Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout091514CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on September 15, 2014 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, Community Services Director Rick Sepler, Financial Services Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The addition of an Executive Session on litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) and real estate (RCW 42.30.110(1)(c)) with no action. SPECIAL PRESENTATION - 2014 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Ian Keith was recognized as this year's volunteer of the year for his work on the renovation of the Carnegie Library and annex including since January 2014 as lead carpenter, demolition expert, and all-around go -to -guy. He volunteered hundreds of hours saving the library at least $15,000 in expenses. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Forest Rambo asked Council to urge the state legislature to find an alternative to existing regulations for household goods movers serving small rural communities. James Fritz spoke in support of licensed moving businesses such as Forest Rambo's StuffAway. Sky Aisling spoke in support of Mr. Rambo's moving business. City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 1 of 6 Don Marseille spoke in support of the services provided by Mr. Rambo's business. Peter Bonyun spoke in support of Mr. Rambo's business and urged Council to write a letter to the state legislature to revise regulations in support of local movers. Deborah Olsen spoke in support of changing regulations in support of small, local moving companies being able to operate in Port Townsend. Mr. King asked for a show of hands from the citizens present (30-35 people) in attendance in support of Mr. Rambo and changing legislation. City staff response City Manager David Timmons urged citizens to contact their legislators in support of a regulatory model similar to Oregon. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 124302 through 124311 and Electronic Funds Transfers in the amount of $98,898.55. Approval of Minutes; August 18, September 2 and September 8, 2014 Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda as written with a correction to the minutes of September 8 to include Joshua Stecker under staff in attendance. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Joint Service Agreement - Fort Worden Public Development Authority The Staff report was given by David Timmons who described opportunities to leverage funding on activities that benefit marketing and promotion of the City and Fort Worden. While Council would continue to approve contracts exceeding the City Manager's spending authority, the City Attorney could add clarifying language to ensure transparency as Council feels appropriate. Fort Worden Public Development Authority (FWPDA) Executive Director Dave Robison gave a detailed progress report (distributed) of their City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 2 of 6 start up challenges, accomplishments, marketing and key messages. He reviewed a sample work plan from August and described the new hospitality team that assumed food service responsibilities since Bon Appetit pulled their services. He introduced their Board Secretary Gee Heckscher who, along with Vice President Scott Wilson have been heavily involved in the renovation of Building 202. FWPDA Vice President Scott Wilson gave a project update on Building 202, noting self sustainability as the goal. The building design has been completed and the City permit paid. He noted Peninsula College would need to re -bid the construction contract since the accepted bid has now lapsed. In reviewing funding commitments ($4.3 Million from the State and $500,000 from the City), they expect the $600,000 funding gap to be resolved through historic tax credits, which is turning out to be a complicated process. They will continue to work closely with Peninsula College on planning and constructing Building 202 for the college. He asked for City support in urging the legislature to retaining this state funding. While there is a current focus on the conference center, lifelong learning center opportunities are also being pursued. Mr. Robison responded to Council questions about leash laws in the park, the availability of PDA financial statements, Discover Pass sales, camping reservations, and hotel plans. Councilmember Adams disclosed she serves as a member of the Fort Worden Advisory Council. Public Comment: There was none. During Council discussion, there was a suggestion to create a Discover Port Townsend Pass for fundraising for the Fort and revenue for the City on parking solutions at the Fort and downtown; a request for consideration of staff time for marketing and IT support, and a question about auditing and improved documentation for subsequent pre -authorization of expenses. Mr. Timmons responded that the City might allocate staff time due to the significant return on investment in terms of lodging tax revenues. There may be a need to document in-kind support. If there are any joint purchasing agreements, the PDA would need to assure that they are complying with City purchasing policies. Council was complimentary of the partnership and agency cooperation. There was a suggestion for a resolution stressing the importance of Fort Worden as major economic cornerstone of our community and documenting the City's level of participation. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve authorizing the City Manager to execute a joint services agreement with the Fort Worden Public Development Authority (with additional agreement language as recommended by City Attorney that contracts exceeding the City Manager's discretionary authority would come back to Council for approval). Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 3 of 6 Ordinance 3116 Amending the Interim Land Use Regulations in the Vicinity of 6th and 10th Streets and Howard Street and Discovery Way Adopted by Ordinance 3111, Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.18 And 17.20 Community Services Director Rick Sepler gave the staff report reviewing interim controls in place through Ordinance 3111. Ordinance 3116 as presented is a follow up as Council directed previously to add a new section under Chapter 17.44 for Interim Office standards. Mr. Timmons provided an update on Staffs work on the Howard Street realignment. The next steps are to prepare design documents and go to bid for the construction to begin in the spring of 2015. Mr. Sepler responded to additional questions about the use table and the realignment as well as property development opportunities. Public Comment: there was none. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve waiving Council rules and adopting Ordinance 3116 Amending the Interim Land Use Regulations in the Vicinity of 6th and 10th Streets and Howard Street and Discovery Way Adopted by Ordinance 3111, Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.18 and 17.20. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 14-052 Accepting a Donation of Land Funded by the Jefferson Land Trust and Ratifying and Confirming Prior Acts Mr. Timmons gave the staff report with background on the Quimper Wildlife Corridor plan previously adopted by Council. This would authorize purchase and sale agreements on donations of real property. Staff further explained purchases are negotiated by the Jefferson Land Trust but purchases of property list the City as the buyer. Public comment: There was none. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 14-052 Accepting a Donation of Land Funded by the Jefferson Land Trust and Ratifying and Confirming Prior Acts. Michelle Sandoval seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 4 of 6 The Mayor reported on the following: - sending a letter about Southpoint ferry landing urging Washington State Department of Transportation not to surplus the property. - Emily Thompson of Chimacum requested support for naming a Washington State Ferry the Chimacum. There was consensus to prepare a letter of support. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons reported on the following: - Upcoming Washington State Department of Transportation audit on Sims Way. - WCIA recent City audit on land use policies and acknowledgement of efforts of Rick Sepler and Suzanne Wassmer - City is beginning to draw water from Lord's Lake - USDA loan application and $3 million grant was approved (for water treatment and reservoir) - Blue Star Banner demo would be placed right across from City Hall Library Phase II Clarification Mr. Timmons explained that a $750,000 bond ordinance would be brought back October 6 for further discussion. He explained library improvement costs total $751,000. In addition, other energy improvements totaling $289,000 are for other City facilities. There may be a Staff recommendation coming forward to isolate the Library stair repairs as a separate project with different funding. The recent discovery of needed asbestos and lead abatement in the classroom building might be bid out separately after the first of the year. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION Staff agreed to bring back a draft letter of support to legislators on the issue of small household goods movers for Council consideration. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL There were none. Executive Session At 8:17 p.m., Council went into Executive Session to discuss litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) and real estate matters (RCW 42.30.110(1)(c)) with no action. It was noted that Councilmembers Gray and Robinson would recuse themselves from the matter related to Jefferson Transit. At 8:37 p.m., Council came back into open session. ADJOURN City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 5 of 6 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Attest: av Gv+ -Y-G- Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting September 15, 2014 Page 6 of 6