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HomeMy WebLinkAbout092021 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 20th day of September 2021 in the Council Chambers. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser with David Faber excused. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Public Works Director Steve King, Development Services Director Lance Bailey, Library Director Melody Eisler, Planning Manager Judy Surber, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Added to the agenda was a special presentation by JeffCom 911 and an executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)(iii) litigation or legal risks of a proposed action. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Proclamation — Banned Books Week Library Director Melody Eisler accepted the proclamation and spoke of the importance of the Office for Intellectual Freedom. Climate Action Committee Update Planning Manager and City Staff to the Climate Action Committee (CAC) Judy Surber announced that the North Olympic Development Council received of grant for $170,000 for climate preparedness efforts on the peninsula. This would equate to about $18,000 per jurisdiction of the consultants contract. She solicited input on using these funds. CAC Chair Cindy Jayne and Committee Member Kate Chadwick were present to provide a briefing of the 2020 Greenhouse Gas Community Emissions Reduction Opportunities, reviewing the report's Executive Summary. They offered to come back to Council to report on the analysis of carbon sequestration of forests and trees the report for which is being finalized or for a general detailed discussion and to receive additional feedback. City Council Business Meeting September 20, 2021 Page 1 of 5 JeffComm 911 Update City Manager John Mauro summarized the new matters being considered this week by JeffCom 911 Board with the potential to impact the existing contract and City budget. Councilmember Speser provided information about JeffCom discussions in which she participated as Council representative. She spoke of the potential impact to the Police Department budget with a rise in user fees based on calls for service. Unique to Covid, calls in Port Townsend have been less than typical. Discussions of options include a potential for cost share with PenCom (Port Angeles). JeffCom911's Director Stacie Huibregtse and JeffCom Commissioner Art Frank (board chair) were present to report that their Board would be meeting this week to consider passing their budget and approving a structure for JeffCom's user fees to cover the operating costs for the 911 Center. They need to find an equitable way to pay those costs. Currently, they are considering a change to base the user fee on calls for service using a three-year versus one-year average. Council questions centered on the model used, impacts to JeffCom contract with the City, and other sources of revenue. Ms. Huibregtse noted revenues include sales tax (1/10th of one percent), state 911 center funding, and some revenue from tower use. There was discussion about the current contract. Mr. Frank noted that due to Ms. Huibregtse' efforts, the JeffCom budget savings this year is $7,000 over prior years. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Charles Law spoke in support of utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds for a feasibility study on a compost facility for food waste. Mr. Mauro acknowledged the comment and responded that backyard composting would need to be discussed as a potential future priority. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 168210 through 168294 in the amount of$438,241.95 Authorizing Deferral of Building Fees and Utility Connection Charges for Habitat for Humanity Low Income Housing Unit Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING City Council Business Meeting September 20, 2021 Page 2 of 5 Ordinance 3272 Related to Housing Regulations; Amending Chapters 17.08, 17.16, and 17.32 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, Amending Regulations Related to Planned Unit Developments, Zero Lot Line Duplexes, Community Gardens, and the Definition of Child Care Facility Mayor Sandoval read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were no Council financial or property issues to disclose in connection with this matter. However, Ms. Howard noted she is a paid employee for Habitat For Humanity, but the decision does not have a direct impact to her employment. Ms. Speser also disclosed she is an unpaid volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Development Services Director Lance Bailey reviewed the seven proposed amendments across the four subject areas to Chapter 17. He explained the need for an additional amendment to Table 17.16.020 to reflect a decrease of 5,000 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft. minimum lot size for duplexes in the R-II zone. More analysis would be needed on the density impacts of including triplexes and fourplexes along with duplexes. Public Comment: Jamie Maciejewski Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity spoke in support of recommended changes. Mr. Bailey agreed to continue to monitor State administrative code changes related to day care facilities. Council noted and had some concern that the Planning Commission's specific motions were not detailed in the findings regarding the definition of community garden and in the definition of childcare facility the additional WAC 388-71-0702 for improved searchability for adult services as well as added references to adult day services, and under babysitting services to reflect "the served individual's own home" versus "individual's own home." Mr. Bailey agreed to include the additional WAC. Related to community garden, he explained the discussions about agriculture uses. In zones of minimum density, the City is trying to maintain residential uses and densities in those zones. He called additional changes to the PTMC table under Bulk, Scale and Density for Residential zones in Table 17.16.030 would require an addition to the minimum lot size of 2,500 sq. ft. for single family attached duplexes. Public testimony was closed. During deliberation, Council asked about public complaints regarding the garden sheds and Planning Commission discussions of density toward the desire to create more affordability not just more density. He also agreed to leave the reference to the WAC in the definition of child care facility. There was a suggestion to address the vote on the change to community gardens and garden shelter separately from other changes and an additional change under the definition of childcare. Motion: Amy Howard moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3272 Related to Housing Regulations; Amending Chapters 17.08, 17.16, and 17.32 of the Pon` Townsend Municipal Code, Amending Regulations Related to Planned Unit Developments, Zero Lot Line Duplexes, Community Gardens, and the Definition of Child Care Facility. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting September 20, 2021 Page 3 of 5 There was no interest in leaving the record open for the submittal of additional materials. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 21-057 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a Public Infrastructure Fund Grant for the Port Townsend Sims Gateway and Tree Management Project, to Commit $100,000 in City Matching Funds, and to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Townsend to Complete the Project Public Works Director Steve King presented the Sims Way Gateway and Tree Management project for which a Public Infrastructure grant is needed in the category of benefitting economic development. He clarified the City has responsibility for managing areas outside the pavement and road responsibility of the State of Washington. Concept drawing questions could extend or connect to Larry Scott Trail as part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Port of Port Townsend Eric Toews spoke about the expectation on routing the trail around the industrial shipyard to make it safer for pedestrians and the public. There is a slight preference for keeping access on the west side. Council questions were about the possibility of planting fruit trees along the port side and how much square footage the port would gain as well as an additional revenue estimate. Mr. Toews noted that just under an acre addition and 20 more jobs could be gained by an expansion of the yard. Ms. Howard noted discussions at the Council Infrastructure and Development Committee about the project. There was no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 21-057 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a Public Infrastructure Fund Grant for the Port Townsend Sims Gateway and Tree Management Project, to Commit$100,000 in City Matching Funds, and to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Townsend to Complete the Project. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve extending the meeting to 10:00 p.m. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Budget Discussion - 2022 Revenue Projections and Rate Changes Mr. Mauro reported that the City overall did well last year and yet wants to remain conservative because of recruitment and deferred maintenance. Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell talked about key assumptions as detailed in the agenda bill, including the key revenue highlights and 2022 preliminary revenues. She addressed minor questions. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT City Council Business Meeting September 20, 2021 Page 4 of 5 Mayor Sandoval reported: - Attendance at Housing Task Force and reviewing RFPs for grants. - Attendance at the Shelter Committee - Upcoming meetings of the Joint Oversight Board and the Public Development Authority - Calls from residents with concerns about adults protesting mask requirements at the high school CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro reported that the utility newsletter contains information about the scheduled celebration of life of Community Services Officer Josh Atchison. The City's Director of People and Performance, Pamela Martinez, would starts work October 4. He also provided various department updates. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION Mr. Rowe noted that October 11 is indigenous peoples day for recognition. Ms. MickHager suggested inviting Councilmembers in November and December for a discussion of Council committee assignments. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:48 p.m., Council went into executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)(iii) litigation or legal risks of a proposed action to last 20 minutes with no action to follow. At 10:08 p.m., Council came back into open session. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting September 20, 2021 Page 5 of 5