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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041921 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 19th day of April 2021 in the Council Chambers. 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, City Attprney Heidi Greenwood, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and Finance Manager Tony Hillman. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were none. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Proclamation — City Volunteer Appreciation Month Proclamation — Earth Day Main Street Board Member Jen Rubinowitz accepted the proclamation. She spoke about the many clean up efforts this last weekend. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk read the comments into the record): Harvey Windle of Forest Gems spoke about his downtown parking concerns. Julia Cochrane spoke about having compassion for those who are experiencing homelessness. Jes Broders spoke about the Port Townsend skatepark and asked about submitting a funding proposal. Matt Ready spoke in support of universal healthcare and Senate Bill 5204. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants City Council Business Meeting April 19, 2021 Page 1 of 4 Vouchers 167304 through 167403 in the amount of$612,793.35 Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$50.95 Approval of Minutes: April 5, 2021 Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3262 Relating to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority; Amending Chapter 2.84 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code City Manager John Mauro gave the staff briefing on the shared goals of the City, State Parks, and Fort Worden PDA Board for moving forward in the relationship with the PDA. He spoke to the need for a memorandum of understanding to clarify roles and responsibilities. The following individuals provided written public comment (the Clerk read the comments into the record): David Goldman provided specific written suggestions and concerns about the ordinance. Mr. Mauro noted that the concerns mentioned in public comment reference the previous ordinance and not the current language before Council. Council recommended changes to the ordinance. One such change under Board Membership, requested adding in the nominating committee "City Manager or Council designee" where it now lists "City Manager." There was some desire for a Council Mayor or Council representative to be part of the board. With Staffs recommendation that it be instead a non-voting Council liaison, the Mayor expressed a desire for adding language to allow for a Council and PDA Partner representative even if nonvoting positions. There was also a request for a search and replace using general neutral language. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3262 Relating to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority,Amending Chapter 2.84 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code with the gender neutral pronouns as proposed and the addition of liaisons on the PDA Board from the Port Townsend City Council and PDA partners. Owen Rowe seconded. Ms. Adams had technical connection issues and dropped out of the meeting periodically and was not present for this discussion topic nor the vote. Ms. Sandoval noted that if Council has not received the Memorandum of Intent (MOI), it is important to review for it describes the involvement of State Parks. The MOI suggests the City will meet with State Parks and the PDA Board in anticipation of lease renegotiations, to build trust, have a working relationship with continued oversight, and a delineation of jurisdictional roles. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Page 2 of 4 City Council Business Meeting April 19, 2021 Ordinance 3263 Adopting 2021 Supplemental Budget Appropriations Finance Manager Tony Hillman gave the staff report reviewing the changes since Council considered first reading. Added were $34,000 for the yet-to-be-invoiced airport Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS) carrier pipe and $35,000 for the OGWS surveying project. There were no clarifying questions and no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Ordinance 3263 Adopting 2021 Supplemental Budget Appropriations. Amy Howard seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 21-023 Suspending Utility Shut-Offs, Late Fees, and Penalties until August 31, 2021 Mr. Hillman gave the staff report as detailed in the agenda bill. He responded to Council questions regarding staffs intent to resolve the accounts through payment arrangements and use of the remaining $7,000 in the donation program once the emergency is lifted. The 62 customers are made up of three businesses with the remaining being residential customers. The donation program was also explained as was support on utility bills from St. Vincent DePaul and OlyCap. The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk read the comments into the record): Bob Gray spoke about concerns in shutting off water to residents. Motion:Ariel Speser moved to approve Resolution 21-023 Suspending Utility Shut- Offs, Late Fees, and Penalties until August 31, 2021. Monica MickHager seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT City Manager Evaluation Ms. Sandoval noted that hearing no Council objections, one minor change would be made before this evaluation and memorandum are finalized. Ms. Adams returned to the meeting at at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Sandoval reported that Council received a draft letter to Representative Kilmer regarding Salmon Restoration. There was no Council objection to the letter as written. She also spoke in in support of the Covid vaccination efforts. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro reported on various recent activities and department updates. When asked by the Mayor about Code Enforcement officer position that was recent filled, Mr. Mauro City Council Business Meeting April 19, 2021 Page 3 of 4 noted it was difficult to find a place to live in the community. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION Workshop topics suggested by Council were a Discussion of Speakers for the City-led May Intergovernmental Collaborative Group meeting. Other suggestions were a report of Council activity on outside boards and commissions and scheduling of the Joint Ad Hoc meeting on Public Safety and Policing meeting involving partner agencies. Mr. Mauro noted this meeting would occur after the Police Chief has begun his position with the City. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL There were none. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Attest: A- Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting April 19, 2021 Page 4 of 4