HomeMy WebLinkAbout112513 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER 25, 2013
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on November 25, 2013 in
the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting
to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson,
Michelle Sandoval, Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch. Catharine Robinson was
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer David Peterson, Water
Resource Manager Ian Jablonski, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, and City
Clerk Pam Kolacy.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
Water Use Efficiency Goal Setting Public Forum
Mr. Timmons and Mr. Jablonski reviewed the packet materials regarding
adoption of 2014 - 2019 Water Use Efficiency Goals which must be re-evaluated
every six years and set in a public forum. Tonight's meeting provides for input
from the public on the goals. Details of the program are included in the agenda
packet.
Questions included whether the goals can be amended after adoption (yes, at
any time); whether existing water meters can be adapted with alarms to detect
leaks and breaks (only if the City installs the previously proposed automatic
meters); how the goals were publicized (website, newsletter, posted with agenda
materials).
Public comment
Pam McWethy asked why the city has seen a drop in water consumption.
(Reasons included the economic downturn, higher awareness of the importance
of conservation, mandated water efficiency standards for fixtures).
Adoption of the goals will be scheduled for a future meeting.
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Resolution 13-034 to Adopt the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR)
Implementation Action Plan and Submittal to the Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate a
Bilateral Compliance Agreement with the DOH
Mr. Timmons, Mr. Clow and Mr. Jablonski reviewed the packet materials
regarding the events leading to the requirement to submit an action plan to the
Washington Department of Health. The plan includes a schedule and key
milestones for the implementation of filtration, a projected budget and cash flow
timeline for filtration implementation, an interim watershed control plan, a
communications plan for Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) compliance,
and update to the 2014 Water System Plan.
Mr. Timmons discussed the Draft Summary of Capital Surcharge Forecast
Scenarios provided at the beginning of the meeting. Scenarios included Revenue
Bond Funding for Additional Costs; State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Funding
for Additional Costs; and Cost Contingency Removed with SRF Loan Funding for
Additional Costs. Impacts on the water capital surcharge and the water system
development charge per equivalent residential unit were projected through 2018
under the three scenarios.
It was noted that there will be more opportunities for input but the draft plan must
be acted upon tonight in order to meet the DOH deadline. Much more process
and Council involvement remain.
There was further discussion of the issue, including more details of the
watershed control plan, confirmation that "follow-up actions" for 2013 have been
completed, emergency coordination, details of the membrane system and
disposal of chemicals after neutralization, impact on water rates.
Public comment
Gretchen Brewer regarding tailoring the solution to Port Townsend.
Mr. Timmons noted that staff tried hard to present the uniqueness of our situation
to the Department of Health. It was noted again that this change of course
came without much warning.
Mr. Timmons noted that staff recommends adopting the Resolution with a basic
understanding that it is a Council priority to help mitigate rate projections by
pursuing various methods of funding.
Council agreed that wording in the attachment 7 "Cash Flow Analysis" and in
other related documents, "revenue bond" will be changed to "loans and
contributed capital."
Further discussion included potential of a town meeting on water issues, whether
selling assets could defray costs, and desire to have an action plan on how to
obtain the extra funding needed. Assistance from legislators will be critical.
City Council Business Meeting November 25, 2013 Page 2 of 4
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 13-034 to Adopt the
Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) Implementation Action Plan and
Submittal to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Authorize
the City Manager to Negotiate a Bilateral Compliance Agreement with the DOH.
Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 13-035 to Authorize the City Manager to Award and Execute all
Contracts Necessary to Complete the Pilot Testing for the Water Filtration
Method of Water System Treatment
Public Works Director noted that one of the key steps in the action plan just
adopted is moving ahead with the pilot testing program for the membrane
filtration system. It is required as part of the overall process. The goals for the
pilot study are listed on the agenda bill.
Mr. Jablonski elaborated on the details of the set-up at City Lake. It was noted
the study will be authorized as soon as the 2014 budget is approved and that
staff will arrange a tour and field trip to the site for interested Councilors.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 13-035 to Authorize the
City Manager to Award and Execute all Contracts Necessary to Complete the
Pilot Testing for the Water Filtration Method of Water System Treatment as soon
as 2014 budget is approved. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 13-036 to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Share of
Cost Agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation Agreement with
Port Townsend Paper Corporation for Big Quilcene Diversion Repairs
Mr. Jablonski reviewed the staff report and materials regarding proposal of a
50/50 cost sharing agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation for the
Andrews Creek and Big Quilcene River diversion repairs. The repairs address
structural issues identified by an engineering inspection of the Big Quilcene
diversion in September 2012. Mr. Timmons clarified that the City's share will be
funded from the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) trust fund so the
expense will not affect the bottom line of the budget.
Mr. Clow clarified the figures in Attachment 3, noting there are two different
engineering firms but the total overall cost is about $91,000.
It was noted when the long-term lease with Port Townsend Paper Corporation
expires in 2020, there are a number of issues to be clarified and cleaned up as
part of a new lease agreement. The City hopes to begin talks at the earliest
possible date.
Public Comment
Dave McWethy noted that the cost for maintenance should be in proportion to
City Council Business Meeting November 25, 2013 Page 3 of 4
the Mill's use which would be less than half the cost.
Mayor King noted that the City is constrained by the terms of the lease at this
time.
Ms. Sandoval stated for the record that contrary to statements made during
election public forums that the OGWS trust fund contains City funds, not Port
Townsend Paper Company funds.
Motion. Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 13-036 to Authorize the
City Manager to Enter into a Share of Cost Agreement with the Port Townsend
Paper Corporation. Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 13-037, Authorizing the City Manager to contract with Prothman
for recruitment of a Finance/Administrative Services Director
Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet materials, noting that Council is asked to
approve resolution directing Prothman to handle the recruitment process for a
Finance Director. He noted that the Succession Planning Committee would
continue to be involved.
There was no public comment.
There was further discussion about the role of the committee and the role of the
Council in the process and decision. It was noted that an earmark has been
included in the 2014 budget to fund one recruitment.
Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve Resolution 13-037 to Authorizing a
contract with Prothman recruitment services for a Finance/Admin Services
director subject to the approval of the 2014 budget. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried, 4-2 by voice vote, Robert Gray, and Kris Nelson opposed.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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