HomeMy WebLinkAbout111912CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF NOVEMBER 19, 2012
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session the nineteenth day of
November, 2012, in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Robert Gray, Kris Nelson, David King,
Catharine Robinson, Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch with Michelle Sandoval
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Public Works Director Ken Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, City Engineer
Dave Peterson, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Mayor King opened the floor to all public comment, including the public hearing
items.
Carinna Snider spoke in support of pool funding.
Peter Braden, head coach for Port Townsend Girls Swim Team, outlined some of
the team's accomplishments.
Earll Murman commented on pool funding. He provided a written copy of his
comments for the record.
Camille Ottaway spoke in support of the pool.
Laura Hollister Meadows, nurse practitioner with Jefferson Healthcare, spoke in
support of the pool.
Rachel Bickling, primary care physician, spoke in support of the pool.
Shannon Minnihan spoke in support of the pool.
CONSENT AGENDA
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Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 119228 through 119317 in the amount of $771,872.97
Vouchers 119321 through 119327 in the amount of $95,090.03
Approval of Minutes: October 29, 2012 and November 5, 2012
October 19, page 3 first full paragraph, second full sentence to read: "He
recommends building a 2013 work plan including capital levy (library, pool),
Metropolitan Park District {si ; fire annexation; ..." On November 5
minutes, last line on page 5 to read: "He reminded the Council that the
budget....". On page 6, two changes in the paragraph "Council Committees and
Advisory Bodies" were made: 1) eliminate entire last line ("The topic of transient
accommodations....") and 2) change new last line to end with "committee meetings
would be postponed until the end of January rather than the end of the first quarter
and the matter will be revisited then."
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda with changes to
the minutes as discussed and noted. Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing Ordinance 3086, 2013 Budget
Mayor King read the rules of procedure for legislative public hearings.
No Council members disclosed any financial or property interest in connection with
the matter.
City Manager David Timmons reviewed the changes in the budget status that have
been made since discussion at the last meeting.
Mr. Timmons reviewed the items on the memo titled "2013 Budget Revisions" dated
November 13, 2012. General Fund Adjustments included a Community Services
transfer to reflect an additional $51,000 to cover the cost of facilities maintenance
items, reduction in property tax allocations of $15,000 to provide the requested 2%
fund balance reserve in the Contingency Fund, and another property tax allocation
of $6,200 to fund the Affordable Housing Fund at $10,000, This leaves the
estimated General Fund balance at the end of 2013 at $442,958 which equals a
reserve of 6.8%. The Drug Enforcement Fund 2012 expenditures were adjusted to
reflect actuals so the fund balance is positive by $258. The Community Services
Fund Facilities budget was adjusted to reflect expenditure appropriations for utilities
and other operating expenses and the $10,000 appropriation to Dove House was
removed.
Mr. Timmons reviewed some of the details of the swimming pool budget. He said
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that in the past, the school provided a cost allocation formula for pool expenses but
these expenses are not broken out in the City budget. He also stated that the
amount budgeted for payroll presents a challenge in terms of operating hours, but
this is what the City can afford without building partnerships to cover some gaps.
Mr. Gray asked why there is no mention of Parkside Drive Park in the budget. Mr.
Timmons stated that an explanation is included in his budget message. He then
updated the Council on the potential process that will lead to development of the
Park, which may involve donations from the local Rotary Clubs. He added that if the
plans come together, the 2013 budget could be amended.
Public Comment:
Earll Murman corrected his prior statement to note that the JeffCo Aquatic Coalition
secretary is Chris Hansen, not Chris Nelson. He commented on the fuel bill for the
pool and also expressed concerns that he believes the pool operations are funded
for only six months in 2013.
There was no further public testimony.
Mr. Timmons updated the Council on progress with the Department of Health
concerning water treatment. The City's original plan has now been approved but
DOH would like more testing and an emergency plan for City Lake.
There was extended further discussion about particular line items in the budget.
There was further discussion about the pool budget.
The Capital Improvement Plan will be provided as part of the final budget.
It was noted that two health care professionals affiliated with Jefferson Healthcare
spoke in support of the pool. Pool supporters were urged to talk with the Jefferson
Healthcare Board of Directors about assisting with pool costs.
Mr. Gray again advocated for the Parkside Drive Park project, stating that the City
should make an effort to communicate with the neighborhood and let them know
what is going on. Mr. Sepler agreed that staff should take the lead on
communication.
Mayor King summarized the list of items to be provided or resolved prior to second
reading of the ordinance: new budget overview sheet; revised budget
ordinance; public works summary reconciled to show positive balance; bank
statement procedure; and fireworks contract documentation.
Ms. Nelson requested an accurate line item detail. Mr. Timmons said that with the
current absence of both Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, he is not
sure when the line item budget will be available.
Mayor King declared the public hearing closed.
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Motion: Mark Welch moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3086 Adopting the
Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending
December 31, 2013 with the following changes: restoration of the Engineering
Services Fund, change allocation to Housing Trust Fund from $10, 000 to $6, 500;
correct totals for Capital Debt and Trust Funds ($8,225,198) and grand total
($26, 830, 795). Catharine Robinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Public Hearing Ordinance 3087, 2012 Supplemental Budget
City Manager Timmons noted that the supplemental budget ordinance provides for
appropriations to funds whose balances will be affected negatively without this
action. Because of cost savings in the last quarter of the year, most shortages have
been covered by adjusting funds internally.
There was no public comment.
Brief discussion ensued, including a refresher on the state requirement to declare
an emergency when changing the budget.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3087
appropriating the sum of $6,157 to the general fund, $3, 233. 00 to the library fund;
$11,244.00 to the community services fund, $29,000 to the streets capital
improvement fund; and making findings and declaring an emergency. Mark Welch
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Mayor King declared a recess at 8:16 p.m. for the purpose of a break.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Pool Repairs - Contract Authorization - Bond Funding
Mr. Timmons reviewed the packet materials. He stated that because of the timing of
receipt of Public Infrastructure funding, the City will have to begin work on the pool
in advance of receiving funds. He said, for that reason, it should be understood that
if we enter into agreements using this future income, the future Prop 1 funds from
the City to the County will need to be held as collateral.
City Engineer Dave Peterson gave an update of the progress of pool repairs.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Timmons clarified he was not referring to withholding payment on the Prop 1
funding, but that it may be considered collateral until the PIF funds come through.
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Mr. King noted that on the assumption PIF funds were forthcoming, the allocations
would continue to the County but if things went sideways, we would have the Prop 1
money to fall back on.
Mr. Peterson reviewed the criteria for bidding for a project this size. He also stated
that the project should come in within the $150,000 budget.
Council discussion continued regarding the language in the agenda bill, the need to
revise language so it does not indicate we would withhold Prop 1 funding from the
County, and the necessity of amending the Interlocal agreement with the County to
reflect the relationship of the Prop 1 funding and PIF funding. Possible impacts to
the Public Infrastructure Funding could be less funding from the state
legislature. Mr. Sepler noted that to get to a 10 year horizon for the pool would take
another $300,000.
Mr. King proposed new language for the statement numbered (2) under "elements
of the funding approach" on the agenda bill to: "Authorize the City Manager to
begin discussions with the County for a revision of the Proposition 1 interlocal
agreement that ties the Prop 1 funding allocation to completion of the transfer of
Public Infrastructure Funds per stipulations of County resolutions."
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements
for pool repairs up to $150,000, with interim funding from bond proceeds that are
earmarked for the Building 202 project, consistent with the revised agenda bill
(revision of #2). Catharine Robinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
Ordinance 3084, Fixing and Adopting 2013 Property Tax Levies with an
increase of one percent (1.00%) for the General Levy, and an increase of zero
percent (0%) for the Emergency Medical Services Levy
City Manager David Timmons reviewed the packet materials. He noted that a public
hearing and first reading of the ordinance took place on November 5. At that time
there was no public comment. Amounts specified in the ordinance, excluding new
construction, are General Fund $3,693,363, and Fire/EMS Fund $732,267.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Gray questioned raising property taxes at this time and stated his belief that this
sends the wrong message to citizens. He expressed concern about the impact to
struggling families. Others noted that the 1 % gain is less than inflation and that
funding is needed to maintain services. It was also noted that the increase is
already incorporated into the 2013 budget.
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve Ordinance 3084, Fixing and Adopting 2013
Property Tax Levies with an increase of one percent (1.00%) for the General Levy,
and an increase of zero percent (0%) for the Emergency Medical Services Levy.
Catharine Robinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried, 5-1 by voice vote, Robert Gray opposed.
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Ordinance 3085, Amending the Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapters 5.04A
(Business and Occupation Tax) and PTMC 5.0413 (Administrative Provisions for
Business and Occupation Taxes) Consistent with State Law Requirements
City Manager Timmons reviewed the materials and stated that some corrections
have been made to the ordinance based on Council's comments during the first
reading of the ordinance on November 5. City Attorney Watts noted that the
changes update the City's business and occupation tax ordinance consistent with
state law requirements.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Kris Nelson moved to approve Ordinance 3085, Amending the Port
Townsend Municipal Code Chapters 5.04A (Business and Occupation Tax) and
PTMC 5.04B (Administrative Provisions for Business and Occupation Taxes)
Consistent with State Law Requirements. Catharine Robinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
PRESIDING OFFICER REPORT
Mayor King reviewed the meetings and events he has attended since the last
meeting.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Timmons reported on new grants awarded by the Transportation Improvement
Board and stated that the funds will be available in 2014 so the City will have time to
strategize regarding the required matching funds.
He updated the Council on some of the effects of the heavy rain and high tides the
last two days.
He also discussed the status of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority. The
Council will see a presentation from the PDA on December 10. An initial review of the
2013 work plan challenges will also take place on December 10.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURN
City Council Business Meeting November 19, 2012 Page 6 of 7
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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