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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01052004 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 5, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this fifth day of January, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding. OATH OF OFFICE Former Judge William Howard administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Council members Benskin, Masci, Medlicott, and Robinson. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no proposed changes to the agenda. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Mayor Kolff extended New Year greetings. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager David Timmons commented on the many items for implementation in the 2004 work plan, and noted that they will be reviewed at the council retreat on January 17. Mr. Timmons also announced that L&I insurance rates have gone down 10% and that the city's modifier has dropped 20 points. Fire Chief Edwards has announced his resignation as of April 1 so a search committee will be organized to begin the process of hiring a new chief. City Council Business Meeting Page 1 January 5, 2004 ELECTION OF OFFICERS City Clerk Pam Kolacy called for nominations for the office of mayor. Mr. Kolff nominated Ms. Robinson. There were no further nominations and Catharine Robinson was elected mayor for a two-year term. Mayor Robinson called for nominations for Deputy Mayor. Mr. Masci nominated Ms. Medlicott. Ms. Fenn nominated Ms. Sandoval. The ballots were counted and Michelle Sandoval received a majority of four votes. Ms. Medlicott received three votes (Masci, Benskin and Medlicott). Ms. Sandoval was elected deputy mayor for a two- year term. RECESS Mayor Robinson called a recess at 6:55 for a short reception honoring new council members. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 7:15 p.m. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (consent and non-agenda items) James Fritz stated that Port Townsend would be destroyed if a serious earthquake takes place. He recommended that all Peninsula College, police, city employees and operations be moved to a higher location for safety. James Todd asked the Council to revise the municipal code to require dog owners to clean up after their pets everywhere within the city limits rather than just in the three city parks cited in the code. CONSENT AGENDA Motion: Mr. Masci moved to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Kolff seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 88349 through 88425 in the amount of $199,094.11 Vouchers 88427 through 88440 in the amount of $41,882.61 Vouchers 0105041 through 0105047 in the amount of $68,396.57 Vouchers 1219031 through 1219037 in the amount of $71,855.81 Approval of Minutes: December 15, 2003 City Council Business Meeting Page 2 January 5, 2004 NEW BUSINESS COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Council members worked from the list of committee assignments included in the packet. Representatives to the various groups each gave a brief overview of the committee and its work. It was noted that some committees on the list are no longer in existence or have adequate representation from staff. Regarding the Regional Intergovernmental meetings, Mr. Kolff noted that the city would be hosting the meeting for the first quarter of 2004; it is hoped there will be some regularity established for the meetings, with a yearly schedule and agendas set prior to the meetings. Public comment: none Mayor Robinson asked for discussion on the process for committee assignments. Consensus was that all council members receive a list of the committees, with current assignments noted, and indicate their preferences prior to the council retreat on January 17. It was agreed that all committees would continue to function as they are currently established until new assignments are made. Councilors also indicated an interest in discussion of reconfiguring council standing committees. Mr. Masci suggested that General Government be split into two committees, one to address public safety issues and one to address public works issues. It was also noted that the Downtown Parking Task Force is eager to present its work to the Transportation Committee and has asked for a meeting to be set up as soon as possible. The role of council liaisons to citizen advisory boards will also be discussed and clarified. Motion: Mr. Masci moved that Ms. Sandoval and Mr. Benskin be appointed as council representatives to the BCD focus group. Motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. An LTAC meeting is scheduled for next week; the chair of the committee must be a council member and Mr. Finnie had filled that position. Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved that Mr. Kolff chair the next meeting of the LTAC committee, pending committee assignments and that Ms. Medlicott also attend Mr. Masci seconded Motion carried unanimously 7-0, by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting Page 3 January 5, 2004 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS, NEXT AGENDA Ms. Sandoval noted that the Council needs to review and confirm the report of the Community Investment Fund Committee regarding infrastructure funding applications. A letter from the Board of County Commissioners has been received regarding a request from the Fire Districts that the county sales tax be raised to support EMS activities. Both items will be scheduled for discussion at future meetings. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL Mr. Kolff and Ms. Fenn were thanked for their service as mayor and deputy mayor during the past two years. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 4 danuary 5, 2004