Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout051010CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING AND WORKSHOP OF MAY 10, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels, and Michelle Sandoval with Catharine Robinson, and Mark Welch excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, DSD Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy . JOINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND AND JEFFERSON COUNTY DSD Director Rick Sepler reviewed the packet materials. Mr. Timmons emphasized this is not a planning exercise but is an implementation strategy. He stated that we must have acounty- wide framework for benchmarks and policy guidelines which are consistent with current economic conditions. Mayor Sandoval stated there were several productive meetings among electeds and others which guided the strategies in the document. Mr. Randels asked about references to Team Jefferson, Ms. Sandoval noted that there are some ongoing tasks that are currently assigned to Team Jefferson; other references are open ended. Mr. King received clarification that E.D. Hovee will be the consultant although the firm is not named specifically in the document. Ms. Nelson stated that designating positions as members of the group rather than individuals may have a detrimental effect on the continuity of the roles. If the designated member is the head of each organization, those members would change with a change in the position (example: Board of County Commissioners may elect a new Chair before the process is completed) and this could affect the momentum of the process. There was no public comment. Mr. Randels pointed out a formatting error on page 5. Mr. Sepler stated this would be corrected. Mr. Randels also asked about the scope of service and who will be dealing with affordable housing and other items under d(3), page 2 (high quality public schools, encouraging local lenders to make financing available for desired industry sectors). Mr. Sepler noted that the Jefferson County Higher Education Group is working on education issues. City Council Special Meeting Workshop May 10, 2010 Page 1 of 3 Ms. Nelson asked about the role of the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee (JGMSC). Mr. Sepler said that the JGMSC is one good way for getting structured public feedback as well as providing a conduit to the community. The JGMSC will be tasked to revise the policies after seeing the results from this process. Mr. Timmons and Mr. Sepler noted that the scheduled May 20 town meeting will be postponed, probably until October, at which time we will have much more information and that meeting will be integrated into this process. Motion: George Randels moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Joint Economic Development Agreement on behalf of the City. David King seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. Ms. Nelson asked about the elected officials clause. Mr. Randels stated he doesn't agree this should be added at this time but hopes the other jursidictions will agree to a means of providing continuity to the discussion. There being no further business, the special business meeting was adjoumed at 7:01 p.m. ADJOURN The special meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. WORKSHOP MEETING CALL TO ORDER The joint workshop meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. ROLL CALL City Councilors present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels and Michelle Sandoval. Catharine Robinson and Mark Welch were excused. FUTURE FIRE SERVICES -REVIEW RESULTS OF TOWN MEETING Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet materials. He discussed the phasing of the levy and options for the City to gain equity with the Fire District in terms of the general fire levy. At this paint, the City must raise about $fi20,000 to reach parity with the district without service cuts. Fire Chief Pomeroy discussed staffing and how new Fire Department positions would be phased in. City Council Special Meeting Workshop May 10, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Discussion ensued about the option of a Regional Fire Authority. There was lengthy discussion about the Regional Fire Authority and annexation and what the various options would be for City and District representation on a joint governing board in different situations. Ms. Nelson noted that a citizen asked her to bring forward the idea that if ambulance transportation service out of the area were eliminated it would solve the budget problems. Fire District Commissioner Rich Stapf detailed the issues relating to ambulance service and reviewed the history of the Fire Department's involvement with ambulance service. Mr. Timmons provided more information on the ambulance history from the City's perspective. All agreed that both entities must work together to provide education to the public so they can weigh the options and make a reasonable choice. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Special Meeting Workshop May 10, 2010 Page 3 of 3