HomeMy WebLinkAbout111907CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session the nineteenth
day of November 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of
City Hall, Mayor Mark Welch presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Geoff Masci, Laurie
Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, George Randels, Michelle Sandoval and Mark
Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Planning Director Rick Sepler, Public
Works Director Ken Clow, Police Chief Conner Daily, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mr. Benskin requested that an item regarding the City Manager's evaluation be
added under New Business. There were no objections
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Consent and non-agenda items)
Melanie Bozak, YMCA Board of Directors, regarding YMCA programs.
Nick Harper spoke regarding Victoria House's discontinuation of housing for
Medicaid patients.
Doug Campbell also spoke regarding the change in policy at Victoria House.
The following spoke in favor of maintaining operation of the swimming pool at
Mountain View School:
Hervey Hicks
Cliff Wood
Karen Nelson
David Hero
Earl Murman
Molli Hinkle
Miriam Landsdon
Ben Shaiene
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Frank Converse
Scott Swantner
Ian Hinkle
Annette Huenke
Peter Braden
Liz Coker
Judith Rubin
Mike Koul
Joy Wenzel
Peter Wiant
Forest Shomer
Alec Greenwald
RECESS
Mayor Welch called a recess at 7:47 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Randels noted two corrections to the minutes of the regular session of
November 5, 2007: change "meridian" to "median" in Ms. Garlinghouse's public
comment on page 1; change vote on Consent Agenda from "4-0" to "5-0".
Motion: Ms. Robinson moved for adoption of the following items on the Consent
Agenda including corrections to the minutes. Mr. Welch seconded. The motion
carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
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WATER USE EFFICIENCY GOAL SETTING
Mayor Welch reviewed the rules of procedure for public hearings. No Council
members declared any financial or property interest in the subject of the hearing.
Public Works Director Ken Clow reviewed the packet material, including the memo
regarding conservation objectives included in the recently adopted Water System
Plan and additional conservation measures considered for the future.
Public comment:
David Goldman expressed concerns about the Automatic Meter Reading meters,
stating he does not want anything he purchases with nanotechnology to be picked
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up by any device used by a utility. He also expressed concern about the City's
limited ability to process sewage.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to direct City staff to evaluate public comment for
incorporation into the Water Use Efficiency goals. Mr. Welch seconded. After
discussion, the motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
Mrs. Medlicott suggested that the council deal with other Unfinished Business items
prior to the 2008 Budget. There was no objection.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
FORMULA STORE -REVIEW STATUS
Planning Director Rick Sepler reviewed his memo dated November 12, 2007,
regarding the formula store review status..
He noted, in response to a question from Mr. Randels, that the Council will not yet
have the benefit of Planning Commission discussions in January 2008, the date
proposed for a Council workshop. There was brief discussion about the roles and
relationship of the Planning Commission and City Council.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Mr Masci moved to direct staff fo schedule a Council workshop meeting in
January 2008 to address the preparation of a comprehensive development strategy
for the City. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. After brief discussion, the motion carried
unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
ORDINANCE 2958
BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008
Mr. Timmons provided a number of handouts and presented information about the
proposed 2008 budget. He reviewed a series of options for increasing revenues
and decreasing expenditures.
Public comment
Liz Coker stated that festivals like Rhody have a big impact on City expenses;
perhaps a "float fee" could be initiated. She stated a car tax makes sense; citizens
want services and need to pay for them.
Hervey Hicks suggested marketing Port Townsend to the lower mainland of Canada.
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David Goldman asked if the state of the economy would affect the City's bonds and
bond rating.
Consensus was to schedule a special meeting for November 26 to further review the
options presented tonight and provide direction for the 2008 budget.
Staff will research information on potential revenue from car tabs and a 2% across
the board cut to General Fund departments.
CITY MANAGER EVALUATION
Mr. Benskin proposed that a committee be formed to expedite the City Manager's
evaluation for 2007. Councilors Welch and Medlicott will serve on that committee.
NEW BUSINESS
PRE-MITIGATION DISASTER GRANTS FOR LIBRARY CAPITAL PLAN AND FOR
WATER STREET TUNNEL LIDS
Public Safety Analyst Ken Horvath stated that since the packet was prepared, the
City has found that the chances of getting two grants under this particular program in
the same jurisdiction are highly improbable so staff plans to submit only one grant,
for the library seismic retrofit. This project was chosen because it is much further
along and it has the highest probability for success.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Mrs. Medlicott moved to authorize submitting aPre-Disaster Mitigation
grant request for the Seismic Retrofit of the Carnegie Library. Mr Randels
seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Motion: Ms. Robinson moved to accept the Mayor's recommendation and confirm
the following appointments. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried
unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
Park and Recreation Advisory Board: Brenda McMillan (position 6, term expires
May 1, 2010) and Pat Ryan (position 7, term expires May 1, 2010).
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COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Ms. Sandoval reported on the latest meeting of the State Ferries committee and
noted that some state ferry representatives would like to come and report to the
Council in January.
Mayor Welch announced that, due to the late hour, there would be no executive
session.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, MMC 4
City Clerk
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