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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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- 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
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