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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03122001 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2001 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met for a study session this twelfth day of March, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers o£City Hall. The meeting was called to order Mayor Geoff Masci. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Vern Garrison, Syd Lipton, Alan Youse, and Bill Wolcott. Sta£fpresent were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Mr. Frank requested addition of item V. C., discussion of a letter from Patrick Sullivan of the Leader newspaper regarding the Open Public Meetings Act. WEB SITE PRESENTATION City Clerk Pam Kolacy and Andree Hurley of Viewit.com demonstrated the progress on development of the city's upcoming web site. Suggestions from the audience and council for future additions included: Park reservations Permit downloading Agenda bills Separate pages for each board and commission CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS City Attorney John Watts introduced the topic, noting that discussion had occurred at the Feb. 12, 2001 meeting. At that time, the council asked that a study session be scheduled for representatives from each advisory board to address the council about their particular issues. After the study session, council will direct staff to draft an ordinance and resolutions for council consideration. Arts Commission Sheila Smith represented the Arts Commission. She stated that the members had met and had the following recommendation. City Council Study Session Page 1 March 12, 2001 The Arts Commission would like to retain the autonomy they have had in terms of having input on membership and choosing the type of event to sponsor; they want to make sure there would be no censorship or political impact on arts in the community as a result of any change. In addition, they would ,like funding to continue and remain under the control of the Commission. They believe the current structure in terms of number of members and membership requirements works well. Council discussion: Mr. Frank asked if the Commission had discussed setting up as a separate non-profit organization rather than being part of the city government. Ms. Smith noted that it would be difficult to have autonomy without ongoing funding. Mr. Watts added that it is the council's discretion whether to continue to support the current format or seek other models. Mr. Timmons stated that funding could be provided through a contract in the same manner it is done with other non-profit entities such as Main Street. Ms. Smith stated that if the Arts Commission felt comfortable about receiving ongoing funding, an independent organization could be viable; however this was not an option that has been discussed by the current members. She added that the role of the commission is seen more as a function of putting on events for the community rather than advising the council. Mr. Finnie asked if a change to independent non-profit status would affect the commission's ability to obtain grant funding. Ms. Smith stated that she would have to research that questions. She said that the commission wants to make sure it serves all art forms and make sure they actually do represent the arts as a whole. Mr. Timmons noted some programs may require a municipal sponsor and the city could do that when needed as is done for certain other organizations who obtain "pass through" grants. Mr. Finnie noted that the commission should meet again and discuss whether they have a bias toward one form or another and report back to the council at a future date. Park & Recreation Commission Andy Gale appeared to represent the Park & Recreation Commission. He referred to the letter which was included in the packet which made recommendations for the establishing resolution. City Council Study Session Page 2 March 12, 2001 He noted that the commission serves a valuable purpose and should be continued, that the existing scope of work is adequate. He said that the recommendation of the members is to reduce membership to seven members and require city residency. Public Comment Tim Caldwell: asked for clarification about limiting membership to city residents. It was noted that the members agreed that there was enough expertise among city residents to fill the seats on the commission, but that non-residents could be appointed to subcommittees to expand the expertise level for certain projects. Library Board Larry Thomas represented the Library Board in place of Bill Maxwell who is out of town. Mr. Watts noted that state law implications make the Library Board unlike other commissions. The board is state mandated and the state library law gives the board authority over certain operations. There is no clear reconciliation of the effect of the subsequent enactment in state law which enables a city to become a code city with powers granted by the legislature to operate autonomously. He noted an Attorney General opinion that gave effect to provisions of both, so the Board necessarily remains something more than merely an advisory body so they can exercise the duties listed in state library law. The provisions in the establishing resolution for the library board reflect the balance and resolution suggested by the Attorney General's office and provisions in the existing code would be carried forward into the resolution re- establishing the Library Board. Mr. Thomas stated that the Board has no problem moving from establishment by ordinance to establishment by resolution, provided it is done in a way that carries forward most of the text in the current municipal code. He stated that the library has a very clear public purpose and deals with long range planning, advising library management on services and hours, deals as the first resource when questions of offensive material are raised, and coordinates various sources of funding. Mr. Frank asked whether the board was advisory to the council, city manager, or both. Mr. Thomas replied that the board could provide advice to both. Mr. Masci noted that the board could have seven rather than five members according to state law; Mr. Youse noted that the establishing resolution could allow 5-7 members. Historic Preservation Committee Barbara Marseille appeared to represent the committee. City Council Study Session Page 3 March 12, 2001 Mr. Watts noted that the HPC also has unique features as the committee serves a prescribed role regarding reviewing development in the Historic District. Under the current land use code, the HPC is required to make recommendations which must be considered by the Building and Community Development Director. Those provisions relating to land use function are not proposed for removal from the Municipal Code. Ms. Marseille requested that although the wording is being transferred to a resolution, it remain the same, particularly in terms of the composition of the committee as people with certain interests, abilities and backgrounds are needed to do the work of the committee. In regard to residential requirements, she suggested adoption of the generic language on in Section 4.2.4 (A) indicating that each person on the board shall be a resident of and/or work in the City of Port Townsend. Mr. Lipton questioned whether the fact someone belonged to a museum or historical society would give them any special expertise. Mr. Wolcott asked if it would make sense to include a property owner. Ms. Marseille noted the board attempts to include a downtown merchant whenever possible. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Council member Joe Finnie was present to represent the LTAC. He noted that the Committee is mandated to perform certain functions by the state so must remain in the municipal code. He added that the committee serves a valuable and needed public advisory service and has for a number of years. The scope of work for the coming year includes a tourism impact study which will amass trustworthy data that elected officials and the committee itself can use to make decisions. The study will be presented in more detail at the April work session. He noted that this is a volunteer effort of certain committee members and has no funding from the committee. Public comment: Nancy Dorgan: Questioned whether the council tasked LTAC to take on the tourism project. She cited Section 4.2.3.B of the draft resolution which stated the city council may determine any specific guidelines or tasks to be referred to the board by motion or resolution, stating the process is not clear to her from the language. Nancy Borino: stated that the committee's scope of work is under the current Tourism Development Plan which has a clearly measurable monitoring evaluation and adjustment component. Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board Scott Walker appeared for the board. He noted that the committee fulfills a needed function, that of implementing the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. He noted a current special project which is nearing completion, the "green streets" ordinance City Council Study Session Page 4 March 12, 2001 proposal. The Committee helps with designs, pedestrian crossings, volunteer efforts on trails; some tasks are within the Non-Motorized Plan and some are chronic and emergent issues. Public comment Nancy Dorgan: asked that the board not be subsumed under another committee. She also stated that when the Board was authorized, its establishing ordinance included key implementation requirements for a standing committee which are set forth in the Non- Motorized Transportation Plan. Council discussion: Mr. Wolcott supported maintaining the committee and noted that the function within the community will become even more valuable; however he suggested that there is a possibility the current board may become an entity which would report to a transportation committee. Mr. Masci agreed, and Mr. Finnie spoke in favor of making a transportation committee which would be a standing committee of the council. He suggested that the Capital Facilities Committee would sunset and at that time could be replaced by a transportation committee. Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board John Ebner appeared on behalf of COPAB. He stated that the Board serves an important function, supporting a close relationship between the Police Department and the community. He questioned whether a board or commission as opposed to a committee of the council would need to fall under the Open Public Meetings law. He added that the number of members should include more representation from the general public and suggested the addition of three more positions. He added that the current membership will need to be replaced as it is hard to revitalize activity without new people. In addition, he stated that the board should report to the City Manager rather than the council as most of the activity is administrative, operational and procedural. In answer to a question about whether Chief Anderson supports continuing the Board, Mr. Ebner stated he believes she thinks that have done their duty and she may currently question the usefulness of the Board. Mr. Lipton asked about the relationship of the board to the Public Safety Committee. Mr. Youse stated that currently, the COPAB is not reporting to the Public Safety Committee; this can be corrected through the process. City Council Study Session Page 5 March 12, 2001 In response to Mr. Frank's questions about whether the City Manager needs advice on administration of the Police Department, Mr. Timmons replied that there can be value for the community to have an autonomous way to connect to an organization that oversees the Police Department; however the current need is to define the role and mission. He suggested that he and Chief Anderson can formulate what they need in the way of an advisory board - other models are now coming out. Mr. Lipton suggested that the City Manager and Police Chief should work on a mission statement before re-establishing the committee. Mr. Masci added that if there is a board for police oversight, we may need one for fire, etc. Consensus was to defer action on this Board. Public comment Dana Roberts: made general comments regarding volunteer boards and commissions. He noted this is a way for citizens to become stewards for the city and be involved in the day to day and month to month process of working for a better town. Council discussion: Consensus was that staff will bring forward the "striking" ordinance, the resolution amending council rules, and the establishing resolutions for the Parks and Recreation Commission, Library Board, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Non-Motorized Transportation Committee and Historic Preservation Committee to the next regular council meeting for council action. It is likely that names will be standardized to "Board" in all cases. Members agreed to defer establishing resolutions for the Arts Commission and the Community Oriented Policing Advisory Board until the issues discussed tonight are further resolved. The staff will also propose a process to get the board and commission current openings filled. RECOMMENDATION TO ESTABLISH A CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD FOR ANIMAL SERVICES Mr. Youse stated that he will bring forth a resolution at the next council meeting asking the council to support a recommendation to Jefferson County that a citizen advisory board for animal services be adopted, RECOMMENDATION THAT JEFFERSON COUNTY ADOPT A WILD AND EXOTIC ANIMAL ORDINANCE Mr. Youse stated that since the city has adopted an ordinance prohibiting the exhibit of certain wild and exotic animals, he suggests the adoption of a resolution at the next council meeting asking that Jefferson County adopt a version of the same ordinance as a matter of support for the principles of animal welfare expressed by the city. City Council Study Session Page 6 March 12, 2001 OTHER DISCUSSION Mr. Frank commented on Patrick Sullivan's letter regarding notice to the Port Townsend Leader regarding public meetings. Mr. Timmons updated the council on the issue of day Use fees at Fort Worden State Park. The State Parks & Recreation Commission is not recommending day use fees for Fort Worden. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Attest: Pam Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Study Session Page 7 March 12, 2001