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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/14/2012MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 March 14, 2012 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Doc Reiss, Amanda Anderson, David Miller, John Matthews, Tim Boyle, Duane Morris, Scott Headrick Members Excused: None Staff Present: Scott Johns, Nathan West, Sue Roberds Public Present: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Reiss opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Miller moved to approve the February 22, 2012, regular meeting minutes. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion which passed 5 0 with Commissioners Morris and Headrick abstaining due to lack of attendance at the meeting. WORK SESSION: SHORELINE MASTER PLAN: Presentation of new draft shoreline master plan. Associate Planner Scott Johns reviewed the steps taken to formulate a new draft shoreline master plan as required by the State Department of Ecology and noted that the Department of Ecology requires a revision of shoreline master plans every 7 years. He explained that the main difference between the original plan and the new plan is a reorganization of specific element sections and he noted that the revised plan includes expanded environmental designations and an administration section. Public outreach events were reviewed that included a public survey to determine desired uses and important issues to the public and was taken early on in the planning process in order to develop the revised plan. Mr. Johns explained the intent of each section and noted that an administrative chapter was not included in the original plan. Mr. Johns responded to a question from Commissioner Reiss that existing uses and activities that are active will be allowed to continue under the revised plan as with any other enactment of law. Mr. West responded that he doesn't anticipate any more stringent development regulations for shoreline areas than currently exist; the revised plan will simply define environmental areas and procedures for use more completely. Planning Coinnussian Minutes March 14, 2012 Page 2 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None STAFF REPORTS WATERFRONT TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (WTIP) Director Nathan West provided the Commission with a detailed description of actual on -the- ground planning for the City's Waterfront Transportation Improvement Plan (WTIP). Commission members asked questions as to the amenities that have been worked into the Plan that include an esplanade, new beach area, viewing points, and a short bridge over Peabody Creek. The City Council stressed that they want to see a good deal of citizen participation in the development of this project. Mr. West stated that over 23 meetings and outreach events have taken place up to this point. A Facebook page has been established, the City's web site is utilized, display boards have been set up in the lobby of City Hall, staff have taken the plan to various community groups who are all very excited about the project. Such an upgrade to the waterfront area has been in the concept stage for many years. The project is broken into 11 different phases so work can begin when funds becomes available. A west end beach park is planned that will include beach restoration, a fountain feature, sculptures, art plaza, play area, restrooms, and an office pavilion. Total project costs from Hollywood Beach to the Valley Creek Estuary are $17M; the west end park is approximately $4.2M. It is hoped to begin the project in July, 2012, continuing through early months of 2013. Work will be coordinated with the municipal Combined Sewer Overflow project that will result in economic efficiencies. Personnel are working to minimize impacts to local businesses that may result from construction activities. Many local firms have been involved in development of the plan thus far and that coordination and input is something that is very important to City staff and City officials Commissioner Morris suggested that, given the cool environment of the area, bright, warm colors are used rather than the cooler pallets. Mr. West responded to questions and described some of the private improvement projects that are also being planned along the waterfront area in conjunction with the upgrade construction. He hopes that the waterfront improvements will stimulate additional business investment to improve and expand their businesses as a result of the updates. Planning Manager Sue Roberds introduced new Planning Commission members Scott Headrick and Duane Morris. Commissioners Headrick and Morris provided brief bios and noted their interest in serving the community. Planning Commission ALnutes d -t arch 14, 2012 Page 3 REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS None ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Sue Roberds. ''ecretary PREPARED BY: S. Roberds Doc Reiss, Chair