HomeMy WebLinkAbout04121999 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE UNOFFICIAL STUDY SESSION
APRIL 12, 1999
The informal study session was called to order at the Pope Marine Building by Deputy Mayor
Geoff Masci at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Rambo was excused from the meeting due to illness; all other
council members were present. Staff members present were the Interim City Manager, City
Attorney, City Clerk, Interim Police Chief, and Public Works Director.
HOOD CANAL BRIDGE
Nora Porter and Bob Smith gave an overview of the progress and potential actions concerning
the Hood Canal Bridge toll issue. Council consensus was to direct preparation of a resolution for
the April 19 meeting which would oppose tolls. The council also authorized the mayor to
provide a letter to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation based on the letter provided
by Mr. Smith from the City of Sequim.
POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES
Police station repairs: Interim Chief Evans reported on the progress of the police station repair
proposal. Council consensus was that critical and necessary repairs would proceed, without
exceeding a total price of $70,000. Chief Evans will instruct Bob Little of Little & Little
Construction to prepare bid documents for a scope of work, including public restroom repairs
which will be limited to those necessary for public safety.
Police Chief selection process: There are currently 39 applications for police chief. These will
be screened first by a citizen committee including COPAB and Civil Service Commission
representatives; a second screening will be done the City Manager, Interim Chief, and selected
third party city manager and police professional. The goal is to have a pool of three or four
candidates from which the new city manager can choose the new chief.
Assembly regulations: Chief Evans reported that special event fees as outlined in the municipal
code are not currently being charged. Council consensus was to discuss the issue; a list of events
for which assembly permits have been issued in the last year or two was requested.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Stormwater/Wastewater Plans
Bob Wheeler, Public Works Director did a brief presentation, and recommended that the plans
not be dealt with concurrently. He suggested that the wastewater plan be moving toward
potential adoption in July, with the stormwater plan to follow in November/December of 1999.
35th Street Park
Mr. Wheeler gave a background and update presentation on 35th Street Park, and stated the city
is moving toward formalizing an agreement with the county - possibly ready for council on May
3. He stated that upcoming stormwater work would cost approximately $21,000.
Skateboard Park
Mr. Wheeler state that the Parks & Recreation Commission has recommended continuing the
current use while they work on a long term plan. A resolution extending the agreement for
another year will come before the council on April 19. Mr. Frank suggested that the council
discuss extending the agreement only until the end of this year so that future plans may be
incorporated into the regular budget cycle.
Meter Readine
Consideration of moving to meter reading every other month (instead of monthly) is ongoing.
More information will be available at the next study session.
SISTER CITY RESOLUTION
A draft resolution to designate May 10-16 as Ichikawa Cultural Week was presented; action will
be taken at the April 19 meeting.
TRANSITION RESOLUTION
A resolution delineating transition philosophies and policies was read and discussed, with
suggested changes to be incorporated. The resolution will be on the April 19 agenda.
COUNCIL RULES RESOLUTION
Deputy Mayor Masci discussed a few proposed additions to the public comment rules section of
the resolution. These included setting a "single subject" time limit; language to cover fire or
emergency adjournment; and a disclaimer for non-agenda comments. The complete resolution is
scheduled for the May 3 agenda.
CITY HALL
At Mr. McNutt's request, the council reached consensus to rescind the previous policy that the
city staff must maintain a presence in the City Hall building.
ADMINISTRATION ORGANIZATION
Mr. McNutt reported that he has chosen a candidate for appointment to the position of Interim
Building & Community Development Director, noting that the salary amount was contained in
the 1999 budget. After some discussion, council could not reach complete consensus to
authorize filling the position, so Mr. McNutt withdrew the item from the table. Council may
reintroduce the item for discussion at the April 19 meeting.
PROJECT TRACKING
Mr. McNutt noted that some concentrated time for reviewing the project tracking system would
be needed. He suggested the May 24 study session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Masci adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Pamela Kolacy
City Clerk