2018/02/07 Council Agenda Packet

Commission Discussion Commissioner Zelinski stated that one of the downtown business owners testified that they googled treatment facilities and came up with 14 in Everett and he was curious about those facilities. He assumed that those facilities wouldn't meet the City's definition for an opiate substitution treatment facility. Chair Holland responded that he assumed those would be drug and alcohol treatment facilities that don't prescribe medications. Commissioner Tisdel asked if there was a response to the Mayor's letter regarding siting a facility in other Snohomish County jurisdictions to the north of Everett. Chair Holland stated that he works for Marysville and there wasn't a facility available that fit the THS business model. Commissioner Beck asked if Marysville lists opiate substitution treatment facilities as a specific use in Marysville's land use code. Chair Holland responded yes, and that specific use is subject to a certain set of criteria. Marysville allows the use in most commercial and industrial zones. Commissioner Beck stated that her concern was that Everett has a very broad definition for medical clinics but has a specific definition for an opioid methadone clinic and she felt that was very discriminating. She understood the comments regarding Everett disproportionate share of social services but if someone wanted to open another type of social service in the downtown,the land use code allows that. Commissioner Jordison stated that he would support a second clinic in Everett and hoped to move forward with the code amendment at the next public hearing. Commissioner Dunn stated that she disagreed with continuing the hearing next month. It is a necessary medical treatment and services should be expanded to meet the needs of the community. Commissioner Beck stated that she drafted some regulations and agreed with Commissioner Dunn that the code amendment should move forward so City Council can make the decision. Commissioner Lavra supported Commissioner Beck's proposal. She stated that by opening up the areas where a facility could locate,THS might find another place that is more appropriate than the downtown area. By limiting it to north Broadway,the City may be eliminating the possibility of a second facility. Chair Holland stated that a motion was passed to continue the public hearing to December 5, 2017. Commissioner Tisdel stated that he would like more information before making a recommendation. Commissioner Dunn stated that she was concerned about the misinformation around a specific downtown site. Mr. Giffen responded that it has been his experience that there is no way to quell that. People will always have the impression about a specific site or building whether accurate or not; however, staff will try to address that matter as we respond to citizen concerns.