HomeMy WebLinkAbout03201995MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 20, 1995
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this Twentieth day of
March, 1995, at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor John M. Clise presiding.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Bill Davidson, Julie McCulloch, Ted Shoulberg, Bob
Sokol, Sheila Westerman, and Diane Perry-Thompson. Also present were City Administrator
Michael Hildt, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler, City Attorney Tim McMahan, City
Engineer Randy Brackett, Police Chief Jim Newton, Staff Planner Judy Surber, Staff Planner Hal
Hart, Fire Chief Howard Scott, and Community Development Assistant Judy Erlandson.
INTRODUCTIONS and/or RECOGNITIONS:
Chief of Police Jim Newton introduced Connie Pullen, a new parking enforcement officer.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Davidson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as reviewed. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Sokol and passed unanimously by voice vote.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of February 6, 1995 and February 21, 1995 were approved as written without
reading.
Approval of the following Bills and Claims:
010 Current Expense 93,340.53
094 Garbage 33,034.10
110 Street 5,834.67
120 Library 38.37
130 Park 415.16
170 EMS 2,652.01
180 Capital Improvements 826.00
302 95 Stormwater Master Plan 2,348.01
310 92 Waste Water Treatment Plant Construction 20,310.31
330 93 Water Quality Improvements 22,641.88
370 F.A.U.S. Construction Project 161,70
371 95 San Juan Avenue Improvements 19,504.22
372 95 Storm FCAAP #1 Flood Plan 9,606.75
374 95 WWT Plant Eng. 8,881.19
376 95 Water/Sewer Revenue Board Project 13,064.17
411 Water/Sewer 48,958.90
412 Storm and Surface Water 6,290.08
416 1956 SPCL Water Bond Reserve 168,436.13
500 Equipment Rental 61,758.34
610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 857.50
Total $ 518,960.02
Setting Hearings:
For public hearing by the City Council at its May 1, 1995 meeting: · Variance No. 9502-02, applicant Mabel Jean Stanks
· Variance No. 9502-06 and Conditional Use Permit No. 9503-09, applicant
Judith McKinney.
Approval of Resolutions:
Authorizing Staff to Negotiate San Juan Avenue Job Trailer Lease.
RESOLUTION 95-37
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A LEASE AND
RELATED UTILITY SERVICES FOR A JOB TRAILER FOR SAN JUAN
AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
Authorizing bidding for Construction of a Wash Pad and Equipment Outbuilding.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-38
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO BID THE CONSTRUCTION
OF A WASH PAD AND EQUIPMENT OUTBUILDING.
Communications:
Minutes for the Vision Team Meetings of February 1, 1995 and March 1, 1995, from Nancy
Stroeder, Recorder, to School/Community Vision Team Members and copied to Council.
A letter dated February 24, 1995, from Cindy L. O'Hare, Remediation Project Manager for the
Department of the Navy, to City of Port Townsend Mayor, regarding the Final Remedial
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Investigation Feasibility Study for Port Hadlock/Indian Island Detachment.
A letter dated March 3, 1995, from Sandy Kienholz Project Manager for the Department of the
Navy, to City of Port Townsend Mayor, regarding activities at the Port Hadlock Detachment.
A letter dated March 7, 1995, from Joseph Placz, to City of Port Townsend, attention Judy
Erlandson, thanking all City Staff, Councilmembers and Planning Commission members for their
time and efforts in the Placz Home Occupation process and public hearing.
A letter dated March 10, 1995, from David A. Specter, Health & Human Services Director,
Developmental Disabilities Coordinator, to the Honorable John Clise, requesting the Mayor's
assistance in appointing a representative from the City of Port Townsend to the Jefferson County
Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
A document from Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington, copied to Council by
Dave Robison, Building & Community Development Director, providing an overview of the
Appearance of Fairness Doctrine as it is applied in Washington State.
A letter dated March 14, 1955, from Mayor John Clise, to Bob Peden, United Good Neighbors
(UGN), stating the City is giving up two of its contract days for the use of the McCurdy Pavilion
by the UGN for a benefit concert.
A letter dated March 10, 1995, from Ted Shoulberg, City Utilities Committee, to Leni Oimdn and
Lynn Palenshe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Department of Natural
Resources, regarding their report on the Preliminary Priority Watersheds for Restoration and
Conservation of Fish and Wildlife.
A letter dated March 15, 1995, from Dave Robison, Director, Building & Community
Development, to John Pickett, Service Activities Corporation, regarding the appeal of the City's
State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) threshold determination for the Tides Inn Motel
project, and requesting Mr. Pickett provide information previously requested, to enable staff to
proceed with review of his proposal.
This concludes the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none offered.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Bertram Levy & Roberta Butler, Variance No. 9501-05.
Staff Planner Judy Surber described the application, which proposes a variance from the zoning
code requirement of a 20 foot front setback. The applicant is asking for a 10 foot front setback.
Due to the property being located on a bluff the shorelines setback requirements limits the land
area that can be built upon, and a restrictive covenant limits the height of the building to one story.
Combining those limitations with a front setback of 20 feet effectively restricts the size of a house
to 850 square feet. The applicant's proposal of a 10 foot front setback would allow them to build
a 1400 square foot house on this land. Other houses on adjacent property already have 10 foot
setbacks, so this variance would confer no special privilege to the subject property, and this is the
minimum variance to make reasonable use of the land. The Planning Commission recommends
approval, with the condition of a shorelines exemption permit, limitation to the amount of clearing
allowed, and requiring planting of native vegetation for erosion control.
Applicant Bertram Levy spoke in favor of his application, stating that the other houses adjacent
to this land all have a 10 foot front setback, so granting this variance would make his house
consistent with the rest of the neighborhood.
Council discussed the proposal.
Councilmember Davidson made a motion to approve Findings of Fact and Conclusions of the
Planning Commission, dated March 9, 1995, Variance Application No. 9501-05, Bertram Levy
and Roberta Butler, which was seconded by Councilmember Westerman and passed unanimously
by voice vote.
Port Townsend School District//50, Street Vacation No, 9411-03,
Staff Planner Judy Surber described the applicant's proposal to vacate portions of 18th street, and
Hendricks street between the Grant Street Elementary School property and Discovery Road. In
return, the applicant proposes to convey to the City by "Warranty Deed" approximately 16,000
square feet of land along the school district's northern property line for future widening of
Discovery Road. Conditions include title insurance and warranty deed to be provided to the City
Attorney, street vacation documents to be recorded within °ne year, and restrictive covenants on
property along Discovery Road.
Councilmember Sokol made a motion to approve Findings of Fact and Conclusions of the City
Council dated March 20, 1995, Street Vacation Application No. 9411-03, Port Townsend School
District No. 50, which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously
by voice vote.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS
Land Use. Councilmember Davidson pointed out that staff is still working on the goals and
policies data previously submitted from the workgroups, and there have been no workgroup
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meetings recently to report on.
Capital Facilities. Councilmember McCulloch stated the next meeting to discuss Capital Facilities
will be a continuation of this Council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 3:30 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m., and the consultant team will be reporting the results of the Councilmembers priority
rating from the last meeting.
STANDING/ADHOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Housing and Community Services. Councilmember Perry-Thompson reported the City waste
reduction and recycling plan is being developed, and is due to be done by July.
Finance Committee. Councilmember McCulloch reported the 1996 budget calendar will be
discussed on Thursday, April 6, at 12:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Community Network Committee. Councilmember Perry-Thompson reported
this network committee is working on ways to deal with children at risk, identifying problems and
raising the awareness of the factors that lead to the problems. Councilmember Perry-Thompson
noted that she will not be able to attend the next network meeting on May 22, and has requested
that Councilmember Harpole attend in her place.
Utili .ty Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg stated that the last meeting had an agenda with 8
topics, but they only had time to get through 4 of those, so the remaining agenda items will be
carried forward to the next meeting. Councilmember Shoulberg noted the stormwater advisory
committee has prepared a draft document of stormwater policies, for public comment.
Councilmember Shoulberg reported On the success of the biosolid waste facility compost, stating
that the compost was sold out very quickly, and additional supplies of septic waste are being
sought to add to the facility's output. Mr. Shoulberg provided status on the Glen Cove area
planning process with the County, and noted that the next Utility Committee meeting is scheduled
for Tuesday, March 28, 3:00 p.m. at Council Chambers.
San Juan Avenue Irnprovement Project Technical Committee. Councilmember Westerman
reported that this committee, formed at the March 2 joint meeting of the City Council and School
Board, had its first meeting today, noting that the group in attendance provided a good cross
section of experience and philosophy. Councilmember Westerman stated that eight specific issues
were raised by Scott Walker in a letter to the City Council, and these items were discussed at this
meeting, including the speed table design, and curb radii. Councilmember Westerman made a
motion that a resolution be written in support of the speed tables, which was seconded by
Councilmember McCulloch.
Councilmember Westerman added that Mr. Walker made a request for a four-way stop sign at the
intersection of San Juan Avenue and F Street, and after discussion the committee decided that
additional research will be needed to weigh this proposal. Councilmember Westerman noted that
the current traffic level at this intersection does not warrant a four way stop by Federal standards,
so the Federal funding would not cover the cost. Ms. Westerman stated that this proposal will be
given further consideration at the meeting on April 3.
Parks. Recreation & Property, Public Works Director Bob Wheeler reported on the golf course
lease which has been discussed in detail with citizens and Steve McPherson, the current lease
holder. Mr. Wheeler stated that they are working on a refinement of the language of the lease
to cover environmental concerns, and after Assistant City Attorney Mary Winters completes the
redrafting, the lease will be brought before the Council.
Mr. Wheeler stated that the committee has determined that the Parks Commission needs to review
all requests for use of the Pope Marine building that require scheduling more than 45 days in
advance. Mr. Wheeler also reported that the committee has discussed how the Comprehensive
Plan open space, parks and trails policies fit in with the policies of this committee. The next
meeting is scheduled for March 24.
MAYOR's REPORT
Mayor John Clise mentioned the letter from David Specter, Health & Human Services Director,
who has requested a representative from Port Townsend to join the Jefferson County
Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board. After some discussion, it was decided that although
the Councilmembers are interested and do want to participate, no one has the time available now,
so Mayor Clise will repeat the request again sometime in the future.
Mayor Clise notified the Councilmembers of the upcoming Terry Group Seminar on May 24
through 26, and he asked if any of the Councilmembers were planning to attend. Councilmembers
Westerman, McCulloch and Shoulberg announced their intentions of attending.
Mayor Clise reminded Councilmembers that all out of state travel by any City employee must be
approved in advance by Council.
STAFF REPORTS
Ci_ty Administrator. Michael Hildt announced that Rob Sears, Building Official, and Jan Zimmer,
Plans Technician, have achieved certification as Non-Residential Energy Code plans examiners,
as noted in the memorandum from Dave Robison, Director of Building & Community
Development. Mr. Hildt explained a problem that arose with the new water rates billing: new
rates started on January 1 but a billing overlap from December caused overcharging when new
higher rates were charged on the whole two month bill. Mr. Hildt explained that the problem was
resolved in the most cost effective manner, and adjustments have been made to reimburse
customers.
Mr. Hildt noted that the next Public Safety Space Study meeting will be on Thursday March 30,
4:00 p.m. at the Pope Marine building, and a workshop for Councilmembers on the
Comprehensive Plan will be held on March 27, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Public Works. Director Bob Wheeler noted that he had revisions to the 1995 budget priorities
previously provided to Councilmembers, and he distributed the revised list. Mr. Wheeler reported
that a citizen work party will be installing temporary chicanes on Blaine Street to test their
effectiveness at slowing traffic, and he noted that work is planned to repair the Kah Tai
biofiltration swales. Mr. Wheeler announced the certification of Public Works department
employees John Frietas as a Cross Connection Control Specialist, and Jay Tjemsland as a Water
Distribution Manager.
Councihnember Westerman gave additional input regarding the Blaine Street chicanes, and made
a motion that the Council support the installation of the chicanes, which was seconded by
Councilmember Davidson.
Fire Department. Fire Chief Howard Scott reported that four volunteers completed the Emergency
Management System (EMS) courses, and there are now five new volunteers.
Police Department. Police Chief Jim Newton reported that he is working on a draft proposed
ordinance for emergency management for the City. Mr. Newton also provided an update on the
investigation of the shooting that occurred recently, noting that the state patrol has completed its
criminal investigation, and Internal Affairs are conducting an internal investigation to ensure all
policies were followed by officers involved. Mr. Newton stated that it will be three or four weeks
for a conclusive report on these investigations.
City Attorney's Office. City Attorney Tim McMahan reported on the bills in the legislature,
noting there is no hearing scheduled on the land use bills this week, so it is a good time to contact
legislators. Mr. McMahan stated that he will have the letter stating the City's position on House
Bill//1724 ready for the Mayor to sign soon.
There were none.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS
VOTE ON MOTIONS MADE DURING COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS
The motion regarding the resolution for support of the San Juan Avenue speed tables was passed
unanimously by voice vote.
The motion regarding support of chicanes on Blaine Street was passed by voice vote with
Councilmember Sokol abstaining.
NEW BUSINESS
A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to sign and Interagency Agreement for Installation of a
Traffic Light on Mill Road and Sims Way.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-39
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERAGENCY
AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT TOWNSEND PAPER COMPANY AND
JEFFERSON COUNTY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A TEMPORARY
TRAFFIC LIGHT AT MILL ROAD AND SIMS WAY
Public Works Director Bob Wheeler provided the background and described the need for this
resolution. Acting City Clerk Michael Hildt noted a change in the resolution title to remove
reference to the Washington State Department of Transportation, as that agency will not be a party
to this agreement.
Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-39 as amended
which was seconded by Councilmember Shoulberg and passed unanimously by voice vote.
A Resolution Authorizing Bidding and Construction of Water Projects in the Tri-Area.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-40
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
TOWNSEND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO PROCEED WITH BIDDING FOR THE CT COMPLIANCE
PROJECT
Mr. Wheeler described the need for this resolution, siting the Washington State Department of
Health requirement for Contact Time (CT) compliance. Mr. Wheeler noted a revision to add
language to item number 6, "...specifically the tie-in to the PUD 12" water line".
Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion that the council adopt Resolution No. 95-40 as
amended which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by
voice vote.
COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION
Director Bob Wheeler continued his presentation of the Public Works departmental budget
priorities for 1995, which he began at the Council meeting on March 16, 1995.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Mayor recessed the meeting into executive session at 10:10 p.m. to discuss a legal matter,
and reconvened at 10:38 p.m.
RECESS
There being no further business, at 10:39 p.m. the Mayor recessed the meeting until 3:30
p.m. on March 22, 1995.
MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED SESSION OF MARCH 20. 1995
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in continued session this Twenty-second
day of March, 1995, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, for a workshop on
the Capital Facilities Plan, Mayor John Clise presiding.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Ted Shoulberg, Julie McCulloch, Diane Perry-
Thompson, Bill Davidson, Robert Sokol, and Sheila Westerman. Staff members present were
City Administrator Michael Hildt, Administrative Assistant Pam Kolacy, Public Works
Director Bob Wheeler, Fire Chief Howard Scott, Parks Foreman Steve Corra, Police Chief
Jim Newton. Also present were consultants Randy Young and Bill Henderson of Henderson,
Young & Company, CH2M HILL staff Collette Kostelac, Capital Facilities Plan committee
member Lisa Enarson, and The Leader reporter Cynthia Riskin.
CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN WORKSHOP
Randy Young of Henderson, Young & Company discussed the results of the Council poll taken
at the March 13, 1995 meeting. Mr. Young opened by stating that there would be no
discussion regarding items on which there was obvious agreement by Councilmembers. Mr.
Young also noted that the survey was not an indication of revenue sources that would be
tapped by the Council; the purpose of this exercise was to determine which sources could be
considered if it were necessary to increase revenues to pay for selected level of service
standards. Mr. Young indicated that sources on which the Council agrees to "close the door"
will be eliminated from consideration in order to make the process simpler, and stated that the
poll has nothing to do with official pOlicy, but will provide direction for selecting future
revenue sources if needed.
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Level of service preferences were examined in the same way. Mr. Young noted that in cases
of differences of opinion, or a majority of Council falling between marks, the next step will be
to go back to the department heads and work out a solution that fits within the confines of
Council's direction.
After review and discussion of Level of Service preferences, Mr. Young reviewed the next
phase of the process, explaining that department heads will meet and reView Council
preferences, then propose capital projects geared to those preferences. Councilmember
McCulloch asked how the plan is built. Mr. Young replied that the initial draft will take costs
for prefered levels of service and restrictive revenues to see if there is a balance; when an
imbalance occurs, discrepancies will be addressed by Council.
Critical Areas Ordinance
NEW BUSINESS
Public Works Director Bob Wheeler announced that the County Planning Commission held an
initial meeting to review the Critical Areas Ordinance, and stated that no public comment was
taken at the meeting. Councilmember McCulloch noted that this was the first time the
Commission has worked with the ordinance.
Mr. Wheeler suggested that comments by the City regarding the Ordinance be prepared for the
next meeting on Tuesday, March 28. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 24, at
noon. Colette Kostelac of CH2M Hill has comments on the ordinance drafted.
Councilmember McCulloch suggested the comments be distributed to Council for review, then
to the Mayor for signature. Councilmember Shoulberg noted that even if a City representative
were allowed to speak, it would be important to present written comments for the record.
Mayor Clise noted the letter needs to be carefully written so it doesn't appear that the City is
trying to establish County policy.
RECESS
There being no further business, at 4:50 p.m., Mayor Clise recessed the meeting until
Monday, March 27, at 5:00 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED SESSION OF MARCH 20, 1995
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in continued session this Twenty-seventh
day of March, 1995, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, for a workshop on
the Comprehensive Plan Process, Mayor John Clise presiding.
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ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Julie McCulloch, Diane Perry-Thompson, Bill
Davidson, Robert Sokol, Dan Harpole and Sheila Westerman. Staff members present were
City Administrator Michael Hildt, Director of Building & Community Development Dave
Robison, and Staff Planners Eric Toews and Hal Hart.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
Staff Planner Eric Toews described the status of the Comprehensive Planning process, and
reviewed the materials distributed to the Councilmembers which illustrate the two timeline
options for completion and publication of the plan.
Councilmembers and staff discussed the timeline options, noting many important
considerations which impact the timeline for completion of the plan including: Public process;
Capital Facilities Plan progress; the effect of election discussions and level of debate; the need
to incorporate the Glen Cove Study Area and Urban Growth Area (UGA) decisions, the open
space and trails program, the non-motorized plan, the Stormwater Master Plan and the Land
Use map into the Comprehensive Plan document.
After discussion, the Council indicated its preference for a compressed Option 2 timeline with
earlier Public hearings and a schedule for Planning Commission decisions.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at 7:00 p.m., Mayor Clise adjourned the meeting.
John M. Clise, Mayor
Attest:
Acting City Clerk
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