Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout010614CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 2014 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session the sixth day of January 2014, in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. OATH OF OFFICE City Attorney John Watts administered the Council member oath of office to Pamela Adams, Catherine Robinson and Michelle Sandoval. ROLL CALL Council members present at Roll Call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mayor . City Clerk Pam Kolacy reviewed the procedure for election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor and called for nominations from the floor for Mayor. Catharine Robinson nominated David King who accepted the nomination. Robert Gray nominated Kris Nelson who declined the nomination. There being no further nominations, David King was elected Mayor unanimously by show of hands. Deputy Mayor Mayor King called for nominations for the office of Deputy Mayor. Michelle Sandoval nominated Kris Nelson, who accepted the nomination. There being no further nominations, Kris Nelson was elected Deputy Mayor unanimously by show of hands. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes proposed to the agenda. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 1 of 6 Public comment Earll Murman expressed thanks to the members of the Council for their service. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 122237 through 122245 in the amount of $218,307.29 Vouchers 122331 through 122346 in the amount of $5,438.84 Vouchers 122246 through 122330 in the amount of $917 322.09 Vouchers 122347 through 122362 in the amount of $3,167.20 Voucher 122363 in the amount of $3,051.99 Voucher 122364 in the amount of $3,597.00 Vouchers 122373 through 122378 in the amount of $7,552.80 Vouchers 122365 through 122372 in the amount of $95,308.27 Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $52.64 Vouchers 122463 through 122471 in the amount of $236,120.30 Vouchers 122379 through 122462 in the amount of $149,395.13 Vouchers 122472 through 122482 in the amount of $4,267.43 Approval of Minutes: November 25, 2013 December 2, 2013 December 9, 2013 Resolution 14-001, Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement of Funds for a Loan of Community Development Block Grant Funds Pursuant to Resolution No. 09-012 of the City of Port Townsend to Applicant Beverly Malagon dba The Kuhn Building Authorization for the City Manager to call for and award a bid for the purchasing of one 75 HP motor for the aerator on the oxidation ditch at the Wastewater Treatment Facility Authorization for the City Manager to call for and award a bid for 11,000 pounds of activated odor carbon for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve the consent agenda. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING (CONTINUED) Public Hearing Ordinance 3097 amending the PTMC 17.76, Signs City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Public Services Director Rick Sepler reviewed the staff report, noting that first reading of the ordinance occurred at the November 18, 2013, business meeting. He stated that the text of the ordinance has been revised to incorporate comments received at that meeting. Clarifying questions were addressed concerning community event signs (permitted by definition), utility poles (need to comply with state highway sign regulations), and whether sign maintenance fees would be charged to businesses (fee ordinance will be updated). There was no public comment. There was brief Council discussion: Mr. Sepler clarified that the end result of the program will be a net decrease in the number of signs as currently grandfathered signs will sunset. Councilors related that many positive comments have been received about the new signs. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve adoption of Ordinance 3097 amending the Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.76 Signs and directing staff to schedule this item for further discussion at a future work session. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE NEW BUSINESS Request by Blue Star Banner Program to establish a Coordinated Signage Program within the Sims Way (SR 20) right-of-way between Sheridan and Howard Streets Mr. Sepler reviewed the draft findings and conclusions presented for Council's consideration and went over the six conditions proposed in the decision section. He added that staff has concluded that the proposal meets the criteria specified in the city's signage regulations. Lynette George, founder of the Blue Star Banner program; and local proponent Steve Brunette answered several questions from the Council, related to the number of banners anticipated (up to 19 in the roundabouts), whether signs will be allowed on poles owned by the PUD (not certain), length of time banners are displayed (3-5 years with potential for renewal of sponsorship), definition of "local" (primary home residence is Port Townsend), input from Upper Sims merchants (no formal input has been sought), and whether business sponsorship could be considered as advertising. There was no public comment. There was extended Council discussion. While acknowledging that the intent of the program is admirable,Council's concerns about implementation included City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 3 of 6 the following: size - generally expressed a desire for smaller banners; fewer banners at least as a pilot program; notification to and input from businesses on Upper Sims Way prior to beginning a program; eliminate or limit inclusion of business sponsor names on banners to remove a perception that this is free advertising; determine the PUD's final position on use of utility poles. Ms. George also noted that other cities have not required the Blue Star banner program to provide insurance but have covered the banners under their City's umbrella policy. Staff will take Council's comments into consideration, get information from the area business owners and the PUD, then work with applicant and return to Council with an updated proposal. Resolution 14-002, Authorizing Short Term Interfund Loans to the General and Street Capital Funds from the System Development Charges and Equipment Rental and Revolving Funds in an Amount not to Exceed $350,000 as Needed for Current Operations City Manager Timmons reviewed the materials, stating that the City's capital projects cash flow has been managed by using unspent bond proceeds. Because there are no more bond proceeds remaining, a source of funds to temporarily support current expenses pending reimbursement is needed. Staff proposes using short term inter -fund loans using other cash reserves. This activity will be temporary until a new banking services contract has been signed and a line of credit is established. It was noted that fund numbers will be inserted in the final version of the resolution. There was no public comment. There was brief Council discussion, with comments indicating approval of the proposal. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Action: Move to approve Resolution 14-002 authorizing short term interfund loans to the General and Street Capital Funds from the System Development Charges and Equipment Rental and Revolving Funds in an amount not to exceed $350, 000 as needed for current operations. Robert Gray seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mr. King stated he has corresponded with Whidbey Island Naval Air Station about notifying Port Townsend of the comment period on the Environmental Impact Statement concerning expansion of the Growler program. Although they will not officially extend the comment period, they will consider comments that come in after the close of the comment period. In the future we hope they understand that Port Townsend should be included in these notifications. City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 4 of 6 He also noted that the First Night celebration was a great experience. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons stated he is working with a facilitator for the upcoming Council strategic planning session on January 13. It is expected this will be the first of a series of sessions to be held on the regular workshop dates. Mr. Timmons also urged Councilors to attend the Association of Washington Cities Legislative Conference at the end of January. Mr. Timmons reviewed his memo regarding a plan for regional parks and facilities dated January 2, 2014. As noted in the introduction, the plan addresses two of the most urgent issues for 2014 - repair, preservation and management of the Mountain View Commons (including pool) and fulfilling the commitment to offering a long-term solution for the funding of parks and recreation made to Jefferson County taxpayers when they passed the Proposition 1 sales tax increase in 2010. There were comments regarding the history of several years of discussion between the County and City about how to address the question of providing park and recreation services to the community. Mr. Timmons noted that this initial outline is provided to Council at this time to guide current ongoing discussions between the working group of City and County representatives. Public Comment Steve Oakford is encouraged by the interest and work done on this issue. He urged the jurisdictions to work together so efforts are not duplicated. Shelley Randall, representing PLAY (Parents and the Public. Loudly Advocating for Youth). She stated the group is interested in learning about the proposal and looks forward to a continuing dialogue about youth services in the community. Carrie Lennox, former youth program director for County Recreation. She reminded that 4,000 responses were received in the 2009 survey about parks and recreation services and that information could be useful. Council discussion ensued. There was general consensus that time is of the essence due to ballot measure deadlines and also that an integrated approach is desired. The issue will be addressed again at the next business meeting. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURN City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 5 of 6 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting January 6, 2014 Page 6 of 6