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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041111 Council Workshop CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP OF APRIL 11, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The workshop meeting of the Port Townsend City Council was called to order at 7:40 p.m. on April 11 , 2011, in the City Council Chambers at 540 Water Street, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. EAST JEFFERSON FIRE RESCUE I CHANGE IN GOVERNANCE JOINT OVERSIGHT BOARD COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES REPORT AND COUNCIL DISCUSSION Councilor David King, one of Council's representatives to the Joint Oversight Board, reviewed the packet materials. Mr. King stated that it is critical to move forward with decisions on a desired governance model and funding so that the significant time and energy that has been put into this by Council members leads to a resolution in a reasonable time. He said that, from the Joint Oversight Board representative point of view, the shortfall in funding is critical. He added that if the shortfall is addressed it would buy time for the other deliberations. City Manager Timmons said that after considering the $360,000 the City is providing from the Proposition 1 funds, the remaining shortfall is between $300,000 and $325,000 annually. Council discussed methods of covering the shortfall, including the potential of a temporary increase in utility fees until equity is achieved between county and city contributions. Several Councilors expressed concern that any measure placed before the voters must be preceded by an understandable message, a clear statement of the goal to be achieved, and accurate numbers. Mayor Sandoval stated that she believes the first decision should be a decision on the form of governance desired. She reviewed concerns expressed to date including number of commissioners, initial representation, how to handle transport with the hospital district at the table and how to deal with other policies including marina issues and existing contracts with the Port, Fort Worden and others. The mechanics of a benefit district should be explored because about 50% of the property in the City is not on the property tax rolls. In addition, details on the City's overall financial picture must be reviewed. City Council Workshop Meeting April 11, 2011 Page 1 of 3 Mr. Timmons stated we need to get to the point of uniform property appraisal throughout the county. Timelines will be different for annexation and RFA. If Council can give some direction, staff can build a matrix that includes options and decision points. The Council agreed more specific information is needed and meetings should be scheduled soon to resolve the issues. Full discussion of the governance issue will help inform the issue of how soon a vote can take place and how long a shortfall must be funded. Mr. Timmons discussed the history of fire service in the City. Having worked with various Chiefs over the years to address level of service needs, the conclusion has been that the only way to realize the needed level of service is to do it on a regional basis. In terms of the makeup of the Fire Commission Board, argument was made that it would be very difficult to have a dual role as council member and commissioner because of the time commitment and because each requires some specialized knowledge. The duty to elect good representatives is ultimately the responsibility of the voters. Primary issues were reiterated as number of governance models, level of service/budget and other policy issues such as transport, parity for placement of equipment and stations, partnerships with Port and Hospital, and an agreement about representation. Mr. Timmons agreed that about 50% of the property in the City is not on the tax rolls so there is a major amount of real estate that does not carry a tax burden but receives fire service. Some agreements are in place but they are marginal in terms of getting a fair share of expense coverage. Therefore a benefit district might be considered to address this. Mrs. Medlicott requested an accounting of the total amount of the City budget for fire service from 2004 through 2010. Some questions still remain about the District budget, which has doubled since 2007. Councilors would like a more thorough explanation of the details of the budget. Commissioner Rich Stapf noted that responsibility for fire code and building code enforcement is also an issue that should be dealt with through an interlocal agreement. Mr. King stated there are many choices about how to implement the governance; he believes annexation allows us to address as many issues as possible without creating more. Mr. Timmons stated that in that case, we should start to develop an interlocal agreement and have it finalized prior to a vote. Chief Pomeroy discussed labor negotiations with the Firefighters union, particularly to deal with rapidly rising medical insurance costs and also explained the different categories of firefighters. The issue of categories of firefighters was discussed and the concern that firefighters contract out to other districts; it is important to have enough emergency responders in this area in case of a disaster. City Council Workshop Meeting April 11, 2011 Page 2 of 3 Mayor Sandoval asked staff to provide scenarios about how to move forward with the decisions on governance and a draft interlocal with timelines showing options and detailing other choices to be dealt with independently from a new governance model. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m. Attest: "~'-, CA11VUf',-L Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Workshop Meeting April 11, 2011 Page 3 of 3