HomeMy WebLinkAbout102119CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2019
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 21 t day of October
2019 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, Robert Gray,
Amy Howard, Michelle Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were Interim City Manager Nora Mitchell, City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood, Development Services Director Lance Bailey, Finance Manager Tony
Hillman, Senior Planner Judy Surber, City Engineer David Peterson, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board Annual Update
Joost Besijn Coordinator of the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board
provided their annual update.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Dawn Darrington of Jefferson County Pride presented a certificate of appreciation to
the City for its continued dedication to Human Rights and Equality.
There were none.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 163916 through 163960 in the amount of $90,319.08
Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $466,000.00
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Approval of Minutes: October 7, October 14 (Special), and October 14, 2019
(Workshop)
Appointment of Naushard Cader (Position 1, term expires October 24, 2022),
Reappointment of Jeff Jackson (Position 2, term expires October 24, 2022)
and Norm Tonina (Position 3, term expires October 24, 2022) to the Fort
Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority Board
Resolution 19-083 Updating and Providing for Pool Fees
Resolution 19-084 Updating and Providing for Development Services
Department Land Development Permit, Application and Appeal Fees
Resolution 19-085 Establishing Finance and Budget Policy Guidelines and
Repealing Resolution 18-034
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as amended (with a
revised Resolution 19-084). Robert Gray seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance 3235 Adopting Permit & System Development Charges (SDC)
Waivers for Affordable Housing, Low -Income Fee Deferrals and Amendments
to PTMC Chapters 3.15, 3.36, 13.02A, 13.03 and 20.09
Mayor Stinson reviewed the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were
no Councilmember financial or property issues to disclose in connection with this
matter.
Senior Planner Judy Surber summarized the proposed amendments. Staff
explained their work as directed by Council to further incentivize low income multi-
family units by revisiting the formula for multi -family. Rather than capping deferrals
at four units, the City was urged to use an equal dollar amount for each entity or
roughly $43,000 of credits a year. She noted that if all nonprofits requested
deferrals, $172,000 each budget year would be needed.
Public Comment:
Jamie Maciejewski of Habitat for Humanity spoke in favor of continuing the fee
deferrals. She requested changes to how incomes are reported. She noted that
using a dollar amount versus a number of four waivers could limit the number of
single family units able to be developed.
Staff fielded questions about the budget impact to the General Fund and Utility
Fund of the deferrals. There was Council interest in exploring an increase of the cap
to incentivize low-income units whether number of units or dollars budgeted.
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Public testimony was closed..
During discussion, there was some concern about limiting system development
charge deferrals. Under PTMC 3.15.040(1)(a), there was also interest in increasing
the minimum percentage of ownership projects from at least 20% to 25% of the
units in the project. Because the Ordinance had not been structured for proposed
changes in that section, there was consensus on postponing those changes until a
future time. However, staff could proceed with modifications at 3.15.020(E) from "at
or below 115 percent" to be consistent with the federal definition and read "at or
below 120 percent." Staff also recorded Council's desire to increase the cap to
$50,000 to stimulate activity. It was noted that if there is a high need, any agency
can make the request for a waiver.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3235 Adopting
Permit & System Development Charges (SDC) Waivers for Affordable Housing,
Low -Income Fee Deferrals and Amendments to PTMC Chapters 3.15, 3.36,
13.02A, 13.03 and 20.09. Ariel Speser seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve keeping the record open on Ordinance
3235 for the submission of additional materials until 4:30 p.m. on November 12,
2019. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS — NONE SCHEDULED
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 3236 Related to Utility Rates; Amending the Stormwater Rates and
Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 13.05
Finance Manager Tony Hillman gave the staff presentation on the storm water rate
increase from $7.25 to $7.98. The increase in surcharge would generate
approximately $60,000 in revenue and would help maintain the fund balance. He
explained the CERB loan impact. Staff further explained the increase would fund
operations. Mr. Hillman also explained and responded to questions about the FCS
rate model.
There was no public comment.
Motion. Ariel Speser moved to approve waiving Council Rules and approving
Ordinance 3236 Related to Utility Rates, Amending the Stormwater Rates and
Amending Pon` Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 13.05. Pamela Adams
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
Briefing on Proposed Housing Code Amendments as Recommended by the
Planning Commission
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Development Services Director Lance Bailey briefed Council on the recommended
code amendments coming forward from the Planning Commission the intent of
which is to eliminate barriers to providing housing. The amendments covered
daylight plan requirements, accessory dwelling units, minimum ground floor clearing
ceiling height, and maximum number of dwelling units in any one structure.
He addressed questions about the advantages and disadvantages of renting both
units and recognized Council's desire for a broader discussion of the SEPA
threshold requirements when the matter comes forward for the hearing.
There was no public comment.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor Stinson reported on the following:
- Participation in Public Development Authority board interviews
- Judge at the Port Townsend High School assembly
- Presentation of the Angel and Patron of the Arts Proclamation
- Chetzemoka trail walk on Indigenous Peoples Day
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Remaining Attachments to the 2019 Supplemental Budget and 2020 Draft
Budget October 14th Workshop Item
Ms. Mitchell noted the attachments provided were inadvertently omitted from the
last budget discussion.
Ms. Mitchell also reported the Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS)
survey is open until Friday. Public Works Director Greg Lanning has resigned his
position with the City.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Mr. Faber requested the topic of the plastic straw ban be placed on Council's
InBox. The Council Transportation Committee also has a recommendation to be
brought forward. Mr. Gray expressed concern about the lack of broadcasting Council
meetings on the PEG Access Channel. He also relayed a community concern over
displacing the S'Klallam Tribe in Port Townsend and possibly offering City property for
their development in Port Townsend. Ms. Howard suggested Council consider
assigning to the Housing Committee a review of code language for how many
unrelated persons can live together.
Motion. David Faber moved to approve assigning to the Council Housing Committee a
review of the PTMC Chapter 17 definition of "family" and how many unrelated persons
can live together. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
ADJOURN
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Attest:
A,, " -'L -. ="
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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