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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110424 City Council Business Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The City Council met in a Regular Session on the 4th day of November 2024 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Mayor Faber called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Neil Nelson, Owen Rowe, Ben Thomas, and Libby Wennstrom. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, Public Works Director Steve King , Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin, Finance and Technology Services Director Jodi Adams, Chief of Police Tom Olson, and City Clerk Alyssa Rodrigues . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor Faber stated New Business item E. will be removed and all related materials will be moved to the Public Hearing Item A. Preliminary Budget. In addition, New Business Item C. Encampment Update will be removed. PROCLAMATION(S) OR SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) Oath of Office- Police Officer and Sergeant Chief of Police Tom Olson provided the Oath of Office- Sergeant Promotion to Officer Marc Titterness. Housing Solutions Network 2024 Survey Findings Presentation Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin introduced the Housing Solutions Network 2024 Survey Findings Presentation. Housing Solutions Network Director Liz Revord and Communications Strategist Eric Jones presented the Housing Jefferson County's Economy a Community Report which included The Purpose, 957 Individual Responses and 39 Employes Representing 2,085 Workers, Income Brackets, Employment Sectors, More Than 1 In 3 Don't Feel Housing Secure, 1/2 of respondents spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs, Living in Unaffordable Housing, $643,000 The 2023 median home price for Jefferson County, Total Housing Units in Jefferson County, Housing Budgets, 17% of Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 1 of 7 2023 MLS home sales were under $400,000 less than a 1/3 of what was available in 2019, 1/4 of working respondents are looking to buy a home in the next 5 years, 86% of business reported the cost of housing has had a negative impact on both their ability to operate + grow, More than 1/2 reported a moderate to significant negative impact on ability operate, 38.1 % of local workforce commutes physically or virtually from outside Jefferson County, The presentation continued around Working Age Population is Declining, Among 574 respondents currently living and working in Jefferson County, 14.3% are considering moving out of the County due to housing costs or availability, Duplex, Triplex & Quads, Dense Housing, Housing Size, Outside Space, Amenities, City of Port Townsend October 23rd Virtual Workshop: Participant's Ranking of Community Values, Takeaways and Community Involvement, The housing crisis has had detrimental consequences on local businesses + our economy, We need to build the Right type of housing, The need for more affordable homes spans across all segments of our workforce, and our community, So... What Can Be Done?, Governments can prioritize developments that meet our local workforce's needs, Governments may have to take a bigger role in prioritizing developments and planning for:, Local landlords can price rentals that support local wage earners, Housing providers can create housing types with desired amenities, offering both for rent or purchase, and implementing some form of affordability protections. In response to Council's clarifying questions Housing Solutions Network representatives explained open space, 1200sq/ft home preference, and how employers were selected. Discussion ensued around appreciation for the Housing Solutions Networks work. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager John Mauro provided the City Manager's Report which included facility rental process, election safety concerns, 5-year anniversary, Lawrence St project, street stickers, concrete situation, Storm Sewer Separation project, and the passing of Executive Director of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Economic Development Authority Joe Allen. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Public comment was made. Staff or Council response, as needed CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Approval of Minutes: September 18, 2024, October 7, 2024, October 14, 2024 Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 2 of 7 Appointment/Reappointment: Library Advisory Board Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Training (EVOC) Joining America is All In, Representing Commitment to Direct Action and Advocacy to Help meet the United States Goals Under the Paris Climate Agreement Resolution 24-036 A Resolution to Oppose Washington State Initiative 2117, Which Would Repeal the Climate Commitment Act and Harm Washington State's Ability to Meet Climate Emissions Reductions Goals Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve the consent agenda. Ben Thomas seconded. Deputy Mayor Howard stated the minutes of September 18, 2024, stated all Council members were excused at the last stop and will need to be updated to reflect appropriate attendance. Council member MickHager amended her motion. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve the consent agenda with the correction on the minutes. Ben Thomas seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING Preliminary Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending in December 31, 2025. Mayor Faber reviewed the Public Hearing Rules of Procedures. John Mauro introduced the Preliminary Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending in December 31, 2025. Finance and Technology Services Director Jodi Adams provided the 2025 Budget City Manager's Preliminary Budget which included Overview, Timeline: Preparing the 2025 Budget, Big Picture: 2025 Budget Considerations, 2025 Budget Considerations: Strategic Workplan Priority Areas, 2025 One time and Recurring requests, Department Request Reductions, Level of Staffing 2025 Staffing, 2025 Staffing Changes, Key Moves (Financial Sustainability), Where We Left Off: Last Meeting, Where We Left Off: Last Meeting: Inflationary Adjustments & Costs, Where We Left Off: Last Meeting: Rainy -Day Fund Policy, 2025 Proposed Budget Fund Summary, and Department Operational Requests General Fund. There were no written materials submitted. Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 3 of 7 Public comment: Public comment was made. In response to public comment staff explained DNR grant in relation to WCC crews. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained Parks Department 1 FTE request, type of investments, public records request cost increase, Arts Commission budget, Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board budget, parks budget one-time requests, next steps, and fund balances. Mayor Faber closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. Discussion ensued around appreciation for early presentation, Vacancy Rate Policy, Rainy -Day Fund, type of investment review at later date, contingency fund, "FALSE" regarding 2% requirement, and Golf Course Fund. Motion: David Faber moved to continue the public record through the Council meeting on November 18, 2024. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3341 Fixing and Adopting 2025 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and a Voter -Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds Mayor Faber reviewed the Public Hearing Rules of Procedures. Jodi Adams presented 2025 Property Tax Levy Public Hearing which included Property Tax Detail 2024 Levy Rate, City of Port Townsend Levy Rates 2020-2025, Implicit Price Deflator, and 2024 for 2025 Property Tax Recommendation. There were no written materials submitted. Public Comment: There was no public comment. Mayor Faber closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. Discussion ensued around 1 % tax increase explanation, inflation impact, and AWC legislative priority agenda. Motion: Ben Thomas moved to waive Council Rules and approve Ordinance 3341 Fixing and Adopting 2025 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and a Voter- Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $150,000 for the Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds Monica MickHager seconded. Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 4 of 7 Discussion ensued around the choice to waive Council Rules.. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (NONE) NEW BUSINESS Resolution 24-035 Authorize the City to Accept an Independent Donation from Craig Stewart and the Apex Foundation of up to $5,000 John Mauro introduced Resolution 24-035. Chief of Police Tom Olson presented Resolution 24-035 Authorize the City to Accept an Independent Donation from Craig Stewart and the Apex Foundation of up to $5,000 which included resident Craig Stewart donation of $2500 and Apex Foundation match of $2500, appreciation for Mr. Stewart and Apex Foundation, and staff recommendation. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained what funds will be used for. Public comment: There was no public comment. Motion: Monica MickHager moved to approve Resolution 24-035 Authorize the City to Accept an Independent Donation from Craig Stewart and the Apex Foundation of up to $5,000 Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Evans Vista Developer Marketing and Developer RFP Contract Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin presented the Evans Vista Developer Marketing and Developer RFP Contract which included previous Evans Vista briefing, feedback received, preliminary plat application filed, City will not be building project, need to have perspective developer for next steps, scope of work, start roadmap to develop and market test RFP, receive feedback, evaluate developer proposals, hire Housing Coordinator, increase compensation package for qualified applicants, sufficient fund balance to finish Task 1 and 2, one-time expense request, and staff recommendation. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained 2025 budget. Public comment: Public comment was made. Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 5 of 7 Discussion ensued around the importance of project moving forward and 2025 budget. Motion: Owen Rowe moved to approve authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement for Evans Vista RFP assistance per budget authority for 2024 and subject to budget authority for 2025 to market a request for development proposal and assist with developer evaluation and selection. Neil Nelson seconded. Discussion ensued around the importance of the project. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Encampment Update (This item was removed during changes to the agenda) WSDOT Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant Application Public Works Director Steve King presented WSDOT Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant Application which included Non -Motorized Plan in the area of 12th street, Sheridan/Sims intersection, good chance of being funded, high need area, importance of connections, no match required, no action required, WSDOT, and 2027 project. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained precluding different options in the future and 14th St greenway. Public comment: Public comment was made. Discussion ensued around underpass by Bishop Park, power of a project name, appreciation for staff, and 14th vs. 12th St. Preliminary 2025 Budget to Council (This item was removed and materials were moved under Public Hearing Item A.) PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Faber provided his Presiding Officer's Report which included radio show, downtown Halloween parade, John Mauro's 5th work anniversary, newspaper coverage concerns, and appreciation for John Mauro's leadership. Discussion ensued around concerns about media coverage in regard to employees and ICG agenda, need for local news to focus more on projects, and appreciation for John Mauro's leadership. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 6 of 7 There were no suggestions for future agendas. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL There were no comments from Council. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:36pm. Attest: Alysda R0 rigues City Clerk Novmeber 4, 2024 City Council Business Meeting Page 7 of 7