HomeMy WebLinkAbout012015CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on January 20, 2015 in the
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor King called the meeting to order at 6:30
p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris
Nelson, Catharine Robinson, and Deborah Stinson with Michelle Sandoval excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross,
Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, City Engineer David
Peterson, Development Review Engineer Samantha Trone, and City Clerk Joanna
Sanders .
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
The update of the water project would be deferred to the special meeting January
26. Mr. Timmons noted a corrected handout was provided on the Countywide Planning
Policies.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Library Digital Skills Grant Update
Keith Darrock, Librarian and Technical Services Manager, gave a briefing on the digital
skills training at the Library from its receipt of a $6,000 grant. Laptops were purchased
for training purposes. Kit Ward-Crixell, Youth Services Librarian, talked about STEM
skills training available for teens as a skill building program. All trainings and classes are
free to the public. Game Star Mechanic will hold a Sunday free workshop at the Cotton
Building about the Stem video game challenge.
Council asked some questions about collaboration with the school district. There was
also a question about public transportation at time of classes. Mr. Darrock noted that
staff is getting a lot of questions about computer use and there is a need for volunteers
to help field questions.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
City Council Business Meeting January 20, 2015 Page 1 of 7
Public Comment:
Todd Wexman spoke from his written remarks about the City newsletter and City
projects harming the character and small time atmosphere.
Executive Director Dave Robinson announced the signing of the memorandum of
agreement between the City, PDA and Peninsula College. Once the construction bid
is received, work should begin in the spring. He introduce the PDA's new general
manager Todd Gubler who is well known on the Olympic Peninsula and
experienced regionally in the area of hospitality.
Todd Gubler then introduced himself and expressed his enthusiasm at working with
the Fort and the City.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 125270 through 125343, Vouchers 150101 through 150155 and
Electronic Funds Transfers in the amount of $749,893.60.
Appointment of Hendrick Taatgen to the Non -motorized Transportation
Advisory Board (Position 4, Term Expires May 1, 2018)
Resolution 15-006, Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement
Funds for a Loan of Community Development Block Grant Funds Pursuant to
Resolution 15-001 to Applicant Teresa Hoffmann, Mano Wai, LLC
Resolution 15-007, Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement of
Funds for a Loan of Community Development Block Grant Funds Pursuant to
Resolution 15-001 to Applicant Jefferson Community School
Resolution 15-008 Authorizing the City Manager to Submit Grant Applications
to the Washington State Department of Health for City Water System Projects
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve adopting the consent agenda as
written with corrections to Resolution 15-006 and 15-007 to correct at the bottom of
page one of each to read "...borrower shall provide evidence.... " Pamela Adams
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinance 3125 Amending Chapter 5.04A (Business and Occupation Tax) of
the Port Townsend Municipal Code and Establishing an Exemption for New
Businesses Locating in the City
City Manager David Timmons gave the staff report. The revised ordinance
incorporates changes recommended at the last meeting to include a new exemption
City Council Business Meeting January 20, 2015 Page 2 of 7
for existing businesses expanding their manufacturing capacity by at least
25%. Staff also investigated ways of measuring expansion and recommended using
the criteria of at least 25% of square footage devoted to manufacturing.
Council questions related to what other areas of the City the exemption would apply
(Boat Haven). There was discussion of a shorter period from three years to two
years for businesses initially applying for their license and interest in how this
incentive would be marketed. Mr. Timmons responded that it would be through
the Department of Commerce and Team Jefferson.
There was support for applying the criteria on Page 3 of Exhibit A to both new and
expanding businesses. Several councilmembers were in favor of maintaining the
three-year time period to provide more time for businesses to get established and
as one of the few options the City has for supporting new businesses. It was also
noted that this is not existing but new revenue. Staff noted that Council could review
and modify these terms at any time depending on the response and may even
decide to extend the period after hearing more on the CERB feasibility study.
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve Ordinance 3125 Amending Chapter 5.04A
(Business and Occupation Tax) of the Port Townsend Municipal Code and
Establishing an Exemption for New Businesses Locating in the City (adding Section
3 to Exhibit A so that it is clearer that it applies to existing and new businesses).
Robert Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation of the 60% Design Concept for the Howard Street Extension I
Project
City Engineer David Peterson and Development Review Engineer Samantha Trone
gave the staff presentation with an overview of the goals, project status, schedule
and budget. They reported that BergerABAM has completed 60% design, City staff
has submitted the JARPA application to the Army Corps of Engineers and the
Department of Ecology, and the Critical Areas Permit to the City Development
Services Department. The right of way acquisition process has begun and is
discussed further in Resolution 15-009 which establishes acquisition policies and
authorizes further negotiation of documents. Two options for the intersection were
shown for Howard Street and Discovery Road (t -intersection and a roundabout).
The budget reflects the cost difference between the two intersection options and
provides details on potential funding gaps. If approved, Staff will authorize
the design consultant to proceed in the next two weeks.
Mr. Timmons noted that the City should hear soon about the Community Economic
Revitalization Board (CERB) grant application. If the loan is received, Staff
would seek Council authorization to create a special benefit district for stormwater
treatment. Mr. Peterson said staff would attend the Finance and Budget Committee
tomorrow to further discuss financing options.
Questions from Council related to 7th street, the designated wetland areas
and design recommendations for curb height between the bicycle lane and
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pedestrian sidewalk. At Council's direction, Staff agreed to return with safety
statistics related to curb height and best practices. There was also some concern
about the two-lane bicycle path. There was Council preference for the roundabout
over the t -intersection and staff concurred noting that if there is grant funding, a
roundabout would be developed.
Public Works Director Ken Clow explained the spacing for utilities along Howard
Street between the existing and proposed right of way. There was also staff
explanation of storm drainage options. Staff also noted that the current definitions in
the interim zoning are thought by CERB to be too restrictive.
Public Comment: Jim Todd disagreed that a 2 -inch curb is adequate to separate
pedestrian from cyclists. He would prefer 6 inches.
Dave Robison commented that 20 years ago he and Dave Peterson explored
arterial street planning for Howard Street. It is great to do long-term planning and he
recognized it takes a long time to move to implementation.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve 60% design concept and
recommend staff move forward with the design of the Howard Street Extension I
Project with any curb height changes being contingent on additional information
from staff. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 15-009 Establishing Project Acquisition Policies, and Authorizing
the City Manager to Negotiate Agreements and Execute Documents
Necessary to Acquire Property Related to City Project 1012, Howard Street
Extension Project
City Attorney Steve Gross explained Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Resolution on title
clearing, authority to accept previous property encumbrances, and acquiring and
granting interest in real property. In response to questions about the
authorized budget figure, it was noted that this resolution is only for small
acquisitions of $25,000 and under. The larger project budget as listed on the
agenda bill includes appraisal, appraisal review, right of way specialist, and
surveyor.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 15-009 Establishing
Project Acquisition Policies, and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate
Agreements and Execute Documents Necessary to Acquire Property Related to
City Project 1012, Howard Street Extension Project. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Water Project Update - Project Status and Financing Plan
Finance Director Nora Mitchell reviewed water financing options as provided in the
handout for the $26 million funding package ($17 million for membrane filtration
system and $9 million for the storage reservoir of 5 million gallons). She noted
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staffs extensive work in investigating options. Given the full agenda, Council would
defer the water project update to a future meeting. Staff and the Finance and
Budget Committee recommended approval of Option 4. Option 4 is a combination
of Public Works Trust Fund loans at .5% for $12 million, drinking water loans at a
rate of 1 % for $14 million, and a $2 million loan forgiveness/subsidy. Mr. Timmons
noted that Council would take future action to accept the loans that have been
approved by the State.
Staff responded to questions about expanding the service area and the repairs
needed to the outfall. Staff noted that the State Department of Health and USDA
are working closely on funding projects as soon as possible.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve authorizing Staff to move forward
with Water System Financing Plan Option 4 (combination of Public Works Trust
Fund Loan and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loans). Kris Nelson
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3126 Relating to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public
Development Authority; Increasing the Number of Possible Board Members,
and Approving an Amended and Restated Charter
City Attorney Steve Gross noted that this ordinance is a request from the PDA to
increase its maximum number of board members from nine to eleven. It was noted
that for the second reading of the Ordinance, there would be a new revision to
reflect changing the voting requirements.
There was no public comment.
In response to questions, Executive Director Dave Robison explained the board's
interest in allowing additional members. There are also applicants eager to apply.
There were Council compliments in support of expanding the hard-working PDA
board.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3126
Relating to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development
Authority, Increasing the Number of Possible Board Members, and Approving an
Amended and Restated Charter. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
At 8:46 p.m. the meeting recessed for the purposes of a break for 5 minutes.
At 8:54 p.m., the meeting came back into session.
2016 Growth Management Act Periodic Update - Recommended population
projections and revisions to County -wide Planning Policies (CWPPs)
Senior Planner/Planning Manager Judy Surber gave the staff presentation on the
methodology for developing revised population projections and allocations as well
as their recommendation to collaborate with the Joint Growth Management Steering
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Committee (JGMSC), Board of County Commissioners, and County staff on
necessary revisions to the Countywide Planning Policies.
There was concern about the reliability of growth in following Office of Financial
Management (OFM) populations figures and the difficulties predicting population
changes. There was also a question about why we would decide to go with medium
versus high projections. Ms. Surber responded with rationale and noted that more
growth is likely to occur in the UGA.
Mr. Timmons noted it may be important to have a feedback mechanism as a part of
the planning process to review and address the number of factors that could affect
the population numbers. Mr. King talked about the population split between the City
and County and believes it may be advantageous to have a conservative and
supportable number to be able to work together on the assumptions.
Public comment: There was none.
Ms. Surber then responded to questions about Attachment 3 (County -wide Planning
Policy). There were also questions about whether there is anything in the policies
that would impact Glen Cove. Ms. Surber noted that the memo only states
addressing the urban growth area (UGAs) and the master planned resorts
(MPRs). The County has stated they are no longer pursuing industrial land
banks so that language could be deleted. Discussions with the County have been to
recognize the changes that have occurred. On page 1 of 5 of the memo, a change
was noted to line 41 which should read "2016" versus "2014." Line 28, should say
"population and allocation."
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve endorsing the recommendations as
presented in the Memorandum from staff dated January 13 2015 (with two
corrections as noted) as the City's position on the population projection and
allocation for the new planning horizon and direct the Joint Growth Management
Steering Committee representatives and DSD staff to present the city s position to
the Board of County Commissioners. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve directing the Joint Growth Management
Steering Committee representatives and DSD staff to collaborate with the JGMSC,
BoCC, and County staff on necessary revisions to the Countywide Planning Policies
(CWPP). Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor King reported:
- Attendance at tour of aircraft carrier USS Stennis
- Commented on continuing issues with the Navy at town meeting with Derek
Kilmer. Olympic National Park has also commented.
- Memorandum of Agreement was signed last week with Public Development
Authority, City and Peninsula College
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Council Business Meeting January 20, 2015 Page 6 of 7
Mr. Timmons reported:
- Email server trouble today.
- Planning Director interview process went well and excellent candidates were
interviewed. An announcement could be made later this week.
- Councilmembers can state their preferences for participation 2016 Comprehensive
Plan Stakeholder Group recommendations.
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve the City Manager's out of state travel to
Portland, OR. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
A special meeting is set for Monday, January 26.
None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL/EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURN
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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