HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/01/1998 3804
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
September 1, 1998
CALL TO ORDER - M~yor Braun called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 5:35
REGULAR MEETING: p.m.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Braun, Councilmembers Campbell, Doyle, Hulett
[arrived at 6:50 p.m.], McKeown, Wiggins, and Williams.
Mere bers Absent: None.
Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Becket,
S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, and J. Pitfis.
Public Present: C. Owens, L. Lee, T. Saar, T. Schmid, N. Van Sickle, M.
Pearson, M. Wegmann, D. Schmid, and J. Bohman.
WORK SESSION: Joint Meeting with Lower Elwha Tribal Councik The members of the City Council joined
the members of the Lower Elwha Tribal Council for a work session held m the Carver
Joint Meeting with Lower Conference Room of the Port Angeles Library. Present on behalf of the Lower Elwha
Elwha Tribal CoUncil Tribal Council were Chairman Russell Hepfer, Vice-Chairman Frances Charles,
Councilmember Dennis Sullivan, Secretary-Treasurer Georgianne Charles, Attorney Russ
Busch, and staff representative Carol Brown.
Mayor Braun welcomed everyone to the meeting, noting the importance of establishing a
rapport between the two governing bodies. After introductions of all those present, the
Mayor presented to the members of the Lower Elwha Tribal Council a copy of a letter sent
by the City to Senators Gorton and Murray and Congressman Dicks regarding salmon
funding and Elwha River dam removal.
Russell Hepfer welcomed the opportunity to have this meeting, as he was certain that a
meeting of this type had never been held between the Tribal Council and the City Council.
Mayor Braun agreed and emphasized the furore opportmfities for the two groups to work
together on common goals.
An informal exchange of information followed, with discussions held concerning the
makeup and election process of the two governing bodies, the possible involvement of City
and County government in intertribal meetings relating to youth issues, and the possible
involvement of officials in multi-ethnic meetings held at the School District. Also
discussed was the desire of the Tribal Council to have the Lower Elwha Tribe included in
publications relating to tourism opportunities on the North Olympic Peninsula. It was
suggested that Erl Hansen, Chamber of Commerce, and Rick Hert, North Olympic
Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau, be contacted by the Tribal Council for inclusion
in brochures, pamphlets, and the like. It was noted that the City Council may be of
assistance in providing an entre' with the two agencies.
Further discussion followed with regard to Tribal efforts toward creating a walking trail for
the public, possible interest on the part of the public to tour the Tribe's fish hatchery, social
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 1, 1998
Joint Meeting with Lower services offered by the Tribe, law enforcement programs presently being enhanced by the
Elwha Tribal Council Tribe, and current housing programs on Tribal property.
(Cont'd)
In conclusion, Mayor Braun assured the members of the Tribal Council that the City is
desirous of continuing this type of dialOgue. To that end, Councilman Campbell queried
as to the City Council's intent to meet with the Tribal Council on a quarterly basis. The
members of the City Council and the Tribal Council agreed to participate in those meetings
as suggested.
The work session was concluded at 6:20 p.m., at which time the City Council members
departed for City Hall to continue with the remainder of the Council agenda.
PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Braun.
ALLEGIANCE:
CEREMONIAL Recognizing "Good Neighbor Day": Mr: Todd Holm, who was to make a presentation
MA'I'FERS this evening regarding "Good Neighbor Day", was unable to attend.
PROCLAMATIONS:
LATE ITEMS TO BE Chuck Owens, Joyce, Washington, reminded the Council that he had asked for a discussion
PLACED ON THIS OR of the Makah whaling issue at this particular Council meeting and was told by Councilman
FUTURE AGENDAS: Campbell that this was not within the Council's purview. Mr. Owens felt the matter was,
in fact, within Council's purview. He distributed documentation fi.om the National Marine
Fishehes regarding the number of strikes allowed in a whale hunt while, at the same time,
he placed a box of 41 miniature plastic whales on the dais to make a point as to how many
whales could conceivably be injured during a hunt. Mr. Owens felt the City's work crew
would be hauling whale carcasses off the beach. Mr. Owens again asked the Council to
place this issue on its next agenda and denounce the action of the Makah people:
Councilmember McKeown stated she was opposed to one mumcipality remarking against
another jurisdiction. This issue is between the Makah's and the Federal Government; as
a Council member she could not support sending a letter of objection.
Mr. Owens stressed that the whale hunt would impact the citizens of Port Angeles;
therefore, the City Council should take a stand. Mayor Braun thanked Mr. Owens for his
time.
Dorothy Duncan, 921 S. Washington Street, Chair of the Taxpayers for the Clallam Crisis
Center, addressed the Council on the need for a crisis center in Port Angeles. Ms. Duncan
distributed a description of the crisis center, noting the need for the distribution of more
information on this issue to the public. Ms. Duncan felt this proposition was very
important to the County and its citizens.
Discussion followed, and Councilman Wiggins asked if the center would be used basically
for detoxification or if it would really be used as a mental health crisis center. Ms. Duncan
stated it was not intended to be a treatment facility, but to stabilize people during the first
72-hours of the crisis whether it be for a drinking or mental health problem. Councilman
Campbell commended Ms. Duncan and her associates for the work and leadership they
have provided in educating the community regarding the need for this facility. Ms. Duncan
responded to questions directed by the Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
QUASI-JUDICIAL:
PUBLIC HEARINGS - A. Municipal Code Amendment - MCA 98-04 - City of Port Angeles, City-wide:
OTHER: proposal to amend the City's Municipal Code with respect to the installation of
aboveground flammable liquid storage tanks
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September 1, 1998
Municipal Code Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department and asked
Amendment Director Collins for additional input. Director Collins pointed out several corrections that
Ordinance No. 2999 had been made to the original ordinance document, all of which did not substantively
impact the intent.
Mayor Braun opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. There was no public testimony;
therefore, Mayor Braun closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. and read the Ordinance by
rifle, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 2999
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles amending Fire Code
and Zoning Code regulations for aboveground storage of
flammable liquids amending Chapters 14.21,17.08, and
17.34 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.
Councilman Wiggins moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title, citing the
changes noted and Findings 1 - 8 and Conclusions A - E as set forth in Exhibit "A',
which is attached to and becomes a part of these minutes. Councllmember
McKeown seconded the motion. Discussion followed, and Councilman Doyle asked
about the intent of the Ordinance to which Director Collins responded. A vote was taken
on the motion, which carried unanimously.
FINANCE: A. Acceptance of Downtown Watermain and $idewaIk Replacernent Project
Downtown Watermain and Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and
Sidewalk Project asked Director Pitfis for further input. Director Pittis reviewed the cost overrun smnmary
and explained how and why cost ovemms occur. He stated that, while it was regrettable
to have overruns, the City has a completed project of which it can be proud. Director Pittis
then restx)nded to questions directed by the Council. Discussion followed regarding other
downtown projects, such as pavers on Front Street, and how these projects would be
funded. Manager Ibarra explained that, as part of the 1999 budget process, the Capital
Facilities Plan would be revisited.
Following further discussion and commendations from Councilman Campbell regarding
the success of this project, Couneilmemher MeKeown moved to accept the project,
authorize final payment to Strider Construction, Inc. in the amount of $170,246.90
and release retalnage in the amount of $121,789.S0 upon receipt of clearances from
the Departments of Revenue and Labor & Industries and the satisfaction of any
claims received by the City resulting from execution of the contract. Councilman
Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmembers McKeown and Wiggins stated they would abstain from voting on the
minutes due to their absence from that meeting. Councilman Hulett moved to accept
the Consent Agenda including: A) Approval of Minutes of August 18, 1998, Regular
Meeting, B) Out of State Travel - Public Works & Utilities; C) Payroll - August 23, 1998 -
$371,373.41; D) Check List - August 26, 1998 - $339,556.26. Coundlman Campbell
seconded the motion, which carded unanimously.
COMMITTEE Councilman Doyle had no report; however, he pointed out that each Council member had
REPORTS: received a final copy of procedures for street vacations.
Street Vacations
Councilman Williams stated he attended a very informative State Conference in Tacoma
Clallam Transit in which the Clallam Transit had participated.
Public Health Councilman Wiggins 'stated the Public Health area has been active, and he is involved in
discussions regarding teenage pregnancies. A report will be presented to the Public Health
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 1, 1998
COMMITTEE Committee on September 8, 1998. Councilman Wiggins has also been involved in the
REPORTS: (Cont'd) Opportunity Fund, along with Manager Ibarra. Thc cities involved will make a
Opportunity Fund presentation to the County Commissioners.
Port Angeles Works! Councilman Campbell reported the Port Angeles Works! Committee held a meeting
regarding the highest and best usc study.for the Rayonier site. The consultants have
researched all types of businesses appropriate to this site and have considered the economic
feasibilities. Copies of this information will be forwarded to the City. Rayonier has been
very cooperative in this endeavor.
K-Mart Closing Mayor Braun referred to the letter Council received fi.om K-Mart stating its store would
close on October 28, 1998. Also, Council had received a letter fiom Dave DeLaney,
Gambling Tax President of the Port Angeles Pub, Tavern, and Lounge Association, regarding gambling
tax. Mayor Braun stated he would pass this letter on to the City Manager. A committee
of council members has been working on the gambling tax issue.
Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings: None.
Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings:
Post - 2001 Power Authority for Post-2001 Power Purchases from BPA
Purchases fi.om BPA
Resolution No. 20-98 Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department, and
Director Pittis provided additional input. Discussion followed, and Director Piths noted
that the City must try to preserve its priority right to federal power from Bonneville once
the cm'r~t contract expires in 2001. The resolution and letter of transmittal would be sent'
to BPA, if approved by Council, at an appropriate time during discussions with BPA on
public power preferences.
Councilman Campbell felt the City's priority right could only be removed by Congress, and
he asked if there was legislation proposed toward this end. Director Pittis responded in the
negative; however, the Western Public Agencies Group (WPAG) is concerned that
Bonneville is developing strategy whereby it can sell preferred power at a different rate that
would be much higher.
Mayor Braun read the Resolution by title, entitled.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-98
A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles directing
the City Manager to initiate with the Bonneville Power
Admimstration the process of entering into a long term
power supply contract.
Councilman Doyle moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman
Campbell seconded the motion. Following brief discussion, a vote was taken on the
motion, which carried unanimously.
Other Considerations
Denial of Rite Aid Rezone A. Findings & Conclusions for Denial of Rite Aid Rezone and Street Vacation
and Street Vacation
Mayor Braun and Councilman Williams stepped down fi-om this issue due to appearance
of fairness. Therefore, Deputy Mayor Doyle accepted chairmanship of this portion of the
meeting. He reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 1, 1998
Denial of Rite Aid Rezone Couneiimember MeKeown moved to deny Northwest Permit Applications REZ 98-
and Street Vacation 03, citing Findings 1 - 20 and Conclusions A - E, as set forth in Exhibit "B' which
(Cont'd) is attached to and becomes a part of these minutes. Councilman Hulettseconded
the motion; Discussion followed regarding Conclusion C, and Councilman Wiggins
suggested the wording be changed to "stn'renmdmg adjacent residential zoning and land
uses". Deputy Mayor Doyle also felt Conclusion D should be changed to read, "...rezone
--,51! would likely result in an increase in commercial activity...". Councilmember
McKeown, as maker of the motion, and Councilman Hulett as seconder agreed to the
amendment. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with
Mayor Braun and Councilman Williams abstaining.
Councilman Hulett moved to deny Northwest Permit Application STV 98-01, citing
Findings 1 - 11 and Conclusions A - D, as set forth in Exhibit "C" which is attached
to and becomes a part ofthese minutes. Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion,
which carried by a majority vote, with Mayor Braun and Councilman Wimams
abstaining.
Break The meeting was recessed for a break at 8:03 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
Doug Wood Easement to B. Doug Wood Easement to City for Trail Purposes
City for Trail Purposes
Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Director Brodhun indicated it was not necessary for the Mayor to sign the easement, rather
Council could vote to accept the easement. Director Brodhun noted that Jeff Bohman,
Acting Chair of the Peninsula Trails Coalition, was present in the audience and would like
to say a few words.
JeffBohman, 3753 Canyon Circle, Vice Chair of the Peninsula Trails Coalition, expressed
appreciation and admiration for the work staff and Council have done in regards to the trail.
Mr. Bohrnan stated that the easement given by Mr. & Mrs. Wood provides more than the
area necessary to build the ramp structure for access to the eastern side of the trestle. It
also affords additional land between Strait View Drive and Morse Creek which wil.1 allow
for a small park. At Mayor Braun's request, Mr. Bohman explained that Jefferson County
has recently opened its first section of the Trail. It is five miles, nmning west fi-om Port
Townsend and is referred to as the Larry Scott Memorial Park. Mr. Bob_man then described
the route of this trail and the future plans for that trail.
Discussion followed, and Director Brodhun responded to questions and provided
clarification. Councilman Doyle moved to accept the easement from Douglas B and
Ann K. Wood. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. Councilman Wiggins felt a letter of thanks should be sent to Mr. & Mrs.
Wood.
Housing Rehabilitation C. ,4greement with Clallam-Jefferson Community Action Council for Services for
Program Phase IV Housing Rehabilitation Program Phase IV
Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department, and
Director Pittis stated Community Action has administered this program during the first
three phases and has done an excellent job. He stated representatives fi-om Community
Action were present should the Council have any questions.
Martin Rowe of Community Action, 106 Iq. Lincoln Street, responded to questions and
thanked the Council and staff for their support which enabled this program to be a success.
Approximately 80% of the people who received loans and assistance are disabled or
elderly.
Councilman Campbell moved to approve the contract with Clallam-Jefferson
Community Action Council for services to implement Phase IV of the Port Angeles
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Septem~r 1, 1995
Housing Rehabilitation Homing Rehabilitation Program. Counciimember McKeown seconded the motion,
Program Phase IV (Cont'd) which carried unanimously.
FERC License D. Surrender of FERC License for Morse Creek
Mayor Braun reviewed thc information provided by the Public Works Department and
stated Director Pittis was prepared to give a presentation on this issue. Using a map,
Director Pittis demonstrated the location of thc pipeline installed for thc Morse Creek water
project. Due to the age of the pipeline and the contours of the land, there were problems
with this pipeline. There is a leak in the pipeline, and FERC has ordered thc City to repair
it by September 20th at an estimated cost of $25,000. Staffis concerned with the integrity
of the pipeline, as there can be leaks in the pipeline in the future.
Director Pittis indicated there are many considerations regarding the surrender of thc
license.. Thc tumual operating costs are $13,000 more than the revenues fi.om this project;
if the City gives up its FERC liconse, it will never get it back. Should the City decide to
keep the license, there is a commitment to FERC to make thc necessary repairs. Staff
estimates it would cost $1.3 million to line the pipeline with high density, polyethylene pipe
which would reduce the likelihood that it would not break in the foreseeable future.
Director Pittis then explained the process for surrendering the license. Discussion
followed, and Director Pittis responded to questions and provided further clarification.
Councilmember McKeown and Councilman Wiggins expressed concern with the
possibility of surrendering the license only to learn that it may be needed again in the future.
Director Pittis reminded the Council that during the license surrender process, ff it is
discovered that the mitigation costs are too steep, there is an opportunity to proceed with
pipeline repairs and retainage of the license. After further discussion, Manager Ibarra
suggested that staffrequest written confunnation from FERC as to the mitigating costs of
surrendering the license and whether the license could, in fact, be retained should the City
decide that to be the appropriate action. This issue could then be readdressed at the next
Council meeting.
Discussion continued, and Director Pittis responded to further questions regarding the
City's retention of its water rights. Attorney Knutson explained that Tom Pors, the City's
water rights attorney, has advised staffon the Morse Creek water rights issue relating to
surrendering the FERC license. The Department of Ecology will be asked to modify the
water right, which would allow usage of the water for domestic purposes as a back-up
water supply source. However, the water would need to be treated, which is why the City
does not use it as a water source now.
Councilman Williams expressed concern over giving up resources such as power
generation and water. He felt if surrendering the license could not be reversed, he would
vote against it. Councilman Campbell felt this should be separated into two issues, the
water and thc power. He admitted to being biased against hydro projects of this size, as
they are uneconomical. He felt the City should focus on retaining its water rights and
opposing unreasonable measures imposed by federal agencies.
It was the general consev, sus of the Council that staff should attempt to get a written answer
fi.om FERC and discuss this issue again at the next regular meeting.
ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. to discuss litigation and potential
EXECUTIVE SESSION: litigation for 15-20 minutes.
RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to Open Session at 9:40 p.m.
SESSION:
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CITY COUNCIL ~G
September 1, 1998
INYO~TION: City Manager's Report
AWC Regional Meeting Manager Ibarra noted the Association of Washington Cities Regional Meeting will be held
Thursday, October l, 1998, at 6:00 p.m. in Bremerton. All Council members are invited.
EDC 2020 Meeting
The Economic Development Council (EDC) is holding its next 2020 meeting on Thursday,
September 17, 1998, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Transit facility. Manager Ibarra
encouraged the Council to attend. The EDC's funding for next year will be discussed, and
Opportunity Fund structure and services received fi.om the EDC will be revisited. Manager Ibarra gave an
update on the Opportunity Fund, which will be considered at the EDC Executive Board
meeting on Friday, September 4, 1998, at 9:00 a.m. Council was encouraged to attend.
Oak Street Property
Report on Oak Street Property
Manager Ibarra reviewed the City's role in the development of the Oak Street property.
It is recornmended the City act as lead agency for the development of this property; there
wouldbe no cost to the City except for stafl'tirne. Manager Ibarra felt this was a positive
step, and he was pleased to report that interest in the property has already been expressed
by one party. It was the general consensus of the Council that the City should proceed as
the lead agency in marketing and developing the Oak Street property.
Consent Agenda Changes
Recommended Changes to Consent Agenda
Director Godbey explained the proposed changes to the Consent Agenda which are being
offered in an effort to streamline the information presented to the Council. Those changes
included submitting the cheek register on a monthly basis and deleting the payroll
information. Discussion followed, and Council agreed to these changes.
Utility Advisory Committee
Utility Advisory Committee
Manager Ibarra informed the Council that the UAC has rescheduled its meeting from
September 14, 1998, to September 21, 1998. The Solid Waste User Fee Analysis will be
discussed at that meeting. Following brief discussion, it was agreed to meet at 9:00 a.m.
for that meeting.
Presentation to City Clerk
Presentation to Clerk Becky Upton
Manager Ibarra presented Clerk Upton with a check for $500 as part of the Employee
Suggestion Program for her efforts in collecting more than $50,000 in back taxes fi.om
AT&T.
Reception for City Manager
Councilman Wiggins reminded the Council that the County was sponsoring a reception for
Manager Ibarra on Wednesday, September 2, 1998, noon, at Downriggers.
Visit from Mayor of Mutsu
City Mayor Braun stated that Mayor Sugiyama from Mutsu City will be in Port Angeles for the
day on September 21, 1998. He will be touring some of the City's facilities while here.
Manager lbarra noted that Peninsula International Relations Association will be sponsoring
a dinner that evening as well; the Council is invited.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
B~cky J. uPt~-~t~ierk r-- aryl~ an, Ma3~
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Exhibit "A"
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT -
MCA 98-04 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES:
Findings:
1. The City's Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy H5 states:
"Because they are hazardous to the community and detrimental to the general
environment of the area petroleum refineries, liquefied natural gas and liquefied
petroleum gas facilities, energy facihties, energy plants and their associated
faciBties and associated transmission facilities, as defined in Chapter 80. 50
RCW, should not be permitted outside the heavy industrial use area and without
conditional use review."
2. A Determination of Non-Significance for the proposed amendment was signed by the
City's SEPA Responsible Official on August 7, 1998 (attached as Attachment A)
3. Chapter 14.21.030, Sub-Section A of the City of Port Angeles Fire Code addresses above
ground storage of fuels for direct use "dispensing" purposes and Sub-Section B deals with
above ground bulk storage of fuel for "distribution" purposes.
4. The current wording of Chapter 14.21.030, Sub-Section A, prohibits above ground
storage of fuels for direct use "dispensing" purposes (regardless of capacity) in all
residential zones, certain commercial zones, the PBP and IL zones and the IH zone south
of the airport. It does allow above ground storage of fuel for "dispensing" purposes if the
total maximum capacity is less than 24,000 gallons in the CA and CBD zones.
5. The current wording of Chapter 14.21.030, Sub-Section B, prohibits above ground bulk
storage of fuel for "distribution" purposes in all zones except the IH zone west of Cedar
Street.
6. The proposed amendment will prohibit all new above ground commercial fuel tanks in
residential zones. It will permit above ground "dispensing" fuel tanks with a capacity of
less than 24,000 gallons in all non-residential zones and will conditionally permit fuel yards
and gas manufacturing and storage in the III zone only if the site is located west of Cedar
Street.
7. The acronyms ACD, CSD1, CSD2 and M-2 are no longer valid references to current City
zoning classifications.
8. Section 7902.2.2.1 of the Uniform Fire Code reads "Locations where above ground tanks
are prohibited. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above ground tanks outside of
buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which
such storage is prohibited."
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Conclusions:
A. It is not the intent of Chapter 14.21.030 Sub-Section A to prohibit dispensing tanks in all
zones that permit residential units.
B. The intent of Chapter 14.21.030, sub-Section B is to allow bulk storage facilities in the
areas of town where they currently exist but not to permit new facilities in other areas.
C. The proposed amendment is consistent with Comprehensive Plan Land Use Policy H5.
D. The proposed amendment does not change the intent of the current Municipal Code.
E. The proposed amendment is in the public use and interest.
Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of September 1, 1998.
GaryB~aun,~ayor
B~cky J. Ul~n, C~y Cl~rkr-' --
3814
Exhibit "B"
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF DENIAL OF REZONE - REZ 98-03
NORTHWEST PERMIT:
Based on the information provided in the public record including the application file, the
staff report and its attachments, comments received during the public comment period, the
Planning Commission's deliberation, and public hearing testimony, the Port Angeles City
Council finds:
1. The applicant, Northwest Permit submitted the application to the Planning
Department on February 9, 1998. A Determination of Completeness was issued on
February 12, 1998, and the written public comment period initially ran from
February 12, 1998 to February 27, 1998. In response to public request, the public
written comment period was extended to March 6, 1998.
2. The proposal is to rezone four lots (Lots 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Block 268 in the
Townsite of Port Angeles), approximately 28,000 square feet of property, from RS-7,
Residential Single Family to CSD, Commercial Shopping District (Attachment A to
the Planning Department Staff Report for REZ 98-03 dated July 8, 1998).
3. The proposed rezone is part of the applicant's overall proposal to develop 90,000 s.f.
of the southwest comer of Lincoln Street and 8th Street (extending to 9th Street) with
an approximately 17,000 s.f. retail store. The overall proposal includes this rezone
request and a street vacation request for the eastern portion of the Eighth/Ninth
Streets alley.
4. As part of the application's SEPA review, a traffic analysis was requested of the
applicant on February 13, 1998.
5. On April 20, 1998, the Planning Department received a letter from the applicant
waiving the City's 120 day permit processing requirement due to the applicant's
delay in preparing the requested traffic analysis.
6. On May 14, 1998, the Planning Department received the requested traffic analysis
and on June 3, 1998, the Planning Department received an addendum to the analysis
with comments regarding Ninth Street, Laurel Street, and the Eighth/Ninth Streets
alley.
7. This application was originally scheduled for Planning Commission consideration
on March 11, 1998, at which time it was continued, due to lack of a traffic report and
a SEPA determination, to April 22, 1998. On April 22, 1998, it was again continued
for the same reason until June 10, 1998, at which time it was continued until July 8,
1998, to accommodate the resulting Mitigated Determination of Non Significance
(MDNS) required comment period.
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8. The SEPA Responsible Official issued a MDNS for the proposal on June 3, 1998
(Attachment B to the Planning Department Staff Report for REZ 98-03 dated July
8, 1998). The MDNS was mailed to all persons who submitted written comments
related to the applicant's environmental checklist, and the comment period for the
MDNS ran until June 19, 1998.
9. In a June 14, 1998, review letter, the Washington State Department of Transportation
commented that the proposed project would degrade traffic flow below the
Department's Level of Service "D" and will require mitigation to achieve LOS "D"
for the Horizon Year of 2000. Safety of permitted/protected operation at the signal
was also noted as a concern, and the Department preferred protected phasing.
10. On June 26, 1998, the City's SEPA Responsible Official re-issued the Mitigated
Determination of Non-Significance with an additional mitigation measure requiring
certain development aspects of the project be subject to further review.
11. The public had an opportunity to comment on the proposal during the written
comment period from February 12 to March 6, 1998. All of the written comments
received during this time are included as Attachment D to the Planning Department
Staff Report for REZ 98-03 dated July 8, 1998. The issues addressed include
increased traffic on Ninth Street, potential crime, increased noise and lighting, the
general impact of the project on the Cherry Hill residential area, and the availability
of altemative commercial properties.
12. The subject area is located within a undesignated area between the Comprehensive
Plan's Commercial land use designation to the north and the Residential designation
to the south. It is currently zoned RS-7.
13. The subject area is level and is currently developed with two single-family residences
and an unimproved parking lot used by a business located on property to the north
of the rezone area. The adjacent properties are developed with the following uses:
To the north: commercial uses;
To the south: single family residences;
To the east:single family residence; and
To the west:single family residences.
14. The adjacent properties are zoned as follows:
To the north: CSD;
To the south: RS-7;
To the east: CSD; and
To the west: RS-7.
15. The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies Lincoln Street as a principal arterial street
and Eighth Street as a minor arterial street.
16. The traffic analysis noted the Eighth and Lincoln intersection currently functions at
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an average level of service (LOS) D, and projected that in the year 2000 it will
continue to function at an average LOS of D with and without the proposed project.
17. The traffic analysis noted the Eighth and Lincoln Street intersection currently
functions at a seasonal level of service (LOS) E, and projected that in the year 2000
it will continue to fimction at a seasonal LOS of E without the proposed project, and
a seasonal LOS of F with the project as proposed. The report projects the
intersection will operate at a seasonal LOS of E with the project if the project is
subject to the report's mitigation measures.
18. The City Engineer reviewed the traffic analysis and recommended a revision to the
report's mitigation measures. With the project subject to the revised mitigation
measures, the City Engineer states the average LOS for the Eighth and Lincoln
Streets intersection will remain at D in the year 2000, and the seasonal LOS will
remain at E.
19. The Department of Transportation comments are included as Attachment E to the
Planning Department Staff Report for REZ 98-03 dated July 8, 1998. They address
the impact of the overall project on the Lincoln Street and 8th Street intersection,
storm water issues, signage requirements, and a recommendation the proposed
development of the overall site be accessed from 9th Street instead of Lincoln Street
(SR 101).
20. Public testimony was provided about the traffic safety concerns of neighborhood
residents, about the proximity of the proposed store to residences, and about the
impacts of increased commercial activity in the residential neighborhood.
Conclusions:
Based on the information provided in the public record including the application file, the staff report
and its attachments, written comments received during the public comment period, the Planning
Commission's deliberation, public heating testimony, and the above findings, the Port Angeles City
Council concludes:
A. The following Comprehensive Plan Policies are most relevant to the proposal, Land
Use Policies A1 and A2, C1, D1, and E7.
B. There is no certainty that the property will be developed without expanding
commercial access along 9th Street to the four lots of the subject rezone, and
therefore, the rezone is not consistent with Comprehensive Plan Policies Al, A2, C 1,
D1, and E7.
C. The proposed rezone is not in the public use and interest and is not compatible with
the adjacent residential zone.
D. The proposed rezone would likely result in an increase of commercial activity in the
Cherry Hill residential neighborhood.
3817
E. Commercial access resulting from the proposed rezone could have a negative impact
on adjacent residentially zoned and developed properties along Ninth Street.
Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of September 1, 1998.
Gary l~raun, l~la~,or
B~ck~ ~I.'U-~,, ~ty C]-er~'----- --
3818
Exhibit "C"
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN DENIAL OF STREET VACATION REQUEST -
STV 98-01 NORTHWEST PERMIT:
1. The applicant for the requested vacation is Northwest Permit. The petition was
determined to be valid on February 13, 1998, and is filed with the City as STV 98-01.
2. The requested vacation is for that portion of the alley between 8th Street and 9th
Street abutting Lots 1-6 and 13-18 of Block No. 268 in the Townsite of Port Angeles.
3. The street vacation is categorically exempt from threshold determination and
Environmental Impact Statement requirements per Section 197-11-800 (2) (h) of the
Washington Administrative Code.
4. The subject right-of-way and abutting properties fall within the undesignated area
between the Comprehensive Plan's Commercial land use designation to the north and
its Residential designation to the south. The majority of the abutting properties are
zoned Commercial Shopping District (CSD) with four of the properties currently
zoned Residential, Single-Family (RS-7).
5. The Public Works Department has indicated a 24" sanitary sewer main and overhead
electrical lines are located in the alley and will need to be relocated if the vacation
is approved.
6. The subject right-of-way is currently improved.
7. The Public Works, Fire, and Police Department's comments are included as
Attachments B, C, and D of the July 8, 1998, Planning Department Staff Report for
STV 98-01.
8. The Police Department originally submitted written public safety concerns related
to the proposed vacation. These concerns include the current use of the alley for
traffic diversion in the event of an accident at the 8th Street and Lincoln Street
intersection, the use of the alley by officers in response to calls fi:om the bank located
at the comer of 8th Street and Oak Street, and the use of the alley for access to and
observation of the 24 hour retail/gas station use at the comer of 8th Street and
Lincoln Street.
9. At the July 8, 1998, Planning Commission meeting, the Police Department's
concerns were further explained. Deputy Chief Tom Riepe stated that the July 7,
1998, memorandum from the Police Department was intended to point out issues for
consideration but the concerns do not warrant denial of the proposed vacation.
10. At the August 10, 1998, City Council meeting, the Council directed staffto prepare
findings and conclusions to support denial of REZ 98-03 and STV 98-01.
3819
11. At the September 1, 1998, City Council meeting, the Council denied the proposed
rezone of Lots 13-16, Block 268, TPA.
Conclusions:
A. The Comprehensive Plan's Utilities and Public Services Policies C, 2 and 3 and
Transportation Policy B 18 are the most relevant to the proposed vacation.
B. Without conditions that could be applied for the proposed project that was dependent
upon a rezone for portions of the subject site, the proposed vacation is not consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan's Utilities and Public Services Policies C, 2 and 3 and
Transportation Policy B 18.
C. Without conditions, the proposed vacation will have an adverse impact on the public
health, safety and welfare.
D. Without a rezone of lots abutting the south side of the subject alley, the public use
and interest in the alley vacation are lost.
Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of September 1, 1998.
Gary ~Braun,(~laYo~
BeCky J~ ~/~,-~it~ Clerk