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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06302003CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF JUNE 30, 2003 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this thirtieth day of June, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding. ROLL CALL -- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmembers present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Joe Finnie, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Alan Youse was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Water Quality Manager Bob LaCroix, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION NO. 03-018 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON APPROVING THE 2004-2009 SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE TIP TO THE STATE Mayor Kolff declared the public hearing open, and reviewed the rules of order. None of the Councilors had any interests, financial or property, to disclose. Public Works Director Ken Clow introduced the resolution. He noted that the list had been distributed at the last council meeting and that it is the same as last year with the elimination of projects which are underway or will be underway this year (San Juan sidewalk and Sims Way path). He stated the Transportation Committee had reviewed the list and recommended one change. The proposed change would break the first project into two parts: rather than Sheridan to the City Limits, two projects would be listed, one from Sheridan to Howard and one from Howard to the City Limits. The purpose of the proposed change is to improve the city's chances for high scores in competition at the state level, as the Sheridan to Howard segment has more traffic, passes schools, etc. and may be more likely to receive funding. Public comment: Jack Molsness suggested the city and county work together on projects crossing the city limits and moving the traffic signal up in priority. He also said that widening Monroe Street from Water to Lawrence might help to solve the downtown parking problem. Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 1 dune 30, 2003 Staff response: Mr. Clow stated he is not aware of a County project on Discovery but will check with the County to see if there is anything proposed. He also noted that if Monroe Street were widened, the City would look at all aspects of what is happening on that street. He stated the City's current primary issue on Monroe between Water and Lawrence is the fill area adjacent to Memorial Field which is sinking. Mr. Timmons noted that traffic signals have not fared well with the state historically and moving the signal up on the priority list will probably not impact the chance of receiving funding. He added that traffic signalization is usually funded from a specific source. There were no questions for the speakers or clarifying comments from the audience. Mayor Kolff closed the public testimony at 6:45 p.m. Motion: Mr. Masci moved for adoption of Resolution 03-018 as amended (breaking item one into two segments as discussed). Ms. Robinson seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. SPECIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS FINANCING Mr. Timmons noted that the goal of the discussion is to look at a number of deferred projects for possible inclusion in a bond. A bond of some amount has been proposed for one specific project, the $400,000 for the local share of the Fire Station grant. The City's bond underwriter has recommended bundling other projects, as it will be cost beneficial from the underwriters' perspective to do a bond of around a million dollars. Pending projects in addition to the match for the Fire Station which may be discussed include: balance of City Hall funding ($750,000); minimum fix on the swimming pool ($500,000); Police station site acquisition ($400,000); structural repairs to the Wave Gallery pilings and connection to the Cannery Building ($100,000); Skate Park local contribution ($200,000); Bell Tower grant match ($150,000); Pink House lease buy out ($235,000). If all projects were included, the bond would be approximately 2.7 million dollars or $2,750,000 with fees. The latest interest rate quoted was 3.75 percent and it may be advantageous to borrow money rather than taking current cash, with the objective of overall stabilization of the city's cash flow; in addition, some long-term projects can be completed earlier than projected. Finance Director Michael Legarsky was present to answer questions and discuss the financial information. Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 2 dune 30, 2003 In answer to questions from Mr. Masci, Mr. Timmons stated that the Bell Tower amount would be for refinancing the $150,000 that the City is cashing out this year; the pool project would be capped at $500,000 and user fees could be revisited; and the Pink House lease acquisition will diminish marginally over the course of the year, but there would be rent credit assumed. Mr. Legarsky confirmed, in answer to Ms. Sandoval's question, that the City's bonding capacity is around $10 million dollars; however, an entity cannot always afford to go to the full capacity. Mr. Timmons confirmed that a bond will be done at least for the Fire Station and the question at hand is whether we wish to take advantage of the low rates to finance other projects. Public comment Jack Molsness questioned the funding source of the city's contact system water project. Mr. Timmons stated that was financed by a Public Works Trust Fund loan at 1% interest. Ms. Sandoval asked whether the bonding could be used for the streetscape project in connection with City Hall; Mr. Timmons stated there is a trust fund program for streets and that would probably be our target for funding. Mayor Kolff asked for comments about the decision process. Mr. Timmons stated the information would return to the Finance and Budget Committee for analysis and then come back to Council. Mr. Masci suggested that the General Government Committee look at the project list as well; if they are able to reduce the list, then the Finance and Budget Committee would be relieved of that part of the discussion. He added the City must decide what type of projects they wish to fund rather than just borrowing cheap money. Mr. Finnie and Ms. Fenn both supported review by the General Government Committee. Ms. Sandoval supported discussion at the full council level only since the two committees would involve all but once Councilor. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to refer the special capital projects financing discussion to General Government and Finance/Budget Committees. Mr. Masci seconded The motion carried, 4-2, with Councilors Kolff and Sandoval opposed RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/LAND USE COMMITTEE REGARDING TRACKING PROGRESS ON THE PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND SCHEMES FOR KAH TAI AND BOAT HAVEN Ms. Fenn explained that since the Committee has been tasked with tracking progress of the Point Hudson property, they felt it would make sense to articulate the other properties Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 3 June 30, 2003 within the Port's Comprehensive Scheme that are within the city limits and track those as well. Public comment Laurie Medlicott: commented on the use of the word "scheme" for the Port's planning process; stated "plan" is a more palatable definition for the general public. Bill Miller: stated the term "scheme" was selected by Larry Crockett. Mayor Kolff added that "scheme" is the word mandated to be used by all Ports in Washington during their planning process. Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to adopt the recommendation of the Community Development/Land Use committee to task the CD/LU committee to track progress on the Port's Scheme for Kah Tai and Boat Haven. Ms. Fenn seconded Mr. Masci objected to what he termed the "uniform viewpoint" on the Committee and expressed fear that examining the products of other jurisdictions before they have a final product may create a sense of hostility among public entities. Ms. Fenn stated that land use decisions are under the purview of the Community Development/Land Use Committee and that the committee's request was that all council members receive the preferred alternatives for Port properties so all can be ready when the opportunity arrives for comments by the city. She stated having the information at the last minute will not allow preparation time for a good public discussion. Ms. Sandoval stated the committee is simply trying to encourage a collaborative process. Mr. Masci stated he also views this as a potential micromanaging by council of staff's administrative role in the early process. Ms. Robinson asked for clarification of what information or access to information would be gained by the council if the CD/LU committee tracks these property plans; she noted the Committee would be putting their time and staff's time and attention on this issue in preference to others and wants to be sure it will benefit the Council. Ms. Fenn stated that the staff Senior Planner brought the issue to the Committee's attention as a heads up; the Committee would be accruing information which will be helpful to the city as an entity participating in the process. Mayor Kolff added that this task is in line with the idea of committees expediting the work of the Council. Vote: motion carried, 5-1, by voice vote, with Councilor Masci opposed Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 4 June 30, 2003 WATER RESOURCE INVENTORY AREA 17 Public Works Director Ken Clow began by giving the Council an update on the water situation, noting that at this time we are somewhat ahead on precipitation, the river is slightly lower than last year but higher than the year before. He added that staff is meeting monthly with the mill to discuss this topic and others which are relevant. He then said that Washington State has embarked on a watershed planning process to address water related issues on a watershed basis rather than by governmental subdivision. Port Townsend is in WRIA 17, one of 60 planning areas in the state, and has been participating in regional planning processes since 1991. Under the current process, the initiating governments need to reach consensus on issues with a majority of non-governmental participants agreeing. A watershed plan must be submitted to the State in November; the draft plan will be available on August 15 and the final plan on September 26. It must be adopted by the planning unit at the October 14 meeting. At that time, Mayor Kolff, the City's representative, will need the council's authority to vote on the plan. He added that the City is involved in several issues which may affect the plan, including the current process to renew three special use permits for the Quilcene Rivers, which will allow the City to continue to use and maintain structures on national forest land; conditions may be placed on these permits which will restrict the ability to use our full state-issued water right. The City also has a lease contract with the Port Townsend Paper Company, which gives the mill control of the city's water supply system and water right. Any agreements the city reaches with other agencies about our water rights will need to be approved by the mill because of this lease agreement. He cautioned that the City must carefully weigh all of these various factors while making any decisions about the watershed. City Manager Timmons also emphasized the need for balance and flexibility of issues as well as consideration of cost issues. There was no public comment. Ms. Fenn asked for a description of current water conservation programs. Water Quality Manager Bob LaCroix stated the Governor has just signed a new law mandating some increased efforts in water conservation programs. He stated the city has always had a conservation program based on voluntary efforts, and has found over the years that voluntary programs are much better accepted by the public than higher fees, quotas, or alternative day watering. He added that in fact, people usually conserve more water than was ever intended. He added that water conservation programs are expensive and in Port Townsend, since the rates are fixed, the result is that the less water used, the Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 5 June 30, 2003 more is paid per gallon. He also noted that 90% of the year a gallon of water saved in Port Townsend does not equal a gallon saved in the river, only when the mill is into conservation practices in late fall. Mr. Masci suggested tasking the General Government Committee to review the issue and invite Mr. LaCroix to attend. Motion: Mr. Masci moved to task the General Government Committee with the WRIA ! 7 issue and address it at the next committee meeting. Ms. Robinson seconded. Mr. Finnie commented that the Mayor is now the direct representative of the City on the WRIA group; he stated it is important for the Council to know what he is saying when speaking on behalf of the rest of, the Council at the point where consensus is developed. He suggested that the Council schedule a work session to become educated about whatever concerns and biases are on the table. Mayor Kolff spoke in support of the suggestion. Vote: motion to remand WRIA 17 issue to General Government Committee at their next meeting carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk Port Townsend City Council Special Meeting Page 6 dune 30, 2003