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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/15/1997 3474 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington April 15, 1997 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Ostrowski called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at SPECIAL MEETING: 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Ostrowski, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, and Wiggins. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Becker, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, G. Kenworthy, T. Riepe, J. Baertschiger, R. Bemis, K. Miller, E. Benedict, D. Sawyer, and D. Dickson. Public Present: J. Conrad, G. Snell, M. Snell, S. Mathews, F. Kepphnger, A. Kepplinger, R. Dotson, M. Dotson, S. Feiro, W. Turner, B. Turner, J. Haguewood, J. Drain, W. Muller, A. James, I. Hertzog, H. Hertzog, J. Cbxistensen, P. Beane, R. Melvin, R. Reed, R. Cochran, S. McCormick, F. Norton, J. Robuck, and M. Robuck. Town Meeting: Mayor Ostrowski advised those in attendance that this Town Meeting was being held for Disenssion of Alternate the purpose of obtaining public opinion on the matter of extending a street across White's White's Creek Crossing Creek to the east side. The information is needed for the Long-Range Transportation & Proposal Facilities Plar~ Mayor Ostrowski called on Brad Collins, Planning Director, to update the audience on this issue. Director Collins introduced Gary Kenworthy, City Engineer, who used the overhead projector to display a map of the area under consideration. Director Collins reviewed the history of the issue and the routes that have been examined in the past, and he described why an alternate route is necessary. Also, he explained why it was felt a Town Meeting would be an appropriate means of seeking public input. The three possible alternatives considered have been: Alternative 3) Lauridsen Boulevard crossing of White's Creek; Alternative 3A) no crossing of White's Creek, but directing traffic north on Race and then following east on Highway 101; or Alternative 3B) which moves traffic south from Race and Lauridsen to a connection point parallel to the BPA power lines and proceeds east to Golf Course Road. In the future, it could be extended further east to Monroe and Mt. Pleasant Roads. John Drain, Mt. Angeles Road, spoke in favor of extending Lauridsen Boulevard. Using the map, Mr. Drain demonstrated the path used by a multitude of school children, which frequently inhibits the flow of traffc in that area. Extending Lauridsen Boulevard would also improve traffic circulation in the area of Peninsula College. Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby, felt the real concern should be a safety route off the Peninsula in the event of a major catastrophe. He reminded the Council that he spoke to this issue several months ago and supported an alternate route out of Port Angeles. He felt staff ' ' should investigate where the best and least expensive route would lie. This project may have to be done in several stages, but it should be started as soon as possible. He asked Council to think beyond White's Creek or Morse Creek and think of safety and the future. Mark Ernest, 1131 East Seventh Street, used the map to demonstrate for Council the residential areas that have children attending Franklin School. He did not want to see children having to cross a street comparable to Highway 101 in order to get to school. He was particularly concerned with additional traffic on Lauridsen Boulevard. Mr. Ernest preferred alternative 3A, as Race is already a busy street. Will Muller, 3624 Mt. Angeles Road, favored the proposal supported by John Drain. He explained why he felt having the alternate route along Craig Street would not work, noting that an important consideration was the cost of the various alternatives. Penny Beane, 1127 East Ninth Street, did not feel it was wise to utilize Golf Course Road in the scenario, as it is almost impassable in the snow. She also felt Race Street had enough traffic, and the intersection near Albertson's has been a disaster from the beginning. Ms. Beane felt this issue deserves some real thought by the Council; it should not -1- 3475 CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 15, 1997 Town Meeting: necessarily be the least expensive way. Further, she felt it should be defmed as to whether Discussion of Alternate this w~s a Port Angeles bypass or an alternate route. She felt this should not be a decision White's Creek Crossing mad~ in ~ but rather should be designed ~s a positive move for Port Angeles to improve Proposal (Cont'd) quality of life. Director Collins responded that st~rffis looking for an alternate route for residential traffic and not an alternate route for trucks, etc. Lorraine Ross, 418 Emit Front Street, asked if the alternate route was only for local access, and Director Collins responded affirmatively. Ms. Ross stated she sat on the Capital Facilities Committee. The figure provided at that time for the White's Creek crossing of G01f Course Road was almost $6 million. If there are Federal funds available for the Highway 101 improvement, this could be addressed at that time. If, however, the costs arc to be paid from thc City budget, then staff should be considering a maximum expenditure of $1 million. Culverts for Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets would cost about $1 million, and these streets could be constructed at a minimum of expense. This would relieve pressure on First and Front Streets. Sarah Mathcws, 736 Christman Place, was uncertain as to which route would be best, but she asked the Council to keep in mind that the area east of White's Creek includes a senior retirement center. By virtue of recent development, there are many people in the area in need of fire and medical services. Golf Course Road is extremely difficult during inclement weather, and better access for emergency services should be available, no matter how the Council may choose to route traffic. Fritz cOnrad, 1921 East Maddock Road, felt another access from east to west would be necessary. He felt Lauridsen Boulevard would be excellent, for now, as a local access. However, the decision should be made by also looking to the future and tying into Highway 101 beyond the golf course. John Andis, 3435 Mt. Angeles Road, felt a long-range plan for a bypass should be considered. Log trucks are moving through town, which creates a problem. A bypass would enable the City to recoup some of the expenses through WSDOT. The alternate route should be kept out of the residential areas, as this would cause future problems. Jim Haguewood, 705 Chris,man Place, agreed with those looking at a long-term approach to this issue. Businesses need to consider the return on investment, and the City is no exception. In the future, the area east of White's and Ems Creeks will be part of Port Angeles, and those residences will need to be connected with the rest of the City. This cross-town route will need to be routed from the new part of the City to the current Port Angeles, which means the 3B scenario would be best. The County has a plan for an alternate route, and the County and City might better accomplish much more by working together. Mr. Haguewood reminded the Council that they must look at the Heart O' the Hills Parkway which was discussed in the past, as it would marry well with the Coastal Corridor plan. He urged the Council to iake a long-term approach to solving this problem. City Engineer Kenworthy clarified scenario 3B and what improvements it would entail. He noted this plan would mesh well with the Heart O' the Hills Parkway. He then reviewed the different scenarios and informed the Council of the costs associated with each. Mayor Ostrowski thanked everyone who participated and stated there would be more meetings held on this issue before a final decision was reached. Director Collins thought there would be a public hearing on this issue in May. ADJouRN SPECIAL The special meeting was adjoumed at 7:00 p.m. MEETING: CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Ostrowski called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 7:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led Mayor Ostrowski. ALLEGIANCE: APPROVAL OF Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April MINUTES: 1, 1997. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CEREMONIAL 1. Proclamation Recognizing Earth Day - April 22 MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Ostrowski read a proclamation recognizing the April 22, 1997, as Earth Day. Earth Day -2- 3476 CITY COUNCILMEETING April 15, 1997 CEREMONIAL 2. Badge Presentation to Police Officer Arco MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Police Chief Ilk introduced Arco, the new canine officer, and Carolyn Bombar and Tom (Cont'd) Markam, who were present to represent ARCO. Officer Kevin Miller presented Arco and Arco "swore" himself in as an officer. Badge Presentation to Police Officer Arco Mayor Ostrowski asked Officer Miller to summarize the training experience he and Arco have just completed. Mayor Ostrowski then presented a certificate of appreciation to Ms. Bombar and Mr. Markam. Mr. Markam, on behaif of ARCO Marine, thanked the Council and stated his company was proud of its ability to make this donation to the City. Councilman Braun, on behalf of the City, thanked ARCO Marine for its generous contribution. FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Campbell moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: 1) Payroll - April 6, 1997 - $364,486.63; and 2) Voucher list - April 15, 1997 - $433,954.58. Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion. Following brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Pete Shue, 1323 McDonald Street, #10, informed the Council of a problem he has been AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ experiencing with regard to trash collection. After relating the specific details, Mr. Shue STAFF TO BE was assured the matter would be resolved on an immediate basis. CONSIDERED OR PLACED ON A Manager Pomeranz asked to delete Item 1. under Other Considerations. FUTURE AGENDA: Councilman Campbell asked to add a discussion of Clean Sweep '97. Councilman Wiggins asked to add a discussion of the Reconveyance Bill (SB5325). Councilman Braun asked to give a brief summary of the last Utility Advisory Committee meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT- MCA 97-01 - City-wide: Consideration of three amendments to the Port Angeles Municipal Code: (1) to allow social Municipal Code service agencies by conditional use permit in the RMD, Residential Medium Amendment Density, and RttD, Residential High Density zones; (2) to allow for minor Ordinance No. 2956 deviations of development standards in association with construction projects that are within the intent of the Code and the City's Comprehensive Plan; and (3) to consider revision to Section 17.08.065 "L " (lot coverage definition) to refer to only those structures that require building permits. Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department and asked Planning Director Collins to expound on the issue. Director Collins explained that the Planning Commission is recommending the fa-st two items be approved and the third item be approved with a minor language change. He explained the amendment and why it was necessary. Mayor Ostrowski opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. There was no public testimony, and the public hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m. Mayor Ostrowski readthe Ordinance by title, entitled . ' ORDINANCE NO. 2956 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, modifying the defirdtion of"lot coverage" in the Zoning Code, allowing social service agencies providing 24-hour residential care as conditional uses in the RMD and RHD zones, authorizing the Planning Director to grant minor deviations from set back, lot coverage, and height require- ments, and amending Ordinance No. 1709 as amended and Chapters 17.08, 17.14, 17.15, and 17.94 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Wiggins moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title, citing Findings 1 - 5 and Conclusions A - D, as set forth in Exhibit "A' which is attached to and becomes a part of these minutes. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion. Discussion followed, and Director Collins provided further clarification regarding lot coverage, whether the amendment would help expedite minor variances, and the 24-hour residential care change. A vote was taken on the motion, which passed unanimously. -3- 3477 CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 15, 1997 LEGISLATION: A. Ordinances not Requiring Public Hearings Electronic Home Detention 1. Ordinance Establishing an Electronic Home Detention Program Program Ordinance No. 2957 Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney's Office and asked Tom Riepe, Deputy Police Chief, to provide further information. Deputy Chief Riepe stressed that those qualifying for this program would not be dangerous, but individuals with DUI and/or misdemeanor time to serve. The City will contract through the Washington Association of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs. The subject will be charged for the actual costs incurred by using this program; individuals who cannot afford to pay would still be placed in the program, as the fee for jail time is $50.00 per day. Discussion followed, and clarification was offered that every effort would be made to receive compensation from as many participants as possible. Deputy Chief Riepe and Senior Assistant City Attomey Dickson offered further clarification, responded to questions posed by the Council, and explained the benefits of such a program and how possible candidates will be screened. Mayor Ostrowski then read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2957 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, establishing home detention as a means of confinement, providing for rules and procedures for its administration, and amending Ordinance No. 2129 as amended and Title 9 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Braun moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion. A~er limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Resolutions not Requiring Public Hearings None. C. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items 1. Planning Commission Minutes - March 26, 1997 Councilman Doyle moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of March 26, 1997. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Healthy Families D. Other Considerations Request 1. Healthy Families Request for Reconsideration of City's Allocation to Their Agency's Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program This item was deleted from the agenda. Downtown Forward 2. Downtown Forward Nomination Committee Report Nomination Committee Report Councilmember McKeown informed the Council that applications had been received for the Downtown Forward Executive Committee and asked that a time and date be set for a special meeting to begin interviews for this position. She also felt that a Council representative should be chosen to serve as an alternate on the Executive Committee to assure continuity. Councilman Wiggins volunteered to serve in that capacity. Discussion followed regarding the special meeting, and the date of Tuesday, April 22, 1997, at 6:00 p.m., was established. Clean Sweep '97 3. Clean Sweep '97 Councilman Campbell reminded the Council that Saturday, April 19, 1997, was the date chosen for a massive downtown clean-up campaign. He asked Public Works Director Pittis to review what will take place on that date. Director Pittis stated that Tim Smith, Contracts and Projects Administrator, and Jeff Bowman from downtown, have worked hard to organize the scope of work for Saturday. Volunteers are asked to report to the downtown fountain at 9:00 a.m., and assignments will be made from that location. It will be a real community celebration. Manager Pomeranz stated there is a lot of momentum and enthusiasm for this event. People are really getting involved, and several positive projects' have been identified. Congressman Dicks is expected to participate in the clean-up effort, and it should be a -4- 3478 CITY COUNCILMEETING April 15, 1997 LEGISLATION: successful endeavor. Scott Brodhun, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the (Cont'd) wisteria has been removed from the fountain, and it has been pressure washed and sandblasted. Those wishing to participate should bring gloves and small hand tools if Clean Sweep '97 possible. (Cont'd) Mayor Ostrowski reminded everyone that the estuary dedication is also on April 19, and he urged as many as possible to attend. Manager Pomeranz stated that staff has been working on budget reductions due to the Rayonier closure. A variety of suggestions and recommendations have been made for expenditure reduction and revenue enhancement. Prior to these suggestions being submitted to the City Council as a whole, Manager Pomeranz asked that three Council · members and several staff members review the recommendations, as several of them are somewhat sensitive. Councilmembers Hulett, McKeown, and Doyle offered to serve on this committee. Reconveyance Bill 4. Reconveyance Bill (SB 5325) Councilman Wiggins reported that the Reconveyance Bill is on the Governor's desk for signature. This Bill has to do with returning Trust Lands to the County; the City sent a letter, signed by the Mayor, supporting this legislation. This will bring the forests back to local control and allow for less expensive management. Utility Advisory Councilman Braun pointed out that the draft minutes of the April 7, 1997, Utility Advisory Committee Report Committee meeting were contained in the information packet. The Committee met with the PUD Commissioners and discussed a one-utility planning concept. He asked the Council to review the minutes, as this will be discussed further in the near future. Councilman Doyle felt the one utility concept will take at least one to two years for planning. Councilman Campbell Stated one utility may not be possible, as it may not be of benefit to both the PUD and City, but there is an obligation to consider the idea. Mayor Ostrowski announced that there was an Association of Washington Cities meeting on June 18, 1997· Those attending should inform the City Manager's office so arrangements can be made. At Mayor Ostrowski's request, Planning Director Collins reviewed the agenda for Monday, April 21, when the City officials fi.om Victoria B.C. arrive for the joint meeting with City Council. Break Mayor Ostrowski recessed the meeting for a break at 8:25 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. AI}JOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss union negotiations and EXECUTIVE SESSION: potential litigation for approximately forty-five minutes. RETURN TO The meeting returned to open session at 10:20 p.m. OPEN SESSION: AI)JOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. City Clerk ~¢~] / /0~ayor d t/ -5- 3~79 3480 Exhibit "A" FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT NO. MCA 97-01: 1. The City's Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy C.1 states: "Residential land shouM be developed on the district and neighborhood concept. Although such districts may be composed primarily of residential uses of a uniform density, a healthy, viable district shouM be composed of residential uses of varying densities which may be augmented by subordinate and compatible uses. Single family and multi-family homes, parks and open-spaces, schools, churches, day care and residential services, home occupations, and district shopping areas are all legitimate components of district development and enhancement. A neighborhood shouM be primarily composed of high, medium, or Iow density housing." 2. An Adoption of an Existing Environmental Document was issued for the proposal on March 18, 1997. 3. The proposed amendments are to authorize adminstrative 10% minor deviations from front, side and rear yard setbacks, height, and lot coverage requirements, clarification of lot coverage restrictions, and the allowance of social service agencies providing 24-hour residential care as a conditionally permited use in the RMD and RHD zones. 4. The proposed minor deviation amendment does not change any actual development standards. 5. The state has adopted a stand on regulatory reform and the need to respond expediently. Conclusions: A. The proposed Zoning Code Amendment is consistent with Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy C 1. B. The Zoning Code Amendment is in the public use and interest. C. The proposed minor deviation amendment is intended to make the Zoning Ordinance more user friendly and at the same time retain the integrity of each zone's purpose and effectiveness. D. The proposed lot coverage definition and social service agencies providing 24-hour residential care conditional uses are consistent with past Departmental interpretation and Planning Commission decisions. ( ~~x~e~~eles City Council at its meeting of April 15, 1997. ....... Pr~lSer Ostrows~:~, lvlayor eckyi. CCton, :it>;'&drk --