HomeMy WebLinkAbout092115CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on September 21, 2015.
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, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with Catharine Robinson
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, and Senior
Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber.
There were none.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Board Presentation
Joost Besijn Jefferson County Noxious Weed Coordinator gave a presentation
about the Weed Board program, its mission and plans for the future. He explained
the proposed fee assessment and acknowledged receipt of the mayor's letter with
concerns on the ordinance.
Council requested a population comparison with a jurisdiction similar to the City and
asked for budget projections. Mr. Besijn responded to additional questions
about the outreach campaign and herbicide use.
Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Program Development and Capital
Improvement Plan
Executive Director Dave Robison gave a presentation on the detailed study areas
for the 90 -acre campus and their phasing recommendations. The plan covers all
prior plans and programs and the intent is to facilitate and implement the goals of
the lifelong learning center.
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In response to Council questions, Mr. Robison provided further information about
attendance at the recent charette, employee housing options, Coast Auxiliary
Museum property lease, and the Building 202 project status.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Todd Wexman spoke of his concerns about City construction projects.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 151927 through 152235 and Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of
$1,318,792.25.
Approval of Minutes: August 10 and August 17, 2015
Library Advisory Board Appointments
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Kris Nelson
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water Status Update
Public Works Director Ken Clow gave the staff report. City Lake is at 24'8" -- about
six feet higher than in 2009. At current rates of water use, this equates to about
twelve days of storage. There has been about four or five inches of rain since the
end of August. The City is still diverting water off the Big Quilcene (6.3 million
gallons a day). Current City use is roughly 900,000 gallons per day. Staff is
cautiously optimistic about having enough water in Lords Lake until the end of
October and the Mill will close down briefly for maintenance in early October. City
Manager David Timmons advised maintaining existing water conservation
measures and fire control measures.
NEW BUSINESS
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Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority
Appointments
Mayor King and Tim Lawson Executive Director of the Port Townsend School of
Woodworking reviewed the process for bringing forward the five recommended
appointments. Council requested this item be discussed as part of the regular part
of the agenda in order to allow deeper consideration on these important
appointments as well as provide an opportunity to bring forward other PDA -related
items for discussion.
There was no public comment.
During discussion, there were some questions about the review process and the
representation by the Executive Director and partner organizations on the
nominating committee. There was a suggestion to consider an amendment to the
Charter and revert to the initial appointment process and review the makeup of the
nominating committee to include representatives of state parks, Fort Worden
Advisory Committee, and City Council.
While it was thought that the City does not need an amendment in order to
participate, the Council does not have authority to amend the bylaws only the
charter. There was consensus to assign to the Council General Services and
Special Projects Committee a review of a proposed charter amendment related to
the nomination process.
Council made several comments about the focus on the Lifelong Learning Center.
There were concerns about the public perception and the need for transparency of
this public entity. There were also suggestions to consider planning for an indoor ice
skating rink and a dog park.
Washington State Parks Commission Representative Roger Schmitt commented
that he closely watches PDA planning efforts to ensure there remains a focus on
the Lifelong Learning Center as it is a condition of the lease with the State.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the reappointment to the Fort Worden
Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority of Cindy Finnie (Position 8),
and appointment of Jane Kilburn (Position 6) fulfilling an unexpired term ending
October 24, 2017 and appointing Kate Dean (Position 9), Herb Cook (Position 10)
for three-year terms expiring October 24, 2018; and Harold Andersen (Position 11)
for a two-year term expiring October 24, 2017. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 15-033 Fixing the Time for Hearing on an Ordinance Authorizing
the Acquisition of Real Property Using Eminent Domain Related to the Howard
Street Extension Project
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City Manager David Timmons reported on the right of way acquisition process for
the Howard Street Extension Project along with City Attorney Steve Gross who
explained the possible use of eminent domain.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve Resolution 95-033 Fixing the Time for
Hearing on an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Property Using
Eminent Domain Related to the Howard Street Extension Project. Pamela Adams
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Non -Bargaining Employee Compensation Study - Implementation
Finance Director Nora Mitchell provided the staff report. The intent of this item it to
task the General Services and Special Projects Committee to review this item and
make recommendations back to Council for policy changes. One option considered
was to instead send it to Finance and Budget Committee.
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve that Council request that the Council
Finance and Budget Committee complete its study and make its recommendations
regarding adjustments in wages. Robert Gray seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Taming Bigfoot — Community Outreach Campaign
Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber introduced this Climate Action
Committee concept of Taming Bigfoot.
Local 20/20 Climate Action Outreach Group member Bob Bindschadler explained
the partners, goals and desired outcomes of the competition to move toward
reaching the campaign goal of 80% reduction in carbon emissions by calendar year
2050.
Question and discussion by Council centered around the desire for the competition
to be open and inclusive of a variety of participants.
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve endorsing the "Taming Bigfoot" campaign.
Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
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Mayor reported on the following:
- Concerns over Hood Canal Bridge closure during Wooden Boat Festival.
- County action on scheduling the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee.
Deborah Stinson would replace Kris Nelson as one of the three City representatives.
- Olympic Discovery Trail letter of endorsement for the County.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Timmons reported on the following:
- Comments made at the candidates forum
- Capital projects status and possible Water Treatment Plant groundbreaking
ceremony
- Sheridan Street Sidewalk Project
- Branden Farstad was hired and given his oath today as a new lateral police officer
- Upcoming budget process
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Pam Adams complimented staff on the work on Landes Street sidewalk.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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