HomeMy WebLinkAbout091619CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2019
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 16th day of September
2019 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the
meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Robert Gray,
Michelle Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson with Amy Howard excused.
Staff members present were Interim City Manager Nora Mitchell, City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood, Public Works Director Greg Lanning, Development Services Director
Lance Bailey, City Engineer David Peterson, Planning Manager Judy Surber, Library
Director Melody Eisler, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Added under the City Manager's Report was Resolution 19-075 Authorizing and
Directing the City Manager to Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Public comment
There were none.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 163617 through 163753 in the amount of $1,332,270.40
Voucher 597 in the amount of $125.50
Approval of Minutes: August 19 and September 3, 2019
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Pamela
Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 19-077 Accepting the Donation from the Estate of Karen Rachel
McKee in the Amount of $40,000 for the Port Townsend Library Fund and
$3,560 for the Port Townsend Library Collection and Authorizing and Directing
the City Manager to Execute a Donation Agreement
Library Director Melody Eisler read the obituary for Karen Rachel and reviewed the
general unrestricted donation provided.
There was no public comment
Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 19-077 Accepting the Donation
from the Estate of Karen Rachel McKee in the Amount of $40, 000 for the Port
Townsend Library Fund and $3,560 for the Port Townsend Library Collection and
Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to Execute a Donation Agreement.
Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3233 Adding Section 9.08.020 (W) to the Port Townsend Municipal
Code Relating to Public Nuisances to Include the Feeding of Wildlife
City Attorney Heidi Greenwood gave the staff presentation, noting the focus
would be on education and voluntary compliance and, if none, notices and orders
could follow. In response to questions, she explained the appeal provision. She
reported that the City has spoken with the Department of Fish and Wildlife
concerning the deer population and their experience has been that various
remedies provide only temporary relief. Mayor Stinson suggested that if desired,
Council could put the deer population topic back on the InBox.
There was no public comment.
There was further Council discussion of situations that arise to the level of a public
nuisance.
Motion. Ariel Speser moved to approve first reading Ordinance 3233 Adding
Section 9.08.020 (W) to the Port Townsend Municipal Code Relating to Public
Nuisances to Include the Feeding of Wildlife. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed.
Resolution 19-078 Supporting the Formation of a Washington State Arts
Commission Certified Creative District
Library Director Melody Eisler gave the staff report on the resolution.
MainStreet Board Member Kris Nelson explained the discussions that have taken
place to date to make progress on this certification. MainStreet has volunteered to
be the facilitator and fiscal agent.
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Ms. Eisler noted that it is believed the subarea plan could be added to the district at
a later time once it is established.
There was no public comment.
Motion. Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Resolution 19-078 Supporting the
Formation of a Washington State Arts Commission Certified Creative District. David
Faber seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Briefing on Low -Income Fee Deferrals and Housekeeping Amendments —
Amending Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapters 3.15, 3.36, 13.02A, 13.03
and 20.09
Planning Manager Judy Surber gave the staff briefing reminding of her prior
presentation on barriers to affordable housing. She also reviewed comments to date
from Homeward Bound and Habitat for Humanity. She explained the limit on
System Development Charges (SDC) deferrals is four units unless Council
approves exceeding that cap.
Council questions related to the cost of SDCs for single family residence and multi-
family units. Regarding budget impacts, Interim City Manager Nora Mitchell noted
that $10,000 has been placed in the housing fund per year to subsidize housing
projects.
There was no public comment.
Toward the five-year plan to end homelessness, Council Housing Committee Chair
Ms. Sandoval pointed out that to meet the goal of 270 units in Jefferson County by
2024, a subsidy of $675,000 a year would be needed by the community. There was
further discussion about how to change the formula to incentivize multi -family
developments and explore what other communities are doing. Staff agreed to
explore alternatives on incentives.
Briefing on the 2018 Facility Plan for a New Off -Shore Outfall and the Financial
Assistance Applications for Funding the Final Design and Construction of the
Sewer Outfall
City Engineer David Peterson gave the staff report reviewing the proposed design
concept for the outfall. He explained the figure illustrating kelp and eelgrass
surveys. Staff would return to request formal Council plan approval and
authorization on October 7. A SEPA process is also underway. Staff addressed
Council questions related to the capital surcharge and the life of this outfall project.
There was no public comment.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
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Mayor Stinson reported on the following:
Attendance at a Housing Solutions Network meeting through the Jefferson
Community Foundation.
Creative District meeting
Meeting with the Secretary of the Navy regarding City concerns
Council input was solicited on using a portion of the Council Reserve for the
annual United Good Neighbors campaign contribution
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Update on Resolution 19-075 Authorizing and Directing the City Manager to
Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Other Purchase Documents with
Robert and Kathleen Francis for the 9.42 Acres of Land Near City Lake
Ms. Mitchell reported on staffs research into deed restrictions and she proposed
completing the transaction by the end of the month. Council could take further
separate action to restrict uses discussed previously through a conservation
easement or code amendment.
There was no public comment.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 19-075 Authorizing and Directing
the City Manager to Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Other Purchase
Documents with Robert and Kathleen Francis for the 9.42 Acres of Land Near City
Lake. Pamela Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Ms. Mitchell also reported on the following:
- the MountainView dog park opening last Friday.
- Staff meetings on the YMCA and input of elected officials to be solicited in the
coming months
- Ethics complaint against Councilmember Faber has been dismissed by the hearing
examiner
- The budget process is progressing
- Finance Manager Sheila Danielson
has resigned to take another position
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Robert Gray asked about the status of ADA improvements around the post
office, asked for a report on the new graffiti on the site of the Hastings Building,
and expressed concern about not streaming the PEG Access Channel 98. Public
Works Director Greg Lanning responded that post office improvements are on staffs
project list. City Attorney Heidi Greenwood noted a meeting is scheduled with
the school district on the future of the station.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
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Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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