HomeMy WebLinkAbout112017CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 20th day of November
2017 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor 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, and Deborah Stinson with Michelle Sandoval
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
It was noted that a revised agenda was posted to include a special presentation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION — TO REVIEW THE PERFORMANCE OF A PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)G (ESTIMATED TIME OF
DISCUSSION 15 MINUTES)
At 6:34 p.m., Council recessed into Executive Session and anticipated action upon
return.
At 6:50 p.m., Council came back into open session and the meeting resumed.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the City Manager's Evaluation as
presented. Robert Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK
Emelia DeSouza accepted the proclamation.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
There was no public comment.
CONSENT AGENDA
City Council Business Meeting November 20, 2017 Page l of 4
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 158332 through 158423, Voucher 556 and Electronic Fund Transfers in
the amount of $1,641,531.90.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda. David Faber
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance 3190 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend,
Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2018
Mayor Stinson read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. Councilmembers
had no financial or property interests to disclose.
There being no public testimony, the public testimony portion of the meeting was
closed.
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the presentation of
the budget, reviewing the budget fund summaries. She highlighted major revenues
and expenses in the funds and responded to specific Council questions. In
reviewing the budget message and list of unmet needs, she noted
certain corrections would be made before the scheduled adoption on December 4
such as removal of the Jefferson Street project that project was funded.
The public record would remain open until the December 4 meeting.
Staff summarized that the budget meets all financial policies and targets. While staff
is fairly confident in hitting retail sales tax numbers, there is caution about adding
positions that might not be sustainable if construction revenues fall.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3190
Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year
Ending December 31, 2018. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinance 3191 Related to Utility Rates; Amending the Capital Surcharge on
Water Rates, and Amending Section 13.05.030 of the Port Townsend Municipal
Code, and Establishing an Effective Date
City Manager David Timmons reported that on November 13, Council approved first
reading of the Ordinance 3191 to amend the capital surcharge on water rates
previously adopted in 2013. If this ordinance is not approved or no action is taken,
the adopted surcharge of $24 per in -city account would be enacted on January 1,
2018 (out -of -city accounts are charged 20% more for water rates and surcharges).
City Council Business Meeting November 20, 2017 Page 2 of 4
Instead of letting the currently -adopted rate take effect on January 1, 2018 City staff
recommends Council adopt a $20 per in -city account surcharge on January 1,
2018, which is $4 per account lower than the currently -adopted surcharge. The out -
of -city surcharge would also be reduced proportionally.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Ordinance 3191 Related to Utility
Rates; Amending the Capital Surcharge on Water Rates, and Amending Section
13.05.030 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Establishing an Effective
Date. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointment of Gee Heckscher (Position 5, term expires October 24, 2020),
Jane Kilburn (Position 62, term expires October 24, 2020), Lela Hilton
(Position 7, term expires October 24, 2020), Todd Hutton (Position 9, term
expires October 24, 2018) and Harold Anderson (Position 11, term expires
October 24, 2020) to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public
Development Authority Board
Mayor Stinson reported on the nominating committee process and
recommendations for appointment that were unanimous by the Public Development
Authority Board.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Robert Gray moved to approve the appointment of Gee Heckscher, Jane
Kilburn, Lela Hilton, Harold Anderson and Todd Hutton to the Fort Worden Lifelong
Learning Center Public Development Authority Board. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 17-055 Adopting a Policy for Banner, Reader Board, and Bulletin
Board Use at City Facilities
City Attorney Steve Gross gave the report on the desire to approve the content. He
responded to questions about the locations of the bulletin boards in the Library and
at MountainView and the processing of applications.
There was no public comment.
Motion. David Faber moved to approve Resolution 17-055 Adopting a Policy for
Banner, Reader Board, and Bulletin Board Use at City Facilities. Catharine
Robinson seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
City Council Business Meeting November 20, 2017 Page 3 of 4
Mayor Stinson reported that she participated in Fire Chief interview process. An offer
has been accepted by a new fire chief.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Timmons reported on his attendance at the Homeward Bound board meeting.
There is now an engineering report and water line connection is a priority. He hopes
to be able to create a liaison position to that board. The Water Street bid
opening would occur tomorrow. There are discussions about leasing the area behind
Fleet Marine for downtown employee parking. Staff has an aggressive capital project
schedule including the Visitor Plaza and Jefferson Street Project. The City also
continues to work on a communication plan strategy and website
redevelopment. Council needs to schedule an update of the Strategic Plan and
Council retreat in 2018.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Mr. Gray asked for additional Council discussion or tasking the Finance and Budget
Committee to review water shut offs and the low-income program. He offered to
forward his specific questions to Staff. Mr. Timmons noted any proposed changes
would need to be reported to and incorporated into the rate study.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Attest:
�' ��,dre �� � ���._��°,.�,�• ,dam, t� �°�.., '::'
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Business Meeting November 20, 2017 Page 4 of 4