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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12012003 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF DECEMBER 1,2003 The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this first day of December, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by Mayor Kees Kolff. Council members present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Joe Finnie, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Catharine Robinson, Michelle SandovaL and Alan Youse. Staff attending were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, Public Works Director Ken Clow, and Fire Chief Ed Edwards. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mr. Masci requested the removal of Item VIII. C (A WC Worker Compensation Retrospective Rating Program 2004) from the consent agenda. The item was placed under New Business as Item X.D. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Motion: Mr. .\1asci moved to confirm the appointment of Martin Vetere to the Civil Service Commission toIll! Position 2, an unexpired term ending December 31, 2004. Ms. Robinson seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0, by voice vote. Mayor Kolffread a proclamation honoring Matt Lyons, Jefferson County Higher Education Coordinator. Mr. Lyons and Deb Johnson of Peninsula College, thanked the Council for the recognition. Mayor Kolff stated he has been asked for a letter of support regarding the local effort to save the Boy Scout House to the Chief Seattle Council. He presented a draft letter and consensus was to present the letter as written to the neighborhood group. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager David Timmons updated the council on several upcoming hearings and meetings. He also gave an update on the water system and the damage from the holiday storm. The Public Works Department is estimating the expense for the clean up of the transfer span damage. City Council Meeting Page 1 December 1,2003 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (consent and non-agenda items) Marla Streator asked for a moratorium on the cottage housing ordinance; she referred specifically to the impacts of the current Wildwood development. Al Cairn also spoke in regard to the shortcomings of the cottage ordinance. RECESS At 7 :00 p.m., Mayor Kolff announced a brief recess for the purpose of a break and for staff to set up for the budget presentation. Mr. Youse left the meeting at 7:01 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 7:05 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2843 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2004 Mayor Kolff reviewed the rules of order for a legislative public hearing. He asked if any Council members have any interests, tìnancial or property, to disclose in connection with the matter. There were none. City Manager David Timmons made the staff presentation. Mr. Kolffreported on the status ofthe parking fees at Fort Worden in light of the county's failure to contribute to the fund. He noted that Fort Worden and State Parks are negotiating for a nine-month program rather than a full year. Mr. Finnic stated that the Finance/Budget Committee has forwarded a recommendation to the council to approve earmarking of L T AC funds of up to $20,000 in case of a shortfall; he emphasized that the purpose was not to make up for failure by other entities to contribute. Mr. Finnie and Ms. Robinson also noted that the Finance/Budget Committee has not recommended taking a city contribution of $25,000 from the contingency fund. Publie Comment Nora Porter stated support for paying fees in lieu of parking for part of the year; she is City Council Meeting Page 2 Decemher I, 20(J3 confident the other $10,000 can be raised. Jack Molsness commented that the 2004 budget indicates the City is missing rcvenue opportunities and opportunities to reduce costs to taxpayers and rate payers. He noted particular issues including the golf course, NW Maritime Center, Snow Creek land exchange, and future secondary water treatment. He also quoted an article stating that Cities cannot fund projects for the attraction of private development. Terry fogerson asked why the City plans to provide hospital transport when a private service exists in the community. Greg Walsh, representing Jefferson Life Link, stated two quality transport programs couldn't survive. He said it would be costly and unnecessary for the City to compete with Life Link. He read a letter from Dr. Brent Wesenberg into the record. Brad Bringgold stated Life Link is meeting his needs and asked why the City would duplicate the service. Staff response: City Manager Timmons replied to several of the concerns of the speakers. He noted the funding and revenues for hospital transport are placeholders and the City has been in aetive discussion with the hospital district for over a year about the issue. Council questions: Mr. Masci inquired about more aggressive user fees. Mr. Timmons replied he has directed that all fees be raised by 20%. Mr. Masci expressed concerns about depleting the contingeney fund through the $25,000 proposed expenditure. Mr. Timmons agreed this would weaken the City's position of having a 4% contingency fund by 2006. Regarding the expenditure of city funds to attract private development, Mr. Watts stated he would research the matter and get back to the Council with comments on the referenced article and legal implications. Motion: M<;. Sandoval moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 2843. Ms. Fenn seconded. Ms. Robinson noted she is opposed to funding the $25,000 parking fees from the contingency fund; she said the Hood Canal Bridge closure will affect both sales tax and L T AC revenue and it is important for the City to have that cushion. Mr. Finnie stated he wants to know how the $25,000 will be replaced in the contingency fund before he will approve the expenditure. City Council Meeting Page 3 December 1, 2003 Ms. Fenn and Ms. Sandoval spoke in support ofthe expenditure. Ms. Robinson stated she would prefer that the money be taken direetly from the General Fund. Mr. Masei expressed coneerns about minimal funding of streets from the General Fund; staff expansion and reorganization; and addressing fundamental assets through bonds. He also stated the capital improvement program is premature and over optimistic. Ms. Sandoval stated her concern about under funding for Tier I incentives, would like more funding for streets under the program. Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Fenn both expressed desire for a complete discussion of the restructuring of BCD and hiring of additional staff. Ms. Fenn noted that the City has deferred maintenance for years and it must be addressed. Vote: motion carried, 5-1, by voice vote, with Masci opposed. RECESS Mayor Kolff announecd a recess at 8:50 p.m. for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 9:00 p.m. Mayor Kolff requested that Deputy Mayor F enn conduct the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Finnie left the meeting at 9:00. CONSENT AGENDA Afotion: Mr. Ko(ff moved to approve the following items on the consent agenda with the following correction to the minutes of November 17, 2003: page 5, fÓurth paragraph from the bottom "vote on amendment" should read "failed, 3-4. with Masci, Finnie and Youse in favor; Kolff, Sandoval, Fenn and Robinson opposed." Ms. Robinson seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Approval ofthe following Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 88029 through 88181 in the amount of$671,688.61 Vouchers 88184 through 88188 in the amount of$7,350.59 Vouchers 1 ]20031 through 1120037 in the amount of$68,558.71 Approval of Minutes as Corrected: November 17,2003 City Council Meeting Page 4 December 1, 2003 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ORDINANCE 2844 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON. PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,620,000 TO FINANCE A SWIMMING POOL, FIRE STATION, W AVE VIEWING GALLERY AND BELL TOWER, AND PROVIDING THE FORM AND TERMS OF THE BONDS. Mr. Timmons noted that this is a capital package proposal. It is up to the Council to approve the projects for inclusion. He added he has met with representatives of the YMCA and they have indicated they are going forward on a pool project. The bond has been tied to the calendar year so should be adopted eoincident with the budget and funds will then be available immediately in 2004. In answer to a question from Mr. Kolff~ Mr. Timmons noted that the approval ofthe bond would probably be eonsidered a plus for receiving grant money, as it shows the intent to compete projects. He also said we would not be tied to spending on these partieular projects but the bond disclosure statement would state the funds could be used only for "qualified capital expenditures." Ms. Robinson asked where the Bell Tower money eame from. Mr. Timmons stated it was borrowed from the reserves. Public comment: None Mr. KoHl suggested the substitution of the City Hall restoration projeet for $750,000 for the $500,000 pool funding - and plmming to explore the pool as part of the Metropolitan Park District. He stated he believes the othcr issues are all issues whieh need to be dealt with. Ms. Robinson expressed some concern about leaving the pool out completely sinee the City has taken on that rcsponsibility. She asked if a lesser amount would do any good. Mr. Timmons stated we could determine a minimum amount, which would address the more serious coneerns, which are probably ventilation and lining. He stated the Bell Tower could be removed from the proposal, and the $150,000 designated for basic pool repair. Mr. Timmons said he is concern about the pool funding which is amortized for 20 years; City Council Meeting ['age 5 December I, 2003 we need to have a long-term agreement with the School District. He also stated that if the amount of the bond goes above 1.9 million, it qualifies for bond insurance which then lowers the interest rate. The eouncil asked staff to bring forward information as follows: A comparison of the numbers which would result from adding in another $500,000 and getting the break on interest; Detailed repayment plan; List of the improvements covered by the $750,000 for City Hall. Motion: Mr. Ko(ff movedforflrst reading o.lOrdinance 2844 subject to minor modtfications to the list in the draft ordinance. Mr. Masci seconded. Amendment: Mr. Masci proposed to amend the motion to spec(fy a total dollar amount " 1.6 to 2.3 million dollars" There were no objections. Vote: Motion as amended carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. ORDINANCE NO. 2845 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF GRANT ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE CITY IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,780,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY'S FIRE STATION AND PROVIDING THE TERMS OF THE NOTES City Manager Timmons stated that this bond is similar to a construction loan and is a limited note. Funds for the construetion of the new fire station will be released as reimbursements so funding is needed up front. In answer to Mr. Masei's questions, Mr. Timmons stated it would probably result in about an $18,000 interest payment. He also noted that the last time this type of project was done (Union Wharf) the City was critieized for finaneing the project through interfund loans. He also stated the interest costs have been factored into the construction costs. Publie eomment Jack Molsness spoke in opposition. Motion: Mr. Masci movedfor approval o.ffirst reading of Ordinance 2845. Mr. Ko(fl seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. City Council Meeting Page 6 December 1,2003 NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCE 2846 AN ORDINANCE OF TI-IE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING CHAPTER 13.05 UTILITY RATES AND CHARGES, SECTION 13.05.030 MONTHLY WATER RATES, TO RESCIND THE 2004 DECREASE IN WATER RATES City Manager David Timmons noted that the City is currently engaged in a rate study which will take into consideration cash flow, capital needs, operations, and debt service. which have all ehanged since the original survey whieh set current and future rates. He stated that the rate consultant has recommended that the 2% decrease projected for 2004 should be rescinded. The 2% deerease would have redueed utility bills approximately $2- $4 per month. He added that a full discussion of the study would be scheduled for the beginning of the year. The Finance/Budget Committee did rcceive an overview from the consultants of the work to date. Public commcnt Jack Molsness spoke in opposition to adoption of the ordinance. City Attorney Watts noted that the ordinance title should also include revision to sewer rates - referencing PTMC 13.05.040, Monthly Sewer Rates in addition to water rates. Motion: Mr. Koljfmoved to approve first reading o.lOrdinance 2846 with amended title. Ms. Robinson seconded. Motion carried, 4-1, with Masci opposed. RESOLUTION 03-031 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING A METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT TASK FORCE Mr. Timmons stated that Council had requested staff to come forward with establishing legislation for a task force to study the merits of a metropolitan park district. Mr. Kolff asked about the "slU1set" clause; he asked if the assumption was that after the task foree does its work, a eommunity group would be formed to take on the promotion of the issue. Mr. Timmons agreed. Public comment None A10tion: ¡\;is. Sandoval movedfor adoption of Resolution 03-031 with the jòllowing City Council Meeting Pa[!;e 7 December 1, 2(JO3 amendment: Section 2 (A), end affirst sentence to read: '\l!ith the city zip code or the city limits as the boundary." (remove "or a broader area "). Mr. Ka?!f seconded. Amendment: Mr. Masci proposed to add to Section 2 (C) at the end a.fthe sentence, "to be applied to street or other pertinent fund.<; " There was no o~jection to the amendment. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. ORDINANCE 2847 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $67,399 TO THE GENERAL FUND; $3,277 TO THE FIREMAN'S PENSION FUND; AND MAKING FINDINGS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Finance Director Michael Legarsky stated that the supplemental budget covers the cash outlays only for the Aldrich's fire. He noted a public hearing would be conducted on Deeember 15. Public comment None Motion: Mr. Masci movedfor.first reading of Ordinance 2847. Mr. Ko(ffseconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. RETROSPECTIVE RA TIN G PROGRAM 2004 Mr. Timmons noted that the Association of Washington Cities has established a Worker Compensation Retrospective Rating Program for eities which will manage workers' compensation claims with a goal to signifieantly reduce claims costs over the next several years. In order to participate, the City must have documents in the hands of A WC by December 15. Mr. Timmons noted the City has also been approached to participate in the BIA W pool, but because the organization is a well-known lobbying group, staff does believe it would be an appropriate use of eity funds. Public eomment None .Motion: Als. Sandoval moved to delay the decision until the next meeting (December R) so staflcan bring a more complete presentation to the Council. Mr. Kolflseconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. Specifie information requested from staff includes the number of eities committed to participating and information on projected figures for next year. City Council Meeting Page R December 1, 2(J03 Publie eomment None CD/LU RECOMMENDA nON: PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME UPDATE 2003, COMMENT LETTER Ms. Sandoval noted that the letter was presented to the Council in draft form on November 17. Modifications to the letter were discussed. Motion by M<;. Sandoval, seconded by Mr. Kolj],' to approve the letter with the.fòllowing changes: page 2, third paragraph down under" Point Hudson" - remove " U1?[ortunately" from the beginning of the .fìrst sentence.. first page, under" Boat Haven ", .fìrst paragraph, second sentence to start v,Jith "We are concerned that these uses may not support " [policies setforth ....J Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourncd at 10:31 p.m. Attest ~J / -- ( ,~ I '¿/ J - / . " / \ ~ -- ,- \ /¿J //,';- ,// ,1-<;; -~.c~ -Æ.--- (.{'! J lA~¡';'¿'~ (") - Pamela Kolaey, CMC"-. City Clerk City Council Meeting Page 9 December J, 2003