TOWN OF FRIDAY HARBOR

Paid parking proposed for Friday Harbor

posted 06/05/2009
A quick trip to King's Market in downtown Friday Harbor could include walking to the nearest parking kiosk to pay for your parking space first, if a proposal by some business owners is adopted. Eddie Williams, owner of the Hot Shop, outlined the plan at the Friday Harbor Town Council meeting Thursday, June 4, 2009.

Phase I of the plan has the town leasing the former Browne's lumber site on Spring Street for use as a free parking lot. Williams said it makes sense to use the property for a parking lot "it's virtually worthless for development purposes." He said it's common knowledge the soil is contaminated from leakage from the neighboring business.

Phase II includes the revenue producing aspect of the proposal. The town would purchase 15 5-foot high kiosks which would be placed on the sidewalks. People would purchase parking time for their space from the ticket dispensing machines placed in the kiosks. The 400 spaces in town which are currently marked as two-hour or 30-minute spaces would be included in the plan.

Councilmember Carrie Brooks said, "For financial reasons, we should do phase II as soon as possible after phase I. We have been looking for a funding source for streets forever."

Brooks said, "We have restaurants, whale watch, movies, diving, very few of those can you get out in two hours. This makes much more sense. People would know how many hours. They could put more in. If they do get a ticket then they deserve it."

Councilmember Anna Maria de Freitas said, "I would want to look at other models. We want to be friendly to our visitors."

Councilmember Carrie Lacher said, "I have a lot of concerns. I appreciate it's an issue the merchants have been struggling with for a while. It's adding a whole other department to the town. Fundamentally changes our ambience. It's my understanding the 2-hour time limit was established from the business community. If it needs to be changed, that's a conversation we might need to sit down and have.

Mayor David Jones wondered why no one in the private sector purchased the property and ran a parking lot if it was such a money maker. He didn't like the idea of the town taking a risk by investing money in the machines. He suggested the item be placed on the agenda three meetings from now.

The idea of multiple uses for the property since a building remains on the property was brought up. County Councilmember Lovel Pratt was at the meeting and explained the planning underway for a permanent farmers market. The number one choice for a location is the historic building on Nichols Street which houses Guard Electric. The Land Bank has included $600,000 in its budget towards the project. The Browne Lumber site is a possibility.

Councilmember Noel Monin suggested the parking supporters work with the farmers market group before the proposal is discussed again with the council.

Council asks for more figures

posted 05/20/04
Friday Harbor Town Council turned down Mayor Gary Boothman’s suggestion to pay for another study of the feasibility of the town purchasing Browne Lumber’s Spring Street property. Instead the councilmembers asked town staff during the May 6, 2004 council meeting to review the figures in the Economic Development Council report and report back to them.

"We’ve already paid $2,000 for this study," said Councilmember Debbie Emery. "Investing more money to see if these numbers are right makes me nervous. If town staff could see what these numbers look like, I would feel much better. Already we are talking about investing a lot of money and we have people in our community asking for other things like sidewalks."

She also asked if using $100,000 of the town’s Rainy Day fund as part of the down payment was an appropriate use of the fund. Town Treasurer Wendy Picinich said the fund was set up for emergencies.

Boothman disagreed saying it could be used for council projects.

Emery wondered how much it would cost to ready the building for occupancy by a tenant. Boothman said, "It seems usable without a whole lot of work."

Councilmember David Jones suggested Town Administrator King Fitch put together cost estimates for paving the parking lot. "I'd like King to look at all the costs and see if they make sense," he said.

Councilmember Carrie Brooks said, "I think we have too much of a history in the islands with missed opportunties. I want it to pay its way too. I love the idea of what it could be." She questioned the lack of figures for insurance, management and maintenance. The idea of creating a subcommittee to "get real figures" was an excellent idea, she said.

Councilmember Wally Gillette said the EDC study was a milestone. "I think this study is very good." He suggested the next step was for the town to negotiate a price with the Browne family. The price would be locked in for a specific amount of time, while the town contacts the Chamber of Commerce and the National Park Service. "We could say if we purchase this, would you lease this and do all the improvements yourself."

Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld said, "As enthusiastic as I am to see this happen, I am skeptical. There are too many assumptions here." If the town had a partner in the project, it might work, he said.

Boothman said the Port of Friday Harbor Commissioners had not shut the door on partnering with the town. He thought a joint meeting with the council and the port would be beneficial. "I talked with (Port Commissioner) Greg Hertel," he said. " It would take some more arm twisting. The door is not locked shut, but I don’t want to be overly confident."

Economic Development Council Director Richard Civille and Boothman presented the study to the Port Commissioners in March. "They had a lot of questions," Boothman said. "Greg was the one most inclined to look at as partnership."

The Port Commissioners turned down the project after hearing the report. Asked at the May 12, 2004 port meeting about the port’s interest in the project, Hertel confirmed the port was not interested. The numbers presented did not show the project was feasible, he said. "I thought we made it clear to the Mayor and Richard," he said.

The Port Commissioners will attend the May 20, 2004 council meeting. Discussion topics include a shoreline hearing permit to enclose the port’s Spring Street Landing Building. The Intermodal plan developed in the 1990s will also be discussed.

Port not convinced by EDC report

posted 04/14/04
Friday Harbor Town Council will review, at their April 15 meeting, the final report on the feasibility of the town purchasing Browne lumber's Spring Street property. Friday Harbor Port Commissioners were not convinced the project made economic sense after they heard a preliminary report from Richard Civille in March.

Civille, the county Economic Development Council Director, wrote the report. The $4,000 cost was split between the port and the town. "We went into this as a look-see," said Port Commissioner Mike Ahrenius. "There is nothing binding on us to go forward. I don’t see the port going much farther than this."

The report included plans for 3,000 square feet of office space, a parking lot and a farmers' market. The income for the project would come from leases for parking spaces, office space and the farmers market.

Port Commissioner Greg Hertel said the port is prohibited by state law from running parking lots.

Port Commissioner Brian Calvert raised questions about the farmers market paying for their space. He noted they pay nothing now to use the courthouse parking lot on Saturdays.

Civille said in other places in the state, farmers pay 6 percent of their gross sales for the lease. He estimated the current $200,000 annually earned at the San Juan Island farmers' market could grow to $500,000 or $750,000 a year. He said he hadn't met with the farmers to discuss the project.

The proposal included multi-use of the site. Mayor Gary Boothman, who has been the driving force behind the project, said there was interest from the community in a community market. The farmers market would be expanded to include small businesses.

Calvert wondered about business owners reactions to the plan. "How are your constitents, who own small businesses and pay taxes, going to feel about the government subsidized low overhead business?"

Boothman said business owners could rent booth space at the market. As an example he mentioned Friday Harbor Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld whose shop is on Web Street. He could take some of his marine artwork and sell it at the Spring Street location, Boothman said. "People with established businesses are more concerned about parking. They see the parking as an advantage rather than see the subsidized (market) as a problem," Boothman said.

Civille suggested the port consider signing a resolution in support of the project.

Calvert said, "I wouldn’t support a resolution. There is a real burden of proof to show any reason to go further."

Hertel said, "We are happy to participate in things where we can see a clear benefit for the community."

Calvert added: "A benefit to the community that covers its own expense."

Browne lumber purchase feasible according to EDC

posted 03/23/04
It is economically feasible for the town to purchase Browne Lumber property according to a preliminary report from San Juan County Economic Development Council Director Richard Civille. The town would be in the black by $1,482 per month. The figure includes a $2,000 monthly contribution from the town.

The purpose of the $4,000 study was to assess the feasibility of the Town of Friday Harbor and the Port of Friday Harbor purchasing the property and generating enough income through leases to cover the costs. "The news is pretty good," Civille said. "It looks like it could be financially sustainable over time." The property has mixed use potential, he said. The farmers market could move down from the courthouse parking lot.

Jim Lawrence, Lainey Sundberg and other representative of the farmers market spoke to the Port Commissioners last month about the group's desire for a covered space for the market. The Browne Lumber property would be ideal, they said. Port Commissioner Brian Calvert asked how much the group currently pays for its use of the courthouse parking lot. The group pays nothing, but might consider paying something for the use of the Browne property.

If the farmers market was located in the downtown core, more business would be generated for downtown shops, Civille said. Shoppers would be more likely to continue shopping since they were already downtown instead of up at the Courthouse.

Civille said the Olympic Farmers Market was given a permanent site from its city and port five years ago. The market now generates $3 million in sales annually, he said.

He estimates the purchase price of the Browne property at $1.4 million with an additional $139,800 in development fees. The preliminary report did not include any money for maintance. It also didn't take into account the loss of approximately $1,500 in property taxes to the town. It also did not include the loss of tax revenue to the port. The property owners currently pay a total of approximately $12,000 in property tax.

The town has $334,000 available for the project according to Civille. That amount includes: $131,000 from in lieu of parking fees (fees paid by developers instead of providing parking spaces); $141,000 from hotel/motel funds; $112,000 earmarked for a land purchase and $284,000 from miscellaneous. The estimates did not include any contribution from the Port of Friday Harbor.

Leasing of some of the more than 160 parking spaces available on the property and of the 3,000 square foot office space would generate monthly income of $5,000. The town could also contribute the the $167 it now pays each month to lease three parking spaces for employees. The lease for the market place would bring in $1,500 per month, according to the preliminary report. The town would also contribute $2,000 each month.

The final report will be presented to Friday Harbor Town Council in April. Civille will update the Port of Friday Harbor at their March 24, 2004 meeting.

$4K for study of Browne Lumber building

posted 12-19-03
Town of Friday Harbor is ready to spend $2,000 on a study to see if the business community supports additional parking fees and/or sales tax to help purchase Browne Lumber’s building on Spring Street. The study will determine the feasibility of using the site for parking and providing a Pike’s Place type market for local cottage industries. The Port of Friday Harbor has also agreed to spend $2,000 on the study.

Town Council members directed staff to draw up a contract with the Economic Development Council to study the issue. EDC Director Richard Civille will determine if the project could be funded by a combination of funds from a parking improvement district (PID), a public development authority (PDA), grants and leases. A PID would obtain revenue from fees imposed on businesses in the district’s boundaries. The PDA could be funded through an increased sales tax.

Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld questioned the wisdom of spending the money on a study. "Are we serious about trying to hold utility rates? $2,000 here and there adds up," he said. "How much do we need to find to lower the increase?"

Councilmember Carrie Brooks said the money for the study comes from the current (general) fund not the sewer fund. Rosenfeld pointed out current fund money could be used to help offset rate increases.

Councilmember David Jones said spending $2,000 for a study which could bring in a partner for the $1.4 million project makes sense."If we have an equity partner (the Port of Friday Harbor) here that has needs to be met, this is an opportunity to save up to $750,000, " he said. "This is a chance to bring in somebody that has the bucks."

Town meets April 24,2003

posted 04/24/03
Friday Harbor Town Council will meet in executive (closed) session at noon, April 24, 2003 to discuss their response to the latest counter offer from Terry and Robert Browne regarding property on Spring Street. The council can legally meet behind closed doors to talk about the price, any other discussions must take place in public under the state's Open Meetings Act.

Brownes consider other offers

posted 04/18/03
Terry and Robert Browne are considering other proposals for the purchase of their property on Spring Street. They have been in negotiations with the Town of Friday Harbor for more than a year. The Town wants a nine month contingency period in order to determine if the town can afford the property. The latest plan calls for creation of a Parking District to help pay for the project. Businesses would pay a monthly fee to the district.

The Brownes wanted a 60-day contingency period. During the April 17, 2003 Town Council meeting, the council agreed to offer a 6-month contingency period. The council went into closed session to discuss the price. Town Attorney Don Eaton will meet with the Brownes' attorney John Linde to try to reach an agreement.

The council will meet next week in a continued meeting to discuss the Brownes response.

Town counters with lower offer
for Browne Lumber Property

posted 04/04/03
Friday Harbor Town Council's counter offer for the purchase of the Browne Lumber property on Spring Street is $57,734 less than their original offer which was rejected because it was too low.

The council voted unanimously April 3, 2003 to offer $1,090,405 to Terry and Robert Browne. In January the council offered $1,148,139 for the site which included four lots. In March, the Brownes countered with an asking price of $1,391,500 for three lots.

The council has discussed the purchase in numerous executive sessions. At the April 3, 2003 meeting, Councilmember David Jones said, "I want the public to know, our price is based on the appraisal price. I feel it is unethical to offer more than the appraisal."

To reach the new price the town subtracted the price of the lot which was dropped. They also added to the appraisal. Town Attorney Don Eaton said, "The appraiser deducted $20,000 on the assumption the building had to be demolished or removed. In the council’s thinking, the building would actually be used and not demolished so we added the $20,000 back on."

Councilmember Bill LaPorte opposes the purchase but voted for the counteroffer. "I am voting yes, in order to get down to the nitty gritty," he said. "In order to show taxpayers why we can’t afford it."

Mayor Gary Boothman said the purchase is still dependent on whether the town can find "funding options and development costs that are affordable."

Price for Browne's lumber increases $243K

posted 03/25/03
Friday Harbor Town Council received a response March 20, 2003 to its offer to purchase the former Browne Lumber property. The town had offered $1,148,139 to Terry and Robert Browne for four lots in downtown Friday Harbor. The Browne's counter offer raised the price to $1,391,500 for three lots.

The Brownes are willing to accept $229,628 at closing with interest-only payments for the first three years. The interest would be 6 percent per annum.

The Town Council briefly discussed the purchase in open session at the end of its March 20, 2003 council meeting and then went into executive (closed) session to discuss a price.The discussion followed an hour-long debate over ways to make the town more affordable.

The counter offer is good for two weeks. In order to have time to discuss a response, the meeting was continued until 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2003. The council plans to respond after its April 3, 2003 council meeting.

Councilmember Bill LaPorte, who opposes the purchase, said, "I like the drop dead date. Are we definitely going to continue with this? What is the threshold of when we quit?"

Mayor Gary Boothman said, "When we reach the last and final offer."

Town tenders $1.15 million offer to Brownes

posted 01/03/03
Friday Harbor Town Council agreed to offer $1,148,139.00 to Terry and Robert Browne for four lots in downtown Friday Harbor. Councilmember Bill LaPorte praised Town Attorney Don Eaton on the way he wrote the resolution. "There is nothing binding us to anything," he said.

Eaton said the offer includes two unusual contingencies. The town would have 180 days to study whether the property is suitable to the town's intended uses and to determine if the town can obtain financial resources to complete the purchase. At the end of 180 days, the town could take up to another 180 days for further study. The initial six months would not cost the town anything. Additional time would cost $5,000 per month.

Mayor Gary Boothman said the council had discussed the purchase and instructed staff to draft an agreement in executive session. The council discussion of the agreement was done in open session at the January 2, 2003 council meeting.

The resolution says the parcel may be suitable for use by the town for the citing of desirable public facilities, including but not necessarily limited to public restrooms, public parking, pedestrian pathways, and public open space amenities. Councilmember Wally Gillette said 160 parking spaces would be created in the parcel.

Boothman said it is now time "to engage the public in what will be their contribution toward the purchase." He noted the town could not do it alone. He said, Friday Harbor businessman Roger Owen left a message in support of the purchase. "He sees it as a way to relieve pressure on his parking lot," Boothman said. Owen owns most of the building that houses the fitness center and bowling alley.

Eaton will send the offer to the Browne's attorney John Linde on Friday, January 3, 2003.

Council to discuss buying $1.1 million commercial property

By Sharon Kivisto

posted 12/30/02
Discussion of the purchase of 330 Spring Street, (former Browne Lumber Co. building) is on the agenda for the Thursday, January 2, 2003 5:30 p.m. Friday Harbor Town Council meeting. This will be the first time the council has discussed the potential purchase in open session. The council has held numerous executive (closed) sessions on the topic.

In an interview earlier this month, Friday Harbor Mayor Gary Boothman said it was necessary for the "council to act a little coy" in order to negotiate a price. According to him, the council has discussed various funding options during the executive sessions.

At the council's December 5, 2002 meeting, Friday Harbor resident Lee Sturdivant spoke to the council and asked them to talk to the public about the potential purchase. "There has been confusing information," she said. "We were told originally by you, Mr.Mayor, that the town would be moving other offices to the building, now you say we need it for parking. The town's Comprehensive Plan says there is adequate parking and the town is not intending to provide additional parking. It seems it would be very expensive parking. I'd like to have a lot more public input."

According to the town's Comp Plan: The Town currently provides 660 timed public parking spaces for short-term parking. Time limits associated with these spaces are 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 8 hours. Parking is also available outside the regulated zone, both on street and in private lots.

Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld said, "The council is trying to figure out if the property can pay for itself. If it doesn’t it won’t fly."

Taking the property off of the tax rolls would cost the town about $12,000 annually according to town staff.

No action taken regarding Browne purchase

posted 12/06/02
Friday Harbor Town Council met in an hour-long executive session Dec. 5, 2002 to discuss two real estate transactions. The council has been working on a possible purchase of Browne Lumber's Spring Street property and on the sale of the Sutton Road Transfer station to the county. The meeting was reopened in public session and Mayor Gary Boothman announced no action had been taken.

Council authorizes appraisal of Browne Lumber

posted 08/02/02
Friday Harbor Mayor Gary Boothman's plan to have the town purchase the site of the former Browne Lumber property took another step forward. By a 4-1 vote, the Town Council authorized an appraisal of the property. Councilmember Bill LaPorte voted against the motion. The property was assessed at $790,000 in 1999.

New idea for Friday Harbor restrooms

posted 04/19/02
Friday Harbor Town Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld floated an idea to reduce the town's "Sanican " image. He suggested the town might pay business owners who post signs saying they have public restrooms. Councilmember Bill LaPorte wondered if anyone would want to participate. The council was undecided about whether to pursue the idea.

Mayor suggests Browne's for parking

posted 05/09/01
Uses of hotel/motel 2-percent tax money are limited by the state legislature. Creation of parking lots and maintenance of public restrooms are allowed. Building a new wastewater treatment plant may or may not be an acceptable use.

Mayor Gary Boothman has asked the Town Council to consider acquiring Browne Lumber's site on Spring Street to use for parking, restrooms and offices for the town's land use department.

The council purchased a house on Sunshine Alley last year for use as a building for public restrooms. Reconstruction has been put on hold until the town receives a final decision from the state on acceptable uses of the town's hotel/motel money.

If the funds cannot be used for the sewer plant's expansion, Boothman says the funds would cover the cost of leasing with intent to purchase Browne's property. The town could sell the house and develop restrooms in Browne's building. He noted the property has access from Blair and Spring Streets. Employers could lease parking spaces for themselves or their employees, freeing up other parking for customers.

The town expects to receive a definitive yes or no answer soon from the state Attorney General about financing the sewer plant with hotel/motel funds. Once that issue is settled, the council can decide if they want to pursue Boothman's idea.

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