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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08211995 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF AUGUST 21, 1995 ' The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this 21 st day of August, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor John M. Clise presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Bill Davidson, Dan Harpole, Diane Perry-Thompson, Ted Shoulberg, Robert Sokol, and Sheila Westerman. Also present were Acting City Clerk Michael Hildt, Police Chief Jim Newton, City Attorney Timothy McMahan, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler, Director of Building & Community Development Dave Robison, City Engineer Randy Brackett, Library Director Linnea Patrick, Fire Chief Howard Scott, and Acting Clerk Sheila Avis. INTRODUCTIONS and/or RECOGNITIONS There were none. AGENDA CHANGES or ADDITIONS Resolution Authorizing Contract with Polaris Engineering to Perform a Topographic Survey for the Water Pipeline to the Transfer Station and Compost Facility was removed from the Consent Agenda. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Townsend Authorizing the Mayor to Bid for an Ambulance for the Fire Department was added to New Business. Saran St Vacation 9311-06 (for information) dated August 3, 1995, Richard Sepler, was removed from Channelling Communications in the Consent Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Harpole made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda which was seconded by Councilmember Davidson and passed unanimously by voice vote. Approval of the following Bills and Claims: 010 Current Expense $ 22,034.39 094 Garbage 39,675.90 110 Street 592.00 120 Library 6,881.04 130 Park 4,699.26 170 Emergency Medical Services 608.55 180 Capital Improvement 12,896.25 190 Community Development Block Grant 26,962.00 310 92 Waste Water Treatment Plant Construction 997.32 312 95 WW Secondary Treatment Plant 550.67 330 93 Water Quality Improvements 2,787.51 371 95 San Juan Ave Improvements 17,818.40 372 95 Storm FCAAP#1 Flood Plan 15.00 376 95 Water System Rev Bd Project 66,299.45 411 Water-Sewer 61,930.07 412 Storm and Surface Water 3,522.40 416 1956 Special Water Bond -RESERVE 3,217.49 500 Equipment Rental 12,393.98 610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 827.90 Total $ 284,709.58 Setting Hearings: Variance Application 9507-05 -St Herman of Alaska Eastern Orthodox Church for 9-5-95 Approval of Out-of-State Travel: Out-of-State travel for Officer Craig Lohner to attend Interrogation and Interview Training in the State of Oregon, August 28-31. Communications: Summary of Vision Team Meeting of June 29, 1995, from Nancy Stroeder, Recorder. (For information) Draft minutes of the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board of June 8, 1995, and agenda for July 27th meeting from David A. Specter, July 18, 1995. (For information) Port Townsend Public Library Board Report for 1994-1995. (For information) Letter of invitation dated August 7, 1995, from Glen Huntingford, Chairman, Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to participate in an open forum regarding the Big Quilcene River on August 30 at the Quilcene High School Cafeteria. (For information) Letter dated August 8, 1995, to Mayor John Clise from Dom Campbell, 1009 22nd Street, documenting in writing Mr. Campbell's comments at the City Council meeting of August 7. (For information) 2 Letter dated August 10, 1995, to Mr. John Tuohael, 305 R. Street, from Director, Building and Community Development Dave Robison, thanking Mr. Tuohael on behalf of the City of Port Townsend for his girl of the Book, "The Architecture of Affordable Housing". (For information) Letter of concern dated August 13, 1995, from Sally McDole, P.O. Box 517, regarding junk vehicles. (For information) This concludes the Consent Agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Bob Harper showed a plaque made for the Haller Fountain by Kiwanis Club naming citizens who contributed to the fountain refurbishment. He noted signage regulations and indicated they had been working with Councilmember Harpole through the Parks and Recreation Committee. He cited many other buildings and items throughout town named after citizens and asked that placing this plaque on Hailer Fountain be allowed. Mr. David Wren spoke to limitations with the Police Department facility and issues in funding a new building including disclosing interest on loans. He referred to problems he perceived with the Police Department's telephone system and offered information on computers. Mr. Eric Anderson reported for the Economic Development Council (EDC) and presented the Mid- Year Activity Report, January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1995. He discussed the Summary of Port Townsend Responses to the 1995 Jefferson County Business Survey made by EDC and distributed their Business Resource Center brochure. Mr. Robert Tsai discussed issues concerning his mother's business, the Lighthouse Cafe. He stated he is a law student and articulated her frustrations with transients obstmcting her premises. He stated he had discussions with Councilmembers McCulloch and Sokol and with Mainstreet personnel and suggested some changes. Mayor Clise stated Chief Newton will be reporting on this same issue and also suggested he get together with Councilmember Sokol and his committee. Ms. Sherry Robison, Executive Director of Mainstreet, reported they developed a survey and had met with young people at the Boiler Room kitchen sharing common views of Downtown, identifying it as everyones' neighborhood. They are forming a group of young people to train other kids what is unacceptable behavior and how it affects business owners, other kids and citizens. She suggested funding the Boiler Room for kids to work with this program. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS Glue and String Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg commended Councilmember Harpole on the Committee's excellent Comprehensive Plan video. Mr. Harpole thanked the City staff and Mark Welch for their assistance. Dave Robison said the video is being well received and well used. STANDING/ADHOC COMMITTEE REPORTS Public Safe _ty Committee. Councilmember Sokol answered Kathleen Jackson's requests of last Council meeting regarding the Public Safety Facility. Mr. Blackstone was out of state and Mr. Sokol was unable to determine when the final plan would be complete; he outlined some interim needs. He stated a draft list and map of city property has been prepared and also stated there is a soils atlas for liquefaction. Mr. Sokol met August 20th with business owners at their request to discuss problems in the downtown area. He referred to a letter Sheriff Piccini put together addressing trespass issues for merchants in the Hadlock area. He also noted an Interlocal Agreement of all Fire Departments in the County Fire District, Police Departments, and the Sheriffs Department for arson investigation. Mr. Sokol raised the issue of City purchase of Opticom emitters to control traffic lights for emergency vehicles and the 3M offer which will expire the end of September. He made a motion to approve the purchase of 6 emitters (plus 3 at no cost, totalling 9) for the price quoted of approximately $11,825.84 from any of the following sources:- 1995 contingency fund, 1996 budget, or a 3M purchase plan for up to 3 months; and pay for installation at two traffic lights, SR 20 at Keamey Street and at the ferry terminal. Councilmember Harpole seconded the motion. Councilmember Shoulberg referred to a spirited discussion in the Finance Committee regarding budget shortfalls and in the absence of the chairman of the Finance Committee requested the matter be rescheduled for discussion with the Finance Committee. The motion and second were withdrawn and a Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for September 5th. Swac Swap. Councilmember Perry-Thompson stated a Moderate Waste Facility has been opened at the port. It has been established as a reuse store for paint and motor oil to be recycled. Ms. Perry-Thompson reported due to scheduling conflicts she can longer attend the Library Board meetings. Councilmember Harpole volunteered for August 28, and Councilmember Sokol for September. Housing and Services Committee: Councilmember Perry-Thompson said she and Councilmember Westerman met with the consultant regarding yard waste being taken to the biosolids composting facility and noted the City is surpassing the County in composting. Councilmember Westerman stated we now will be able to determine if we are improving or staying the same. She indicated the State will be checking and this information will be needed. Vision Team. Cotmcilmember Westerman pointed out the Vision Team Report includes its Vision 4 Statement and their wish to schedule a meeting with the City Council and School Board regarding Community Vision and how they might participate in it. She brought attention to the minutes of the Developmental Disabilities Board. Joint Utilities Committee--Councilmember Shoulberg scheduled a meeting for September 11 at noon in the Public Works Department Finance Committee: Councilmember Shoulberg reported for Councilmember McCulloch who is attending the State Transportation Committee. He said at their last meeting they discussed revenue estimates, Emergency Medical Services revenue shortfall and methods of correction, the Historical Society location proposal, and ambulance funding including a resolution to be presented to the Council tonight. Parks. Recreation and Property. Councilmember Harpole stated the matter of the Kiwanis plaque for the Haller Fountain was recommended to Council to clarify issues of signage. He indicated Phase 3 of the Haller Fountain addresses signage, paving and benches, and suggested an historic overview and discussion of the Fountain rebuild be incorporated into the signage of Phase 3. Councilmember Harpole made a motion to receive the plaque from the Kiwanis and incorporate it into signage in Phase 3. Councilmember Davidson seconded the motion. After discussion regarding interim solutions the motion and second were withdrawn and the matter referred to the Parks and Recreation Committee for further consideration. Mr. Harpole announced a meeting Thursday, August 24th at noon for 90% review of Union Wharf and invited the public. He reported they were still waiting to hear from the State regarding the 35th Street Park. He stated a number of donations are coming in for the skateboard park, both money and labor, to construct high quality ramps. He noted money donations could be made in care of Mainstreet; to volunteer labor contact Bobby McCarrik. He announced another Parks and Recreation meeting September 7th 3:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss moorage buoys, water fountains at the skateboard site, Kiosks, 35th Street Park and a contract with the School District. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor John Clise announced to Councilmembers Congressman Dicks would be meeting in a roundtable for community leaders tomorrow, 4:00 p.m. in the Community Center. STAFF REPORTS Police Department. Police Chief Newton reported he will be in Active Duty Training and attending the same course at military expense Officer Craig Lohner will be attending. He added they were 5 allowed the second person at a greatly reduced fee. Mr. Newton addressed Mr. Wren's comments regarding computer needs for the Police Department clarifying the need is for $20,000 Record Management System software. He stated the County will assume additional expenses. He also indicated the City and County phone systems were not expected to be sufficient, but 911 or emergency calls will not be affected. His answer to the question if slow response was related to the phones was that the only communication delays would be in contacting the office with questions. Chief Newton discussed the increase in violations of the law downtown and problems with local residents, tourists and kids. He stated the department's position is to give a warning the first incident and subsequently zero tolerance. He noted the officer often does not see the violation and that the complaining party must be willing to go to court to testify. He stated that his department might not be able to fund the 5-day per week foot patrol another year since drug seizure funding now being used will not be available. He stated the department is funded for 12 officers; they now have 9 and are trying to fill the other 3 positions. He said ferry staging is also taking other volunteer help away. Discussion ensued. Fire Department, Fire Chief Scott thanked Councilmember Sokol for his participation in the Fire Departments Interlocal Agreement for anti-arson proposals and indicated the County Commissioners will be signing them. He reported a regional arson investigation is underway. Library.. Director Linnea Patrick said she had good news about kids. She reported many library activities including 1,279 contacts with kids in the Summer Children's Program. Public Works. Director Bob Wheeler said bicycle lanes on 19th Street had been painted and were being used on a trial basis. He reported Hastings and Tyler Streets chip and seal with weather provisions. He told of a recent sewer line problem at Memorial Park resulting from a root and expressed concerns for other aging infrastructure. He deferred discussion on status of the San Juan Avenue project until City Engineer Randy Brackett's retum from the Port Townsend School Board Meeting. Attome?s Office. City Attomey McMahan said he would be discussing the Downtown trespass and behavior issues with Attorney Keith Harper. Building and Community_ Development. Director Dave Robison reported demolition at Union Wharf could begin in October. He responded to a letter from Sally McDole regarding junk vehicles that their order of priorities precluded enforcement issues at this time. He suggested proceeding with zoning codes in the Comprehensive Plan to clarify the problem. Finance Department. City Administrator Hildt said a recently installed receipt accounting system is working very well and has increased efficiency. He said he had met with Fire Chief Newton for 6 a proposed budget item to come before Council of a possible interim lease over the next several years for the Police Department. He reported he and Councilmember McCulloch met with Jefferson County personnel for Regional Services negotiations, that they are going well and expect early conclusions. PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Ms Katherine Jenks announced Utilities Committee meetings August 25th and September 1 st. She also expressed concern regarding the issue of enforcement of not only the Uniform Building Code but also environmental ordinances and mitigation of those ordinances. Ms Julie Cochran, observing as candidate for City Councilmember, questioned if anyone is looking for grant monies. Mayor Clise replied that grant money is drying up but various departments are doing well seeking grants. She also stated most people do not know that the lanes marked on 19th Street are for bicycles and suggested outlining it in the Port Townsend Leader. She then spoke to the issue of Robert Tsai appealing for his mother for Council assistance in controlling the sidewalks at the Lighthouse Cafe. VOTE ON MOTIONS MADE DURING COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS Mayor Clise opened the meeting to the Public for comment on the motions made by Council during the Committee/Staff reports. There being none, Mayor Clise closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting. There was none. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 95-97 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR A LOAN OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT 7 FUNDS PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 88-58 OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND. Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-97 which was seconded by Councilmember Shoulberg and passed unanimously by voice vote after a brief discussion. RESOLUTION NO. 95-98 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT TOWNSEND SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE CITY USE OF THE POOL FOR THE RECREATION PROGRAM. Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-98 which was seconded by Councilmember Harpole and passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 95-99 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO BID FOR AN AMBULANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Councilmember Shoulberg made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-99 which was seconded by Councilmember Sokol and passed unanimously by voice vote. COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilmember Perry-Thompson stated regarding disposal of junk vehicles that if you have the registration to a car you can get it hauled. Discussion followed regarding perceptions of junk, and enforcement policies. It was agreed that due to the complexity of the issue further consideration was needed before a policy could be enacted. City Engineer Brackett reported on discussion with the Port Townsend School Board of the eight segments for interim San Juan Avenue Pedestrian Facilities improvements and other incidental improvements. He delineated the following five priorities for interim improvements made by the Public Works Staff: 1) 2) 3) Construct the southern segment of the East Side Walkway (Item No. 1). Construct the West Side Pathway Segment (Item No. 4). Construct the northern segment of the West Side Trail Improvements (Item No. 8). 8 4) 5) Public Works and the School District monitor the use of the pedestrian access from Discovery Street area and possibly make trail improvements according to Item No. 6. Construct the northern segment of the East Side Walkway (Item No. 2). Councilmember Westerman made a motion to support priorities 1, 2, and 3. Councilmember Sokol seconded the motion. After discussion, the motion was passed unanimously EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Clise recessed the meeting into Executive Session to discuss Labor Negotiations and Property Acquisition including Randy Brackett, Dave Robison, and Michael Hildt. The meeting was reconvened at 11:03 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 11:03 p.m., Mayor Clise adjoumed the meeting. 9