam County Courthouse. In August of 1977, the City Council instructed staff to explore the construction of a joint City/County facility. In September of 1977, the City Council decided that this was not the time to pursue with the County the development of a I I I I CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 26, 1985 joint City jCounty facility. From 1977 through 1982, the City Council decided to place higher priority on the development of other public facilities benefitting the public directly; specifically, the completion of LIDs; stabilization of City utilities; the development of an Elwha water system; renovation of Civic Field; construction of the Public Pier; con- struction of a consolidated City Corporation Yard; Tumwater Bridge project; participation in the Downtown Beautification Project; and a small realign- ment of Front Street at the east City limits. In 1982 and 1985, the City budgets identify the need for planning, development and financing of new City Hall facilities. The 1983 budget states that 1983 is the year to begin planning for a renovated City Hall facility or for the relocation to new and improved facilities. The 1984 budget indicates that 1984 is the year to explore financing alternatives for a new or renovated City Hall complex. The 1985 budget says the construction of a new City Hall facility and the development of a one-stop approach for public service through a consolidated City Hall facility is a need in 1985. During the adoption of the 1985 budget, the City Council was advised of the Federal mandate to enforce handicapped standards. In October of 1984, Federal Handicapped Regulations were being mandated for all public facilities, more rigorously than ever before. In October of 1984, the City Council directed staff to prepare a list of City functions and services to be included in a new City Hall facility. In November of 1984, the City Council held public hearings to discuss a new City Hall facility and possible locations for the facility. Early in 1985, the City Hall Site Review Committee was formed to consider the possibility of two specific sites for the new City Hall Facility. Manager Flodstrom then outlined the many reasons for the Council's consid- eration of a new City Hall facility. B. Financing Options Finance Director Orton then presented to the Council and the audience financing options. The information outlined by Director Orton is contained in a report entitled "Financing Options - New City Hall Facility" which was presented to the Council and also available for the public. C. Draft Environmental nnpact Statement Following Finance Director Orton's presentation, City Planner Carr addressed the Council and the audience, outlining the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed City Hall, prepared by the Port Angeles City Planning Department in March of 1985. This report was also available for the audience and had been presented earlier to Counci1members. Planning Director Carr stated that comments would be received by the City until April 26, 1985. He then outlined the information included in the Environ- mental Impact Statement. D. Summary of City Hall Site Review Committee Report Manager Flodstrom then summarized the report from the City Hall Site Review Committee, which had been formed to assess the two final sites determined by the City Council earlier in the year, these sites being Front and Cherry Street, the current location of the Port Angeles City Light building, and Fourth and Peabody, across from the Cla1lam County Courthouse and adjacent to the Vern Burton Memorial Community Center. Manager Flodstrom commended all of the individuals who had volunteered to serve on the City HaIl Site Review Committee, stating that it had been a very tedious matter and that a very fine product had resulted. He then thanked Bill Lindberg of the Home Builders' Association; representing the financial institutions in Port Angeles, Dennis Holman; representing- citizens at large and frequent users of City Hall facilities, Leo Sunny, Frank Feeley, Jr., Terry Gilmore, Jim Falk and Jim Cammack; representing the Port Angeles Business Association, Roger Pierce, George Mattson; representing the Port Angeles Downtown Asso- ciation, Jerry Cornell, who was selected as Chairman, George Buck, who was mid-stream replaced by President of the Downtown Association, Dave Brewer; representing the City Council, Councilmen John Hordyk and Glennis Stamon; representing City staff, Dave Flodstrom and Rob Orton. He then reviewed all of the factors that were assessed by the Committee. IX OPEN PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Whidden then opened the public hearing and asked for comments from the audience. 313 314 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 26, 1985 George Mattson felt that the news media had indicated that the City Hall Site Review Committee had recommended the Fourth and Peabody site. He wished to clarify that the Committee had made no such recommendation. Mr. Mattson opposed demolishing a building for new construction. He supported modifying a current building or placing an addition to it. Leland Lee, 905 West 11th Street, business address, 136 East Eighth, felt that the citizens of Port Angeles deserve a decent City Hall. He felt that City Hall should remain Downtown, whether it be a new building or remodeled building. He was concerned that the vacant buildings created if City Hall I left the Downtown would not be filled by commercial enterprise and might remain vacant. He also supported an election on the proposal. Dan Vautier, owner of a business on Laurel Street, opposed removing City Hall from the Downtown area, stating that Downtown businesses had spent a lot of money in parking and in Downtown beautification. He stated that two business locations have been vacated on Laurel Street and feared that this would happen in the Downtown area should City Hall move away. Ron Bradshaw, 1638 West 12th Street, stressed the importance of diversifica- tion in the Downtown core. He referred to Downtown areas that had been devastated by lack of diversification in cities such as Aberdeen, Tacoma, and Olympia. He felt that keeping City Hall and the Police Station Down- town was vital to Downtown business and to the public. George Buck of KONP Radio urged that nothing be done to weaken the Down- town. He felt that the Downtown is fragile. Larry Leonard of 1030 Olympus felt that this meeting was premature. He stated that from what he could understand, this City Council has never voted to build a new City Hall. Jack Montgomery, 1105 East Lauridsen, proprietor of The Toggery and a property owner Downtown, spoke on the commitment of business owners Downtown which began in 1977 with the Downtown Beautification Project. He I listed all of the businesses which have made building improvements, and reviewed the amount of money spent on the Downtown Improvement LID as well as the amount spent individually by business owners. He commended the City staff for their help during the Downtown Beautification. He urged the City to continue their efforts and commitments and stay Downtown. Rosalie Doty, business address, 1206 South "C" Street, stated that she was not a Downtown businessman but is concerned with the Downtown area and is very proud of the work that has occurred Downtown. She stated that no more empty buildings were needed Downtown. She supported keeping City Hall Downtown and stated that all businesses would benefit from a healthy Downtown area. Frank McPhee, 911 East Eighth Street, requested more time to study the financial options made available by staff and also asked for another meet- ing allowing more than two minutes to discuss this proposed expenditure. He felt that responsibilities to City employees and handicapped individuals could be satisfied without building a 30,000 square-foot, $2 million new City Hall at this time. He felt that access for the handicapped should be immediately provided. He felt the project should be slowed down until unemployment decreases. He supported voter-approved general obligation bonds. Tim Fraser, business address 731 East First Street, referred to events that had taken place in Olympia where city and county government buildings had left the downtown area. He stated that currently there is "no downtown Olympia". He felt that the Fourth and Peabody site could be better used by something other than a City Hall facility. Jim Cammack, a member of the City Hall Site Review Committee, urged the Council to consider a consolidated government, saving money, and using the Fourth and Peabody site. Bill LaRue, business address 302 South Lincoln, felt that $10,000 for election costs was not excessive and supported holding an election. Mr. LaRue felt that we cannot afford a new City Hall and that there were other ways to address the issues at this time. He supported allowing more time for this to be discussed with the public. I I I I CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 26, 1985 Carl Carlson of 129 Fogarty, felt that the costs could run to $7,000,000 or $8,000,000 total, and that this was excessive. He supported calling for an election and he noted that the population of Port Angeles had declined from 1980 to 1984. Dorothy Duncan, 916 South Oak Street, speaking as an individual, informed the Council and the audience that she had done research on downtowns nation-wide. She stated that the research showed downtowns and downtown cores are of great importance to the entire city. Where downtowns are allowed to deteriorate, costs of government go up, the value of the property goes down, more law enforcement problems occur, and urban sprawl results. She acknowledged the unique flavor of the Port Angeles Downtown, stating that it has a "main street flavor". She requested that the Council consider whether Downtown is healthy enough to withstand the move of City Hall. Craig Whalley, owner of the Odyssey Bookshop, ll4 West Front Street, stated that during the last few years, a lot of money had been spent improving the Downtown area and there had been an improved outlook, with new construction taking place very recently. He stated that the Downtown was finally on the move and opposed removing City Hall during what he termed the peak of that movement. Marie Gruebel, 315 West 15th Street, asked that the City Council hold an election on the new City Hall. She felt that this was essential to the success of the project. Frank Fee1GlY, Jr., 113 West seventh Street, a member of the Site Review Committee, questioned the need for a City Hall at this time. He mentioned proposed State Industrial Insurance revisions which, in his opinion, would drastically affect the timber industry which was already hurting, and $10.4 million recently lost by Clallam County. For these reasons, he felt that we could not afford to build a new City Hall at this time. Jean Fairchild, business address 217 North Laurel, speaking as a member of the Port Angeles Downtown Board, a business owner, a private citizen and chairperson of the Port Angeles Downtown Association's Parking Committee, thanked the Council for addressing the problem of a new City Hall. She stated that it was long over-due and that the Downtown Association was present to offer their support of a new City Hall Downtown. She stated that the Parking Association had developed a plan to address the problem of Downtown parking with the proposed new City Hall. She opposed the Fourth and Peabody site. She felt this would result in traffic problems on Lincoln Street. Ray Taylor, 1025 East Sixth Street, felt that costs would be excessive to refurbish the existing building. He supported calling for an election. He did not think $10,000 for an election was too much money. He recommended that the Council consider this matter extensively. Jerry Cornell, 824 West Fourth Street, re-emphasized that the City Hall Site Review Committee did not make any recommendations as to a site. Mr. Cornell stated that the Committee had verified that both sites would work. He supported locating City Hall Downtown, feeling that it would be of help to the Downtown area. Leo Sunny supported considering Port Angeles as a whole, not just Downtown. He supported locating City Hall at the Fourth and Peabody site and allowing the vacated space to be used for a convention facility. He stated that jobs would be created by the construction of a new City Hall. He also emphasized that the costs would be spread out over a long period of time and that present citizens would not be paying the whole bill; that citizens 25 years hence would still be paying for it and he believed that this was fair. Dick McLean, a member of the Downtown Business group, business address 109 East First, reviewed all the improvements that had been made in the Down- town area since the early 1970's. He thanked the City for its support during that time, for supporting the beautification of the Downtown. He stated that the Council is now seeing that happen, and it would be a shame to remove City Hall from the Downtown and see it all fall apart. 315 316 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 26, 1985 Margo Hansen, 1103 East Ninth, felt that the effects of City Hall leaving the Downtown would not be short-term, and supported having City Hall remain Downtown. Marvin Merrick, 615 East Eighth Street, stated that he agreed with every- body. Mayor Whidden then invited Frank McPhee to re-address the Council. Manager Flodstrom referred to phone messages he had received from George Baron and Robert Dalton, both residents of the City of Port Angeles, and a .1etter I from Northwest Territories, Inc. These individuals had requested that their comments be presented to the Council following the meeting. Manager Flodstrom indicated that he would do this. Mr. McPhee then re-addressed the Council, stating that we owe ,it to the handicapped to provide access to City Hall today, not in 1986. He also stated that we owe it to the City employees to provide adequate working space. He felt that we owe it to the citizens to fully utilize the City's real estate assets. He mentioned the cost of land. He felt that this should be included in the cost of the City Hall. He spoke in opposition to financing options which included variable factors. Mr. McPhee indicated his desire to discuss his feelings on this matter at future Council meetings, after having an opportunity to look at the options. Marie Gruebel, suggested a show of hands as to how many felt that _a- ballot would be the way to deal with the issue. Councilmembers and members of the audience felt that at this time, this would be out of order~ Ray Taylor then re-addressed the Council, inquiring as to whether the City could borrow from other public entities, such as the PUD, the Hospital District, etc., and suggested that this be looked into. Jim Falk, 1129 West Sixth Street, speaking as a citizen, stated that he was a member of the Site Evaluation Committee. Mr. Falk supported construction of a new City Hall. He felt that meeting handicapped requirements in the I existing facilities would merely be a band-aid and that problems would arise in the future. Mr. Falk questioned the extent of loss to the Down- town area should City Hall be located at Fourth and PeabOdy. He felt that the Fourth and Peabody site is not too far removed from the Downtown area. He felt that if relocation to the Fourth and Peabody site occurred, pressure would occur to up-zone surrounding property to commercial uses. He felt that at that time, consideration of the vitality of the Downtown area would become extremely important. Mike Doherty, 617 South "B" Street, agreed that City employees need better working space and the handicapped need access, and that there should be a new City Hall. He supported the City providing leadership in consolidating with other community facilities, such as the Library, Senior Center, social services agencies, licensing agencies, and pursue solving a number of prob- lems of public needs. He suggested matching the needs of the community with an inventory of existing facilities, and putting together proposals for property exchanges, lease-back proposals, to create something on the line of Forward Thrust on a smaller scale. He felt that there was,no need to rush into a new City Hall. Mayor Whidden-aSked for further comments from the audience. There were no further comments. Mayor Whidden therefore closed the public hearing. Manager Flodstrom stated that the Council would be considering all the input that had been received to date, and informed the audience that there is a telephone number available specifically for public input on the proposed new City Hall. That number is 452-6833. He also noted that the Environmental Impact Statement allows for the submission of written public comment through April 26, 1985. He stated that any decisions by the Council would be made in future meetings of the Port Angeles City Council. I X II ADJOURNMENT , Mayor Whidden thanked the general public for their participation in the meeting, and adjourned the meeting at 8:57 P.M. 71::~ c:2 ,e,~~~"r ~ 9 U ~~A~LJ Mayor