The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About03292004 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 29, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this twenty-ninth day of March, 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, Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Geoff Masci was excused. Staff members present were City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Robinson read the following proclamations: Earth Day: accepted by Brooke Saul, Junior Main Street member Arbor Day: accepted by the citizens who helped formulate the tree ordinance Port Townsend Rotary - 75th Anniversary: accepted by Scott Wilson on behalf of the Rotary. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes proposed to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT (Consent or non-agenda items) Bemie Arthur commented on Golf Course issues. Ann Raab & Vicki Beaver gave information on the upcoming Earth Day celebration. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Kolff moved to approve the following items on the consent agenda. Ms. Fenn seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting Page 1 March 29, 2004 Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 89182 through 89368 in the amount of $450,952.94 Vouchers 305041 through 305046 in the amount of $65,441.81 Vouchers 31941 through 319047 in the amount of $79,841.24 Approval of Minutes: February l9,2004 February23,2004 March 1,2004 March 8,2004 Ebony Street Vacation - set public hearing date for May 17, 2004 Resolution 04-012 Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement of Funds for a Loan of Community Redevelopment Block Grant Funds Pursuant to Resolution No. 88-58 of the City of Port Townsend Resolution 04-013 Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington Authorizing Execution of Documents and Disbursement of Funds for a Loan of Community Redevelopment Block Grant Funds Pursuant to Resolution No. 88-58 of the City of Port Townsend. Authorization for the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize intent and procedure for regional intergovernmental meetings (City, Port, PUD, County Commissioners) Appointment of Catharine Robinson as City Council representative to the Point Hudson Subcommittee ORDINANCE 2854 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING CHAPTER 16.08, FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION, OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO MAP AMENDMENTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL; MANUFACTURED HOMES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Release of Easement - Revision to Foster Street Vacation, Ordinance 1056 (1935 ) - set public hearing date for May 17, 2004 SPECIAL BUSINESS Memorandum of Understanding Between Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Councils of JeffCom Member Agencies City Council Business Meeting Page 2 March 29, 2004 City Clerk Pam Kolacy reviewed the item, stating that the City has received a request from Jefferson County to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which provides that in the event the ballot proposition for a sales tax increase to fund E-911 communications and infrastructure fails, the member agencies will be responsible for a proportionate share of the cost of a new communications console ($157,000) which will be purchased by the County for the relocated JeffCom Communications Center. If the assessment is necessary, it would impact the 2005 budget. Several Council members expressed concern about the County's plan for promoting passage of the sales tax. Council members Benskin and Medlicott spoke in favor of entering into the MOU. Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to postpone action on the Memorandum of Understanding until April 19 and ask for a report from the Police Chief and Sheriff's office about the County's plans on how to go forward with getting support for the taxes required to fund this important community service. Ms. Fenn seconded The motion carried, 4-2, by voice vote, with Benskin and Medlicott opposed. ORDINANCE 2855 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CIT OF PORT TOWNSEND REPEALING PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.71 RELATING TO THE TREE COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE TREE COMMITTEE BY RESOLUTION RESOLUTION 04-014 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING THE TREE COMMITTEE AS A CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD, AND PROVIDING SCOPE OF WORK, MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION, TERMS OF OFFICE, AND PROCEDURAL RULES Building and Community Development Director Jeff Randall stated that the Tree Committee will not be a regulatory group, but will be charged with serving the city and helping manage public trees. He added that references to the tree committee have been removed from the ordinance so that the committee can be established by resolution, according to the council's established procedure. Public comment: Forest Shomer noted the importance of the tree census. Bob Schrank stated there will be specific costs associated with the committee's activities. City Council Business Meeting Page 3 March 29, 2004 Nancy Stelow expressed hope that the committee will be very active. Mrs. Medlicott asked whether the committee would have any role in decisions about historic trees on private property. Mr. Randall stated they would not, although the city does now have a voluntary landmark tree program. Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to waive council rules and adopt Ordinance 2855. Mr. Benskin seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by roll call vote. Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to adopt Resolution 04-014. Mr. Kolff seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. RESOLUTION 04-015 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, TO ADOPT THE DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DOWNTOWN PARKING TASK FORCE Public Works Director Ken Clow stated that staff recommends that Council adopt the Downtown Parking Management Plan to allow the Parking Task Force to continue to refine and implement the plan. He added that the matter of additional funding to complete the analysis of paid parking issues can be deferred; in the meantime the Task Force can organize to begin implementation of other elements of the plan such as assessing the current parking inventory and time limits and establishing a parking education program for downtown business owners and employees. In answer to Council questions, Mr. Clow stated that the group would be a continuation of the current administrative task force. There was no public comment. Motion: Ms. Fenn moved to approve Resolution 04-015 to adopt the Downtown Parking Management Plan and defer a decision on further funding until the council receives budget impact information. Mr. Benskin seconded. Mrs. Medlicott spoke in favor, stating this would send a clear signal of support for the business community. Mayor Robinson requested a report on the Task Force progress in the second or third quarter. Vote: the motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. City Council Business Meeting Page 4 March 29, 2004 PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT APPOINTMENT TO ARTS COMMISSION Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to accept the Mayor's recommendation and confirm the appointment of Beatus Meier to fill an unexpired term on the Arts Commission (Position 3, term expires May 1, 2005. Mrs. Medlicott seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. REQUEST FOR CITY SPONSORSHIP FOR UPCOMING VIPST EVENT Motion: Mr. Kolff moved to approve City sponsorship for the upcoming event: video and discussion of "Tough Guise Violence, Media, and the Crisis in Masculinity." Ms. Sandoval seconded The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Noise Ordinance Update City Attorney John Watts reviewed a memo to the Council which was written in response to the Council's request concurrent with the adoption of the ordinance for a one-year review "with specific attention toward the enforcement issues surrounding moving vehicle noise violation and enforcement issues in the Upper Sims Way Corridor." Information was included which was provided by the Police Department, noting the generally positive response to the public education and to the verbal warnings issued by the Department. It was found almost no one who received a warning ended up being a repeat offender. The Port of Port Townsend also submitted their monthly Noise Monitoring Report, noting that there have been no projects this year fitting the definition of a "larger project.' Ms. Sandoval stated that she has followed up with several citizens living near the Boat Haven and for the most part they are satisfied with the results of the ordinance. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Ms. Sandoval had three comment items: 1. Request for the work plans for standing committees to be reviewed as soon as possible so the committees may begin meeting and dealing with issues. 2. The new walking, bicycling and transit map has been produced and is an excellent product. She expressed thanks to the Non-Motorized committee for their work. City Council Business Meeting Page 5 March 29, 2004 3. Calls have been received regarding neighbors to the new trails scheduled for work during the Earth Day celebration; neighbors expressed need for proper process of notification. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting Page 6 March 29, 2004