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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02142000 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION OF FEBRUARY 14, 2000 Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Geoff Masci. Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Veto Garrison, Syd Lipton, Geoff Masci, Forrest Rambo and Alan Youse. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. Facilities Mr. Timmons presented a proposed interlocal agreement with Jefferson County. The purpose of the parmership would be to take advantage of work the county has already done, to get city information pulled together in a form that consolidates and assembles all previous city studies and to identify needs which are unique to the city, unique to the county, or overlap between the two. He also noted the list of city properties in the packet and recommended the creation of a city task force to work on modeling the project. The task force mission would be to overlay the city's assets with needs, determine which assets might be surplus, and what the application of the proceeds from divesting surplus property would be. The architects and staff would work intensively at the task force level and final recommendations would be presented to the city council. In answer to council questions, it was noted that the scope of work would include general administration, public works (including recreation) and fire, police and library as well as the museum housed in City Hall. Involvement of other entities, i.e., Port and Transit, was discussed. The desire for the task force to prioritize rather than eliminate possibilities was also expressed. Mr. Finnie suggested that a new sub-paragraph be added defining "work product" to be placed between section 2.1 and 2.2 so the breadth of the project would be delineated. The item was remanded to staff to contact the Port and Transit Authority, then bring the agreement forward, tentatively to the first regular meeting in March. Public comment: Nancy Dorgan: expressed preference for city government remaining downtown., city staff in a central location. Questioned status of task force. In regard to the task force, Mr. Timmons noted it would be a citizen task force which would act as a sounding board for all options; the options would be tamed over to the city council and then subject to public process to narrow options. City Council Study Session Page 1 February 14, 2000 Waterman & Katz Move Mr. Timmons noted that firm figures have not yet been determined for the cost of moving administrative offices to the Waterman & Katz Building. SCD Deferrals: Mr. Timmons noted that a request for deferrals has been received from Habitat for Humanity and the packet contains a history of previous legislation for the council's information before the request is acted upon. A concern was raised regarding the automatic continued deferral of SDCs if the property is sold to another qualified low-income individual. It was noted the process could be simplified by requiring the payment of the fees on sale; this would give the seller or buyer an option to apply for transferability but would be on a case by case basis. Another limitation is the amount of money allocated by the council for the deferral fund in any budget year. Public comment: Jean Camfield, Habitat for Humanity. Scott Walker. Direction to staff was to recraft the ordinance so there is no escape clause on interest and so that fees are due on sale. An ordinance will be prepared for the next business meeting. Fee waivers and discount policies Mr. Timmons noted this policy issue has been brought up for discussion. Fee waivers an discounts currently provided include an automatic waiver of building permit fees for those who meet low income guidelines as well utility rate discounts and certain fees for projects fulfilling a public purpose that may be waived by the council. Public comment: Harr--y Williams: questioned low-income criteria Action: staff will rework the ordinances, make changes to the SDC deferral process and bring forward; there is more work on the fee issue. Council meeting agenda changes Mr. Timmons noted that some concerns arose from the council retreat about restructuring meetings to increase public involvement and still do the city's business efficiently. He proposed agendas for three different types of meetings: regular, workshop and pubic hearings. City Council Study Session Page 2 February 14, 2000 Public comment: Nancy Dorgan. Supports retaining general public comment at business meetings. Madge Wallen: Freida Fenn: supports retaining public comment. Mr. Timmons noted that the intention would be to eventually televise all meetings, including study session. Mr. Frank suggested two study sessions per month used to prepare for the regular business meetings. Mr. Rambo supported general public comment at all meetings and adding a place for agenda changes on each agenda, as well as an indication of who is submitting each item on the agenda. After further discussion and suggestions, Mr. Timmons noted that he will consider the discussion and bring back a revised recommendation. He added that an agenda request form is being developed for use by staff, elected officials and citizens. Change of meeting day Mr. Timmons noted that staff was asked to research the history of council meeting days and the pros and cons of changing from Monday to Tuesday or Wednesday. .Public comment: Freida Fenn: noted Leader publication deadline is Tuesday. Council members were divided on the change. Considerations included the Leader deadline, whether another business day would help give more preparation time, and the occurrence of most holidays on Mondays. It was requested that an ordinance changing the day from Monday to Tuesday be brought forward to the next regular meeting for council deliberation and action. Board and Commission appointment schedule Mr. Masci noted that he has asked that all board and commission appointments be made during the same time period each year so that a focused advertising and recruitment process can be used. This would establish a candidate pool for each board and commission and this pool could be drawn from during the year when vacancies occur due to resignations. He also noted appointments to certain current vacancies would be made at the next regular meeting. Nancy Dorgan: in support of idea, suggested avoiding summer Freida Fenn: suggested fall appointments to accommodate academic schedule City Council Study Session Page 3 February 14, 2000 Recess The meeting was recessed at 9:30 p.m. for a break. Reconvene The meeting was reconvened at 9:43. Mr. Finnie excused himself from the remainder of the meeting. Wisdom Council Jim Rough presented a report on the wisdom council concept and the trial run which was broadcast recently on PTTV. Council Rules Mr. Masci and Mr. Lipton will meet to discuss the council rules and will bring forward recommendations to the council on changes to the rules. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy ~ ~ ;~d~.~ ~/ City Clerk City Council Study Session Page 4 February 14, 2000