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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110314CITY OF "• TOWNSEND MINUTES • THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING • NOVEMBER 3, 2014 The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on November 3, 2014 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with Kris Nelson excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, City Clerk Joanna Sanders, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber. 11 Lei *2 • 9 M I :11111I =11 0 1 Mayor King prefaced the meeting by noting that because each of the proposed amendments applies to individual properties, the City is treating the amendments as quasi-judicial decisions. *01 F-11 11111=1 *11 X11 k IFTA d Lei i! M I q� 11 lipp!1111 ,I IIIII 11111117171111 I've, I I I 1 11 11 1 Police Chief Conner Daily introduced new Police Sergeant Jason Greenspane and congratulated him on his appointment. 1!�M - M, A JXMMZX39�� Mayor King gave the presentation on this action intended to encourage the state and federal governments to recognize the Washington coast as a maritime heritage area. The United States Congress has introduced legislation designating the Washington saltwater coast as a national maritime heritage area. Resolution 14-058 in the consent agenda recognizes this effort and designates the City's shorelines as a City heritage area. 0101 Chris Jones spoke about the need for off leash areas. City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page I of 7 Todd Wexman commented about the recent article in the City newsletter. • Vouchers 124712 and 124735, 124736 through 124819 and Electronic Funds Transfers in the amount of $658,913.98. Appointment of Mike Kaill to the Non -Motorized Transportation Advisory Board (Position 2, Term Expires May 31, 2017) Resolution 14-057 Amending City Council Rules to Update the Scripts for Presiding Over Hearings Motion: Robert Gray moved to approve the consent agenda as written minus Item D. the reappointment of Fort Worden Public Development Authority board members. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote.- motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3119 Relating to Comprehensive Planning; Adopting Certain 2014 Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendments, and Amendments to the Non -Motorized Transportation Plan, Pursuant to Chapter 20.04 PTMC and Chapter 36.70A RCW Mayor King read the rules of procedure for the Public Hearing. Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber gave the staff presentation summarizing the 2014 docket. For the six items on the docket, she explained the amendment, staffs review, and the comments received to date. The amendments were Jefferson Transit (including revised MDNS); Kah Tai Lagoon Park Policy and Reassess Decatur Street Trail; Kah Tai Lagoon Park Policy Alternative Language and Reassess Decatur Street Trail; Add Fort Worden Goal and Policy (including revised goal and policy); Parkside Park Rezone; and Beech Street Property Rezone. Ms. Robinson and Mr. Gray disclosed that they are members of the Jefferson Transit Board. Ms. Robinson also disclosed that she lives in the vicinity of Beech Street, but she has not had conversations with anyone about the amendment. The City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 2 of 7 City Clerk reviewed additional written comment provided from John Mericle (comments from Robert Metzger), Paula Mackrow and Jim Buckley. Public Comment" Alison Capener spoke in favor of the Beech Street amendment and specifically in support of the conservation of froggy forest. Patti Hoyecki spoke in support of the Beech Street amendment. Jim Buckley spoke in support of the Beech Street proposed amendment. Barry Stern spoke in support of the Beech Street amendment. Pam Chapman spoke in support of the amendment, specifically as it supports froggy forest. Rosemary Sikes spoke in support of the Kah Tai amendments and the Parkside Park amendment. Ron Sikes spoke in support of the Kah Tai amendments and the Parkside Pal amendment. I John Mericle spoke in support of the Beech Street amendment and preserving the froggy forest area. Jim Todd spoke in support of the proposed Beech Street amendment and the Kah Tai amendments. He proposed Kah Tai policy 4.6 language be changed from "should" to "shall" and that "in perpetuity" also refer to nature. Rich Jahnke spoke about and in support of Kah Tai amendments and the proposed amendment for Parkside Park. He also spoke about the Jefferson Transit rezone but did not speak in favor or against the amendment. The public hearing was then closed. The Mayor asked Council for process questions and clarifying questions and then asked Council for direction on deliberating or deciding to continue the hearing to a date specific. Mr. Gross noted that Council would decide on each whether to approve, deny, or modify the amendments. Individual votes on each amendment are preliminary votes until there is final action on the 2014 docket. Staff responded to questions to confirm that the shoreline buffer around the entire lagoon is 200 feet and the designation "natural" and the south shore designation as "conservancy.'" It was noted that these are in addition to the 6f restrictions. Mr. Timmons then asked whether it is a correct conclusion that PO/S is more restrictive than PO/SB and whether any research should be done adding this to the findings of fact. Mr. Mericle responded noting that PO/SB allows for dual zoning which the proponents do not favor. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve closing the public testimony. Pamela Adams seconded. City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 3 of 7 Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve tabling Council deliberations on the 2014 Comprehensive Plan amendments to the next meeting. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. At 8-14 p.m., the meeting was recessed for the purposes of a break. At 8:25 p.m., the meeting was reconvened. Ordinance 3118 Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 8.0-'t Animal Control to Establish Policies and Procedures Related to Potentially Dangerous Dogs and Establish an Appeal Process for Dangerous Dog Determinations, and Chapter 9.02 Criminal Code to Adopt or Revise Penalties 'or Failure to Control aT ATimal City Manager Timmons reminded that this ordinance does not address leash laws or off -leash areas. That matter would be brought back some time after the first of the year. This ordinance provides an improved process for addressing owner responsibility for their pet. Council questions were about impacts to the Jefferson County Humane Society if this ordinance were to pass and if the City would receive reports from the shelter on dogs determined to be potentially dangerous. Further clarification and questions related to modifying the definitions in 9.02.165. Mr. Gross responded with his recommendations. There was concern that once an animal is determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous that they would not be adoptable and would be euthanized. Barbara McColgan-Pastore spoke about the ordinance and concern about potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs. She urged adding a provision for a dog behaviorist or expert review in order to be able to remove the designation and clear an animal no longer considered to be a threat. Patty Reynolds spoke in support of the ordinance. Jim Todd spoke in support of the ordinance and to adding a provision for clearing an animal no longer considered to be dangerous. During Council deliberation, there was a concern about the criteria for determining a dog dangerous and about condemning dogs to death. Other comments were in support of the ordinance as being reasonable and helping communicate to owners the need to control an animal. There were questions about a revision for how to remove the designation. Staff noted that the appeal of the designation as potentially dangerous is to the Police Chief. An owner could bring proof to their appeal as a modification measure. City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 4 of 7 There was continued concern that the potential is too great for a misunderstanding about animal behavior. Staff reminded that these regulations are for dog owners and this fills the gap to help adjudicate this behavior. In PTMC 9.02.165, a proposed revision was to eliminate "but is not limited to." There was also a suggestion to change "apparent" to "obvious." It was noted that this relates to all animals "and but not limited to" gives more information to substantiate the allegations. Motion.- Catharine Robinson moved to approve Ordinance 3118 Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 Animal Control to Establish Policies and Procedures Related to Potentially Dangerous Dogs and Establish an Appeal Process for Dangerous Dog Determinations, and Chapter 9.02 Criminal Code to Adopt or Revise Penalties for Failure to Control an Animal. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed. NEW BUSINESS Aesolution 14-059 Authorizing the Entry of a Contract with Cashmere Bank to 71rovide a Bank Line of Credit to the City Finance Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff report reviewing the resolution before Council as a means to fund cash flow for general capital projects. She reviewed the RFP process. Finance and Budget Committee recommended contracting with Cashmere Bank as the first choice. She reviewed other comparisons and talked about the efficiencies in using a local bank and the slight benefit to Cashmere in terms of overall cost savings. Mr. Timmons explained the source of repayment for bond refinancing. If the bond measure is not favorable, a Councilmanic bond would be required. He reviewed possible financing models for the water utility. There was clarification of the uses for the line of credit for general capital expenses. Public comment- None. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 14-059 Authorizing the Entry of a Contract with Cashmere Bank to Provide a Bank Line of Credit to the City. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. 1-3 =M RIM F.1-nur-'rall, 1--0 Council expressed interest in receiving from staff an email communication about the recommended appointments prior to the meeting. In the future, Fort Worden Public Development Authority appointments would also be on the regular portion of the agenda for purposes of discussion. a 01 ffa MOT, 710M W 0 rem - Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve reappointments to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority of Gee Heckscher (Position City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 5 of 7 5), Scott Wilson (Position 6) and Lela Hilton (Position 7) for three-year terms expiring October 24, 2017. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. F91.7�1�1 11M N4201W Mayor King reported on the following: - Letter to Olympic National Forest Supervisor's Office regarding scheduling a meeting in Port Townsend regarding the expansion in growler activity. - Michelle Sandoval agreed to forward a letter explaining the increase in noise level of growlers over prowlers. Mr. Timmons reported on the following: - Implementing eComment before looking at the larger Civic Participation software - Accepted offer for the parks and facilities manager position - Library Director candidates have been narrowed to six and there will be several interview panels - New police officer will be joining the force - Pool would need to close for boiler conversion and air handling system repairs - Concern over the update of population projections figures in the countywide planning policies. The State has granted extensions to Counties on their plan processes, but not the City and the figures need to be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. - December 1 is the deadline for Planning Director applications M In reviewing the preliminary budget summary, Mr. Timmons recognized the tremendous effort of Finance Director Nora Mitchell in working with staff in a collaborative effort and close evaluation of every line item. He reminded that the City is currently involved in three budgets: one closed (2013), current year, and next year. Some of the challenges are that revenues are down from projections. Sales tax is down due to commercial construction, but retail sales are up. Errors in implementing cost recovery have now helped offset revenue performance for 2014 Lodging Tax revenues show a slight growth. Next year, there should be improved revenue activity. Although the Howard Street project is exempt from sales tax, the water utility project is not. The City is also working with the hospital and Fort Worden on their projects. For 2015, the budget is balanced for the general fund and we maintain fund balance reserves. The City has been conservative on revenues and has incorporated non - bargaining compensation policy recommendations. The Library Fund is seeing the full cost allocation in their budget so that under their current model, payroll will likely need to be reduced. City Manager David Timmons reviewed the 2015 fund summary and briefed Council on highlights and proposed changes to the following funds: Community Services, Fire and EMS, Street, Parks, Lodging Tax, Housing Trust Fund, Water Sewer, Equipment Rental, Self-insurance Unemployment, Fireman's Pension, City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 6 of 7 Capital improvement, Street Vacation, Street Capital, System Development Charges, Transmission Line Replacement, Utility Construction, Engineering Services. Operating budget is status quo and although there is a simplified budget this year, staff hopes to get to improved reporting formats next year. The new finance manager will start December 1 and Staff is happy to answer questions or provide more detail and supporting documents as desired. The property tax levy public hearing is November 10 and the General Levy would be one percent and the EMS levy is likely to be six percent. Another key element of the budget is compliance with financial policies and there is a reference to compliance by fund. In response to questions, Mr. Timmons explained the Economic Development Council, Chamber, and Visitor Center relocation to the Northwind Arts Center location. Amounts previously funded through a $25,000 interfund loan (through an agreement with Main Street for the B&O tax credit), would be re -appropriated for this project. The plan is for the Chamber to be the primary leaseholder, not the City. Z1,111 I ;u None. None. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10-28 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting November 3, 2014 Page 7 of 7