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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04171995MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF APRIL 17, 1995 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this Seventeenth day of April, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor John M. Clise presiding. ROLL CALL Council Members present at Roll Call were Dan Harpole, Ted Shoulberg, Sheila Westerman, and Diane Perry-Thompson. Council members Julie McCulloch, Bill Davidson and Bob Sokol were excused. Also present were City Administrator Michael Hildt, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler, City Attorney Tim McMahan, Director of Building & Community Development Dave Robison, Police Chief Jim Newton, Fire Chief Howard Scott and Community Development Assistant Judy Erlandson. AGENDA CHANGES or ADDITIONS: New item added by Mayor Clise directly after the first Public Comments section, for an update/summary of FEMA training by those who attended. Councilmember Westerman noted a correction to the expiration date on the appointment of Lanie Johnson to the Arts Commission, from 1995 to 1998. PRIORITY ITEM CITY PARTICIPATION IN PURCHASE OF THOMAS OIL SITE Mayor Clise stated that the Port has made an offer to the owners of the Thomas Oil site to purchase this property, and the Port has asked the City to participate in this purchase with the Port leading in the negotiation. Mr. Robison added that the Port asked the City to form a partnership to purchase this property. Mr. Robison explained the Port's offer is contingent upon the City's parmership, and if a partnership is pursued, then an interlocal agreement would be made between the Port and the City. Although there has been no discussion of the actual use of the property, it would probably be reserved for marine trade uses or public recreational uses allowed under the Shoreline Management Program. Mr. Robison stated that the City has no funding strategy at this time, but is looking for Council support of this partnership. PUBLIC COMMENTS Robert Greenway of Port Townsend expressed his support of the City's purchase of the Thomas Oil site property. Mr. Greenway stated that he believed the scale of the tourist resort planned by the Kur Ort developers is not compatible with the current quality of life in Port Townsend, and that the developers did not take the citizens wishes into account in their planning process, as they had promised to do. Lynn Nadeau of Port Townsend stated that she strongly encourages the City to purchase the Thomas Oil site property. Ms. Nadeau stated that she believes the citizens of this town want to assure the quality of life, and she thinks citizens and the City should work together in creating a use that is it what we the people want instead of what the developers want. Ms. Nadeau expressed her desire to donate money to the purchase of this property by the City, rather than spending it to fight against development of a large tourist resort. Don Tretheway of Port Townsend expressed his desire to encourage the City to purchase this property for this and future generations. Mr. Tretheway stated that he believed the Kur Ort folks said they would only come here if we want them, so this is our chance to heal a rift, our last chance cause if we don't buy it then someone else will and who knows what development might result. Allison Hero of Port Townsend stated that she feels strongly that this is an opportunity we can't pass up to maintain quality of life. Ms. Hero stated that its important to her, her family, her friends and her employees to preserve this quality of life, and she expressed her desire for the City to purchase this property. Keith Harper of Port Townsend spoke in opposition to the proposed purchase of the Thomas Oil property by the City and the Port, stating that he believes there is a large amount of public shorelines and other public parks, etc. existing already including City and State property. Mr. Harper stated that he does not consider this property to be particularly special, as its been an industrial site, not some pristine area that drew us to this town. Mr. Harper expressed his concern that the purchase price is too high for this particular property, and he stated that he believes the taxpayers are already paying too much for other City projects and should not be asked to pay for this. Carol Hasse, a sailmaker at Point Hudson, stated that she believes the key to Port Townsend's future is to maintain the character of downtown, and expand marine trades and marine vocational educational opportunities. Ms. Hasse stated that she believes the Kur Ort project will cause increased public utilities and property values, and if this piece of shoreline property is sold, then we can't, have continuous publicly owned shorelines. O'Neil Louchard of Port Townsend stated that she has 3000 names on petitions in support of the purchase of this property by the City. Ms. Louchard stated that she believes this is the largest number of signatures received for anything in this town before. Ms. Louchard stated that she would rather donate money towards a positive outcome, rather than spending it to fight against an unwanted project, and she volunteered her time to assist with any fund raising. Richard Chawes spoke in support of the City's purchase of this property in partnership with the Port, and he stated that he believes the town would be changed forever if a hotel is built on this site. 2 Scott Swantner, Director of the Wooden Boat Foundation, stated that he believes the maritime future of Port Townsend has never looked more promising and stated that the Foundation has been committed for 19 years to Port Townsend education. Mr. Swantner stated that the Foundation is willing to support the Port/City vision of supporting the maritime legacy through the purchase of this property. Lynn Hersey of Port Townsend spoke in opposition of the City/Port purchase of this property, stating that she has not seen enough local residents using the existing parks and downtown area. Ms. Hersey stated that she believes tourism pays the bills, and that this property should not be purchased based on the personal interest of a small special interest group (the petitioners), and she suggested that perhaps those who have signed the petition could buy the property themselves. Katherine Jenks of Port Townsend spoke in support of purchasing the Thomas Oil site, and stated she believed that the Urban Waterfront Plan goal was for the City to purchase this property. Ms. Jenks suggested that a line item be added to utility bills so that citizens could voluntarily donate funds towards this purchase. Madge Wallin spoke in support of the City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil site, stating that she believes it is important to maintain and expand the maritime related aspects of Port Townsend, and that a large tourist resort would not fit with the existing maritime industries in the area. Ms. Wallin suggested that the City could condemn the property and then purchase it for a reduced value, and she stated that she believes doing what is in the best interest of the greatest number of people is the right thing to do. Arletta Gould of Port Townsend indicated that she agrees with Ms. Wallin. Ms. Gould pointed out that she believes the cost of the property now will not seem important to the citizens of the future compared to the affects of having a large tourist resort on this site, and she encouraged the City not to pass up this opportunity. Marsha Rasmussen, a Port Townsend business owner, stated that she is delighted that the City and Port have this opportunity to purchase the Thomas Oil property, and she spoke unfavorably of the Kur Ort tourist resort proposal. Alex Spear of Port Townsend urged the City to proceed with the purchase. Mr. Spear stated that he believes it is a good opportunity for the City and Port to work together. Jim Ewing, a 10 year Port Townsend resident, spoke in favor of this purchase. Mr. Ewing stated that he believes a City/Port project on this site would be better for future generations than a tourist resort, and he expressed his concern for offering the current property owners value in terms of community spirit in addition to the purchase price. Sally McDole, a 50 year Port Townsend resident stated that she would like to see the property turned into a public park, and she stated that she believes any commercial use of this property 3 should be concerned with preserving the existing small businesses in town. Linda Showier of Port Townsend stated that she is thrilled at the prospect of the City/Port purchasing the Thomas Oil site, and that she believes future generations will do what they want to with property, so our buying it now will save it for them. Elaine Locke spoke in support of the proposed purchase, and she stated that she shops downtown because of the small town, historic atmosphere. Ms Locke noted that contrary to earlier comments made, she also is a frequent user of the City's parks and other public places. Peter Brady, a resident of Four-comers in the County, expressed his support and that of his neighbors for this purchase. Mr. Brady explained that he moved to this area because of the atmosphere in Port Townsend, and he stated that he believes a large tourist resort would be a gross intrusion on this maritime community. Erin Gould, a second generation Port Townsend resident stated that she grew up in both boat havens, and has traveled all over the world, and she believes that Port Townsend is the most special place she has ever been. Ms. Gould stated that if taxes were increased she would rather pay for a public use of the Thomas Oil property than for some large undesirable tourist resort development. Frances Megahan spoke in favor of the City/Port purchase, siting the reSults of the PT2020 citizen coffee clatches which show that a broad spectrum of citizens are in favor of more public access areaS o Doug Lamy spoke in favor of the City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property for public use, and he suggested several possible uses for the property, including a high speed ferry, a marine college, or some kind of marine oriented use with at least half of the property used as a public park. Steve Hayden spoke in favor of the project, noting his past involvement in lots of other public versus private property acquisitions like Kah Tai Lagoon. Mr. Hayden stated that he believes there are not many in town who don't appreciate what the Kah Tai park has contributed to the City. Mr. Hayden noted the history of City Dock when efforts were made to privatize it and the City rose to the occasion to save it, and he stated that he believes this is another opportunity for the City. Councilmember Westerman noted five additional letters from citizens in support of the City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil site, and a petition signed in 1993 by citizens willing to contribute money to the project. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor recessed the meeting into executive session at 8:10 p.m. to discuss the possible action on the City participation in the purchase of the Thomas Oil site. The meeting reconvened in public session at 8:50 p.m. Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the Mayor and staff enter into negotiations on behalf of the City of Port Townsend with the Port of Port Townsend for purchase of the Thomas Oil property, which was seconded by Councilmember Shoulberg and passed unanimously by voice vote. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as reviewed. motion was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. Approval of the following Bills and Claims: 010 Current Expense 45,755.49 094 Garbage 98,435.88 110 Street 8,888.09 120 Library 508.14 130 Park 1,697.21 150 Hotel/Motel 9,250.00 170 EMS 1,095.60 301 95 Stormwater Property Acquisition 26,497.05 302 95 Stormwater Master Plan 10.33 310 92 Waste Water Treatment Plant Construction 1,417.64 330 93 Water Quality Improvement 12,917.44 371 95 San Juan Ave. Improvements 46.76 372 95 Stormwater FCAPP #1 Flood Plan 15,687.31 376 95 Water/Sewer Rev. Bd. Project 16,979.11 4 ! 1 Water/Sewer 40,803.36 412 Storm and Surface Water 2,917.02 416 1956 SPCL Water Bond-Reserve 833.07 500 Equipment Rental 16,169.84 610 Firemen' s Pension and Relief 635.29 The Total $ 300,544.63 Approval of Appointments: Lanie Johnson to the Arts Commission. Approval of Resolutions: RESOLUTION NO. 95-49 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, AUTHORIZING A LATECOMER UTILITY CONTRACT PURSUANT TO RCW 35.91 (with James and Vannie Irvin) Out of State Travel Authorization: Dave Robison to Madison, Wisconsin for management training. Communications: A letter dated March 9, 1995, to Public Works Director Bob Wheeler, from Charles Meyer, Project Engineer, Department of Ecology Water Quality Program, announcing the approval of one year certification of Wastewater Treatment Facility. A letter dated March 27, 1995, to Department of Ecology and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, copied to City of Port Townsend, from the Port Angeles City Council, stating their opposition to the proposed Northwest Strait National Marine Sanctuary. A letter to Sam Martin, Executive Administrative Assistant for the City of Port Angeles Manager's Office, from Mayor John Clise, delaying a response to the request for participation in an AWC workshop to be held in Port Angeles, until after the April 17, 1995 council meeting. A memorandum dated April 6, 1995, from Randy Friedrich to John Clise, announcing the auditor's findings that all costs have been allowed and the project/grant closed out for the Wastewater Treatment Facility construction. A letter dated April 3, 1995, to Mayor and Council Members, from Stan Finkelstein, Executive Director of Association of Washington Cities (AWC), announcing the AWC Officer and Director Elections. A letter dated April 4, 1995 from Lloyd C~~eneral Manager, Port of Port Townsend, expressing the Port Commissioners' supporl 'f'6r the reauthorization of the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority. A letter dated April 4, 1995 to Mr. Jack Cad, from Building & Community Development Director Dave Robison, in which Mr. Robison addre: ;es the concerns voiced in a letter from Mr. Cady in which he objects to the proposed rezone of t e Calvary Chapel property, and states his disapproval of the Thomas Street Apartments. ia A letter dated April 5, 1995 to Mayor Clise and Council Members, from Port Angeles Mayor Joan Sargent, Association of Washington Cities District//12 Board Member, providing status on AWC activities. A letter dated April 9, 1995 to Council Members, from Dick and Lynn Bumgarner, requesting that they stop being billed for garbage collection. A letter dated April 13, 1995 to Council Members from Cindy Wolpin, regarding the purchase of Thomas Oil property and providing a copy of a letter from Robert Greenway on the topic. A memorandum dated April 14, 1995, to Mayor Clise from Councilmember Davidson, stating that he will not be attending the April 17 council meeting, and announcing his support for the City to move forward with the Port to acquire the Thomas Oil property. A note dated April 14, 1995 from M. Paoli of "Undertown" concerning downtown parking for business owners. A letter dated April 17, 1995, to Mayor Clise and City Council, from Christine and Glenn Lyons stating their support for a City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property. A letter dated April 17, 1995, to Mayor Clise and City Council, from Kathleen Jackson stating her support for a City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property. A letter dated April 17, 1995, to Mayor Clise and City Council, from Paul Hess stating his support for a City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property. A letter dated April 17, 1995, to Mayor Clise and City Council, from Sharon Durga stating her support for a City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property. A letter dated April 17, 1995, to Mayor Clise and City Council, from Barbara Bowen stating her support for a City/Port purchase of the Thomas Oil property. This concludes the Consent Agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kate Jenks asked a question about the golf course lease, and she was referred to the Parks, Recreation & Property committee meeting on Wednesday. Lloyd Cahoot, Port of Port Townsend manager, commented on the Resolution No. 95-50, authorizing a Public Works Trust Fund loan on behalf of the Port of Port Townsend, stating that he believed it is important for the community and the Port, and critical for the Enhanced Haulout project. FEMA TRAINING REPORT Police Chief Jim Newton, the emergency management director for the City, reported that the training was timely and useful for the City and County participants. Fire Chief Howard Scott reported that the training was excellent, and it was good to see all city and county officials working together. Public Works Director Bob Wheeler noted the cooperation between all the participants (city and county, forest service, school district and others) which he believes was key to the success of the workshop. City Attorney Tim McMahan stated that it was encouraging to see the way the City and County pulled together, and that the County staff worked well under stress. Mr. McMahan stated that he learned about the operation of the Red Cross in an emergency, explaining that they are able to mobilize without government involvement of any kind. Mr. McMahan thanked the council for sending city staff to this training, and thanked Police Chief Jim Newton for organizing the event. Diane Thompson reported that the group discovered many aspects of emergency management that had not been addressed previously, and this training provided the opportunity for learning to work together and experience what it might be like in a real emergency. Michael Hildt reported that in the event of an emergency it is the local officials in the community that are in charge, not a team from outside the community that comes to the rescue. Mr. Hildt noted that there are many things that must be taken care of after the initial emergency situation is past, things that we all take for granted, and this FEMA course pointed out these things and provided extremely valuable training for city staff. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS Dave Robison reported on the Detailed Comprehensive Plan Time line, Draft Option Number 3. Mr. Robison commended the high level of commitment of the Council, Planning Commission, and work group members in this process, and noted that Workgroup meetings will begin again starting next week. STANDING/AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS Parks, Recreation and Property. Councilmember Harpole reported on the meeting held April 5 stating that the committee endorsed the new sauna at the swimming pool which should be in place for the grand reopening the first of May. Other items discussed included the new recreation program, funding from outside sources, and information kiosks. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:00. Utility. Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg reported that the County published a critical areas ordinance, which is substantially different from the draft provided to the City for review, so there is concem about what had happened in the interim. When asked about the discrepancies, County staff said a mistake had been made when they had photocopied the draft ordinance, and the wrong master was used. MAYOR's REPORT Mayor John Clise read the Arbor Day proclamation, and the Sexual Assault Awareness Week Proclamation, and made note of the letter regarding Tree City USA. MayOr Clise announced an Association of Washington Cities workshop for resolving municipal disputes. Council Member Dan Harpole volunteered to attend on April 27. STAFF REPORTS Building & Community Development. Director Robison reported on a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) letter received April 5 from Mike Kronin, stating that DNR parcels adjacent to the City as well as an 80 acre parcel between city limits and Middlepoint, have been identified for timber harvest plans. Mr. Robison announced a neighborhood meeting about the Quimper Urban Wildlife Corridor is scheduled for April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cape George Fire Hall. Ellhlif,..W_oz~. Director Bob Wheeler reported on an audit report by the Department of Ecology (DOE), and Wastewater Grant that is being requested. Mr. Wheeler stated that the swimming pool should be open around May 3. Mr. Wheeler noted that the purchase of property along the San Juan Avenue right-of-way is in the works, also a contingency plan should be conceived for the possibility of the San Juan Avenue project not being completed in time. PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS There were none. VOTE ON MOTIONS MADE DURING COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS There were none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 95-50 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC WORKS TRUST FUND LOAN ON BEHALF OF THE PORT FOR A STORMWATER PROJECT. Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the council adopt Resolution No. 95-50 which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by voice vote. 9 NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCE NO. 2454 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND ESTABLISHING THE WAGES FOR THE POSITIONS OF CITY POOL LIFEGUARD, AND WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR, EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1995. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by rifle only, which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2454, which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2455 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND ESTABLISHING THE FEES FOR RECREATION PROGRAM AND SWIMMING PROGRAM EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1995. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Perry-Thompson made a motion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by title only, which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Perry-Thompson made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2455, which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by roll call vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2456 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CODE UPDATING THE CHARGE FOR NONNEGOTIABLE CHECKS AND AMENDING CHAPTER 3.32 OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Harpole made a motion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by rifle only, which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Perry-Thompson made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2454, which was seconded by Councilmember Westerman and passed unanimously by roll call vote. 10 ORDINANCE NO. 2457 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 FROM THE STORM AND SURFACE WATER FUND TO THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND AND PROVIDING FOR REPAYMENT. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Shoulberg made a morion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by title only, which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by rifle. Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2454, which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by roll call vote. COUNCIL MEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Members discussed the possibility of allowing voluntary contributions to be made with customer's utility bills. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Clise declared the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Attest: Michael Hildt, Acting City Clerk 11