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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07082004 . . . CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF JULY 8, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this eighth day of July, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. in the Olympic Room of the Waterman & Katz Building, Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Freida Fenn, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Kees Kolff and Geoff Masci were excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Water Operations Manager Bob LaCroix, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Water Resource Asset Manager Ian Jablonski, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. WATER RESOURCE INVENTORY AREA (WRIA 17) WATER ISSUES Mr. LaCroix began by showing examples of the type of information available on various streams in the WRIA 17 area. He noted that instream flow suggestions from some members of WRIA are based on how much water is needed by salmon; most of these levels are higher than any flow that has ever existed. He added that few of the streams have anything to do with Port Townsend, with the exception of the Big Qui1cene and Little Qui1cene Rivers and Chimacum Creek, where the impact of the final regulations will be significant. Mr. LaCroix noted that policy direction is needed from the Council on which stream flow volumes to support. He stated that we have a very senior water right, but the fact that we are renewing our Forest Service permit complicates matters at this time. If we seem inconsistent in our streamflow recommendations this may prompt comments on our permit. There was further discussion about WRIA representatives, voting members, and the consensus process. Ms. Sandoval noted that if the PUD can't draw water, the City becomes the regional water provider even though we can't make decisions about how many buildable lots are allowed in the County. She stated the propagation of lots seriously affects the future of the city water rights and instream flow levels can affect the PUD's ability to draw groundwater. City Council Workshop Meeting July 8, 2004 Page 1 . . . Mr. LaCroix noted that is why the City must be concerned about Chimacum Creek as well as the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers. Ms. Sandoval stated the City should have commented on the new County UGA because it creates more buildable lots and is depending on the PUD to supply them with water. Mr. LaCroix confirmed that if streams are closed to further withdrawals, that affects the ability to drill wells also. Mr. Timmons stated that if we protect habitat and instream flows on small streams, how can we advocate a different policy position on the Big Quil; it makes sense to have continuity in positions on all streams. Saving water in small streams may result in the Big Quil becoming the regional water supply and the City could be mandated to supply water to the region. Mr. Jablonski provided figures on water use by the City and the Mill, noting that two million gallons a day were used by the City on the peak day last year; at buildout, the City may use six million gallons per day. The mill uses approximately 12 million gallons per day. The current water system is capable of putting 20 million gallons per day through the City. Mr. Timmons noted that ultimately the DOE has to set instream flow. rfthere is no consensus by WRIA, then the decision defaults to DOE in conjunction with Fish and Wildlife. He also noted that there has not yet been a WRIA which has been able to come to consensus. Mr. LaCroix noted that the City has considered increasing the size of Lords Lake; however getting that much water to flow through the pipe becomes a problem without a pump. The expansion could be done for about a million dollars to increase capacity by 50% but it would only end up benefiting the mill. Mr. LaCroix said the City at this time only has to provide for lots within our service area unless it becomes a health safety issue. Mr. Watts stated land use planning must be based on engineering; an entity can't plan for growth based on water that isn't available. Mr. Timmons also noted that the water coming down the pipe is not potable so would need to have filtration plants installed all up and down the system. Mr. LaCroix said that by disposing of the Tri-Area system, the City avoided having to provide filtration. Mr. LaCroix stated that under current policies, the PUD is the City's partner; the City supplies them with water for Beckett Point and Adelma Beach, among others. Mr. Jablonski stated there is a limit to water planning also based on our contract with the mill. City Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 July 8, 2004 . . . Mr. LaCroix noted the Four Corners valve also limits water supply; there are a couple of miles of six-inch pipe from Four Corners over to lrondale Road. He said the Sparling Well provides about 1.3 million gallons a day, enough for 8,500 people. Currently there are more pumping rights than available water. Mr. Timmons said you can look at the County's sewer study - if sized for so many gallons that shows demand; then look at the PUD's ability to provide. You can't show a capacity you can't support. Ms. Sandoval left the meeting at 4:50. Mr. Clow noted the new water system plan should be done by the end of the year. Mr. Timmons suggested that the WRIA policy issue be placed on the July 19 City Council agenda for potential action. The Council could also authorize a letter to the County and GMA Board to put them on notice as to the City's stand on water. Ms. Fenn suggested a councilor be appointed on July 19 to attend the rest of the meetings. PUD Commissioner Dana Roberts was present and said a few words on behalf ofthe PUD. He said the PUD wants to avoid proliferation of exempt wells and get as many customers as possible on the system as that will stretch the resource. He indicated the desire of the PUD to work together with the City. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:08 p.m. Attest: f~ '~~! /; i J.! \ .' C/ _ \ ..//.1 '. vi'-f_:¿:c"cA:..-.ý.... -X./ {uYVì - IV ( \ Pam Kolacy, CMC -. City Clerk City Council Workshop Meeting July 8, 2004 Page 3