HomeMy WebLinkAbout03231998 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
UTILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING AS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Minutes
March 23, 1998
Public Works Administration Office
The Port Townsend City Council met as a committee of the whole at the Utilities Committee
meeting on March 23, 1998. The meeting was called to order by Chair Ted Shoulberg at 1:07
p.m. Council members present were Mr. Shoulberg, Mr. Welch, Mr. Finnie, and Mr. Keith.
Also present were Mayor Julie McCulloch and staff members present were Public Works
Director Bob Wheeler, City Engineer Dave Peterson, Financial Analyst Gary Leaf and City Clerk
Pam Kolacy.
The purpose of the meeting was to continue t_he discussion of funding for Public Works Capital
Improvement Projects for the 1998 budget year.
The meeting began with a discussion of the decisions made to date. Mr. Wheeler noted that an
ordinance would be produced from the final choices made so the 1998 Budget can be finalized by
council at a regular meeting. He made a brief presentation of the materials (CIP Priority
Projects" dated 3/20/98) prepared for the committee by the Public Works Department.
Mr. Badame arrived at 1:17 p.m.
Ms. Jenks arrived at 1:25 p.m.
Mr. Rambo arrived at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Shoulberg suggested doing only the base project, with no further projects funded. The votes
from the last meeting were reviewed.
The importance of prioritizing projects was discussed, as well as the issue of short-term versus
long-term savings to the city.
Mr. Keith suggested that the tie votes from the last meeting be reconsidered since the entire
council is now in attendance, and that approval of the other projects in Scenario I be reaffirmed
before moving on.
Mr. Keith moved for approval of an additional $10,000 for Tier I Engineering to the amount
allocated in 1998 for wastewater and move it from scenario 2 to scenario 1. Ms. Jenks seconded.
The motion carried 4-3, with Ms. Jenks, Mr. Badame, and Mr. Welch opposed..
Mr. Keith then moved that an additional $10,000 for Tier I Engineering to the amount allocated
in 1998 for water be approved and that it be moved from scenario 2 to scenario 1. The motion
carried 4-3, with Mr. Badame, Ms. Jenks, and Mr. Welch opposed.
Mr. Keith moved to approve the group of projects designated as Scenario 1 as referenced in "CIP
Priority Projects" dated March 2, 1998. Mr. Welch seconded. During discussion it was noted
that the vote did not relate to the staffing level, but to the work program. The motion carded 6-1,
with Mr. Shoulberg opposed.
Mr. Keith moved that the City Water Line upgrade in the amount of $75,000 be added to
Scenario 2. Mr. Welch seconded. Mr. Finnie clarified with Mr. Wheeler that this item includes
an array of emergency water line repair costs. After considerable discussion, the motion carried
4-3, with Mr. Badame, Ms. Jenks and Mr. Shoulberg opposed.
Mr. Keith moved to add projects listed in Scenario 2 ("CIP Priority Projects" dated 3/20/98) to
the approved budget for 1998 only. There was further discussion, with no vote taken.
Mayor McCulloch then asked councilors to set a meeting to discuss the timing and implications
of approving a resolution to place a measure regarding change in the form of city government on
the ballot for the May 19 election. A special meeting would be necessary because the deadline
for filing is April 3. A special council meeting to consider the action was set for 5 p.m. on
Monday, March 30, at the Port Townsend Community Center. The City Clerk was instructed to
notify the local press immediately following the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20.
City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Page 2 March 23, 1998