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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011110CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING AND WORKSHOP OF JANUARY 11, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, DSD Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy . City Attorney John Watts introduced the City's new prosecuting attorney, Dee Boughton. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA Motion: George Randels moved to approve the following items on the consent agenda: Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 109810 through 109978 (plus EFTs) in the amount of $826,829.44 Vouchers 109991 through 110064 in the amount of $418, 418.42 Vouchers 110082 through 110185 in the amount of $620, 032.06 Approval of Minutes: December 7, 2009 and December 14, 2009 Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PDA) Ordinance 3030, amending Ordinance 3018 to provide for an interim Board of Directors of the City of Port Townsend Public Development Authority and approving a charter and bylaws. City Manager David Timmons reviewed the packet materials and said that Centrum has requested the ability to provide two Directors who will share a position. Mr. Timmons also stated that he is recommending adding a set of recommendations to establish a profile and job description for a future PDA Board and to determine long-term goals for the permanent Board. City Council Meeting and Workshop Jan. 1 1, 2010 Page 1 of 5 Mr. Randels noted that language should be added making a provision for alternates prior to the final reading. Mr. King posed questions regarding the technical committee, whether specific alternate names would need approval or whether the Council would approve a seat for Centrum as an organization and they then deal with their own representation. He asked if seats, in general, would be designated for individuals or organizations. Mr. Watts stated that the ordinance would allow the Council to appoint an alternate member, as opposed to a Board member appointing his or her own alternate. Mr. Timmons stated that the technical committee would be informal and ongoing and that people may come and go based on the projects that are developing. In response to Mr. Welch, Mr. Watts noted that a PDA may be dissolved under state law and so the PDA is potentially vulnerable to action by a future Council. Staff agreed to provide the entire ordinance, charter and bylaws for the next reading. There was no public comment. Further Council discussion included the number of Board members and whether that number should be flexible; whether the technical committee should be referenced in the charter; why the change was made to provide for a City Council member as a Director; and whether a Council member as a liaison would be a better idea. The Council discussed the temporary Board's priorities and whether the makeup of the Board would make Fort Worden projects a priority and preclude them from considering other alternatives as they come along (such as the Customs House). Mr. Randels stated the Council did not create a PDA to undertake one priority at the expense of others. He would support different and better language in the next version to reflect the Council's September deliberations. Mr. Timmons stated that the intent is that all projects are equal and will advance simultaneously. Ms. Robinson noted she is inclined to seek more community members to work in collaboration and that a disproportionate number of those proposed are affiliated with Fort Worden. She would like to see broader representation on the interim board as well as the permanent board. There was consensus on the need to resolve the issues of alternate representatives and whether individuals or organizational representatives will be appointed. City Council Meeting and Workshop Jan. 1 1, 2010 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Randels proposed that a bright line be drawn between the City and the PDA Board and that a Council person should not serve as a member of the PDA Board. Discussion ensued regarding whether any elected official should serve on the Board. Several arguments were made for and against appointing either individuals or organizations to Board positions or whether a combination would work. More discussion centered around the question of whether alternates should be allowed. Several members thought it would be inconsistent with appointing an individual to take advantage of their skill set and knowledge. It may result in a loss of continuity which may be particularly important for the interim board because of the limited time they will have to make decisions. Ms. Nelson questioned whether the interim board, which is heavily based with Fort Worden representatives will want to become permanent members to see the process through the next two years. Mr. King noted the importance of appointing Board members who are committed to the PDA rather than to a particular project. Regarding the size of the Board, discussion ensued about whether more Board members would be unwieldy or whether a larger board would allow subgroups to work on different issues and have a broader base of expertise. It was noted that the Fort Worden project has a timeline but that should not preclude other projects without immediate timelines such as the Customs House. Ms. Sandoval suggested the Council consider appointing two more members with specific expertise in areas such as finance or housing. Motion: George Rande/s moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3030 amending Ordinance 3018 to provide for an interim Board of Directors of the City of Port Townsend Public Development Authority and approving a charter and bylaws in accordance with tonight's discussion, including adding a City Council liaison and striking language that would include a City Council member as a Director. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. City Council Meeting and Workshop Jan. 11, 2010 Page 3 of 5 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP Call to Order The workshop was called to order at 8:20 p.m. Roll Call The Clerk noted that all Council members remained present for the workshop. 2010 First Quarter Priorities Council members reviewed the list of priorities for the first quarter prepared by staff and several noted they have items to add and prioritize. A Council retreat was scheduled for Saturday, February 6, starting at 11 a.m. and ending no later than 3 p.m., in the Council chambers. Council members were asked to submit additions to the priorities list to staff prior to the retreat. Ordinance 3026, amending procedures in PTMC Chapters 1.14 -Uniform Appeal Procedure, 2.14 -Hearing Examiner, 19.04 - SEPA, and 20.01 -Land Development Administrative Procedures to change appeals from the City Council to the Hearing Examiner, and updating processes and removing outmoded references. City Attorney John Watts reviewed the packet materials. After brief discussion, consensus was to hold potential action until the Planning Commission's code revision suggestions are finalized. Mrs. Medlicott suggested that a workshop with the Fire District Commissioners be set early next month. There were no objections. Because the Fire District Joint Oversight Board has aregularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 19, it was agreed that the Council meeting (scheduled for that day because of the January 18 holiday) would be postponed to Wednesday, January 20. It was also suggested that smaller meetings with Fire Commissioners and Finance Committee, for example, may be scheduled prior to a full workshop meeting involving both bodies. Mr. Watts will provide Fire District enabling legislation to the Council prior to meetings with the District. No workshop will be held on February 8 as both Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Robinson will be out of town. City Council Meeting and Workshop Jan. 11, 2010 Page 4 of 5 Adjourn There being no further business, the workshop was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Meeting and Workshop Jan.. 11, 2010 Page 5 of 5