HomeMy WebLinkAboutM051710
DIstrict No.1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson
District No.2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan
DIstrict No.3 Commissioner: John Anstin
County Administrator: Philip Morley
Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney
MINUTES
Week of May 17,2010
Chairman David Sullivan called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of
Commissioner John Austin. Commissioner Phil Johnson was absent.
PUBliC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made by citizens in
attendance at the meeting: a citizen believes that the 1992 administrative rules regarding non-conforming
use were never formally adopted by the Commissioners; a citizen feels that the 150' setback established by
the Commissioners in the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) will result in many lawsuits against the County
and he suggested that the a 50' setback as proposed by the Planning Commission be used until the next SMP
update is required; a citizen thanked the Commissioners for allowing him to video their meetings which has
helped him to build connections with others; a citizen submitted and reviewed an economic development
report dated September 2008 by Dr. Elliot Eisenberg of the National Association of Home Builders; a
citizen questioned why the County, City and Port are contracting to hire an economist for $30,000 to do
economic development planning when WSUfTeam Jefferson is already being paid to provide that service; a
citizen reviewed Social Security funding statistics and talked about the poor economy which he believes is
going to get worse and needs to be addressed by the County; a citizen believes that Commissioner Austin's
support and nomination of John Fabian for the People ofPuget Sound Golden Oyster Award can be
considered a Commissioner actively opposing a quasi-judicial application before Jefferson County; a citizen
feels that the presentation given last week by representatives of the Jefferson Equestrian Association was a
one-sided sales pitch and he believes the Commissioners are giving special treatment to this special interest
group.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Austin
moved to delete item #2 and approve the remAining items on the consent agenda as presented. Chairman
Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion carried.
1. HEARING NOTICE re: 2010 Conservation Futures Funding Program Applications; Hearing
Scheduled for June 14,2010 at 10:15 a.m. in the Connnissioners Chambers, Jefferson County
Courthouse
2. DELETED: AGREEMENT re: 2010 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Grant Funding; Port Hadlock Chamber
ofConunerce (Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce)
3. AGREEMENT NO. 1610-01 re: Rural Arterial Program, Dosewallips Road Emergency Repair;
Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB)
4. AGREEMENT re: Legislative Liaison Services to Pursue Road Management Resources for Upper
Hoh Road; Jefferson County Public Works; Strategies 360, Inc.
Page 1
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17, 2010
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6. Advisory Board Reappointment; Jefferson County Board ofEquA1i7>ltion; Three (3) Year Term
Expires May 11, 2013; Dave Garing
7. Payment of Jefferson County VoucherslWarrants Dated May 10,2010 Totaling $457,040.43
8. Payment of Jefferson County AlP Warrants Done by Payroll Dated May 5, 2010 Totaling
$627,567.88 and Dated May 6, 2010 Totaling $109,254.75
COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners and County Administrator
reported as follows:
Commissioner Austin:
. Noted that there will be six cruise ships visiting our area this year which will promote tourism and
support the local economy.
Commissioner Sullivan:
. Attended a ceremony honoring William Marlow and Richard Broders who have resigned from the
Board of Equalization after 18 years of service.
. Phase 4 of Water Resource Inventory Area (WRlA) 17 is proceeding, however, the vision of the
Legislature is unknown after funding for this phase runs out.
County Administrator Morley:
. Quarterly meetings with the Commissioners and other Elected Officials will begin next Monday,
May 24, 2010 at noon in the Commissioners Chambers.
. The next Community Input Workshop will be held on Monday, May 24,2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Gardiner Community Center.
. Next week there will be a continued briefing on the proposed Equestrian Events Center and Park
agreement.
. The City and Port have both endorsed the joint economic development planning agreement in
conjunction with Team Jefferson and supplemented by consultant Eric Hovee & Associates. The
agreement will be brought to the Board for consideration next week.
. There has been some inter-jurisdictional discussion about forming a youth initiative to insure that
various communities in east Jefferson County are welcoming to kids and families with children.
. There has been connunication with JeffCom and the City regarding an agreement to locate a
communications tower at the City's water reservoir site to enhance emergency communication in the
area.
HEARING re: 2010 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreo.tional Trails Plan: Project
Manager Jim Pearson stated that this plan was adopted in 2002 and addresses non-motorized transportation
as well as recreational trails, parks and water access sites. The 2010 update of the plan addresses the non-
motorized transportation element only and must be completed by June 15,2010. Specifically, chapter 1,
Introduction and chapter 11, Capital Improvement Program (2010), have been completely rewritten.
Updates have been inserted at the beginning of other chapters and changes have been made to chapter 5
dealing with public demand and chapter 6 dealing with finance. Principals and goals relating to active
transportation and street projects have also been added to the plan. There is also a table which lists each
project and the funding source.
Page 2
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17, 2010
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County Admini.m-ator asked for clarification on the capital improvement program outlined in chapter 11 and
asked if it gets incorporated into to the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program? Mr. Pearson
answered that most of the projects are already included in Six Year Transportation Improvement Program
and this plan is implemented through that program. Engineer ill Josh Peters noted that the Six Year
Transportation Improvement Program will be presented for review and adoption this fall and will include the
projects outlined in the 2010 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan. He noted that
those plans will also be integrated with the County's Comprehensive Plan. County Engineer Monte Reinders
added that the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program is adopted annually because changes occur.
The Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan is required to be updated every six years in
order to be eligible for grant funding.
Commissioner Austin asked about updating the information in the plan such as the current use of the
Mountain View facility. Mr. Pearson responded that there is a balance between the detail of information and
purpose for which it used. The problem with detailed information is that it can become out-of-date rather
quickly. The purpose of the plan is to provide non-motorized transportation facilities. At that level it is
important to know what transportation system people use to get to Jefferson County such as ferries, so that
non-motorized transportation can be connected to those systems. Detailed information about the ferries
changes often and may not be pertinent to the overall plan. By not including detail information in the plan it
is less likely that it will become outdated quickly.
Chairman Sullivan opened the hearing for public testimony:
Steve Oakford. Port Townsend. stated that the building in which he lives is located adjacent to a very
pleasant trail which runs down behind the San Juan Commons. He has discovered that the trails start and
stop and require people to use public walkways and side walks between access to the trail. There are signs
in some places and no signs in other places. Signage needs to be uniform because many people discover a
trail before they get a brochure that has a map on it. The issue of signage needs to be addressed as well as
the issue of ADA accessibility for individuals with special needs. There are a number of people that live in
the same building where he lives that use electric skooters and wheelchairs and they won't use the trail
becanse it says non-motorized and they think it applies to them. The plan needs to list the motorized
exceptions for those with special needs. It should also specify a speed limit. Many of the skooters will go
as fast as 12 miles per hour, so there should be a posted speed limit of 5 miles per hour. This will make the
trail accessible and yet keep it from being used as a race track. He has not had a chance to read the plan so
he does not know whether these issues have been addressed or not.
Tom Thiersch. Jefferson County. stated that some of the statistics and facts cited in the report are incorrect.
Mountain View no longer exists as a school. The Port Townsend school population is now 20- 25% less
than it was when the report was first established, down from 1,600 to almost 1,200. This highlights the need
to update the strategy of how this report is put together so that it doesn't become obsolete so quickly. lfthe
number of students is not' relevant then don't put it in the report at all. If that number is relevant for the
purposes of grant funding then update the numbers and find a way to keep them accurate. Otherwise, the
County will be applying for grants based on false or inaccurate information which is not a good thing.
Page 3
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17,2010
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Another point about Mountain View is that the facility has been re-purposed and now houses the police
department and other agencies which is useful and valuable information for non-motorized transportation
purposes. He noted that the Mountain View facility, schools and other facilities are located within the city
limits. He questioned the City's role in this plan and asked why responsibility for it is solely placed on the
County? Why isn't the City helping to pick up the burden and paying for it out of their road fund? Let's do
some proper sharing of the costs as well as the benefits.
Norm McClollli Port Townsend, stated that he provided an easement for the Larry Scott Trail. Last year the
trail received federal designation as a "National Scenic trail" as part of the national trail system. That fact
should be in this plan. If an extension is needed to get it into the plan then we really need to be certain about
what it means in terms of opportunities, constraints, and expectations with regard to relationships with
property owners who have easements. It needs to be determined how this fits into the picture of non-
motorized transportation in Jefferson County. The national designation is due to the access points to the
Olympic Peninsula which run through Jefferson County by default. He believes this is an important factor
that needs to be included in the plan. When the designation was announced in the media he asked County
officials what they knew about it, and it was a surprise to them. Does this designation mean more than just
additional signage? Are there benefits or liabilities? We need to understand this. Not only is this a
significant addition to the concept of trails, but, there needs to be something in the County planning
documents about this relationship and where we go for additional information.
Andrew Reddin", Port Townsend, stated that he is a member of the Jefferson County plAnning Connnission
and the Chair of the City's Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board. There is a parallel process
taking place where the City is also revising its non-motorized transportation plan. In fact, none of the
expenditures within the City are handled out of County funds for this purpose. The County's plan is beyond
the City limits. He commended the Board doing this plan which is very important and timely. He also
connended staff for the change in emphasis away from recreation. Recreation is still a component, but, it is
good to recognize that this is more than just recreation. As we look forward, it is going to be more about
regular transportation. Non-motorized transportation is going to become a bigger part of the mix as it has in
other places. It is beginning to happen here and it is inevitable. Gasoline is now roughly $3.00 per gallon.
Looking 5 or 6 years into the future he can guarantee that gasoline prices will be more than $4.00 per gallon.
The question is will it be $5.00, $6.00, $7.00 or $10.00 per gallon? We don't know. We do know with
certainty that it will be significantly more than it is now. Whatever the case, it is going to dramatically
change the economics of everything. Not just in the choices that people make about whether to drive or use
other modes of transportation, but, also because the cost of asphalt for paving roads is going to become
enormously more expensive. One of the things to think about in preparing the overall transportation plan is
to be careful to not put too much into roads that in the future we are not going to be able to pay for or
maintain. On the other hand, think about the fact that as budgets are affected by the realities of the changing
economics of oil, there is going to be a big shift toward non-motorized transportation. It is very important to
keep in mind that modes of non-motorized transportation need to be kept as direct as possible and as near
grade as possible to insure maximum accessibility for all individuals including those with ADA
requirements. The Larry Scott Trail zig zags which is not very good for transportation purposes.
Peter Lanretson. Port Townsend. stated that he represents the Transportation Lab which is a citizens group
concerned with promoting alternative transportation in the County. His group also welcomes this plan and
the new emphasis on non-motorized transportation. He is amazed at what the County is planning to do with
its limited funds. There needs to be a stronger emphasis in the plan on the transportation component.
Page 4
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17, 2010
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Particularly with regard to bicycling and walking which are the modes that apply themselves more directly
to transportation. They are very concerned about a time when less oil is available and when greenhouse
reduction mandates become important. We have to start promoting and making it possible for people to use
alternative transportation. He would like to see the transportation component connected with the climate
change and greenhouse gas reduction plans. Transportation is a major component for Jefferson County of
greenhouse gas emissions. There also needs to be connectivity between neighborhoods. There are many
neighborhoods in Jefferson County, for example Kala Point and the Woodland Hills neighborhood, which
are not connected at all by trails. There is no way to go to your neighbors house without driving 2 or 3 miles
to get there. There needs to be trails that connect. The City of Port Townsend has been very creative using
neighborhood work parties and volunteers to build trails. Connectivity between neighborhoods should be a
part of the plan. Other examples are the communities in Cape George where there is no connectivity.
Addressing these issues is cheap and does not require deep pockets. Safety is another area of concern.
There is a safety hazard along the Larry Scott Trail where is goes under State Highway 20 and people try to
get to Otto Street by walking the wrong direction on the Highway shoulder. There needs to be some way to
find access at the Glen Cove Road intersection so people can get to Otto Street safely. He would also like
the County to promote bicycle transportation in the corridor between the Tri Area, Glen Cove and Port
Townsend. Bicycling along the highway is unpleasant and there are many connecting roads that could offer
an alternative route.
David McCullolllTh Port Townsend. stated that there needs to be balance in the transportation system. Non-
motorized users consist of kids, mothers and people who are comfortable riding on our roadways, so it is a
challenging task to meet all their needs. Citizens can benefit from the County overlapping its motorized
transportation plan with its non-motorized transportation plan by providing similar facilities. He encouraged
the County to work with the State Department of Transportation on this plan. Often what happens for
cyclists who are using the roads is that safety improvements are put in place for motorists and safe access for
cyclists is eliminated. The changes to the road which cause a problem for bicyclists include shoulder rumble
strips, and removal of shoulders completely for the creation ofleft turn lanes. He looks to the County to
maintain existing facilities in the concept of accessibility for cyclists. We have many long distance touring
cyclists that come through our County and bring tourism dollars. There are neighboring county visitors that
come to Jefferson County becanse we have a wonderful place to ride. Many cyclists come from Kitsap
County to use the roads on the Coyle Peninsula. The Rhody tour occurred at the first of this month and the
majority of the riders came from outside Jefferson County and they spent money to stay here for its natural
beauty and cycling opportunities. Our youth is an important part of our community. With the rise of obesity
and lack of exercise opportunities, partnerships are being created with the trails program local neighborhood
connectivity, the City and the school districts. Developing education programs and facilities to get kids back
and forth from their homes to school are paramount.
Owen Fairbank. Port Townsend. expressed his appreciation for the County going through this process and
for the work that has been done on the plan. He was glad to hear that the non-motorized transportation plan,
the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program and the Comprehensive plan will be integrated because
he feels it is important that all these elements be put together and that transportation planning be included in
land use planning.
Page 5
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17, 2010
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Mr. Pearson explained that this is the County's plan and none of the facilities or policies included in the plan
apply to the City. Staff will review the comment about the Larry Scott Trail being designated as a National
Scenic Trail for possible insertion into the plan.
Mr. Peters explained the trail designation process and reported that the County has not received any formal
communication regarding such a designation.
Norm McCloud. Port Townsend. stated that there is a federal process called "Coordinations" which is a
formal process that was written in the 1974 Public Lands Act where the County, as a government entity, can
request coordination of this process and be at the table from the beginning so that the County can closely
integrate into its planning without having any further surprises along the way. They would be required by
law to include the County in that process as an integrated part of the process.
Commissioner Austin asked if the plan addresses the nexus or interface between bicyclists and buses? Mr.
Pearson responded that the goals in chapter 8 address walking and bicycling as transportation modes.
Connecting those modes with transit buses helps to achieve goals by reducing traffic, fuel use, and climate
change. It also provides a more efficient transportation system for people who do not or choose not to drive.
Chairman Sullivan asked about including language to explain the process and cooperative efforts needed to
create trails between private communities? Mr. Pearson replied that the way some private communities are
platted can make it difficult to get trail connections. The City has been successful with older plats where
roads have not been developed and they have used those rights-of-way to construct the community
connector trails. The County could do similar trails in the IrondalelPort Hadlock area or other older platted
areas. The problem in some places such as Kala Point, is that the co=unities, the lots, and rights-of-way
were developed in a manner where the only access is by roads.
Hearing no further co=ents for or against the 2010 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails
Plan, Chairman Sullivan closed the hearing. The Board concurred to extend the comment period deadline
until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19,2010. The plan will be brought back to the Board for review and
possible adoption on Monday, June 7, 2010.
Discussion and Possible Approval of Hearing Notice re: Lease of a Portion of the Port
Townsend Recreation Center to a Child Care Service: County Administrator Philip Morley stated that
Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler gave a briefing to the Board last fall about the possibility of
leasing a portion of the Port Townsend Recreation Center for child care service. The Board is being asked
to make a decision about whether or not the County should proceed with the option to lease the property. If
the Board decides to proceed with a lease then the County must follow State and County regulations which
require a public hearing as well as the use of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to find a bid that is to the
best advantage to the County. A draft hearing notice was presented for consideration.
Commissioner Austin moved to proceed with leasing a portion of the Port Townsend Recreation Center for
the provision of child care service and approve the hearing notice setting a public hearing for Monday, June
7,2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers. Chairman Sullivan seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
Page 6
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of May 17,2010
Board of Equalization Interviews: The Board interviewed Sally Shumaker and Michael
Hinojos for possible appointment to the Board of Equalization. A decision will be made after references
have been reviewed.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip
Morley reviewed the following with the Commissioners:
. Calendar Coordination
West End Community Input Workshop
WSAC meeting and Timber meeting
Environmental Health Committee of Washington State Board of Health meeting
Joint Economic Development Planning agreement
. Miscellaneous Topics
Board of Equalization applicants reference research
Port Townsend Fire Service Levy
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Austin moved to adjourn the meeting at
3: 14 p.m. until the next regular Monday meeting at 9:00 a.m. or special meeting as properly noticed
pursuant to RCW 42.30.080. Chairman Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion carried.
MEETING ADJOURNED
JEFFERSON COUNTY
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Page 7
Page I of I
jeffbocc
. From:
Sent:
To:
Jim Pearson
Thursday, May 06, 2010 1041 AM
'Deb Romaine'
Cc: jeffbocc
Subject: RE: Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2010 Update
Thanks for your email.
Jim Pearson
Jefferson County Public Works Department
623 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 385-9162
(360) 385-9234 Fax
From: Deb Romaine [mailto:dsromaine@textworks,com]
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 10:28 AM
To: Jim Pearson
Subject: Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2010 Update
I Ii, Jim,
J'd just like to voice tny enthusiastic support JiJf the projects the N \Jr.!) J.nclude~. most nowbly the blkc-rclatcd
e1(JrlS ,SR ! 9,;'20 illlprovcrnents especially'), as there is a can out right no\V public comment.
rhanks!
IJebRonl;:llne
360.3B),4905
ej'<f,);!\;;li
.
5/7/2010
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BUCKHORN RANGE CHAPTER
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF WASHINGTON
P.O. Box 845, Cbimacum, W A 98325
May 7,2010
Jim Pearson, Jefferson County Public Works Department
623 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
RE: Jefferson County Non-Motorized and Recreation Trails Update
Dear Mr. Pearson,
The Buckhorn Range Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Washington has members throughout Jefferson
County and the greater east-Olympic Peninsula area. While we represent equestrians and other stock users, we
are also a service organization that performs trail maintenance and construction. Over the years we have been
involved in the efforts to establish the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) in Jefferson County as well as the
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. We work on connecting trails to the ODT and on other trails
throughout the area including those on state and federal lands.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Non-Motorized plan revision. Without a doubt, we support
the completion ofthe Larry Scott Trail and the Rick Tollefson Trail. Our group has been an Adopt-a-trail
participant in the maintenance of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, and we have participated in many of the trail
planning and advocacy events put on through the Jefferson Trails Coalition. This has included everything from
staffing booths to trail construction. Much of the length of the Larry Scott Trail is really two trails, a developed
pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare, and a companion single-track "horse" trail. Since this trail goes through
rural areas with horse farms, it receives a great deal of use from resident equestrians.
Weare also active in the trail system at Anderson Lake. It has long been our vision to see the Pacific Northwest
Trail and the Olympic Discovery Trail built through to Anderson Lake from 4 Corners, and then on past that to
their respective locations on the Clallam County line. We have also advocated for a connection between the
ODT near or at Anderson Lake and the Tri-Area. Finding all of these items in the updated plan is certainly
something we are very pleased with.
Our greatest disappointment is that equestrians are not mentioned in this plan. While they are not excluded, it
would seem that since horse use is such a large contributorto the economic base of this County, and since
equestrians have played such a major role in advancing the trail systems, their existing use on some of these
trail systems should be mentioned. For example, few of us view the Olympic Discovery Trail as a "bicycle
touring route". Mostly it is a community trail system. The fact that urbani suburban transportation funding
principally targets pedestrian and bicycle non-motorized traffic does not mean that equestrian use need be
neglected entirely. Indeed some of the grant funding sources for the trail system comes from funds that do
directly support equestrian activities.
Also we would like to see mentioned support for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Other than these
two concerns, please continue with this fine plan.
Sincerely,
Ifn-
. . - /'. I
-......jr=rr- cj..S:Vc/-...v"-,,---'
Jeff Chapman, Director
Buckhorn Range Chapter BCHW
lz
Bob Hoyle, Pres. ent
Buckhorn Ran. e Chapter BCHW
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jeffbocc
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Peter Lauritzen [plauritz@cablespeed.com]
Sunday, May 16, 2010 1005 PM
jeffbocc; Jim Pearson
Jefferson County Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan
Attachments:
Jefferson County NM Plan Comments My17.doc
,.~
To: Board of County Commissioners
Ji~ Pearson, Jefferson County Public Works
Jefferson County
NM Plan Comme...
Attached are the comments on the Updated Jefferson County Non-Motorized Trails Plan from
the Transportation Lab
Please contact me if you have any questions.
--Peter Lauritzen
360-379-2987
1
Comments and Suggestions on the Jefferson County Non-Motorized
Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan, 2010 Update
From: The Transportation Lab
Scott Walker, Marion Huxtable, Peter Lauritzen
Contact Person: Pcter Lauritzen
325 33rd 5t., Port Townsend, W A 98368, phone: 360-379-2987
Date: May 17,2010
We welcome this Plan as an impressive and valuablc document for trail users in Jefferson
County. We are amazcd at the wide variety of activitics that the county is attempting to
support in these difficult financial limes.
We have the following recommendations:
1. Additional Empbasis on Transportation
The Plan should provide stronger emphasis on thc non-motorized transportation
component, particularly for bicycling and walking, which are unique among the four
modes considercd (walking, bicycling, horse-riding & boating) in that transportation
rather than recreation can have a major significance.
Eventually, a transportation plan needs to be considered that coordinates all available
transportation options as a separate focus trom recreational trail activities although some
overlap between recreational walking and bicycling \vill always occur just as driving a
car for recreational and for transportation overlap. Also thc Plan needs to be coordinatcd
with the county's grecnhouse gas reduction program as transportation is a major
component of greenhousc gas emissions in this county.
As we rapidly approach a time when less and less oil is available for transportation and
mandated reductions exist for grccnhouse gas emissions, we must start to strongly
encouragc non-motorized transportation as part of our transportation mix. And activc
cncouragement of non-motorized transportation nccds to bc an important componcnt of
such planning.
Hcre is where the Non-Motorized Transportation and Rccrcational Trails Plan falls short.
The Plan includes many futurc bicycling (adding shouldcrs to highways) and walking
(adding sidewalks) options and these possibilitics are very worthwhile. However, they
are expensivc to build and funding them in the immediate future can be difficult.
2. Adding Connectivity between Neighborhoods
A more effective and cost effective approach would be to add connectivity between
ncighborhoods throughout the county, Looking at a county road map one can see how
the Kala Point and the Woodland Hills neighborhoods mesh closely together
2
geographically at many points. However, to travel from one neighborhood to the other
rcquires driving a car for 1-3 miles. If connecting trails were available, one easily could
walk or bicycle from one neighborhood injust a fcw minutes. And both these
neighborhoods are currently delightful places to ride bicycles or walk around in already.
Forcing people to drive cars bctwccn these neighborhoods is a waste of resources and
timc as well as makes these neighborhoods less plcasant and less healthy places to live.
Other such adjacent ncighborhoods exist in JetIerson County such as thc scparatc Cape
George Colonies and connecting them needs to become a high priority. Building such
connecting trails is much less expensive than adding miles of sidewalks and shoulders
because the distanccs arc so short. The City of Port Townsend has been very successful
in using volunteers from thc nearby neighborhoods to do much of the work to build its
extensive rail network.
Locations tor connecting trails need to be identified throughout Jefferson County and
included as an important component of its Non-Motorized Transportation and
Recreational Trails Plan.
3. Safety
The Non-Motorized Transportation and Rccreational Trails Plan needs to recognize and
give high priority to fixing safety hot spots in its trail network.
For example, bicycles going south on thc Larry Scott Trail toward the "l'ri-Area often cxit
the Trail where it crosses under 5R20 and then cycle south along the SR 20 shoulder
(going the wrong way) to reach Frederick 5t and then Otto 51. Otto is a much more
pleasant for bicycling than 5R 20. Instead of making two left turns across SR 20 cyclists
go the wrong way along the east shoulder to reach Frederick S1. Cars turning right from
Frederick do not look tor bicycles coming from this dircction; instead they are looking
for open spots in the traffic on 5R 20. And northbound cars turning right off SR 20 onto
Fredrick also do not expect bicycles turning from this direction. This is a scrious safety
hazard.
Thc fix is to providc direct access to Otto S1. from the Larry Scott Trail one block further
north on where it intersects Glen Cove Road. Herc, a very short connecting trail could be
built for access. The county mayor may not have ownership of this access point, but the
amount of land required for a trail eascmcnt here is very small.
The local bicycling clubs would be aware of othcr safety hot spots that can be addressed.
4. Promoting and Encouraging Bicycle Transportation.
In Jefferson County, the corridor Tri-Area to Glen Covc to Port Townsend has the
heaviest traffle and also represents a suitable distance for long-distancc bicycle
commuting of up to 10 miles each direction. However, the high tramc volumes and
trame speeds on SR 19/20 discourages most bicyclists. Granted, the local bicycle club
3
sometimes rides this routc as part of its tours, but they are forced to ride this stretch to
access the lightly traveled rural roads further south in our county. Thcsc bicycle tourists
tend to ride in the middle of thc day whcn bcttcr visibility provides better safety. I havc
bicycled this section a number of times, but I usually avoid it bccause it is so unpleasant.
To encourage a widcr group of people to bicycle the Tri-Area to Glen Cove to Port
Townsend corridor, better facilities will have to be provided. Also note that most bicycle
commuters necd to be able to travel safely in the early morning and evening hours whcn
visibility is poor. Making bicycle transportation pleasant and attractivc must be one of
several components of a greenhouse gas reduction strategy.
Encouraging bicyclc transportation and commuting along this primary corridor requires
new facilities such as a multi-use trail or lower speed connecting roads suitable for both
bicycles and cars. Portions of these connecting roads already exist in Otto St., (through
Glen Cove) and Park Ridge Rd (through Woodland Hills. Currently these are excellent
and popular bicycling roads. But additional connections need to be made. One possibility
is a multi-use trail along the power line corridor from Park Ridge to the airport to Four
Corners Road. Addressing transportation in this critical corridor must become a high
priority in a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan.
In the 1980s and 1990s one of us (Peter Lauritzen) was living and working in the Scattle
area and commuted to work usually 8 to 12 miles round trip by bicycle year around rain
or shine. For several years I was commuting up to 30 miles a day every day round trip by
bicycle. And I knew a number of other colleagues who were also commuting 8 to 30
miles round trip by bicyele all year rain or shine. Safe and convenient bicyele routes are
what make such bicycle commuting possible. For my 30 mile round trip commute I was
on a multi-use trail hal I' the distance and for the rest I was on back roads and lightly
traveled arterials. I also had a place to shower and change clothes when I arrived at
work.
5. Bicycle Parking
Bicycle parking is omitted from the Plan, yet it is an essential component of bicycling for
transportation.
As part of a plan to encourage bicycling for transportation, one necds to address bicyclc
parking. All businesses, public agencies, and parks should be required to provide bicycle
parking. A spccification of the types ofbicyclc racks allowed is also essential to prevcnt
unaware managers from specifying and installing non-functional typcs of bicyele racks
that bicycle riders avoid using.
Page I of2
jeffbocc
From: Owen Fairbank [sofairbank@olympus.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2010702 PM
To: jeffbocc
Cc: Jim Pearson
Subject: 2010 Non-Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan update
Dear Commissioners-
I appreciate the thought and work that has gone into the draft update, and the increased emphasis on non-
motorized transportation (augmenting the recreation component), as this will become increasingly important as we
adapt to increasing oil prices and climatic changes. I urge the County to fully integrate transportation planning,
including non-motorized transportation, into overall land use planning and the update of the County's
Comprehensive Plan, and suggest that this goal be added to the 'General principles and goals' section of Chapter 8
of this update.
Herewith are some additional, more specific, suggestions:
Chapter 8 Goals, b:
Include preparation of one or more maps of off-road bicycle, equestrian, and water trails.
8.3 Bicycle systems- on and off-road:
Develop, map, and promote "ecotourism" bicycle routes to parks, local farms, and other attractions.
Chapter 8.3.a. On-road (bicycle) routes:
Include signage to guide touring bicyclists to and from the Ferry to the LST, ODT, and Fort Townsend State Park.
Chapter 8.3.a, standards and services, a.
Incorporate recent research regarding bicycle Level Of Service (LOS) in road evaluation, and planning.
Chapter 8.3.a, standards and services, h.
I really appreciate the guidelines for chip sealing in this section, and the attention the County has given bike lanes
in chip-sealing projects. Smaller crushed rock for chip sealing would be wonderful too. Now we need to get the
State to make this a priority also I
Chapter 8.5 Goal:
Consider adding increi'l~ed public access to marine shorelines to the goal.
standards & services: Inclusion of development of increased access to marine trails is great. Would it help to
identify specific shorelines such as Discovery Bay, Dabob Bay, Quilcene, and Coyle Peninsula for increased
saltwater access?
Chapter 11.4 Long range planning concepts, I propose the following ad djJlons:
- A recreational trail along the Dosewallips River from Dosewallips State Park to the Olympic National Park, within
the proposed expansion of the Dosewallips State Park outlined in their CAMP plan
- Connect the Irondale/Prospect Ave. area to 4-corners and the ODT along the south side of the airport property
- Connect the LST to N. Otto St. in Glen Cove so southbound trail users don't have to either cross HWY 20 or go
against vehicular traffic for 500' to get from the LST to Fredricks St. in Glen Cove (and thence to Fort Townsend
State Park). Important connection for local traffic and for tourists wishing to utilize camping facilities at
FTSP. There is an informal trail there now- see attached map.
Thank you for your consideration.
Owen Fairbank
508 Lawrence, Port Townsend
5117120 I 0
Page 2 of2
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Leslie Locke
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
David Sullivan
Monday, May 17, 2010 8:21 PM
Leslie Locke
FW: Non-motorized Plan
From, Scott walker[SMTP,WALKERS@OLYMPUS,NET]
Sent, Monday, May 17, 2010 5,06,01 PM
To: John Austin; Phil Johnson; David Sullivan
Subject: Non-motorized Plan
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Hi all,
I was not able to attend this morning's hearing on the update for the Non-motorized Plan.
My comments were presented by Peter Lauridsen and incorporated into those from the
Transportation Lab. I have some additional thoughts lid like to pass on to you.
Generally, the plan is fine for a recreation plan and will add to the growing facilities
we've been building the last few years. Where it lacks is perhaps in a more important
aspect. Non-motorized, or active transportation, must be part of envisioning, planning
and developing the entire transportation system. What we see now is itls being an adjunct
at best to transportation, and a significant component of recreation,
Without retelling in detail the litany of issues our culture is facing, I feel it
necessary to at least list those which have a significant cause in our transportation
system, investment, and mode choices. The list is: greenhouse gas emissions, peak oil,
wars for oil, parking shortages, polluted runoff into our waterways, suburban and
commercial sprawl, road maintenance budget problems, a chronically fat and unhealthy
citizenry, and more. In taking a holistic view of the list of problems and looking for a
common cause, the case is easy to make that building livability through walkable, bikable,
and transit =riendly transportation is a significant SILVER BUCKSHOT,
Where the plan needs upgrading is to require most every planning, maintenance,
construction, and development action as an opportunity to improve our livability.
Conversely, most of the investments we make in improving the environment for motoring will
become a stranded investment.
We canlt get to Kyoto by car, friends. We canlt create the community we want through
paving for more cars and parking. I know it1s a difficult walk you1re being asked to
take, but it is past time for a change in thinking. Welve been building transportation
through communities for 75 years and itls time to build community through transportation.
We need new thinking to get us to where we need to go.
For now, I recommend you support the update to the NMT plan as written. And then send
your staff back to create a vision for a future where access for people does not require
the use of a personal and single occupant vehicle. We can do that for less and create
more of what we want.
I would be happy to meet and talk with each of you about the things I learned this year's
annual Smart Growth conference where the Obama administration clearly stated that grant
funding will be targeted to those communities that "get It.1I
Yours,
Sco'::t
1