HomeMy WebLinkAbout040323 City Council Business Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF APRIL 3, 2023
CALL TO ORDER/ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in a Regular Business Meeting on the 3rd day
of April 2023 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David Faber called the
meeting to order at 6:00pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Aislinn Diamanti, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Monica MickHager, Ben Thomas, Owen Rowe, and Libby Wennstrom.
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood,
Public Works Director Steve King, Planning and Community Development Director
Emma Bolin, Finance and Technology Service Director Connie Anderson, Parks and
Recreation Strategy Director Carrie Hite, Facilities and Parks Manager Michael Todd ,
and City Clerk Alyssa Rodrigues.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
EXECUTIVE SESSION — PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110 (1)(G) PERFORMANCE OF A
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE. (APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES)
Council members went into Executive Session to discuss RCW 42.30.110 (1)(9)
Performance of a Public Employee for approximately 15 minutes.
Council members went into Executive Session at 6:02pm
Council members came out of Executive Session at 6:19pm. No action was taken.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (NONE)
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Alden Rohrer spoke about the move out notification received at Sea Breeze Mobile
Home Park, lack of local rental listings, high rent amounts, Sea Breeze being pet
friendly, Sea Breeze residents joining Port Townsend's homeless population, and the
idea of the City to potentially buy Sea Breeze Mobile Home Park.
City Staff Response
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In response to Public Comment Mayor Faber announced he will speak about Sea
Breeze Mobile Home Park in his Presiding Officer's Report.
City Manager Mr. Mauro and Public Works Director Steve King addressed a written
public comment regarding noxious weed control. Mr. King explained there is currently
a 1996 Resolution which discourages the use of herbicides in the City and public
spaces. He explained adding language in code regarding noxious weed control and
herbicide being used under City permit if used.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Approval of Minutes: February 21, 2023, March 20, 2023
Lords Lake Project Consultant Approval
Resolution 23-024 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with
FCS Group for Utility Excise Tax Reporting Review in an Amount not to Exceed
$23,690
Motion: Owen Rowe moved to approve the consent agenda. Monica MickHager
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE SCHEDULED
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 23-026 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement to
Repair the Mountain View Pool Roof in an Amount not to Exceed $76,000
Mr. Mauro introduced Resolution 23-026.
Facilities and Parks Manager Michael Todd presented Resolution 23-026 Authorizing
the City Manager to Execute an Agreement to Repair the Mountain View Pool Roof in
an Amount not to Exceed $76,000. Mr. Todd went on to explain weather history and
damage to roof, pool background, layers of roofing, 60- and 25 -year-old covering, roof
inspections, 15 -year life expectancy has been exceeded, 10 -year life expectancy
report in 2013, water damage, on-site staff inspection report, professional roofing
inspection report, Healthier Together efforts, staff recommendation of temporary 5 -year
fix, and long-term fix option details.
In response to Council's clarifying questions Mr. Mauro explained there are alternative
funding options, but they have their challenges. He explained REET is the best option,
but Finance and Technology Services Director Connie Anderson can explain more.
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Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Discussion ensued around speaking publicly about REET funding, type of paint,
hiring•outside help to install, and Mr. Mauro confirmed Ms. Anderson agreed about
REET Funding.
Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 23-026 Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute an Agreement to Repair the Mountain View Pool Roof in an
Amount not to Exceed $76, 000. Ben Thomas seconded.
Discussion ensued around hoping this is the last time the roof would have to be
repaired and long-term solution to pool.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3308 Related to Increasing Park Rules and Amending Title 11 of the
Port Townsend Municipal Code
Mr. Mauro introduced Ordinance 3308.
Parks and Recreation Strategy Director Carrie Hite presented Ordinance 3308
Related to Increasing Park Rules and Amending Title 11 of the Port Townsend
Municipal Code which included history of working on Park Rules with Parks,
Recreation, Trees and Trails Advisory Board, basic park rules, "use" definition in
PTMC, changes being clerical in nature, PTMC 11.01.040 allowing City Manager
administrative adoption of regulation for parks with Mayor and City Attorney review,
language clean up, and Park Rules review by staff and boards.
In response to Council's clarifying questions Ms. Hite stated she will review
"definition of use" in 11.01.020, will update 11.04.010 pg. 14 beginning of section to
have Pope Marine Park and Cotton Building listed, regarding 11.04.010 pg. 14 letter
A, Ms. Hite explained there is not a way to prove Port Townsend residency and
wanted to make sure code was reflected and explained she will add "individuals",
she also confirmed Chetzemoka Park Exhibit C last item differs from the Pope
Marine and Cotton Building and that they should be consistent.
Ms. Hite went on to answer more clarifying questions which included explanation of
metal detecting being permitted in certain locations and will look into making
consistent throughout Park Rules. In addition, she stated she will fix the extra "B" on
pg. 25, confirmed on pg. 6 she will update language regarding owners and horses,
explained on pg. 14 Exhibit B item D 11.04.010 the definition of community large
wide events, confirmed in Exhibit C regarding Chetzemoka Park on pg. 16 there was
an error in font type, stated in the Firearms and Bows and Arrows section they were
trying to protect first amendment rights and keep parks safe but will look into and
confer with the City Attorney, and stated she will also take a look at domestic
animals' definition.
Ms. Hite continued on to explain she will add in ADA components regarding motor
vehicles in parks, will look into events and motor vehicles loading and unloading in
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parks, will add language around special permitting for alcohol consumption in parks,
will add language around using park for longer than 3 days for special events or
uses, will look into stating broad use community events instead of stating the name
of event. Regarding letter E. pg. 15 facility capacity for both Pope Marine and Cotton
Building, Ms, Mite explained the Public Experience Liaisons do not have a good way
to track Port Townsend residency and stated there have not been any complaints. In
addition, Ms. Hite confirmed she can make changes and bring Park Rules back for
second reading.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Discussion ensued around adding a line that states, "requires the removal of
oversized refuse", busking in relation to overuse, last "use" in paragraph should be
changed to "overuse", removal of guitar case example, Right of Way Rules vs. Park
Rules, placement of items blocking access to parks, suggestion to strike, "Overuse
includes the placement of a table, equipment or other similar object", make
definitions of Overuse shorter, explain the why, bring Park Rules back for a second
reading, and special permitted events in relation to signs.
Motion: Aislinn Diamanti moved to approve first reading with edits Ordinance 3308
Related to increasing Park Pules and Amending Title 11 of the Port Townsend
Municipal Code Monica MickHager seconded.
Discussion ensued around staff being able to make edits.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3309 Related to Street Vacations and Amending Chapters 12.20 in the
Port Townsend Municipal Code
Mr. Mauro introduced Ordinance 3309.
Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin and Public Works Steve
King presented Ordinance 3309 Related to Streets Vacations and Amending Chapters
12.20 in the Port Townsend Municipal Code which included Infrastructure and
Development Council Committee review history and direction, partial street vacation
history, Street Right of Way being for public benefit, language regarding partial street
vacations being prohibited, sometimes public benefit to have partial street vacation,
recommendations to make more clearly stated in regulations as well as administrative
changes, increased appraisal fees, added requirements for lot line adjustments being
accomplished prior to ordinance being approved by Council, abandoned street Right of
Way vacation, equitably enforced, strip swap, and City Resolution.
In response to Council's clarifying questions Ms. Bolin and Mr. King explained a partial
street vacation can be accomplished by City Resolution if there is public benefit.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
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Discussion ensued around opportunities for Council Resolutions for partial Right of
Way, vacations for extra -large Right of Ways, housing, requests to Council,
development plan for City, better usage of land not serving public, benefits of alley
ways, anyone can apply, application process, control vs. less control by city
government, clarity of public policy, rules are applicable while in effect and can be
changed in the future, and articulating community goals.
Motion: Aislinn Diamanti moved waive Council Rules and approve on first reading
Ordinance 3309 Related to Street Vacations and Amending Chapters 12.20 in the Port
Townsend Municipal Code Amy Howard seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 23-025 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for On -
Call Land -Use Permit Review in an Amount not to Exceed $150,000
Mr. Mauro introduced Resolution 23-025,
Ms. Bolin presented Resolution 23-025 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an
Agreement for On -Call Land -Use Permit Review in an Amount not to Exceed $150,000
which included a graphic, permit deadlines, struggling to get everything done, six
month back log, on-call permitting services for land use permit review, expedited
review fee program, and equity.
In response to Council's clarifying questions Ms. Bolin confirmed for now it is a stop
gap but potentially part of a holistic work plan, expedited review fee would go to offsite
consultant, consultants would have specific skills, extra fee goes to consultant but
allows more capacity for city staff to work on other permits to move quicker, and would
like to have in house expedited review fee process in the future.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Discussion ensued around how this process will help department overall, keep
policy limited in how long consultants are used and bring inhouse in the future,
affordable housing provider who would pay for expedited process, appropriate to do
now, makes more equitable and reasonable for everyone.
Motion: Aislinn Diamanti moved to approve Resolution 23-025 Authorizing the City
Manager to Execute an Agreement for On -Call Land -Use Permit Review in an Amount
not to Exceed $150,000 Monica MickHager seconded.
Ms. Bolin confirmed it will part of supplemental budget.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
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Mayor Faber provided the Presiding Officer's report which included Farmers Market
Ribbon Cutting, Plant Based Pop Up Event at Port Townsend High School, Sea Breeze
Mobile Home Park walk through and discussion, housing affordability, gap in market, the
need for an abundant expansionary housing policy, and City support of DASH request
for USPS Accessibility components for future renovations letter.
Motion: Ben Thomas moved to approve letter and add Council signatures. Aislinn
Diamanti seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Mauro provided the City Manager's Report which included Long Range Planner,
recruitment, de-escalation training, all staff breakfast, crew breakfast put on by
operations managers, Financial Sustainability, Tactical Infill, Coffee with the City
Manager, RV removal, Kearney St Roundabout, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee grant
cycle, sewer line, sewer system and loan, 7th Haven Ribbon Cutting, Community Read,
Pool Health and Wellness Center survey and Open House, Golf Course Open House,
Hood Canal Bridge, Evans Vista clean up, Senator Patty Murray discussion, not
being here on April 17, and Workshop and EDI statement.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Council member Thomas suggested looking at RVs in the same spot as Tiny Houses on
Wheels and driveways. In addition, he suggested discussing community standards for
herbicide spray,
Mr. King stated on April 17 they are possibly bringing amended code for vegetation
control which reflects March 6 presentation to meeting and can add language about
herbicide spray.
Council member Wennstrom suggested receiving clarification around rain gardens,
vegetation in roundabouts, etc.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Council member MickHager commented that public have talked with her about
vegetation control options and has not received a lot of pushback. She explained she
has just received questions and clarifications while she has been working.
Deputy Mayor Howard commented about the 7th Haven Ribbon Cutting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:29pm.
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Attest:
Alyssa Rodrigues
City Clerk
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