HomeMy WebLinkAbout101011 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2011
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session the tenth day of October, 2011,
in the City Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called by order at
6:30 p.m. by Deputy Mayor George Randels.
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 Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow,
Water Resources Asset Manager Ian Jablonski, City Clerk Pam Kolacy, and Civil
Engineer Mary Heather Ames.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA (NO ITEMS MAY BE ADDED)
No changes to the agenda were proposed.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
There were no comments from the public.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approve Resolution No. 11-027, Amending the 2012-2017 Six-Year Transportation
Improvement Program to Update the Description for the Hastings Avenue
Sidewalk Project
Public Works Director Mr. Clow gave a brief explanation of the dates listed in the
resolution.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda. Kris Nelson
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
DRINKING WATER TREATMENT FOR EPA COMPLIANCE
Staff presentation
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Civil Engineer Mary Heather Ames reviewed the packet materials and presented the
powerpoint review of the process to date and the various factors to be considered when
comparing ultraviolet disinfection and slow sand filtration. Staff has recommended that
Council choose one of the methods to comply with the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule with respect to the City's drinking water system.
She noted that in summary, the ultraviolet disinfection option has a lower overall cost
and the potential to add treatments at a future date while slow sand filtration has a
higher overall cost and provides filtration now. Neither option will provide a noticeable
change in taste or odor of the water.
Council deliberation and action
Considerable discussion ensued. Staff and consultants responded, but more detailed
information was requested about initial costs for each system, annual costs for each
system, and periodic replacement cost of components for each system as they relate to
the lifecycle cost of each system. Another concern was whether sufficient information
has been gathered from other users of each system, particularly systems similar in size
to the Port Townsend system.
Public Comment
Julian Ray stated that the City should get feedback from other system users. He stated
that Sequim has had a bad experience and someone should contact them to discuss.
In light of the number of unresolved questions, Council expressed a desire for the staff to
return with pro forma comparison information on both options and a decision resolution
for each option.
Motion: George Randels moved to direct staff to prepare two resolutions, one for each
preferred option, for the next meeting if possible or delay the item until the requested
information is available. Laurie Medlicott seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION
Staff presentation
City Attorney John Watts reviewed the packet materials.
He noted that extensive review has gone into the process of revising the personnel
policies. The Council on August 1 referred the draft policies to the General Services
Committee for review and recommendation. The Committee met twice to review the
policies and on September 30 recommended the policies for Council approval
with relatively few edits. The packet materials contain a summary of some of the key
City Council Special Business Meeting October 10, 2011 Page 2 of 3
points of the policies. Staff is also recommending that certain existing sections of the
Port Townsend Municipal Code be removed from the Code and incorporated into the
policies so employment/human resources materials are combined in one document.
Public comment
There was no public comment.
Mr. Watts confirmed that all of the language from PTMC Chapter 2.64, provided as
Attachment 5, will be repealed from the Code at the time the peronnel policies are
adopted by resolution. He further explained the review process, noting that an earlier
draft was circulated among City Department Directors and that employees involved in
payroll, benefits, and travel reimbursement were consulted as well.
Further brief discussion included questions about whether the policies apply to
volunteers or contractors (only the social media policy for City-funded social media
sites); perception that the amount of vacation accrual may be too high and discourage
employees from taking time off; what circumstances could result in vacation time being
cashed out; and confirmation that all employees would sign and acknowledge receipt of
the policy manual.
Motion: Laurie Medlicott moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution and ordinance for
the October 17 meeting. Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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