HomeMy WebLinkAbout02022004CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF FEBRUARY 2, 2004
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this second day of
February, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci,
Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Freida Fenn was
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Public Works Director Ken Clow, BCD Director
Jeff Randall, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
PUGETSOUND ENERGY UPDATE
Don McDaniel presented an update on the activities of Puget Sound Energy. He noted
that he will return for another presentation in October or November.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Robinson proposed setting a special meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 6:30
p.m. The meeting will be an informational session about the golf course/performing arts
center issue. She stated this will be an opportunity for all those interested to get
information and have dialogue about the issue.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Jefferson County Historical Society Director Bill Tennent presented the JCHS quarterly
update.
Mayor Robinson proposed the following council committee and outside committee
assignments for council members:
Council Committees
Community Development/Land Use: Sandoval, Fenn, Benskin
General Government: Kolff, Masci, Medlicott
Finance Budget: Fenn, Robinson, Medlicott
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Transportation: Chairs of other committees and/or designees from other committees
Outside Committee Assignments
Board of Health: Masci
Developmental Disabilities Board: Kolff
Distressed County Infrastructure: Sandoval
Economic Development Council: Benskin
HUD Loan Committee: Benskin
Regional Intergovernmental: Robinson, Sandoval, Masci
Jeff. Co. Substance Abuse Advisory Committee: Benskin
Jefferson Transit Board: Fenn, Robinson
LEOFF Board: Masci
LTAC: Medlicott
OLYCAP: Masci
PEG Access Coordinating Committee: Masci
PRTPO: from Transportation Committee or City Transit Board representatives
Vol. Fire Pension and Disability: Kolff, Robinson
Standing Advisory Board/Committee:
Affordable Housing Task Force: Fenn
Shorelines Advisory Group: Sandoval
Public Comment: None
Mr. Kolff stated that some groups traditionally have elected officials representing other
municipalities, for example, WRIA 17 and Fort Worden Advisory Committee. He stated
that the council should look at some of the groups at which elected representation is not
mandated and consider representation when appropriate rather than categorically limiting
the number of outside committee assignments to those mandated.
Motion: Ms. Medlicott moved to accept theMayor's recommendations for committee
assignments. Mr. Masci seconded
Mayor Robinson recommended the standing council committees meet this month to
select chairs so the Transportation Committee can be formed and to review any work plan
items held over from last year. Committee chairs should then contact the Mayor if there
are items that they feel need to be addressed in the committee setting.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Timmons updated the council on the following items:
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Association of Washington Cities legislative priorities. If Council wishes more
information or discussion on any of these in the future, let Mr. Timmons know.
2003 Final Budget Report: The City ended the year with an 8% fund balance, within the
Council's desired target range.
Cops and Kids Poetry: will be scheduled again this year; Police are seeking funding.
Trestle removal: Mr. Timmons signed contract documents for removal of the storm-
damaged trestle.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following people commented on the issue of locating a performing arts center on the
Port Townsend Golf Course:
Allen Frank
Patsy Caldwell
Dennis Morgan
Bernie Arthur
Gloria Bram
William Aldrich
Mike Cronk
Skeeter Crawford
Signe Crawford
Crad Verser
Bud O'Meara
Dale Bidlake
Gary Baird
Michael Lux
Gene Fart
Rita E. Beebe
Karen Farr
RECESS
Mayor Robinson recessed the meeting at 7:52 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:10 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion: Mr. Kolff moved for the approval of the following items on the consent agenda.
Mr. Masci seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
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Approval of the following Bills, Claims and Warrants:
Vouchers 88723 through 88868 in the amount of $318,009.69
Approval of Minutes:
January 12, 2004
January 20, 2004
January 26, 2004
Approval of Actions:
Authorization for the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with
Wright Consulting Services for project oversight of the Port Townsend Fire
Station Reconstruction
Adoption of Resolution
RESOLUTION 04-003
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING VEHICLE PURCHASE FROM THE
EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUND FOR TWO CITY VEHICLES, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR
THE CITY MANAGER
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION 04-004
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS TO IMPLEMENT THE 2004 COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN UPDATE GRANT ($15,000) AND POINT HUDSON CZM GRANT ($20,000)
CONSISTENT WITH FISCAL YEAR 2004 APPROVED BUDGET
City Manager Timmons presented the resolution. He noted that staff had met with Port
of Port Townsend representatives today regarding Point Hudson.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Ms. Medlicott moved for adoption of Resolution 04-004. Mr. Masci seconded.
The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
CHANGE TO COUNCIL RULES: 1) COMMITTEE MEETING TIMES; 2) COUNCIL
SEATING
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City Attomey Watts reviewed the proposed changes to the Council Rules. The proposed
revision to meeting times provides for Council Committees to meet as needed and not
according to a regular schedule.
Council seating change provides for Councilors to sit in order according to their Council
position.
Public Comment: None
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to approve the proposed changes to Council Rules. Mr.
Benskin seconded
Some concerns were raised about eliminating regular set times for council committee
meetings. Reasons cited included need for sufficient notice to the public and ability for
council and staff to block time from their schedules.
Consensus was for committees to have initial meeting and discuss scheduling. If other
ideas are put forward, rules can be adjusted at that time.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
ORDINANCE 2851
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING RATES FOR WATER SERVICE AND SEWER
SERVICE SET FORTH IN TITLE 13, SECTIONS 13.05.030 AND 13.05.040 OF THE
PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
City Manager Timmons presented the ordinance for consideration. He noted the
ordinance is based on the recently completed Utility Rate Study by Financial Consulting
Solutions Group, Inc., which was presented to the council late in December and was also
the subject of a workshop in January.
Mr. Masci stated he has received many inquiries from senior citizens and asked if the
model allows for the same senior discounts currently established. He also asked what
the total annual discount was.
Mr. Legarsky replied the discount system would remain in place. The discount total in
2003 was $76,000, and represents a redistribution, as other ratepayers pick up the
difference.
Mr. Kolff asked when other issues will be examined (cost of service analysis to
determine fairness issues related to utility ratepayer classes, wholesale water rate.)
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Mr. Timmons noted there is much analysis to be done and that it will probably be a year
before a proposal regarding differentiation in rates can be established. He added there
are over 20 different rate structures to look at.
He added a wholesale water rate will be looked at as part of the utility plan update.
Public comment:
Bob Sokol encouraged the Council to consider the PUD request to purchase wholesale
water as a benefit to the city utility customers.
Motion: Mr. Kolff moved for first reading of Ordinance 2851. Ms. Medlicott seconded
Concems were expressed again about senior and low income populations and the amount
of time needed before adjustments are made for ratepayer classes. Council requested
that staff indicate to the Council the earliest date that adjustments could be proposed.
Mr. Timmons noted that starting in 2003, communities are allowed to set their own index
on what constitutes poverty level. HUD guidelines allow 120% of the poverty level to be
considered low income.
Vote: the motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Ms. Sandoval stated that the members of the Arts Committee will attend the February 12
meeting. She noted that the group supporting a performing arts center had nothing to do
with the City Council, but was simply a citizens group which came together with a
common interest and goal. There was never any discussion of doing away with the golf
course or to take anything away from the golfers who use the facility. She stated she
looks forward to the Feb. 12 meeting so that the correct information can be put forward.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC /_)
City Clerk
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