Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout080111CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session the 1 st day of August 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers, Deputy Mayor George Randels presiding. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, and Mark Welch with Michelle Sandoval excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Police Chief Conner Daily, and Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There was consensus to move New Business Item A. Letter Supporting Release of Indian Island Explosives Information and Opposing Change to Freedom of Information Act before Old Business. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Main Street Quarterly Report Heather Dudley Nollette, Board President for the Port Townsend Main Street Program presented their second quarterly report on their efforts, activities, and promotions. Main Street's four areas of focus are design, organization, promotion and economic revitalization. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Burt Howells, a member of Veterans for Peace, presented the Council with a sample resolution to consider which calls on Congress to redirect military spending to domestic priorities. Pete Von Christierson urged the Council to investigate a study of sound system solutions for Council Chambers to help those who are hard of hearing. City staff response City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 1 of 6 There was none. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 115239 through 115248 and EFTs in the amount of $107,500.72 Vouchers 115249 through 115273 and 115237 in the amount of $12,587.56 Vouchers 115274 through 115360 in the amount of $256,605.45 Approval of Minutes July 11, 2011 Special Business Meeting July 18, 2011 Business Meeting Mountain View Use Agreement for YMCA - Revision Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. Letter Supporting Release of Indian Island Explosives Information and Opposing Change to Freedom of Information Act City Attorney John Watts gave the staff report on this matter. Citizens through a petition asked for support for the "right to know about safety risks" at Indian Island and expressed opposition to a proposed change to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that would upend a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. Mr. Watts summarized a letter sent by Commander Martin to City Council earlier this week. A copy of the letter was provided to Councilors and the public at the meeting. The following individuals made comments about and spoke in support of the petition. Katherine George, attorney for Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington and the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. Glen Milner of Lake Forest Park. Pete von Christierson of Port Townsend. Pat Porter of Port Townsend. Peter Guerrero of Port Townsend. David Jenkins of Port Townsend. City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 2 of 6 Aaron Von Awe of Port Townsend. Mr. Randels read an email from Mayor Sandoval on this issue and urged Council to send a letter to our representatives. Mr. Welch spoke about the good flow of information and relationship with Indian Island in the past. He urged a swing of the pendulum back to more transparency and supports sending the letters. Ms. Nelson urged Council to first decide about writing a letter and then about possible amendments. In response to questions, Mr. Watts clarified the majority and minority opinions resulting in the 9th circuit decision. Mr. King said he believes the Navy has ways of securing issues that affect national security. He would support sending a letter. Ms. Medlicott said while she honors the rights of individuals to send communications, she is not in support of Council acting in this matter. Mr. Randels agrees with other councilors that this is a matter that affects the City. Ms. Robinson voiced her support of sending the letters. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve sending letters to both Senators and Department of Defense Secretary Panetta asking that they not include the proposed section along the lines of the draft letters in the agenda packet. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried, 5 -1 by voice vote, Laurie Medlicott opposed. There was Council discussion about editing the letters and agreement to authorize the Deputy Mayor to collect Council editing suggestions by noon on Wednesday so that the letters could be finalized and signed by the mayor. OLD BUSINESS Ordinance 3060 - Fire Service Levy Lid Lift City Attorney John Watts reviewed Council's prior action approving first reading of the ordinance. The matter is before Council to continue to hear public comment and take further action. There was no public comment. Ms. Nelson asked about Ordinance Items J. and K. and whether the annexation vote should be delayed until a revaluation occurs. Mr. Watts said while this could be further clarified, he believes it is fine as written. Mr. Randels concurred. Ms. Nelson referring to page 3 of 4, asked if no annexation occurs should this be expanded to include another consolidation process. Her concern is the perception that the language may limit the City to supporting annexation. City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 3 of 6 Mr. Randels commented that it is Council's responsibility to communicate with the voters. Mr. Timmons added that Frequently Asked Questions are being drafted to provide further explanation. Mrs. Medlicott expressed her preference for Council focusing on preparing information to communicate the issue to the public rather than rewording the ordinance. Motion: David King moved to approve Ordinance 3060 placing a $0.43 special purpose fire service only lid lift before the voters in November 2011, to match the contribution made by the residents of the EJFR for fire service. Laurie Medlicott seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. City Attorney Watts responded that Staff has heard from the Department of Revenue and County Assessor. If the need for the levy goes away because of any of the alternatives (consolidation, annexation or regional fire authority or other form), then the City loses its authority to levy under this authorization. It goes away by operation of law. The use of the word annexation does not limit the City to annexation or some other form of consolidation. NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED) Amendment to 2011 Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan Public Works Director Ken Clow reviewed that the Council has recently approved the 2012 -2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The purpose of this matter is to clarify the project description for the Hastings Avenue Sidewalk Project ( #9) for Washington State Department of Transportation in the 2011 -2016 plan. The resolution enacts a change of the word "sidewalks" to "sidewalk" to now read "Sidewalk and stormwater enhancements and other improvements on the North side of Hastings Ave." There was no public comment. Ms. Robinson commented bicycles are currently allowed on the sidewalk in this area. They would still be allowed even with the addition of a bike lane. Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve Resolution No. 11 -023 to Amend the 2011- 2016 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program to Update the Description for the Hastings Avenue Sidewalk Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Submit the Revised TIP to the State. Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. Personnel Policies City Attorney John Watts said this is a process matter to refer the draft personnel policies to the General Services Committee. Staff would review the policies and City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 4 of 6 proposed changes and seek a General Services Committee recommendation back to the City Council. There was no public comment. Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve referring the draft personnel policies to the General Services Committee for review and recommendation to City Council. Mark Welch seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6 -0 by voice vote. There was none. PRESIDING OFFICER REPORT CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Timmons reported on the following: - Sales Tax, Business and Occupation Tax, and Lodging Tax revenues are doing remarkably well. The real estate excise tax revenues are down. - Meeting with Washington State Ferries reflects ridership on the Chetzemoka and Salish is up. Mrs. Medlicott expressed concern about traffic safety in the vicinity of the residential units and hotel near the ferry holding area. She urged approaching Washington State Ferries with suggestions to improve safety for exiting traffic. - JeffCom is now understood to be an independent association of governments whereas in the past it has been considered a County department. The significance of this is that the pledge of matching funds for the Broadband application for a grant for NOANet were JeffCom's towers. Quick decisions may be needed on the ownership, transfer, and long- term management of these tower assets. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND /OR STUDY SESSION There were none. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL Committee Reports Catherine Robinson gave the report on the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Board. She explained that Anna McEnery, the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Coordinator, advocates for services for individuals with disabilities. She reviewed the Project Search public employment project and talked about the potential for funding cuts. Law and Justice Council. Mrs. Medlicott is assigned to this committee. Police Chief Daily noted that there has not been a meeting in the last 18 months. Mr. Randels reported that the Fort Worden Advisory Committee has been focused on City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 5 of 6 the issue of a new structure given the State's funding stresses. He reviewed the makeup of the advisory committee. Mr. Timmons noted there would be a special Council meeting with the Public Development Authority (PDA) on September 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:16 p.m., the Council recessed for five minutes and then went into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation with the possibility for a decision after 20 -30 minutes of discussion. At 9:00 pm, City Attorney Watts reported an additional 20 minutes was needed to finish the discussion. At 9:25 p.m., Council returned to open session and no action was taken. W0111:701 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Attest: Pamela Kolacy, City Clerk MMC City Council Business Meeting of August 1, 2011 Page 6 of 6