HomeMy WebLinkAbout081318CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 13th 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, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Robert Gray, Michelle Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance and Administrative
Services Director Nora Mitchell, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Public Works Director
Greg Lanning, Police Chief Michael Evans, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Preliminary Discussion 2019 Budget Assumptions
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell reviewed the budget
calendar, noting the calendar is roughly one month ahead of schedule. As 2018
revenues continue to be reported, the 2019 forecasted revenues would be modified.
She gave a detailed review of the Budget Talking Points and Fact Sheet and noted
that potential new initiatives and programs are listed. The current uncertainties in
staffing would be better known after department budgets are submitted. General Fund
revenue and expenditure challenges were also discussed.
Councilmember Faber arrived at 6:33 p.m.
City Manager David Timmons noted construction revenues are the key component of
sales tax, so estimates are conservative. He urged exploring the following: potential
revenue through a transportation benefit district, new parking technologies, an
assessment of the golf course on which to base future decisions, and a police
department social worker/navigator. A pavement management assessment is
occurring and DM Disposal contract renegotiation would also be needed.
Expenditures for the Big Belly trash compactor bins also need to be incorporated in a
supplemental budget.
Some Council discussion ensued about additional 2019 budget needs. Council
discussion raised community needs for a Jefferson County sexual assault nurse
practitioner and homeless day shelter. Ms. Mitchell distributed a brief report of the
Council Reserves.
City Council Compensation & Benefits — process, timeline
City Council Workshop Session August 13, 2018 Page 1 of 2
Reviewing a chart of cities of similar size and salary or benefits provided, Ms. Mitchell
solicited input on a timeline and approach. Mr. Timmons noted that a minimum
participation of 85% is needed.
Given the focus on the City Manager recruitment in 2018, Mayor Stinson
recommended pursuing in 2019. During further discussion, the primary reason for
exploring Council compensation had to do with the issue of equity. Those wanting to
serve in a civic capacity, would sacrifice their full-time salary job to serve. There was
some desire for a community process as well as further exploring the time commitment
and compensation compared with other municipal bodies. Staff agreed to come up
with a mechanism for Council to track their time beginning before the end of the year
and then address the matter in later 2019.
Status Update on Fire District Annexation
Mr. Timmons reported on Staffs review of the timeline and possibility for amendments
to the interlocal and pre -annexation agreements. He suggested asking the state
legislature to amend provisions related to deadlines for taxing districts to
reset their taxing boundaries. The legislature has a special session in August
and February 2019 would be the earliest opportunity to put forward such an
amendment. The interlocal agreement adjusts the formula to go into effect in 2020. If
annexation does not occur in 2019, the agreement would be modified to mirror the
effect of annexation. He reviewed language in the Annexation Agreement 3A(c)
Additional Financing Terms - Future Annual City Tax Levies Limited.
Mayor Stinson reported that a Joint Oversight Fire District Board Meeting on August
20 might be postponed to September 4 toward the goal of getting general agreement
on moving forward with annexation. Once agreements are in place, a joint City/Fire
District public forum is proposed for October followed by action on a resolution to
enact the ballot measure.
Preparing for Council Retreat
Ms. Mitchell announced that September 27 and 28 are set for the retreat on Strategic
Planning and City Manager recruitment strategy.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Session August 13, 2018 Page 2 of 2