HomeMy WebLinkAbout082117CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF AUGUST 21, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 21 st day of August 2017
in 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, Robert Gray,
Amy Howard, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works
Director Ken Clow, Finance Manager Sheila Danielson, Police Chief Michael Evans,
and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Mark Cooper urged Council to pursue health insurance for councilmembers.
City staff response
City Manager David Timmons explained the decision points and conditions to
providing insurance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 157604 through 157731, Vouchers 551 through 552, and Electronic Fund
Transfers in the amount of $1,202,950.45.
Approval of Minutes: August 7 and August 14, 2017
Resolution 17-039 Fixing the Time for Hearing on a Petition for a Street
Vacation
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Pamela
Adams seconded.
City Council Business Meeting August 21, 2017 Page 1 of 5
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 3178 Related to Engineering Design Standards; Adopting Interim
Standards for Street Lighting
Public Works Director Ken Clow gave the staff report explaining the ordinance to
adopt an interim street lighting policy and allow current projects to be completed
while continuing to explore LED lighting options. He spoke about the energy
savings and lower system maintenance benefits of LED and reviewed new
technology allowing for dimmable and programmable lighting as well as
defusers. With Howard Street moving toward completion, staff recommended
waiving Council rules and adopting the interim policy. During this continued testing
period, staff could publish information and allow additional public input.
Mr. Timmons explained that a master improvement permit agreement would be
negotiated with the PUD. Previously, there was a franchise ordinance with Puget
Sound Energy. Once light standards are in place after project completion, the PUD
assumes ownership, but the City can help establish guidelines for placement and
location. Recent public comments can be incorporated into the policy and allow staff
to weigh advantages and disadvantages.
Mr. Clow explained the difference between a diffuser and shield and said staff
would consider the cost when negotiating with the PUD as they set the rates for the
fixture, maintenance and electricity. The lowest kelvin the PUD has seen used is
3,000K. Although WSDOT uses 4,000K as its standard for highway/streets, the
PUD wants the system to work for citizens and the City would go with a warmer
color and temperature. He and Mr. Timmons reviewed that Transportation
Improvement Board (TIB) funding might be available for street lighting. A certain
energy cost savings would need to be realized. There was continued discussion
about the priorities listed on Exhibit A.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve waiving Council Rules and
approving Ordinance 3178 Related to Engineering Design Standards; Adopting
Interim Standards for Street Lighting. David Faber seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3179 Consenting to the Transfer of Control of a Franchisee, Wave
Division I LLC, from Wave Holdco LLC to Radiate Holdings, L.P.
Mr. Timmons explained the action to transfer control of the franchise. He
recognized neighborhood concerns associated with their facility in a residential
zone and said a landscaping plan was recently approved to attempt to address the
concerns. Those issues fall under their already -approved conditional use permit but
the City might be able to address safety issues under code enforcement action. The
City has found no basis to deny the transfer of the franchise to continue their
City Council Business Meeting August 21, 2017 Page 2 of 5
operations within the City.
There was no public comment.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve waiving Council Rules and approve
Ordinance 3179 Consenting to the Transfer of Control of a Franchisee, Wave
Division 1 LLC, from Wave Holdco LLC to Radiate Holdings, L.P. Amy Howard
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 17-038 Tasking Various City Offices Regarding Affordable Housing
Mr. Timmons gave the staff report explaining options for approving the tasking
resolution in whole or in parts. Regarding the draft financing plan, he agreed to
provide Council the financing model and a list of the City's contributions to housing
directly and through nonprofits. When asked whether funds raised through the
property tax could be used such as for bonding, he agreed to verify conditions with
bond counsel and believes this would be a tax anticipation bond.
During deliberations, the following suggestions were made: schedule a joint
Council and BOCC meeting on housing as well as on the public infrastructure fund
board to further this topic, create an ad hoc committee to discuss ways to generate
living wage jobs, and urge the County to waive permit fees similar to the City
and then discuss how those fees are used.
Public Comment:
John Collins suggested the Homeward Bound project be listed on projects to
pursue. Mr. Timmons responded that Council has previously stated its desires and
sees that project rolled into task four.
There were several comments about the focus of the ad hoc committee. Mayor
Stinson recommended that target dates be established to the tasks. Regarding the
funding plan included in the ballot measure, she noted the plan is draft and there
would be an opportunity for input if the ballot measure passes.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 17-038 Tasking Various
City Offices Regarding Affordable Housing with changes to the tasks to assign Task
#1 and #7 to a Council Ad hoc Committee on Housing and include a review of the
County's home fund financing plan, and add #9 to task the Mayor to contact the
BOCC chair to plan a joint meeting with BOCC to discuss Affordable Housing.
Michelle Sandoval seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve appointing a Council Ad Hoc
Committee on Housing comprised of Councilmembers Faber, Sandoval and
Howard. Robert Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
City Council Business Meeting August 21, 2017 Page 3 of 5
Resolution 17-039 Expressing the City Council's Support for Jefferson
County's Proposition 1, a Bond Measure to Levy an Additional Property Tax to
Provide Funding for Very Low -Income and Low -Income Housing
Mr. Timmons explained the resolution of support to place the ballot measure before
the voters.
Public Comment:
John Collins, Habitat for Humanity board member, stated support for the ballot
measure and moving toward a goal of permanent affordability.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution 17-039 Expressing the
City Council's Support for Jefferson County's Proposition 1, a Ballot Measure to
Levy an Additional Property Tax to Provide Funding for Very Low -Income and Low -
Income Housing (with an amendment changing the date in the first whereas to
November 7). David Faber seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 17-040 Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application
to the Transportation Improvement Board for Discovery Road Improvements
Public Works Director Ken Clow gave the staff report on resubmitting the
application previously denied for funding. He reviewed past scoring criteria..
There was no public comment.
During discussion, Mr. Timmons said, if granted, matching funds would be needed
at the end of 2018.
Motion. David Faber moved to approve Resolution 17-040 Authorizing the City
Manager to Submit a Grant Application to the Transportation Improvement Board
for Discovery Road Improvements. Amy Howard seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Proposal to Improve Business Tax & Licensing Structure
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell reviewed suggested
changes intended to clarify the code, improve administration of licensing, and the
processing of taxes for small business owners.
Finance Manager Sheila Danielson reviewed her analysis on the administrative staff
time associated with processing business licenses. Under the proposal, the
City would forgo revenue from businesses with gross receipts of less than
$100,000. Compared with staffing costs, the City would forego $60,000 in revenue
from businesses going into a non -reporting status and the change would
be revenue neutral. Staff would next discuss the plan with representative members
of the business community for input before bringing it back to Council for action.
There was no public comment.
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Mr. Faber disclosed he has a businesses that would be affected by this and
believes this is a business -friendly change. There was no objection to the
recommendations presented.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor Stinson reported on the following:
- Joined Sister City students at a potluck
- Meeting with the County assessor and EJFR on fire annexation
- Attended the Water Treatment Plant ribbon cutting ceremony with Robert Gray
- Attended the Howard Street Open House at Towne Point
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Timmons reported on the following:
- Attendance at the State City Manager's Conference
- Budget news is coming forward
- Economic development and encouraging businesses to locate here
- Homeward Bound financing options, series of meetings organizing their board of
directors, their permitting for Cherry Street is moving forward
- Library project did not have any construction bids
- NWMC and Port of Port Townsend strategy meetings
- Howard Street Subarea Planning Process moving forward
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Mr. Faber voiced support for considering health insurance possibilities and
compensation for Council in the future.
Mr. Gray suggested considering compensation for volunteers and advisory boards
members.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned 9:09 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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