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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111620 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 16th day of November 2020 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, Finance Manager Tony Hillman, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Public Works Director Steve King, Operations Manager Bliss Morris, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. Mr. Rowe lost connection to the meeting briefly and returned following roll call at 6:35 p.m. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were none, SPECIAL PRESENTATION -WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AWARDS Public Works Director Steve King announced the recent awards presentation by Pat Bailey the Wastewater Treatment Enforcement Officer from Ecology. Both the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Biosolids Facility received outstanding performance awards for 2019. Staff members Bliss Morris, Jeff Wood, Dave Rodia, Mike Bartkus, Jim Aman and Josh Graves were recognized. Operations Manager Bliss Morris commented on staffs ongoing dedication to plant operations and 100% compliance. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written comment read by the clerk: Jane Armstrong spoke in support of reopening the pool. Christine Jacobson spoke in support of reopening the pool. D. Neil Sachs spoke in support of reopening the pool. Kate Jenks urged withholding financial support of the Fort Worden Public City Council Business Meeting November 16, 2020 Page 1 of 5 Development Authority. Nancy Villagran spoke in support of reopening the pool. Bill Mann spoke in support of reopening the pool. Mary Bogdan spoke in support of reopening the pool. Karen Amundson spoke in favor of financially supporting the pool. Linda Rhines spoke in support of reopening the pool. Debbi Steele spoke in favor of financially supporting the pool. Mimi Wolfe spoke in support of reopening the pool. Lynn Marlow spoke in support of reopening the pool. Judy Davidson spoke in favor of financially supporting the pool. Ruth Purcell spoke in favor of financially supporting the pool. Patrick Gaffney spoke in support of reopening the pool. Additionally, the following made public comment: Siobhan Canty of United Good Neighbors thanked the City for partnering on this annual campaign to support the general operations budget for programs in the community. City staff response City Manager John Mauro thanked UGN for their presentation. Related to the pool, he reported that the City intends to work to reopen the pool safety this year and he acknowledges the concerns raised. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 166355 through 166446 in the amount of$776,182.54 Approval of Minutes: November 2 and November 9, 2020 Resolution 20-058 Approving the Updated Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement Work Plan Resolution 20-059 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with Kitsap County and Other Parties for Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Training Resolution 20-060 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utilities District No 1 to Finance the Street Lights for Water Street and Jefferson Street Through a Fifteen Year Loan City Council Business Meeting November 16, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Resolution 20-061 Tasking the Planning Commission with Reviewing a Proposal to Adopt a Code Amendment to Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17 to Allow Zero Lot Line/Common Wall Construction Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 3259 Adopting the Proposed Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021 Mayor Sandoval reviewed the rules of procedure for the public hearing. There were no Council financial or property issues to disclose in connection with this matter. City Manager John Mauro noted the budget reflects necessary staffing reductions and unfilled vacant positions that would likely have level of service impacts. He highlighted public engagement and community outreach on the budget. Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell led a comprehensive review of the proposed budget and budget materials, including revenue assumptions and budget reductions. In the fund balance reserve, all financial policies are being met. Noted were decreases in the annual debt service and pool operating revenues not meeting operating expenses. Related to staffing and compensation summary, Ms. Mitchell reviewed the layoffs and restructuring of staff positions as well as resulting adjustments made to the unemployment self insurance section since Council's previous review. The following individual provided written comment read by the clerk: Bob Gray spoke about the budget document and importance of its readability and understanding by the community. Council questions to which staff responded related to understanding portions of the General Fund and Community Services funds and impact to the Police functions and Arts Commission budget. It was noted that the Arts Commission budget was reduced to $20,000. Ms. Mitchell said the City might contract with other agencies for back up IT support and has budgeted $10,000 for those services. There being no public testimony, the Mayor closed public testimony and closed the public hearing. Motion: David Faber moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3259 Adopting the Proposed Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Council Business Meeting November 16, 2020 Page 3 of 5 Ordinance 3256 Adopting 2020 Supplemental #2 Budget Appropriations Finance Manager Tony Hillman gave the staff presentation for second reading. There were no clarifying questions. Council concurred on reopening the record for additional public comment. There being none, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3256 Adopting 2020 Supplemental#2 Budget Appropriations. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3257 Fixing and Adopting 2021 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds Mr. Hillman gave the staff presentation, pointing out a minor correction to the tax levy rate in the attachment as noted at the last meeting. The following individuals provided written comment read by the clerk: Bob Gray spoke in favor of levying the banked annexation tax of$302,000 to aid those having difficulty paying their utility bills. Rick Jahnke spoke in favor of levying the banked annexation tax to reduce utility tax. Responding to public comment, it was noted that some of the larger payers of the utility tax are governments entities, including the County, hospital, and Fort Worden. Shifting the burden on those with fixed incomes would be a concern. The City promised broad community discussion before levying any banked capacity from the fire levy. While utility tax relief is an acceptable use, these funds could not be used to fund the pool operations. Staff also reported that $9,000 in utility tax relief donations is available to residents. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3257 Fixing and Adopting 2021 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of$150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3258 Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2026 Mr. Hillman gave the staff presentation as detailed in the agenda bill. The hearing was previously closed and there was no additional public comment. City Council Business Meeting November 16, 2020 Page 4 of 5 Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3258 Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2026. Amy Howard seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval acknowledged the critical community services provided through donations to United Good Neighbors. With Jefferson County now nearing the high-risk category for Covid infections, she urged residents to remain home if possible, especially during the upcoming holiday. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro reported on the Governor's new Covid guidelines, noting City facilities continue to be closed to the public. The Recovery and Resiliency plan would be discussed at the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group meeting on Wednesday in addition to his presentation at the Climate Action Committee. The Housing Tax Force and Joint Housing Tax Force are pursuing the leveraging of the sales and use tax for affordable housing. He also provided Department updates. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.11 0(l)(1) CURRENT OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION At 8:18 p.m., the Council recessed into Executive Session for one hour regarding the above matter with no decision following. At 9:21 p.m., the Council came back into open session. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Attest: Se O Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting November 16, 2020 Page 5 of 5