HomeMy WebLinkAbout10161995 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 16, 1995
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this sixteenth day of October,
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, Julie McCulloch, Diane
Perry-Thompson, Ted Shoulberg, Robert Sokol, and Sheila Westerman. Also present were Acting
City Clerk Michael Hildt, City Attomey Timothy McMahan, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler,
Fire Chief Howard Scott, Library Director Linnea Patrick, and Acting Clerk Sheila Avis.
There were none
INTRODUCTIONS and/or RECOGNITIONS
AGENDA CHANGES or ADDITIONS
Letters were added to the Consent Agenda:
Resolution for Bids for an ambulance was added to New Business.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Harpole made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as ammended which was
seconded by Councilmember Sokol and passed unanimously by voice vote.
Approval of the following Bills and Claims:
010 Current Expense $ 32,528.31
094 Garbage 18,068.48
110 Street 5,008.05
120 Library 2,720.86
130 Park 4,039.74
140 Arterial Street 1,406.74
150 Hotel/Motel Transient Tax 9,250.00
170 Emergency Medical Services 1,205.04
180 Capital Improvement 13,100.32
310 92 Waste Water Treatment Plant Construction 367.12
319 95 Waste Water Comprehensive Sewer Plan 1,103.45
321 Union Wharf Reconstruction 33,807.00
330 93 Water Quality Improvements 4,354.81
371 95 San Juan Ave Improvements 21,844.55
372 95 Storm FCAAP#1 Flood Plan 12,754.00
373 95 Storm City/Port Storm Treat 510.74
374 95 WWT Plant Engineering 9,004.81
376 95 Water System Rev Bd Project 5,668.16
411 Water-Sewer 46,474.62
412 Storm and Surface Water 7,647.69
416 1956 Special Water Bond -RESERVE 2,966.22
500 Equipment Rental 15,836.59
610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 440,80
Total $ 250,108.10
Setting Hearings:
Cher DeBoehr and Geoffrey Masci, Conditional Use No. 9508-04 and Parking Variance No. 9508-
05 Hearings set for November 6, 1995.
Approval of Resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 95-111
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF
A PRE-FABRICATED OFFICE BUILDING FOR PUBLIC WORKS
OPERATIONS DIVISION.
Communications:
A letter dated October 6, 1995, from Annette Wine, Washington Cities Insurance Authority,
explaining Full Board Action I- 164 Coverage Determination. (For information.)
A letter dated October 9, 1995, from T. L. Provo, 129 Taylor Street, Apt. 213, Port Townsend, with
a complaint against Shirley Tso, Lighthouse Cafe owner. (For information.)
A letter dated October 10, 1995, from Robey Robichaux, 2800 Cliff Street, Port Townsend, Building
Department Letter of Appreciation. (For information.)
A letter dated October 11, 1995, from Mayor John Clise to Mr. Robey Robichaux thanking him for
his Building Department Letter of Appreciation. (For information.)
A memorandum dated October 11, 1995, from Bob Wheeler to City Council commending John
Merchant on his certification exam results.
A memorandum dated October 12, 1995, from Bob Wheeler to City Council regarding certification
of the Waste Water Treatment Facility Lab and commending the facility's staff.
A letter dated October 2, 1995, from Lon Hurd, Vice President/Director, 3H Cable Communications
Consultants to Summit Communications, Inc. and copied to Council, advising acceptance of
Summit's refund analysis for the City of Port Townsend.
A letter dated October 3, 1995, from Tim Caldwell, General Manager, Port Townsend Chamber of
Commerce, answering a letter from Douglas J. Allmon, Ph.D., Seattle, complaining about current
Port Townsend ordinances precluding use of"in line" skates" ("RollerBlades").
A memorandum dated October 9, 1995, from Mayor Clise to all Department Heads, outlining
reasons for not authorizing purchase of Windows 95 or software which depends on Windows 95.
A letter from Mayor Lynn Horton of Bremerton requesting support to keep the USS Missouri in
Kitsap County.
A letter dated October 12, 1995, from Mayor Clise to David L. Green, M.D., P.O. Box 251, Port
Townsend, WA 98368, thanking him for the donation of a conservation easement to Jefferson Land
Trust of all development rights on Lots 1, 2 and 3 of the Green Short Plat.
A letter dated September 25, 1995, from Ron Ramage, President Port Townsend Chamber of
Commerce to Mr. Bill Swanson, Chair, Jefferson County Community Network and copied to
Council, with a donation of $1,000 to be presented to the Main Street Program on behalf of Port
Townsend's Rotary International, Kiwanis Club, and Soroptimist International, for purchase of
building materials for Port Townsend's skateboard park.
This concludes the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no reports.
STANDING/ADHOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks. Recreation and Property_. Councilmember Harpole announced a meeting for October 26, 4:00
p.m. and said topics would include development strategy of the 35th Street Park, Kiosk update, and
Chetzemoka Park user fees. He set a Union Wharf meeting, October 31, 2:00 p.m.
Transportation. Councilmember Westerman reported the Transportation Committe met October
29th. She said discussion included recreational vehicles (RVs), use of the Haines Street Park and
Ride for RVs, how many spaces are available for them and what the City can do. She noted the
committee is coordinating with the Police Department and questioned whether or not to pursue
ordinance for RVs parking on streets downtown all year. She suggested signs indicating available
parking for RVs might be used as people enter town. She also questioned if RVs should continue
to park at the City lot and stated the City needs a level of service. She indicated Jeff and Diane will
bring these issues up at the Transit Board and have agreed for another meeting after the Transit
Board meets.
Ms. Westerman also stated she had met with residents about Blaine Street traffic concerns. She said
they proposed buying traffic calming signs, discussed the costs, and holding off requesting
ordinances until later.
Tran~port~ti0n. Councilmember Perry-Thompson reported 641 riders had used the bus service from
the park and ride during the week of the Wooden Boat Festival. She noted she had personally been
using the serivce and how well it accomodated her access to downtown.
Ms. Perry-Thompson referenced an article in the Port Townsend Leader by Mayor Clise thanking
all participants of City committees and boards. She also expressed her appreciation. She noted
upcoming television viewings of candidate forums.
Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Sokol set a meeting for Monday, October 23rd, 9:00 a.m.
Finance Committee. Councilmember McCulloch announced a meeting for Wednesday, October 18,
9:00 a.m. to review the Utility Rate Study.
Joint Utilities Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg expressed his appreciation of visiting
Attorney Steve DeJulio for his participation at a recent utilities roundtable. He highlighted the
discussion ora coordinated water system plan. He said they discovered it is not legally binding, and
that is very critical and redefines the City's service. He stated in wholesale contracts with other
entities, they do not have to renew after the contract expires. He also pointed out a utility may
declare a moritorium.
He announced the next committee meeting Wednesday, October 18, 9:00 a.m., Public Works
Department.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor John Clise reported the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) prepared an analysis of the
University of Washington study of costs if Referendum 48 is enacted. He noted the analysis
indicates the most conservative impact to Port Townsend is a low of $322,000 and a high of
$529,825.
The mayor referenced a 3-H Cable Communications Consultants letter to Summit Communications,
Inc. announcing a payback for cable subscribers in Port Townsend. He thanked Councilmember
Shouldberg's role in achieving the refund for City subscribers and noted the County did not get
involved and did not get a payback for the other County subscribers. He distributed 1996 Utility
Rate Increases and pointed out they are very close to the proposed budget. He announced the
Finance Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 18, to review utility rates, and the City Council
Public Hearing of proposed utility rate and fee adjustments for 1996 Tuesday, November 7, 7:00
p.m. City Council Special Hearings were also reported for Wednesday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. for
proposed 1996 expenditures, except Public Works; Thursday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. for proposed
1996 Public Works Expenditures; and Monday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. for preliminary adjustments
to the proposed 1996 budget and ordinance setting 1996 tax levies.
Mayor Clise also discussed a letter from Bremerton Mayor Lynn Horton requesting support to keep
the USS Missouri in Kitsap County. Councilmember Sokol stated he supports the resolution
proposed by Bremerton. A resolution will be prepared for Council for their next meeting.
The Mayor mentioned the content of other letters:
North Postal Loan Board. Requested anyone interested to notify him.
Rev. Ironson regarding Downtown issues. Said he had some interesting concepts.
He also reported a Trade Exposition for Pacific Northwest Wood Products January
in the Tacoma Dome to assist trade expansion. He noted a meeting scheduled December 8, 10:00
to 12:00 noon and asked if any Councilmember wished to be on the committee. Councilmember
Shoulberg responded affirmatively.
STAFF REPORTS
Building & Community Development. City Attorney McMahan reported Director Dave Robison
was attending a planning conference in Bellevue, but things were going well in his department. Mr.
McMahan indicated he would conclude Staff Reports with his report on Initiative 164 as it relates
to Referendum 48.
Acting City_ Clerk: Michael Hildt stated the State Insurance Board passed their Preliminary Budget
October 13. He said they have excluded coverage for anything from Initiative 164, and he noted if
it becomes law and the City faces a claim or law suit they do not have insurance coverage. He said
in the event of a successful claim, the City of Port Townsend and rate payers are exposed; he stated
the numbers are large and unpredictable.
Public Works: Director Bob Wheeler acknowledged John Merchant for successfully passing the
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification with excellent scores and at a higher level than
the Wastewater Facility. He also noted the certification of the Wastewater Treatment Facility lab.
Mr. Wheeler stated the Castellano area of the San Juan Avenue Project will be done within
approximately a week and noted street crews had been delayed in working on other street projects.
He indicated work will be starting on catch basins to handle storm water run off.
Discussion ensued regarding contractors tapping into water lines and causing contamination.
Library_. Director Linnea Patrick noted tidy grounds at the Library due to a group of volunteers,
including two professional landscapers, who gathered October 7 to weed and trim. She reported
attendance at two library conferences.
City's Attorney Office. Attorney McMahan gave a detailed, factual account of the impact to the City
of Port Townsend by Referendum 48 of Washington Initiative 164, referring specificially to Sections
3, 4, 5 and 6. He noted his office is preparing proposals for the City to adopt regarding limiting use
of property (Section 5); costs (economic assessments against developers); and inclusion of thresholds
and boundaries. He noted this as afirst cut of the process.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS
Mayor Clise opened the meeting for Public Comments/Questions.
Ms. Katherine Jenks asked City Attorney McMahan regarding Referendum 48, if state legislators
were enlightened by legal advisors and advised not to pass the referendum, and if they had been
made aware of the burden to taxpayers, could they be held accountable? Mr. McMahan pointed out
it is a matter of interpretation, and the Legislature should be cautious.
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.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2481
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING
CHAPTER 17.50, SECTION 060(E), FREESTANDING SIGNS, AND SECTION
070(F), EXEMPTIONS, POLITICAL SIGNS, OF THE PORT TOWNSEND
MUNICIPAL CODE.
Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Westerman made a motion that the first
reading be considered the second and the third be by title only which was seconded by
Councilmember Sokol and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance
by title.
Councilmember McCulloch pointed out this had been discussed at the last Council meeting.
Councilmember Westerman made a mOtion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 248 lwhich was
seconded by Councilmember Sokol and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2482
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING SECTION
2.64.050, BEREAVEMENT LEAVE, OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL
CODE TO INCLUDE STEPPARENTS.
Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the first reading be
considered the second and the third be by title only which was seconded by Councilmember Perry-
Thompson and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the ordinance by title.
Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2482 which was
seconded by Councilmember Perry-Thompson and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2483
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING
CHAPTER 19.05, ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, SECTION 020,
DEFINITION OF "WETLANDS," OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL
CODE.
Mr. Hildt read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Perry-Thompson made a motion that the first
reading be considered the second and the third be by title only which was seconded by
Councilmember Davidson and passed unanimously by voice vote. Mr. Hildt again read the
ordinance by title.
Councilmember Perry-Thompson made a motion that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 2483 which
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was seconded by Councilmember Davidson and after a brief discussion passed by roll call vote of
six in favor with Councilmember Shoulberg absent for the vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-112
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A RENTAL OFFICE SPACE
AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT TOWNSEND SCHOOL DISTRICT IN
EXCHANGE FOR IN-KIND SERVICES.
Mr. Bob McCreery, Public Works, explained the resolution.
Councilmember Sokol made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-112 which was
seconded by Councilmember McCulloch and passed unanimously by voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 95-113
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO REJECT ALL BIDS FOR AN AMBULANCE
FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND TO RE-BID THE PURCHASE.
Mr. Hildt explained the resolution. Fire Chief Scott explained that various items were
inappropriately bid in the original ambulance bid and could be purchased more conservatively. He
requested that funds be reserved and rebidding withheld until 1996.
Councilmember Davidson made a motion that the Council adopt Resolution No. 95-113 and allow
the Mayor to authorize separate additives which was seconded by Councilmember Westerman and
passed unanimously by voice vote.
COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION
Councilmember Shoulberg asked regarding the value of the trailer bid for Public Works Operations
Department from the Consent Agenda. A brief discussion followed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at 9:12 p.m., Mayor Clise adjourned the meeting.
Acting City Clerk