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Home My WebLink About10182004 . . . CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 18, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council ofthe City of Port Townsend met in regular session this eighteenth day of October, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend temporary Council Chambers at Building 204, Fort Worden State Park, Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Laurie Medlicott, and Catharine Robinson. GeoffMasci and Michelle Sandoval were excused. Staff members present were City Attorney/Acting City Manager John Watts and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mr. Benskin asked that the bills, claims and warrants be pulled from the Consent Agenda. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (consent and non-agenda items) Public Comment Al Frank: stated the Council should have asked the voters for a street levy rather than a general levy lid lift. Vern Garrison: spoke against the tax levy increase and in favor of a town meeting after the election. Jackie Aaase: spoke in opposition to the tax levy proposition. Annette Huenke: spoke in opposition to the tax levy proposition. Michael Anderson referred the Council to a letter he provided after packets were distributed regarding item C on the consent agenda (releasing interest in south IIz of "C" Street adjacent to Lots 1 and 3, Block 29, Webster's Addition, subject to no-build covenant and utility easement). City Attorney Watts noted that the letter proposes a slight modification relative to the street vacation issue which is reasonable and he recommends acceptance of the change as part of the consent agenda. City Council Business Meeting Page 1 October 18, 2004 . . . Scott Walker: stated he found the forum confusing and asked the council to work with the non-profits to build a 2005 budget that is kid and people friendly. Mayor, Councilor, City Manager Comment Mr. Warts corrected information brought up during public comment regarding city staff salaries and provision of a vehicle to the City Manager. In regard to a suggestion that employees who propose ideas that save the city money receive 10% of the savings, he noted that this is used in the private sector but is generally not an authorized use of public funds. Mrs. Medlicott corrected statements attributed to her in the Voters Guide, which quoted her as saying she "doesn't favor the increase" in taxes. She stated that it is true that as a citizen she does not look forward to paying more taxes, but as a Councilor she supports putting the levy before the public for a vote. She also noted that the guide indicates she "blames the City Council" and said this is absolutely not a true statement. Ms. Fenn stated that she is concerned about adequate public process in connection with the levy increase; she added that the issue is now before the people and each Councilor will vote as a citizen like any other. Comments should no longer be addressed to the Council as the decision-making is in the hands of the citizenry. She added she would welcome a debate on what constitutes "core" services and that there has been intense discussion at the Council and Finance/Budget Committee for many months regarding the financial state ofthe city. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Kolffmovedfor adoption of the following items on the consent agenda. Mr. Benskin seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Approval of resolution: RESOLUTION 04-056 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FIXING THE TIME FOR HEARING ON A PETITION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE ALLEY WITHIN BLOCK 49 OF FOWLER'S PARK ADDITION Approval of action: Authorize the City Manager to release the City and public interest in the south IIz of C Street adjacent to lots 1 and 3, Block 29, Webster's Addition, subject to the no build covenant and utility easement. City Council Business Meeting Page 2 October 18, 2004 . . . UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Benskin asked to look at the voucher details. Motion: Mr. Kolff moved for approval of vouchers 91532 through 91705 in the amount of $373,681. 28. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to confirm the following appointments to citizen boards and committees. Ms. Fenn seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Historic Preservation Committee Michael D. Colbert to fill unexpired term (position 2) ending May 1,2005. Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board Julie Duke to Position 3, term expires May 1,2005 Larry Browning to Position 9, term expires May 1,2007 Park and Recreation Advisory Board Helene V. Fatt to Position 7, term expires May 1, 2007 Councilors requested a list of committees and vacancies and also suggested that an open house honoring the volunteers who serve on citizen advisory boards and committees be planned early in 2005. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Watts reviewed a memo from City Manager Timmons stating he would not authorize any hiring until agreement is reached on the 2005 budget, or on a case-by-case basis. The only priority is the Building Inspector position and a program recommendation will be made on that in mid-November. There was no public comment. Mr. Benskin stated he wished to disclose that he is employed by the County as a contract plans examiner and building inspector but in this capacity he has no role in any city projects. Mr. Watts noted that there is a private individual who is available for contracting to provide city building inspections who could perform the work on a contract basis until a decision is made on a permanent employee. He added that although there is a freeze on hiring for a permanent position, the City does need to continue the service. City Council Business Meeting Page 3 October 18, 2004 . . . Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to adopt the City Manager's October 15, 2004, memo regarding a hiringfreeze, as a policy directive. Mr. Benskin seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Kolff reported the General Government Committee had a productive meeting with the Fire District #6 Commissioners and the group is working on a draft agreement which should be brought before the Council for review before the end of the year. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Mr. Kolff stated he has expressed support for the levy and due to the amount of comment about the issue, he would like to plan on having a significant public forum and dialogue whether or not the levy is adopted. He suggested a discussion be scheduled for the next meeting, which would address scheduling opportunities for public involvement with the 2005 budget process. Mayor Robinson suggested that the chair of each standing committee schedule a meeting to discuss the budget items they are assigned to discuss. Discussion ensued on a public forum. Suggestions included: A brief introduction to city budgeting, including a list of services mandated by law. The "dot" format so citizens can choose budget priorities. A facilitator (Katheirne Baril?). Handouts available of budget PowerPoint presentation, including graphics. Schedule after the election to avoid any problems with Public Disclosure Commission regulations. Date suggested was November 8; move discussion ofDSD reorganization to Nov. 1. Schedule in a venue larger than downstairs in Building 204 at Fort Worden. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Robinson announced that the Council would go into executive session at 8: 10 p.m. regarding a litigation matter. She stated there would be no action following the session and that the session would not exceed 30 minutes. City Council Business Meeting Page 4 October 18,2004 . . . RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:15 p.m. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Attest: cz~~~ City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 5 October 18, 2004