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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03082004CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF MARCH 8, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this eighth 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, Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson, and Michelle Sandoval. Kees Kolff arrived at 6:45 p.m. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN GRANT Project Manager David Wright stated that grant funds are available to cover some of the expense of developing a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. One of the grant requirements is to provide a forum for public comment. Mr. Wright discussed the different between hazard mitigation planning and emergency management planning, noting the city has agreed to take the lead on the hazard mitigation while the county is lead on emergency management planning. After an overview of the FEMA Natural Hazards Mitigation program, Mayor Robinson opened the floor to public comment. The following people commented. All directed their comments to the importance of including the activities at Indian Island Naval Base in the plan. Materials were submitted regarding depleted uranium studies. Brenda McMillan Neal Liden Doug Milholland Francesco Tortorici Pat Porter David Jenkins Nancy Milholland Mayor Robinson closed the public comment portion of the meeting. City Council Workshop Page 1 March 8, 2004 Ms. Sandoval asked about participation of private entities in the planning process. She specifically mentioned propane companies as an example of activities, which would be impacted by a natural disaster. Mr. Wright noted that participation is voluntary but the work of the government results in recommendations that are enforceable within municipal capabilities. If something were identified as a potential hazard, those involved would be invited to discuss the issues and come to resolution. Mr. Kolff asked about the task force addressing issues such as uranium depletion. Mr. Timmons noted that the current issue is simply whether or not to apply for funding which will allow development of a plan. He added that the most critical item to be addressed at this time is communication. He also stated that the Navy would be invited to participate as a task force member. Ms. Fenn expressed concerns about the public process outlined in the handout. Mr. Wright noted that the model task force document was prepared as a federal government document and that the local task force would be subject to Washington statutes. Mr. Timmons noted that there are some recent exemptions from public disclosure for sensitive information which could impact national security. Mayor Robinson noted that comments may be submitted to Catherine McNabb until the end of the day on Friday, March 12. CITY HALL/ANNEX PROJECT City Engineer Dave Peterson and Architect Dave Rutherford updated the Council on the City Hall/Annex project, including architectural drawings, floor plans, and projected expenditures. They noted that construction is expected to begin in late June. Mr. Kolff asked about the cost of the proposed sky bridge, which would provide an outside connection between the annex and council chambers. Mr. Rutherford estimated the cost would be $200,000 - $250,000. It is hoped the Historical Society will help raise the money, as the addition would pave the way for the new third floor. Mr. Kolff asked if the current museum stairs would be closed off. Mr. Rutherford said the stairwell might be floored over and used as the audio-visual station for Chambers. Ms. Robinson asked about the various aspects of the building associated with the LEED certification and what the added costs will be. Mr. Rutherford noted that the elements include everything from site planning and stormwater to natural ventilation and light and radiant heating. He stated that costs are associated with certification and documentation of the process. City Council Workshop Page 2 March 8, 2004 Mr. Peterson stated the cost would probably be about $30,000 on the LEEDS process. He added that the City would get a payback from energy savings. Mr. Kolff asked if we could attain silver certification. Mr. Rutherford stated certification will be pretty easy but silver will be a reach. Mr. Masci asked what would happen with the City Hall basement. Mr. Rutherford said it will remain about the same and may still be used for records storage. Mr. Rutherford stated there is significant storage space in the new annex. Mr. Masci asked about the total price of LEED certification. Mr. Rutherford said it is usually adds about 4% to the cost of a project. RECESS Mayor Robinson recessed thc meeting at 8:20 for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 p.m. FIRE STATION REPLACEMENT PROJECT Project manager David Wright introduced Dave Fergus and Jonathan Wood, who presented an update on the Fire Station project. The representatives discussed the design of the station, noting that elements have been taken from other historic buildings and from the present fire station. The project has been through HPC design review. Mr. Wood added that the new building would have a greater presence in the neighborhood. He stated that the neighborhood has been very responsive and supporting, and applauded the city's project team. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Workshop Page 3 March 8, 2004