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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010323 City Council Business Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2023 CALL TO ORDER/ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in a Regular Business Meeting on the 3rd day of January 2023 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David Faber called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Aislinn Diamanti, David Faber, Amy Howard, Owen Rowe, Ben Thomas, and Libby Wennstrom. Monica MickHager was excused. Staff present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Public Works Director Steve King, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Manager Bliss Morris, and City Clerk Alyssa Rodrigues. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (NONE) COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Emelia De Souza spoke about Human Rights and Equality, the Culture and Society Committees work around Human Rights and Equality, the work to be done to declare Port Townsend as a Human Rights City, and formation consideration of Human Rights Commission. City Staff Response CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Approval of Minutes: December 5, December 12 Advisory Board Appointments: Climate Action Committee January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 1 of 8 Resolution No. 23-001 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Agreements for Services COVID-19 Financial Assistance Utility Bill Relief Grant Program Follow -Up Motion: Libby Wennstrom moved to approve the consent agenda. Aislinn Diamanti seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (NONE) NEW BUSINESS Ordinance No. 3303 Related to Council Meeting Times and Amending PTMC Section 2.04.010 City Manager John Mauro introduced Ordinance No. 3303 Related to Council Meeting Times and Amending PTMC Section 2.04.010. He explained the City is trying to find a time that works well for the public as well as also be efficient timing for Council and staff, he went on to explain the suggested meeting start time would be 6:00pm instead of 6:30pm. City Attorney Heidi Greenwood stated the wording in the current Ordinance is standard language regarding effective dates. She stated if the Council would like a different effective date this will need to be changed. In response to Council's clarifying questions Ms. Greenwood stated she will review Council Rules for any changes and updates in Ordinance. In addition, Mr. Mauro stated the timing of Executive Session could change to after Public Comment. Ms. Greenwood stated the Planning Commission may make the change to coincide with Council but explained they are able to set their own rules. In addition, Ms. Greenwood explained she does not believe the museum is open on Mondays so this should not cause a conflict. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Council discussed updating Paragraph B in the Port Townsend Municipal Code Section 2.04.010 to state scheduling "of' instead of scheduling "at". Ms. Greenwood suggested striking everything after first sentence in Paragraph B. Discussion ensued around what action can be taken at study sessions and workshops. Council discussed the importance of getting public feedback regarding Ordinance and bringing it back for a second reading at the January 17 Council Business Meeting. Discussion ensued around March 1st being the effective date. Motion: Aislinn Diamanti moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 3303 Related to Council Meeting Times and Amending PTMC Section 2.04.010 with January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 2 of 8 changes as discussed. Ben Thomas seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3304 Related to Compost Procurement Policy; Adding a New Section 3.46.095 to the Port Townsend Municipal Code Mr. Mauro introduced Ordinance 3304 Related to Compost Procurement Policy, Adding a New Section 3.46.095 to the PTMC. Public Works Director Steve King and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Manager Bliss Morris presented Ordinance 3304 Related to Compost Procurement Policy; Adding a New Section 3.46.095 to the PTMC. Mr. Morris explained the state law regarding City's compost and yard waste pick up programs. He went on to explain the City has been making compost for 30 years and is familiar with all the projects the compost is used in. He went on to state they will start reporting the amount used to state and have already been doing what the Ordinance states. In addition, he shared the City compost is being purchased by community members. In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. Morris stated he does not have any updates regarding food composting. He went on to explain the County is in the process of looking at solid waste as a whole which includes food waste. He stated if the county is going to do a food waste program it needs to be for all of Jefferson County and it may be more logical to build a location for food waste more centralized in the county. He went on to explain the methane extraction process. Mr. Morris confirmed they are already keeping track of donations, so it is not a staff burden to start reporting this and that the City has always paid for compost for road projects, as well as the parks not using much so they are not charged. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Motion: Aislinn Diamanti moved to waive Council Rules and approve on first reading Ordinance 3304 Related to Compost Procurement Policy, Adding a New Section 3.46.095 to the Port Townsend Municipal Code. Ben Thomas seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 23-002 Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to Administer Street and Non - Motorized Improvements to Kearney Street Mr. King presented Resolution 23-002 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to Administer Street and Non -Motorized Improvements to Kearney St. Mr. King explained the City is getting ready to go to bid and this is the second round of getting authorization to hire WSDOT to administer the grant for construction. He explained design costs have come in under budget for WSDOT, however WSDOT has asked City to pay for rapid flash beacons because it was a City request. Project Scope is the same as originally presented. He explained the roundabout design created by WSDOT and clarified the rapid flashing lights are on the east side. He went on to state Jefferson St will be closed off and will be returned to green space and will have bike path as well as the Right of Way having a sidewalk. January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 3 of 8 In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. King confirmed large trucks can drive over roundabout. He stated the inside of oval is paver surface and will normally be a different color and confirmed he will add North on the diagram. Mr. King stated he will ask WSDOT about signage, he also stated bikers have the choice to stay in roundabout or getting on sidewalk. Mr. King went on to state the goal is to get cars and bikes traveling the same speed in the dilemma zone. He confirmed once the roundabout is there it allows for more free flow traffic, and the angle of approach of Jefferson St to Sims is out of standard, it also allows for more green space. He confirmed the rain garden and removing of right turn pocket will help with drainage. Mr. King stated the infrastructure under the project has enough life left on it. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Mayor Faber shared why he is in support of roundabouts. Discussion ensued around the importance of having public information available. Mr. King stated he will check with WSDOT for information. Mr. King confirmed the current traffic lights are scheduled for replacement and stated with WSDOT when traffic lights are due for replacement WSDOT is mandated is review them for a roundabout and if the roundabout does not cost 25% more than a traffic signal they must put in a roundabout unless there is a technical reason they cannot. He went on to explain the reason Mill Rd. is not moving forward is due to a Right of Way issue due to lack of documentation. He explained they will go out for funding to do something for all legs at Mill Rd. Motion: Ben Thomas moved to approve Resolution 23-002 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to Administer Street and Non -Motorized Improvements to Kearney Street. Libby Wennstrom seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 23-003 Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Discovery Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Project and to Execute all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Project Mr. King presented Resolution 23-003 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Discovery Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Project and to Execute all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Project. Mr. King explained one year ago they wrapped up the Local Road and Safety Plan which resulted in the City being eligible to apply for Highway Safety improvement Funding, in which the City received $233,000. He explained the Discovery Rd. project was funded. He went on to state the grant is enough to reconfigure and do continuations of bike lines as well as having safe crossings for children. In addition, they will remove right turn pocket going up 19th St. He explained this is the first step to getting grant funds released. In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. King stated there is not a match, but he explained the City does have to pay for their own Engineering services. He explained the traffic load during school times is a competing priority between traffic, January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 4 of 8 pedestrians, and bicyclist. Mr. King stated they have not thought about the long-term viability of the intersection because it is not the intent of grant, the grant is a safety improvement grant. He explained by the City's adopted Level of Service standards it will last many years before having an issue and that this project is about putting pedestrians and bikes ahead of cars. Mr. King explained the Discovery Rd project is designed for over 6,000 vehicles a day and it is currently getting 4,000 vehicles a day and thinks it is okay within design period for Discovery Rd. He also stated WSDOT is not currently interested in adding a lot of lanes in their current philosophy. Mr. King confirmed the bulb outs in intersection makes the pedestrian crossing shorter and makes them more visible. Public Comment: Rick Jahnke spoke about the project on Rainier which will connect through to Hastings being as important as doing that intersection on Discovery Rd in relation to traffic flow. Scott Walker spoke about right turn on 19th and the lack of public input when this was put in and is pleased to have opportunity for public input now. He shared his appreciation for the City paying attention to pedestrian safety first, bicycles, and then cars. Discussion ensued around public education about right lane being removed. Motion: Amy Howard moved to approve Resolution 23-003 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Discovery Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Project and to Execute all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Project. Owen Rowe seconded. Council member Thomas shared he does not like having to cross twice with a bike. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 23-004 Declaring an Emergency and Ratifying the City Manager's Approval of all Applicable Documents to Allow for the Repair of the Broken Sewer Main near Water and Gaines Streets Mr. Mauro introduced Resolution 23-004 Declaring an Emergency and Ratifying the City Manager's Approval of all Applicable Documents to Allow for the Repair of the Broken Sewer Main near Water and Gaines Streets. Mr. King gave a presentation on the December 27, 2022 Sewer Main Break and Emergency Repair on Water and Gaines Street which included The Break 12/27/22, Break Location, Impacts- Sewer Overflow, Pumps Deployed, Impacts- Street Damage, Impacts- Storm Drain, Impacts- Road Closure, Replacement Pipe, Collapsed Pipe, Replacement of AC Pipe, Seton Construction Thank You, City Street and Collections, and Water Crew. Thank you!, Schedule- Pipe Connection Tonight, and it Takes a Team! In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. King explained the primary concern with asbestos is airborne. He stated the pipe was soggy, and they vectored January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 5 of 8 everything out of system so if anything went down the sewer it would be very small in regard to asbestos. He explained asbestos is better to leave in the hole, so it got buried back in the hole. Mr. King confirmed what is left of pipe has been crushed. In addition, he stated the process would include there being a collapsed pipe which gets drug through from one maintenance hole to the next like a rope at which point it is then pressurized with hot steam which blows it up, after this there will be a UV light cure on it. In addition, they will go into the pipe with a camera and robot cutter to cut a hole which will allow the sewer lateral to come in. He explained they will camera the rest of the pipe and understand what they have, make sure it is eligible for the liner and will get bids, this would take about a year. As far as looking at camera it will be within a few weeks. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Motion: Ben Thomas moved to approve Resolution 23-004 Declaring an F-mergency and Ratifying the City Manager's Approval of all Applicable Documents to Allow for the Repair of the Broken Seger Main near Water and Gaines Streets. Aislinn Diamanti seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Resolution 23-005 Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board and all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Tyler Street Overlay Project Mr. Mauro introduced Resolution 23-005 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board and all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Tyler Street Overlay Project. Mr. King explained they partnered with DASH and the Farmers Market. He explained DASH wrote a letter to the director of TIB which he feels was a huge reason the City received a grant. He explained this will be an ADA accessibility project which will get the City fully connected from center of uptown to downtown. He stated the City must figure out how to sequence the work with the Farmers Market. He believes it will have to be a 2024 project. In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. King explained thinking ahead to next paving project is very important and stated there are some issues to deal with on Tyler St and how it will be difficult to keep the drainage. Mr. King shared he does not know the genesis of Jefferson going downhill, he said they can look at the striping and signage to make it clearer for drivers. Public Comment: Scott Walker spoke about the genesis of the no right turn coming downhill on Tyler was the result of tourists going uphill towards Tyler and locals going downhill which caused collisions and shared it is dangerous for bicyclist on route from F St. in front of Printery and Pan d'Amore with angled parking and no bike lane. Mr. King explained the City Complete Streets policy is that all projects need to be taken into consideration so it comes down to what can be funded in the realm of a grant. He shared the biggest challenge would be if there is much change the public January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 6 of 8 participation process may use up most of the grant. He agreed the street is wide and is worth looking at. Motion: Libby Wennstrom moved to approve Resolution 23-005 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board and all Other Agreements Necessary to Complete the Tyler Street Overlay Project. Amy Howard seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Faber provided the Presiding Officers Report which included the suggested change of Deputy Mayor Howard joining Council Culture and Society and Council member MickHager joining Infrastructure and Development going forward due to conflict meeting issues. Motion: Aislinn Diamand moved to approve suggested Council committee change presented by Mayor Faber. Libby Wennstrom seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Mayor Faber went on to share the Judge John Hodgeman event on January 28. Mayor Faber went on to share the Judge John Hodgeman event on January 28. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro presented the City Manager's Report which included hiring update, staff appreciation, crisis management by staff during recent events, General Manager for Jefferson Transit, Open Mic Event at Planning Commission, Gingerbread House Winners, Tyler St Plaza, ADA transition plan in public Right of Way, Golf Course and Mt. View Campus Open House Events, Evans Vista Sewer Infrastructure, Washington State Ferry Service Restoration Plan Community Meeting #2, Financial Sustainability Task Force, and Council Workshop agenda. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING ANDIOR STUDY SESSION Discussion ensued around having the Culture and Society Committee tasked with the Sister City relationship. Motion: Owen Rowe moved to have Culture and Society Committee be tasked with the reviewing Sister City relationship, any potential events, and actions related to. Ben Thomas seconded. Vote: Motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Deputy Mayor Howard announced she will be attending the Washington Mayors Exchange in mid-January and City Action Lobbying Days in February. January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 7 of 8 ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:18pm. Attest: City Clerk January 3, 2023 City Council Business Meeting Page 8 of 8