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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120621 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 6th day of December 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, 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, Public Works Director Steve King, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There was no objection to moving earlier on the agenda Item H, Resolution 21-081 on the water supply agreement. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk included the comments in the meeting record): Harvey Windle of Forest Gems commented on trash pick up and downtown parking. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 168667 through 168750 in the amount of$752,183.93 Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of$31,200.78 Approval of Minutes: November 15 and November 22, 2021 Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 1 of 7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3277 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2022 (Public Hearing Continued) Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff briefing. The following individual provided written public comment (Clerk included the comment in the meeting record): Lily Haight of Jefferson Associated Counsel commented on police funding. Additional public comment was provided as follows: Gretchen Brewer asked a question about where the funding exists for rain gardens. Ms. Mitchell noted that funding goes to PT Main Street for rain garden maintenance. A Councilmember commented a desire to further strategize on expanding the Police Navigator Program to ease the pressure on that department. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3277 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2022. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance 3278 Adopting 2021 Supplemental #3 Budget Appropriations Ms. Mitchell reported that at Council's prior review and adoption of the supplemental, the attachment did not accurately reflect $20,000 of additional street appropriations related to storm damage. The current ordinance reflects this funding. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve waiving Council Rules and approving Ordinance 3278 Adopting 2021 Supplemental#3 Budget Appropriations. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3279 Relating to Regional Wholesale and Industrial Water Service and Adding Chapter 13.18 to the Port Townsend Municipal Code City Manager John Mauro provided an overview and background on this matter. City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 2 of 7 Public Works Director Steve King gave the staff report on requested amendments to the Port Townsend Municipal Code to distinguish between the retail water system from the industrial raw water system. Revisions to the Code were also needed to allow the setting of water rates and a water supply contract. Council comments included the positive aspects of the negotiation, creating a fund for future repairs, and allowing the City to apply for federal grants. The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk included the comments in the meeting record): Gretchen Brewer had many questions, made several comments in support of the agreement, and noted the operations agreement is not available to view. Steve Gross urged postponing action until after the operations agreement is negotiated and also to allow time to hear about the rate study. Peter Guerrero spoke about including in the agreement incentives to conserve water and raised concern about the 20 year term and urged a ten-year agreement instead. Additional public comment: Gretchen Brewer asked about the Mill's treated water use. Mr. King responded. Motion: Owen Rowe moved to approve Ordinance 3279 Relating to Regional Wholesale and Industrial Water Service and Adding Chapter 13.18 to the Port Townsend Municipal Code. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3280 Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 5.84 Utility Business Tax Mr. King gave the staff presentation as written in the agenda bill. There was no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Ordinance 3280 Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 5.84 Utility Business Tax. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-081 authorizing the City Manager to execute a water supply agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation and further authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for operations of the Olympic Gravity Water System Mr. King gave the staff briefing explaining the terms of the agreement and the cost of water approach. The rate increases contribute to a capital fund for the future repairs. Exhibit D reflects the operational contract and day-to-day maintenance with City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 3 of 7 the Mill's historical data on cost of operations projected forward. He reviewed changes made since Council the last reviewed the agreement. A supplemental would be needed in 2022 because there is not yet an operations budget for the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) until this agreement is finalized. Mr. King recognized public comment and addressed some of the questions. He noted the U.S. forest service permit would be renegotiated in 2029 and that would likely begin in 2025. Watershed questions would be addressed at that time. Council questions centered on uncertainties surrounding costs and details of the operations agreement. Mr. King noted that with this action, the City Manager would be authorized to negotiate the agreement. Councilmembers expressed a desire to receive the final operations agreement. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 21-081 authorizing the City Manager to execute a water supply agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation and further authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for operations of the Olympic Gravity Water System. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk included the comments in the meeting record): Additional public comment: Gretchen Brewer asked to see relative cost sharing and impact to the overall financial picture as it is development. Peter Guerrero provided comments about prioritizing water conservation, raised concerns that water conservation would also decrease revenue, and urge a shorter agreement than 20 year. Mr. King responded that if Mill were to close an alternative arrangement would be put in place. A white paper addresses this alternative arrangement. Resolution 21-079 Extending a Special Event for the COVID Reopening of the City of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees and Time Restriction as Part of That Event. Mr. King gave the staff presentation. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-079 Extending a Special Event for the COVID Reopening of the City"of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees and Time Restriction as Part of That Event. Amy Howard seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 4 of 7 Resolution 21-080 Adopting the 2022 State Legislative Agenda Mr. Mauro provided the staff report on the proposed agenda. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-080 Adopting the 2022 State Legislative Agenda. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Joint Resolution 21-078 Establishing a Multi-Governmental Process for Collaborating on Issues of Mutual Importance Mr. Mauro gave the staff report on this matter last reviewed on November 18, 2021 at the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group meeting. There was no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Joint Resolution 21-078 Establishing a Multi-Governmental Process for Collaborating on Issues of Mutual Importance. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Evans Vista Housing Project - Property Due Diligence Council Briefing Mr. King gave the staff report and presentation regarding the purchase of property for housing. He reviewed the vision, project goals, technical assistance, and additional funding. Staff would plan to return to Council next week with a recommendation on the purchase with the closing set for December 17, 2021. Mr. Mauro spoke about the direct links between this project and the Rainier Street Subarea Plan. In response to Council questions, Mr. King noted that earmarked grant funds are for utility infrastructure or costs associated with affordable housing. The $2.5 million in federal funds, if received, would change how the City writes the contract with the Department of Commerce. The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk included the comments in the meeting record): Fred Kimball spoke in support of the property purchase and exploring various models. Justine Gonzales-Berg of the Housing Solutions Network offered to assist with community engagement efforts. Lauren Ehnebuske and M Arch spoke in support of the project and good community engagement as well as perpetual affordability. City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 5 of 7 Peter Bonyun spoke in support of the purchase and community engagement efforts. There was no public comment. Additional public comment was as follows: Peter Bonyun read his written remarks about the community assisting with the engagement efforts and allowing Housing Solutions Network designing the project. Gretchen Brewer spoke in supporting of live/work concept. She recognized this area is in the major path of the mill plume and would like that to be a consideration. Disclosures to future purchasers is also an item she requested. Additional Council comments were that the City remains committed to affordable housing and there was recognition of ongoing difficulties associated with the Cherry Street project. There was excitement about employing the Subarea plan and recognition that the community has to be an important partner in ensuring the success of this project. Of importance to Council was having a variety of affordable housing options, market rate housing, getting a contractor who can build affordable housing in this project, and commercial space. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval reported on the following: - Attendance at an Economic Development Council meeting with new directory Cindy Brooks - Attendance at Fort Worden PDA meeting to finance historic tax credits and refinancing of shorter term into longer-term debt. - Fort Worden Foundation signed over Makers Square to the Fort Worden PDA. Centrum may also consider taking over some of the Fort facilities. - Greeted Santa Claus at the tree lighting. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro reported on the following: - Convening a PDA Financial Oversight Committee next week. - A second town hall on December 15 from 5-6 p.m. concerning the Port boatyard expansion project. - Meetings and conversations with incoming councilmembers - Union negotiations next week and the potential impact to the supplemental budget - Fairwell were recognized to outgoing youth services librarian Hilary Verheggen and also Development Services Director Lance Bailey is leaving for the City of Monroe - Laura Parsons is the new City Engineer - A search is underway for a Finance Director - New police officer Kamal Sharif Mr. Faber announced a social event is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 14 or Thursday, Dec. 15 to celebrate outgoing councilmembers. EXECUTIVE SESSION — PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)(111) TO DISCUSS LITIGATION OR LEGAL RISKS OF A PROPOSED ACTION City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 6 of 7 At 9:13 p.m., the Council recessed into Executive Session — pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(i)(iii) to discuss litigation or legal risks of a proposed action on two separate items. The first topic was expected to last five minutes, the second approximately 25 minutes with no action to follow. At 9:42 p.m., the Council meeting resumed. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting December 6, 2021 Page 7 of 7