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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03212005 . . . CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MARCH 21, 2005 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in regular session this twenty-first day of March, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend temporary Council Chambers in the Cedar Room of the Waterrnan & Katz Building, Deputy Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Kees Kolff, Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Freida Fenn and Michelle Sandoval. Mayor Catharine Robinson was excused. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Interim DSD Director David Wright, Long Range Planning Director Jeff Randall, Planner John McDonagh, and Legal Assistant Bobbie Usselman. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. PROCLAMATIONS Deputy Mayor Sandoval presented a proclamation proclaiming Disability Awareness Month. The proclamation was accepted by Pat Teal from DASH. Deputy Mayor Sandoval also proclaimed March 24,2005 as Port Townsend Main Street Day. The proclamation was accepted by Jane Champion, President of Port Townsend Civic Trust. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC (Consent and non-agenda items) Ken McBride, 2020 Walnut Street, Port Townsend, spoke regarding bluff erosion between Chetzemoka Park and Fort Worden stating concerns of trespassing on private property, safety, and environmental issues. He asks the City for assistance to help protect the bluff and stop needless erosion. Scott Walker, 712 8th Street, Port Townsend, spoke concerning how difficult it is for persons with disabilities to navigate in our city. He urges Council and statI to take the opportunity to be educated on this issue and to sign up for the accessibility workshop. Dennis McGuire, 305 Kearney, Port Townsend, thanked Council and staff for listening and helping concerning the issues for access from the highway to his tenant, Movies Plus, during City Council Business Meeting Page 1 March 21,2005 . . . construction at PT Retail. He suggests Council look at allowing a developer to pay his own traffic engineer to advise the City on how things should happen in the City. He feels there were problems because the surveyor didn't follow a line out to the center of the road, which gave the traffic engineer incorrect information. Jim Todd, 1515 Fir Street, Port Townsend, piggybacks comments of Ken McBride. He has walked the beach and has seen people playing on bluffs, with parents allowing it. He suggests that Mayor Robinson place an article in the monthly newsletter to emphasize the severity of the problem. Gloria Bram, 6411 Hwy 20, Port Townsend, spoke concerning the lack of signage for tsunami evacuation and warning signs within the City. Steve Boruch, 1413 ih Street, Port Townsend, would like to talk to Council about The Boiler Room. Mayor, Councilor, City Manager Comment David Timmons responded to Ms. Bram' s comments, stating he will file a citizen concern form concerning tsunami warnings and indicated the City will be working with the County on this Issue. Concerning Mr. McBride's comments, Mr. Timmons stated he is considering recommending a limited commission be given to police volunteers so they can issue a ticket for infractions on the bluff. Deputy Mayor Sandoval congratulated the Port Townsend High School Knowledge Bowl Team for placing first at state competition. She also congratulated the Port Townsend High School Mock Trial Team for placing third at state. She invites participants from both teams to attend a future Council meeting to be honored. Ms. Medlicott stated last year she participated in the DASH awareness program and recommends anyone with interest should call Leesa Barnes to participate. CONSENT AGENDA Ms. Fenn requested the March 7, 2005 minutes be amended on page 4 under the Presiding Qfficer's Report to include the written statement as part of the minutes. Mr. Masci movedfor adoption of the Consent Agenda with amendment to the March 7, 2005 minutes as requested by Ms. Fenn. Mr. Ko?!! seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. Approval of Bills. Claims and Warrants Vouchers 93228 through 93388 in the amount of$707,383.5l Vouchers 93390 through 93407 in the amount of$50,403.70 City Council Business Meeting Page 2 March 21, 2005 . . . Vouchers 318051 through 318058 in the amount of $73,495.94 Approval of Minutes: February 28, 2005 March 7, 2005 as amended PUBLIC HEARING Crist Right-of-Way Vacation Request Deputy Mayor Sandoval read the rules of procedure for public hearings. No Council members disclosed any financial or property interests in the outcome of the hearing. City Manager David Timmons stated the subject property is approximately 300 feet from his property line. He stated he has had no discussions with staff concerning the vacation. Planner John McDonagh gave a staff presentation indicating the applicant owns all of the land surrounding the requested alley vacation. Staffs recommendation is for approval, with conditions. Public Comment: Applicant Bob Crist stated he lives in Sequim and has had the family property for years. He indicated the requested vacation conforms to previous development. Mr. McDonagh stated Mr. Crist had two options available: to replat or alley vacation. Mr. Kolff asked for clarification ofthe location of the trail. Mr. McDonagh indicated it runs in Thomas Street corridor south from 53rd Street and runs to the east to Caroline Street. It was confirmed the proposed vacation would not be needed for a non-motorized trail since one was close by. Mr. Benskin asked the sizes of the lots. Mr. McDonagh responded 50xl00 feet. He also stated in response to Mr. Benskin's comment about the map showing house encroachment that he believes the map is not exact; that there had been recent surveys done on the area. Mr. McDonagh also stated it will be up to Mr. Crist and the LLC as to how many lots would be created, from 3 to 5 based upon the code, if he chose to replat. Ms. Sandoval asked ifthe alley had already been vacated between Lots 6 and 7; Mr. McDonagh confirmed it had. Public testimony closed. Council discussion: None. City Council Business Meeting March 21, 200S Page 3 . . . Mr. Masci moved to approve the Findings of Fact and Conclusion attached to the agenda bill and approve vacation of the I2-foot wide alley lying in Block 49 of Fowler's Park Addition. Mrs. Medlicott seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved 6-0, by voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE NARRATIVE TEXT AND TABLES OF CHAPTER 17.72 OF THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE (PTMC), "OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING," IN ORDER TO BE CONSISTENT WITH, AND IMPLEMENT THE GOAL AND POLICY DIRECTION CONTAINED IN THE PORT TOWNSEND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO CODIFY THE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 17.72 PTMC AS SET FORTH IN THIS ORDINANCE; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; ALL IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 20.04 PTMC AND THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED (CHAPTER 36.70A RCW). Eric Toews indicated the public hearing would be continued to March 28,2005, where public comment will also be accepted. He mentioned this issue was docketed in the spring of last year as part of City's 2004 planning code update, and was identified during comprehensive plan and development regulations assessment because it represented a critical implementation gap. There are five key changes to the present code: (1) creation of an exemption for all development in the National Register Historic District from off-street parking requirements; (2) establishment of lower minimum off-street parking requirements; (3) establishment of new maximum thresholds for off-street parking; (4) new bicycle parking standards for new development; and (5) creation of an administrative variance process to increase or decrease parking standards on a case-by-case basis. He indicated the requested modifications from last week's workshop would be incorporated into next week's proposed code. Mr. Randall provided a handout entitled "The Methodology of Parking " by Jeffrey Tumlin and Adam Millard-Ball, stating it contains discussion of a number of beliefs about parking and an analysis of them. Mrs. Medlicott objected to new information being introduced in the public hearing; Mr. Benskin and Mr. Masci join in her objection. Mr. Randall indicated since the hearing is continued to next week they have time to read it. Mrs. Medlicott stated this information should have been included in the packet for preparation for tonight's meeting. Mr. Masci stated staff should never assume a hearing would go to the next week as they could make a decision tonight. Ms. Fenn stated she believed Council told the public we would not make a decision tonight, and that was included in the notice. City Council Business Meeting Page 4 March 21, 2005 . . . Mr. Randall stated we had intended for tonight to be the final public hearing, but an error was made and notice didn't go to the paper. Staff recommended the hearing go forward tonight and continue to next week. Mr. Randall indicated in 2003 the City engaged Kittelsen Associates to complete a parking study. They identified three categories of solutions for parking problems: (1) parking management strategies; (2) strategies to reduce demand/alternative modes to transportation; and (3) trying to create new parking supply. The following are parking statistics in downtown Port Townsend: 1,145 parking spaces of which 455 are off-street; 690 are public spaces with hourly limits; 530 are on-street spaces; and 160 are off-street spaces. The policy recommends the City should seek to implement parking requirements and limit the construction of impervious surfaces that should encourage non-motorized transportation in the historic district. Public comment: David Goldman, 2514 Thomas Street, Port Townsend, highlighted the comments in his letter handout. Scott Walker, 712 8th Street, Port Townsend, is excited the City is changing parking. He stated people shop, not cars, and we need to regulate the intake. He recommends altered time periods for parking; more bike racks; pedestrian improvements; transit passes; fees for overtime parking instead of fines for overtime parking; additional supply and creation of parking and business association to improve downtown streetscape. He asks Council to please support the proposed ordinance and assist the special community. Jim Todd, 1515 Fir Street, Port Townsend, agrees with Mr. Walker. He would like an ordinance that encourages other means of transportation than cars. Dave Turissini, JetIerson Transit, submitted comments in writing regarding SEP A review. Transit sees itself participating in parking problems. He doesn't believe there is an issue for transit during normal working hours. He suggests use the of the Park and Ride for alternate parking with buses going downtown every 20 minutes and returning every 8-112 minutes. Transit's concern is what happens after normal business hours as buses stop running at 8 p.m. and if there are activities after 8 p.m. people can't get back to the Park and Ride. Transit encourages Council to consider impact fees for sites being developed so Transit can provide transportation. He also provided copies of municipal ordinances from Gig Harbor, Olympia and San Francisco that have successfully implemented impact fees. Gloria Brarn, 6411 State Route 20, Port Townsend, is concerned about the lack of provisions for handicap parking. She mentioned the proposed Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) has only one handicap off-street parking space and cited a few other similar locations. She suggests other clements of transportation be considered such as motorized scooters and motorized chairs, and not just bicycles. Dave Robison, NWMC, responded to Ms. Bram's comments indicating there are four handicap spaces planned at the NWMC, and that it wants to serve the community, especially those with City Council Business Meeting March 21,2005 Page 5 . . . disabilities. This ordinance probably won't create any new parking downtown in the Historic district. He stated in 1989 the code had no fees or new parking spaces. In 1996 Council recognized this took a courageous action of preservation in the historic area, with better shoreline access. We avoided a sea of asphalt in downtown and no curb cuts across sidewalks, largely because of the inequitable situation in the parking code. The proposed ordinance levels the playing fields. Mr. Randall responded to Mr. Goldman's comments stating they relate to the PT Lumber site and the alternative design review process in Chapter 17.46. The concern is that we have not set up an administrative exception or a variance process to how many parking spaces are required and that people wouldn't receive notice. The proposed code on page 23 has 2 sections out of 17.86 that refer to variances. Parking variances are added to minor variances that are processed through a public notice procedure, and decided by the DSD Director after public notice. Alternative design review doesn't have public review; the design review committee makes decisions. He stated the parking code is available on the City's web site in its current draft. Concerning the handicapped parking, the code is compliant with ADA. Regarding the NWMC parking, the City has control over right-of-way. City Hall will have a parking lot with ADA spaces in front of the building. Mr. Timmons stated it is in the City's work plan to look at Quincy to Monroe, and Water and Washington, for redesign of the streetscape. We are waiting to hear concerning congressional appropriation. Ms. Fenn asked for an explanation of the Type III land use relating to parking. Referring to PTMC 17.86.040, Permit Review Process, Section A refers to variances processed as Type III land use that requires a public hearing before a hearings examiner. Type II in Section B are minor variances, defined as 10% or less of change of a standard. Minor variances don't require public hearing after notice and posting. This proposal will add parking variances as a type of minor variance. Type I is not listed and was referenced in part of design review process. Ms. Sandoval asked which criteria guide a request for decreased off-street parking. Mr. Randall indicated Section 17.86.065 would guide a variance, if certain standards were met. The appeal process for Type II land use decisions are accepted by anyone who objects and would be heard by a hearing examiner. RECESS Deputy Mayor Sandoval announced a recess at 8:08 p.m. for the purpose of a break. RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 8:20 p.m. City Council Business Meeting Page 6 March 21, 2005 . . . Mr. Kolff asked whether Mr. Randall's responded to Mr. Goldman's concerns. Mr. Goldman indicated no, but during the break they spoke. He is not suggesting other criteria for variances under 17.86.065, but is suggesting a few words be added to 17.72.020, making it clear that every land use shall be providing parking, except as specifically exempted by Sections B, C, or by variance. Regardless of provisions in other sections, he suggests there should be no other opportunity to deviate from the code with regard to off-street parking only. Mr. Randall stated if the issue is to make sure the parking code cannot be varied by alternative design review process and C- II design standards, then adding language in the parking code seems to be usefuL He is not sure it is necessary, but it may be clarifying. Staffwill consider the language in the next draft. Mr. Kolff stated he is not sure he heard staff respond to concerns of Mr. Turissini. Mr. Timmons said based on information he presented, it will be reviewed. We will review the workshop minutes. Gloria Bram asked for clarification ofMr. Randall's statement about ADA requirements that provide for handicap parking ratios. Mr. Randall indicated the table of ADA parking is found in the International Building Code. He indicated if one parking space is required, there has to be an ADA space also. Ms. Sandoval stated public testimony is now closed, with further opportunity for public comment at the continuation ofthe hearing on March 28. Mr. Benskin was hopeful the suggested language from the workshop would have been available this week. Mr. Masci indicated on page 9, Table 17.72.080, concerning seniors and disabled, he would like to see one space per dwelling unit raised to 1.25, and under maximum where it shows none, he believes 2 would be better. Under the senior area, requirements for bicycles are generous, but he would rather see scooters and disabled motorized wheelchairs and an ADA reference; and the same in a residential treatment facility. On page 10, under offices medical and dental, he believes the rate should be based on the number of examining rooms. He suggests moving maximum of two cars per room to the minimum. We also need to make ADA references along with the nursing and convalescence category. He requests under the bicycle column adding motorized wheel chair provisions. Mrs. Medlicott concurs with Mr. Masci; she is more concerned about the disabled and handicapped than bicyclists. Ms. Fenn would like to see parking garage regulations and standards because that is off-street parking and is not addressed in this ordinance. Mr. Timmons had suggested grandfathering of parking in item 5 D, and she would like to see that as alternative language. It was mentioned in item 3 about no protest agreements concerning a future parking LID, and she would like to see that as an option. Mr. Randall advised the $3,600 per space fee in lieu of parking had been City Council Business Meeting March 21.2005 Page 7 . . . stricken. On page 9 concerning ADU, it was suggested the street be brought up to quality to allow off-street, or to look at some alternatives. She would like alternative language to eliminate administrative variances per Mr. Goldman's concerns. Regarding the transit issue, she would like to see if we could look at an impact fee possibility. Ms. Sandoval indicated at the workshop there was discussion of transit as a criterion in the historic district and wondered how that would be defined. She also echoes Ms. Fenn's comments concerning parking garage and a parking LID. Mr. Benskin moved to continue the public hearing to March 28 for full discussion andfirst reading. M5. Medlicott seconded. The vote was unanimous, 6-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO. 05-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CITY HALL LEASE WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mr. Timmons stated the proposed lease is for fifteen years with a five-year cancellation clause and also a right for the City to buyout of the lease, if required. The information in the packet provides an analysis of dollar per square foot for rent paid by service back to the community. He recommends approval by Council and acceptance by the Jefferson County Historical Society. Bill Tennent, Director of Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) thanks the City Council and staff for working so hard and long to create a lease that gives more responsibility to JCHS than the prior lease. JCHS will be required to pay more utilities and maintenance, which the community expects and the Board is willing to accept. Mrs. Medlicolt moved to approve Resolution 05-016 authorizing City Manager to execute the JCHS lease, and to execute "Phase 2" MOU with JCHS'. Ms. Fenn seconded the motion. Amendment (friendly): Mr. Masci moved to amend page 2, item 3(b), to read, "Shall pay LESSOR the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per year.fòr rental of the above-described premises." Motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Mr. Timmons announced on Friday, March 25, at 2 p.m., there will be a walk-through of City Hall and all are invited. If you cannot attend, there will be future walk-throughs. City Council Business Meeting Page 8 March 21, 2005 . . . ORDINANCE 2890 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE REVISING CHAPTER 2.34, DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TO REVISE THE DUTIES AND RENAME THE POSITION OF THE BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ORDINANCE 2891 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING THE PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE CREATING CHAPTER 2.33, DIRECTOR OF LONG RANGE PLANNING, TO SPECIFY THE DUTIES AND POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF LONG RANGE PLANNING ORDINANCE 2892 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND REVISING CERTAIN REFERENCES TO BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR, AND CERTAIN REFERENCES TO BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR TO LONG RANGE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR, BY AMENDING PORTIONS OF TITLE 1, TITLE 2, TITLE 3, TITLE 5, TITLE 9, TITLE 12, TITLE 13, TITLE 16, TITLE 17, TITLE 18, TITLE 19, AND TITLE 20 Mr. Timmons stated first reading of Ordinances 2890, 2891 and 2892 occurred March 7,2005. The ordinances are the same except for minor changes to identification of references to BCD. Mr. Benskin moved to adopt Ordinance 2890 Revising Chapter 2.34, amending Director of Building and Community Development to Director of Development Services Department; Ordinance 2891 Creating Chapter 2.33, Director of Long Range Planning; and Ordinance 2892 Amending Re./èrences to Building and Community Development Department to Development Services Department. Motion seconded by Mr. Ko(ff Mr. Kolff commends the public, committees and staff who worked on these ordinances. Ms. Medlicott echoes Mr. Kolff, acknowledging the work that went into the ordinances. Ordinances 2890, 2891 and 2892 were unanimously adopted, 6-0, by roll call vote. City Council Business Meetinl!; March 21,2005 Page 9 . . . GOLF COURSE MISSION STATEMENT Mr. Clow stated the Golf Course Task Force has been before Council in the past. Park and Recreation Advisory Board was tasked to consider the mission statement and report back to Council. The Board recommended support for the mission statement with one suggested revision in the last sentence of the second paragraph, ". . . In the long term, the operations of the go(f course should be cost neutral to- thc City not be a burden to the City budJ!et. " Mr. Timmons stated the balance ofthe report will be reviewed in April and will come back to Council in the future. lt was requested to first adopt the mission statement, and subsequently the balance of the report. Mr. Masci moved to approve the Go(fCourse Task Force's proposed Go(fCourse Mission Statement, as amended by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Mrs. Medlicott seconded the motion. Amendment (friendly): Ms. Sandoval moved to remove the word "thereby" in the.first sentence. Motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS HEARING EXAMINER SERVICES Mr. Timmons stated Ed Good has taken a job with Snohomish County as hearing examiner and is no longer available to serve the City. The City has used Phil Olbrechts as a back-up hearing examiner in the past. It is recommended Mr. Olbrechts be brought on as interim hearing examiner while we go through the recruitment process to retain a regular hearing examiner. Ms. Fenn moved to authorize the City Manager to retain interim hearing examiner services, pending Council approval ofa regular hearing examiner. Mrs. Medlicott seconded the motion. Mr. Benskin asked why we were considering only one person. Mr. Timmons responded it was interim. Mr. Masci stated last time we had a committee that included members of Council and he hoped we would use that process again if we get enough applicants. Mr. Timmons stated we would use the same process. Ms. Sandoval asked the definition of "interim" in this instance. Mr. Timmons hoped 2-3 months, but 6 months on the outside. The voice vote was unanimous, 6-0. City Council Business Meeting Page 10 March2],2005 . . . JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REQUEST REGARDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Mr. Timmons stated the Mayor received a letter from the Board of County Commissioners requesting the City Manager be tasked to work with the County Administrator in compiling a comprehensive listing of programs and services that the City and County perform for each other and City residences, and the costs associated with the services. Mr. Ko(ff moved to authorize the City Manager to work with the County Administrator on compiling a comprehensive listing of programs and services that the City and County perform for each other and our residents, and the costs associated with those services. Mr. Masci seconded the motion. Ms. Fenn stated she thought we already had a list of contracts and services and asked if there was potential for new areas. Mr. Timmons stated this task would include not only what we have done, but would include new areas. Amendment (friendly): MC}. Fenn moved to change the motion to include ". . . compiling a comprehensive listing of programs and services that the City and County could jointly perform. . " Motion as amended carried unanimously, 6-0, by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Ms. Sandoval said she is on the County Public Infrastructure Fund Committee. They discussed compiling a list of all infrastructure needs for the next meeting. There has been discussion of bonding the funds through the County to give us a bigger pot. CTED spoke to the group and said there should be some sort of consensus through the City and County of what kind of infrastructure we would be working on and then we could apply for CTED money. She wanted staff to be aware of this. Mr. Masci asked what type of revenues are being promised if the County is bonding and asked if we were talking about linkage for a LID. Ms. Sandoval stated they would be coming back with more details about bonding. The way the PIF program works is through grants and a payback system. Mr. Timmons stated you get the money up front for initial funding. Ms. Sandoval said it would be done now for a 12-year period. When more information is available, she will update the CounciL Mr. Kolff asked if Council would be corning up with the list. City Council Business Meeting Page ]] March 2],2005 . . . Mr. Timmons stated we would look at what is in our capital program, like the Upper Sims Way project, a combination between already committed infrastructure dollars as well as a LID, and if we can reduce the amount of a LID, that would be better. It will corne back to Council. Mrs. Medlicott requested documentation to study on this issue. Mr. Masci stated when we did the CIP before, Ms. Fenn brought up the critical issue of prioritization of what was arbitrarily included might not be what we want to commit for. He doesn't want a doomsday scenario, but wants to have priorities set up. The other part of it is that Mrs. Medlicott, Mr. Kolff and Mr. Masci have access to different lists on this and it would he good to send it through General Government Committee first to review what might or might not be necessary. Ms. Fenn asked if rehabilitation of the downtown sidewalk streetscape could be on the list. Ms. Sandoval indicated it could be as it is for economic development. Mr. Benskin asked about the streetscape plan. Mr. Timmons indicated Quincy to Monroe is in phases. Mr. Masci moved that the General Government Committee be tasked to prepare a listfor general information. Ms. Fenn seconded. Ms. Sandoval asked to be in attendance at that meeting. The voice vote was unanimous, 6-0. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Council had dealt with PEG access to keep the status quo, deciding to make no significant changes. A request was made for capital acquisition of about $12,000 to upgrade equipment. This warrants moving forward now and will not compromise anything at the station. This is equipment that is a core function of the station and will establish platforms to work with consistently. A recommendation was to look at private leasing, but if we did an inter-fund loan it may be better. Current interest on reserves is 2-1/2%. If we did an inter-fund loan we could use reserve funds. Mr. Timmons stated he crafted the motion so that it would give authority to do one or the other and recommend we do it. Gary Lemons stated he is available for any questions. He appreciates the recommendation and hopes Council moves ahead with it. It has taken a number of months getting to this point it would be better to move on this sooner than later. Mr. Masci thanked Mr. Timmons for responding to the station's request. As representative to the PEG Access Coordinating Committee, he is glad to see it happen, as it will fill holes in technical functioning. He asked concerning the inter-fund loan, if we are receiving 2.5% on fund money, why are we charging them a higher interest rate. Mr. Timmons responded that current rates are gomg up. City Council Business Meeting Page 12 March 2],2005 . . . Mark Welch, Port Townsend Schools, stated he is available to answer questions, and said this brings us back to where we were a year ago in terms of capabilities of serving the City and public as well. Weare getting a lot of new interest and new members. Mr. Ko(ffmoved to authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents/or purchase of PTTV capital items (fisted in the PEG Memo)/or $12,000 (rounded), on terms determined appropriate by City Manager, including, commercial lease or inter-fund loan.trom equipment rentalfund at City investment rate. Mr. Benskin seconded. The voice vote was unanimous, 6-0. Mr. Timmons stated the Governor declared a water drought emergency. He will have information to Council on what it means and implies to the City. It may open some opportunities for us. He has a meeting scheduled with Public Works on Friday to see if we can take advantage of it, how it affects permit renewals and issues with the mill. Mr. Timmons met with the Pope Marine Park playground persons today. The City has not yet approved the plan. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board has given limited approval to the existing footprint area and will recommend it to Council. It will be brought to Council next month. We will be putting in the INBOX property surplus recommendations to decide whether we want to work it into this year's work plan. The Wallin settlement came in. The Finance and Budget Committee met and earmarked the money for the Library. Mr. Timmons reported on a meeting with business owners regarding building code issues as it relates to egress particularly on waterfront properties, such as the Kellogg Building and Belmont. The proposed plan will probably satisfy issues on egress from Taylor to Tyler; to build a common deck to Union Wharf to Tyler Street. It seems like an equitable solution. The deck will be built in phases. The City would be applicant for the shoreline application. One building has a condition to construct a deck; Belmont would be upgraded to connect; Admiralty Apartments want to build a promenade to access Union Wharf. We are thinking of connecting it alL This would be the Waterwalk. If we do it as a collective interest, then everyone has a prescribed solution. Ms. Sandoval asked about the cost to the applicant. Mr. Timmons stated it would be about $2,000 in the permitting process. The City will get an easement for public access across the encroachments. We will get a common defined solution and eliminate the burden on the property owners. It solves the egress issue that impacts occupancy. Mr. Masci asked if it affects the ISOs and fire ratings. Mr. Timmons stated they can still get access to the beach, but it will increase their occupancy load. City Council Business Meeting Page 13 March 21,2005 . . . Mr. Benskin stated concerning playground equipment that he would like to be included to select other sites in town that are available for playgrounds. Mr. Timmons indicated we are putting up a donor agreement and have set up an account. We have a memorial fund. We do not have a donor agreement that specifies how the money will be used. The Joint Fire District meeting is tomorrow night. Ms. Sandoval invited everyone to the James House Wednesday at 5:30-7:30 for a presentation concerning the Jefferson County Community Foundation Open House ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Attest: ,/ ,-'~ -----~-...."\/ ~ / - ", ':í¡~'¡-,/. Pamela Kolacy, CMC City Clerk City Council Business Meetin¡; Page 14 March 21,2005