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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010421 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 4, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 4th day of January 2021 in the Council Chambers. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David Faber, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser with Pamela Adams, and Amy Howard excused. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Planning Manager Judy Surber, City Engineer David Peterson, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor Sandoval noted that the Resolution 21-001 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Agreements for Services would be pulled from the consent agenda and not addressed at this meeting. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written comment (the comments were read into the record by the Clerk). Jeff Taylor proposed naming Port Townsend an International Dark Sky Community. Larry Morrell urged passing a resolution opposing use of State Parks for Navy Special Operations Training. Doug Milholland spoke in favor of a City resolution similar to Langley for "no military training in Parks." Leslie Aickin urged passing a resolution similar to Langley for no training in parks. Patrick Muckleroy spoke in support of denying the Navy's application to use Washington State Parks for special operations training. Bob Gray spoke about efforts of OlyCap to receiving $11.3 million in funding for a new building for a day care and low income housing. Charles Law spoke support of adding food composting to the City composting operation. Mark Blatter spoke about concerns on the Public Development Authority. Theresa Shea spoke urged Council action on the Public Development Authority. City Council Business Meeting January 4, 2021 Page 1 of 5 City staff response Mayor Sandoval announced that the deadline for comments about the U.S. Navy proposal has been extended to January 22 and she would make additional remarks under the presiding officer's report. She spoke about OlyCap housing development, reminding that the City, through the interlocal agreement with the County, also provided tax dollars to support the project. City Manager John Mauro recognized the comments regarding the dark sky initiative and pointed to the City's recent passage of street lighting standards. Food composting is a topic of discussion through Local 2020 and the City would need to consider whether to include and prioritize food composting as a priority on its future work plan. The City is participating in conversations with the Public Development Authority about their challenges and would be responsible for publicizing any public meeting to amend their charter. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 166515 through 166688 in the amount of$1,052,601.23 Vouchers 166690 through 166731 in the amount of$145,412.32 Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$26,132.79 Approval of Minutes: December 7 and December 14, 2020 Resolution 21-002 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment Extending the Jefferson County Interlocal Agreement for Jail Services for One Year Resolution 21-003 Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement of Funds for a Loan of Community Development Block Grant Funds Pursuant to Resolution 15-001, Applicant: Belmont 1885, LLC Resolution 21-004 Establishing Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines and Repealing Resolution 19-085 Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda with the removal of item C. Resolution 21-001 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Agreements for Services and corrections to the minutes of December 7. Page one is modified to reflect the Public Works Director is Steve King and page three would reflect public comment by Debbie Jahnke on Resolution 20-064 adopting the Library Strategic Plan. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote. motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting January 4, 2021 Page 2 of 5 NEW BUSINESS Taming Bigfoot— Community Outreach Planning Manager Judy Surber introduced the item as covered in the agenda bill. Local 2020 Climate Action Group representative Robert Bindschadler gave a brief presentation explaining the partners, goals and desired outcomes of the competition to reduce the carbon footprint of individuals. He urged Council's support in the form of an endorsement. Motion. David Faber moved to approve endorsing the "Taming Bigfoot" campaign. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-005 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board 2020 Urban Arterial Program for the Discovery Road Project and to Sign all Contracts for Planning, Permitting and Design of the Project. City Engineer David Peterson gave the staff report on the project and the resolution authorizing acceptance and signatures on the agreement for Washington State Transportation Improvement Board grant. Mr. Peterson responded to questions explaining that the six-year CIP would detail what is needed for water and sewer lines as part of the 2022 budget process. When asked about the 14th Street closure depicted on the vicinity map, he said the conceptual drawing included the closure, but this has not yet come to Council for formalization. Mr. Peterson explained that improvements to the section from Mill Road to the roundabout would be sought in future grant cycles. Mayor Sandoval asked for a future report on the cost for street pavement, sidewalk, and stormwater the distance addressed by this grant compared with improving other roads in Port Townsend. Staff noted this project is roughly two thirds of a mile and costs $5.4 million. The Council Transportation Committee would discuss the topic of costs of other road improvements. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 21-005 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board 2020 Urban Arterial Program for the Discovery Road Project and to Sign all Contracts for Planning, Permitting and Design of the Project. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-006 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Washington State Department of Ecology Financial Assistance Loan Agreement for the Permitting, Design, and Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plan Outfall City Council Business Meeting January 4, 2021 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Peterson gave the staff report on the receipt of a loan from the Department of Ecology for final permitting, design and construction of the outfall. He responded to Council questions about the handling of wastewater and an explanation that the wastewater rates under the current rate projections would pay for these improvements. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-006 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Washington State Department of Ecology Financial Assistance Loan Agreement for the Permitting, Design, and Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plan Outfall. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-007 Approving the 2021 Lodging Tax Expenditures and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements for Services City Manager John Mauro gave the staff report as detailed in the agenda bill. Staff would return to Council regarding the resolution on the agreement for Chamber services. The figure presented represents one-third of their previous contract and he agreed to report back on what portion of Chamber services this represents. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 21-007 Approving the 2021 Lodging Tax Expenditures and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements for Services. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-008 Adopting the 2021 State Legislative Agenda Mr. Mauro led a review of the legislative agenda as detailed in Exhibit A to the resolution of City top priorities and how those align with key partners. Mayor Sandoval spoke of the importance of regional collaboration on priorities and the need for state transportation and mental health funding. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-008 Adopting the 2021 State Legislative Agenda. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval reported on the following: - Recognized the passing of former Councilmember Laurie Medlicott. - Her attendance at Public Development Authority Meetings - The U.S. Navy proposal for military operations in Washington State Parks CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Mauro reported on Covid-19 status and vaccinations, his main priorities for the year in areas of partnerships, performance, participation, and proactive City Council Business Meeting January 4, 2021 Page 4 of 5 sustainability. He reminded of the upcoming police chief meet and greet, Council retreat, as well as provided department updates. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION There was support for the City Manager drafting a letter to the U.S. Navy and being brought back for discussion on January 19. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Mayor Sandoval agreed to prepare a note of appreciation from Council to Alex Wisniewski for his City service. Responding to a question, Mr. Mauro reported on a meeting with partners on options for greater enforcement at the fairgrounds and the homeless shelter. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Attest: tJoa�nn'aS`anders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting January 4, 2021 Page 5 of 5