HomeMy WebLinkAbout012218CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY
22, 2018
CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on the 22nd day of January
2018 in 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 David Faber, Robert Gray, Amy Howard,
Michelle Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson with Pamela Adams excused..
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolution 18-004 Adopting a State Legislative Agenda
City Attorney Steve Gross gave the staff report and noted one error in citing the
RCW that would be corrected in the exhibit. Staff also provided an additional
handout with Councilmember Gray's proposed amendments for Council
consideration.
There was no public comment.
Mayor Stinson led a Council discussion of each of the items listed on the legislative
agenda. Staff recorded the proposed changes as discussed.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 18-004 Adopting a State
Legislative Agenda (with Exhibit A amended as discussed) with Mayor Stinson
having authority to work with City staff on the final wording. David Faber seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Possible Annexation to Fire District #1 (East Jefferson Fire Rescue)
City Manager David Timmons outlined the possible ballot measure to approve
annexation of the City into the district. He reviewed items listed in the resolution
related to a negotiation of a pre -annexation agreement. Other points covered were
City Council Business Meeting January 221, 2018 Page I of 2
election timing, level of service standards, changes to the district board, the timing
of city payments, and the public process. He explained the illustration in the packet
and the spreadsheet of calculations of a fire annexation model to show how the levy
works.
There was significant discussion of the potential financial impacts of the levy,
especially during the first year. Mr. Timmons noted that while there is uncertainty
about when a new fire district board would be formed, the ballot might include
language regarding maintaining the organizational structure until their election. He
recommended holding a series of meetings and discussions to collect as much
feedback as possible on the options the community would like to see. Regarding
the timing of the ballot measure, staff expressed a desire for the November versus
August ballot. Mr. Timmons noted that EJFR is supportive of moving forward with
the annexation. They would like to discuss with the voters enhancing fire service
and feel they could operate more effectively as one district. EJFR would have a
coordinated but separate citizen engagement process. Next steps would be to
finalize the memorandum of agreement to bring forward to Council in February and
then work on the public notice for the town meetings. April would be time to
negotiate the interlocal agreement with the district. There was a request for a district
map.
Resolution 18-005 Adopting a City Manager Transition Plan and Authorizing
Negotiation of an Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Contract
Mr. Timmons gave the staff report on items he was asked to bring forward following
the previous discussion. He addressed Council questions about his
recommendation against using a professional search firm for the hiring
process. There was a request for a copy of his current agreement that expires at
the end of the year.
There was no public comment.
Motion. Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 18-005 Adopting a City
Manager Transition Plan and Authorizing Negotiation of an Amendment to the City
Manager's Employment Contract (as amended to correct errors). David Faber
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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