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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM032602S Regional Intergovernmental Meeting March 26, 2002 1:0~ p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse ^ ~~~ 4/:'l" City of Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Public Utility District #1 of Jefferson County Jefferson County · · · · · · · · · · Minutes · David Timmons, City of Port Townsend Larry Crockett, Port of Port Townsend Jim Parker, PUD #1 David Goldsmith, Jefferson County David Alvarez, Jefferson County Call To Order The following representatives were present: · City of Port Townsend Councilmembers: Kees Kolff, Katherine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval Port Commissioners: Bob Sokol, Herb Beck, and Conrad Pimer PUD Commissioners: Ken McMillen, Dick Shipman, and Wayne King Jefferson County Commissioners: Glen Huntingford, Dan Tittemess and Richard Wojt Guests: · Ann Avary, EDC · AI Boucher, Citizen · Tim Caldwell, Port Townsend Chamber Nancy Dorgan, Citizen Stuart Elliott, Peninsula Daily News Joe Finnie, Citizen , Mark Rose, Jefferson County Technology Alliance Guy Rudolph, Citizen Ned Schumann, Olympus.Net David Sullivan, Citizen · · · · Richard Wojt served as Chair. Bob Sokol moved to approve the minutes of July 31, 200l. Wayne King seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The representatives concurred that because Jefferson County and the PUD have related agenda items, Jefferson County should be first on the agenda. Regional Intergovernmental Meeting - March 26, 2002 Page: 2 Announcements Larry Crockett invited the Elected Officials to attend a ceremony on April 1 at the Marina Room at the Port to celebrate the Port regaining control of that facility. Public Comment GUY Rudolph asked if the Distressed County Infrastructure Fund is the fund that has approximately $400,000 that the Board was discussing'recently? Dan Titterness replied that it is. Nancy Dore:an asked if there is a task force working on the criteria for spending the money in this fund? Dan Titterness answered that there has been a request to establish a committee and the membership and criteria are outlined in the RCW: Discussion of Topics Jefferson County 1. Distressed Counties Infrastructure Fund: Dan Tittemess explained that the criteria for this fund is outlined in RCW 82.60. The RCW states that counties shall consult with cities, towns, and port districts to determine how these funds are used. The County Commissioners have directed staff to draft a policy and a committee will be formed of representatives from the County, City, Port, PUD and EDC. The Port and the PUD have submitted proposals to the County. The RCW states that the proposal must be part of an established long range plan tor infrastructure development. The Port's proposal for a water line is in their long range plans although the exact specifics aren't noted. Michelle Sandoval asked how the committee will determine a recommendation? Dan Tittemess answered that the proposal must meet the criteria defined in the RCW. Proposals are _ expected from throughout the County and the money will be used for no or low interest loans and to match grant funding. Multiple projects will be chosen according to priority. These funds will be available to the County for 25 years. Herb Beck suggested that a presentation on each proposal be made to the committee with specifics that include other funding already available, how many jobs will be created, etc. Bob Sokol pointed out that engineering and SEP A has already been done on the Port's project and asked if there is a definite time table for establishing the committee and procedures? Dan Tittemess replied that he will recommend that formation of this committee move forward within the next 30 days at the next County Commissioners meeting. Wayne King stated that it is the County's responsibility to make it clear to the other entities involved what will be expected of the committee. Kees Kolff added that he thinks the committee should also be involved in setting the criteria. 2. Economic Stimulus Initiative: Dan Tittemess explained that when utilizing the Distressed Counties Infrastructure funds there needs to be a directive applied that contractors within the County are awarded the bids whenever possible. A separate fund to pay the difference from fee reductions or rebates for projects that meet certain criteria for affordable housing has also been discussed. Ann Avary explained that Jefferson and Clallam Counties have met the criteria as HUB Zones (Historically Underutilized Business Sector.) Contractors and subcontractors from these counties can receive free training that will help them qualify and compete for federal contracts in the area. The Regional Intergovemmental Meeting - March 26, 2002 Page: 3 application form is available on the Small Business Administration's web site. Richard Wojt noted that another federal program the County is looking into is the Workforce Initiative Program that gives local residents the skills needed to work at local businesses. This is an excellent educational opportunity. Ann Avary stated that she doesn't have a lot of details on this program, but there is a job fair in scheduled in April. Michelle Sandoval interjected that the City is eager to meet with the County and Vanessa Brower of Common Ground on the affordable housing issÙe. Richard Wojt added that the City and the County also need to discuss the 35th Street property and future development of affordable housing on that site. Public Utility District #1 of Jefferson County 1. Fiber Optics: Dick Shipman stated that the PUD is a member of NoaNet which ties in to Bonneville power's excess fiber capacity in rural areas. He explained that recent legislation has made funds ayailable for PUDs and Ports to finance high speed communication infrastructure that will help increase economic stimulus in rural areas. The closest entry point is at Discovery Bay. The counties adjacent to Jefferson County already have broadband and it is time for Jefferson County to decide if this is a project that it is willing to take on. This service benefits health care, communications, education and government besides the general public. The PUD wants to use the funds from the Distressed Counties Infrastructure Fund to string fiber as a core plan from Discovery Bay to the Tri Area, to the airport, and into Port Townsend. The other areas of the County would eventually be included. The cost for installation of fiber from Discovery Bay to Port Townsend is approximately $639,000 and this doesn't include the electronics to make the system work. It would be strung through 3 urban miles and 17 rural miles. Mark Rose, Jefferson County Technology Alliance, explained that the Clallam County PUD has committed $1.5 million for their broadband project. Mason County has a telecom strategy. Forks has also received a significant amount of grant money ($6.5 million) for their telecom infrastructure. These systems won't make money for a few years. He suggested that Jefferson County assess its needs and do an inventory. Clallam County is willing to help. It would be helpful for each entity represented at this meeting to allow their Information Technology staff to work on this project as a group. Herb Beck commented that it is his understanding that there is already fiber strung from Port Townsend to Qui1cene. Residents in Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Chimacum, and Port Ludlow already can hook up to Millennium Digital Cable high speed lines. Jim Parker explained that currently Millennium is leasing dark fiber (fiber that is not active) from Bonneville Power for $1,800 a month to get access to more bandwidth through NoaNet in Clallam County. There was a discussion about possible competition and if there is a way to use fiber that is already installed. Michelle Sandoval stated that she doesn't think it is cost efficient to run lines in less populated rural areas. Broadband has several advantages including the ability to go into older structures and attract new businesses. Regional Intergovernmental Meeting - March 26, 2002 Page: 4 The PUD agreed to set up a meeting with representatives from the County, City, and Port and to invite people from the industry to answer technical questions. They also offered to pay $100,000 for engineering if it is determined at that meeting that this is a viable project for Jefferson County. City of Port Townsend 1. Hood Canal Bride:e Closure Mitie:ation: Kees Kòlff explained that the DOT has distributed a mitigation proposal and will be holding public hearings. The City has never had a workshop or taken a position on this issue. He asked if the County has taken an official position? Richard Wojt replied that the County has taken a position through the PRTPO and is not planning to make an additional response. Michelle Sandoval explained that she attended a meeting with a DOT representative where it was made clear that local Elected Officials and business leaders need to lobby the State in order to get priority for a foot ferry from Seattle or an extra ferry on the Port Townsend run. She suggested that a workshop be scheduled where Elected Officials can brainstorm with the community and downtown business owners to develop supplemental transportation alternatives, especially for special events in Port Townsend. Glen Huntingford noted that the State's main focus has been on Olympic Peninsula residents that go to Seattle and Bremerton for medical reasons because this includes a large section of the population. Joe Finnie noted that the lodging industry is capital intensive and many businesses may not survive for the 6-8 tourist weeks that the Hood Canal Bridge will be closed. Merchants need to be educated now. Tim Caldwell encouraged the Elected Officials to look at additional mitigation. He suggested that the Park and Ride project across from the Gateway Visitor's Center be put on hold and those funds be used to subsidize the cost of additional ferries. Both the City's and County's Comprehensive Plans deal with alternative transportation infrastructure and a lot of projects could be implemented or completed with these State mitigation funds. Bob Sokol asked why foot ferries that usually go to Alaska would want to give up that business for 2 months business in Port Townsend? "Weekend only" ferries won't be enough during the tourist season because businesses need to be full all week to catch up from less traffic through the winter. He asked what assurance there is that the bridge project won't run longer than 2 months? Glen Huntingford replied that there are several incentives for the construction company to get done on schedule. Kees Kolff moved to accept an offer from the Port to host the first meeting of representatives from the EDC, Chamber of Commerce, County, and City in order to formulate a plan on economic impacts from the Hood Canal Bridge closure can be mitigated. Dan Tittemess seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Regional Intergovernmental Meeting - March 26, 2002 Page: 5 Port oJ Port Townsend 1. ZoninQ: Issues: Conrad Pimer explained that the Port recently purchased 23.5 acres near the airport. They would like to see an industrial park developed at the airport that would include this property. The Governor is scheduled to sign HB2498 which allows distressed counties on the Olympic Peninsula and east of the Cascades to designate 2 additional industriallandbanks outside their UGAs. The land would be used specifically for industrial development, but the bill also allows 10% to be used for commercial businesses such as a café to support the industrial park businesses. Richard Wojt asked if it is . necessary to designate more light índustrialland when there are still vacant parcels in Glen Cove and the City's industrial park? Herb Beck replied that it is a matter of supply and demand and the cost of property per acre. The high price of parcels in Glen Cove and the City can keep local businesses from expanding. Michelle Sandoval stated that she thinks the Distressed Counties Infrastructure Fund money should go to the City because their light industrial area is already designated but there is no infrastructure in the ground. People aren't moving into the City's light industrial area which defeats the purpose of the GMA. Bob Sokol pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan is a plan for development and if this bill passes, it becomes an amendment to the GMA. Michelle Sandoyal suggested that there is a need for a county-wide agreement about exactly where industrial development can locate. If Glen Cove and the Tri Area are expanded, it may make the supply and demand lopsided and there will be too much land zoned industrial. Larry Crockett answered that this is a pilot program that sunsets December 31,2002 and it is banking capacity only, not a pending development. Conrad Pimer stated that the Port would like to see the 2 light industriallandbanks designated at the airport and on the Port property in Quilcene. Public Comment Ned Schumann. Olympus.Net, asked and the PUD responded: Q. Does the PUD have reserves that could be used for telecommunication development? A. The PUD probably has $500,000 in reserves for various projects. Q. Do they know the exact locations for the drop points? A. Part of the plan is to hire an engineer to specify these locations. Q. Has the PUD approached the Clallam County and Kitsap County PUD? A. They haven't talked about putting infrastructure in each other's territories, but they have talked about buying fiber in bulk. Q. Has the PUD discussed the last mile issues when they would begin to see revenues? A. In Kitsap County the municipalities are picking up the last mile. The PUD mentioned this to the City of Port Townsend but they haven't responded. Michelle Sandoval stated that the City would need more information in order to make that kind of commitment. Mark Rose, suggested that a task force on telecommunications should be formed with representatives from the 4 governmental entities, Jefferson County Technology Alliance, and Clallam County PUD. There are resources available without having to hire a consultant. Ken McMillen stated that the PUD will send out a letter and schedule a meeting within the next 3 weeks. Regionallntergovemmental Meeting - March 26, 2002 Page: 6 Guv Rudolph, stated that according to the topics discussed at this meeting, government has a lot of money for projects even though Elected Officials are saying they have to cut the budget and decrease service. In 1999, the Tri Area could have become a UGA, but the legislation has changed and it won't happen now. There are other property owners and entities that will be putting in for the landbank pilot project and the Distressed Counties Infrastructure funds. Citizens shouldn't be kept in the dark when government entities spend money on land and projects. <. Establish Next Meeting Responsibility and Date The next Regional Intergovernmental Meeting will be hosted by the City of Port Townsend. It will be scheduled in June. Michelle Sandoval said that the agenda and packets with all information to be discussed will be sent out to the representatives well in advance of the meeting. MEETING ADJOURNED