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Home My WebLink About03072005 . CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 7,2005 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this seventh day of March, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend temporary Council Chambers in the Cedar Room of the Waterman & Katz Building, Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Freida Fenn was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Interim DSD Director David Wright, Long Range Planning Director Jeff Randall, Planner John McDonagh, and City Clerk. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA . There were no changes to the agenda. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Robinson presented a proclamation designating March as National Nutrition Month. The proclamation was accepted by Marissa Grace. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Consent and non-agenda items) There were no comments. CONSENT AGENDA Mrs. Medlicott requested removal of item C (contract renewal for Fort Worden fire protection and emergency medical services) so that the budget impact could be discussed. Motion: Mr. Ko(ff movedfor adoption of the following items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Masci seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. . City Council Business Meeting Paxe 1 March 7, 2005 · Approval of the following Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 93061 through 93227 in the amount of $181 ,086.03 Voucher 225051 in the amount of $52.02 Vouchers 304051 through 304058 in the amount of $70,989.69 Approval of Minutes for February 22,2005 Approval of action: forward the recommendations of the Golf Course Task Force to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board for discussion and recommendation for Council action on or before April 18, 2005. UNFINISHED BUSINESS RESOLUTION 05-013 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, ENDORSING THE CREATION OF A TEN-YEAR PLAN TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS · Mr. Timmons reviewed the agenda bill, stating that the matter was before Council on February 22,2005 and at that time was placed on the March 7 agenda. He added that reference to cities being "mandated" to develop a plan has been removed and the commitment of 10 hours of staff time per month has been clarified to identify this commitment for ten years subject to future review by Council. Mr. Timmons introduced Sylvia Arthur, who passed out written materials and was available to answer questions from the Council. Questions addressed regarded transitional housing (the plan will increase total amount available); relationship between Bremerton Housing Authority and the community of Port Townsend (BHAthis has supplanted the Jefferson County Housing Authority and will provide representative at Continuum of Care meetings and local liaison); how to identify gaps that could be filled by local resource groups; monetary value of the staff commitment (possible $250 per month but already in work plan in conjunction with housing needs assessment); lack of numeric goals (will be getting updated numbers with the needs assessment report); definition of "low demand" housing (refers to low demand on individual); whether there is financial expectation beyond the housing needs assessment (needs assessment is prerequisite to receiving grant funding). Mr. Timmons noted that any issue that came up which required city expenditure would corne before the Council. Public comment Douglas Montgomery · City Council Business Meetinx Page 2 March 7, 2005 · Motion: Mr. Masci movedfor adoption of Resolution 05-0J3. Mr. Ko(ffseconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACT In answer to Mrs. Medlicott's question, Mr. Timmons noted that the contract is set by the state legislature and brings the City approximately $14,000 in revenue per year. There was no public comment. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Washington S'tate Parks and Recreation Commissionjòr Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION 05-014 A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE INVESTMENT OF CITY TAX COLLECTIONS BY JEFFERSON COUNTY TREASURER · Mr. Timmons introduced Finance Director Michael Legarsky who reviewed the agenda bill. Mr. Legarsky stated that under state law, absent a city directive, the county may invest city taxes collected and retain the interest earnings to the benefit of the county. The proposed resolution would allow the Finance Director to work out the mechanics of a process for investing city funds for the benefit of the city with the County Treasurer. It was noted that the statute has not been tested in court in regard to excise taxes and therefore most county treasurers feel it applies only to real property taxes collected. The Council concurred that they would like to direct that investment process apply to all city taxes, both real property and real estate excise taxes. Motion: Mr. Masci movedfor approval of Resolution 05-0J4. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. Amendment (friendly): Mr. Koljfproposed addition of the word "all" before "city tax collections. " Amendment (friendly): Mr. Masci moved to end the first sentence (third paragraph) after "with earnings." He then proposed striking the rest of the sentence and replacing with a new sentence as follows: "The City Finance Director has authority to approve a reasonable method of remittance of the city tax with the County Treasurer. " · Motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting Page 3 March 7, 2005 · Mr. Legarsky will report back to the Council. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Robinson read and provided a written statement regarding recent comments by a Councilor, which were disrespectful to other Councilors. The statement was as follows: When we as City Council members took our oath of office, we gave our word to represent the interests of the community above all else. When one of us maligns another, that action taints all the individuals involved and shreds the fabric of our community. It goes against the oath of office that we have taken. This community must be tolerant of differences in race, creed, religion, and choice as well as political points of view. Everyone needs to be able to express and participate in a democratic process free of persecution and slander. If we as a City Council fail to provide this atmosphere, then we fail as a community. If we as individual city Council members fail to demonstrate respect for our differences, then the City Council fails in its job, the community suffers and fails from these individual acts of self-interest. · Recent comments made before the Home Builders Association by a City Council member are reprehensible and do not dignify him as an individual nor show respect for the office he holds. It also brings unwarranted and inappropriate disrespect onto Council and diminishes the character of the community. All of us have invested too much to allow anyone to compromise the good of the City and allow those statements to go unanswered. In my view, the Council member did not have the authority from this Council to represent the interest of the City before the Home Builders. And further, had no right whatsoever to selfishly malign those who serve with him and represent the community to the best of their abilities on this Council. This behavior must stop now. In the future, if any Council member takes any such action, I will bring to Council a motion to suspend that Council member from City representation on any outside committee or board for at least 3 months. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons reported on the Skate Park bid, hospital backup transport, L T AC Committee, Park and Recreation Advisory Board recommendations regarding the golf course, PTTV communication issues, City Hall and Fire Hall construction, and the Wallin settlement. · City Council Business Meeting Page 4 March 7, 2005 · RECESS Mayor Robinson announced a recess at 7:50 p.m. for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Transportation Committee (Ms. Sandoval) Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved that Council refer to the Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board the issue of use of motorized.fòot scooters on City trailsfor their review and recommendation. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0. by voice vote. Ms. Sandoval requested that Councilors who have not read the Kittelson Report on parking request the report from staff in preparation for upcoming actions on the parking code. General Government: Mr. Masci reported. · Community Development/Land Use A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON ENDORSING THE CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT ORDINANCE 2890 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSED AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE REVISING CHAPTER 2.34, DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TO REVISE THE DUTIES AND RENAME THE POSITION OF THE BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ORDINANCE 2891 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE CREATING CHAPTER 2.33, DIRECTOR OF LONG RANGE PLANNING, TO SPECIFY THE DUTIES AND POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF LONG RANGE PLANNING · City Council Business Meeting Page 5 March 7, 2005 · ORDINANCE 2892 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND REVISING CERTAIN REFERENCES TO BUIDLING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTEMTN DIRECTOR, AND CERTAIN REFERENCES TO BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR TO LONG RANGE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR, BY AMENDING PORTIONS OF TITLE 1, TITLE 2, TITLE 3, TITLE 5, TITLE 9, TITLE 12, TITLE 13, TITLE 16, TITLE 17, TITLE 18, TITLE 19, AND TITLE 20 Mr. Benskin presented the actions and reported that the CD/LU Committee has reviewed and approved them. Public comment Joshua Bennun Brief discussion ensued about wording in Ordinance 2890 and code enforcement. · Motion: Mr. Masci movedfor adoption of Resolution 05-0J5. Mr. Ko?ffseconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Motion: Mr. Masci moved for first reading of Ordinance 2890 amended to change 2.34.020 (G) to read, "appoint" rather than "serve as" and (1) to replace building "inspector" with building "official." Mr. Kolffseconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Motion: Mr. Benskin movedforfirst reading of Ordinance 289J. Mr. Masci seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Motion: Mr. Kolffmovedfor.first reading of Ordinance 2892. Mr. Masci seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0. by voice vote. In answer to Mr. Benskin's questions, changes (such as "BCD" to "DSD") will be made in the Comprehensive Plan during the regular revision cycle. Motion: Mr. Ko?ff moved to schedule further action, second reading and possible adoption of Ordinances 2890,2891, and 2892 at the March 2J, 2005 meeting. Ms. Sandoval seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. · City Council Business Meeting Page 6 March 7, 2005 · · · COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Mr. Benskin commented on the Mayor's statement (under Presiding Officer's report), stating he believes the issue should not have been dealt with in a public meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:50, the Mayor announced the Council would retire to Executive Session to discuss a performance review. She anticipated the session would take 30-45 minutes, with no action anticipated. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 9:28 p.m. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Attest: Ç)~ej>{~ Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 7 March 7, 2005