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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/23/2002 4765 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING in Joint Session with the Commissioners of the Port of Port Angeles Port Angeles, Washington September 23, 2002 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wiggins called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at SPECIAL MEETING: 4:00 p.m. Port Commissioner President Beckman then called the special meeting of the Commissioners of the Port of Port Angeles to order. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Erickson, Headrick, and Rogers. Members Absent: Councilmembers Campbell and Williams. StaffPresent: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, T. Smith, and S. Roberds. Port Commissioners Present: Commissioners Beckman, Beil, and Hannan. Port Staff Present: C. Boddy, D. Hagiwara, B. James, M. Nimmo, J. Robb, C. Shuck, S. Bauer, and P. Deja. Public Present: C. Alexander, T. Beil, J. Nichols, T. Harmon, V. & M. Rudin, R. Anderson, C. Merrill, and others who did not sign the attendance roster. Manager Quinn opened the meeting by informing those present that the purpose of today's meeting is to discuss future projects and direction in the area of economic and community development. Westport Marine Port Executive Director Boddy asked for a report from Deputy Director Hagiwara, who indicated there is a public heating this evening concerning the possible sale of Port property to Westport Marine. Mr. Hagiwara showed a drawing of a 164 foot yacht that Westport plans to build. He indicated that members of the City Council, City staffand Port staff, traveled to Westport to assure the company that Port Angeles is very interested in exploring the opportunity for Westport to construct a facility in this community. Mayor Wiggins added that the group was extremely impressed with Westport's business operation. It was noted that the competing community is Anacortes. Councilmember Rogers introduced the matter of expansion needs on the part of Platypus Marine, a subject that was addressed in today's newspaper. She expressed the hope that the needs of both companies could be accommodated, and discussion followed concerning communications between the Port and representatives of Platypus. The group was advised that the turn-around time for the Westport proposal is very short-term. Manager Quinn indicated the City would be well represented in a showing of support at the public hearing scheduled later this evening. -1- 4766 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 23, 2002 Hotel / Conference Center Economic Development Director Smith reviewed the issues remaining on the Ehm and Oak Street Pier proposal: 1) Mr. Ehm continues to negotiate to secure full financing for the project, and specific information in this regard must be provided to the City; 2) Mr. Ehm continues to work with the Community Development Department and the Department of Ecology on the Shoreline Permit regarding parking, water quality (stormwater), public access to the shoreline, and the buffer between the hotel, the waterfront park, and the shoreline, which has resulted in Mr. Ehm's decision to move the footprint of the building away from the shoreline; 3) the City had asked Mr. Ehra to revise the marketing plan which he accomplished and a subsequent review by the Chambers Group indicated that continued work on the marketing plan would be beneficial, and Mr. Ehm is following up on the suggestions from the Chambers Group; and 4) the final negotiations between Mr. Ehm and the City and the Port has been open-ended, and Director Smith suggested the two public entities may wish to place some time parameters on the project specifically as relates to property acquisition and the disbursement of lodging tax funds. In the ensuing discussion, Port Commissioners indicated the City should take the lead in determining the time frames, plus Deputy Director Hagiwara indicated there are RCWs that specify, once a property sale transaction has been finalized, the developer has one year to commence the project. Commissioner Beckman felt the two entities should exercise patience. On the matter of the Oak Street pier, Manager Quirm advised those present that Mr. Ehm has some interest in turning the pier into some recreational type of use. He acknowledged there are other uses for the pier at the present time. Stormwater Solution - Manager Quinn noted the Port hopes to resolve the stormwater issue on Port property, Port Property / Industrial and one of the solutions identified is to put a pipe inside the industrial line. Executive Line Director Boddy indicated this is one of the few options, and some cost projections have been formulated which were then reviewed by Curtis Shuck, Public Works Manager. Mr. Shuck reported the projected cost is approximately $120,000 with the stormwater being generated at the marine trades area and moved to the Daishowa site to an infiltration system. This led to discussion as to the City's requirements pertinent to the Westport project, which Manager Quinn indicated would be addressed at the time the developer submits the plans to the City. The offer has been made for a City staff member to be assigned to the Westport project to ease the permit process. Mr. Shuck noted the entire stormwater project could cost approximately $300,000. Commissioner Beil suggested the 'pipe in the pipe' concept might well be considered to correct the entire stormwater system, and Manager Quinn expressed a willingness to look at this possibility for the entire marine area. It was agreed the City and Port will work together in the interest of formulating a comprehensive solution. DOT Graving Yard Executive Director Boddy reported the Port is in contact with the Department of Transportation as to the layout needed to meet DOT needs on the construction of pontoons for the Hood Canal Bridge. No discussions have been held beyond what type of property the DOT is seeking. Golf Course Development Executive Director Boddy discussed negotiations underway between the Port and AGS (Aviation Golf Services) for a golf course south of the Airport involving 113 acres of Port property. The developer has expressed interest in acquiring additional Port property which is part of the Airport and has presented the Port with its proposed parameters regarding lease payments. The Port expressed interest in a City partnership in this project, perhaps by purchasing the Port property at a low rate. Further, it was pointed out that the City has a mission to provide recreational public facilities, which is something not typically involved in the Port's mission. It was suggested the Port could structure a pass-through lease to the City. -2- CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 4767 September 23, 2002 Golf Course Development Discussion ensued on revenues that could be projected for the golf course, and (Cont'd) Commissioner Beil expressed the opinion that the developer would be taking the risk in the first five years. The Port would need to reduce its income from the property until the project is underway, plus the Port should be cognizant of the total economic value to the community. Also, it was pointed out that the Port cannot gift property, so Mayor Wiggins suggested the two entities meet to consider the options. Discussion followed on the value of a golf course to the community, the desired market rates, as well as the information gained from the previous market study on a golf course. It was agreed the two entities would meet to discuss the matter further. Solid Waste Barge Manager Quinn referenced the scheduled closing of the Port Angeles Landfill in 2006 and the consideration for a transfer station with long-hauling of waste products. The Port would like an option for barging the waste as opposed to trucking the material off site. Executive Director Boddy reported the Port has reviewed various studies on barging, find he'referenced the closure of the Hood Canal Bridge as it relates to the transportation issues on the Peninsula. Further, with waterfront development plans being in the forefront, it is important to know if barge facilities should be made a part of the planning process. Because of the ancillary benefits that could arise from the barging, Manager Quinn agreed the possibility should be considered. In response to an inquiry from the group, Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler indicated the City is projecting approximately 8 containers per day. Commissioner Beckman felt barging would prove to be more cost effective than tracking. Commissioner Beil referenced discussions held concerning Tacoma's use of rail cars, as well as their expression of interest in receiving loads from the Peninsula to assist them in their program. Because of the issue of the bridge closure, as well as the Landfill closure, it was suggested that Federal grant opportunities be explored. Discussion followed on costs associated with barging, to include the necessary dock and crane which, it was pointed out, would likely be a part of the barge itself. Director Cutler felt it likely that the market and the contractor would determine the method by which the solid waste is moved off the Peninsula, as the most cost effective means would be pursued. The possibility of barging wouldbe a consideration when the contract documents are written, and Director Cutler reviewed the projected time frames associated with the closure of the Landfill by December 31, 2006. In this endeavor, the City will be working with all of the entities on the Peninsula, plus efforts will be made to work jointly with Jefferson County in order to obtain the best possible price. Economic Development Director Smith pointed out that barging the solid waste could open up other possibilities for barging offthe Peninsula and, as long as it is competitive, barging might prove to be helpful in the overall economic development of the area. Harbor Management Plan Manager Quinn, expressing the need for the City and Port to continue working together in the interest of economic development, urged a review and update of the Harbor Management Plan. Referencing the plan done by the Port a few years ago, it was suggested that the vision for the entire waterfront should be addressed in a public forum with all of the stakeholders in order to work tOwards the future. Manager Quinn acknowledged there is a need for a consolidated infrastructure on the waterfront in order to meet the future needs. Director Smith cited the Downtown Forward Master Plan and the process followed in writing the plan. He felt it important to identify short-term issues, to establish the highest priorities, to garner resources, and to leverage funding in order to build the necessary infrastructure. Another consideration, as pointed out by Manager Quinn, is the clean-up action plan for the Rayonier site and its part in the overall vision of the waterfront. Commissioner Bell expressed interest in the establishment of a harbor advisory committee that could be of assistance in the update. He envisioned this committee -3- 4768 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING September 23, 2002 Harbor Management Plan including all of the stakeholders, such as the Elwha Tribe. This task had previously (Cont'd) been assigned to the EDC, but he felt it would be prudent to bring the responsibility back to City and Port staff members. The meeting concluded with commentaries made as to the benefits of the City and Port working together in a partnership for the benefit of the entire community. ADJOURNMENT: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. The Port of Port Angeles Commissioners meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. by President Beckman to be continued to the Second Floor of the Landing at 6:00 p.m. ~ Becky ~. U~¥C~ Clerk' r -4-