HomeMy WebLinkAbout03172003CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 17, 2003
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this seventeenth day of
March, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees
Kolff presiding.
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 by Mayor Kees Kolff. Council members present at roll
call were Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Michelle Sandoval, Catharine Robinson, and
Alan Youse. Joe Finnie was excused.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mr. Youse asked that Resolution 03-008 supporting the East Jefferson Chapter of Puget sound
Anglers, be added to the agenda. It was added after the consent agenda.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
· Mayor Kolff read a proclamation in honor of American Merchant Marines. Harold "Bud"
Schmidt was to present speak about the Merchant Marines and to accept the proclamation.
Mayor Kolff read a proclamation that Sy Kahn receives the Angel of the Arts Award for the
Year 2003. Mr. Kahn was present to accept the award.
The Mayor introduced Police Chief Kristen Anderson who announced the award winners from
the fourth annual Police employee recognition dinner for police staff and volunteers.
Officer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Employee of the Year
Reserve Officer of the Year
Best Arrest/Investigation
Top Gun
Sherry Erickson
Bill Erickson
Kay Pownall
Bob Grewell
Sherry Erickson
Conner Daily
The Chief's Awards were presented to Deputy Chief Conner Daily, volunteer Ken Horvath, and
Officers Troy Surber and Ed Green
Mayor Kolff presented the draft response letter to Greg Walsh concerning Mr. Walsh's request
to meet with Council in executive session.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to approve the draft letter; Mr. Youse seconded. The motion carried
unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
BCD Director Jeff Randall gave a presentation on the updated population forecast for use in the
2004 comprehensive plan update. He indicated that the 20-year population forecast must be
considered as part of the comprehensive plan update. The City and County must agree on the
figures to be used. Meetings are being scheduled at this time.
City Council Business Meeting Page 1 March 17, 2003
Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to assign the matter to City representatives of the doint Growth
Management Steering Committee for review. Seconded by Ms. Robinson. The motion carried
unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Timmons stated we are in the process of hiring a fire inspector and will be executing a
contract soon; duties will include assessing high-risk hazard areas and public education. The
contract is a limited term not to exceed one year, with a total not to exceed $30,000 per year,
with no vacation, health or medical benefits, or retirement or pension benefits.
'Mr. Timmons advised the $500,000 community block grant for Olycap would not be awarded
this year. The granting agency will be coming out to meet with Otycap to explain. A meeting
will be scheduled with the Affordable Housing Task Force on that issue.
He stated the City hopes to hear about the status of the FEMA fire station grant within 30 days.
Mayor Kolff asked about the time limits for expenditure of the grant. Mr. Timmons stated the
clock starts once the grant agreement is signed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Scott Walker: Strongly advocated the establishment of a parking plan for the City so there are
policy guidelines in place for projects like the Washington Street stormwater project. He urged
that the following policy issues be incorporated: 1. Recognize that citizen participation creates
better environment; 2. Want to build bike and pedestrian friendly community; and 3. Parking
policy guidelines on transportation management. He asked that no parking be added to
Washington Street until there is a parking plan.
Veto Garrison: introduced "A Pledge to History," encouraging the Council to renovate City Hall
and purchase the Waterman & Katz Building.
Ted Shoulberg read the "Pledge to History" and provided a written copy.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the following items on the consent agenda. Ms. Sandoval
seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of the following Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 85214 through 85217 and 85221 through 85375 in the amount of $283,351.91
Approval of Minutes
Regular Session of March 3, 2003 and Study Session of March 10, 2003
Approval of Resolution
RESOLUTION 03-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND.
WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO SERVICE
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CONTRACTS NOT TO EXCEED $134,885 IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED
CITH HALL RESTORATION PROJECT
Approval of Actions
Authorization for the City Manager to award a construction contract and sign necessary
professional services contracts to complete the Bell Tower restoration project and report back to
Council with a budget reconciliation after bid opening and prior to award of the contract.
Authorization for the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Professional Services Agreement
with Rice Fergus Miller for design and project management services through construction of the
Port Townsend Fire Hall Reconstruction project.
Authorization for the Finance Director to request funds from the Port Townsend Transmission
Line Replacement Fund to pay the expenses for maintenance and repairs related to the OGWS
pipeline.
ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA
RESOLUTION 03-008 - SUPPORTING EFFORTS OF THE EAST JEFFERSON
CHAPTER OF PUGET SOUND ANGLERS TO EXTEND THE CHINOOK SALMON
SEASON AND PRESERVE THE BEACH FISHERY
Mr. Youse introduced Resolution 03-008, which encourages the Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife to extend the Chinook Salmon Season to all of April, close the boat fishery in July,
but preserve the beach fishery in July in Area 9.
Gary Hulsey, President of the East Jefferson Puget Sound Anglers stated the position of the
group on the importance of the action to the area.
Ms. Robinson asked what the season is currently; Mr. Hulsey stated the season ends March 31.
The proposal will add the month of April, close it in May and June, and close it to boat fishing in
July, although there will be beach fishing in July; and regular opening in August. It would close
again in October and there would be a winter opening.
Ms. Sandoval stated that there was no time for Council to look at the material in advance of the
meeting.
Mr. Hulsey apologized for springing this issue on Council and had tried to get something in
' email by last Friday. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife meeting is next Thursday, and the
Association feels they must show strong community support for their position.
Ms. Sandoval asked this be put aside for a future meeting. Ms. Fenn stated it was put on the
agenda and we should finish public comment and then a motion can be made.
Mr. Youse stated he decided to push this ahead. He doesn't indicate in the Resolution that they
are supporting hurting endangered fish. He indicated that closing the boat fishery in July would
save many endangered fish.
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Mayor Kolff stated he was told there were a number of people attending to show their support
who would not comment. Mr. Hulsey stated he would speak on behalf of the other supporters
who he asked to stand. Eight citizens stood in support.
Vern Garrison: He stated this issue is important and time sensitive, and suggested maybe the
resolution should be changed from a resolution to a proclamation.
Randy __:, 336 Fillmore Street. Spoke in support of the resolution.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved for approval of Resolution 03-008. Mr. Youse seconded.
Ms. Sandoval stated she would love to support the resolution but she has no background
information and has heard conflicting testimony about whether this affects commercial or sport
fishing.
Ms. Fenn stated she would like to support the Resolution but feels it is precipitous to decide
tonight and needs more background information to make an informed and fair vote.
Mr. Youse stated in a couple of weeks this will have little effect and that we haven't heard from
the boat fisherman as they are not a majority. He stated that closing the boat fishery is a request
from the locals. He added that e-mails had been sent to the Council with information, He added
that Mr. Hulsey talked to the County Commissioners this morning and it is expected they will
pass a similar resolution.
Mr. Masci spoke in favor of the motion and added that Council has a history of voting for time
sensitive items in a matter like this. Local citizens would like our support as they go forward to
speak with State representatives. He stated that passing the measure would not endanger any fish
but will probably save Chinooks and increase natural fisheries to the south of us.
Ms. Robinson stated she did receive an email and read the article but is not knowledgeable about
fishing and could have benefited from more background information.
Mayor Kolff agrees the process is a great concern but added he will support the issue but hopes
there are not boat fisheries out there that have not been heard.
Mr. Youse agrees expediency is not a good thing, and he wouldn't expect anyone to vote if they
were not educated on the issue. He added it is unfortunate none of Council is in tune with the
fishing community.
Vote: The vote for Resolution 03-O08 failed on a 3-3 vote: Messrs. Youse, Kolff and Masci,[br;
Ms. Fenn, Sandoval and Robinson against.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Timmons stated the Library Advisory Board was asked to recommend a policy position to
Council regarding the near term prospect for consideration of annexation. The Board is entering
a new phase to recruit a new Library Director, as Ms. Patrick will be retiring. The Board advised
City Council Business Meeting Page 4 March 17, 2003
they felt there is no benefit in pursuing the annexation question at this time. They feel we could
achieve 80% of what would be accomplished in annexation through other inter-governmental
cooperation strategies. He added that the Council may revisit the issue at any time.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the Library Advisory Board that the
City not pursue the question of annexing the Port Townsend Library to the defferson County
Library District at this time, and encourage the continuing exploration of productive
cooperation between these two excellent institutions. Seconded by Ms. Robinson. Vote: motion
carried, 5-1, by voice vote, Mr. Youse opposed
GUIDELINES FOR COMMITTEE ASSIGNED TASKS
Mr. Timmons indicated this is a first touch to get discussion under way. He provided a handout
that he and the Mayor produced addressing guidelines for committee/staff assignments and
Council priorities. The handout includes a list of 41 priorities for the year listed at the Council
retreat; priorities were taken directly from the list made at the retreat so some may need
additional clarification.
Mr. Masci stated the he believes a Council Rules subcommittee would be helpful and that these
guidelines could be appended to the rules. He spoke in favor of adoption.
Ms. Fenn stated she would prefer to see the Committee recommendations and changes to
Council Rules go to a committee for thorough discussion. She suggested e-mailing comments to
the City Manager and then sending the proposals to a standing committee or council task force.
Ms. Sandoval asked Mr. Masci what he suggested, and he stated Council should form a Council
Rules subcommittee to handle this issue. He suggested creating a section for guidelines, not
rules that are flexible suggestions not bound by the rules that can be accepted or rejected.
Ms. Sandoval spoke in support of e-mailing comments to Mr. Timmons rather than going to a
committee. She stated she needs clarification on some issues and prefers full council discussion
rather than committee review.
Mayor Kolff stated if we did follow Ms. Fenn's recommendation and send comments to Mr.
Timmons, perhaps we should also take a look at Mr. Masci's recommendation of how this might
fit into Council Rules.
'Motion: Ms. Fenn moved that Councilors make comment on guidelines and get the comments to
Mr. Timmons and Mayor Kolff; have them review the comments and come back with suggested
changes and a process of how we might incorporate them into Council Rules. Ms. Sandoval
seconded the motion. Vote: Mayor Kolff, Ms. Fenn, Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Robinson in favor;
Mr. Masci and Mr. Youse opposed Passed 4-2.
Mayor Kolff stated the information regarding City Council priorities was not intended for
discussion at this meeting. He recommended that Councilors review all the information and send
comments or suggestions to Mr. Timmons. He added that he and Mr. Timmons are working on a
date when Jeanne Harris can return to facilitate a follow-up retreat.
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SKATEBOARD PARK
Mr. Timmons stated the City has a 90-day window to evaluate the skate park project status. We
are going into regulatory reviews and should receive final word on the grant.
Mr. Clow gave a history of the development of a permanent skate park facility. The conceptual
design has been provided in the packets. The City was ranked 7 out of 44 projects on this year's
· list for the $200,000 IAC grant that will fund the project. It appears it will be July or August
before any money will be released and it is doubtful construction will begin this year. The next
step in the process is development of construction drawings and specifications to get it out for
bid. Tonight is first touch to get confirmation the project is what you want to do. We currently
have budgeted $200,000 from the City's budget that matches the $200,000 IAC grant.
Mr. Timmons indicated the goal is that after the regulatory review is completed, staff will return
to Council for approval of the structural design and bid. He does not want to enter into the
construction design phase until the Council resolves the siting issues.
Mr. Masci asked whether the grant is site specific. Mr. Clow has asked that information of IAC
and when he hears back, will advise Council.
Mr. Masci suggested if we went with one of the other sites we would not need the shorelines
permit and HPC, which translates into cost savings to the project.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nancy Dorgan: spoke in support of the design, stated it is a good balance of parking versus
recreation. She urged the Council to stay with the current location.
Scott Walker: stated is not "married" to any particular location; noted the design layout shows
how much parking there is, and adding 25-30 more spaces isn't going to change the impervious
surfaces or parking problems. He stated social interaction among people is of greater concern
than parking and asked that Council not add more cars to the downtown district even if another
site is chosen for the skate park.
Mr. Masci stated he has been a long-time supporter of the project and the City has continually
contributed to the maintenance and upkeep of the park. He added that conditions have changed
sufficiently to prompt reconsideration of the site of the skate park and open the subject for
discussion. He said the goals of centrality and visibility can be served at other locations but
removal of 25 parking spaces prior to the result of the upcoming parking study, from the
downtown region must be reconsidered.
Mr. Youse agreed with Mr. Masci's comments and added he voted against the City Hall Annex
project because of the many projects downtown and parking issues have not been taken care of.
He also stated we must determine whether the grant is site specific.
Ms. Fenn spoke in support of maintaining the current site; she stated it is a matter of prioritizing
'the needs of youths in the community.
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Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to refer this to the CD/LU Committee for review pending the
information Mr. Masci has requested about whether the grant is site specific and bring a
recommendation back to Council within 45 days. The motion was seconded and the motion
carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
RECESS
The meeting was recessed at 8:35 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
ORDINANCE 2830 - ETHICS CODE REVISION
Mr. Watts stated the Ethics Code revisions were discussed at a Council Workshop on March 10,
2003. The proposed revisions only deal with procedures; specifically to replace the current three
member citizen board appointed now from citizen boards for each ethics complaint with a
professional hearings officer, similar to one used for land use decisions. There has been some
objection raised concerning the City Attorney providing an opinion regarding conflict of interest
or appearance of fairness issues. With the revisions, if an ethics complaint is filed, the City
Attorney is taken out of the loop and does not render an opinion on legal compliance issues.
Having a City Attorney render a threshold opinion on the first level is not precluding an opinion
of a hearings officer. The ordinance, if adopted, would not affect the currently pending ethics
matter. The recommendation, if adopted, would include a provision that a professional would be
appointed who could review the code and recommend changes on the code. If the ordinance
were adopted, the City Manager would bring forward a selection process and recommendation to
Council regarding hearings officers to serve. The matter for tonight's action is whether Council
wants to vote a first reading of the ordinance or to waive Council Rules and proceed directly to
ordinance adoption.
Mr. Timmons disclosed Greg Walsh has filed an ethics complaint against him and therefore he
would prefer not to participate in the discussion regarding changes to the code.
Mr. Watts clarified that the matter filed today was a request for an advisory opinion arising out
of actions taken by the City Manager; it wasn't a complaint against him. The code, as written,
allows for an advisory opinion. The advisory opinion would be by the three-member citizen
board; however, it is not an automatic triggering of an opinion. It has to be referred by the City
Manager or two members of Council. He recommends we not deal with that tonight.
Mr. Timmons stated he would not participate in the discussion.
Ms. Sandoval asked the difference between what state law covers and what our ethics ordinance
covers.
Mr. Watts stated one main difference is that the state law does not extend to members of boards
and commissions. The second difference is the City code requires a disclosure requirement
called indirect benefit. State law does not, except on other very specified events such as
contracts and permits, but not for a general legislation.
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Mayor Kolff asked for clarification concerning the title of the ordinance indicating it states
Councilmembers or City Manager, and asks if it applies to board or commission members.
Mr. Watts stated the existing ordinance applies to Councilors, City Manager and board members.
Mr. Watts said his attempt was to narrow the procedures, not the scope.
'Ms. Sandoval asked, concerning the recent request for an opinion, whether it will require an
ethics board to be created.
Mr. Watts stated before an advisory opinion is given, the approval will come from the City
Manager or two members of Council can request the advisory opinion. If approved, then it
would go to a new citizen board. That is another argument, in his view, for having a professional
on board.
Mayor Kolff asked whether this ordinance would cover that situation and provide that an opinion
be given by a hearings examiner as opposed to a board. Mr. Watts indicated it could. The
request doesn't automatically trigger the opinion. If a request were approved, it would be up to
Council and City Manager to determine how to respond to it. It could be the existing procedure,
or it could be a hearings officer.
Ms. Robinson asked whether under the current ordinance, the Council could refer the matter to a
hearings officer. Mr. Watts stated that the Council could make the decision to refer the matter to
a hearings officer rather than the citizen board.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Leola Armstrong: stated she does not believe the City Attorney could be objective enough to
make an initial determination and spoke against attaching a filing fee for an ethics complaint.
She does not support making changes to the current ethics code.
Nancy Dorgan: supported revising the Ethics Code so that decisions are in the hands of legal
professionals. She suggested Council wait until the current ethics complaint is resolved before
revising the code.
Mr. Watts stated that most cities do not utilize a citizen board, but have a standing board made
up of individuals with professional expertise. He stated it was thought that a citizen board would
be a cost saving measure but it has turned out that the opposite is the case. He clarified that there
is no suggestion in the current proposed revision to institute filing fees and that there has been no
suspension of rules or substantive provisions of the ethics code arising out of or resulting in the
draft ordinance.
Mr. Masci agreed with Ms. Dorgan that any changes should wait until the current matter is
resolved. He stated that an initial threshold opinion by the City Attorney would be redundant if a
professional hearings officer is retained. He proposed that the hearings officer also issue the
threshold opinion and that the ordinance should include members of boards and commissions.
Ms. Sandoval stated the current code is costly, burdensome, and takes up a great deal of staff
time. She referred to state laws, which are already in place. She urged quick rescission of the
ordinance, and referral to a committee or subcommittee to untangle it enough to get a hearings
City Council Business Meeting Page 8 March 17, 2003
board or permanent hearings officer. She added that if the threshold opinion of the hearings
body is that the charge is groundless and it is then pursued, it is not outrageous to charge a fee to
go forward.
Mr. Youse stated the council needs more time to think this through, as ethics are extremely
important. He spoke against rescinding the current ordinance but would consider modifying it.
Ms. Fenn said even though them is an ethics allegation pending against her by Mr. Frank and
Ms. Armstrong, the City Attorney advised she could discuss the proposed changes to the code.
She supports input from an objective legal person and noted there is a good state guide on ethics.
She stated she is not sure if it is wise to look at procedural changes without examining the entire
code. She asked Mr. Watts what the procedures would be to rescind the ordinance to take time
to look at a new ethics code.
Mr. Watts indicated an ordinance is required to rescind the previous ordinance. The first reading
could be at the next business meeting.
Ms. Robinson indicated this has been to committee once and it needs to be discussed by full
Council. She is not in favor of waiving Council Rules to amend or rescind. She spoke in favor
of establishing a hearings officer.
Mayor Kolff indicated he would like to deal with the procedural crisis that exists in the current
ordinance even though it is anticipated there will be further changes. He supports moving
toward a hearings examiner and his preference would be for a first reading tonight so that an
outside examiner could be retained to review the code.
Ms. Sandoval asked what the timeframe would be for finding a hearings officer. Mr. Watts
indicated one could be found quickly to help out, but for the hiring process for a long-term
person, more time would be needed. Council could task the City Manager or City Attorney to
seek outside review of the entire code or only of procedural aspects. If it went out for third party
review, it could come back to either full Council or committee.
Ms. Sandoval asked if it wasn't sent out, if there could be a moratorium or freeze on the
ordinance. Mr. Watts stated a freeze could be enacted, but because it affects existing code, an
· ordinance would be required to affect the freeze.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved that Council yard out Ordinance 2830 at Mr. Watts' 'discretion to an
expert such as a retired judge or ethics committee of the bar, for comment, including Council's
comments tonight, and then deal with some of those issues and to authorize Mr. Watts to obtain
legal opinion through the Washington State Bar Association ethics committee. Ms. Sandoval
seconded the motion. [She later rescinds her seconding of Mr. Masci's motion.]
Mr. Masci stated the review would be just for the process issue.
Ms. Sandoval stated she wishes to include the review of the entire code rather than a portion.
She rescinds her seconding of Mr. Masci 's motion.
Ms. Robinson seconded Mr. Masci's motion.
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Ms. Robinson's understanding was the motion covered the process for retaining a hearings
officer and would then include contracting with the hearings officer to look at the whole
ordinance. She feels if we take the whole ordinance for review to someone who is not going to
be our hearings officer, we might be at risk of doing it twice.
Mr. Masci stated we are back to the original issues of hiring a hearings officer and threshold
review by the City Attorney. He stated the issue at hand is approval of the General Government
Committee recommendation to Council as a whole, and tasking staff to take care of that
recommendation with an experienced jurist.
Vote: The vote was unanimous, 5-0. Ms. Fenn abstained.
There were no objections to Ms. Fenn abstaining.
Mr. Watts asks whether Council wanted to indicate whether full Council or the General
Government Committee would do final review. Ms. Sandoval suggested full Council.
Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to hold complaint applications to the Ethics Board until a new
process is in place. Seconded by Mayor Kolff.
Mr. Watts indicating such a freeze would affect the existing provisions, it would need an
amending or revising ordinance.
Mr. Masci spoke against the motion.
Ms. Fenn asked if such a motion were adopted, would the RCWs be the governing guidance for
all ethical matters.
Mr. Watts stated an ordinance that would suspend applications would need to have some
additional language as to what the effect the suspension had on matters that could affect
violations of the code. If the motion passes, it should be a direction to staff to come back with
proposed language alternatives.
Mr. Masci stated his concern about public perception if the Council rescinds the Ethics Code.
Ms. Sandoval stated the freeze would prevent the same situation from occurring again while the
code is undergoing change.
Vote: Ms. Sandoval and Mayor Kolff voted in favor; opposed were Mr. Masci, Ms'. Robinson,
and Mr. Youse; Ms'. Fenn abstained Motion failed 2-3.
PINK HOUSE LEASE
· Mr. Timmons stated an opportunity has come up for leasing of the Pink House, a City-owned
building, located between the Library and the Fire Station. It is suggested the Fire Department
administration offices move there during construction of the new fire station. Another option
long term is the ability to use it for library purposes. It is hoped we could negotiate a lease for
the long-term use by the City with terms to include possible reacquisition of the property.
City Council Business Meeting Page 10 March 17, 2003
Mr. Masci asked who paid for the renovations and Mr. Timmons indicated the contractor paid
for renovations.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a lease for
the long-term use by the City of the Pink House with terms to include possible reacquisition of
the property, as quickly as possible. Ms. Fenn seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous,
6-0.
SOLE SOURCE FOR MEDIC UNITS
Mr. Timmons stated this issue is on the agenda for first touch. The Fire Department has used
North Star medic units in the past that have proven to be efficient and contain the features
desired by the Fire Department's staff, and it is most cost-effective to standardize the equipment
and parts. Braun Northwest, Inc. of Chehalis is the only manufacturer for North Star; they are
· considered for bidding purposes as the sole source.
Mr. Masci moved to refer the matter to the General Government Committee for review and
recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Youse. Motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Timmons suggested taking the standing committee reports as a consent agenda and take
comment and questions en masse, then provide one motion to include approval of all committee
recommendations. He stated that most of the items are self-explanatory.
Public Comment:
Vanessa Brower, Chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force, stated the CD/LU committee has
recommended they address ten items. The Committee reformulated the ten items to six items
and has created a work plan. All items have been completed except for two.
Ms. Robinson asked the definition of an "opt out issue." Ms. Brower stated it is an activity an
affordable housing owner can do - to opt out of providing affordable housing under current
criteria, covenant or restrictions on property. As an example, the Marine Plaza Apartment in the
'old format is project based and will expire in May. They can choose to opt out so vouchers no
longer exist, and a resident will continue to pay rent at the same level, but a new tenant would
pay more.
Next Ms. Sandoval asked Mr. Timmons about the General Government Committee
recommendation regarding replacement vehicles. Mr. Timmons stated one vehicle would be a
hybrid vehicle, and one would be for out-of-tom travel. He stated the City would look at
neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) for police volunteers for parking, home checks and meter
readings.
Ms. Robinson asked why the new vehicle funding would require a supplemental budget; she
asked whether the plan still included departments budgeting for their own vehicles. Mr.
Timmons noted that departments would fund their own needs through contributions to the
Equipment Rental Fund but that the fund has not yet stabilized at the level needed for replacing
the number of vehicles needed immediately. He added that we would be looking at vehicles with
extended maintenance and warranty and not to keep it longer than the warranty period.
City Council Business Meeting Page 11 March 17, 2003
Mr. Masci stated regarding levels of service, he would like a comparison to cities like Port
Townsend, not larger cities. He would also like to see tourist influx cities where you have huge
populations coming through to evaluate the data. He would like a lot of data if we will be doing
a big deal comp plan change.
Mr. Timmons stated we might need to go back as part of our seven-year update as it didn't take
into account seasonal influx. Mr. Masci stated he would like to see all of the information again.
Ms. Robinson asked if this was for this year's comp plan process, and Mr. Timmons stated it was
for the update process.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the CD/LU Committee and adopt the
2003 Affordable Housing Task Force Plan. Seconded by Ms. Robinson. The vote was
unanimous, 6-0.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the General Government Committee
that discussion o fa joint Police~Fire facility be assigned to the General Government Committee.
Seconded by Ms. Robinson. The vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the General Government Committee
and address the Level of Service for public safety through the Comprehensive Plan Update
Process. Ms. Fenn seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the General Government Committee
and approve a supplemental budget for funding new vehicles from the equipment rental fund
according to staff's recommendation. Seconded by Ms. Sandoval. The vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adopt the recommendation of the General Government Committee
to recommend that Council affirm that the current take home policy for Police vehicles is
appropriate for now and to recommend that the City work toward replacement of the fleet over
no more than afire year period. Seconded by Ms. Fenn. The vote was unanimous, 6-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Kolff stated there would be an executive session concerning a real estate transaction that
will last approximately 15 minutes, and that no decisions will be made.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
The executive session adjourned at 10:33 p.m.
Bobbie Usselman
Legal Assistant
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, CMC, City Clerk
City Council Business Meeting Page 12 March 17, 2003