Thursday, July 17, 2008 – Town Council Chambers – Evening Session

CALL TO ORDER

The Town Council met in regular session with Mayor Jones presiding. Mayor Jones called the regular session to order at 5:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Council members: Lacher, Illg, and Brooks.

Others Present: Mayor, David Jones; Town Administrator, C. King Fitch; Attorney, Don Eaton; Treasurer, Wendy Picinich; and Clerk, Amy Taylor. Councilmember Wolf was not present. Council Position No. 3 is vacant.

Mayor Jones conducted the flag salute.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Mayor Jones asked the Council if they wished to excuse Councilmember Chris Wolf. Council unanimously approved his absence.

PUBLIC ACCESS TIME

Mike Kaill spoke regarding the detergent issue relating to the Spring Street Aquarium. Mr. Kaill reported that the decline of sea life in the area continues; and that he has filed a report with the Department of Ecology (DOE). Mr. Kaill requested that the Town continue to support efforts to divert gray water from car washes from entering the stormwater system; promote low-impact development; and coordinate with the Port and County to alleviate stormwater issues. Discussion followed regarding public awareness and low-impact development. No action was taken.

Eade Dechadenes, Alison Longley, and Wilma Munsey; members of Islanders for the Environment; provided a written report and requested that the Town consider the use of alternative piping materials such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) rather than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or asbestos concrete for the municipal drinking water system projects due to adverse health and environmental impacts of said materials. Discussion followed. Mayor Jones thanked Ms. Dechadenes, Longley and Munsey for the information. No action was taken.

ACTION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS

Integrated Medical Center Presentation

At 5:49 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced Charles Anderson to make a presentation regarding the proposal for a San Juan Island Integrated Medical Center. Mr. Anderson explained the background, operation, staffing, and financial plan of said facility. Discussion and inquiry followed. The Council thanked Mr. Anderson for his presentation. No action was taken.

Resolution No. 1657

At 6:06 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced discussion of draft Resolution No. 1657, authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Senior Services Council of San Juan County regarding emergency generator maintenance services. Administrator Fitch explained that the agreement will cost the Town approximately $700 per year.

Moved by Illg, seconded by Brooks, to adopt Resolution No. 1657 as stated above. Motion passed 3-0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

2009-2014 Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

At 6:08 p.m., Mayor Jones opened the public hearing for the 2009-2014 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. At Mayor Jones request, Administrator Fitch provided background for the program; introduced the 2009-2014 TIP; and identified its projects.

At 6:11 Mayor Jones opened the public hearing to audience comments. Hearing none, Mayor Jones closed the public input portion of the hearing and opened the hearing to Council questions.

Per Councilmember Illg’s request, Administrator Fitch explained that the TIP is a requirement of the State. The State uses the TIP to prioritize projects and as an aid in producing a State funding program for road and highways.

Councilmember Brooks inquired about the road designation for Grover Street and project dates.

Councilmember Lacher had no comment.

Resolution No. 1659

Moved by Brooks, seconded by Lacher, to adopt Resolution No. 1659; providing for a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for the years 2009 through 2014. Motion passed 3-0.

ACTION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS (cont.)

Annexation Process

At 6:13 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced discussion of the annexation process. Attorney Eaton summarized his memo dated July 11, 2008 which outlined the procedures to follow in response to the proposed Buck annexation, and summarized annexation-related issues that should be considered in responding to the proposal. Discussion followed regarding the request to circulate a petition for the Buck Property; and whether or not to allow a request from Country Village, LLC to circulate a petition for property adjacent to the Country Village Estates Subdivision at this point in time due to the requestor’s absence at the meeting. The Council inquired about procedural issues and whether there was a disadvantage to granting the Buck family, whom was present at the meeting, the approval to move forward with circulating a petition for annexation.

Moved by Lacher, seconded by Illg, to grant the request by the Buck family to circulate a petition for annexation of Tax Parcel No. 351313005, the 46.5 acre parcel described in their request which is on the east side of Town. Per the request of the Land Use Administrator, Lacher amended the motion to include the two (2) parcels abutting said property to the north. Motion passed 3-0.

Ordinance No. 1365

At 6:50 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced draft Ordinance No. 1365, establishing the date, time, and place for a meeting of the Friday Harbor Town Council, to take place at a location other than that specified by Ordinance No. 1135. Said ordinance ordains that the Council shall convene at 5:30 on August 7, 2008 at the San Juan Island Grange Hall No. 966. No discussion followed.

Moved by Brooks, seconded by Lacher to adopt Ordinance No. 1365, as stated above. Motion passed 3-0.

Nash Street

At 6:40 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced discussion of closing the recently opened Nash Street right-of-way. Mayor Jones invited audience participation. Doug Brow, Evergreen Subdivision resident, presented a petition from Evergreen residents requesting that the portion of Nash Street remain open for vehicular use. Mr. Brow commented on the condition of the street. Discussion followed regarding the cost of maintenance, volume, and safety issues.

Moved by Lacher, seconded by Illg, for the Nash Street right-of-way to remain open; to revisit the issue in six months and direct staff prepare a staff report at said time addressing stated concerns; and direct staff to prepare a draft Ordinance for consideration in order to lower the speed limit and designate the portion of Nash Street as one-way. Motion passed 3-0.

Dedicated Taxi Parking Area

At 6:48 p.m., Mayor Jones introduced discussion of a dedicated parking area for taxis. Zed Park, manager of Bob’s Taxi Company, presented a letter signed by the five taxi companies requesting that the Town designate the taxis as "commercial vehicles" in order to allow them a designated area on Front Street to load and unload passengers. Attorney Eaton explained that taxis are not commercial vehicles. Administrator Fitch explained that in order to facilitate the taxi’s request to park in commercial loading areas, Town would designate the "commercial loading areas" as "commercial and taxi loading areas"; and said areas would then be used on a "first come, first serve" basis. Administrator Fitch warned about designating public space for commercial and/or private use. Discussion followed regarding regulating the times which the loading areas would be shared. Roger Bennett, Front Street business owner, testified that the use of the commercial loading area on Front Street usually ceases at approximately 10:00 a.m. Discussion followed regarding the need for a public hearing.

Moved by Illg, second by Lacher set a public hearing to consider a draft ordinance to re-designate the commercial loading area located at the corner of East and Front Street as commercial loading all day and taxi loading area between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Further discussion ensued regarding the need for a public hearing. Illg amended her motion to include the need and possible relocation of the commercial loading area on Front Street. Lacher withdrew her second. Motion failed.

After further discussion, the following actions were taken:

Moved by Brooks, seconded Lacher to direct staff install signage to designate the commercial loading area located at the corner of East and Front Street as commercial loading all day and taxi loading area between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Motion passed 3-0.

Moved by Brooks, seconded by Lacher to set a public hearing on October 2, 2008 to consider "traffic and parking solutions" for the ferry terminal area located on East and Front Streets. Motion passed 3-0.

Mayor Jones allowed Mr. Bennett to comment on the parking situation on Front Street.

FUTURE AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Lacher noted that Dave Smith, Town Street Department, helped visually disabled person today.

CITIZEN RESPONSE

There were no public access items forthcoming.

ADJOURNMENT – Hearing no further business and no objection, Mayor Jones requested a motion to adjourn. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.

Moved by Brooks, seconded by Illg, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.