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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020606 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF FEBRUARY 6, 2006 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session the sixth day of February 2006, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend temporary Council Chambers in the Port Townsend Fire Station conference room, Mayor Mark Welch presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Michelle Sandoval, Catharine Robinson, Scott Walker and Mark Welch. Frank Benskin was absent. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and Legal Assistant Joanna Sanders. Mrs. Medlicott requested removal of Item C. Planting of a Cherry Tree at City Hall Annex from the Consent Agenda to New Business. PUBLIC COMMENT Michael Yazel distributed the program for the upcoming Valentine Ball to benefit the American Legion restoration project and asked for the City's support as their restoration efforts continue. Meril Martin, representing the Hamilton Heights Homeowners Association, provided a community map and a copy of the neighborhood newsletter. He spoke about their desire to have the 25 mph speed limit reduced to 15 mph. Council requested the item of Speed LimitslTraffic Calming be added under New Business. Mike Belinski reported that he made a recent request for City records concerning the Use of Force Policy of the Police Department and pointed out that there are many typographical errors in the procedures. He questioned the definition of "critical incident" under Critical Incident Response Procedure and talked about references in that section to protecting the constitutional rights of the employee. He thinks it should mention the rights of both parties - the citizen as well as the officer. He agreed to submit his comments in a letter to Council. City Council Business Meeting City Council Minutes 2/6/06 CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of the following items on the Consent Agenda with amendment to remove the Planting of a Cherry Tree at City Hall Annex as requested by Mrs. Medlicott. Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants: None Approval of Minutes: January 9, 2006 Workshop Meeting January 9, 2006 Special Session January 23, 2006 Special Session Fleming Right-of-Way Vacation - Postponement of the public hearing date to February 21, 2006, or as soon thereafter as Mayor determines appropriate. Responding to Mr. Belinski's concerns, Mr. Timmons said that Staff would look for the typographical errors in the Police Procedures. In terms of the investigation into the claim of excessive force, it is an outside agency that conducts the investigation. Mr. Walker asked whether it might be appropriate to involve the Public Safety Committee in a review of the procedures regarding the issue of protecting citizen's rig hts. Ms. Robinson noted that if it were an internal administrative policy, an internal review would be appropriate. Mr. Timmons agreed that if there were simply typographical errors, Staff could address those. Once Mr. Belinski submits his written comments, there could be a separate review of those issues. Later, under the City Manager's report, he would share his recommendation to bring something forward to the Public Safety Committee that would assist in these types of situations. Mr. Masci suggested it might be appropriate for Staff to provide a report on the current state of the police procedures, which he understands are a work in process. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mrs. Medlicott asked when Council would discuss outside liaison appointments. Mr. Welch noted that under the Presiding Officers report, he had planned to bring up the Community Development and Land Use Committee appointment. He is only aware of one unresolved outside appointment - the EDC. Otherwise, the appropriate committee would discuss liaison appointments (e.g., Planning Commission decided by Community DevelopmenULand Use) and committee chairs would be elected at City Council Business Meeting 2 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 their next committee meetings. Members also need to agree on their next meeting date. Ms. Sandoval noted that the Council should also discuss setting a new retreat time to discuss committee work plans. Mr. Welch agreed to cover these outstanding items under Presiding Officer Report. NEW BUSINESS PLANTING OF A CHERRY TREE AT CITY HALL ANNEX Ms. Robinson invited Councilors to the February 14 Sister City Friends group planned gathering and planting of a cherry tree at City Hall in support of the partnership with Japan and its cities. The Association of Washington Cities asked the City to participate in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the gift of 1,000 cherry trees to the City of Seattle by Japanese Prime Minister Taeko Miki and of the annual Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival. Mrs. Medlicott expressed her support for this purchase. She believes agenda items that justify Council discussion do not belong on the consent agenda. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to dedicate the planting and care of a cherry tree at City Hall Annex in honor of our Sister City of Ichikawa, Japan. Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. HAMILTON HEIGHTS SPEED L1MITSITRAFFIC CALMING Discussion ensued, with questions concerning the appropriate committee to address the speeding concerns in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood. Mr. Masci suggested the topic of speed issues be addressed by the Community Traffic Control program and traffic calming be addressed by the Public Works Committee. Mr. Walker said that he would like more information from staff either through Transportation regarding calming or Public Safety Committee regarding policing before deciding what needs to be done in this particular situation. Mr. Timmons noted that the concern by Hamilton Heights would be processed administratively as a citizen concern, but the broader policy topic of how many speeding issues there are and where they are could be discussed in committee. Motion: Mrs. Medlicott moved to refer the policy discussion topic of speeding issues and number of speeding complaints to the Public Safety Committee for further City Council Business Meeting 3 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 information and review, noting that that Committee may choose to involve another citizen advisory group or another committee. Mr. Masci seconded. Reminding that Council's authority is limited related to setting speed limits, Ms. Robinson asked how speed limits are changed. Mr. Timmons noted that they are set by ordinance, but analysis and findings are necessary. Staff would review the process so that a broader overview could be addressed with the committee before any Council action to amend the ordinance. Vote: Motion carried unanimously 6-0, by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICERS REPORT Mr. Welch noted that Mr. Masci has declined his appointment to the Finance and Budget Committee, but Mr. Benskin has accepted. Mr. Masci moved that Mr. Benskin be appointed in place of Mr. Masci on the Finance/Budget Committee. Mr. Walker seconded. The motion carried unanimously 6-0, by voice vote. Addressing the appointment to the EDC, Mr. Welch said he expects to make a recommendation at the next Council meeting. Mr. Welch recommended the election of Committee chairs be accomplished at the next scheduled meetings. At the retreat, there could be discussion of the work plan and mission statements for each of the committees. Mr. Welch mentioned that on January 31, he, Mr. Benskin, Mr. Masci, and Ms. Sandoval attended the Indian Island tour. He was impressed with the level of environmental restoration efforts occurring and felt Captain Kurtz was forthright with information. He circulated for Council review a draft thank you letter, which also encourages that the Navy be involved in a public information forum. Discussion ensued about suggested changes to the letter. Ms. Sandoval said many, but not all of the citizen questions she relayed were answered. She believes Council should support the idea of a public forum. If not, she believes Council members will share with citizens the information heard. Mr. Masci agreed the second sentence in the second paragraph, should be revised to say, "Your openness has gone a long way towards dispelling some Council concern regarding base operations." He is not in support of urging a community forum. City Council Business Meeting 4 City Council Minutes 216/06 Ms. Robinson also agreed to the change "some of Council's concerns were dispelled." She would support holding a forum to address community concern. Mrs. Medlicott expressed opposition to the forum suggestion. She does not believe it is a Council matter. She would have appreciated the opportunity to attend and does not believe this matter came before the Council. Ms. Sandoval explained the invitation came via e-mail to her and was based on Council action in the fall to form a committee of Mr. Benskin, Mr. Kolff, and Ms. Sandoval and including Commissioner Johnson. She was upset to find out that the entire Council did not receive an invitation. Addressing the suggestion for a forum, she acknowledged that there might be some citizens who do not believe Indian Island is a security issue, but she does not believe we should ignore those who do and should support holding a forum. Mr. Welch apologized for not ensuring other Councilors were included in the invitation list. Ms. Robinson pointed out the procedural issue of notification when four Councilors attend an event. Mr. Walker moved to send a thank you letter, as amended as follows, to Captain Jon Kurtz of the Indian Island Naval Magazine. The last sentence of the second paragraph should read, "some of Council's concerns were dispelled." Mr. Masci suggested that aside from creating a more judicious response that the letter be signed by those Councilors that support it. Mrs. Medlicoti commented that to her the most offending statement is "we would be pleased to help facilitate such a meeting should it occur." She believes that the concerned citizens have the responsibility to facilitate the forum rather than this being a role of the City. She would applaud and uphold the citizens' right to do this. Mr. Welch reiterated that he is not demanding a public forum. It is intended merely as a suggestion for an informational forum to help achieve the goals of the citizens and the Navy. Vote on Motion: The motion carried with a vote of 4-2. Mrs. Medlicott and Mr. Masci opposed. Mr. Welch asked Mr. Timmons to report on a January 17 meeting with representatives of the Washington State Ferries. City Council Business Meeting 5 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons reported that representatives of Washington State Ferries visited with him and Mayor Welch to follow up on information they presented at the public forum. The issues that will fall to the City relate to property acquisition at the downtown intersection at Rotary Park. They talked about some of the new technologies going into effect and about needed lane extension on Sims Way. Another issue is following up on their traffic modeling and incorporating that into the Upper Sims Way modeling. Those meetings are being scheduled and are underway. He agreed to forward to Council, when available, the written update on the status of the ferry expansion project. He noted there are currently, within the context of the Compo Plan, prescriptive policies regarding location and level of service of the ferry terminal. It is currently consistent with what is being proposed. Mr. Walker said as a member of the Transportation Committee he would also like to be involved in any future discussions about the ferry dock, especially related to the possible merging of the two ferry lanes before they come out of the terminal. Mr. Welch acknowledged that there are many outstanding concerns to be addressed in the future. Mr. Masci suggested the Transportation Committee Chair would have been more appropriate to represent Council at this recent meeting. He did not feel the Council had had sufficient input given the potential impact of this project to the Community. The Department of Transportation has wanted to deal directly with staff, but he is finding it challenging to keep current on their activities. Mrs. Medlicott agreed and asked if this topic would be scheduled for a Council workshop and whether the Council might task a committee to work with it in the future. She was concerned that full Council had not been involved enough in these important issues. Mr. Walker concurred the full Council should be involved. Once there is more discussion on the work plan, Councilors will know which projects they are assigned. Mr. Timmons reminded that the Department of Transportation had asked to brief the new Mayor, but he did talk with them about coming back at some future date for a presentation to Council. He also asked them for more written information to show their response to some of the community's concerns in the context of the bigger project. City issues are transportation impacts as well as property acquisition of City lands to accomplish the expansion. He pointed out that there is very specific guidance in the Compo Plan for how to address these issues. Unless Council wants to review and change the Comprehensive Plan, there is a prescriptive policy in the plan. He noted they have also not decided on the size of the vessels, which will make a difference. City Council Business Meeting 6 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 Mr. Timmons recognized Police and Public Works' efforts during the storm this past weekend as well as the good work of Puget Sound Energy in keeping the City informed and getting power restored. Pope Marine Building and City dock sustained the most damage and would need further damage assessment. For the most part, the majority of the storm damage occurred on the west side of town. Mr. Timmons reviewed recent incidents involving the police and complimented Chief Daily on making an arrangement for an accident investigator in response to a tragic accident this weekend. Mr. Timmons said he also attended the Indian Island tour with Chief Mingee. They came away with reassurance that first responders in the City are well prepared and that no additional special response training is needed. February 16 has been set for a meeting with the Trust for Public Lands. Councilors are welcome to schedule one-on-one appointments as stakeholders. Discussion ensued with questions from Councilors about the amount the City agreed to contribute to this survey and how the meetings with the agency would be structured. Mr. Timmons noted this first meeting is a fact-finding meeting and there would likely be a joint follow-up meeting with the County to approve the final form of the survey. The cost was $25K to be shared between the City and County to do a feasibility study to gain citizens' input on whether or not to form a metropolitan parks district. Mr. Masci said he understood this would be done in stages with a potential for $25K, but that the City was not obligated to proceed as far as hiring a survey company. He said there has been no discussion of other neutral agencies that could perform this same service. Ms. Robinson said she thought there was going to be a joint meeting with the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) to explain what they might be able to accomplish and what the process would be. Mr. Timmons agreed to review and report back to Council the decision to spend $10K. He understood Council discussed that staff would invite the TPL to meet with as many stakeholders as possible and then get the Commissioners and Council together to hear from the Trust their report on what they think could be accomplished by this private survey. He noted that he also solicited proposals from Evergreen out of Olympia and Elway Research from Seattle. The TPL is only billing for their direct expense, but the $25K in funding would go to TPL to hire a subcontractor, a surveyor. On February 16, Mr. Timmons noted Councilors could attend as individual stakeholders and then at a later date there would be a meeting with the whole Council. City Council Business Meeting 7 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 Mr. Timmons briefed Council on the following items and suggested they be referred to one or both of the Public Safety and Finance Committees: 1) a Reverse 911 system - community notification network and 2) Video recording systems for installation in police cars. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to refer the following items to both the Public Safety and Finance Committees. . Reverse 911 system - community notification network. Examine vendors and report back to Council. . Video recording systems for installation in police cars. Examine vendors and report back to Council. Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA February 13 at 6:30 PM - Council Workshop on Evaluation Process and Presentation by the City Manager of the City's Work Plan. February 27 at 6:30 PM - Council Retreat discussed and supported scheduling a brownbag dinner meetinglretreat on February 27 at 6:30 as a possible retreat time. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Ms. Sandoval announced that a Port Angeles City Councilor recently passed away. A card would be available for signature at City offices. Committees should contact each other outside of the meeting to agree on next committee meetings. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:03 PM, Mayor Welch announced that the Council would go into Executive Session for approximately one hour to discuss a matter of potential litigation and property acquisition. RECONVENE The Council reconvened at 9:10 p.m. City Council Business Meeting 8 City Council Minutes 2/6/06 ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Minutes by Joanna Sanders Legal Assistant Attest: f"J7t . ;) .<~f:~.c<y- Vt...Yfux.L~ -n' () Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting 9 City Council Minutes 2/6/06