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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111416 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2016 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on the 14th day of November 2016 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Robert Gray, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with Amy Howard excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Police Chief Michael Evans, City Engineer David Peterson, Planning Director Lance Bailey, Finance Manager Sheila Danielson, Library Director Melody Eisler, Human Resources Manager Robin Hake, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. OLD BUSINESS Ordinance 3159 Adopting 2016 Supplemental Budget Appropriations and Making Findings and Declaring an Emergency Mayor Stinson noted that public testimony has been closed on this matter. City Attorney Steve Gross explained the ordinance recitals referring to the need to declare an emergency for a budget amendment. Technically, this amendment to the budget does not qualify as an emergency and this would be corrected next year. The fund summary was reviewed by Finance Director Nora Mitchell. She explained that at the last meeting a list of detailed changes was provided and corrections highlighted in yellow. When responding to Council questions about the Water Street design funding, she noted this project is not reflected because appropriations in that fund have not been expensed. Most of the funds would be expended in 2017. Staff also addressed summary budget detail questions explaining the movement of $314,000 in expenditures from 2017 to 2016. These items were on the list of deferred one-time expenses and would be paid with the overages in 2016 revenues. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Ordinance 3159 Adopting 2016 Supplemental Budget Appropriations and Making Findings and Declaring an Emergency. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. City Council Special Business Meeting November 14, 2016 Page 1 of 3 DRAFT Ordinance 3160 Fixing and Adopting 2017 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Six and 67/100 Percent (6.67%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of$0.10595 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value City Manager David Timmons gave the staff report explaining the amounts specified in the proposed levy amounts (General and Emergency Medical, and Mountain View Commons). During discussion of the motion, there were Council comments for and against the property tax increase. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3160 Fixing and Adopting 2017 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Six and 67/100 Percent (6.67%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of$0.10595 per$1,000 of Assessed Property Value. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed. Ordinance 3161 Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for 2017 through 2022 Mr. Timmons reviewed the projects included in the Capital Improvement Plan as outlined in the agenda bill. Public Works Director Ken Clow and City Engineer David Peterson then summarized projects included since last year's adopted plan and noted this plan is incorporated into the 2017 budget. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Ordinance 3161 Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for 2017 through 2022. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3162 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2017 Mr. Timmons gave an overview of the proposed budget. He reviewed the audit, projected revenues, advanced purchases planned for 2016 for one-time expenses, and Council priorities (including code enforcement, human resources functions, and deferred equipment and software purchases). Three key focus areas in 2017 to be addressed by Council are parks and community services (long-term funding to sustain levels of service), street maintenance investments, and capital investments (public safety and library). Ms. Mitchell and Finance Manager Sheila Danielson pointed out minor budget adjustments/changes as staff continues to refine the 2017 budget. They reviewed their close tracking of revenues and noted changes in staffing and staffing costs that would result in a new salary schedule and job reclassifications. Staff then addressed Council questions on operations and capital, the Lodging Tax Fund recommendations by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, and staffing needs in City Council Special Business Meeting November 14, 2016 Page 2 of 3 DRAFT code enforcement. Mr. Bailey and Timmons indicated no additional staffing is needed at this time. Ms. Mitchell noted that police vehicle purchases would not be completed until revenues are confirmed. She also reviewed the approved financial policies against the budget, spoke of plans to improve the equipment rental replacement fund in 2017, reviewed debt and capital expenditures, including refinancing of the 2008 bonds and projects to be funded with new funding, and the need for an update of the rate study. During Council discussion, there was some desire to move to more proactive versus reactive code enforcement, especially on new regulations and concern about the backlog in permit processing. Mr. Timmons recognized that staff turnover and extended staff leave have impacted permit processing. Mr. Bailey said education and another year of experience is needed before considering additional staffing in code enforcement. In response to concerns about City Manager replacement, staff explained the deferment of succession planning because it is felt that staff can address recruiting needs with existing HR staff. Fire annexation was noted as a potential work session topic. Under the category of fines and penalties, there was a desire for increasing enforcement efforts on short-term rental. Ms. Mitchell explained significant changes to Council revenues and expenditures are a result of the ethics complaint, communications plan, and improvements to Council technology. There was some additional discussion of budget concerns in the areas of code enforcement, parks maintenance, events coordination, library staff, and accountant. In response to a concerns about the lack of public process and input on the budget, Mr. Timmons explained the development of a communications plan would target areas of improvement. Ms. Mitchell agreed to provide a list of changes to the General Fund. EXECUTIVE SESSION —TO REVIEW THE PERFORMANCE OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)G At 8:10 p.m. Council went into Executive Session for 15 minutes. At 8:25 p.m., Council came back into open session. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Special Business Meeting November 14, 2016 Page 3 of 3