City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Economic Development Committee Minutes from June 19, 2013 Chairperson Joe Lindquist called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Present were Council members Bob Fiedler, Dale Ragan, Mark Hulst, Gary Molenaar, Mike Urban, Ken Quam and Mayor Jill Boudreau. Staff members present included Jana Hanson, Rebecca Lowell, Ana Chesterfield, Alicia Huschka, Kevin Rogerson and Jerry Dodd. Minutes: Mr. Urban moved, second by Mr. Ragan, to approve the minutes from February 20, 2013 as presented. Motion carried. Sign Code: Using a power point presentation Mrs. Lowell highlighted the amendment process on the sign code over the past 16 months. The City’s sign code has not been significantly updated for 24 years. Sign codes are more difficult to design and amend due to strict legal standards. Mrs. Lowell outlined the process which included the docket date, meetings with the Planning Commission, Main Street Design Committee, and the Downtown Association. Staff has also reached out to the Chamber and two local sign companies. The draft code is also on the City’s website. Included in the amendment are an expanded purpose and objectives, and definitions. Allowance of one additional sign in the C-2 zone is being recommended under specific criteria. For special event signs staff recommendation is to permit the organization to display signage 4 times per year for 10 days. Currently, the code only allows twice per year. Political signs fall under the First Amendment right to free speech, and must be considered very carefully. Additional language has been created for temporary signs and those posted on private and public property. Mr. Rogerson will be working on the legal review of this code so there may be changes from this draft version. Presently, staff anticipates an open record public hearing before Planning Commission on July 16th with a possible continuation to August 6th. The open record public hearing before City Council is tentatively scheduled for August 14th. Discussion ensued primarily on temporary signs that are commonly referred to and include banners, blade and windsocks. Mrs. Hanson stated owners of the businesses that display these types of temporary signs have attended meetings and are aware enforcement to remove them is imminent. There was also discussion on electronic, portable and political signs. Complaints have been received on one recently installed electronic sign. Additional language has been drafted addressing electronic signage. Page 1 of 3 Due to time constraints it was decided to table further discussion on the sign code amendment to a future committee meeting. Parklets: Prompted by local restaurants, Trumpeter Restaurant and the Empire Ale House, staff has researched the Parklet Program. A parklet is a raised platform built at sidewalk and curb level within one or two parking spaces and commonly used as an outdoor eating area. It must also be easily removed. The installation of the parklet is paid by the business. A few cities within our area have a parklet pilot program. This would require a code amendment and applications would be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Committee and the Community and Economic Development Department. Placement would occur on side streets only for a one year pilot program. The Trumpeter Restaurant submitted an application for a long term right of way permit to use parking spaces adjacent to their building on Main Street for outdoor dining. This application was reviewed and approved by the Traffic Safety Committee. This permit can be approved administratively unless Council wishes to comment. Council has requested to review their application but allow for an administrative approval. Following discussion on safety and liability issues it was decided to re-visit the parklet program after completion of the Phase II Downtown Waterfront project. Resolution 491: Mrs. Hanson and Mr. Rogerson briefed the Council on the intent and purpose of Resolution No. 491 Adopting a Public Participation Program. Mr. Urban inquired about the process involving the amendments to the C-4 zone; specifically why it was returned to the Planning Commission after the Council reviewed it. Staff explained following Council review and denial of the amendment in 2012 Council directed staff to docket the amendment for additional revision in 2013. This involves going back through the Planning Commission process of review, hearings and a recommendation to Council. Annexation Request: Food Services, Inc. 17857 McLean Road, are proposing adding two buildings; one 10,000 square feet and one 20,000 square foot building plus a retail component. The County will not allow expansion of their existing business so they have requested annexation into the City. The zoning would become C-2, General Commercial. Staff was directed to move forward with the annexation process. Page 2 of 3 Plat Extension: With passage of House Bill 1074 the State Legislation has granted another year extension to preliminary plats. In the past the City has included short plats and binding site plans with these extensions. Staff was directed to draft an ordinance allowing the one year extension for short plats and binding site plans to present to Council. Miscellaneous: A draft jail facility use agreement between the City and Skagit County on the proposed jail was presented to Council. Mrs. Huschka stated that this is a first review of the document and that the goal was for all cities and the County to take action on the agreement prior to ballots being mailed for the August 6th election. She summarized sections of the agreement and recommended further discussion at the next Council committee meeting. Mrs. Hanson provided updates on Rite Aid and Hobby Lobby. Rite Aid is scheduled to begin construction soon and Hobby Lobby is waiting on the Dollar Store to complete their improvements before beginning their tenant improvement of the former GI Joe’s. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. Page 3 of 3