Planning Commission

City of Mount Vernon Planning Commission Study Session Minutes from April 17, 2012 The study session began at 6:00 pm. Present were Mayor Jill Boudreau, Planning Commission members Linda Piazza, Al Lyon, Tom Waller, Fred Clark, Tom Twedt, Donnie Keltz and Denny Legro. Staff member Jana Hanson was also present. Minutes: No action was taken on the minutes from March 20, 2012. Swearing in new Planning Commission members: Mayor Boudreau administered the oath of office to new members Fred Clark and Thomas Waller. Study Session: Role of the Planning Commission: Mayor Boudreau welcomed the Commission members and asked that they share their thoughts, concerns, ideas on their roles as Planning Commission members. Mr. Lyon commended staff for making the job easier by their availability and providing informative material. Mr. Twedt agreed, stating he has enjoyed the relationship and contributing towards the long and short term plans for the City. He feels the management style is admirable and he is surrounded by good people. Mayor Boudreau asked the members about any issues coming up such as the direction of development. Mrs. Piazza voiced concern about the Cherry Point development and the increased rail traffic with respect to impeding emergency vehicles. Mr. Waller stated the 4th Street viaduct will likely be used as an alternate route. A plan is needed to modify traffic flow. Mayor Boudreau stated she attended a state transportation commission meeting where she was the only city to bring up Burlington Northern Railroad. The issue with increased rail traffic is complex and the City needs to have a voice at the table to ensure we are not losing mitigation opportunities. Mrs. Hanson stated an application from Gateway Pacific Terminal has been accepted by Whatcom County. The process requires both SEPA and NEPA, which is the national environmental review and through NEPA economic impacts can be considered. The process also invites public and other agencies to comment. The City will have a voice. The schedule shows that the EIS will be completed in 2013 but that may be ambitious. Page 1 of 3 Discussion on the downtown revitalization ensued. Mrs. Hanson stated demolition is scheduled this summer with construction to begin next year. Mr. Lyon asked if there is funding for another phase. Mayor Boudreau stated they are looking at funding for the 3rd phase. She would like to do Phases II and III together. Mr. Lyon inquired when downtown would be out of the flood plain. Mrs. Hanson stated after the completion of Phase III and the wall is certified. Phase II ends at the Moose Lodge and Phase III ends at the treatment plant. Mayor Boudreau reported new drawings have been created and signs will be installed at Don Gordon’s building at First and Kincaid, and the Carnation Building. (The new drawings were shared with the members.) She added she also was able to share the drawings with Senator Haugen at the transportation meeting. Mrs. Hanson announced State legislators approved a total of $1,500,000.00. This bridges the gap needed to begin Phase II. Another grant is anticipated for the plaza. Mr. Lyon asked if the buildings on Main Street had been purchased. Mrs. Hanson stated yes. The funds received by the State this session are slated for construction. Mayor Boudreau added they are committed to complete Phase II by 2013. Mr. Lyon commented on those businesses who will want to improve their buildings as a result of the revitalization; which in turn will improve commerce in downtown. Mayor Boudreau mentioned businesses may post the drawings and photos on their buildings if they wish. Mr. Waller spoke about artists painting 3-D designs on buildings as part of a beautification project. Mr. Clark stated he is very impressed with the drawings. A discussion regarding the role the City has with the school district ensued. Mrs. Piazza expressed concern over the bullying and gang related activity at the high school. Mayor Boudreau stated the City participates with the Leadership Group along with Mount Vernon School district superintendent Dr. Carl Bruner and Gregg Davidson, CEO of Skagit Valley Hospital. The City is supportive through the police department and other levels but has no other authority role. The City and the school district are in partnership to promote Mount Vernon. Page 2 of 3 Mrs. Piazza spoke of national scores and the reflection it places on the local schools with regards to potential buyers seeking to re-locate. Mr. Twedt stated school is a huge issue. He has had good experience with the school and teachers. He feels it’s the bureaucracy and it should be more integrated. Mayor Boudreau summarized the topics by comparing the study session to the Mayor’s coffee hour held each week – you never know what people are going to talk about. Mr. Waller inquired how successful the outdoor movies advertised this summer will be. Mrs. Hanson stated the one in Bellingham is a lot of fun and a big hit. Mayor Boudreau re-iterated the Planning Commission represents the City, and she looks forward to good discussion and talent from the role of the Planning Commissioners. Mrs. Hanson reminded the members that discussion on the amendments to the sign code and the C-4 zone (Neighborhood Commercial) will be on the agenda for the next meeting scheduled for May 1st. There was a brief discussion on the local economy. Mr. Legro and Mrs. Piazza spoke of seeing an upswing. Mr. Lyon brought up flood insurance costs and absentee owners who don’t care about the appearance of their buildings. He is looking forward to the revitalization of downtown. Mr. Waller inquired if there are laws to make property owners maintain their buildings. Mayor Boudreau stated there are design guidelines but they are not mandatory. The City will have ownership of properties along the waterfront and will have significant control over how these properties are developed. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. Page 3 of 3