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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07152002MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JULY 15, 2002 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this fifteenth day of July, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmembers present at roll call were Freida Feun, Joe Finnie, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Alan Youse was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, BcD Director Jeff Randall and City Clerk Pam Kolacy CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor Kolff stated he has received a request that Item "F" under the Consent Agenda (grant for skateboard park) be placed under new business for discussion. Ms. Sandoval requested time to report on the community investment fund. The item was placed under the Presiding Officer's Report. Mr. Masci requested that consent agenda item "G" (set hearing date of August 19, 2002 to extend and modify the interim tree ordinance) be placed under Unfinished Business. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Appointment to Arts Commission: Mayor Kolff proposed that Joanne Murayama be appointed to the Arts Commission to fill the remainder of Position 6, term expiring on 5/1/03. There were no objections and the appointment was confirmed Glen Cove: County Planning Commission meets on Wednesday so there was nothing to report. Jefferson County Tech Committee meeting at WSU July 17: Ms. Robinson will attend; Ms. Fenn will be back-up. The street vacation hearing scheduled for July 22 has been rescheduled for August 5. Community Investment Fund: Ms. Sandoval reported on today's meeting, stating the Port's position has changed and they are now advocating that funds be distributed as grants only, with no loan program. She distributed the latest copy of the proposed county ordinance (including loan provisions). The group has been tasked to get feedback from their organizations by Thursday morning. City Council Business Meeting Page 1 duly 15, 2002 Motion: Mr. Masci moved to endorse Section 3 of the draft ordinance (providing for combination of grants and loans). Ms. Fenn seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Mayor Kolffthen welcomed Boy Scout Troop 1480 from Port Hadlock, visiting the council meeting as part of their communication badge requirement. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Timmons read from a letter written in response to Mr. Shoulberg's concerns over the Tri-Area water sale and its impact on the budget. He then commented on the county's change in level of service for animal control and noted that the levels of service provided by the county through interlocal agreements will be of concern during the budget process. Mr. Timmons reported that he is working with the BCD Director on permits needed for the tribal visit on July 29. COMMENTS FROM TIlE PUBLIC (Consent and non-agenda items) Ted Shoulberg stated he had not yet received the letter from Mr. Timmons. Several members of the scout troop had questions for the council members. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of the following items on the Consent Agenda. Ms. Fenn seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 82835 through 82541 in the amount of $419,442.11 Approval of Minutes Regular Session of July 1, 2002 Workshop Session of July 8, 2002 Special Session of July 8, 2002 Approval of Resolutions RESOLUTION NO. 02-032 A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Port Townsend, Washington, Adopting The City's Wastewater Plan As Approved By The Washington State Department Of Ecology RESOLUTION NO. 02-033 Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Port Townsend Authorizing The City Manager To Execute An Agreement With Jefferson County And Other Users For E-911 Service City Council Business Meeting Page 2 duly 15, 2002 RESOLUTION NO. 02-034 A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Port Townsend Authorizing The City Manager To Sign A Contract Agreement With Jefferson County Fire Protection District #6 For Fire Protection Services At The City's Biosolids Composting Facility UNFINISHED BUSINESS GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING FIRE DISTRICT 6 JOINT OPERATIONS Mr. Timmons stated that the General Government Committee has recommended that a workshop be scheduled with the Fire District #6 Commissioners to study the pros and cons of joint operation. Public Comment Janet Welch supports the idea of greater efficiency but does not know if that will be the end result of a cooperative venture; will this result in the citizens of port Townsend paying for District 6 upgrades; is the city proposing this as a "shell game" for budget allotment; what will be the costs to city and county residents; will the merger come to a vote. Nancy Dorgan: does not support a workshop nor any form of joint operation; stated it would affect the status of Glen Cove. Julie Jaman: does not understand what pros a merger would provide; doesn't see how a chief could be shared. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the General Government Committee to schedule a workshop with the Fire District #6 Commissioners to study the pros and cons of joint operation. Mr. Kolff seconded Mr. Masci spoke in favor of the motion, stating the only way to determine if there are advantages to cooperation is to explore the issues. Ms. Fenn spoke against the motion, stating that urban levels of service should be kept in urban areas and there should be rural control over a rural lifestyle. Mr. Finnie stated that there may be opportunities through some form of sharing to deliver a higher level of service to the citizens of Port Townsend through this partnership. He supported a meeting to gather information. Ms. Sandoval agreed with the need for more information. City Council Business Meeting Page 3 July 15, 2002 Mr. Kolff noted that contracts have already been approved with Fire District 6 which lay the groundwork for discussion. Ms. Robinson spoke in support of the motion. Vote: the motion carried, 5-1, by voice vote, with Ms. Fenn opposed. CITY HALL ANNEX/CITY HALL RESTORATION COUNCILMANIC BOND Mr. Timmons introduced the item, noting that the first reading of a councilmanic bond ordinance took place at the July 1, 2002 business meeting. The Finance/Budget Committee met to discuss the issues on July 10 and 12. Based on the public comment and committee discussion, a modified proposal is before the council as a result of discussions among Mayor Kolff, Finance Chair Finnie and the City Manager. The modified proposal: 1. Merges the annex and City Hall preservation/restoration under City supervision; 2. Recommends adoption of a Councilmanic bond ordinance of $3.4M at this time; 3. Reduces the size of the annex (from a conceptual 14,000 SF to 9,000 SF (approx.)), 4. Sets an annex budget of $2.5M (rounded); 5. Provides for a city administrative use in City Hall (approx. 3,000 SF); 6. Provides for a potential city contribution to City Hall preservation/restoration of $900,000 from bond proceeds; 7. Directs the Manager to provide a plan on funding and achieving City Hall preservation and restoration; 8. Specifies that prior to annex contract award (when construction costs would be fixed), the Council would review the City Hall funding and project feasibility. Only if the Council were assured of City Hall funding and project feasibility would the Council authorize annex construction. Mr. Timmons noted that the compromise proposal attempts to address as many concerns as possible. He added that he supports it as a realistic proposal and believes the goal for the restoration is achievable. Mayor Kolff asked if representatives from the Jefferson Count Historical Society had any comments. Barbara Marseille, JCHS President stated the organization fully endorses the councilmanic bond plan and will work closely with the city to bring the project to fruition. She stated that the JCHS facilities committee has adjusted its vision and believes that it is clearly in the best interest of our citizens and of City Hall that the current plan be approved. James Fritz: spoke in support of renovating City Hall but for building administrative staff facilities outside the downtown area. He recommended an uptown campus for City Council Business Meeting Page 4 July 15, 2002 county and city facilities which would be more convenient for citizens, remove 100 employees from downtown and take the city staff out of the most dangerous earthquake zone. Leola Armstrong: spoke against building an annex to City Hall at this time and in this economy. She stated that all government agencies in Jefferson county should be working on attracting industry and new jobs instead of putting up roadblocks like Glen Cove; stated that the annex plan should go to a vote of the people. Alan Frank: stated that part of the problem is the historic preservation lobby which took control of the City Hall project with little or no accountability. He asked for a status report on the Bell Tower and scrutiny of the use of the $92,000 already funded to the JCHS by the City. He stated there is a need to understand the historic preservation involvement in the growth of the annex budget. He added it is time to hear from the citizens who have to pay the bills. There is a series of underlying assumptions for the projects and these should be debated and clarified. He supports the investigation of the cost of Waterman & Katz according to a negotiated price. He stated that the results of the research should be quantified before everyone gets emotional about the project. Ted Shoulberg: favors a public workshop for dialogue with citizens; stated the architectural firm was a staff, not community driven process. He added that the council's job is visioning and then offering the vision for citizen input. He said he is worried about losing momentum; stated that there is no hurry to lock in interest rates. Ken McBride: asked why the new proposed motions have added flexibility in regard to the proposed amount of space to be provided in the annex and in City Hall for administrative functions. Mayor Kolff answered that it seemed premature to assure that 3000 usable square feet could be found in old City Hall given the constraints of the current walls and layout. He added that more architectural drawing have to be made before the decision is locked in and that the entire process will continue to be public. Mr. McBride continued to say that he feels the new draft motions are an acceptable compromise which take into consideration the various views of the community over a long time frame. He added that it would be beneficial to the city to lock in low interest rates and supported a new lease with the Jefferson County Historical Society. He urged care be taken with the new lease so that it reflects the needs of both parties. He added that it is also important to see that the city and county need a stronger tax base to support this and future projects through recruiting small businesses, and creating a tax base which will take the burden off the citizens. He added it is time to get started and urged the council to act and not put the plans in the back drawer again. Motion: Mr. Masci moved that: City Council Business Meeting Page 5 July 15, 2002 Council instruct the City Manager to provide the following information prior to the Council taking action on a Councilmanic bond ordinance: Provide Council best available information following discussions with Ballenas concerning "not to exceed" purchase price, and short term and long term lease amounts covering the WK property. That the Director of Finance develop a set of best, most likely and conservative "pro forma" twenty year forecasts of B&O taxes and sales tax revenues for a fully occupied WK building. Using the most likely case, incorporate these values in a revised NPV for each of the Annex options. The following NPV analysis of W&K be used as a baseline for purposes of financial evaluation: combined capital investment of $2.2 M amortized over 20- year period, analysis based on retail income, loss of property and B&O taxes (in constant dollars). Alternatives under consideration may combine quantitative comparative valuation and qualitative value as may be so designated by the Council. Ms. Fenn seconded. Ms. Sandoval stated she will support the motion but that she is not particularly in favor of spending much more time investigating the costs of buying the Waterman & Katz Building, citing that the building should not be taken off the tax rolls and that the city should be creating infrastructure and not taking away potential retail space for entrepreneurs. Mr. Finnie stated that in his view, the action does not back away from the annex, but may satisfy community concerns and validate the numbers. Vote: the motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Discussion then moved to the "omnibus" motion. Mayor Kolff asked council members to suggest changes that will be incorporated into a resolution which will be considered at the July 22 meeting. Changes proposed for addition to the final resolution of intent: 1. A stronger statement of support for restoring the third floor to City Hall. 2. Strike language regarding consideration of relocating the skateboard park. o Add language to provide that the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney, review ways to provide local contracting with respect to project management and other services which are not covered by state bidding laws. City Council Business Meeting Page 6 July 15, 2002 Add language regarding the civic center concept/street closure and acknowledgement that parking needs will be addressed. 5. Add direction to staff to develop a public information process. o Add language e.g., "in the event grants or gifts afford us the opportunity to complete the process or add value to the process, the City Council may add to the cap on funding contingent upon a community workshop." It was noted that the Arts Commission will soon be bringing forward a plan relating to public art for public projects. RECESS At 8:55 p.m. the Mayor recessed the meeting for a break. RECONVENE. The meeting was reconvened at 9:10 p.m. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/LAND USE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR EXTENDING INTERIM STANDARDS FOR TREE CLEARING AND PLANTING Jeff Randall stated that the citizen advisory committee has worked hard on the ordinance but has run into some tricky technical issues regarding forest practices. He anticipates having the ordinance ready for the Planning Commission by or before late September, after the current ordinance expires. He added that a public hearing will bring forth additional testimony and that the interim ordinance could be modified at that time. The committee will recommend that individual developed residential properties be exempt from the ordinance. There was no public comment. Mr. Masci stated that he removed the item from the consent agenda because he continues to oppose the ordinance. He advocated not setting a hearing, but letting the ordinance lapse. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to adopt the recommendation of the Community Development and Land Use Committee that a public hearing be set for August 19, 2002, to extend and modify the interim tree clearing and planting ordinance (Ordinance 2799, adopted 2/25/02). Ms. Sandoval seconded The motion carried, 5-1, with Mr. Masci opposed City Council Business Meeting Page 7 July 15, 2002 RESOLUTION NO. 02-035 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR A WASHINGTON WILDLIFE RECREATION PROGRAM (WWRP) PROJECT TO THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION (IAC) AS PROVIDED IN CHAPTER 79A15RCW, ACQUISITION OF HABITAT CONSERVATION AND OUTDOOR RECREATION LANDS Mr. Clow stated that the city budgeted $200,000 for improvements to the Skateboard Park site in 2002; the Skateboard Park users were tasked with obtaining funding for the actual skateboard facility. The group has applied for grant funding to the IAC but before the application proceeds, the City Council must pass a resolution supporting the application and the project. There was no public comment. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved for adoption of Resolution 02-035. Mr. Masci seconded Mr. Finnie stated that he had pulled the item from the consent agenda for discussion because a new dynamic is occurring in this area of downtown due to the planned city hall, maritime center, possible civic center, etc. These are now moving forward rapidly and will affect the use of the current skateboard park site. He cited parking as a particular consideration and also noted that it often happens that skateboarders are unsupervised and end up being looked after by downtown business owners. He stated that he believes the park should be relocated to acknowledge that downtown parking is an issue. Vote: the motion carried 5-1, by voice vote, with Mr. Finnie opposed SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT AGENDA Ms. Sandoval stated that communication lines need to be spelled out as there is still some confusion about how information is passed along among council members and staff regarding meetings and agendas. Mayor Kolff suggested that he and the City Manager and City Clerk discuss the issue and bring forward a proposal for discussion by the full council. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Attest: · Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 8 July 15, 2002