Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11201995 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER 20, 1995 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this 20th day of November, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor John M. Clise presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Bill Davidson, Dan Harpole, Julie McCulloch, Diane Perry-Thompson, Robert Sokol, and Sheila Westerman. Ted Shoulberg arrived at 7:10 p.m. Also present were Acting City Clerk Michael Hildt, Police Chief Jim Newton, City Attorney Timothy McMahan, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler, Director of Building & Community Development Dave Robison, Fire Chief Howard Scott, Library Director Linnea Patrick, and Acting Clerk Sheila Avis. INTRODUCTIONS and/or RECOGNITIONS Mayor Clise read a proclamation establishing the week of December 04 through December 10, 1995 Community Chores Week. Mr. Bob Foreman of the Community Chorus received the recognition. AGENDA CHANGES or ADDITIONS Councilmember Sokol referred to a letter from Chief of Police Jim Newton dated November 20, 1995, requesting out of state travel and asked where the request should be considered. The consensus was to add it to the Consent Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Westerman made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. Approval of the following Bills and Claims: 010 Current Expense $13,864.98 094 Garbage 39,670.60 110 Street 500.03 120 Library 1,327.31 130 Park 290.68 170 Emergency Medical Services 1,468.78 180 Capital Improvement 786.96 301 95 Storm Property Acquisition 2,250.00 311 95 WW Biosolids Compost Facility 5,268.55 312 95 WW Secondary Treatment Plant 13,155.39 321 Union Wharf Reconstruction 2,874.04 330 93 Water Quality Improvements 4,512.78 371 95 San Juan Ave Improvements 16.80 376 95 Water System Rev Bd Projects 3,514.30 411 Water-Sewer 20,051.40 412 Storm and Surface Water 42.49 500 Equipment Rental 4,411.85 610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 141.81 Total $114,148.75 Approval of Resolutions: RESOLUTION NO. 95-118 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH HENRY KIMBALL AND ELSIE KIMBALL REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF LAND IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE ACTING TREASURER TO ISSUE WARRANTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT. Communications: A letter dated October 10, 1995, from David A. Specter, Jefferson County Health & Human Services, to the Developmental Disabled Advisory Board and copied to Council forwarding Advisory Board Minutes of October 26, 1995. (For information.) A letter dated November 2, 1995, to the Honorable Christine O. Gregoire, Attorney General of Washington, requesting a formal opinion on behalf of the Municipal Research Council at the recommendation of Port Townsend City Attorney Tim McMahan. (For information.) A letter dated November 7, 1995, from Mayor John Clise to Gordon Meling, Superior Refuse and Recycling Co. regarding complaints of deposit requests for recycling bins, and the 1996 recycling schedule. (For information.) A letter dated November 8, 1995, from Stan Finkelstein, Executive Director of Association of Washington Cities, announcing upcoming newly elected officials workshops. (For information.) 2 A letter dated November 9, 1995, from Robert and Joy Brydon, trustees of the Brydon Family trust, requesting rezone of their property at the comer of Cleveland and Tenth Streets in Port Townsend. (To Comprehensive Plan Land Use Work Group.) A letter dated November 10, 1995, from Grace Jones, President Towne Point Owners Association regarding poor illumination in the area of Victoria and Towne Point Avenues. (To Transportation Committee.) An undated letter from T. Berge, owner Back Alley Tavern, requesting the City pave and stripe the parking lot outside his establishment, lighting the area to discourage loitering, and repairing a hole between Tyler Street and the lot. (To Transportation Committee.) Approval of Out of State Travel for Training: A letter from Chief of Police Jim Newton dated November 20, 1995, requesting out of state travel November 27 - December 1, 1995 for a pre-paid advanced criminal investigation class in San Francisco. This concludes the Consent Agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no Public Comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS Final Hearing on Preliminary_ 1996 Budget. Fees and Rates: Orabelle Connoly, Member Public Library Board of Trustees, recommended the 1996 Library Budget be kept as it is now proposed in the Preliminary 1996 Budget. Councilmember Sokol made a motion to replace the $4,000 removed from Fire and Emergency Medical Service travel and tuition in the Proposed 1996 Budget since the Mayor's Budget was set at 106 percent. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Harpole applauded the staff for the budget, saying it was well thought out and put together. There being no other comments, Mayor Clise closed the Final Hearing. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS There were none. STANDING/ADHOC COMMITTEE REPORTS Report on Public Safety Space Study Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Sokol reported the study had been exhaustive and there is no doubt of the City's need by 2014 for facilities for the Fire and Police Departments and said the Police Department needs something now. He stated contentions will continue as to how large and where these facilities will be, but noted it was cheaper to do this study than separate studies. He stated that according to Mr. Mel Blackstone not everything has to be done at one time, but noted there was very little included in short-term recommendations. Councilmember Sokol referred to the problem of exhaust in the Fire Station in the sleeping room adjacent to apparatus. He noted design costs of one option for the Police Department downstairs in the Antique Mall. Mr. Hildt stated the current projected cost for the Antique Mall is $240,000. Discussion followed. Councilmember Harpole recommended that the design issue come before either the Parks, Recreation and Property Committee or Public Safety Committee for further consideration. Housing. Councilmember Dianne Perry-Thompson stated she and other county members had gone back east in April for a meeting regarding emergency planning. She said for two years, twice a year, she has meet with the County and representatives from State Planning to deal with the County and City Emergency Plan and stated the Plan should be ready by December 31. She pointed out that next year each department will need to determine how they will meet that plan. Councilmember Perry-Thompson stated she had met with Dean downtown. She announced that he is an avid chess player and is interested in starting a chess club for both old and young, and she highly recommends people getting involved. Parks. Recreation and Property. Councilmember Harpole stated the Committee met November 16 to discuss the Union Wharf. He reported a current proposal of six possible alternatives and noted the project would be over budget if all were done. He said at their last meeting a citizen committee recommended a motion that Council approve staff time to go forward to secure grant monies from CCM &IAC. He pointed out that John Owen with Makers has made considerable effort on the project and has offered to help secure grant monies which would be used with matching budget money to get the float system in place and hopefully the building. He also noted that Mr. Landau, timber frame home manufacturer, has offered to donate labor to construct a timber frame on the 4 wharf. He asked that staff spend time, that Makers is willing to work with staff to make this as one large project. Councilmember Harpole made a motion that Council request staff to spend time to help secure additional funding to add to budgeted funds sufficient enough for the construction of the Union Wharf project including alternatives 1 through 6. Councilmember Shoulberg seconded and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilmember Harpole stated he was unable to attend the last meeting and asked Councilmember McCulloch to report for him. She reported the issue of Chetzemoka Park user fees was deferred to the next meeting and noted Peninsula College use of Pope Marine Park Building is not a policy issue. Mayor Clise said they would look into the matter. Councilmember Harpole announced a meeting for Wednesday, December 20, 4:00 p.m. to discuss fees for Chetzemoka Park. He also reported a meeting was held on November 14 on Water Street issues and noted meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month, the next meeting being December 12, 7:00 p.m. He will be the facilitator, and he and Kate Jenks will put together materials from last month. Transportation. Councilmember Westerman and Public Works Director Bob Wheeler set a Transportation Committee Meeting for Monday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. Councilmember Westerman reported she is still working with the School/Community Vision Team and noted a forthcoming community-wide effort. She suggested the councilmembers rotate through being a school liaison. Land Use. Councilmember Davidson reported on a meeting held November 9, 2:00 p.m. Discussion included the issue brought by the McDoles of Junk vehicles. He said the State passed legislation in 1994 giving clear direction on how local jurisdictions must deal with the issue, and stated writing an ordinance is the easiest part of the whole process and spoke to the need of enforcement if an ordinance is passed. He recommended the full Council take the matter up for discussion and place it on the agenda for the retreat. Councilmember Davidson also discussed Regulatory Reform and how to best accomplish it. He reported he had attended an Association of Washington Cities on Regulatory Reform. He announced a Land Use Committee meeting for November 21, 2:00 p.m. on Regulatory Reform. Councilmember Shoulberg noted he had extensively covered the area proposing a "No" vote on Referendum 48. He indicated the issue is already coming up again in Olympia. Finance Committee. Councilmember McCulloch reported discussion of the rate study for the public hearing and review of results on the three budget hearings at meetings of November 7 and November 13. A meeting was scheduled for November 21, 8:00 a.m. to discuss a supplemental 1995 budget. Joint Utilities Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg reported the committee met today attended by many including County Commissioners, Gary Rowe, and members of the Public Utilities District (PUD) to review the second draft of Service Area proposal and how it conforms to the Consolidated Water System Plan. He reported there is not much water left and the noted the impact of increased population. He stated that looking at the financial data it is important to retain the customer base, that a loss of income would be incredible to the City. He noted the wholesale water contract with PUD written in 1987 was not in the City's best interest and was not based on equity or cost of service. City Attomey McMahan said Staff is working on this because the City needs to come forward with a Service Area proposal and establishing quantities of water to serve customers in and out of the City. He stated an extensive preliminary resolution is being proposed for Council consideration January or early February, and probably a public meeting with the Utilities Committee in January. Public Works Director Bob Wheeler stated he also attended the Water Advisory Committee and noted the importance of a Geographical Information Systems map. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor John Clise reported he had received a letter from the Department of Trade & Economic Development regarding a meeting scheduled November 29, 1:00 p.m. at Point Hudson to hear proposals for a passenger only ferry in Port Townsend. Mayor Clise requested Cotmcilmembers get back to him with their letters of input into his list of ad hoc committees. STAFF REPORTS Police Department. Police Chief Jim Newton reported the police shooting last February was determined to be justified. He stated the internal investigation conducted by State Patrol is also now completed and they found no failures in policies, supervision and training. He said, however, they questioned the tactics of the kind of fire in the area of the accidental shooting in the boat and reported that they have included approval of the Police Chief to carry a sidearm, that it must be qualified and a 60 hour training course completed. Library. Library Director Linnea Patrick reported Lighting project will start Monday and be finished within three weeks. The bid was awarded to Hansen Electric. She noted a Friends of the Library fundraiser, "Buy a bulb for the Library for Christmas". Invitations are being extended to 6 the Council and Mayor for a meeting of joint Library boards meetings on December 2. She announced the next two regular Library Board meetings November 28 and December 19. She also pointed out the Library is holding two sessions of chess, if the chess matches for the Boiler Room do not work out. Public Works. Director Bob Wheeler commented about how Dave Peterson, presenter of the Geographic Information System (GIS), showed the capabilities of the system. He said staff is moving ahead with 1996 $120,000 budgeted funds plus $10,000 contributed from Planning. He stated they need broader committee view of capabilities and recommended levels of service. Councilmember Harpole stated a subcommittee is a good idea, since this crosses department lines. A short discussion ensured regarding costs. Building and Communi .ty Development. Director Dave Robison spoke about the Comprehensive Plan, the uncertainty of Glen Cove, the size and scope of Urban Growth Act. He noted benefit of analysis for a speedier conclusion and coordinated strategy. He stated most of the data structure would be available before Christmas. A short discussion followed regarding the GIS. City Attorney's Office. Tim McMahan again spoke concerning the GIS. He stated the City and County now have a license agreement for data sharing and need a policy on how to share information with public. Councilmember Shoulberg stated he met with the Water Resources Council who is using the GIS on a pilot basis and discussed its impact. Acting City. Clerk. Michael Hildt reported the laboratory at Jefferson General Hospital is now allowed to do the upcoming drag and alcohol testing for City employees. He also stated Margaret Langworthy from the Insurance Authority is scheduled to be here December 1 to meet with supervisors and Department Heads, and invited the Council's participation. Mr. Hildt reported a Labor Committee meeting Wednesday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. for ongoing discussions concerning the 3-year contract with the Teamsters. The meeting is closed to the public. PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Mayor Clise opened the meeting for Public Comments/Questions. 7 Mr. Michael Felton stated that he feels there is not particularly a need for the size nor location of a Public Safety Facility. He referred to the Final Report. He cited statements by Mr. Blackstone he said were misleading, and questioned his motivation. He again stated satellite stations could better serve the population as it grows. Comments followed. Ms Katherine Jenks asked the date be repeated for the meeting concerning a passenger only ferry. Mayor Clise closed the Public Comment/Questions portion of the meeting. VOTE ON MOTIONS MADE DURING COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS There were no motions made. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ratification of Ordinance 2485. Fixing & Adopting 1996 Property Tax Levies. City Attorney McMahan noted Councilmember Perry-Thompson was absent from the hearing on November 13, 1995, and asked her if she had reviewed Ordinance 2485 which she stated she had done. ORDINANCE NO. 2486 AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING ORDINANCE-2485, FIXING AND ADOPTING 1996 PROPERTY TAX LEVIES. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by title only which was seconded by Councilmember Shoulberg and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Perry-Thompson commented on the good job done with the budget Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2486 which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed by roll call vote with four votes in favor and Councilmembers McCulloch, Shoulberg and Sokol opposing. ORDINANCE NO. 2487 AN ORDINANCE VACATING PORTIONS OF PLATTED AND PRESCRIPTIVE RIGHTS-OF-WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET, WATER STREET, FRONT STREET, SAN JUAN AVENUE, PROSPER STREET, BELLE STREET, AND HASTINGS STREET, ALONG WITH THE ALLEY LOCATED WITHIN BLOCK 17 OF THE EISENBEIS ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND; ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS TO THE STREET VACATION; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director of Building and Community Development Dave Robison introduced the ordinance and stated fees have been received and all is in order. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the first reading be considered the second and the third be by title only which was seconded by Councilmember Perry- Thompson and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Davidson made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No.2487 which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson. City Attorney McMahan stated that section 2, item a, utilities easement of a vacated right-of-way should be changed to read "after vacation" rather than "prior to". He said he would be recording the easement after the street is vacated. Mayor Clise as the maker and seconder, and they agreed to the change. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE FIXING AND ADOPTING THE 1996 BUDGET FOR THE GENERAL CITY GOVERNMENT, THE WATER-SEWER UTILITIES, THE STORM AND SURFACE WATER UTILITY, BOND REDEMPTION FUNDS AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title, for introduction only. COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION Council Retreat will be held January 11 and 12, 1996. 9 EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Clise recessed the meeting into Executive Session to discuss the Thomas Oil Property including Councilmembers and Staff. The meeting was reconvened at 10:05 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 10:05 p.m., Mayor Clise adjourned the meeting. Attest: 10