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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061520 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JUNE 15, 2020 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 15th day of June 2020 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Deputy Mayor Faber called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, and Ariel Speser with Amy Howard, and Michelle Sandoval excused. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, Finance Manager Tony Hillman, Parks Recreation and Community Services Director Alex Wisniewski, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There was an addition of two items: Painting a Black Lives Matter Mural and Forming an Ad Hoc Committee on Law Enforcement and Public Safety. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Proclamation — Pride Month Deputy Mayor David Faber read the proclamation for Pride Month. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The clerk read the following written comments: Jim Todd urged changing the name of Jackson Street in Port Townsend. Kolby Gambill urged displaying Black Lives matter signage in downtown. Suzanne Carlson urged granting permission to paint Black Lives Matter downtown with funding by the Arts Commission. Mardella Rowland spoke about being part of decorating the street for Black Lives Matter. Jeanette Testu and Clay Bartlett of Seal Dog Coffee Bar requested a variance to use space in front of their uptown business. Candice Gohn spoke in support of creating a Black Lives Matter mural downtown. City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 1 of 6 Bob Gray urged changing the name of the downtown section of Taylor Street in Port Townsend to King Street. Teddy LaChappelle spoke about his desire to paint a Black Lives Matter mural. Lacey Allred urged passing approval of painting Black Lives Matter on Water Street. Cameron Jones spoke in support of painting Black Lives Matter on Water Street. Samuel Bain spoke in support of a Black Lives Matter mural. Ariana Johnson supported painting a Black Lives Matter mural. Sara Radka urged supporting the painting of a Black Lives Matter mural. Sarah Leonard urged the approval of the painting of a mural in solidarity for Black Lives Matter. The following additional public comments were given: George Marie spoke in support Black Lives Matter and defunding the police. Nhattleah Nichols (Arts Commission Chair) spoke in favor of the mural and holding a meeting of the Arts Commission to discuss the mural. Sam Feinson spoke in favor of a committee to review policing and introducing specialized roles such as the community safety officer. Sean Vinson, Activist with the Black Lives Matter Movement Chapter in Jefferson County, spoke in favor of changing Taylor Street to King Street, a safe Black Lives Matter protest, and more affordable housing. Stella Jorgenson expressed support for painting a Black Lives Matter mural. Suzanne Carlson urged Council support allowing the painting of a Black Lives Matter mural and financial support by the Arts Commission for the paint and reviewed the schedule of events. Olivia Pepper spoke in support of Black Lives Matter movement, supports reexamining police interactions with all people including indigenous peoples, and in in support of safer policing. Teddy LaChappelle spoke in support of the Ad Hoc Committee to regulate how the police force operates. Nat Jacobs urged a broader awareness that there are many people of color in our community and spoke about treatment courts in Jefferson County, specifically the therapeutic court. Leah Dillon asked to start reallocating funds from the police for the painting on Water Street. Richard Davies supported establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to consider ways to defund the Police Dept. (written remarks read by the Clerk) Jason Victor Serinus agreed with Samuel Swenson's comments.(written remarks read by the Clerk) Samuel Swenson spoke about violence that occurred at Black Lives Matter march. (written remarks read by the Clerk) Alexa Helbling urged approval of the Black Lives Matter mural. (written remarks read by the Clerk) City staff response City Manager John Mauro recognized all the comments. Related to the mural proposal, he noted there are technical challenges to accommodate this event which the City staff would be addressing. CONSENT AGENDA City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 2 of 6 Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$24,295.44 Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$50.95 Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of$361,549.47 Vouchers 165435 through 165440 in the amount of $121,344.33 Vouchers 165441 through 165480 in the amount of$34,698.92 Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of$24,168.67 Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of$8,891.18 Vouchers 165481 through 165507 in the amount of$40,772.09 Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of$3,465.30 Vouchers 165508 through 165505 in the amount of$12,994.34 Vouchers 165509 through 165513 in the amount of $249,495.72 Vouchers 165514 through 165547 in the amount of $28,639.09 Vouchers 165548 through 165553 in the amount of $2,409.99 Vouchers 165554 through 165585 in the amount of $138,335.63 Approval of Minutes: June 1, 2020 and June 8, 2020 Resolution 20-032 Designating an Agent for Federal Emergency or Disaster Assistance Funds Advisory Board Appointments: Appointment of Michael D'Alessandro to the Historic Preservation Committee (Position 2, Term Expires May 1, 2023); Reappointment of George Randels the Historic Preservation Committee (Position 3, Term Expires May 1, 2023); Reappointment of Sherri Hanke to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (Nonvoting Position 2, Term Expires May 1, 2023); Designating Amy Howard as the Delegate for Association of Washington Cities Annual Meeting Motion: Pamela Adams moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Resolution 20-033, Suspending Utility Late Fees and Penalties Until August 31, 2020 Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff report as written. City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 3 of 6 Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 20-033, Suspending Utility Late Fees and Penalties Until August 31, 2020. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. There was consensus of Council to extend the meeting past 9:30 p.m, Golf Course Parks and Community Services Director Alex Wisniewski gave a presentation on the expiring Golf Course Lease and the two-pronged approach for moving forward with a Request for Proposal and public engagement process. He then responded to questions about discussions with the current golf course operator Gabriel Tonan and the request for proposal process. Related to the timelines, he noted that the end of July was estimated for creating the RFP and also preparing a framework for a public engagement processes. Public Comment: Tim Caldwell (written public comment was provided) Patsy Caldwell for Tim Caldwell and Terry Berge (written comment and reports were provided to Council in the packet) Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve tasking the City Manager to Initiate a Request for Proposal and Explore Other Uses Simultaneously Through a Public Engagement Process with the Community. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-034, Authorizing the City Manager to Defer Homeward Bound's First Loan Payment Until October 1, 2020 and to Execute Any Documents Required to Defer the Payment Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff report. Within 90 days, it is anticipated that alternative options would come forward for Council consideration. There was no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 20-034, Authorizing the City Manager to Defer Homeward Bound's First Loan Payment Until October 1, 2020 and to Execute Any Documents Required to Defer the Payment. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-035 Adopting Guiding Principles for CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds City Manager John Mauro gave the staff briefing as detailed in the agenda bill.. City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 4 of 6 There was no public comment. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 20-035 Adopting Guiding Principles for CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. PAINTING OF A BLACK LIVES MATTER ON WATER STREET Mr. Mauro reviewed some of the technical issues under consideration with the proposed mural including City costs, logistics of street closures, abbreviated timeline, and review by the Historic Preservation Committee (for a permanent installation). Council asked to see the written proposal, including the image and desired location. In addition, it was asked whether the proposal is limited to the painting of a mural or also renaming the streets. Mr. Mauro and Mr. Faber fielded questions and about whether the timeline could be accommodated. There was some interest in approving the temporary nature of a mural with additional information from Suzanne Carlson who has taken the leadership role for the project. Public Comment: Suzanne Carlson indicated she is open to ideas and brainstorming on finding a more permanent mural solution. Teddy LaChappelle spoke of his preference for a mural location on Water Street and advocated for a permanent mural location. Edgar Jorgensen spoke in favor of approving a temporary mural and working toward a permanent mural. Sean Vinson recognized it is unrealistic to propose a permanent mural in the timeline requested and stated a preference for a temporary location on Water Street. He also spoke in favor of turning Taylor Street to King Street. Sabrina Hill asked who the artist would be and if there would be collaboration between black and indigenous people in the community. Sean Vinson of the Black Lives Matter movement agreed to work with as many interracial people as needed. Nhattleah Nichols would like to support the project and call a meeting of the Arts Commission to consider funding an artist to do a mural. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve tasking Staff to work with the organizers of the Black Lives Matter Movement to come together and create artwork by this Friday and to create a process to propose permanent artwork to come back before City Council. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. FORMING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY Deputy Mayor Faber read a prepared statement sharing public concerns about the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement asking for the creation of an ad hoc committee to address law enforcement and public safety as an essential and urgent situation. Council discussion ensued with questions and concerns about not having adequate City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 5 of 6 time to consider this matter. While there was support with the concept, there was hesitation to appoint a committee without the full Council being present, and some concern about taking this matter up ahead of previously-scheduled items. Questions included what would be tasked to the committee, whether the subcommittee would involve individuals in the community, and whether a special meeting should be called to give broader consideration of the matter, possibly as soon as June 29. Public Comment: Sean Vinson spoke in support of the idea of the committee. Olivia Pepper spoke in support of the Ad Hoc Committee and about trainings in Eugene, Oregon titled Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS). Frank luro spoke recruitment and training of police officers. Motion: Owen Rowe moved to approve directing staff and Deputy Mayor Faber to work to create a resolution to form an Ad Hoc Committee on law enforcement and public safety and to bring that matter back to a regular or special business meeting. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Deputy Mayor Faber asked for names for primary and alternative representatives on the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve tasking the Mayor to appoint a primary and alternate to the Intergovernmental Committee. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro provided departmental updates and discussed the proposal to transition to Phase III. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION In the Council schedule, a correction was noted to the Transportation Committee. It should be listed at 3pm versus 4:30 p.m. Ariel Speser recognized the good work in the community on the Black Lives Matter March by the Police, City staff, and community organizers. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:19 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting June 15, 2020 Page 6 of 6