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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01061997 . '. . PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 06, 1997 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this sixth day of January, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Julie McCulloch presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at Roll Call were Bill Davidson, Diane Perry-Thompson, Ted Shoulberg, Ian Keith, Kathryn Jenks and Jean Camfield. Also present were City Clerk Pam Kolacy, City Administrator Michael Hildt, Police Chief Jim Newton, City Attorney Timothy McMahan, Director of Public Works Bob Wheeler, Library Director Linnea Patrick, and Assistant Fire Chief Tom Aumock. INTRODUCTIONS and/or RECOGNITIONS Prf)clamation Mayor McCulloch proclaimed January as School Board Recognition Month in Port Townsend urging all citizens to join her in the special observance. PRIORITY PRESENTATION Police Chief Newton introduced Conner Daily as the new Police Sergeant effective January 1 and also members of his family. Public Works Director Wheeler introduced Dave Peterson, the new City Engineer, and noted he comes from CH2M Hill with much experience in engineering work for the City. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Item I, Resolution 97-04, was added to the Consent Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Davidson made a motion to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda which was seconded by Councilmember Camfield and passed unanimously by voice vote. Approval of Bills and Claims: City Council Meeting Page 1 January 6, 1997 . Period 13 010 Current Expense $ 26,604.00 094 Garbage 35,855.33 110 Street 1,962.61 120 Library 4,295.24 130 Park 4,417.47 180 Capital Improvement 62,362.70 190 Community Development Block Grant 19,500.00 411 Water-Sewer 68,271.35 412 Storm and Surface Water 17,814.57 500 Equipment Rental 16,118.99 610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 208.51 Total $ 257, 410.77 Period 14 010 Current Expense $ 55,7989.41 094 Garbage 231.64 120 Library 21,263.55 130 Park 1,097.19 150 Hotel/Motel Transient Tax 2,036.88 . 411 Water-Sewer 73,963.65 412 Storm and Surface Water 7,427.05 500 Equipment Rental 129.00 610 Firemen's Pension and Relief 170.1 0 Total $ 162,117.47 Approval of Appointment: Mr. John Ebner, Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board; term expires November 15, 1999. RESOLUTION NO. 97-01 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND TO SIGN A 1997 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT TOWNSEND CIVIC TRUST ("THE TRUST") IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,000 Out of State Travel For Marel Harstad to attend a one-day seminar in Portland, Oregon, January 30, 1997, at a cost of $50.00 for the seminar. . City Council Meeting Page 2 January 6, 1997 . . . RESOLUTION NO. 97-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE MA YOR TO SIGN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA 14) WITH CH2M HILL FOR PREPARATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE SEWER PLAN. RESOLUTION NO. 97-03 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY REGARDING THE STATE REVOLVING FUND RESOLUTION NO. 97-04 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT JOHNSTON REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF LAND IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO ISSUE WARRANTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT Communications: A letter dated December 15, 1996, from Dan Harbin, Port Townsend, opposing the location of San Juan and 19th Street for a Public Safety Facility. (To Public Safety Committee.) An article dated December 23, 1996, from Mayor McCulloch to Council on "Getting the Job Done with Fewer Dollars." (For information.) A letter dated December 21, 1996, from Mr. Earnest Callahan, 1071 Landes Ct. Port Townsend, and letter of reply dated December 23, 1996, from Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Aumock regarding alleged burning of banned materials as part of a training burn at the Port of Port Townsend December 21, 1996. (For information.) A letter of appreciation dated December 26, 1996, from Captain P. C. Yolk, U. S. Coast Guard Group Commander, commending the initiative and professionalism of the crew of Port Townsend Fire Department's Marine One in its recent assistance of a sinking vessel. (For information.) A memorandum dated December 31, 1996, from City Administrator Michael Hildt to Council outlining pre-employment inquiry guidelines. Status Reports of Building Permits and Land Use dated December 31, 1996, from BCD Trish Martin to Council and Planning Commission. (For information.) A memorandum dated January 2, 1997, from Mayor Julie McCulloch to Council regarding charges for leaked water. (For information.) This concludes the Consent Agenda. City Council Meeting Page 3 January 6, 1997 . PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. STANDING/ADHOC COMMITTEE REPORTS . Finance Committee. Councilmember Davidson January 2, 1997 Discussion items: J> Tourism Advisory Group (TAG) 1996 Community Request Fund. Requests were unanimously approved as presented by Chair Sheri Robison within the guidelines and dollar amount that can be authorized by the Finance Committee: 1) Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. Informational packet for Learning Opportunities For Thinkers (LOFT); pamphlet entitled "Kid's Eye View of Port Townsend and Jefferson County and Its History" to be distributed statewide upon student request. Approved $500 toward the approximately $3,400 project for 1,000 pamphlets. 2) Centrum. February 1997 mid-winter festival "Heat Wave, Port Townsend" replaces the Winter Hot Jazz Program and will include a musical theme, literary component, fine arts exhibit, artists and schools and a public participatory event. Approved $3,800 toward the $37,500 project. J> Funding interim police facility as requested by Councilmember Jenks. Discussions to continue to determine outside funding with focus on the following: 1) Recommendation of a project manager; 2) Recommendation of a preliminary scope for the interim police facility project; additional consideration to include sufficient funding to enable the City to perform structural stability repairs for the library which sustained substantial damage in the recent storm, for City Hall, and to rehabilitate the existing police facility after it is vacated to alleviate space constraints for other City departments. 3) Recommendation of securing a structural engineer, if needed for structural repairs. Set meeting -- January 9, 1997,4:00 p.m. Agenda: Continue discussion of Public Safety Facility MOTION Davidson To continue discussion focusing on the following three tasks: 1) recommendation of a project manager; 2) recommendation of a preliminary project scope to include the interim police facility, structural repairs to the library and City Hall, and rehabilitation for existing police facility for use by other City departments; and, 3) recommendation of a structural engineer in the event the scope requires structural repairs. . SECOND Keith Discussion: Shoulberg considered this motion out of order because of three different topics. The Mayor explained this as an exploratory phase; Davidson said it was one agenda item and one subject of that meeting and feels one motion could cover all ofthe things included; Camfield considered it City Council Meeting Page 4 January 6, 1997 . . . a continuation of a study. Friendly Amendment made by Jenks: Also approve recommendations as presented by the Public Safety Committee to Council December 2, 1996. Discussion: Davidson thinks Jenks' amendment is appropriate as a second motion. Keith said the items are all interrelated and need to be narrowed down as part of the whole project. The Mayor reminded there will be another opportunity for recommendation; would like Council support in recommending a Program Manager and Scope of Work. Shoulberg asked if going for bond funding is part ofthis? Davidson said part of this discussion, but a separate motion. VOTE After next Public Comment Period Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SW AC). Councilmember Perry-Thompson Reported: ~ She will be part of a sub-committee working to revise the 1997 County Solid Waste Management Plan and projected she will be able to incorporate the City's Plan into it. ~ Read local public school recycling statistics from Waste Watcher, mailing from the City of Port Townsend and Skookum. Utilitie~ Committee. Councilmember Shoulberg December 18, 1996 Discussion items: ~ Port Townsend Comprehensive Sewer Plan. Committee agreed unanimously to recommend to Council to go forward with the project of planning and analysis ofthe old and deteriorating water and sewer infrastructure and how to upgrade to meet needs of community growth. The Sewer Plan will cost $212,000 -- $0 interest State loan funds are available (repayment $40,000/year over 5 years, not to begin for 1 year after borrowed). Passed on tonight's Consent Agenda. Set meeting -- January 13, 1997, 1:30 p.m., Public Works Agenda: Stormwater, etc. Transpoxtation. Councilmember Camfield Set meeting -- January 15, 1997,4:30 p.m., Council Chambers. Agenda: Combined recommendation from Council and other entities to Washington State Ferries Open House, January 28, 1997,4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Pope Marine Building MAYOR'S REPORT Invitation to Mayor ofIshikawa Town Mayor McCulloch noted the draft letter addressed to the Mayor of Ishikawa Town in Japan inviting him and his delegates to visit Port Townsend and to continue consideration of starting a sister city relationship. She said the letter was drafted following the meeting with the School Board for the presentation of this program and said the letter will be sent if there is a motion from the Council to approve it. City Council Meeting Page 5 January 6, 1997 . . . MOTION Shoulberg Send the letter of invitation to the Mayor of Ishikawa Town in Japan to visit Port Townsend in May SECOND VOTE Camfield To be taken at next Public Comment Period The Mayor reported the following: Þ> Although the recent storm did damage locally, Port Townsend sustained less damage than many surrounding neighbors. She thanked all City employees, especially the Public Works employees, who spent many long shifts, keeping the people of Port Townsend safe as possible; she also thanked employees from the Fire and Police Departments who assisted and sacrificed holiday time. She urged citizens to also thank those who worked so hard during the crisis. It was noted volunteer fire fighters and citizens also assisted in the crisis. > The Mayor's office will be sponsoring a student through the high school mentorship program beginning the first of February and going through May. > Requested avoiding setting meetings on Fridays to allow a day of uninterruption to increase productivity. > Announced the Council Retreat in the Seminar Room at Fort Wordon, January 24, 1997,8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. She noted they are exploring a facilitated retreat and said she and Councilmember Camfield are meeting with Mr. Cary Bozeman from the Institute for Public Service. She said Mr. Bozeman comes highly recommended, has been both a council member and a mayor and currently works with local governments in achieving maximum effectiveness. She also written comments from each Councilmember addressing what they would like to consider at their retreat. Councilmember Shoulberg suggested before hiring a facilitator they should examine using a local facilitator. > Reiterated the Ferry System will be having an Open House to discuss future services. > Discussed the memorandum regarding leaked water. She said that although leaked water does cost the City money, she feels there needs to be a fair and equitable policy for the unexpected plumbing failures. She will discuss with appropriate staff members and come back with a recommendation within 2 to 4 weeks. Councilmember Shoulberg requested the matter be presented to the Utility Committee January 13th. > Suggested Public Comment at this time and a vote following on the Ishikawa Town motion. PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Mayor McCulloch opened the meeting for Public Comments/Questions. Councilmember Camfield suggested this would be an appropriate time for anyone wishing to speak regarding candidates for the Councilmember vacancy. There being no comment, Mayor McCulloch closed the Public Comment/Questions portion of the meeting. VOTE ON MOTIONS MADE DURING COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS Mayor McCulloch opened the meeting to the Public for comment on the motions made by Council during the Committee/Mayor reports. City Council Meeting Page 6 January 6, 1997 . . . MOTION VOTE Continuation of Public Safety Facility Study and Recommendations Unanimous, 6 in favor MOTION VOTE Send the letter of invitation to the Mayor of Ishikawa Town Japan Unanimous, 6 in favor NEW BUSINESS Interviews. Deliberations and Appointment of New Ç<;mncil Member: Council President Camfield opened interviews. Candidates: James A. De Leo Jeff Frettingham Robert Gibbeau Mitchell A. Poling Forrest Rambo Mark Welch At the conclusion, Mayor McCulloch commended the candidates and their representation of the community, thanked them for their time and interest and urged each to be active participants in the community. Councilmembers each individually indicated their preference for Mark Welch to fill the Council vacancy. MOTION Davidson Appoint Mark Welch to the vacant position on the City Council by acclamation, since it is a unanimous preference. SECOND Shoulberg VOTE Unanimous, 6 in favor Mark Welch accepted the appointment and asked all the other candidates to stay involved and use their abilities to serve the City. Mayor McCulloch noted the oath of office would take place at the next Council Meeting January 21, 1997, due to the Monday holiday on January 20th. Ms. Camfield thanked all the candidates and also urged them to stay involved in the community, on committees and commissions. STAFF REPORTS City Attorney's Office: City Attorney McMahan ~ Reported his office has been occupied with the City's defense of the Comprehensive Plan appeal by Jefferson County Homebuilders Assoc. He stated that the most recently filed briefs are City Council Meeting Page 7 January 6, 1997 . . . available at the Building & Community Development Dept. counter. Þ> Quoted from an article entitled BfA W Breaks New Legal Ground in the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIA W) monthly newsletter. The article was written by the Homebuilders' Assoc. attorney and states that the BIA W is "actively seeking in supporting legal cases that will set valuable precedent for Washington builders." McMahan said it is apparent Jefferson County and Port Townsend have been picked by the BIA W as a battleground for this agenda regarding the Growth Management Act. Public Works: Director Bob Wheeler 1. Hearing date for the Water Master Plan reset for February 18 Council Meeting from February 3. 2. Reported American Public Works Association is putting on a satellite beamed Telecommunications Act Conference for Cities, and they are looking into having it brought into the WSU Extension in Port Hadlock. 3. Storm. (Called it a 100 year event by his estimation) -- Snow; then THE SNOW; unprecendented temperatures for melt-off; very heavy rain. The City exceeded in this storm what this city and other cities had reasonably decided to regulate for. Þ> Likened it to Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) training at Emmettsburg, but this time it was real. Þ> Said the City has put a lot of money into infrastructure. He noted there had been a lot of storm drainage facilities and improvements built over the last 5 to 10 years that have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. He heard no complaints about 14th and McPherson, Discovery, or portions of Cook Avenue. They heard some complaints from Umatilla, but reported most of that functioned pretty well. He said many systems functioned very well in a storm that was higher than they would have predicted, and at 14th and McPherson the drainage system worked perfectly. Other systems were not working 100%, but still operating -- there was some damage on 16th from Sheridan to Kah Tai Lagoon, a system done 4 to 5 years ago with less capacity than desired, but handled the tremendous flow quite well, as in other areas. Þ> Due to wind warnings evening of December 31, they planned one crew person to keep culverts open and to monitor systems, but ended up pulling everyone in. They established a Public Works central response station, and the Fire Dept. Worked out of the Fire Station, with access to police cellular phones. Public Works headquarters was able to prioritize, assess resources and get them out to appropriate areas; the system worked very well for them. He spoke of phenomenal team work and community spirit and noted volunteers filled sand bags. Councilmember Shoulberg asked regarding the Olympic Gravity Water System (OGWS); Wheeler said it was determined there were not dire needs, but there were 20 to 30 feet of exposed hanging pipe. Þ> December 26 through 29 snow crews worked, but with insufficient equipment. Þ> December 30 worked with BCD and Safeway with their roof; closed Water Street due to erosion from bluff; cleared Washington Street drainage. Þ> December 31 everyone called in for: the Water Street bluff and street closure; 16th and Gise; Sheridan; Sims Way; OGWS; sewer backups, Gaines Street pump station blockage undo for discharge to the bay, and overflows. City Council Meeting January 6, 1997 Page 8 . . . ,. January 1, Jim Engle kept all-night vigil. ,. January 2, met at 9:00 a.m. to assess needs. ,. Lessons Learned: Command center and Emergency Management Plan as recently approved is necessary--worked quite well for Public Works in addressing issues; call in resources when needed--volunteer Fire personnel, etc.; learn to be self sufficient as a community; importance of keeping at least one grocery store open; team work; savings of hundreds ofthousands of dollars from various storm water projects; sanitary system problems still need to be addressed; survived slope stability quite well for such an event; equipment needs; recovery will take time and long term types of things still needed to be worked on; education in the community and role they can play. ,. Noted that the S curves on Sims Way are also being repaired. Councilmember Shoulberg noted that even prior to the storms there was a broken water main and the crews were working making repairs in the freezing weather up to their knees in cold water, late into the night. He said they need more than thanks. Suggestions included individual letters, and a proclamation. City Administrator's.. Office: City Administrator Hildt ,. Commended the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for their dedication and cooperation, their expertise and ability to make decisions, and their personal attitudes during the crisis. ,. Noted the good service from the insurance adjustor who met with them Thursday and Monday. ,. Insurance Authority reported they reviewed the City's progress in 1996, that the City has met their obligations under the compact, and they will stay in the lower risk pool. He expressed special thanks to Public Works Operation Manager Charlie Simpson who revitalized the hazard communication program required for employee handling of hazardous materials. ,. Stated that even thought the Comprehensive Plan appeal has taken excessive time, the schedule for completing implementation regulations is moving ahead on schedule with work proceeding on the zoning, subdivision, Planned Unit Developments, multi-family building design standards and Public Works design standards. He distributed and discussed the draft schedule of public hearings and meetings which will result in having enough regulations in place to meet the deadline for the Public Works Trust Fund. Councilmember Shoulberg said since it is legislative direction he wants to have drafts before they go to the Planning Commission. Attorney McMahan said that as soon as they have the drafts they will at least get them to the Land Use Committee and anyone else who wants. Councilmember Jenks requested having basic policy issues isolated for their review. Councilmember Keith suggested the Land Use Committee have drafts before the Planning Commission and that they start meeting before it goes further into the process. City Attorney McMahan concurred and suggested appointing an interim committee member to meet in Bill Davidson's absence. Mayor McCulloch suggested Mark Welch who agreed, and the City Attorney set the meeting for January 21st, 1:00 p.m., Council Chambers. Police Department: Police Chief Jim Newton ,. Reported at last Council Meeting the bench trial regarding Police Department employee Craig City Council Meeting Page 9 January 6, 1997 . . . Lohner'had been completed. He said December 20th the visiting judge rendered a verdict of acquittal for Officer Lohner on all of the criminal charges, and that the internal investigation to assure policies were followed will be completed tomorrow morning. Fire Department: Assistant Fire Chief Tom Aumock þ> Thanked all departments for the team work during the recent storms. He personally thanked the Fire Department Staff, volunteer fire fighters and department cadets who gave a lot of their personal time during the holidays to assist in both medical needs and emergencies. He noted the quick response for snow removal at the Fire Station by Public Works and a private entity. Library: Director Linnea Patrick þ> Commended the heroic work of a man from Performance Roofing who came out between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. December 31st in the heavy rain to clean the gutters. þ> Reported the loss of a fairly significant number of newspapers and magazines to water that leaked down the inside wall between the Carnegie Room and the periodical room because of backed up gutters they have found to be incorrectly installed all around the building. She said they found the only opening in the gutters is the one that pushes water up under the flashings on the roof and into the ceiling. The water then follows the beams across the ceiling upstairs. þ> Noted they may have severe problems they know nothing about, especially along the south face of the Library. She said they have been notified by the people doing the painting estimate of the building that there is a structural crack on that side of the building. She said she suspects they have a significant amount of dry rot where water has come in from those gutters in the past. There is damage to walls and ceilings. þ> Said the Library is full of materials that are no good at all if they are wet. She said one of the most significant may be 15 years of Port Townsend Leaders which were in boxes along that interior wall, but may dry out all right; other things are from the most recent 5 years. She said they could have lost a significant number of children's books. She noted roof and gutter replacement had been on and off the capital improvement budget over the years. She also noted significant leaking around windows. She urged that it is time to get realistic with city buildings. þ> Reported an increase of22,000 book circulation (16%) over 1995. City Clerk's Office: City Clerk Kolacy þ> Complimented all candidates who went through police sergeant assessment center on December 17th. She commended COP AB Chairman, Don Marseille who assisted with the exercises. There were no PUBLIC HEARINGS and UNFINISHED BUSINESS. NEW BUSINESS Interviews. Deliberatjons anQ. Appointment of New Council Member was held following the Mayor's report. PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Mayor McCulloch opened the meeting for Public Comments/Questions. City Council Meeting Page 10 January 6, 1997 . . . Mr. Tim Caldwell requested that the City honor annual passes for greens fees at the Port Townsend golf course regardless of the outcome of the golf course lease. Mayor McCulloch said she felt comfortable that the City would honor those green fees and City Attorney McMahan concurred. COUNCILMEMBERS GENERAL DISCUSSION Mayor McCulloch stated a visit to Hyogo Cultural Center in Seattle has been arranged for city and school board representatives on February 11, leaving town about 3:00 p.m. Details will be determined and forwarded. Council Retreat Keith Asked regarding a facilitator and if the intent was effectiveness training with Council or to facilitate the meeting. Replied it is a combination. Mr. Bozeman specializes in goal setting and brings an extensive background of working with other communities in these areas. She said she and Councilmember Camfield will be in further and contact with Mr. Bozeman to elicit more information and bring it back to council. Expressed interest in training in Parliamentary Procedure Mayor Jenks Special Council Workshop January 13, 1997, 7:00 p.m. -- Regarding the Engineering Division ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at 10:20 p.m., Mayor McCulloch adjourned the meeting. Attest: Q~ CÞt&~- Pamela Kolacy --- - ð City Clerk Sheila Avis, Minute Taker City Council Meeting January 6, 1997 Page 11