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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061322CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on June 13, 2022 in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor David Faber called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Council members present at roll call were Aislinn Diamanti, David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Ben Thomas, and Libby Wennstrom. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Finance and Technology Services Director, Public Works Director Steve King, Planning Manager Judy Surber, CLOSED SESSION RCW 42.30.140.(.4)(B) PLANNING OR ADOPTING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGY OR POSITION 16 MINUTES Council members went into a closed session at 6:32 p.m. for a discussion pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) Planning or adopting a collective bargaining strategy or position. The regular session was reconvened at 6:46 p.m. No action was taken after the closed session. DISCUSSION ITEMS Year-to-date Budget Update Finance and Technology Services Director Connie Anderson reviewed the packet materials. In response to clarifying questions from the Council, Ms. Anderson noted that some of the first quarter figures included numbers from April (beginning of second quarter). She also reviewed the definition of overhead and reviewed the line item for PEG (Public, Education, and Government Television) funding. Public Comment There was no public comment During brief Council discussion, Ms. Anderson noted that the proposed budget schedule was added for informational purposes. Banked Capacity Process Discussion Mayor Faber noted that tonight's discussion would center around process, not content. Decisions regarding banked capacity funds will be folded into the budget process. Public Works Director Steve King reviewed the packet materials. In response to clarifying questions, Mr. King explained the initial approach to creating the project lists included in the packet. Public Comment Dan Owen: supported Council discussion about using some of the funds for utility tax relief for citizens. Topics of discussion included the project selection process. Items raised included whether "match" should be a scoring criteria and whether maintenance projects should take precedence. There was concern expressed about making sure the chosen projects would be those more visible to the public. There was support for the matching criteria as the best stewardship of funds because of the leverage funding. It was also noted that larger scale projects are more efficient in terms of engineering and project management impacts on staff. Regarding the potential utility tax relief, Ms. Anderson estimated that the full 2% would take $190,000 to $200,000 from the General Fund and would result in a $2/month reduction on at $100 utility bill. There was agreement that utility tax relief can be on the table with the understanding that it does not benefit individuals significantly and must be considered in conjunction with street maintenance and repair needs. Other comments included that during budget discussions, it is a goal to prioritize projects that can be deliverable in the next year given staffing capacity„ atreets are high on the list and the Council needs good numbers about what will benefit the community at large and particularly the most vulnerable. Criteria may be shifted toward that goal as well as toward project visibility. Some of this work can be done at the committee level. Golf Course Engagement Plan Discussion Director of Parks and Recreation Strategy Carrie Hite reviewed the packet materials, noting this is a review of he framework and she will take feedback about the process. During clarifying questions, she explained that a focus group reviews community values in relation to the project and provides input to the guiding principles. She also said that if there are more pandemic concerns, meetings will be virtual or possibly held out of doors. It was agreed that costs should be updated and information regarding volunteer hours and their value will be gathered and reviewed. Public Comment Tim Caldwell commented on the approach for selecting focus group members. Michael Lux commented on the prior golf course study and the resolution of the water issue. Virginia Adams commented on the 2019 study and recommended someone more local could conduct an updated survey. During Council discussion, Ms. Hite noted there are many test points to inform the Council during the process. She said she would set up tours of the course for Councilors as desired all during the process. Consensus was that Council wants a full engagement process and hopes for an in-person event as soon as possible; it is important that no matter the outcome, everyone knows they are heard. It is important to publicize the plan, communicate early and often and make clear when input will be taken and when decisions will be made. Transportation Improvement Plan Overview Public Works Director Steve King reviewed the packet materials and stated the main intent of the presentation is to be thinking ahead. In response to questions, Mr. King noted that all projects scheduled in the first year are funded. He also confirmed that the Mill Road roundabout is a state project which will not require City dollars even though it is within the city limits. Public comment There was no public comment. During discussion it was noted that the broad overview is preferred and it isn't necessary to go through every item in detail. A request was made to staff to flag items that are added or moved around prior to final approval. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Attest: Alyssa Rodrigues City Clerk