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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061812CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JUNE 18, 2012 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session on the eighteenth day of June 2012 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor David King. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Kris Nelson, David King, Catharine Robinson, Robert Gray, Mark Welch, and Deborah Stinson with Michelle Sandoval excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Planning Manager Judy Surber, Police Chief Conner Daily, City Clerk Pam Kolacy, and Public Services Director Rick Sepler. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor King suggested moving Item A under New Business (Seavey Jackson Memorial Plaque) forward to precede Unfinished Business to accommodate a citizen who wishes to speak on the item. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There was no general public comment. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Proclamation: Amateur Radio Week John Ebner accepted the proclamation and described this year's Amateur Radio Week events. Mayor King read a proclamation declaring the week of June 18, 2012 as Amateur Radio Week. Historic Preservation Awards Bill Tennent, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society, reviewed this year's awards and said he would present the three awards designated for the City this evening. Charlie Paul and Gee Heckscher accepted an award on behalf of the Historic Preservation Committee and also credited City Planner John McDonagh for staffing City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 1 of 7 the committee. Two other awards were presented. Mayor King accepted on behalf of the City for recognition of the ongoing maintenance at the Pope Marine Building. City employee Terry Kurtzbein received an award for his part in the maintenance project. CONSENT AGENDA Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 117961 through 117962 in the amount of $594.20 Vouchers 117963 through 117964 in the amount of $889,122.26 Vouchers 117965 through 117975 in the amount of $225,537.85 Vouchers 117976 through 117977 in the amount of $1,208.48 Resolution 12 -024, Fixing the Time for a Public Hearing on Street Vacations in Boat Haven, and Transfer of City Dock, Union Wharf and Abandoned Railroad Line in Boat Haven to Port, Subject to Conditions Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. AUTHORIZATION TO PLACE SEAVEY JACKSON MEMORIAL PLAQUE Frank Vane, former Arts Commission member, addressed the Council about the background of the Seavey Jackson bequest. He believes that a plaque is insufficient recognition of the family's contribution. There was no other public comment. Public Services Director Sepler stated that the Arts Commission considered testimony from Mr. Vane and others and wanted to acknowledge the provenance of the structure. He added that the official designation, which should be on the plaque, is "Wave Gazing Gallery." Mr. Sepler also said that an interpretive piece explaining the history of the site has been identified as part of the Wayfinding project and that may address Mr. Vane's concern. There was brief discussion and acknowledgment of the change from "Wave Viewing" to "Wave Gazing" gallery as wording on the plaque. Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve the placement of a memorial plaque on the remaining Wave Gazing Gallery in dedication to the pioneering Seavey Family and direct the City Manager to facilitate the purchase and placement of the plaque and incorporate it into the final projects scheduled for fall 2012. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 2 of 7 Mr. Sepler will contact Mr. Vane to update him on the Wayfinding project in relation to the Seavey bequest history. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3075, 2011 Comprehensive Plan Update - amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Map, Zoning Map and Development Regulations Planning Manager Judy Surber reviewed the packet materials and detailed the changes made to the ordinance requested by the Council at the last meeting. Changes to the wording of Housing Element section were proposed by Ms. Nelson and discussed by the Council. The following changes were proposed: Page 11 new (5) Remove first line beginning with "Gentrification." On page 11, starting on line 30, the new sentence will read "As the cost of living increases, many on limited income struggle to make ends meet. Employers are losing staff to more affordable communities. Artists, boat builders, firefighters, musicians, seniors, single parents, and the corner barista are the people who are struggling to find affordable places to live. These are the very people who make our community vibrant and diverse. Our culture and economic core is being threatened. An affordable housing strategy is needed to preserve the character of our community." On page 16, Policy 1.2, line 2, change Department of Community Trade and Economic Development to Department of Commerce. In Exhibit A, page 2, Table 1, a typographical error correction will be made to put the entire phrase "Implementing alternative parcel- specific zoning redesignations in P- zones" under the Type 1 -A column. There was no public comment. After further discussion of the affordable housing language details, no further changes were made. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve Ordinance 3075, adopting the 2011 Comprehensive Plan Update consisting of certain amendments to the narrative text, tables, and policies contained in the Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan (The Plan), adopting two site specific amendments to the official land use map contained within the Plan; adopting amendments to the text and tables of Title 17, Zoning; and Title 20.01 Land Development Administrative Procedures, of the PTMC; adopting specific amendments to the official zoning map adopted pursuant to Section 17.12.030 PTMC in order to be consistent with, and implement the land use map contained within the Plan; directing the Planning Department to prepare revised copies of the land use map & official zoning map; directing the City Clerk to prepare revised copies of the Plan and to codify the amendments to Title 17 & 20 PTMC set forth in this ordinance; and establishing an effective date; all in a manner consistent with the requirements of Chapter 20.04 PTMC and the Growth Management Act of City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 3 of 7 1990, as amended (Chapter 36.70A RCM with language changes as discussed. Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3077, Amending the Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 10.04 Parking, Authorizing the Chief of Police to Designate No Parking and Limited Parking Areas and Establishing Penalties for Violations Chief Daily reviewed the packet materials. Changes requested by the Council at first reading on June 4 have been incorporated. Questions from Councilors were primarily directed at the basis for removing this from the Council's purview (these may be temporary actions taken to deal with emerging conditions, and waiting for the time that it would take to process a Council action could hamper efforts to address particular problems) and how the notification process will work (published on web site, current copy in Clerk's office, and e -mail to the Council when changes are made). Public comment: Colby Fox expressed concerns about how the public would be notified prior to a change being made. There should be a chance for public input by those impacted. Many neighbors were upset about parking signs on W Street. It would be good for neighbors and businesses to have a chance for input. Also accessibility to discuss possible changes to decisions that have been made. Mr. Clow noted that language in the document makes it clear that Council has the ultimate authority over parking. When they receive notice of a proposed change they can intervene but in general, service to the community is faster if necessary actions can be taken without going through the Council deliberative process. Mr. Gray stated he is still strongly in favor of keeping the current process in place. He believes that the Council will lose the opportunity for dialogue with citizens that should take place prior to any change taking place. Others noted that citizens have access to Council members outside of the Council meeting process and Councilors can bring those concerns forward. It was also suggested that the staff is in a better position to see the overall parking picture rather than one particular concern. Ultimately the ordinance can be rescinded if it is not working. It was suggested that under 10.04.230 (B) a new item should be added as appropriate stating that the City shall give notice to adjacent property owners and the City Council 14 days prior to establishment of new parking designations unless determined to be an emergency." Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Ordinance 3077, Amending the Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 10.04 Parking, Authorizing the Chief of Police to City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 4 of 7 Designate No Parking and Limited Parking Areas and Establishing Penalties for Violations with addition of language regarding notice to adjacent property owners and Council 14 days prior to enforcement in Section 10. 04.230 (8) new (1) . Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried, 5 -1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed. RECESS Mayor King declared a recess at 7:57 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:10 p.m. Resolution 12 -026, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Exchange Agreement with the USPS Concerning the Customs House Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet materials, noting that circumstances have changed and the postal service is moving rapidly to surplus properties which are not in an active process for sale or transfer. The action tonight would not make any financial commitment on behalf of the City but would keep the project "alive" while due diligence takes place and a funding and transfer agreement can be put together. Discussions have taken place with potential partners such as the Washington and National Trust for Historic Preservation. The question is who fronts the capital and who takes care of processes. Acting on the memorandum gives us 180 days to put together the package and if it doesn't work the partners are off the hook. The worry of not having an executed agreement could mess up the whole thing. There was no public comment. Councilors expressed support for the Customs House remaining as a public building. There was caution expressed about making sure the agreement is written so the City does not incur costs if the project does not go forward. Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve Resolution 12 -026, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Exchange Agreement with the USPS Concerning the Customs House Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 12 -025, Adopting a Resource Management Plan and Establishing a Resource Management Policy for Daily Operations Planning Manager Judy Surber introduced Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) Brian Goldstein. She noted that the RCM program is shared by four local jurisdictions, and has been in existence for 19 months. The Resource City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 5 of 7 Conservation Manager is tasked with making recommendations on reducing costs and reducing resource use in City facilities. The action before the Council is to adopt the Resource Management Plan and to establish a resource management plan for daily operations. Mr. Goldstein reviewed the status report. He stated he looks at energy, water and solid waste use within the City and focuses on low cost and no cost action that can save resources and save money. He stated energy use is coming down from the base year. Water use is also trending downward and a three year projection shows a savings of about $38,000 with a program investment of $30,000. He stated that under the grant funding agreement he was not allowed to look at golf courses or swimming pools so those facilities are not included in the report at this time. The grant period is nearly up so those facilities can be reviewed going forward from July 1, 2012. He said the Library is not included because of the capital improvement program and all the modifications were not originally on the list of assessed buildings since it will be changing so dramatically. Vehicle fuel is not part of the program either; resource conservation looks at buildings, building operations, water and solid waste but not transportation. Mr. Goldstein confirmed that one reason we don't have dramatic progress is that many City facilities are already managed efficiently. The exception is Mountain View, which needs more investment in infrastructure. There was no public comment. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve Resolution 12 -025, Adopting a Resource Management Plan and Establishing a Resource Management Policy for Daily Operations Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER REPORT Mayor King reported on attending a portion of the Discovery Program for middle school students at the Maritime Center. CITY MANAGER REPORT Calls for Service, Fort Worden In addition to reviewing a memo regarding Port Townsend Police response to calls for service at Fort Worden, Mr. Timmons reported on the regional parks committee, Broadband, Taylor Street, budget issues, Fourth of July event, and initial discussions regarding the fall town meetings. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND /OR City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 6 of 7 STUDY SESSION COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, City Clerk MMC City Council Business Meeting June 18, 2012 Page 7 of 7