HomeMy WebLinkAbout031615 MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on March 16, 2015 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, Finance Director Nora
Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and Deputy City Clerk Joshua Stecker. .
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Bernie Arthur commented on the ownership history of the proposed location for the
Maritime Memorial.
City staff response
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Approval of Minutes: March 2, 2015
Resolution 15-015 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Services Contract
with Christopher Granstrom (Garden Gnome) to Provide Vegetation
Management and Maintenance on Upper Sims Way
Motion: ,Deborah Stinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Kris Nelson
seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
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Ordinance 3127 Relating to the Operation of Bicycles; Amending Port
Townsend Municipal Code Section 10.32.060 to Add to the Sidewalks upon
which Bicycles may not be Ridden
City Manager David Timmons introduced Ordinance 3127 as a measure to address
specific concern areas on the Haller Stairs right of way and the Sheridan Street
sidewalks by the hospital. In response to comments by Catharine Robinson, Public
Works Director Ken Clow offered to look into the designation of a specific sidewalk
on Madison Street between Water and Washington Streets.
Public Comment: Jim Todd spoke in opposition to the Ordinance. Rick Jahnke
spoke in favor of the Ordinance.
Council discussed the potential for delaying this Ordinance in favor of undertaking a
broad look at the City's laws regarding bicycles on sidewalks. Kris Nelson
suggested tasking the Non -Motorized Transportation Advisory Board with
undertaking a broader look at the City's regulations, which could be done in
conjunction with the 2016 Comprehensive Plan update.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3127
Relating to the Operation of Bicycles, Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code
Section 10. 32.060 to Add to the Sidewalks upon which Bicycles may not be Ridden,
and to refer the matter to the Non -motorized Transportation Advisory Board for
input before second reading. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried, 6-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed.
Vacation Rental Regulations
David Timmons informed Council that he and City Attorney Steve Gross had been
researching the vacation rental regulations of other cities and were preparing to
bring forward information to revise the City's regulations on the matter. He
recommended tasking the Community Development and Land Use Committee with
this issue.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to refer the matter of developing vacation rental
regulations to the Community Development and Land Use Committee, and request
that the Committee submit its recommendations or report on its progress no later
than July 6, 2015. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Animal Control and Leash Law Revisions
David Timmons brought forward the issues of animal control and leash law
revisions to ask Council for direction in responding to recommendations made by
the Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board. He suggested referring both
matters to the General Services and Special Projects Committee.
Public Comment: Ed Robeau spoke in favor of referring the matter to a committee.
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Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to refer the matter of Animal Control and Leash
Law Revisions to the General Services and Special Projects Committee, and
request that the Committee submit its recommendations or report on its progress no
later than July 6, 2015. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
David King brought up the idea of establishing a Human Rights Commission, possibly
as a joint effort with the County. He also reported on the progress of House Bill 1985
which would stipulate labeling requirements for items grown in biosolids.
Mr. King updated Council on the Historic Tax Credit process for Building 202 at Fort
Worden. David Timmons added that Council may be asked to put up additional
funding up front to help the application process along.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
David Timmons gave a brief status report of the City's upcoming capital projects and
upcoming position recruitments. He informed Council that the process of underwriting
the Mountain View bonds was getting under way.
In response to recent concerns related to the policing situation in Ferguson, Mr.
Timmons reported that police fines total only $75,000 per year and that only 10-20%
of stops result in citation.
Mr. Timmons also addressed concerns about water shortages and identified the
economic impact of the mill slowing production as the greatest threat. Michelle
Sandoval identified the need to educate citizens about conserving water, perhaps in
May's newsletter.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Michelle Sandoval asked to have the Navy's aircraft noise complaint hotline posted on
the City website.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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