HomeMy WebLinkAbout082018CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2018
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 20th day of August
2018 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, Robert Gray, David Faber,
Amy Howard, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson with Michelle Sandoval excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance and
Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood,
Finance Manager Sheila Danielson, Development Services Director Lance Bailey,
Public Works Director Greg Lanning, Police Chief Michael Evans, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Consent Agenda Items C and F were moved to Unfinished Business.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Bill LeMaster spoke about trash and recycling concerns at the Taylor Street stairs.
Jake Beattie requested a Council letter of support for the Northwest Maritime Center
grant proposal for a water taxi between Fort Worden and the Northwest Maritime
Center dock.
Julia Cochrane spoke about day shelter needs in the City.
Jim Todd urged Council to select a different lead for the City Manager search and
suggested conducting strategic planning exercises after the city manager selection
process.
City Manager David Timmons agreed to follow up with Mr. LeMaster about his
concerns. There was consensus on the City Manager writing a letter of support for the
Northwest Maritime Center.
CONSENT AGENDA
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Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 160501 through 160569 in the amount of $242,269.71
Voucher 571 in the amount of $400.00
Vouchers 160576 through 160621 in the amount of $670,810.45
Vouchers 160622 through 160625 in the amount of $2,021.72
Voucher 572 in the amount of $169.75
Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $5.35
Appointment of Jacqueline Mention (Position 3, term expires May 1, 2021) to
the Library Advisory Board; Appointment of Daniel Greholver (Position 5, term
expires May 1, 2019) to the Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board
Resolution 18-041 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with
Municipal Code Corporation to Design, Develop and Host the City website
Resolution 18-042 Declaring the Purchase of a Replacement Shaker Box for
the Compost Screen a Sole Source and to Authorize the City Manager to sign
a purchase agreement with Construction Equipment Company (CEC) for the
Purchase of the Equipment
Resolution 18-044 Authorizing a Grant of $2,500 to the United Good Neighbors
to Support Programs for the Poor and Infirm
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as modified with the
removal to New Business Item C. Appointment of Catharine Robinson as Lead for the
City's Community Task Force charged with providing input on the profile for the City
Manager recruiting process and Item F. Resolution 18-043 Authorizing a Contract with
Bridgegroup, LLC to conduct a City Council Strategic Planning Workshop. Robert
Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolution 18-045 Affirming the Language of Ordinance 3200 Regarding the
Multi -Family Tax Exemption Program
City Manager David Timmons gave the staff report. Ms. Greenwood reiterated the
need to provide a record copy of the final maps.
Public Comment:
Rick Jahnke believed the motion from the prior meeting was clear.
Jeannie McMacken of the Peninsula Daily News asked about City authority over
taxes of other municipalities.
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Mayor Stinson responded that the County Assessor confirmed the waiving of
property tax does impact other jurisdictions within the City. Mr. Timmons added that
State law provides the authority. He recognized the Assessor's concerns
about taxing mechanism for owner -occupied units and said there may need to be
an adjustment to the program in the future.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve a Resolution 18-045 Affirming the Language
of Ordinance 3200 Regarding the Multi -Family Tax Exemption Program. Pamela
Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Appointment of Catharine Robinson as Lead for the City's Community Task
Force charged with providing input on the profile for the City Manager
recruiting process.
Mayor Stinson explained the rationale behind the choice to appoint Catharine
Robinson and noted the size of that task force is roughly 12. She clarified
no Councilmembers would be part of that body. She outlined some of the tasks
related to the work that were generated by Council at a previous meeting.
Public Comment:
Rick Jahnke urged revisiting the process and bringing in an outside consultant. He
expressed concerns about too much emphasis on the strategic plan.
During Council deliberation, there was discussion of alternate representatives
toward a desire for diversity. City Manager David Timmons noted the process
as outlined matches best practices by the International City Managers Association,
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the Appointment of Catharine Robinson as
Lead for the City's Community Task Force charged with providing input on the
profile for the City Manager recruiting process. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote., motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 18-043 Authorizing a Contract with Bridgegroup, LLC to conduct a
City Council Strategic Planning Workshop
City Attorney Heidi Greenwood reported that Resolution 18-040 authorized the City
Manager to execute an agreement with a consultant for strategic planning services,
and establishing a community task force. This new resolution authorizes the
additional travel expenses estimated at roughly $2,500 and gives Mayor signing
authority for this particular contract.
During discussion, staff responded to questions about responsibilities as part of the
consultant's work. There was no public comment.
Other concerns were whether the existing plan could be used or a local consultant
used or have the strategic plan process follow the selection process. Ms. Stinson
explained that having a basic plan and a roadmap is thought to be beneficial in the
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beginning and the plan could be further amended. Provides the local framework
under which they would be working. Consultant outside the city to run the process
and it is up to Council to make it a good process.
Motion. David Faber moved to approve Resolution 18-043 Authorizing a Contract
with Bridgegroup, LLC to conduct a City Council Strategic Planning Workshop.
Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor Stinson reported on her participation at the Change of Command at Naval
Station Indian Island.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT
City Manager David Timmons reported on his attendance at the Washington State
City Manager's conference in Winthrop.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Mr. Gray noted the Planning Commission recommended a review of potential signage
on Rainier Street.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Amy Howard reported on her attendance at the Laurel Grove Cemetary rededication.
She will attend a budget planning workshop in Leavenworth.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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