HomeMy WebLinkAbout07121999 PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE UNOFFICIAL STUDY SESSION OF JULY 12, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m by Deputy Mayor GeoffMasci at the Pope Marine
Building. Council members present were Joe Finnie, Sydney Lipton, Geoff Masci, Vern
Garrison, and Allen Frank. Forrest Rambo and Alan Youse were excused. Staff members present
were City Attorney Tim McMahan, City Clerk Pam Kolacy, Public Works Director Bob
Wheeler, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, and Acting Fire Chief Tom Aumock.
EMS Levy
ChiefAumock and Mr. Legarsky presented further information on the EMS levy and budget
impacts. The amount of the requested levy and the date of election will be before council on July
19. Deadline for the September ballot is July 30. There was considerable discussion about the
relationship of the Fire Department and EMS budgets, how administrative costs are allocated
between the budgets, and how that allocation relates to the true division of activity between fire
and EMS. Mr. Finnie requested a 6-yearproforma analysis of department costs from Mr.
Legarsky. Final consensus was to direct the Finance Committee to bring a recommendation for
the amount and term of the EMS levy for discussion and action at the July 19 meeting. A
separate resolution will be prepared which would enable the council to request a mail-in ballot.
Arts Commission
Don White, Chair of the Arts Commission, presented an introduction and overview of the work
of the Port Townsend Arts Commission.
Quasi-judicial Hearings
City Attorney Tim McMahan presented an overview of the city's adopted rules for quasi-judicial
land use hearings, touching on the relationship between Planning Commission and City Council,
and the difference between open and closed-record public hearings. A closed record hearing on a
subdivision is scheduled for the August 2 council meeting.
Public Comments
Bernie Arthur: SEPA regulations, state and local.
City Council Study Session Page 1 Junly 12, 1999
Public Works Issues
Mr. Wheeler presented updates on several ongoing issues in the Public Works Department:
Compost Facility/Groundwater
Wave viewing gallery/pilings
Endeavor visiting Sept. 6-12
Swim team, pool lease contracts
Submerged barge
Draft Memorandum of Understanding with PT Paper
ESA/salmon monitoring/grant application
Turbidity in water supply from Lord's Lake/Little Quilcene/Big Quilcene Rivers
Police facility - permit to be submitted soon
Mr. Masci requested that all council members receive a copy of the P.T. Paper Company
Memorandum of Understanding when it is mailed.
Finance Committee Report
Mr. Frank reported on the most recent Finance Committee meeting. Topics discussed included
the EMS levy and several budget items, including the intention to look closely at the Capital
Improvement Program and to set a framework for operating budgets and revenues. Anticipating
no rate or tax increases, a target of 8% fund balance and 2% emergency contingency fund are
probable recommendations. Staffing decisions will be left to the City Manager. The
committee may also favor fully funding the Equipment Rental Fund, evaluating city property that
may be declared surplus, and defining a clear economic development policy.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Submitted by:
Pamela Kolacy
City Clerk
City Council Study Session Page 2 ~lunly 12, 1999