HomeMy WebLinkAbout03081999Minutes of City Council Unofficial Study Session
March 8, 1999
Port Townsend Community Center
The informal study session was called to order by Mayor Forrest Rambo at 6:32 p.m. All City
Council members were present as well as the Interim City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk,
Finance Director, and Public Works Director.
Housekeeping
Council member Masci suggested that the next study session (April 12) be held at the
Fairgrounds. The Clerk will check into cost and availability. A meeting was scheduled between
the full City Council and the County Commissioners for Tuesday, April 13, from 6-9 p.m. in the
Lower Level Conference Room at the Courthouse.
Council Rules Resolution
Interim City Manager Stan McNutt explained that the proposed Council Rules Resolution was
still in process, with changes from the City Attorney's office currently being incorporated; he
noted that no specific comments had yet been received from City Council members.
Citizen Taskgroup Organization
Mr. McNutt discussed the committee system as proposed and noted that minor changes were
being made in response to City Council and citizen input. The need to establish a Non-
Motorized Committee was noted, as that committee has been established by ordinance.
Introduction to the Budget Process
Finance Director Michael Legarsky provided printed material to the City Council as background
information on municipal accounting methods, and the budget process. The packets will be
available at City Hall. He answered several questions from councilors and citizens. Mr.
Legarsky also stated that a supplemental budget ordinance will be introduced at the March
15 City Council meeting and briefly discussed the items which would be included.
Power Franchise Options
Public Works Director Bob Wheeler noted the next step in the option study process would
allocation of funds for a study of options available to the city. Mr. McNutt suggested the funds
be allocated, but held for City Council authorization. The matter will be discussed further.
Some Councilors requested copies of the consultant's report to the city. They will contact Mr.
Wheeler or Mr. McMahan for copies.
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Airport Water Services
Mr. Wheeler discussed thc history of water services for the airport which arc needed so they can
meet fire flow requirements. After questions and discussion, with comments from PUD and Port
of Port Townsend representatives, it was agreed that the next step would be an administrative
meeting between representatives of the City and thc PUD..
Stormwater Plan, Wastewater Plan
Mr. Wheeler briefly discussed the history and present status of the Stormwatcr and Wastewatcr
Plans. He noted that the Wastewater Plan is targeted for action first, with possible
inclusion in the study session of April 12. Thc Stormwater Plan may be presented at the June
study session.
Project Update - Road Repair Equipment
Mr. Wheeler stated that the city has an opportunity to buy a used Layton Box (a machine used in
repairing potholes) for a very reasonable price ($17,000). A "special market conditions"
resolution will be before the City Council on March 15 - this would enable us to purchase
without going through the bidding process. Consensus was to bring the resolution forward to
the March 15 meeting.
Library Board, Park Commission, and COPAB Ordinances
These ordinances are under review by the boards and commissions affected and are
tentatively scheduled for first readings at the April 5 City Council meeting.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Mayor Rambo announced that the LTAC will meet on Tuesday, March 9, to recommend
dispersal of the approximately $43,000 realized from the extra 2% lodging tax.
Maritime Center
A number of City Council members attended the open house held on Saturday, It is anticipated
that the Board will be requested funds from the city through the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee.
Police Station
Mr. Finnie briefed the City Council on the progress of the police station remodeling project. He
noted that the only option left is to expand the administrative facility to part of the current garage
area. The next proposed step would be to finish the engineering work, and design a bid package.
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This phase of the work is estimated to cost between $7500 and $10,000. Mr, Garrison requested
that the Police Chief provide information regarding the health and safety issues which will be
addressed by the repair and remodel project. A Public Safety Committee meeting will be
scheduled to discuss this issue.
Fort Worden Funding
Mr. Finnie announced that the funding request to the Govemor for Fort Worden's new dining
hall and building repairs was $14 million, and that an allocation of only $3 million has been
made. He asked for City Council consensus to approve a resolution in support of the original
$14 million request. Consensus was for the City Attorney to bring that resolution forward
at the March 15 meeting.
Adjourn
There being no further business, Mayor Rambo declared the meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.
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