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HomeMy WebLinkAbout112221 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 22, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in an adjourned session (previously scheduled for November 15 at 6:30 p.m.) on the 22nd day of November 2021 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, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Development Services Director Lance Bailey, Public Works Director Steve King, Planning Manager Judy Surber, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. Mayor Sandoval read the native land acknowledgement in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Proclamation — United Good Neighbors "Give Jefferson" Day Siobhan Canty, President and CEO of the Jefferson County Community Foundation accepted the proclamation. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment The following individuals provided written comment (Clerk included in the meeting record): Jesse Joshua Watson urged spending covid recovery funds on projects of mutual community benefit. Andrea Hegland spoke about concerns over the removal of the poplar trees along Sims Way. Wendy Feltham spoke with concerns about the authorization of the Trail Crest development on Cook Avenue. Jackie Breslawski spoke about concerns over the removal of poplar trees, made recommendations, and had concerns about the artist rendering. Maria and Mike Accurso spoke about concerns over the removal of the poplar trees and City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 1 of 7 shared ideas for better use of the funds. Linda Okazaki spoke about concerns over the removal of the poplar trees. Teri Nomura spoke in favor of efforts to increase housing including zero lot line for duplexes or townhouses, lowering minimum sized lots for Planned Unit Developments, and expanding the definition of day care to all ages. Additional public comment: Charles Law spoke about food composting and urged Council action.. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 168546 through 168666 in the amount of$576,652.45. Approval of Minutes: October 18 and November 8, 2021 Resolution 21-074 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Financial Consulting Solutions Group, Inc. for Retail Water Rate Updates in an Amount not to Exceed $25,000 Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Resolution 21-075 Setting the Conditions to Vacate a Portion of Reed Street and Directing the City Manager to Prepare the Vacation Ordinance When the Conditions are Met Mayor Sandoval read the rules of procedure for all three public hearings. The one disclosure was in connection with the street vacation Resolution 21-075. Mayor Sandoval disclosed that Larry Johnson, applicant for the street vacation, consulted her for advice. No money was exchanged and there was no Council objection to the Mayor's participation. Planning Manager Judy Surber gave the staff briefing on the street vacation for the mutual benefit of providing the applicant with more buildable area and the City's gain of more area for Chestnut trail access. Ms. Surber addressed resident concerns provided in writing. Public Works Director Steve King addressed and explained the value estimate prepared by the City. City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 2 of 7 The following individuals provided public comment (Clerk included written comments in the record): Bill Wise, Chelcie and Kathy Liu, Bruce and Diana Klock, and Dicksy Scott) urged Council to acknowledge the trail and request that the applicant assist in its improvement as well as ensure abutting properties retain parking capability. Linda Smith spoke about concerns on retaining current and access to the reservoir from Reed Street and value of this adjacent City property. Kristen Nelson spoke about concerns with trading Parcel A and Reed Street access. Chris Jones spoke in support of retaining the public property and rejecting the street vacation proposal. Rich Stapf, Jr. spoke about receiving fair market value, urged retaining the City right of way until the use of the reservoir property is determined, and suggested proceeds be used to help fund system development charges for six habitat homes next year. James Thomson spoke in opposition to the street vacation. Additional public comment was provided from the following:: Chelcie Liu spoke about the potential interference of the steep driveway with the Chestnut Street Trail and a desire for the trail access to be easily identifiable. Mr. King responded that Mr. Johnson would access his property via Reed Street on the top of his property and N street below. He recognized the steep grade on Taylor. Chris Jones had concerns about the City's determination of this section of Reed Street as unnecessary and recommended a professional appraisal. Mr. King addressed concerns about traffic and access as well as the square foot area exchange of value to the City. Ms. Surber noted that street vacation review criteria area was addressed in the agenda packet. Council questions related to the trail around the reservoir. Staff noted that one recommended condition is that the nonmotorized trail in Reed Street be relocated out of the vacation area. The remainder of the trail not officially part of the trail system would need to be addressed separately possibly through volunteer trail improvement efforts. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-075 Setting the Conditions to Vacate a Portion of Reed Street and Directing the City Manager to Prepare the Vacation Ordinance When the Conditions are Met. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Resolution 21-076 Declaring the Portion of Reed Street Vacated by Resolution 21-075 Surplus to the Needs of the City, Determining the Property is not Suitable for Affordable Housing, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Associated Documents for a Land Exchange Mr. King gave the staff briefing. City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 3 of 7 Public Comment: Chris Jones spoke about his concerns over the property value which benefits Mr. Johnson. Mr. King addressed questions about the process of determining whether a property is suitable or not for public housing. It was noted that the expansion of the Chestnut Street trail has more value to the City in this exchange. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-076 Declaring the Portion of Reed Street Vacated by Resolution 21-075 Surplus to the Needs of the City, Determining the Property is not Suitable for Affordable Housing, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Associated Documents for a Land Exchange. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3277 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2022 City Manager John Mauro made opening remarks. Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff briefing on the City Manager's proposed budget. Changes were reflected in the preliminary budget ordinance fund summary. She reviewed selected sections of the budget book, including the fund balance reserve summary as required by the Financial Policies. Council discussion ensued on the $1 million interfund loan, the associated Department of Commerce grant, as well as water rate adjustments. Mr. Mauro indicated Council should expect to receive an update within the week on the contract approval timeline. Ms. Mitchell confirmed that existing rates are reflected in the budget. The expense for lighting the Tyler Street plaza would come from the Lodging Tax Fund. Mr. King stated the need for a supplemental budget amendment once the full fundraising for the mini- roundabouts on Washington is complete. Regarding the PEG funds for station operations of$9,000, staff would preserve some funding for a potential contract with KPTZ as well as use capital repair and maintenance funds on the City's broadcasting capabilities. Mr. Mauro also responded to additional questions, noting the financial sustainability task force would begin sometime in the first quarter. American Rescue Plan Act funding stions about ARPA funds for Parks. When pointing out about impact fees and City accomplishments for affordable housing and where those are documented, Mr. Mauro noted that there was an intent to document possibly at the next budget reading. Motion: David Faber moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3277 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2022. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 4 of 7 Mayor Sandoval closed the public testimony and public hearings on the previous two resolutions. The public hearing on Ordinance 3277 would remain open for public testimony until adoption. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ordinance 3275 Adopting 2021 Supplemental #2 Budget Appropriations Mayor Sandoval opened the hearing. Ms. Mitchell gave the staff briefing on changes since November 1. A revised supplemental budget summary was presented reflecting two changes: a proposed $2,500 for employee appreciation/end of year staff meeting item expenditure from the General Fund. The second item is an additional $20,000 appropriation for the Street Fund related to effects of the recent storm activity. Removal of large trees will require the engagement of outside service contractors estimated at less than $10,000. An additional $10,000 would be allocated for potential future damage before year end if needed. Motion:Ariel Speser moved to approve Ordinance 3275 Adopting 2021 Supplemental #2 Budget Appropriations. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3276 Fixing and Adopting 2022 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%), Levy of $602,610 of Banked Capacity with an Increase of Thirty-Nine and 5/10 Percent (39.50°/x) and a Voter- Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds Ms. Mitchell gave the staff briefing. There were several Council comments for and against the use of the banked capacity as reflected in the ordinance. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3276 Fixing and Adopting 2022 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%), Levy of$602,610 of Banked Capacity with an Increase of Thirty-Nine and 5/10 Percent (39.5091o) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of$150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried, 6-1 by voice vote, Monica MickHager opposed. Resolution 21-070 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc for the Purchase of the 2021 Taser 7 Certification Bundle in an Amount not to Exceed $52,200.03 Police Chief Tom Olson gave the staff report. City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 5 of 7 There was no public comment. There was a brief discussion of the previous concerns raised. Councilmembers felt their questions had been addressed. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 21-070 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the Purchase of the 2021 Taser 7 Certification Bundle in an Amount not to Exceed$52,200.03. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 21-077 Related to the 2022 Annual Update to the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan Development Services Director Lance Bailey gave the staff report as detailed in the agenda bill not to open to suggested amendments. He noted the City would still accept applications and other amendments and this decision would not preclude making such amendments. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-077 Related to the 2022 Annual Update to the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Motion:Ariel Speser moved to approve extending the meeting past 9:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Water Supply Agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation Public Works Director Steve King gave the staff briefing and presentation on the key elements of the agreement. On December 6 water rate ordinance would be presented with the second reading the following week at the special meeting December 13. There was no public comment. Clarifying questions: rate increase is needed to create a replacement fund. Mr. King confirmed. There were comments Cost of running the system is fixed despite efforts for water conservancy. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 6 of 7 Mayor Sandoval provided a report on the following: - Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) meeting held November 18 - a PDA meeting tomorrow and she would later report on meeting with the Fort Worden Foundation meeting that she would report at the next meeting. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager John Mauro provided a report on the following: - State representative Steve Tharinger infrastructure report -Wastewater treatment report -Town Hall on Sims Gateway project and another scheduled town hall in December -Appointment of new City Engineer Laura Parsons - Salary Commission determination has been submitted EXECUTIVE SESSION - PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)(111) TO DISCUSS LITIGATION OR LEGAL RISKS OF A PROPOSED ACTION At 10:00 p.m., Council recessed into Executive Session - pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(i) (iii) to discuss litigation or legal risks of a proposed action for 30 minutes. With no action, Council adjourned immediately following the conclusion. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:24 p.m.. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Adjourned Meeting November 22, 2021 Page 7 of 7