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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/21/2000 4292 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington September 21, 2000 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Doyle called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at SPECIAL MEETING: 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Campbell, Erickson, Hulett, Wiggins, and Williams. Members Absent: Councilmember McKeown. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, G. Cutler, T. Riepe, G. Kenworthy, and T. Smith. Public Present: A. Holzschuh and R. Gotham, Port Angeles Downtown Association; S. Barnhart, Clallam Transit; D. Vange, Ravenhurst; I. Bahbah, Merritt + Pardini; and A. Ramsey, Peninsula Daily News. Mayor Doyle informed those present that this meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the Gateway Project and the Carnegie Library. Introductions were made, and Mayor Doyle then turned the meeting over to Manager Quinn. Gateway Project Gateway Project: Manager Quinn indicated it was intended that this be an informal discussion for the City Council which is open to the public. He provided a brief history of the Gateway Project, starting with the discussions on the MultiModal Transportation Center. The project is now at the point of moving to the next step, which is property acquisition and then final design. The site identified for the project is Tidelands East, and the Downtown Forward Executive Committee has been working toward creating a master plan with applications submitted for Federal funding. One of the things that has changed since the project's inception to the Gateway Project is the fact that there are insufficient funds available to finance an underground parking facility. This is an item that must move to some other site and facility. In addition, the building has been scaled down so that it is a much smaller facility to house the Transit operations. Some of the basic concepts have been kept in place, such as the original goals: 1) to revitalize downtown Port Angeles; 2) to improve the traffic flow downtown; and 3) to improve community relationships to invigorate and revitalize the downtown area into the greater Port Angeles community. Some urban design objectives were established: 1) shrink the downtown core to make it more dense and more vibrant; 2) connect First Street and Railroad Avenue with a linkage corridor; 3) capture the latent visitor market; 4) enhance the pedestrian environment to allow pedestrian plazas and visual enticements; 5) welcome the ferry traffic; and 6) encourage a year-round downtown in Port Angeles. Manager Qumn noted that another objective is to define the role of Transit in the downtown area. The Downtown Forward Executive Committee has drafted some other objectives dealing with housing and a separate industrial truck route, but Manager Quinn felt those objectives don't necessarily have a direct bearing on the Gateway Project. As with any project, Manager Quinn felt the Gateway Project doesn't answer each and every concern, and the purpose for this evening's discussion is to get the issues of concern on the table. One of the issues identified has been the impact of having Transit located in one central area in the downtown. Imad Bahbah, MenStt + Pardini, discussed the process used in the area of partnering and consensus building. There was an effort toward open dialogue in establishing the vision for the project, which he felt was a very successful process. Mr. Bahbah showed a drawing depicting the master plan for Gateway, as well as the preferred site plan agreed upon by the stakeholders. This portion of the work had to be completed in order to get past the environmental review. There are three elements on which the project can -1- 4293 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 21, 2000 Gateway Project (Cont'd) now move forward: land negotiations, creation of a positive public outreach program for community involvement, and fme tuning the design. Darrell Vange, Ravenhurst Development, indicated he has been involved in the project since the beginning, and it was his observation that the original vision is staying true. He explained the vision from the Downtown Forward Executive Committee's point of view, and he used the site plan to discuss in detail how the vision is being met. Mr. Vange indicated a lot of time has been spent creating a positive impression for the visitors arriving in Port Angeles, as well as a positive image for people coming off the ferry. On the matter of the Transit facility, Mr. Vange indicated the program could accommodate up to 8 buses, but there are presently only a maximum of 6 buses at the Oak Street property. The design has included increased capacity to meet future needs. The buses stay in the facility for only 5 minutes out of every hour -- this is not a parking lot for buses. Mr. Vange clarified this is basically a gathering place for people, and every effort has been made to provide a distinction and mitigation between the walkway and the driveway. Mr. Bahbah reminded the group of the various funding agencies participating and pooling resources in the hope of seeing this project become a reality. Mr. Vange noted that the Transit building could only accommodate Transit activities, but another vision could include the Base Camp building. It was intended that the Base Camp would be a visitor services core, with the hope of accommodating such non-profit entities as the Chamber of Commerce, the Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Downtown Association, the National Park, and those involved in economic development. Economic Development Director Smith summarized the level of funds committed to the project thus far, much of which is heavily laden with FTA funds. Because the Transit would need a home for the center, the Downtown Forward group agreed to place the facility in the downtown area in the vicinity of the conference center. Discussion followed, and Mr. Smith noted that about $300,000 has been spent out of the funds available. If the project is not pursued, then the funds must be returned. Mr. Vange felt it to be very clear that an environment is being created for private development to occur. He discussed the difficulties encountered in trying to create such an environment, noting that the group is trying to change the fundamental character of the downtown so that other development can occur. Discussion followed on the possible impacts of Initiative 745 if passed, the plans for signage in the downtown core, as well as minor possible changes to the site plan as relates to more opportunity for pedestrian traffic. Mayor Doyle noted that no matter where the pedestrian walkways are placed, the pedestrians and the buses will cross paths at some point. Roy Gotham indicated that whatever plan is pursued, it will be in place for many years. It is, therefore, extremely important that the right thing be done, particularly since the property involved is such prime property. Mr. Vange expressed the opinion that the group is not precluding development. Mr. Gotham was uncertain as to whether he would want buses next to his place of business, but Mr. Vange noted the important role all Transits will play in the future. Mr. Smith reminded the group of the original discussions pertinent to the MultiModal Center, at which time transportation was considered to be a major player. At that time, the Downtown Forward Executive Committee agreed to have buses in the downtown area in the vicinity of the conference center. Discussion followed conceming the location of the bus facility and previous consideration to placing the bus facility on Tidelands West. Mr. Gotham expressed the opinion that the property on Tidelands West is not as prime as the property to the east. It was pointed out that the multimodal portion of the project also relates to tour buses, taxicabs, and the like, and it was intended that as much activity as possible will be generated. Planning Director Collins indicated that a number of agencies are involved in this project, and the Transit funding could be used to place the center in another location. The primary interest in creating a public space in conjunction with the MultiModal project was to bring people together in that particular location because of the proximity to the water. Because of the combining of the funds, the project was able to be focused on a public plaza concept with a more attractive connection to the waterfront. Councilman Wiggins inquired as to whether another site should be considered, and Director Collins expressed the opinion that his view of the facility was that it would be very upscale. -2- CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 4294 September 21, 2000 Gateway Project (Cont'd) At Mr. Gotham's request, Mr. Vange addressed the matter of a parking garage that had been considered early on in the project. A location had been identified on Tidelands West, but funding for such a facility has not been forthcoming. Mr. Vange felt there is still a good opportunity to make a proposal for State funding for a parking garage on Tidelands West. It has been agreed that the property on Tidelands East should be preserved for other opportunities. Mr. Vange further discussed the project in terms of parking, transportation, and the Oak Street property. He indicated he has been working with Tim Smith in packaging an RFP for a modest conference center downtown. Tim Smith cited the amount of private development that has taken place more recently · in the downtown area, an accomplishment which he felt could be attributed to the Gateway Project and the surrounding discussions. Arla Holzschuh of the Port Angeles Downtown Association indicated that, since 1997, 14 - 16 buildings have changed ownership in the downtown and many are undergoing some type of rehabilitation. The vacancy rate for rentable square footage is down to 3 1/2%. Councilman Williams requested elevation views from various perspectives so that all concerned can envision how the project will look. He also inquired as to whether there is a willingness to redirect traffic on Railroad Avenue, particularly that generated by the ferry. Mr. Vange stressed the project is in the pre:design phase in order to make certain the appropriate locations have been selected, as well as to make certain that all questions have been answered for the environmental exclusion. Once approvals have been obtained from the Federal Government, then discussions with property owners can be opened and work can commence on the ffmal design. Mr. Smith felt the project is in exactly the right phase to address and mitigate any concerns of the Downtown Association. In resPonse to a question from Mayor Doyle, Mr. Vange indicated it is important to fully understand the process of property acquisition in view of the Federal involvement. He reviewed the process, after which it was agreed the City Council will need to make a decision in the near future. Manager Quinn agreed, noting that the concerns must be addressed knowing full well that only a portion of the grand vision will be pursued at this time. The project is being done to revitalize the downtown, and it is essential that all parties work together to see the project come to fruition. Arla Holzschuh asked Mr. Vange to review earlier discussions, at which time consideration was given to having the entire project done on Tidelands West. She felt it would be helpful for everyone to be able to compare that possibility to what is being planned now. Mr. Smith underscored the fact that the project is intended to not only attract new business but also to support those businesses already in existence. The success of the project hinges on supporting the current businesses. Councilman Campbell wanted to make certain there would be no impediments for these types of meetings to move forward. Manager Quinn indicated that discussions will be opened with property owners, and periodic progress reports will be made as this effort proceeds. There will be an extensive public outreach program initiated as well. Break The meeting was recessed for a break at 7:05 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:15 p.m. Carnegie Building Carnegie Building: Manager Quinn opened discussion on the Carnegie Building by summarizing a presentation made to the City Council in March, 2000, at which time the Council was informed that renovation costs for the building could be estimated at $900,000+ and restoration costs estimated at approximately $1.1 Million. At that time, the Council decided to apply for a State grant to be used towards restoration; however, the application was not successful. There is a two-year cycle involved in the grant request, so the City would have to wait .t0.seek grant funds and the building would remain vacant. ' The question must be addressed as to what the City would like to do with the building and whether it stays in the public domain. Manager Quinn advised the Council that it is staff's recommendation that the building remain a public facility, as it is adjacent to property that is already in a public corridor, to include Bonney's Bakery and Veteran's Park. Further, he felt the building could be supportive to the downtown area, plus it would be in the City's best interest to preserve the heritage of the building. The best use would be for the building to accommodate a public agency or a non-profit entity, such as the Museum. Approximately $200,000 remains from the Library bond issue, and Manager Quinn indicated he would attempt to gain funds out of the 2001 budget that -3- 4295 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 21, 2000 Carnegie Building would be available as a capital insertion for the Carnegie Building. In addition, other (Cont'd) agencies are being approached for funding assistance. With the present funds available and other funding sources materializing, the City is approaching the necessary amount needed to finalize the project. Manager Quinn informed the Council that the Historical Society has expressed an interest in using the Carnegie Building as a museum annex. The City or the County would be interested in purchasing the existing School Administration property and, with the proceeds from that acquisition, the administration could move to the Lincoln School site. The Historical Society could then use proceeds from the sale of the portion of Lincoln School to move to the Carnegie site. Manager Quinn summarized another possible scenario he envisioned in that the City could spend the necessary funds to fix the Carnegie Building, after which it could swap the Carnegie property for the School District property, and the School Administration could ultimately be housed in the Carnegie Building. This would result in a public use for a public building. Further, Manager Quinn shared with the Council a possible scenario whereby the Coho Ferny might be able to house the Customs Offices, thereby freeing up space in the Federal Building for the museum. Many of these thoughts have not been shared .with the agencies; however, Manager Quinn felt them worthy of pursuit. The other alternative he noted would be to mm the Carnegie Building in to the private sector for sale or for trade. Discussion followed, and it was agreed by consensus that the City should not wait an additional two years to submit a grant application but, rather, should proceed with work on the Carnegie Building. It was agreed the exterior should be repaired in order to generate more interest, and Manager Quinn felt it possible that sufficient funds could be sei aside to also work on the interior of the building to bring it up to code. In the discussion that ensued, Manager Quinn advised the Council that the County was also interested in acquiring the School District property in the interest of expanding its parking. To that end, Manager Quinn suggested the possibility of vacating a portion of Fourth Street in order to meet both City and County needs. The City would like to acquire the property for utilization with pool expansion. He also saw this as a possibility for the two governments to work closely in a college campus-type approach. Councilman Campbell felt it important for this historical building to be preserved in some fashion, with seismic stabilization and ADA requirements incorporated. Consideration was given to what type of restoration work could be done to the interior of the building, particularly because the second floor doesn't lend itself to a private use. It was further agreed that Manager Quinn should proceed with the pursuit of the different scenarios, and that efforts should proceed toward the renovation of the building. In further considering the options, Planning Director Collins felt the Historical Society has always wanted to maintain a presence in the downtown area, and the Carnegie Building would be the most visible site. Manager Quinn advised the Council that it was staff's goal to bring a proposal to the City Council in terms of needed funding before the end of the year. Director Cutler, at the Council's request, reviewed the specifics of the necessary work required on the building. Manager Quinn assured the Council there may be other elements of the community who may want to provide financial support for a project of this nature. ADJOURNMENT:k~"Ot~ la _~~ The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. ~ ~~B~cky J. Up~-Ci~~i -- Cler~'J'~/~-/')~/~-- ? -4-