Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07222002CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF JULY 22, 2002 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this twenty-second day of July, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Joe Finnie, Kees Kolff, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Geoff Masci and Alan Youse were excused. Mr. Masci joined the meeting later by telephone. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. PROCLAMATION Mayor Kolff read a proclamation in honor of the Northwest Canoe Journey. FORT WORDEN AND ROTHSCHILD HOUSE STATE PARKS FIRE SERVICE AGREEMENT Mr. Timmons introduced the issue, noting the City has provided fire service to Fort Worden and Rothschild House State Parks on a contract basis for several years. The proposed contract has a two year term providing for payment by Fort Worden of $14,392.13 per year. There was no public comment Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed agreement with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Sandoval seconded The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. PORT TOWNSEND PAPER CORPORATION EMS CONTRACT Mr. Timmons stated that the city has concluded negotiations on a contract to provide emergency medical services to the Port Townsend Paper Corporation. The mill has agreed to the terms and is recommended for adoption. There was no public comment. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the Emergency Medical Service Agreement between the City of Port Townsend and Port Townsend Paper Corporation. Ms. Sandoval seconded The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. City Council Special Business Meeting Page 1 July 22, 2002 RESOLUTION 02-036 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON ENDORSING A COMBINED CITY HALL/CITY HALL ANNEX PROPOSAL Mr. Timmons presented the packet materials, stating that the resolution incorporates changes suggested during the July 15, 2002 discussion by the council. Public comment: Leola Armstrong: stated that several government entities have been in the news lately because of their needs to substantially cut their budgets and services; stated that given this economic situation, she cannot support funding a city hall annex; she also urged that funding for an annex or city hall restoration be done through a general obligation bond requiring a vote of the people. A1 Frank: stated that the proposal should be incorporated into a five year long range budget; that borrowing money now will mean future fee and tax increases. He stated that utility funds should be treated as trust funds and used only for utilities aside from reasonable administrative overhead. He suggested that Public Works offices be located elsewhere. Tim Caldwell presented a letter from the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce in favor of the project. Tony Harriman: treasurer of Jefferson County Historical Society, stated the city has an opportunity to demonstrate a "can do" attitude and preserve the city's most important asset. He stated that private parties have made major investments in historic buildings and it is time for the city to do the same. He noted that JCHS is working on two major grants which, if successful, will allow entr6e to more funding. He also said that one of the grants must have city commitment by July 31 or there is a chance the opportunity will be lost. Ted Shoulberg provided a written statement. He suggested city staff begin moving into City Hall now; asked what kind of written agreement will show when the staff is scheduled to move; if usable programmable space has been found in City Hall, shouldn't the annex be reduced to 6 or 7,000 square feet; what will the design of the annex be in light of the conceptual shift; asked if there has been enough time for public feedback. Asked council to keep the process moving but increase public participation. Barbara Marseille: president of Jefferson County Historical Society, stated the organization is 100% behind the whole plan and ready to commit all of their expertise to get the job done. She said there will always be questions, but the main thing is to get the bond sold and be able to endorse the grant before the end of the month and risk losing $400,000 to $600,000. City Council Special Business Meeting Page 2 duly 22, 2002 Alan Frank: suggested an advisory vote on the councilmanic bond in September or November. Betty Harriman: stated there is much support for the councilmanic bond and JCHS project combined with the annex; she added that she has spoken with many people who are in favor of the project. Mayor Kolff read a letter of support from the Association of Realtors. Ms. Sandoval asked if there is another method to show support for the project besides passing the resolution. Mr. Harriman replied that fund raiser Ken Leonard has stated that approval of the resolution would give the strongest indication there is a clear commitment on the part of the city to support the project. Mr. Finnie asked if there could be another check point on the critical path schedule which would indicate the time firm bids will be received. Mr. Timmons said he would put in another bullet and added that the city council has to approve the contract award. Mr. Finnie asked for a projection of how many people would be on the city staff in the next ten years. Mr. Timmons stated that will be part of the schematic design but using something other than level of service would be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Expansion capability of the building was an issue raised by the citizen task force. Mr. Finnie asked if the bond could be "terraced" or "tiered" to break into six or nine month components. Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Fenn both noted for the record that they were not initial supporters of the annex but that information gathered during the discussion process has helped them decide to support the project. Ms. Robinson stated there has been a shift in term and structuring of the debt service, particularly the REET. Mr. Timmons stated that REET money has been used for capital construction and the use of funding for this project will impact non-specific elements of the budget. RECESS At 8:15, Mayor Kolff declared a recess. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:25 p.m. City Council Special Business Meeting Page 3 July 22, 2002 Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to allow Mr. Masci to join the meeting by telephone from his home as he was too ill to attend the meeting. Ms. Sandoval seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Mr. Masci then stated his support for making the restoration of the third floor of City Hall the highest priority and that the least expensive seismic method be explored. He asked we be prudent about space and allow only enough for the city staff to accomplish the work of the city. Mayor Kolff stated he does not feel a push for a decision but he believes there is a point where the staff should not keep endlessly researching options so they can turn to other important projects. He stated it is a high priority to save City Hall and the best way to use it significantly is to have an annex next door. He added that timing is important; that millions have been spent on studies and it is time to commit to going forward. He supported the idea of public space which could be flexible for expanded use by city staff and a building with a footprint which would allow expansion. Amendment to proposed resolution: Mayor Kolff He suggested adding the words "up to" each time the figure 3.4 million dollars appears and adding a phrase (as "L ") that City Manager is instructed to explore with bond counsel and financial consultants possible terracing/tiering of bond, and report to City Council on how the bond should be structured prior to adoption of bond ordinance. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved for adoption of Resolution 02-036 as amended. Ms. Robinson seconded. Amendment: Mr. Finnie proposed that language be included stating "Results of information will be presented to City Council for review and approval, and become data points on critical path schedule." Ms. Sandoval seconded. There was no opposition to the friendly amendment. The motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. RESOLUTION 02-037 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE NECESSARY ACTIONS FOR THE NEGOTIATED SALE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,400,000 Mr. Timmons noted that the manager will be directed by this resolution to bring back the final bond ordinance for adoption with all blanks filled in. It was suggested that the City Manager be directed to bring back a recommended course of action for council approval. Also insert "up to" befbre "3.4 million dollars" City Council Special Business Meeting Page 4 July 22, 2002 Public comment Ted Shoulberg: suggested the council look into the strategy of callable bonds. Alan Frank: stated the annex needs to be a simple government building, not an art gallery; stated that the debt service still needs to be clarified; stated his continuing concern about whether building another government building downtown will help the economy. Motion: Mr. Masci moved for approval of Resolution 02-03 7 as amended to add "up to" when referring to the figure 3.4 million dollars. Mr. Finnie seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Special Business Meeting Page 5 July 22, 2002