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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110215CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2, 2015 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on November 2, 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, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer David Peterson, Library Director Melody Eisler, City Clerk Joanna Sanders, Human Resources Manager Pam Kolacy, and Senior Planner John McDonagh . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were none. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Peter Guerrero urged Council to sign a resolution to join the Compact of Mayors, a global coalition of mayors and city officials committed to reducing local greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience to climate change, and tracking their progress publicly. Brenda McMillen spoke about Parks Recreation and Tree Advisory Board Recommendations forwarded to Council. Randi Briggs representative of Dog Recreation on the Peninsula (DROP) spoke about a petition of over 700 people who are in support of the City developing a dog park. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 152447 through 152553, Vouchers 507-508 and Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of $330,205.64. City Council Business Meeting November 2, 2015 Page 1 of 5 Approval of Minutes: October 12 and October 19, 2015 Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 3136 Fixing and Adopting 2016 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Three and 1110 Percent (3.10%) and a New Voter -Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $0.05 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value Mayor King read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were no financial or property interests disclosed by Council. Finance Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff presentation on the property tax levy. Public Comment: Brenda McMillen commented on the EMS levy. Mr. Timmons responded with an explanation. The public comment period was closed. During Council deliberation, there were questions about the levy. Ms. Mitchell explained the property tax increases are one of the few funding mechanisms for General Fund services including contractual and general fund obligations. She also explained the option to bank this capacity to use in future years. There were comments in support of smaller incremental increases versus banked capacity to relieve existing budget constraints. Other comments supported tax decreases and a focus on paying off councilmanic debt and increasing revenues through economic development. There was recognition of the many demands for services as well as a desire to bring more revenue without taxing citizens. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3136 Fixing and Adopting 2016 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Three and 1/10 Percent (3.109'o') and a New Voter -Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $0.05 per $1, 000 of Assessed Property Value. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried, 6-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Council Business Meeting November 2, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Water Status Update Public Works Director Ken Clow gave the water status report. With Lords Lake down to 85", there remains less than 100 million gallons which equates to a week of City use. With recent rain, the stream levels are up considerably however due to turbidity in the river, the City was not able to divert water until today. There are also diversions from the Little Quilcene River. City use is down to about 750,000 gallons a day. Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC) has ordered pumps for use in Lords Lake. Rain is again expected later in the week. In response to a questions, Mr. Clow noted the Snotel measuring station is at 4,000 feet elevation. The mentioned pumps are intended for both City and PTPC use. Mr. Timmons noted if PTPC were closed, the largest concern is the economic loss of the mill. Water for City use would be maintained. 2016 Preliminary Budget City Manager David Timmons reported on the 2014 audit and the supplemental budget fund summary. For 2016, he is proposing a mostly status quo budget and further modifications are likely before the public hearing in order to address the anticipated $240,000 deficit. Modifications were made in interest expense, utility and sales tax projections resulting in $133,000 in tax revenue, liquor profit tax revenues, and real estate tax revenue estimates. Overhead allocations for 2014 reflect larger support of General Fund departments by $140,000, the funds of which are not recoverable. He then provided a detailed review of the expected impacts to each of the funds and explained staffing changes to meet the objectives. During a brief discussion, there was interest in staff responding to Council questions as they arise and to holding individual briefings to address specific questions. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 15-036 Accepting a Donation from the Port Townsend Public Library Foundation for the Installation of Automatic Door Openers Library Director Melody Eisler reported on the donated service enhancement of the installation of automatic door openers for the library entrance and restrooms. Mayor King read comments from Library Foundation President Susan Hargleroad in support of the donation. It was noted that a portion of the donation associated with bathroom doors is eligible for a match from the Heritage Capital Grant. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 15-036 Accepting a Donation from the Port Townsend Public Library Foundation for the Installation of Automatic Door Openers. Deborah Stinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting November 2, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Resolution 15-037 Granting Final Plat Approval to the Rosecrans Terrace Planned Unit Development, Application LUP15-028 Senior Planner John McDonagh gave the staff report on the petition for final plat approval and approval of the Planned Unit Development. He pointed to 2008 Council requirements for nearly three acres of natural buffering around these homes. Mr. McDonagh responded to questions about emergency access and non - motorized access stating that a transportation analysis showed there were no level of service deficiencies. There are no park requirements, no remaining liens, and all lots would be sold at market rate. He also reviewed the homeowners association requirements. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve Resolution 15-037 Granting Final Plat Approval to the Rosecrans Terrace Planned Unit Development, Application LUP15- 028. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 15-038 Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and to Sign All Necessary Documents Related to the Department of Commerce Offer of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to Fund a Proportionate Share of Facility Improvements at Mountain View on Behalf of the Jefferson County Food Bank and Working Image City Manager David Timmons gave the staff presentation on the items to be paid with the grant. The space needs analysis has been completed and recommendations would be brought forward to Council after the first of the year. In response to questions, Staff noted that MountainView bond money would be freed up to be used for other purposes. There was no public comment. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 15-038 Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and to Sign All Necessary Documents Related to the Department of Commerce Offer of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to Fund a Proportionate Share of Facility Improvements at Mountain View on Behalf of the Jefferson County Food Bank and Working Image. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor reported on the following: - Water treatment plant groundbreaking - Library Advisory Board meeting with new appointees - Attendance at the Washington Tourism Summit CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Council Business Meeting November 2, 2015 Page 4 of 5 City Manager reported on the following: - Facilitating discussions between Peninsula College and the Public Development Authority - Howard Street right of way progress SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION There were none. There were none. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9 p.m., Council went into Executive Session for 15-20 minutes to evaluate the performance of a public employee RCW42.56. At 9:15 p.m. Council came back into open session. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting November 2, 2015 Page 5 of 5