City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Economic Development Committee Minutes from August 21, 2013 Councilmember Joe Lindquist called the meeting to order. Present were Council members Dale Ragan, Gary Molenaar, Mike Urban, Bob Fiedler, Mark Hulst and Mayor Jill Boudreau. Staff members included Jana Hanson, Rebecca Lowell, Rick Prosser, Christine Love-Johnson, Steve Riggs, Jerry Dodd and Roy Hari. Minutes: Mr. Hulst moved, second by Mr. Molenaar, to approve the minutes from June 19, 2013 as presented. Motion carried. Sign Code Update: Mrs. Lowell began with a brief background. The last update to the sign code was 24 years ago. Staff and the Planning Commission have been working on the sign code for 18 months. Staff provided Council an update on the June 19th EDC meeting. Due to limited time in the meeting on the 19th Council requested this item be brought back for Committee discussion. Mrs. Lowell highlighted sections being proposed: electronic signage and temporary signs. Proposed changes to the electronic signage would regulate the level of illumination so as to prevent hazard to pedestrians and drivers. Temporary signs have different tiers. They are evaluated to be either commercial or free speech; located on public or private property. Mrs. Lowell also provided an overview of the amendments staff has worked on to date. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the proposed amendments to the sign code. Mr. Fiedler inquired if the City would adopt the State Liquor Control Board regulations pertaining to window signage. Mrs. Lowell stated yes, it will be adopted by reference in the City’s municipal 17.87.040, O, General Provisions Applicable to all Signs. Mr. Molenaar commented on large real estate signs. Mrs. Lowell stated they cannot exceed 8 square feet. She has been working with local realtors on this section of the sign code. Discussion regarding the use of specific language followed. Something like professionally designed may be too restrictive to enforce. Language for electronic message centers will also be amended so as not to be too bright or distracting. Staff will provide Council with alternative language and a map illustrating locations of existing electronic signs and minor arterials. Discussion on temporary signs ensued. Mrs. Lowell explained signs expressing free speech are protected by the First Amendment. Political signs are to be removed 10 days following event or election. The new code will increase temporary signs to be displayed 4 times per year for 10 days versus the current code which allows twice per year for 2 weeks. Mrs. Hanson stated staff has communicated with the Chamber and the Downtown Association the proposed amendments. Committee review of the proposed changes to the sign code will continue at the EDC meeting scheduled October 16th. Page 1 of 3 Building Code Update: Mr. Prosser explained the City must adopt new updates every 3 years as mandated by the State. A draft ordinance with the amendments was provided in Committee packets for review. The biggest changes are the fee schedule from 1994 UBC to 1997 UBC, and the Energy Code. Some minor changes include fences less than 7’ exempt and carbon monoxide detectors are required for new or remodeled single family residences. Staff was directed to present the ordinance at the Council meeting in September. Transportation Concurrency Code Amendment MVMC 14.10: Staff is proposing language be added to this chapter of the municipal code to clarify existing buildings or developments are calculated the difference should new development generate more traffic trips than the original development did so only the new trips will be added into the traffic review. Staff was directed to present the ordinance with the proposed language at the next Council meeting. Planned Unit Development: A brief discussion was held on PUDs; specifically on acreage required, lot size and if there has been any PUD applications. There hasn’t been a PUD application in several years. Mr. Urban stated he would like to discuss this at a later date. Urban Farming: A request was recently received to allow miniature goats within the City. Discussion on allowing as a temporary use followed. The consensus of the Council was it is not an appropriate use within the City. Jail Review Process Update: Mrs. Hanson provided a presentation which outlined the background and process for the proposed Skagit County Jail siting. Discussion ensued regarding whether Council is the appropriate governing body to choose a location for the proposed jail. Mrs. Hanson explained as part of the EIS, Comprehensive Plan, rezone and Essential Public Facility (EPF) process, the City is a decision maker in the facility’s siting as it will be located within the City limits. Innovation Partnership Zone Progress Update: The Innovation Partnership Zone, or IPZ, is an economic tool developed by former Governor Gregoire which involves clusters of businesses that benefit each other. Local agencies and businesses began the partnership in February. A marketing tool referred to as ‘branding’ specific to our area will provide state, national and global recognition. As agriculture is Skagit Valley’s number 1 industry the IPZ focuses on merging agriculture and high tech sectors in the area. Three recent businesses added to the IPZ are Provitro Business, Farm Power and Skagit Valley Malting. EDASC will be the administrator. The next step is the application process and development of a Business and Economic Impact Analysis which is underway. There is an oral presentation September 19th and designations will be made on October 1st. Permit Activity: Page 2 of 3 Building activity continues to increase, both residential and commercial. Due to time constraints and the Fire Department’s agenda items remaining item #10 Bridge Collapse Mitigation Marketing was cancelled, and the Economic Development Committee meeting concluded. Page 3 of 3