HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-11 City Council Minutes Approved GSSY Off'. City Council Study Session Minutes—January 11, 2010 9cog At 7:30 p.m. Mayor Maxwell called the regularly scheduled study session of January 11, 2010 to order. Kevin McKeown, Nick Petrish, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Bill Turner, Cynthia Richardson and Brian Geer were present. School District Maintenance Levy Anacortes School District Superintendent Chris Borgen presented an overview of the 2010 replacement maintenance and operations levy the District is proposing to the voters this winter. Ballots will be mailed out on January 22, 2010 and must be returned no later than February 9, 2010. Mr. Borgen summarized what the District is presenting to the voters. The levy requests a fixed annual amount of $6.8M for each of the next four years with no escalator. This is a replacement levy to continue the funding from the levy passed by the voters four years ago that is about to run out so will not increase taxes over the current level. The levy is for maintenance and operations only, no capital expenditures and is not a construction bond. Mr. Borgen explained that the District has already made budget cuts due to cuts in state funding and has tried to do that as far from the classroom as possible. He said state and federal funding levels for the next few years remain in question. The District is working hard to pursue private and foundation grants as well. Mr. Petrish asked how property devaluations would affect the levy. District Financial Officer Lisa Matthews explained that voters approve a fixed levy amount that is then divided over the total assessed value in town regardless of whether that value goes up or down. Completed ballots may be mailed or dropped off in the drop box behind the Anacortes Public Library any time through February 9, 2010. For more information the public is welcome to contact Mr. Borgen at 293-1200 (cborgen@asd103.org) or access the ASD 103 website (www.anacortes.kl2.wa.us/district/levy). Anacortes Historic Preservation Board Presentation Anacortes Historic Preservation Board chairperson Susan Rooks updated Council on the work of the Board during the past year and its agenda for 2010. 2009 accomplishments included the Researching Your House History workshop on January 24, 2009 with over 80 participants, the House History and Plaque program, the revised and expanded AHPB website which has been very popular and has provided frequently downloaded articles, and the 2009 Survey which continued the inventory of historic buildings; 106 homes were added to the State database this year including 60 homes south of 12th Street. Also in 2009 four properties were added to the Anacortes Register of Historic Places (the Carnegie Library, the Depot, Causland Park and the W.T. Preston snagboat) and five new interpretive panels have been designed and created and are being installed using County funds from the Apex Warehouse demolition. Ms. Rooks thanked Parks Director Gary Robinson, Museum staff members Terry Slotemaker and Evelyn Adams, School Superintendent Chris Borgen and School Board Chair Kris Lytton, and AHPB members Jim Young and Jean Oakley for all their work on the panel project. Ms. Rooks introduced the other members of the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board: Rob Harrison, Jim Young, Susan Fahey, adjunct member Jean Oakley and Museum Director Steve Oakley. Ms. Rooks thanked outgoing board member Steve Cox. Ms. Rooks then announced the 2010 initiatives that will be undertaken by the AHPB: completing the inventory of pre-1940 buildings (approximately 300) with the help of a consultant to be hired using a grant from DAHP, a workshop on energy conservation in older homes, another workshop on Researching Your Old Home, and continuing work on the Handbook of Anacortes House Styles. The first chapter has been completed. Ongoing programs include the preservation awards program, the Anacortes Register of Historic Places, the House History and Plaque program, the website, and possibly additional interpretive panels. Mr. McKeown praised the interpretive panels and asked about their expected life. Ms. Rooks said they are designed to be durable but that the Board has set aside funds for sign maintenance. Mayor Maxwell noted that the signs are made locally by Anchor Signs. Mr. Turner asked if the Building Department notifies the AHPB when historic houses are going to be remodeled. Mrs. Rooks said the Board does not generally get involved with remodels but is notified about demolitions so they can contact property owners to discuss options for adaptive re-use of buildings or building materials. Mr. Turner suggested that the AHPB might be able to help a property owners remodel in keeping with their home's era and style. Ms. Anacortes City Council Study Session Minutes January 11, 2010 1 Rooks noted that the Handbook is designed to do exactly that and stated that the Board is happy to assist with such projects. Mr. Geer thanked the Board and asked where residents should send old family photos that show historic buildings. Ms. Rooks said by all means bring them to the Anacortes Museum. Mrs. Pickett complimented the Board for its ambitious accomplishments. Mrs. Richardson asked when the Board will inventory the commercial buildings downtown. Ms. Rooks said the historic preservation consultant will include commercial facades in the report coming out later this month and that the Board is very interested in providing reference resources for property owners interested in restoring commercial properties. Mr. Adams thanked the Board for looking at historic properties south of 12th Street and asked if the Board is working outside the City limits at all. Ms. Rooks said the inventory focuses on the City but anyone on Fidalgo Island is welcome to use the Museum and website resources. Mrs. Richardson noted several books have been published in the past decade that address Skagit County history and historic properties. Mrs. Pickett noted that the many mills in town influenced the finishes used in period houses; Ms. Rooks concurred. Mayor Maxwell thanked the Board for its work. Recreation Program Update Recreation Manager Dustin South and Recreation Coordinator Nicole Johnston provided an overview of the many recreation programs offered by the Parks & Recreation Department. Special events coming up include the 6th annual Daddy Daughter Dance, Bark in the Park on June 26th and the Art Dash in July. Youth enrichment activities include Messy Me for toddlers, Survivor Day Camp at Washington Park and the tumbling program at City Hall. Family events include summer outdoor movies and the family camp out at Washington Park. Teen events include Skatefest and the Limousine Scavenger Hunt. Special events include the Sunset Loop 10-mile Relay Run and the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt in March, the Kids Fishing Derby in June which is supported by the Puget Sound Anglers, Kids-R-Best Fest in July which is supported by many businesses and service clubs in town, and the Mt. Erie Road and Trail Run in October. Youth programs include the pee wee sports program for kids 4-6 years old, the very popular youth sailing program that takes place each summer, and sports camps including soccer, wrestling, basketball, volleyball and skateboarding. School breaks feature Fun Weeks that include activities such a swimming, bowling, movies and ceramics. Youth golf will be offered again this summer. Adult programs include tai chi and yoga, drop in volleyball, pickle ball, table tennis and weightlifting, 50 and over kayaking, women's self-defense, dog obedience, and co-ed softball. Youth sport leagues include boys and girls basketball, co-ed volleyball, youth track and field, boys and girls soccer. Youth sports leagues promote the message "athletes first, winning second." Guest participant Baylee South spoke enthusiastically about the many youth recreation programs she has participated in including sports camp, basketball league, soccer, softball, track and field, co-ed volleyball and sailing. She said her favorite activity is Kids-R-Best Fest. Ms. South thanked the City for the great programs offered. Mr. Geer stated that the high quality of the recreation programs is what brings out the participants and thanked Mr. South and Ms. Johnston for their work. Mr. Adams noted that other communities have cut recreation programs in the current economy but Anacortes remains committed to Parks & Recreation. Mrs. Pickett expressed appreciation that so many wonderful programs can be offered with just two full time staff. Mr. South thanked the many volunteer instructors and coaches who make the programs possible. Mrs. Richardson praised staff's ability to recruit and use volunteers effectively. There being no further business, at approximately 8:45 p.m. Mayor Maxwell adjourned the regularly scheduled study session of January 11, 2010. Anacortes City Council Study Session Minutes January 11, 2010 2