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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080315CITY OF FORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 2015 CALL TO ORDER AND FLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on August 3, 2015. Mayor David 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, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The addition of an Executive Session on a real estate matter. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Todd Wexman read his written remarks from H.L. Mencken. Dik Lang urged the City to facilitate the purchase of rain barrels for homeowners. Rick Jahnke spoke about citizens working on establishing a dog park. Paul Rice expressed thanks for council and staff assisting him during his candidacy. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 151696 through 151826, Voucher 506 and Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of $623,055.88. Approval of Minutes: June 30 (Special Business Meeting and Workshop), July 13 and July 20, 2015 City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 1 of 6 Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3132 Related to an Emergency Related to Water Supply and Fire Hazards; Amending Ordinance 3131 City Manager David Timmons reviewed Council's request at the last meeting for more aggressive conservation measures, including a fire response plan. Staff reconciled the discrepancy between Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC) and the City which was a result of a meter overlooked by PTPC. He then reported on meetings held with PTPC on constructing this conservation plan and noted that the City is contacting top water users. City Attorney Steve Gross reviewed the ordinance and amendments since the last adoption of Ordinance 3131, including a new drought contingency and fire response plans. Public Works Director Ken Clow provided a water status report and reviewed conservation measures by PTPC. The City is still diverting water off the Big and Little Quilcene Rivers and the level of Lords Lake this morning was 36.8 feet, down from 38 feet. He pointed out the need for a correction on the top of page 2 of Exhibit A to the Ordinance from 3 feet to 3.6 feet. Staff responded to questions from Council on the following topics: removal of a 14 - day provision for an administrative appeal to hearing examiner on identified fire hazard nuisances; whether contingency funds could also be used for abatement on City property; watering at commercial nurseries and home gardens for local food production; and contacting top water users. Mr. Timmons said staff would be working with EJFR staff to make determinations on properties that constitute a fire hazard. Termination of these emergency measures would come back before Council. Outreach to the community would be through the newspaper and City website. There was a suggestion to include reference to plastic or other volatiles alongside vegetative fuels and additional questions about the process for notification. Mr. Gross said East Jefferson Fire and Rescue staff would make the first contact and City staff are working on the timeframe before going to court and asking for abatement. There was Council interest in asking PTPC to develop an operating protocol for water use in the case of a fire event that depletes the reservoir. City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 2 of 6 Public comment: Liz Berman commented on landlord and tenant notification. Kelly Dodsen of Far Reaches Farm spoke about watering restrictions. David Goldman spoke about risk management to the City in not further restricting water use by Port Townsend Paper. Ted Shoulberg asked several questions and urged the City to talk with Port Townsend Paper about shared responsibility on the water resources. Paul Rice urged Council to consider what industry might follow Port Townsend Paper Corporation if they are unable to continue operations, During deliberation, Council considered the timeline and mechanism for lifting water restrictions. Although there were suggestions to add a sunset clause or to take City action when the State lifts its fire emergency, Staff agreed to place a standing agenda item on each Council agenda for water updates. Another suggestion was to implement a more conservative plan next year and an improved conservation plan by PTPC in 2020 when the lease is renewed. Mr. Timmons commented that in years 2002 and 2009, the City had similar drought events and with PTPC support was able to secure City Lake for City use. If drought conditions are projected to continue long-term, the PTPC might need to make capital improvements and modify its manufacturing practices to reclaim more water. At Council's urging, Staff agreed to have conversations with the Mill to encourage them to increase their outreach and education on their conservation efforts. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve waiving Council Rules and adopting Ordinance 3132 Related to an Emergency Related to Water Supply and Fire Hazards; Amending Ordinance 3131 with the following amendments: in Section 1 of Ordinance, adding a phrase that the emergency exists until Council removes; in Exhibit A, under Stage 1 adding "identify and contact top water users, " under Stages 2 and 3 after the reference to commercial nurseries adding "community gardens and farms, " and under Coordination of Meetings, adding "requesting the Mill to develop operating protocols for water use during a fire emergency. " Exhibit B would be revised to include under item A, "... and Other Sources. " Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 3 of 6 Resolution 15-027 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Sign a Professional Services Agreement with an Architectural Firm for Space Planning at the Mountain View Commons City Manager David Timmons reported on the needs to address long-term plans and objectives and conduct an analysis of the space at Mountain View. The YMCA has indicated they would not use existing facilities in their development efforts, so funds reserved for adaptive reuse would be retained by the City for repairs to the existing facility. He presented a revised budget and pointed out there is an outstanding CDBG grant with the PT Food Bank and Working Image. Staff responded to Council questions about the scope of the evaluation. Mr. Timmons indicated the study would take approximately 30 to 60 days to complete and would assist Staff in developing a site plan. He reviewed challenges with installing the walk-in cooler at the Food Bank and indicated that electrical or plumbing improvements would be dependent upon the results of the space analysis and coordination with the School District. Public Comment: Liz Berman spoke about other nonprofits that might be interested in siting their business at Mountain View. Todd Wexman spoke about his concerns on spending and lack of planning at Mountain View. Paul Rice asked about contingencies for pool improvements. During Council deliberation, there was a desire to move quickly on the space evaluation. There were also comments in support of the services offered and benefits of co -locating with the Police Department. Council spoke of the need for a City contact to communicate with potential nonprofits and answer tenant questions. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 15-027 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Sign a Professional Services Agreement with an Architectural Firm for Space Planning at the Mountain View Commons. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Tasking Council Information and Technology Committee with a Work Plan to Review Technology Budget Priorities Finance Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff presentation. Staff is requesting assistance on setting priorities for improvements in general IT support, equipment replacement, and software product implementation for efficiencies. City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 4 of 6 There was no public comment. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve tasking the Information and Technology Committee to work with City staff to develop budget recommendations and priorities associated with needed Technology Upgrades. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Review of Advisory Boards and Commissions Mr. Timmons noted that at the Council budget retreat, Council was briefed on the need to review the management of and rules applicable to advisory boards and commissions. There was no public comment. There was a suggestion that Council review and update the list of outside advisory boards and commission, which Mr. King indicated is done on a yearly basis and would be a separate topic of discussion. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve referring the review and revision of City Code and Resolutions related to Advisory Boards and Commissions to the General Services and Special Projects Committee for discussion and possible action. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor King reported on the advertisement for PDA board members and the process of reviewing applications. During a brief discussion, there was a suggestion that Council review the PDA charter and consider appointing a City ex -officio member on the PDA Board to ensure the lifelong learning center focus. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager reported on the following: - Steady revenue growth in real estate excise tax and permits, although the telecommunication utility tax and public safety sales tax are decreasing - Implementation of the Springbrook budget module - New Public Works operations manager Dave Keller; police officer candidate to be appointed after policy academy, and possible hire of lateral police officer, and additional lateral candidate interviews - Joe Fields (Crew Chief of Fleet and Facilities) announced his retirement - News release on police use of force incident - Police chief recruitment will await filling other officer positions City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 5 of 6 - Solicitation of bids to review organizational effectiveness at the Police Department - Contacts made with housing providers on a collaborative approach SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION None. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:08, Council entered into Executive Session for 15 minutes with no decision pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(B.C), sale or purchase of property. At 9:20, Council came back into open session. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting August 3, 2015 Page 6 of 6