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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120720 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 2020 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 7th day of December 2020 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 Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser. 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, Development Services Director Lance Bailey, Library Director Melody Eisler, Public Works Director Tony Hillman, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Ms. Sandoval reviewed the order of the agenda. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written comment (the comments were read into the record by the Clerk): Doug Campbell spoke about the traffic circles on Washington Street. Paul Marks spoke about the traffic circles on Washington Street. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 166447 through 166514 in the amount of$289,921.20 Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$1,310,981.90 Approval of Minutes: November 16, 2020 Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 1 of 6 Reappointment of Viki Sonntag (Position 4, term expires December 31, 2023) to the Planning Commission Resolution 20-062 Suspending Utility Shut-Offs, Late Fees, and Penalties until April 30, 2021 Motion. David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 20-063 Urging the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to Consider Imposing the Sales and Use Tax for Housing and Related Services Authorized by RCW 82.14.530 Ms. Sandoval announced that the Joint Housing Strategy written by County Administrator Philip Morley was previously provided to Councilmembers. Mr. Morley gave a briefing on what was learned from housing providers. Identified in the strategy are six recommended projects as examples of what might be funded in support of affordable housing. In addition, they recommended the City and County amend the interlocal agreement. The Board of County Commissioners agreed to consider imposing the sales tax allowed under HB1590 guided by the Joint Housing Strategy. The Council resolution is very similar to what the County adopted. City Manager John Mauro spoke about collaboration with the County and the housing providers. During Council discussion, Mr. Morley confirmed the sales tax would increase from 9% to 9.1% and approximately $600,000 would be generated by the tax. Ms. Sandoval noted that County action authorizes the tax and City Council would need to affirm changes to the Interlocal Agreement. The following individuals provided written comment (the comments were read into the record by the Clerk): Bob Gray urged withholding tax increases until recovery from the recession. Kathryn Maly spoke in support of a sales tax for affordable housing. Julia Cochrane spoke in support of a sales tax. Earll Murman spoke in support of a sales tax. Ms. Sandoval made comments in support of the tax and ensuring the housing would remain affordable in perpetuity. Ms. Howard disclosed she is an employee of Habitat for Humanity and the resolution is not related to her compensation. Ms. Speser disclosed she is an unpaid Board member of Habitat for Humanity. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 20-063 Urging the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to Consider Imposing the Sales and Use Tax for Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 2 of 6 Housing and Related Services Authorized by RCW 82.14.530. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-064 Adopting the Port Townsend Public Library's Strategic Plan 2021-2025 Library Director Melody Eisler and Brian Murphy of Berk Consulting presented an overview of the planning process. During discussion, there was interest in the survey data and suggestions to add timeframes to plan sections titled Ideas for the Future as well as reference to a library extension or outlet in the Castle Hill area. Related to questions about the 2008 levy, Ms. Eisler said she did not believe the funds were intended for capital expenditures and more clarification may be needed in the plan on how those funds could be used. She noted the City added the Castle Hill book drop and partnered with Salish Coast Elementary as a hub with an after hours presence. In the future, Staff would continue to work to improve services such as including the checking out of internet hot spots. There was no public comment. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 20-064 Adopting the Port Townsend Public Library's Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-065 Related to the 2021 Annual Update to the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan Development Services Director Lance Bailey gave the staff presentation on the annual update and the types of amendments that must be docketed. The last comprehensive amendments were in 2019. He urged not opening up to suggested amendments in 2021. Code changes to address emerging projects would not require a comprehensive plan amendment. Short-term and long-range planning projects on which the department would focus are housing projects to add diversity, improvements to the permitting process, capital facilities projects requiring permitting, and updates to the building code. There was no public comment. Motion: moved to seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-066 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Operating Agreement with Rasier, LLC for Transportation Network Operations City Attorney Heidi Greenwood gave the staff report. Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 3 of 6 During discussion, there was Council's interest in reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding as well as having additional time to consider the action. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve tabling action on Resolution 20-066 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Operating Agreement with Rasier, LLC for Transportation Network Operations. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 20-067 Amending City Council Rules of Procedure — Article I Council Meetings and Article II Duties and Privileges of Members Ms. Greenwood gave the staff presentation on the recommended changes. Council Rules Committee Chair Ms. Speser noted the intent behind the majority of the changes were to bring the rules up to date with current practices. The committee was also excited to implement in Council protocols a native land acknowledgement. There was no public comment. Motion: moved to seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.. Resolution 20-068 Declaring an Emergency and Ratifying the City Manager's Approval of all Applicable Documents to Allow for the Repair of the Broken Water Main at Monroe and Water Streets Ms. Greenwood reported on the bidding process required on Public Works projects and the legal exceptions for emergencies. Public Works Director Steve King gave a presentation on the watermain break showing photos of the break and the emergency repairs needed. There was no public comment. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 20-068 Declaring an Emergency and Ratifying the City Manager's Approval of all Applicable Documents to Allow for the Repair of the Broken Water Main at Monroe and Water Streets. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Resolution 20-069 Authorizing Final Project Closure for the Community Development Grant at Mountain View Commons Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 4 of 6 Mayor Sandoval reviewed the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were no Council financial or property issues to disclose in connection with this matter. Parks Recreation and Community Services Director Alex Wisniewski gave the staff presentation as detailed in the agenda bill. There was no public comment and the public hearing was closed. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 20-069 Authorizing Final Project Closure for the Community Development Grant at Mountain View Commons. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3259 Adopting the Proposed Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021 City Manager John Mauro framed the budget adoption. Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff briefing and responded to questions about the Affordable Housing Fund comprised of property tax and sales tax revenue. The following individual provided written comment (the comment was read into the record by the Clerk): Jason Victor Serinus urged full restoration of the Arts Commission budget. Mr. Mauro and Mayor Sandoval spoke about the important work of the Arts Commission funded from the Community Services fund. Given City budget constraints, there might be other structures for the Art Commission allowing them to function and fundraise with more creativity and flexibility. They noted the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is also suffering significant budget cutbacks. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3259 Adopting the Proposed Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval reported attending meetings of the Housing Tax Force and Joint Oversight Board as well as meetings regarding the Public Development Authority, CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro's report included the following: - Status of Corona virus cases, - Work of the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group, Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 5 of 6 - Efforts toward a regional agenda with the North Olympic Legislative Alliance, - Broadening interest about the status of the Public Development Authority, - Police chief interviews and a community forum planned for January 11, - Upcoming meeting with new East Jefferson Fire Chief Fred Black, - Reconstruction of City Hall lobby and customer service improvements, - Department updates, including the passing of Library employee Lee Brown, Golf Course lease negotiations, receipt of a $2.6 million grant for the Discovery Road project, and new bollards on Adams Street. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION There were none. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL It was noted that the December 21, 2020 meeting may be cancelled. EXECUTIVE SESSION — PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.11 0(l)(1) CURRENT OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION At 9:35 p.m., the Council recessed into Executive Session for 25 minutes regarding the above matter with no decision following. At 9:59 p.m., the Council came back into open session. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk Council Business Meeting December 7, 2020 Page 6 of 6