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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09112000 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met for a workshop session this eleventh day of September, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Geoff Masci presiding. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Vem Garrison, Geoff Masci, and Alan Youse. Syd Lipton and Bill Wolcott were excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM City Attorney John Watts summarized the item, noting the action to date on the issue. He reviewed a memo highlighting answers to the most recent questions regarding the initiative and referendum process. He noted that the council's schedule of public and council education and process has been met, and the 90-day period during which voters may have petitioned for referendum has been fulfilled. He asked the council to deliberate and provide direction to the staff. Public comment: Nancy Dorgan: spoke in support of adoption Larry Crockett: opposed adoption, citing principles of representative government. Ken McBride: noted he was also speaking on behalf of Herb Herrington and Bob Carter. He stated that in light of the information brought forward during the public and council educational process, they have withdrawn their support of adopting the initiative and referendum process. He cited budgetary impacts to all taxpayers that could result from an election on an issue brought forward by a minority of voters, and commented that public dialogue is encouraged by the current elected officials and administration. After discussion of the issue, during which Mr. Finnie, Mr. Youse, Mr. Frank and Mr. Garrison expressed opposition to adoption and Mr. Masci expressed support, it was agreed that the ordinance establishing the initiative and referendum process be brought forward to the next regular council meeting so that members may speak for or against adoption and conduct a public vote on the ordinance. City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 1 CITY COUNCIL "REPORT CARD" After a citizen request for the council's "report card" at the last meeting, council members were provided with a list of resolutions, ordinances and motions made since they took office. Each council member was asked to select the "top ten" achievements of the council. Mr. Frank: Respect for individual property rights, example: rejection of Planning Commission's recommendation to include the rezone of Key City Lanes property on final Comprehensive Plan Amendment docket. Accountability: clarity on past spending, example: hiring of third party auditor to reconcile city's stormwater fund. Openness of process: example: public forums on hiring city mgr and department directors; Sims Way, "F" Street and initiative & referendum Affordability: example: no increase in property taxes, no increase in utility rates for 2000; modified Tri-Area rates to reflect reasonable rate of return. Fiscal responsibility and clarity: adopted much clearer budget document that met financial policies and priorities outlined previously; adopted purchasing policies with improved standards; establishment of capital facilities committee to systematically review city property · :. Economic Development. example: approval of boat haven height overlay district Affordable housing. Reverse finding of Planning Commission and revise densities in R-III and R-IV zones. Improved city service standard: transition philosophies and policies, "can do attitude" Supporting citizen lead projects and volunteerism, ex: support of Maritime Center, funding and grant applications; also aquatic center feasibility study; Earth Day appropriations; Bell Tower support; Arts Commission; Blue Heron athletic fields Encouragement of intergovernmental cooperation: County, Port, School District; cited number of interlocal agreements currently on the books. City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 2 Mr. Finnie: Establishment of financial policies and budget performance measures and priorities for fiscal 2000 operations; in essence, a mission statement for financial management Rejecting the Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone the bowling alley property from C-II to MU Declaring the Comprehensive Plan as the city's official position regarding the Glen Cove UGA status. Extending PTTV coverage to study sessions. (open communication) Adopting the declaration of intent resolution regarding initiative and referendum put the council and citizens through a training and review cycle therefore exposing the community to education and information about the issue Tri-area appraisal, task the Public Works committee to review, assess, evaluate the Tri-Area water system. Denial of street vacations (Dyer and Rigby): showed the council's capacity as a group to be introspective and apply information received up until the time of deliberation to influence decisions Resolution to examine costs and benefits of consolidation with Fire District 6; appropriate action of the council to put this type of consolidation to cost/benefit litmus test. Mr. Youse: Improved budget process and document · 2o SDC deferrals revision reflecting more equity to citizens Increase in densities in certain zones to allow more affordable housing °2° Downsizing or rightsizing staff through attrition. °2° Judicious use of consultants on as-needed basis Authorizing the purchase of a Layton Box for street crew. Providing employees with the tools needed to do the job o:o "F" Street project City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 3 Funding upgrade to the Police facility, saving taxpayers money Upgrading infrastructure: example, Gaines Street Pump Station Supporting and funding projects for volunteers. Example: Blue Heron field Exploring possibilities for the Tri-area water system; acknowledging other possibilities for management of the system. Hiring of County Administrator is positive step toward coordination with city. Mr. Garrison · °~. Successful transition and implementation of council/manager form of government · :. Establishing a cogent and effective committee structure, particularly addition of capital facilities and community development committees · :. Prudent handling of public funds · :. No taxes raised or utility rates while still allocating more fimding for street improvements Sims Way and "F" Street · :° Facilitated public forums: examples: Mr. Masci: Aiding a smooth transition to new form of government by hiring experienced Interim City Manager. Hiring a good permanent City Manager through community process. Initiating policies leading to budget reform Initiating policies leading to preliminary staff reorganization Initiating policies redirecting the city thrust towards infrastructure improvement and repair Implemented policies to comply with the 1996 Comprehensive Plan vis a vis County Development policies Identified and initiated process to satisfy the City Hall's physical needs; established Capital Facilities Committee to inventory and assess use of all city properties in a public manner. City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 4 o:o Continuing three year plan to secure program budgeting with outcome measures. o:o Increased public participation; publicized elected official's decision-making process. o~o Formalized council procedures. oIo Increased customer service attitude at city facilities and from city staff. o:° Fixing the roads; reallocation and reorganization of priorities. o:o Disclosing the warts; making public the things that go wrong. Making records and issues that occur open and accessible to the public Mr. Masci noted that Mr. Lipton asked to include the following: °~° Creation of cost centers; now know where the money is going; project documentation for citizens. Mr. Wolcott was unable to be present, but provided written comments: °:° Hiring a City Manager who is competent, professional and in tune with community values o:° Clear move by city departments to be citizen and applicant centered. o:° Improved agenda layout and agenda cover sheets represents important progrssion in administrative support for the council and the council's business, important info before council for thoughtful and informed decision as well as a real time saver. One more obstacle removed from the path of in a well prepared council and information il's ability to be well prepared. Having the most important information before them is a great time saver. · :. Receptiveness and openness in council meetings to all voices · :o Clear improvement in Public Works and Engineering: example: "F" street, excellent process involving citizens, elected officials and staff. o:o Appointments of Police and Fire Chiefs from within the community and within the ranks; support of community-orienting police and fire departments. o:o A budget which is good and getting better. · ~° Forging stronger working ties with other local government agencies, including the county and port and other local agencies. City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 5 Support of community generated initiatives and entrepreneurial activities. Examples: Maritime Center, Bell Tower, City Hall, Carousel, ball fields. Growth of council's determination to work together. Looking beyond the differences, looking for compromise and resolution, striving to keep focus on common sense and productive government for the entire community. Public comment: t~lancy Dorgan: declared the exercise a self-serving, pre-election publicity stunt. Ken McBride: noted appreciation for a positive rather than a complaint-oriented assessment of performance. Mr. Timmons was asked about his take on the administration's top accomplishments. He stated they could be measured primarily by service to the community and by his and staff's many small contacts with citizens. He stated that the administration would list their achievements during the budget process as part of the budget narrative. BUDGET POLICY DISCUSSION Mr. Masci proposed that the council discuss a consistent method for articulating policies regarding the budget which will improve the flow of information from elected officials to administration. He referred to the draft budget policy worksheets which have been distributed to council members. Mr. Finnie supported the concept, noting that this would be an appropriate tool for council members to communicate their concerns at a policy level for the city manager to translate into administrative actions. He suggested incorporating the exercise into the 2001 budget/work plan. A means of measuring performance against policies was also discussed; methods suggested including a tracking system and a quarterly report to the Finance Committee. Worksheets can be used as a screen to evaluate information received during the budget process. Mr. Masci confirmed that the 2001 Budget will be considered the council's official work plan and that no separate document will be produced. Policies will be articulated in the budget narrative. OTHER ISSUES Mr. Frank noted that there has been much discussion regarding political signs during the current campaign. He asked about the city's policy regarding enforcement of the sign City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 6 code. Mr. Timmons stated that after the primary election, the city will notify the remaining candidates about the provisions of the code and begin enforcement actions. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Workshop September 11, 2000 Minutes Page 7