HomeMy WebLinkAbout121007CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF DECEMBER 10, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in specaa{ session the tenth day of
December 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,
George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval and Mark Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Finance Director Michael Legarsky, DSD Director Leonard Yarberry, Public Works
Director Ken Clow, Police Chief Conner Daily, Sergeant Ed Green, and Planning
Director Rick Sepler.
APPROVAL OF LETTER REGARDING VICTORIA HOUSE EVICTION
Mr. Watts reviewed agenda packet materials, including a draft letter to Assisted Living
Concepts asking certain questions of owners. As directed at tfie December 4 Council
Meeting, the matter would next be discussed by the Community Development/Land Use
Committee in order to review options (including legal options) and make a
recommendation to Council. A copy of the letter would be forwarded to state agencies
and legislators.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Masci suggested adding an introductory paragraph about the actions of Assisted
Living Concepts being inconsistent with community values. He asked that the letter be
signed by the Mayor and City Council.
Mrs. Medlicott expressed her concern about residents who would have to move. She
strongly urged Council to stay focused on City business in the future.
Motion: Mrs. Medlicott moved to approve the letter to Victoria House with textual
modifications and the addition of an introductory paragraph about community values.
Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
City Council Special Meeting 1 December 10, 2007
ORDINANCE 2958, BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FOR FISCAL
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008
Mr. Timmons explained this is a continuation of Council's budget discussion focused
primarily on the general fund and attempting to resolve issues previously identified.
Upon Council approval, he would report back at the next meeting in open session on his
implementation of recommendations involving collective bargaining and personnel
matters. An additional reduction of general fund expenditures of $162,611 is necessary
to achieve a reserve balance of 5.8%. This reduction takes into account discussions
and service priorities expressed by Council. The recommendations would do the
following:
Reinstate the School Resource Officer priorities, with cone-third school contribution
and reserve $100K for emergency repairs to facilities. To achieve this, he
determined it would be necessary to reduce levels of service throughout the General
Fund by additional $34,798 and terminate three equivalent FTEs/employees to
achieve the full $162K goal. This action is conditional upon: Sergeant Surber
beginning the program in January 2008 and transitioning a replacement officer into
the SRO role during 2008; action plan for Council approval that details how
maintenance of service levels would be addressed within the police department,
including the expansion of code enforcement and the service level reductions
created by the placement of the SRO.
General Fund service level reductions: 1) reductions in discretionary spending in
various accounts (travel, equipment and supplies) by $34,798. This would restrict
the City's ability to respond to changing conditions and it may be necessary to
address a supplemental budget during the year. 2) reduction of payroll cost to
achieve a more sustainable level of control over expenditures. With the goal of
reducing FTEs by $162K and leaving a contingency reserve of $35K, there would be
a net reduction of $127K in payroll to achieve 5.8% reserve. Voluntary or early
retirement with incentives was offered to union representative and assuming there
would be no responses, he selectively reduced services in specific areas.
Prioritize to address in the coming year the equity issues between City and County
interlocal agreements. These issues are beyond administrative remedies and must
be resolved by elected officials. He recommends this matter be discussed with the
County in the first quarter of 2008.
Other economic indicators affecting future budgets: Housing market recovery not
expected until 2010 and Washington State Ferry plans for full vessel replacement
rather than repair of the vessels that would be pulled from service. A meeting would
be held Wednesday with Washington State Ferry officials.
His final recommendation is to seek a viable and sustainable economic strategy that
would include supporting the completion of the Northwest Maritime Center, integration
of the Fort Worden master planning effort into the City's land use plan and support of an
economic strategy compatible with the infrastructure investment on Upper Sims and
Howard Street. These actions would be critical until ferry service is restored.
City Council Special Meeting 2 December 10, 2007
He then reviewed items already reduced in the budget (dispatch, property liability
insurance, reviews/reductions in stated areas) and the five budget action steps as
outlined in the agenda packet to achieve the minimum goal of 5.8% (increase in pool
user fees, reductions in bargaining unit medical premiums, pool payroll, Police overtime
for event support).
There was no public comment.
Ms. Sandoval agreed that meeting with County is important. Council should discuss this
issue at its retreat and she also proposed organizing community forums after the first
quarter to discuss funding in line with community values and active outreach on the
budget crisis. She suggested there be four forums in total with two next year. In
addition, small neighborhood coffee hours would also be desirable. She is
uncomfortable supporting the SRO position given that it takes money out of reserves.
The County should be engaged in discussion about the SRO given that school district
boundaries are broader than the City.
Mr. Timmons agreed Council should discuss holding public meetings to help develop an
alternative strategy. He is recommending pulling back on the SRO until there is a
financial commitment from the school.
Ms. Robinson pointed out that in response to previous Council conversation about liquor
excise tax for a prevention specialist, said she spoke with Jean Baldwin of Health
Department. Ms. Baldwin indicated that it was not a line item in the County budget
because they bill the City directly for this item. She sympathized over the difficulties
surrounding budget reductions. Regarding upcoming discussions on increased code
enforcement, she is concerned about how this might be addressed.
Mr. Timmons responded that part of backfilling of the SRO might allow a reallocation of
funds to support reserve officers assisting with code enforcement.
Motion: Mr. Welch moved to approve City Manager's recommendations Steps #1
through #5 and direct the City Manager to take the following actions: Revise the 2008
budget and Ordinance to be consistent with the recommendation and present same
for Council adoption on December 17, 2007; Implement all necessary actions consistent
with meeting the goals established by reducing General Fund expenditures and service
levels; Submit a report of actions taken on December 17th; Prepare all necessary
related fee ordinances and agreements to implement the recommendations and present
same for Council action in January 2008; hold implementing SRO position pending
Council approval on revenue supporfi provide a report to maintain police service levels
as well as increase code enforcement presence. Mr Randels seconded.
Mr. Timmons reminded this motion is not approval of the budget.
Ms. Sandoval asked to confirm with Council there was no objection to utilizing Council
budget for public forums.
City Council Special Meeting 3 December 1Q 2007
Mr. Masci asked to confirm what portion school would be contributing given the SRO is
not a 12-month position.
Mrs. Medlicott appreciates Mr. Timmons speaking with the school about supporting the
school resource officer position. She spoke of the potentially catastrophic situation as a
result of the ferries that are out of service.
Mr. Masci said in view of the ferry issue and the real estate downturn, he would like to
see the revenue predictions reduced by 5-14%, believing they are much too optimistic.
Vote on Motion: The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council recessed into Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss litigation and
personnel issues. The Mayor stated that no action would be taken following the session.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:10 p.m.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Joanna Sanders, Legal Assistant
~~~Yr ~
Attest: Pam Kolacy, MMC ity Clerk
City Council Special Meeting 4 December 70, 2007