08/05/2002 - Special - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
August5,2002
The Port Orchard City Council and Kitsap County Commissioners met in joint session to hold a Special Study
Session. Mayor Weatherill called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM at City Hall, 216 Prospect Street.
Council members present: Rick Wyatt, Robert Geiger, John Clauson, Carolyn Powers, Ron Rider, and Todd
Cramer. Councilman Morrison excused.
County Commissioners present: Jan Angel, Chris Endressen, and Tim Botkin.
City and County staff present: City Engineer Larry Curies, City Planner Rob Wenman, City Clerk Pat Parks,
Kitsap County Administrator Malcolm Fleming, and Kitsap County Assistant Director of Community Development
Darryl Piercy.
Mayor Weatherill opened the meeting by stating the purpose of this session is to discuss future planning for the
South Kitsap area.
Commissioners Botkin and Endressen stated that the County has been addressing planning issues in the south
end and anticipate further efforts around the Port Orchard Urban Growth Area (UGA.) Commissioner Botkin
voiced that the process should look at the overall Port Orchard UGA and what it might look like instead of looking
at separate areas in a phased approach. Commissioner Endressen said planning is a high priced item and
stepping back from the phased approach to a combined overall process will give the best economy of scale.
Council members expressed concern and frustration with the sudden change in the planning process. Last fall
the City and County signed a Memorandum of Agreement setting forth a phased planning process schedule for
the areas west of the city limits. It seems that without discussion with City elected officials, the County has
changed to a combined planning process for this area.
Council members and the County Commissioners discussed past, present, and further planning processes for
areas in South Kitsap that are near or adjacent to Port Orchard.
Mayor Weatherill called for public comment from those present.
Richard Brown voiced concern with the change in the planning process. He described the efforts of a group that
has been working on Phase 2 for approximately 9 months. Private business has committed to a $55,000
contribution to help pay part of the $135,000 cost of Phase 2. This group was not notified of an impending change
in the planning process and questioned whether their work would be used.
Jerry Harless stated he lives in the area designated as the Phase 2 area. He agreed that the combined planning
process would be the best. He voiced opinion that phased planning violated four sections of the Growth
Management Act and is not consistent to the County's Camp Plan.
Fred Chang, City resident, stated that the Memorandum of Agreement did not have much community input.
Fred Depee, South Kitsap resident, agreed that the planning process should look at the whole map in one process
to determine what is best for the whole community. He also caution elected officials to not take the threat of an
appeal lightly.
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William Palmer spoke regarding the Urban Growth Areas on the east and west sides of the City. Mr. Palmer
voiced opinion that a west side UGA should be addressed first. However, if the City and County feel they must do
a combined planning process he urged the elected officials to approach the planning as a comprehensive plan
and expedite the process to avoid additional delays and costs to property owners and taxpayers.
Charlotte Garrido discussed the Manchester Rural Village Advisory Committee that was actively involved in the
Manchester area planning process. She stated using an advisory committee provided for a high level of
community input at a low budget cost. She also addressed the Bethel Corridor Plan describing it as the peoples'
plan because citizens had active participation.
Kim Abel, city resident, questioned when could the citizen learn what the planning process will be and will there be
opportunities for citizen input.
After much continued discussion between City and County elected officials, Mayor Weatherill assured the County
Commissioners and citizens that the City Council members will discuss the County's proposal to change the
planning process along with other relevant planning issues. The City will contact the County for further
discussions. The public will be notified when opportunities for input and discussion will be provided.
sian adjourned at 9:34 P.M.
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Patrrcia Parks, City Clerk