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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/14/2016 PORT ANGELES FORWARD COMMITTEE PITTIS MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ROOM/Port Angeles, Washington January 14, 2016 Mission Statement: To create a strong,economically and culturally vibrant community that will enhance the lives of our citizens. CALL TO ORDER: Pat Downie opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Patrick Downie, Jim Jones, Cherie Kidd, Sissi Bruch, Mark Ohman, George Bergner, Sherry Curran, MarySue French, Kaj Ahlburg, , Members Absent: Jim Hallett, Bill Greenwood, Larry Morris, Mellissa Williams, Wendy Clark-Getzen, Mike Edwards, Michael Peters, Charlie Smith Staff Present: Nathan West, Scott Johns Others Present: None Public Present: None Approval of Minutes The meeting minutes for December 10, 2015 were approved. Old Business Nathan West indicated that the Historic information on Ediz Hook that Charlie Smith had volunteered to provide was not available as yet and that Mr. Smith was still gathering the information for the group and would have it at the February meeting. New Business Chair Patrick Downie began by inquiring as to the group consensus regarding the meeting time and if there were suggestions as to members preferences regarding meeting times. It was decided that the current time would continue. Chair Downey then began a conversation regarding the future mission of the PA Forward committee and what members would like to see discussed and acted upon in the coming year. He asked each member around the room to provide their thoughts on the subject. Jim Jones discussed the County's roll and how it has changed over the years as Commissioner positions change. The past County focus has been more on economic development but is shifting towards public safety issues of law and justice and infrastructure management. He did indicate support for job creation of family wage jobs and youth employment as areas that the City and the Port of Port Angeles need to emphasize. He stated that the PA Forward efforts to this point have been successful and that continued efforts were warranted. Sissi Bruch indicated that continuing to act on the findings and recommendations of the AIA G sustainable development study should be a priority. She also pointed out the connection between the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and local economic development as an area to emphasize and strengthen. As an example,the tribe will be opening a convenience store at Dry Creek Road and Highway 101. Sherry Curran also indicated more focus should be made to further incorporation of the areas native culture and history into the City's identity. This would add a very unique character to the Port Angeles Forward Committee Meeting Minutes for January 14, 2016 City. Specific ideas included adding Klallam language names to street signs. Cheri Kidd stated that focus on the Race Street redevelopment and renaming of Race Street is important because of the number of visitors to Hurricane Ridge. Currently the route poses problems for visitors due to vague signage causing confusion. A second point to focus on would be the access to Ediz Hook should be improved. Ediz Hook is a strong attraction for residents and visitors alike, however, it is underutilized and a more attractive entry and better signage would be an improvement. Nathan West brought up the alternative cross-town route that has been considered for several years. It is a topic that is controversial and has been avoided in the recent past. He indicated that WSDOT would like the City to move forward with the concept. Kaj Ahlburg asked about the scope of the project. Mr. West indicated that there is a short term concept that would focus on the Race Street/Lauridsen Boulevard corridor and a longer term plan that would include a much larger, more expensive project that would likely follow the BPA power line Right-of-way. Mark Ohman felt that some focus might be directed to the Lincoln Theater project and other entertainment ideas. Examples of whale watching tours and more youth activities would be good. Smaller scale items in the downtown and other commercial areas of the City were also suggested. He also suggested that a subcommittee be appointed specifically to focus on economic development. George Bergner also supported improvements and activities on Ediz Hook. He suggested that possibly representatives from the Olympic Trails Coalition and the North Olympic Visitors Bureau be added to the PA Forward committee. Mary Sue French suggested that a Community Pride type of effort be made to deal with cleaning up and improving downtown alleys and other areas. Ways to deal with homelessness and pan handling also needs to be addressed as it creates a less than positive atmosphere and sometimes frightening conditions in some City areas. Kaj Ahlburg stated that the PABA fully supports the downtown waterfront improvements and felt that additional waterfront improvement would be beneficial. He also supported improving the appearance and safety of the downtown, including the alleyways and the need to support the Lincoln Theater project. His final comment was that the PABA would be more involved in government affairs at the state level that in the past. Scott Johns stated that the committee should support an urban forestry program as there are significant benefits from trees. Several members expressed support for better landscaping and the addition of trees to the City landscape. A point was made regarding the City entryway traffic island where First and Front split. Mr. West indicated that there are plans for landscaping the island, but concern over safety of maintenance workers stopped the project at that time. George Bergner brought up damage to the ODT along Marine Drive caused by trees, which prompted Jim Jones to mention the need for better street lighting along that portion of Marine Drive. Mr. Downie thanked the group for their input and indicated that he had gained the type of ideas that he was looking for and that the committee would continue this discussion at the next meeting. Mr. West was asked to provide brief updates on the OMC building project. He stated that the project was valued at $14.7 million with the City adding approximately $1 million infrastructure improvements. He also provided a brief update on the WTIP project, indicating that Phase 2 was very near T:ABOARDS COMMITTEES COMMISSION\04 PA Forward\Meeting Minutes\2016\2016-1-14 PA Forward minutes.doex Port Angeles Forward Committee Meeting Minutes for January 14, 2016 completion and will be complete early this year. He also mentioned that the Feiro Marine Life Center has issued a Request For Proposals to begin a public process regarding City Pier Parking and the Lincoln Street/Railroad Avenue intersection. George Bergner mentioned that he has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Peninsula Trails Coalition and that that organization would be focused on improving the ODT link between Port Townsend and Highway 101. Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m. Neat Meeting Date Next regular meeting date—February 11, 2016, at 7:30 a.m. in the Pittis Conference Room. .� 11 Patrick Downie, Chair Scott John Secretary r t E TABOARDS COMMITTEES COMMISSION\04 PA Forward\Meeting Minutes\2016\2016-1-14 PA Forward minutes.docx