HomeMy WebLinkAbout010317 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 3rd day of January
2017 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Robert Gray, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director
Ken Clow, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, Police Chief
Michael Evans, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were none,
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Karma Tenzing Wangchuk read several of his poems..
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 155571 through 155831 and Electronic Fund Transfers in the amount of
$1,705,887.45.
Approval of Minutes: December 5, 2016
Appointment of Joseph Finn to the Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory
Board (Position 1, term expires May 1, 2020)
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda Pamela Adams
seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
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NEW BUSINESS
Letter of Recognition to the Port Townsend Paper Company for Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Reduction
Mayor Stinson presented the draft letter recognizing the Port Townsend Paper
Corporation (PTPC) for its success in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by
60% over the last ten years. In response to a question about the reference to 29%
overall emissions when referring to industrial sources (primarily for PTPC), Ms.
Stinson responded and offered to delay the letter until the information could be
obtained.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve authorizing the Mayor to sign the
letter to the Port Townsend Paper Corporation on behalf of Council. David Faber
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 17-001 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional
Services Agreement with FCS Group for a Water Sewer Rate Study and Excise
Tax Review
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff report on
this matter authorizing work by FCS Group on an update to the water sewer rate
study. The study would provide a revenue requirement analysis, create an industrial
rate class for the Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC), and review the City's
excise tax payment process. Public Works Director Ken Clow and City Manager
David Timmons spoke about the need for updated financial plans and figures in
upcoming contract negotiations with PTPC.
In response to questions, staff indicated the time frame for completion was
estimated at three to four months. There was also an explanation of the scope of
work pertaining to excise tax expenses and refund of historical tax payments. Mr.
Timmons confirmed the golf course would also be included in part of the analysis.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 17-001 Authorizing the
City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with FCS Group for a
Water Sewer Rate Study and Excise Tax Review. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 17-002 Approving the Complete Streets Work Plan and Authorizing
the City Manager to Accept a Complete Streets Grant if Awarded
Mr. Clow gave the staff presentation giving background on Council's adoption of the
Complete Streets policy. He explained the grant would be used to enhance our
complete streets program, projects identified in the Non-Motorized Plan, TIP
City Council Business Meeting - January 3, 2017 Page 2 of 4
priorities, and areas not eligible through other programs in the state. He noted the
short timeline for submission and staffs recommended projects (downtown curb
ramps, uptown curb ramps, and 9th Street sidewalk infill).
Staff responded to questions about the costs of other projects mapped but not
proposed. There was also discussion of future sidewalk and bike lane projects that
might be funded with an additional $800,000 as part of the bond refunding.
There was no public comment,
Staff noted that on January 17, Council would be addressing the refinancing of
existing bonds and projects to consider with new funding. The City's larger work
plan would be discussed at the January 9 workshop. There was Council consensus
to request Staff to bring back cost estimates for the other mapped projects.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 17-002 Approving the
Complete Streets Work Plan and Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a
Complete Streets Grant if Awarded. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor Stinson reported on her recent tour of a visiting ship with the commanding
officer at Indian Island Naval base.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager reported the following:
- The development of a 2017-2018 work plan
- Receipt of Department of Health approval for the Water Treatment Plant and
January 17 special event
- Potential State Highway road improvements from Four Corners to the ferry terminal
- Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan priorities
- Work plan discussion and potential adoption in February
- Main Street B&O tax filing
- NOPRCD planning grant with the Environmental Protection Agency for
MountainView project
- Year end financials resulted in higher than anticipated revenues
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Ms. Stinson noted the tentative special meeting scheduled for January 30,
There were several scheduling questions on short-term rentals, affordable housing,
and other matters which Mr. Timmons indicated would be discussed as part of the
2017-2018 Work Plan.
ADJOURN
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There being no business, the meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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