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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061319 Special CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2019 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on the 13th day of June 2019 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 Pamela Adams, David Faber, Robert Gray, Amy Howard, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with Ariel Speser excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Public Works Director Greg Lanning, Parks Recreation and Community Services Director Alex Wisniewski, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. NEW BUSINESS Special Presentation - Jefferson County YMCA City Manager David Timmons reviewed a list of strategic plan initiatives that are in process. The matters on the agenda relate to parks and facilities and are coming forward to Council for tasking and future direction. Olympic Peninsula YMCA Project Coordinator Jeff Randall gave a comprehensive overview of a Mountain View Community Wellness Center related to pool replacement. Following a briefing on the history, funding challenges, potential locations, and YMCA process for a new building on the current location, he described the 2017 partnership agreement. In reporting out the actions on the goals from the partnership agreement, he reviewed development options. Project cost estimates for the preferred option would be $24 million. He presented the proposed capital budget, operating budget, and timeline. In October, they expect to report to Council on their conceptual design, construction estimates, and recommendations for a Parks District. It is estimated that in November and December, Council would take action on a Parks District with a February 2020 vote with Spring/Summer 2022 opening. Mr. Randall answered questions from Council on the parking plan, current City subsidy of the pool ($300K-$400K estimated), current/future partnership collaborations, and process of tasking under the current agreement. It was noted that the existing agreement has expired and must be updated. There were also questions about the role of Council or a Council committee to better Council Special Business Meeting June 13, 2019 Page 1 of 5 understand the YMCA programs, needs and issues. Mr. Timmons said the YMCA would be leading the Parks District discussion. David Engle of the Jefferson County YMCA board spoke in favor of continued exploration. Port Townsend Athletic Club owner Teresa Hoffman urged reviewing the details in the YMCA proposal and asked to be included in moving forward on a positive solution. Jason Victor Serinus spoke about concerns about impacts to local clubs for expanding the Jefferson County YMCA. Brenda McMillan expressed concern about the City taking on growing debt. Branch Manager of the Jefferson County YMCA Jessica Wedmore offered to provide information and move forward on a plan to serve more of the youth population. Tais Whitley, owner of a youth organization in the community, asked what providers the YMCA has been working with and how the YMCA would support outside youth organizations. Resolution 19-052, Authorizing and Directing the City Council Finance and Budget Committee to Recommend Terms for Negotiating a New Collaboration Agreement for Mountain View Commons Mr. Timmons gave the staff briefing on the proposed resolution for a feasibility study of a full-service recreation facility for Mountain View Commons. Beyond the YMCA commitment, the City would also face ongoing expenses associated with the Mountain View facility that would need to be part of another agreement. Teresa Hoffman spoke about the need for public support and reaching out to partners in collaboration. Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell recognized the many other commitments ahead of the Finance and Budget Committee aside from the need to fully vet the YMCA's financial plan. Council discussion ensued on whether a Council Committee should consider what is needed in a partnership agreement and expand Council's knowledge before moving forward. Considerations are the public process, community partners, and the funding strategy. Mr. Timmons noted that some of the solutions and options could be a vote of the public. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 19-052 Authorizing and Directing the City Council Finance and Budget Committee to Evaluate and to Council Special Business Meeting June 13, 2019 Page 2 of 5 Recommend Terms for Negotiating a New Collaboration Agreement for Mountain View Commons. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 19-053, Authorizing and Directing the City Council Finance and Budget Committee to Study the Feasibility of a City-Operated Golf Course At 7:59 p.m., there was a brief break. At 8:04 p.m., the meeting resumed. Mr. Timmons gave the staff report on the study by the National Golf Foundation to keep the golf course viable. He mentioned options for the City to consider a city- operated facility with a subsidy and talked about the complicating issue of irrigation and the water permit. He also noted a Parks District is an option. The resolution is to consider viable financial alternatives for the Golf Course. During discussion, there were questions about timing of the review by the Committee considering the budget and whether there is enough information and time to consider the financial implications. Capital improvement costs were quoted in the report but it was noted that further follow up. Public Comment:. George Bush recognized that the golf course does not pay for itself and yet is a facility along with other parks in the City. The City has not promoted or invested in the golf course. Rita Beebe agreed with the comment of the golf course as an asset and noted the facility is used for local fundraising. She urged further promotion of the facility. Caleb Johnson spoke about the school's golf club use of the facility and its importance. Willard Aldrich spoke about the history of the golf course and those who donated the property. He believes the study should reflect the full range of interests in the course and urged the City be a good steward. Dan Owen spoke about water use by the golf course and deed restrictions on use. He would like the City to affirm that the golf course is an asset worth saving. Earl Borra urged continued support of the course as one of the oldest recreational uses in the City. The cost to the City is in the water and upkeep to the buildings. Amber Johnson, as wife and mother of golfers, spoke about the intergenerational activity of the golf course. Terry Logue spoke in support of the golf course as a highly accessible asset. Eli Emerson spoke in support of the golf course and how all classes of people can play because the fees are affordable. He is concerned about accessibility if$1.5 million dollars in improvements were needed. Council Special Business Meeting June 13, 2019 Page 3 of 5 Patsy Caldwell spoke in support of the golf course and its family-oriented facility. The report does not consider the local nature of the course. Teresa Hoffman spoke about the jewel of the facility as an asset. There should be more discussion about preserving and maintaining the facility. Tais Whitley spoke about the number of tournaments held at the golf course facility and in support of preserving the facility. Gabriel Tonan operator of the golf facility spoke about some of the maintenance needed at the facility such as better water coverage and updated electronics. Mr. Timmons responded to questions about the sale or commercial use of the property. Although there have been discussions in the past, there is no policy in place for the sale and conversion of the golf course. He noted that the City has been exploring whether the water utility can pay for conservation measures. Some of the property deeds have conditions and this matter was reviewed in 2004. Council comments recognized the multiple facilities that serve all ages (bike lanes, pools and parks) and the need to come together in partnership and support of all types of recreational facilities. At the end of a 20-year lease, the City must explore the needs. The desire to sustain the asset may involve a Parks District. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 19-053, Authorizing and Directing the City Council Finance and Budget Committee to Study the Feasibility of a City-Operated Golf Course. David Faber seconded. Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 19-054 Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with BERK Consulting, Inc. for a Comprehensive Parks Study and to Draft an Interfund Loan Agreement Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Alex Wisniewski spoke about the importance of maintaining eligibility for grant opportunities, maintaining relevance in the community and finding out what the community wants, and developing a new road map for funding and operations of what can and cannot be done. Ms. Mitchell explained this unbudgeted study would be paid for through an interfund loan (likely from the water/sewer fund) between now and the end of the budget cycle. The loan could be repaid by the Community Services Fund over a two-year period through an expected rent reduction in 2020 in the Mountain View lease ($60,000 annual savings). Mr. Timmons noted this study was part of Council's goals and priorities. This information and data would also be valuable in working on the other prior agenda items. When asked about the timeframe for completing the study, Mr. Wisniewski said the proposal is to complete the study by March of 2020. Council Special Business Meeting June 13, 2019 Page 4 of 5 There was no public comment. There was concern over the timeline and scope of the parks study while recognition that the study is needed before moving forward with the YMCA or golf course improvements. Ms. Sandoval mentioned a Danny Westneat Seattle Times article on golf course open space that contains a link to the Trust for Public Lands that references Port Townsend parks information. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 19-054 Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute an Agreement with BERK Consulting, Inc. for a Comprehensive Parks Study and to Draft an Interfund Loan Agreement. Amy Howard seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk Council Special Business Meeting June 13, 2019 Page 5 of 5