Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01182000CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 18, 2000 The City Countil of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this eighteenth day of January, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Forrest Rambo presiding. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Geoff Masci, Syd Lipton, Forrest Rambo, and Alan Youse. Vern Garrison was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Clerk Pam Kolacy, Interim City Attorney Steve Olsen, and City Engineer Dave Peterson. None CORRESPONDENCE NOT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED BY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND BOARD AND LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Frank: Association of Washington Cities conference Mr. Lipton: Public Works/Water Committee Mr. Masci: Law & Justice Council; Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board; Association of Washington Citiesl PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mr. Rambo: Norm Dicks visit; Lodging Tax Advisory Committee; Planning Commission CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Sims Way Project (post 1-695): Dave Peterson, City Engineer gave a brief update of the status of Sims Way improvements in light of the limited funding available from the state for transportation projects. He suggested a final public forum before the council to review the revised scope of the project and project timing and hear public input. The meeting will be scheduled for Monday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers. Waterman-Katz move: the Building & Community Development and Public Works Departments will move their operations the week of January 25, and the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney will move about a week later. Mr. Timmons noted there would be a recommendation by the next council meeting regarding the use of' the City Hall facility. An agenda item regarding a contract with the Orsborn Consulting Group as distributed with information attached regarding implications of the Endangered Species Act to the city. It was agreed that the meeting would be continued to January 20 at 7:30 p.m. to address this item. City Council Meeting Page 1 danuary 18 & 20, 2000 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Nancy Dorgan: questioned the changing of council policy by study session consensus; suggested a resolution or regular meeting vote be taken regarding the policy on city staff presence in City Hall. Mayor Rambo suggested that the item be added under New Business. Madge Wallin: Spoke in opposition to the Wisdom Council concept Dan Titterness, PUD. Referred to recent letter to council, requested their attention to the Tri- Area water increases on the relationship between the City and the PUD. Lyn Hersey: budget, carousel project. Lyn Fitch: 4(d) rule. (Endangered Species Act) Dick Shipman: Wisdom Council CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Masci moved for the adoption of the following items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Frank seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills, Claims, and Vouchers: Vouchers 38701; 38704; 70458 through 7583; 70641 through 70645 (for 1999) in the amount of $315,385.94. Vouchers 70451 through 70452; 70586 through 70638 (for 2000) in the amount of $275,413.78. Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of January 3, 2000 and study session of January 10, 2000. Approval of Resolutions: RESOLUTION 00-001 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A SEWER EASEMENT OVER UPON, ACROSS, UNDER, AND THROUGH A PORTION OF LOT 4, BLOCK 3 OF THE MONOGRAM ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RECORDATION OF SAID EASEMENT City Council Meeting Page 2 January 18 & 20, 2000 RESOLUTION 00-002 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE P.E.G. ACCESS COORDINATOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND CONSULTANT J. GARY LEMONS, FOR ONE YEAR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2000 RESOLUTION 00-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COLLECTIVE BARGAIING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AND LOCAL UNION NO. 589 OF THE TEAMSTERS UNION FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE FOR THE PERIOD BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2000 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2002 RESOLUTION 00-004 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SET COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE YEAR 20000 BUDGET UNFINISHED BUSINESS PORT TOWNSEND CAROUSEL FOUNDATION/LTAC FUNDING Mayor Rambo presented information from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on the status of the Carousel Foundation's compliance with the terms of the proposed LTAC funding. Mr. Frank announced that the foundation has now raised the requisite $5,000.00. It was agreed that a special study session would be set for Monday, January 24, at 6:30 p.m. to further discuss the issues of funding and siting the project.. PUBLIC COMMENT (Items Not on the Agenda) Frances Atkinson: Carousel Association: announced the Association did meet their goal of raising $5,000 within the last few days. Ron Hawk: In answer to a council question, stated the funds are contained in a dedicated fund and can be used only for the development of the carousel. Claude Bourdin: comments on Carousel. City Council Meeting Page 3 danuary 18 & 20, 2000 NEW BUSINESS CITY HALL POLICIES Motion: Mr. Masci moved that the council rescind prior city policies on staff presence at City Hall and allow staff work presence at city facilities be determined by the City Manager or his designees. Mr. Frank seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Public Comment: Nancy Dorgan: looks forward to task force being formed. Motion: Mr. Masci moved that disposition of City Hall space be approved by City Council. Mr. Frank seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. ELECTION Ms. Kolacy called for nominations for the office of mayor. Mr. Frank nominated Mr. Masci. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed. Mr. Masci was elected mayor by show of hands, with five in favor and Mr. Masci abstaining. Mr. Masci opened the floor for nominations for the office of deputy mayor. Mr. Rambo nominated Mr. Finnie. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed. Mr. Finnie was elected deputy mayor by show of hands, with five in favor and Mr. Finnie abstaining. COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Finnie reported on the Higher Education Committee and the P.E.G. Access Coordinating Committee. RECESS. There being no further business, at 7:30 p.m. the meeting was continued to Thursday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m., for discussion and possible action on the proposed contract with Orsborn Consulting Group and discussion of its place in relation to the city's strategy in regard to the Endangered Species Act. City Council Meeting Page 4 January 18 & 20, 2000 RECONVENE The continuation of the January 18 regular city council meeting was called to order by Mayor Forrest Rambo at 7:33 p.m. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmembers present at roll call were Allen Frank, Geoff Masci, Syd Lipton, Forrest Rambo, and Alan Youse. Vern Garrison and Joe Finnie were excused. Staff members present were City manager David Timmons, City Clerk Pam Kolacy, and Interim City Attorney Steve Olsen. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION 00-005 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ORSBORN CONSULTING GROUP TO CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS OF STREAMFLOW CHARACTERISTICS NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE BIG QUILCENE AND LITTLE QUILCENE RIVERS Mayor Rambo asked the council to limit the discussion this evening to the elements of the contract and save the discussion of general strategy in response to the Endangered Species Act for another meeting. Mr. Masci disclosed a personal relationship with Mr. Orsbome; he noted he will recuse himself from voting on the resolution, but will participate in the general deliberations. Mr. Timmons made a staff presentation, noting that the contract is one critical component of the city's strategy which will be incorporated into the staff work plan. He noted is is vital for the city to look out for its own special interests as they relate to this legislation. Mr. Wheeler dicussed in more detail how the report from Mr. Orsborne will fit into the city's general habitat conservation plan. In answer to council questions, he noted that it is hoped the rules will be finalized in June of this year and it is critical that the city's flow recommendation is included in the planning unit report. Mr. Masci requested a complete copy of the proposed 4(d) rule. Mr. Frank requested a report on the status of class action lawsuits in this matter. Motion: Mr. Lipton moved for adoption of Resolutio 99-005. Mr. Frank seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 4-0, with Mr. Masci recused. City Council Meeting Page 5 January 18 & 20, 2000 Further discussion followed on the implications of the legislation. Mr. Lipton noted that once the rule is published it will be difficult to receive an exemption; he requested the exact date by which the city must apply for an exception, then set up a task force. Mr. Timmons stated there is the whole element of secondary effects which are hard to anticipate; he noted we must develop an approach on an emergency basis to get the information we need. Mr. Peterson requested direction from the Council regarding the structure of the city's plan. Mr. Wheeler suggested the city will have little impact on the 4(d) rule which covers all of Puget Sound, the Columbia Basin, etc. He stated out best hope is working to work with locals to better understand the situation and to apply for an incidental taking permit in terms of the city's withdrawals. He added the scientific data to be gathered by the Orsbom Group will help insulate the city's exposure to a potential lawsuit. Mr. Rambo questioned what penalty could be levied against the city for non-compliance with the new legislation. Mr. Wheeler replied that we may not have our permit renewed or that restrictions may be placed on the amount of water that can be withdrawn. Mr. Timmons noted that a package including a work plan and budget will be brought back to the council in late February or early March and that he will begin formulation of a task force to begin work on March 1. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Meeting Page 6 January 18 & 20, 2000