HomeMy WebLinkAbout040119 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF APRIL 1, 2019
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 1st day of April 2019 in
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Deputy Mayor David Faber 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, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser with Deborah Stinson excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood,
City Engineer David Peterson, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell,
Development Services Director Lance Bailey, Library Director Melody Eisler, Accountant
Tony Hillman, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were none.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Proclamation — National Service Recognition Day
RSVP Program Manager Jane Covella accepted the proclamation. She reviewed the
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program activities and hours of service.
MCS Counseling Service for Police Navigator Program
Michael Evans introduced Kimberly Hendrickson, Project Manager of the Behavioral
Health Outreach Program with the City of Poulsbo and Julie Canterbury and Judson
Hanes of the MCS Counseling Navigator program. He provided background on the City's
exploration of this program.
Kim Hendrickson with the City of Poulsbo described the navigator model and why the
program began in Kitsap County. She noted that lack of care or inappropriate care and
housing are not going to be solved by the navigator. The program is only as good as the
services around it. Ms. Cantebury and Mr. Hanes talked about their role with MCS
Counseling and the work of their service delivery team and their partnership.
Questions from Council related to the number of beds, how much is spent on mental
health, and about state legislative lobbying for funding. Ms. Hendrickson responded to
questions about state funding, while Ms. Canterbury spoke about single bed certification
and the expensive use of hospital facilities.
Council questions centered on the lack of medicare and medicaid coverage, impacts
of the passage of Initiative 695 to mental health and ferry funding, and about services out
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in the County. Once surrounding cities have programs, it might become easier to expand
the program regionally.
Library Foundation Report
Library Foundation President Susan Hargleroad introduced Carol Ann Belanger who
would be assuming the role of President. She recognized the hard work of the board and
noted the current giving campaign would raise money for Community Read books. Library
Director Melody Eisler expressed appreciation for a strong Library Foundation due to
Susan Hargleroad's efforts.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Doug Milholland spoke about his sample resolution to ban nuclear weapons.
He distributed a flyer about an upcoming film on electromagnetic fields and in support of
efforts of Washington State representative Adam Smith.
Owen Rowe spoke about the loss of Jared Paul Bramson of The Solvents and urged a
proclamation or tribute to acknowledge his contributions. Deputy Mayor Faber explained
Washington's Good Samaritan law and its possible effects in this case.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 162242 through 162414 in the amount $549,537.94
Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of$61.20
Approval of Minutes: February 25, March 4 and March 18, 2019
Appointment of Shelly Leavens (Position 6, Term Expires May 1, 2022) and Becky
Bus! (Position 2, Term Expires May 1, 2020) to the Arts Commission
Resolution 19-032 Amending the Name of the Non-Motorized Transportation
Advisory Board and Adding a Liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory
Board
Resolution 19-033 Establishing a Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board
Liaison to Active Transportation Advisory Board (REVISED 3/29/19)
Resolution 19-015 Amending Exhibit E to the City Council Rules of Procedure
Resolution 19-034 Fixing the Time for Hearing on a Petition for a Street Vacation
Resolution 19-035 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Vehicle Purchase
Agreement with the State Department of Enterprise Services Through its Master
Contract Usage Agreement
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Resolution 19-036 Amending the 15-year lease with the Port Townsend School
District No. 50 for Mountain View and Terminating the Sublease with the Community
Arts & Recreation Alliance
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the consent agenda as revised with a change
to the Minutes of March 4 (Page 3, should reflect the Board of County Commissioner's
supported restrooms at the Community Center versus the PIF Board). Pamela Adams
seconded.
Vote:motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance 3221 Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 and 17.18
Relating to Interim Land Use Regulations and Providing that the Interim
Regulations, Unless Extended, will Sunset on the Earlier of Six (6) Months from the
Date of Adoption of this Ordinance or the Adoption of Regulations that Supersede
this Ordinance and Authorizing Setting a Date for a Public Hearing
Deputy Mayor David Faber read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were
no financial or property issues to disclose by Council in connection with this matter.
Jim McCarron distributed written remarks and spoke in support of eliminating the 12-foot
first floor ceiling height requirement. He recommended giving the Development Services
Director the authority to make changes, including eliminating barriers to the cost of doing
business and providing affordable housing.
Deputy Mayor closed public testimony and closed the public hearing.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the findings of fact and conclusions adopted
in Ordinance 3221. Robert Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinance 3219 Adopting the 2019 Stormwater Management Plan
City Engineer David Peterson gave the staff report reviewing the public process and plan
objectives to effectively address stormwater management challenges. Staff also included
their responses to public comment in the packet. The next phase would
involve implementing fees and design standards.
There was no public comment.
Responding to questions about climate changes and rainfall and impact to stormwater,
Public Works Director Greg Lanning said he does not have rainfall figures, but the snow
pack is less than normal. The data on the intensity of rainfall is not available, but would
have varying stormwater impacts.
Motion: Pamela Adams moved to approve Ordinance 3219 Adopting the 2019 Stormwater
Management Plan. Ariel Speser seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
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NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 3222 Amending the Stormwater Rates; Amending Chapter 13.05 of the
Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Establishing an Effective Date
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell and Accountant Tony Hillman
gave the presentation on stormwater rate proposal. The presentation covered the
operating forecast and assumptions, storm operation and maintenance rate findings,
surcharge forecast, and system development charge. Later in the year, staff would bring
forward the reimplementation of the system development charges. Staff then responded
to questions about the capital projects from 2019-2024 that could be accelerated with the
increase to $6.00 as well as advance projects outlined in the Stormwater Management
Plan.Another question about city utility tax of 22% and whether it should be reduced to
20% with the passage of the Fire annexation. Ms. Mitchell noted that last year, there was
approval of an ordinance to continue the increase at 22% for five years. Related to
annexation, Council could choose to take the banked capacity for relief of the utility tax.
Council has put in place a public process to receive input on what/how those banked
funds would be used. She explained that utility tax is a tax on utility and those are
included in rates customers pay. Those funds could be refunded to the utility in the form of
a reduced fee to ratepayers or to fund those projects listed. The summer of 2020 would be
the time to talk about what to fund.
There were additional questions about the Rainier Regional Stormwater Facility loan
repayment. Staff noted that a funding plan for the regional stormwater facility would be
coming back to Council.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve first reading Ordinance 3222 Amending the
Stormwater Rates,Amending Chapter 13.05 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and
Establishing an Effective Date. Amy Howard seconded.
Vote:motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Resolution 19-037 Adopting the Port Townsend Public Library Sustainability Report
and Implementing Option One to Ensure Financial Sustainability for the next Three
to Five Years
Library Director Melody Eisler reviewed the Berk report of level of service and funding
models report. In reviewing her recommendations to move forward with plan Option 1, she
talked about the importance of providing sustainability of library services. One change
made based on Council's input at its workshop was in Option 2 was a reduction in
weekday versus weekend services. She talked about a pilot program working with Salish
school elementary.
Some discussion ensued about cost allocation comments in the Berk report as being
higher than other jurisdictions, with staff commenting that these are not
equal comparisons. Question about whether Option 1 with the assumption of a 2.1%
annualized increase is realistic.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Timmons noted that a strategic plan would be back before Council for review..
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Motion:Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 19-037 Adopting the Port Townsend
Public Library Sustainability Report and Implementing Option One to Ensure Financial
Sustainability for the next Three to Five Years. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
There was no report.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager David Timmons:
-Acknowledged the significance of the Stormwater Management Plan and Library Level of
Service report
- Solid Waste Contract coming to Council workshop next week in place of code enforcement
review
-Taking time off and would visit with the Romanian National Managers Association
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY
SESSION
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Amy Howard reported she attended the National MainStreet conference last week taking the
civic leader track and she recognized our City's progressive zoning.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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