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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/28/2013 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Port Angeles, Washington 98362 August 28, 2013 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Thomas Davis, David Miller, Tim Boyle, Duane Morris, Scott Headrick , George Reimlinger Members Absent: Doc Reiss Staff Present: Scott Johns, Sue Roberds, Nathan West, Heidi Greenwood Public Present: Charlie Smith PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Boyle opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Miller moved to approve the regular meeting minutes of July 24, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Reimlinger and passed 6 —0. CONSIDERATION OF FACADE AND SIGN GRANT APPLICATIONS Associate Planner Scott Johns provided a complete description of the five facade grant applications that were submitted to the City for redevelopment of three waterfront properties in conjunction with the City's redevelopment of the shoreline waterfront through use of a Power Point display. Mr. Johns responded to various questions from Commissioners regarding the proposals. Community & Economic Development Director Nathan West stated that approval of the facade grant applications in no way constitutes approval from a building perspective of any of the development proposals. Each proposal will require permitted through standard building permits. Mr. West added that all property owners along Railroad Avenue had been contacted relative to the application opportunity but only the five applications presented were submitted from three property owners. Charlie Smith, Lindberg and Smith Architects, 616 South Peabody, stated that the only uncertainty in the application submitted for the Pacific Rim Hobby Shop is whether the west door will be walled over or will remain as an access. The owners are currently out of town and so he hasn't been able to get an absolute confirmation of the intent at this time. In response to Commissioner Boyle, Director West noted that this is a reimbursement grant so the activities are paid for by the private sector with a percentage reimbursement per the grant Planning Commission Minutes August 28,2013 Page 2 award once the bills are submitted. Mr. West added, in response to Commissioner Reimlinger, that the projects are nearly ready to go with expected completion by spring, 2014. Commissioner Headrick asked for further explanation as to requirements for the facade grant program. Director West briefly explained that the program goals is to enhance the value of private property that results in an increase in assessed value. The City is interested in creating facelifts within the public realm. The visual impact along arterial streets is a primary goal. The overall improvement to neighboring properties is important. In this round, a focus has been made to improve the Railroad Avenue neighborhood block. A neighborhood block approach is effective and will be used in the future. The grant is intended to incentivize private property owners to invest in the City of Port Angeles. Planner Johns noted that an evaluation, based on the specified grant criteria, for each grant application was included in the submitted materials to the Commissioners. Mr. Headrick noted that the new deck for Bar Hop Brewery is much more than a facade improvement; it is an extension of the floor area of the use. He wondered how additions are reviewed relative to the grant opportunity. Mr. West stated that improvements to the Bar Hop Brewery building (112 West Railroad) will substantially improve the industrial warehouse frontage. A big part of the project is to restore the warehouse character while presenting a more upscale look that features some of the historic features of the building such as loading dock and doorways. Commissioner Davis noted that the cost estimates seem vague and asked if the landscaping costs seem appropriate. Director West noted that the submitted estimates for landscaping of the vacant property between 112 and 128 West Railroad Avenue, each billing will be scrutinized when submitted for necessity and, if not found to be fiscally responsible, the City may not honor the billing. Charlie Smith explained types of materials. Commissioner Morris said that he appreciated the intent to maintain the historical character of the warehouse building while upgrading building materials and use. Director West encouraged Commissioners to suggest improvements to the grant program including conditions or features of improvements that are considered to be important. In response to Commissioner Davis, Mr. Johns stated that the Pacific Rim Hobby shop was the original freight station not the train station so it is not listed as a building of historic significance. It is in approximately the original location on the site. There will be no extreme modification to the building as a result of the proposed improvements. Mr. West added that if there are sufficient funds available, the semaphore (railroad lighting feature) may be updated with new paint as well. The semaphore is not part of the building but it is an interesting site feature. Following close of the public hearing, Commissioner Miller moved to approve the faqade grant applications as presented. Commissioner Headrick seconded the motion, which passed 6 —0. Planning Commission Minutes August 28,2013 Page 3 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None STAFF REPORTS Proposed Tree Ordinance— Planner Johns explained that the current draft (#4) of the Street Tree Ordinance continues to be vetted. Staff is revising the Community Forester's authority to be more of an advisory staff level than is currently proposed; no permit will be required other than a Right of Way Use Permit, revision to the violations section so that unknowing actions are not made to be a criminal offense; standards will be in the Urban Standards and Guidelines rather than in the ordinance. Director West stated that what the City would really like to get across is a positive message of a recognition that trees are very important in providing canopy, atmosphere, storm water, and energy functions that are all benefits bring to community. Commissioner Morris suggested that an article be placed in the PDN to allow members of the public to be educated about the value of trees to the entire community. Commissioner Davis suggested that public workshops be conducted. Commissioner Boyle believes that creation of an ordinance educating the public of the value of trees provides leadership while encouraging improvements to continue Staff will present continuing updates and will get this squared away very soon and will set a public hearing for early fall. Commissioner Morris felt that the Community Forester should be a certified arborist. Mr. Johns stated that the Forester may not be an ISA Arborist. A certified arborist is likely not an expense the City is ready to take on. Mr. Johns noted that we are approaching yet another milestone with acceptance of the City's Shoreline Master Program. A revised, revised document is once more being readied for submittal to the Department of Ecology. It is believed that the document is close to being approval ready at this point. Director West noted that Ben Braudrik has been hired as the City's Assistant Planner and he will report for work September 16. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Headrick will not be available for the September 11 meeting Planning(1,01111nission Iffinutes August 28,2013 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Sue Roberds, S' rotary Tim Boyle it PREPARED BY: S. Roberds