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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04262004CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF APRIL 26, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this twenty-sixth day of April, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Frank Benskin was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attomey John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, BCD Director Jeff Randall, City Engineer Dave Peterson, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CHANGETO AGENDA Mayor Robinson stated that the agenda item regarding the Boy Scout House would be moved to the beginning of the list of new proposals due to the number of people present to comment. COUNTYFINANCING County Administrator David Goldsmith was present to discuss the current and projected state of the County's finances. There was a brief question and answer period following the presentation. CITY FINANCING Finance Director Michael Legarsky presented a brief overview of the current and projected finance picture for the city. City Manager Timmons noted that the issue would be discussed in far greater depth during the upcoming budget process. RECESS Mayor Robinson called a recess at 8 p.m. for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:10 p.m. City Council Workshop Meeting Page 1 April 26, 2004 ONE PERCENT FOR THE ARTS Nancy Stevenson and Nancy Newman from the Arts Commission were present to discuss the implementation of a 1% for arts program. Ms. Newman discussed the Commission's research and action on the concept, which was discussed at the Council Finance and Budget Committee in 2003 and recommended for discussion and action by the full Council. Ms. Fenn asked about the "deaccession policy." Ms. Stevenson explained that this would be part of any contract for purchase of art work. Once purchased, the city would own the piece and would have complete discretion about what to do with it, when to remove it, etc. Mr. Masci asked about the maintenance policy - whether maintenance would be part of the one percent. Ms. Stevenson stated that maintenance has not been considered as part of the 1% funding. Mr. Watts noted that most issues, which were left as differences between the Arts Commission and City Manager's recommendations, have been closed. Council consensus was to bring the establishing documents forward to a future business meeting for Council action. NEW PROPOSALS BOY SCOUT HOUSE Ms. Sandoval stated she would recuse herself from the issue because of her prior involvement with Mr. Garrison and with the Johnsons, who have offered to buy the property from Mr. Garrison, as a real estate representative. She noted that although she received no compensation for the transaction and is not legally required to recuse, she would do so to avoid clouding the issue. Mr. Sandoval left the Chambers at 8:30 p.m. City Manager Timmons reviewed the process for new proposals which has been adopted as part of the council rules. He reviewed the new form for proposals which includes staff estimates of impacts of the project on staff time, resources, and budget. The City has received a proposal from Vem Garrison to move the Boy Scout house from its current location, which he has purchased, to city owned property. Mr. Garrison stated he would pay reasonable costs for moving the building and asked for a commitment from the city as to whether or not they will accept the house as a donation within 120 days. City Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 April 26, 2004 Mr. Timmons stated that the donation would raise a number of issues and in light of the critical capital planning projects set to begin in June, it would be unrealistic to take on the project unless the City can get an extension on the time frame to at least six months. Public Comment: The following spoke in favor of retaining the Boy Scout House at its current location. Mitchell Poling Chris Jones Phyllis Mee Phil Johnson Russ Sheffer Cynthia Frech Barbara Marseille Judith Lamas Pat McMinds Kevin Arno Elsa Golts (stated she had 550 signatures from those who want to save the house but did not enter the signatures into the public record) Scott Ferrel Susan Ambrosius Daniel Hensey Dorothy Hensey Spencer Boyles William Hensey Jeff Arnold Susan Miller Jim Little Consensus of the Council was for staff to bring the item forward to a business meeting as soon as possible so the council can consider what additional options are open to the city. Ms. Sandoval returned to the meeting at 9:32 p.m. PET WASTE The Council received a petition to revise the Municipal Code to require dog owners to clean up after their pets anywhere within the city limits. Staff recommendation is that impact would not be high, although the item is not currently in any work plan. Public Comment Speaking in favor of the code amendment: Nancy Dorgan City Council Workshop Meeting Page 3 ~lpri126, 2004 Susan Ambrosious Mr. Masci suggested that staff gather information about the cost of installing stations with plastic bags for pet owners. Consensus was to direct staff to draft an ordinance for council consideration at a future business meeting. SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES City Attorney Watts noted that sexually oriented businesses cannot be prohibited outright from locating anywhere within the city. The issue will require some research and process; he suggested proposing interim regulations so there is something in place while staff drafts the final version. Consensus was to have the City Attorney bring forward a set of interim regulations to a furore business meeting. REHABILITATION OF "TIDAL CLOCK" AND "WAVE VIEWING PLATFORM" Arts Commission Chair Nancy Stevenson requested that the Council authorize the City Manager to review options and make recommendations on rehabilitation of the "Tidal Clock" and "Wave Viewing Gallery". Staff's recommendation is to approve the request, but require that efforts be coordinated with the larger redevelopment effort currently in the work plan. Public comment: Frank Vane spoke in favor of the recommendation. Consensus was to accept staff recommendation and assign City Manager to work with Public Works Department to seek resolution. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Attest: Pam Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Workshop Meeting Page 4 April 26, 2004