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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10132003CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF OCTOBER 13, 2003 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this thirteenth day of October, 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 Frieda Fenn, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Michelle Sandoval, and Alan Youse. Joe Finnie and Catharine Robinson were excused. Staff member present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Joint Economic Strategy Meeting Mr. Timmons stated that the meeting will be a follow-up to the report the County received from WSU; concern was raised in regard to getting all the various agencies on the same plane and working together for the common interest. Discussion will center around focusing policy intentions to support economic clusters identified in the report - maritime trades, home businesses, etc. City Council Schedule for Fourth Quarter Councilors were asked to look over the draft schedule and notify the Clerk if they would be missing any of the meetings. Mr. Timmons noted also that committee meetings regarding budget issues will need to be scheduled for November. Appointments to Citizen Advisory Boards Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to accept the following recommendations. Ms. Fenn seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. George D. Randels to Planning Commission Position 7 Owen Fairbank to Non-Motorized Transportation Bd Position 2 Gail A. Ryan to Civil Service Commission Position 1 Term expires 12/31/05 Term Expires 05/01/05 Term expires 12/31/06 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Skateboard Park Update Mr. Timmons stated that the current parking study and consultants have reinvigorated the discussion of siting the skateboard park and there have been concerns expressed by City Council Special Meeting Page 1 October 13, 2003 neighbors, which may subject the city to appeals. He stated he has been strongly advised to explore alternatives for siting in case the regulatory issues cannot be overcome. The grant agency has said the grant is site specific and there had to be a compelling reason for looking elsewhere; this would also result in having the grant point assessment reassigned. He added that a new site may score just as well or our priority status may be reduced. Mr. Timmons said he was informed that the varsity baseball team wants to relocate from Memorial Field to Lincoln Street School; he has also been asked to look at the property for sale behind Memorial Field and whether acquisition would result in a suitable skate park location. He said he started with a conversation with the County and School District to see if it was worth pursing and both entities are interested in exploring the opportunity. He stated his primary concern is that a skate park be delivered on the date promised. Bell Tower, Hailer Fountain Vandalism Mr. Timmons described recent incidents of vandalism, which are costing the taxpayers thousands of dollars that come from current programs. He asked the community to be aware of this and assist the police in identifying perpetrators. STREET FUNDING Mr. Timmons gave an overview of the information contained in the packets regarding street funding. Discussion items included the breakdown and sources of funding for capital expenditures and maintenance, information about the establishment of a local fuel tax, a possible street utility, the amount of MVET funding lost and what it had been used for, elements that would guide a functional transportation plan, status of the green streets ordinance, and length of time needed for the City to promote public education for a levy ballot. Mr. Masci asked for copies of all paperwork generated on green streets to date, a dollar amount on the generation of the local option fuel tax, information about other districts and consolidations, and figures on how "ancillary" functions contribute to the General Fund withdrawal. He stated he would like to see options that would be funded by all citizens and not just property owners. Mr. Timmons noted there are limited options for additional revenue sources. A levy is geared to a more programmatic approach. He added that Port Townsend has a very low property tax levy rate and similar cities with low rates generally have substantially more sales tax revenue. Public comment None City Council Special Meeting Page 2 October 13, 2003 RECESS A recess was declared at 8:40 p.m. for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Kolff asked whether them is an advantage to having the election in May or September. He requested that staff research what the last available election date would be in order for the levy to be effective in 2005. Mr. Masci stated he would prefer a levy for services that does not benefit all citizens and fund transportation from the general fund. Mr. Youse stated that the City must be ready to answer the question of what the current General Fund amount, which is now going to the Street fund, will be spent on if streets are funded by a levy. He stated again he is not in favor of a levy for street maintenance. Ms. Sandoval stated the City would be irresponsible to cut programs when people depend on the City; she added it would be appalling to cut non-profit funding to supply asphalt when many people are opposed to spending money to maintain streets because they believe bumpy streets mean slow traffic. Mr. Timmons stated the logical committee to consider the issues would be Transportation and that staff can provide a decision matrix to the Committee members. Mr. Masci suggested using utility bill mailings to poll the public for their opinion on street maintenance funding. He stated the problem is not necessarily a decrease in money and taxes, but part of it is also the increase in the amount of services the government is expected to provide. Mr. Youse stated it is irresponsible not to support financing street maintenance. Streets serve the whole community rather than some services which serve only a portion of the community. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to task the Transportation Committee to bring back a specific resolution regarding size and method of implementation of a street levy and specific recommendations and incorporate prior recommendations (level of service, permanent funding mechanism) back to the Council by November 10. Kolff seconded. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to add the issue of whether to continue General Fund contributions to the Street Fund or support Street Funding entirely through a street levy to the recommendation and discussion. Ms. Sandoval seconded. The motion carried, 4-1, with Youse opposed. City Council Special Meeting Page 3 October 13, 2003 ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Attest Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Special Meeting Page 4 October 13, 2003