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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030121 Regular CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF MARCH 1, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 1 st day of March 2021 in the Council Chambers. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the meeting to order at 6:31 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, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor Sandoval asked for two proposed additions: Presentation by KPTZ (Bill Putney) illustrating a proposed tower on the Morgan Hill Reservoir Property. The second item is accepting a gift for Chetzomoka Park in the amount of$127,387.32 SPECIAL PRESENTATION AWC Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership Chief Executive Officer Peter King, Association of Washington Cities presented the certificate to Councilmember Howard for her continued learning and education. Proclamation — Reading Month Library Director Melody Eisler accepted the proclamation and spoke about the March festivities surrounding this year's Community Read by author Erica Bauermeister titled House Lessons. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Carol Ann Armagost spoke about the condition of Port Townsend Streets particularly 10th and Hancock. Holly Postmus spoke about concerns on water utility costs. Lori Bernstein urged passing her attached proposed resolution in support of SB5204 of a Statewide Single-Payer Healthcare System. City Council Business Meeting March 1, 2021 Page 1 of 5 The following individuals also urged passing a resolution in support of a Statewide Single-Payer Healthcare System. Judy D'Amore Phil Rome Linda Noble Gail Chatfield Linda Brewster Libby Palmer JoAnn Porter Peter Von Christierson Debaran Kelso Mike Regan City staff response City Manager John Mauro acknowledged the comments. Preparing a resolution would likely wait until the next meeting and might not be timely input for legislative action. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Voucher 166938 in the amount of$15,223.29 Voucher 167038 in the amount of$131,044.10 Approval of Minutes: February 16, 2021 Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Presentation by KPTZ (Bill Putney) illustrating a proposed tower on the Morgan Hill Reservoir Property Public Works Director Steve King introduced the request by KPTZ to lease City property through a conditional use permit for a proposed radio tower for their transmissions. Bill Putney of KPTZ gave a presentation on the need for clear radio transmission from the microwave site on Morgan Hill to their new site at Fort Worden. He proposed KPTZ be allowed to attach their tower to the existing building located at the site and that there might be a joint venture with the City for KPTZ to provide the generator power. There was no public comment. City Council Business Meeting March 1, 2021 Page 2 of 5 Resolution 21-016 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease Amendment with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation that Extends the Term Until December 31, 2021 Public Works Director Steve King gave the staff report. There was no public comment. Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 21-016 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease Amendment with the Port Townsend Paper Corporation that Extends the Term Until December 31, 2021. Ariel Speser seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3262 Relating to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority; Amending Chapter 2.84 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code Mr. Mauro gave the staff report speaking about the hard work to understand the situation and to propose some resolution. He provided a high-level review of the PTMC code amendments and reviewed Council steps to either move forward with corrective action or dissolve the PDA. He explained new sections on Corrective Action (PTMC 2.84.115), Trusteeship (PTMC 2.84.117), and a Financial oversight committee (2.84.125). State Parks has asked that he and Mayor Sandoval attend a meeting to further discuss this proposed action. Alice Ostdiek of Stradling Yocca Carlson and Rauth PC introduced herself as an advisor to the City on this matter. Mr. Mauro recognized that PDA Charter amendments, as slightly more detailed in nature, would be addressed following a detailed discussion of the broader PTMC amendments. Ms. Ostdiek responded to several questions on financial oversight and the structure of that committee. She said that state law dictates liability and unless expressly consented, the PDA is liable for their own debts and the City would not be financially responsible. The make up of the financial oversight committee can be structured either as ad hoc or a standing body. The required reporting could be addressed procedurally (for example by either a position at the City or to the financial oversight committee). Many cities provide specific direction through an administrative procedure or through their municipal code. Ms. Ostdiek also addressed questions about the transition from corrective measures to trusteeship if communications were to break down in the corrective action development and move to trusteeship. The City could engage in a process to narrow the mission of the organization the City created. The list of powers came from the broad list provided in state statute but could be narrowed. Public Comment (written comments were read into the record by the Clerk): Mark Blatter spoke in support of ordinance. Interim Executive Director of the Public Development Authority David Timmons City Council Business Meeting March 1, 2021 Page 3 of 5 urged delaying any action until the parties can address the need for action and desired outcomes. Additional public comment was as follows: Robert Gray asked about oversight by the City of the nonprofits under the PDA. Mayor Sandoval noted the discussion on this topic is just beginning and there would be future opportunities for comment. The primary concern is the reorganization and a desire for the operating agreement to be publicly available. There was Council concurrence on the issues as summarized including agreement to postpone any Council action on the ordinance so that discussion could continue at a future meeting. City Attorney Heidi Greenwood asked that any proposed language changes to the ordinance be brought forward for public discussion at the meeting. Mr. Rowe noted that the Fort Worden Advisory Committee was established to provides citizen advice to State Parks and is also a place for comment. ACCEPTING A BEQUEST FROM THE ESTATE BETSY DECKER FOR CHETZEMOKA PARK Mr. Mauro presented the proposed bequest from the late Betsy Decker, a Sequim resident. Responding to questions, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood noted there were no contingencies on the use of the funds other than it be spent at Chetzemoka park. There was no public comment. Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve accepting the bequest from the estate of Betsy Decker and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents needed to accept the bequest. Pamela Adams seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval reported on the following: - Joint Oversight Board on Housing to address its workplan and process for 1590 funding, the work plan is forthcoming to Council. - Appearance with Mr. Mauro on KPTZ radio program. - Congratulations on the City's first annual report and making the report publicly available. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Mauro reported on the following: - Thursday Brewocracy sessions on KPTZ would be shared with individual Councilmembers. - The annual report is available and is also on the City website. - Signing an agreement on the enlargement of the regional stormwater pond for the Rainier Street corridor. City Council Business Meeting March 1, 2021 Page 4 of 5 - Announcement of phased reopening of the City Library tomorrow, the pool later this month, followed by City Hall and Police Departments). - Expected start date for the new police chief is May 1 with an announcement later this week. - Washington Supreme Court decision that simple possession of drugs is no longer a crime, - Olympic Gravity Water System community presentation/partnership with the Jefferson County Historical Society. - Department updates, including the announcement that OlyCap would be submitting their housing permit, repair work is beginning on Admiralty Apartments, and interviewing for Development Services empty positions. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION Ms. MickHager suggested that Council hold its own work session to discuss and plan for its scheduled Intergovernmental Collaborative meeting agenda. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Ms. MickHager acknowledged the passing of former Councilmember and very active resident Kate Jenks. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting March 1, 2021 Page 5 of 5