City Council Committee Agendas

City of Mount Vernon Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from May 20, 2015 Committee chairperson Joe Lindquist called the meeting to order. Present were Council members Dale Ragan, Mike Urban, Mark Hulst, Ken Quam and Mayor Jill Boudreau. City staff members Bob Hyde, Rebecca Lowell, Ana Chesterfield and Esco Bell were also in attendance. Council members Bob Fiedler and Gary Molenaar were absent. Kevin Murphy, Executive Director, Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG); Ellen Gamson, Downtown Mount Vernon Association; Jeff McGinness, Downtown Mount Vernon Association; Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki were also present. Minutes: Mr. Hulst moved, second by Ken Quam, to approve the minutes from March 18, 2015. Motion carried. SIRTPO Update: Mayor Boudreau provided an overview of the Skagit Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SIRTPO). The purpose of this organization is to plan for regional transportation needs collaboratively between Skagit and Island counties. The Washington State GMA created Regional Transportation Planning Organizations in 1990 and is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The SIRTPO is operating under an agreement created in 1993. Recent challenges have resulted in some members separating from the organization. Concrete and Lyman have yet to vote but without them the organization dissolves. Mr. Murphy stated the agreement is outdated and Skagit County is proposing new structure that would allow multiple counties to join. County Commissioner Janicki stated she would like to streamline the decision making process with fewer meetings. She understands Island County’s position but will support Skagit County. A new agreement has been proposed to Island County which will go before Island County’s cities for a vote. Proposed Amendments to Engineering Fees and Permits Continued: Mrs. Chesterfield provided fee comparisons from other local municipalities. Staff is proposing fee changes for Fill and Grade permits, plan review, re-inspections; and the addition of two new permits for stormwater and land clearing. The fees proposed are based on the International Building Code hourly rate of $75.00. This hourly rate is consistent with actual cost of staff time. The proposal asks for a monetary charge for plan review on the third revision and $75.00 per hour re-inspection fee. The increased fee will help to offset the time staff spends on plan review for multiple revisions and inspections. Staff is also proposing the addition of two new permits for stormwater and land clearing for parcels with less than 5,000 board feet of timber. A similar fee comparison was provided for subdivisions proposing a plan review fee of $75.00 per hour after two revisions; and a fee of $75.00 per hour for re- inspections. Staff was directed to provide a draft ordinance for Council next month. 401 E. College Way Covenant Discussion Continued: The City has been approached by a developer to waive a covenant that restricts non-retail uses on a parcel located at the northeast corner of College Way and Riverside Drive for the purpose of constructing a 2,000 square foot retail building. An analysis of the property performed by John Mitzel, a commercial real estate consultant, states leasing of small storefront retail has been very slow over the past several years, and any new quality project would be a positive for the City. Staff was directed to bring an agreement to Council for action next month. Page 1 of 3 Downtown Parking Enforcement: Ellen Gamson, Downtown Mount Vernon Association, stated they have talked with the downtown business owners regarding employees that use parking spaces intended for customers. She feels if the penalty for repeat offenders included towing or disabling the vehicle it may discourage the repeat offenders. Ms. Gamson also stated they are exploring at their options. The fine for the first parking ticket is $20.00. It increases by $5.00 for the 4th , 5th and 6th ticket. On the 7th ticket it is increased to $50.00. Discussion from Council included increasing the parking limit from 2 to 3 hours and increasing the parking fines. Mr. Lindquist recommends updating the fine schedule. Mr. Hulst noted the City leases the parking lot north of the westside bridge for downtown parking. Coffee Shop Update: Mr. Hyde provided a brief background of the former Teamster Union building that will house a coffee shop and a public restroom facility. Woods Coffee has proposed a 5 year lease with 5 year options. The City Attorney is currently working on an agreement with Woods Coffee. Council will review the proposed agreement after the bid for remodeling the building is in. Proposed Code Amendments: Preliminary Plat Extensions: Staff is proposing adding a one year and three year extension. Both will be reviewed by Council and subject to comply with newer regulations. A three year extension will require a development agreement. Sign Code: Proposed amendments to the sign code would allow a second free standing sign in commercial zones that about two street frontages. The signs must be 150 feet apart, cannot exceed 36 square feet in size, or exceed 15 feet in height. The other amendment to the sign code is the adoption of the Washington State Liquor Control Board’s regulations on alcohol advertising. This restricts the amount of alcohol advertisement displayed on a store. It will also aid code enforcement with respect to sign code violations. Planning Commission Meeting Time: Over the past few years staff has published special notices to allow Planning Commission to begin their meetings at 6:00 p.m. versus 7:00 p.m. as cited in the municipal code. Fees in Chapter 19.35: Staff is proposing to recover costs associated with the plat extensions such as site plan review and publishing costs. Additionally, under Code Enforcement it should be noted the State assessments will also apply. Staff will present Council with a draft ordinance on the amendments referenced above on June 24th. Comprehensive Plan Update Public Participation: Mrs. Lowell provided an update on public participation of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. In addition to forming an advisory committee a survey has been posted to the City website for local input. Mrs. Lowell and Mr. Hyde have also performed the SWOT exercise with four Mount Vernon High School classes. There will be a hand out soon in the utility bills. Page 2 of 3 Land Use Element, Population and Employment Projections: Mrs. Lowell provided projections for employment, population and homes for the period between 2014 through 2036. Based on these projections the City can fit its’ entire population within the city limits. There is no need to expand the UGA. Miscellaneous: Following a brief discussion on the timing of the round-about construction and the Cascade West Apartment building construction the meeting adjourned. Page 3 of 3