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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03012004 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 1, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this first day of March, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding. Brownie Scout Troop 2120 conducted the flag ceremony. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Geoff Masci arrived at 6:40 p.m. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. Mayor Robinson read a proclamation in honor of Girl Scout Week. RECESS Mayor Robinson called a recess for the purpose of sampling Girl Scout cookies provided by Troop 2120. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 6:45 p.m. Mayor Robinson presented a Proclamation recognizing the American Red Cross CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mr, Timmons presented several items for information, noting that they could be added to the agenda if the Council wished to discuss any of them. Cottage Housing Ordinance: Due to scheduling conflicts at the Planning Commission level, Planner Jean Walat has requested an extension to the 120-day deadline set by the council for presentation of a revision to the cottage housing ordinance (estimated date of the Council hearing is June 7). City Council Business Meeting Page 1 March 1, 2004 Appropriation Request: Mr. Timmons distributed a letter to Senator Murray requesting an appropriation in 2005 for Port Townsend's Landmark Historic District Transportation and Streetscape Enhancement Project in the amount of $4.5 million. Buffer Acquisition: Mr. Timmons referred to a letter from BOCC Chair Glen Huntingford to James Lindsay regarding negotiations regarding the acquisition process for securing the tree buffer that parallels Highway 20 so that it will not be logged. Mr. Timmons stated he is working with County Administrator David Goldsmith on the project. Mrs. Medlicott asked about the price of the buffer property. Mr. Timmons stated it is $75,000 and the city and county are working with other entities including the Jefferson Land Trust and the Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for the purchase. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Consent and Non-Agenda Items) James Fritz: commented in favor of purchasing the tree buffer property, encouraged promotion of edible landscaping; asked that the city declare itself an herbicide free zone. Rita Kepner: presented a history of water use in Jefferson County for consideration in relation to the PUD request for purchase of wholesale water from the city. Dan Titterness: BOCC Commissioner, stated that the County has reached a proposed finalization on the agreement to purchase timber that was proposed to be logged. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. Sandoval asked that the February 17 minutes be corrected to state that she had asked for discussion of water conservation. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved for approval of the following items on the consent agenda. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. Approval of the following Bills, Claims and Warrants: Vouchers 89034 through 89181 in the amount of $336,748.22 Vouchers 220041 through 220044 in the amount of $62,388.98 Approval of Minutes: February 9, 2004 February 17, 2004 (as amended) Appointment: Judy French-Scott to the Metropolitan Park District Task Force. City Council Business Meeting Page 2 March 1, 2004 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE 2852 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE CITY'S UTILITY CREDIT PROGRAM, AND PROVIDING AN INCREASE IN RATES TO COMPENSATE FOR CHANGES TO THE CREDIT PROGRAM, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Finance Director Michael Legarsky reviewed the packet materials regarding revisions to the utility credit program. He noted there are three separate discount programs: senior citizens, disabled citizens and other low-income non-senior, non-disabled citizens. He discussed the various "caps" on income levels for these groups and their relationship to the federal poverty level. He stated that staff suggested indexing the eligibility levels to social security. After the staff introduction and clarifying questions, City Attorney Watts suggested additional language for the second page of the ordinance: at the end of each of the two paragraphs beginning "Poverty level calculation:" add "but not less than $18,000 for a household of one person." City Manager Timmons clarified that any change in rates for other utility customers to make up for the discounts would be seen in 2005. Public comment: None Motion: Ms. Fenn moved for adoption of Ordinance 2852, providing for the additional language suggested by Mr: Watts, setting an $18,000 minimum for poverty level calculations for low-income disabled and low-income senior citizens for a househoM of one person. Mr. Benskin seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by roll call vote. RESOLUIZON 04-010 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, APPROVING A GOLF COURSE MASTER PLANNING PROCESS RESOLUTION 04-011 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH THE NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT AND LONG-TERM PLANNING AND LEASE TERMS CONSISTENT WITH THE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS, NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 City Council Business Meeting Page 3 March 1, 2004 Mr. Timmons stated that the adopted policy of the city is that the golf course will remain as a golf course; the proposals carry forward the master planning process for the property in conjunction with the parks plan. He noted that a basic asset inventory is underway now by Larry Southwick. The National Golf Foundation was chosen for their expertise in the subject area and also because it was the group of choice stated by community members. A representative will be in town next week for initial meetings with community members and a review of the course. He added that the task force would be looking at the golf course lease. Public comment: Mary Norwood Ed Barcott George Yakush Vickie Handyside Mike Early Patsy Caldwell Michael Lux Terry Berge Mary Norwood Motion: Mr. Masci moved that the city council declare the golf course property, in its entirety, will remain a golf course. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. Ms. Fenn noted that it seems everyone should calm down; she has never heard any council or staff member propose that the golf course would not remain a golf course. She stated she would like to see the appointed committee do open-minded research and look at multiple uses for the facility; options should be considered before the current lease expires so the city can be pro-active and honor the parks plan. She added that because the Parks Plan contains policy regarding the golf course property, the Council's policy is in writing there needs to be no further act of the Council. Ms. Sandoval stated that the golf course master plan process is driven by plans that have been in place for many years. She added that the performing/visual arts group was simply looking at the potential of many futures sites; the group realized there would be work on the golf course master plan and therefore wanted to get the idea out at this time for possible consideration. Mr. Timmons stated that the current deeds to the property are not encumbered or restricted in any way. He said that what does exist is an interpretation that the city's adopted policy is in the park's functional plan; it calls for an evaluation and master planning process for the golf course. He stated the city may explore initiating a deed covenant or other legal means to assure the stability of the course but it is premature at this point until the best mechanism is determined. He suggested that appropriate language for tonight's motion would be as an affirmation of existing policy. City Council Business Meeting Page 4 March 1, 2004 Mr. Benskin encouraged the council to affirm the plan. Mrs. Medlicott noted that she could not imagine the Council would confirm appointments to the task force which did not include golf course users. Consensus was to modify the motion as follows: move to reaffirm the Council's existing policy toward maintaining the current golf course as it is listed in the Parks & Recreation Functional Plan. City Attorney Watts noted that council actions are not permanent and future councils can reverse the actions of previous councils. Designating a golf course in perpetuity would be done through some legal means such as covenant, transfer to trust, etc. rather than by Council action. Mr. Timmons noted that a facilities plan would also enable the city to receive grant funding from the state recreation fund; if such a grant is accepted, the property must be maintained in perpetuity. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved for adoption of Resolution 04-010. Ms. Sandoval seconded The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. Motion: Mr. Kolff moved for adoption of Resolution 04-011. Mrs. Medlicott seconded Vote: the motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. RECESS Mayor Robinson declared a recess at 8:40 for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:55 p.m. APPOINTMENT OF ETHICS HEARING OFFICER City Attorney Watts reviewed the packet material, noting that in Ordinance 2830, adopted June 2, 2003, the Council approved an ethics hearing officer, replacing the Citizen Advisory Board. The City Manager has recommended attorney Craig Ritchie for the position. Public comment: none. City Council Business Meeting Page 5 March 1, 2004 Mr. Kolff moved to approve the appointment of Craig Ritchie as the city ethics hearing officer. Mrs. Medlicott seconded Amendment: Mr. Masci proposed that the number of hours allocated to reviewing the ethics code be limited to 10. There were no objections. Vote on the amended motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. COUNCIL RULES AMENDMENTS City Attorney Watts noted that the addition of new rule 3.14 (processing new matters which come from various sources) was discussed on February 17 and a new version is brought forward reflecting the Council's discussion. He noted the "New Ideas Chart" has also been simplified. Public comment: none. Motion: Mr. Kolff moved for approval of new council rule 3.14 with the addition of a bullet under item (d) adding "Review for consistency with existing plans and policies. " Ms. Fenn seconded The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS ARTS COMMISSION PROPOSAL: CITY HALL ANNEX ARTISTIC ENHANCEMENT City Engineer Dave Peterson and Arts Commission Chair Nancy Newman were present. Mr. Peterson reviewed the proposal from the Arts Commission for the approximately $25,000 available for art for the City Hall Annex project. The proposal also outlines a process for selection of the various enhancements. Ms. Newman asked for clarification about how this proposal will be affected by the pending 1% for Arts ordinance. Mr. Timmons noted the ordinance will be brought forward this spring and a council workshop will be scheduled for discussion of the proposal. He added the proposal has broad bookends that need to be narrowed prior to approval. He added that this funding would meet the obligation of the 1% for arts for capital projects. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to approve the incorporation of art in the City Hall annex project as proposed by the Arts Commission in the document dated February 24, 2004. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting Page 6 March 1, 2004 COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL Ms. Sandoval stated she has been appointed to the Govemor's Task force for the Puget Sound Action Team to develop a shared strategy for Puget Sound. The task force will be meeting over the next six months. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 7 March 1, 2004