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HomeMy WebLinkAbout110909CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch with Kris Nelson excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, DSD Director Rick Sepler, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes proposed to the agenda. ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE ON ART SELECTION (KRIS MORRIS) Kris Morris appeared on behalf of the Arts Commission to report on the progress of the streetscape art selection. She announced that the finalists have been selected and noted that the recommendation of the Arts Commission should be coming forward to the Council in February. Finalists are Carolyn Law, David Eisenhour, Gerard Tsutakawa, Gloria Bornstein, Laura Haddad & Tom Drugan, and Robert Horner. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Linda Ferris and Megan Ferris appeared to say that the Gatheringplace dog biscuit bakery will be moving into the Skookum Building and to invite the Councilors to an open house there on Friday. Jim Fritz regarding benefits of recruiting the film industry to work in Port Townsend. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: David King moved to approve the following items on the consent agenda: Bills, Claims and Warrants: Vouchers 109392 through 109428 (plus EFTs) in amount of $413,150.22 and Vouchers 109547 through 109564 (plus EFTs) in amount of $188,950.00 Approval of Minutes of October 19, 2009 with following corrections: page 1, change Grants Administration to Grants Administrator in list of staff present; page City Council Special Business Meeting Nov. 9, 2009 Page 1 of 5 3, second paragraph, change "all three phases" to "all three projects'; page 4, paragraph 1, change donation to donated and eliminate "few" before "fees'; page 5, last paragraph, first line, insert "experience" between "previous" and "with" in second line, correct typo in fifth line. Approve acceptance of "Targeted Competitive -Washington Libraries Connect" grant. Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING(S): Ordinance 3027, Fixing and Adopting 2010 Property Tax Levies with an increase of one percent (1.00%) from the previously voter approved levy lid lift for the General Levy and an increase of two point three three one five percent (2.3315%) for the Emergency Medical Services Levy Mayor Sandoval reviewed the procedures for the public hearing. No Councilors had financial or property interests to declare in connection with this matter. City Manager David Timmons reviewed the packet materials. He noted that Finance Director Michael Legarsky has met with County Assessor Jack Westerman to review the numbers and estimates for the ordinance. He provided two handouts showing distribution of the funds raised by the levy and property tax revenue estimates. Mr. Legarsky noted that the Assessor suggested adding language saying "previously voter approved" to indicate clearly that the levy rate set is consistent with voter approval and Council resolution. The Clerk noted that no written materials have been submitted in connection with the ordinance. There was no public comment and the public testimony portion of the hearing was closed. Mr. Randels suggested that in future years an estimate for new construction be included in the ordinance so it is not overlooked. Mr. Legarsky stated a reference can be included but it would not be binding; it has to be incorporated into the budget ordinance. Mr. Randels stated if it were in the tax levy ordinance at least it would be a reminder. Mrs. Medlicott agreed. Mr. Randels noted a typographical error in the ordinance. The extra paren in the fourth line of the third paragraph should be removed. Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 2037, fixing and adopting 2010 property tax levies, with an increase of one percent from the previously voter approved 2008 levy lid lift for the General Levy and an increase City Council Special Business Meeting Nov. 9, 2009 Page 2 of 5 to two point three three one five percent for the Emergency Medical Services Levy. George Randels seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Proposed 2010 Staffing Changes -Senior Policy Analyst Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet material. He noted the Finance & Budget Committee has reviewed the proposal and has made the recommendation to include the Senior Policy Analyst position in the budget but hold off on filling the position until it is clear the budget as planned can be sustained. The position will require separate Council authorization. Ms. Robinson asked whether there is a contingency plan for funding if real estate does not turn around in the first quarter of 2010. Mr. Timmons stated that if this is the case and Council wishes to fund the position, different financing mechanisms will be considered. There was no public comment. Motion: George Randels moved to place an earmark in the 2010 final budget to fund a DSD Senior Policy Analyst, with position to be filled after the first quarter of 2010 if authorized by the City Council. David King seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Mountain View Use Agreement for Radio PT Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet material. He noted the space under consideration would be one of the modular units. Mr. Watts said representatives from the radio station were present. Colin Foden spoke in support of the agreement and reviewed some of the ways the station can partner with the city to provide public services. Ms. Sandoval stated that she hopes the station can provide internships and mentoring programs for community youth, perhaps in partnership with the YMCA. Mr. Foden noted that many strategic partnerships will be necessary for the success of the project. Mr. Randels stated he hopes that the station will coordinate with the City's marketing director for provision of visitor information. He also asked for clarification about potential transmission tower usage. City Council Special Business Meeting Nov. 9, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Watts stated that at some time in the future Radio PT may request either property for a tower or co-location on an existing tower. Current negotiations with Verizon have resulted in Verizon rejecting use of their towers by non-profits unless rent is paid according to the type of equipment proposed. He said this issue was included on the agenda bill as information on items that may be coming forward to the Council in the future. Mr. Randels stated that the co-location issue should be part of the negotiations with Verizon. Mr. Welch asked about the objective criteria for allowing or inviting tenants to occupy space at Mountain View. Mr. Timmons noted the space available is almost completely filled with community based programs the Council has chosen to sponsor. Motion: George Randels moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a use agreement with Radio PT consistent with the terms in the agenda bill. Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Sandoval noted that she and Ms. Robinson attended the Farm to Cafeteria conference in Blyn. She also conveyed sympathy to the family of PUD Commissioner Dana Roberts who has been hospitalized following a stroke. Mr. Welch noted that a feature on the Farm to Cafeteria conference will be aired on PTTV. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons said he has received confirmation from Rep. Dicks that the wayfinding grant was included in the Secretary of Interior's budget, so work on the kiosks and signage will be added to next year's work plan. Mr. Timmons also reported on a conference call with Washington State Ferries and stakeholders on the Port Townsend -Keystone route. All agreed that pulling ferry service for one weekend in January for an annual inspection on the week with the historically lowest ridership (January 9) was preferable to attempting to finance an alternative vehicle for that time. The City's issues and concerns with the proposed airport rezone are ongoing and Mr. Timmons is working with the County Administrator and Port Director to achieve consensus around the concerns. City Council Special Business Meeting Nov. 9, 2009 Page 4 of 5 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. King noted that the Finance & Budget Committee wilt meet tomorrow to hear from the community non-profits. Mr. Legarsky stated that the uniform business license agreement will come before the Council before the end of the year. Ms. Sandoval asked for volunteers to assist with the City Manager's review. Ms. Robinson and Mr. Welch agreed to assist. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Sandoval stated that the Council would go into Executive Session at 7:38 p.m. to discuss potential litigation. She stated the session would not exceed 10 minutes in length and that no action would be taken at the conclusion. The meeting was reconvened at 7:48 p.m. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Attest: ~ ~__ ~ ,-, Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Special Business Meeting Nov. 9, 2009 Page 5 of 5