HomeMy WebLinkAbout012213 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF JANUARY 22, 2013
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session the twenty-second day of
January 2013, 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, David King, Kris Nelson,
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, Library Director
Theresa Percy, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Ms. Robinson requested that Item E (contract approval with CP Communications) be
removed from the consent agenda. There was no objection and the item was moved
to "B" under New Business.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Library Centennial Proclamation
Mayor King read a proclamation recognizing the beginning of the Library's
Centennial celebration. The proclamation was accepted by Jennifer Cohn of the
Library Advisory Board. Ms. Cohn and Library staff members Jody Glaubman and
Theresa Percy commented on the upcoming year's centennial events.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Mirandy and Zoe Cook in support of the library.
Bill Maxwell in support of the library.
CONSENT AGENDA
Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 119637 through 119686 in the amount of$82,091.91
Vouchers 119705 through 119706 in the amount of$3,240.50
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EFTs in the amount of$4,068.72
Vouchers 119708 through 119712 in the amount of$14,422.77
Vouchers 119715 through 119754 in the amount of$382.115.33
Vouchers 119755 through 119756 in the amount of$44,209.41
Approval of Minutes: December 10, 2012 and January 7, 2013
Advisory Board Appointment of Laureen Martin to the Arts Commission
(Position 4, Term expires May 1, 2016)
Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority
("FWPDA") - Board Appointment of Bill James Position 1 (three-year term,
expiring 10/24/16) and Jeff Jackson Position 2 (three-year term, expiring
10/24/16)
Authorization of agreement with Jefferson County for animal shelter services
not to exceed $22,000 for 2013
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve the consent agenda minus Item E
(moved to new business). Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
HVS Contract
City Manager David Timmons presented the staff report. He stated that the City's
marketing work plan for 2013 has identified the need for an assessment of the City's
capacity to host events and functions. The expanding roles of the Northwest
Maritime Center and Fort Worden as destinations for small conferences and events
have brought to light some issues regarding the coordination and availability of
community services that could enhance and support these events. A stakeholders
group was brought together to discuss a proposal and the funding for a proposed
study was approved by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee as an appropriate use
of LTAC funds. The study would compare Port Townsend with other benchmark
communities.
Issues discussed during clarifying questions included source of funding (Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee has earmarked these funds from 2012 reserves), start date for
the study(will be adjusted forward from November 14 date on proposal), other
studies by the firm (Clam Cannery study for a local bank), whether information may
be gleaned from the study that could be helpful in regard to the transient
accommodations topic (consultants are aware). It was noted there is currently no cap
on out-of-pocket expenses which are due in addition to the professional fee and staff
will add language stating that expenses will be limited to no more than 10% of the
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total amount of the contract.
Public comment:
Todd Wexman spoke in opposition of approval and provided written comments for
the record.
Council held an extended discussion about the contract, again reviewing the source
of funds (LTAC reserved funds from 2012); whether some items in the scope of work
could be done by the marketing director (outside her scope of expertise), why the
need is immediate (entities like the Chamber, Fort and Maritime Centers are
identifying lost opportunities to bring conferences and meetings to Port Townsend).
Councilors also wished to see the study done by the firm for a local bank regarding
the Clam Cannery. Positive comments included recognition of the City's dependence
on sales tax and how this could help increase tourism and the opportunity for getting
more people to town during the shoulder season.
Consensus was to delay consideration until the next business meeting so that
Council members could review the prior study. ,
Contract Approval - CP Communications (Christina Pivarnik) for 2013 Tourism
Marketing Services
A request was made that abbreviations be spelled out (examples: TCC, OPTC =
Tourism Coordinating Council, Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission).
There was no public comment.
Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve authorizing the City Manager to
execute a contract with CP Communications for 2013 Tourism Marketing services
with addition of Fort Worden to the list of collaboration entities in second paragraph,
fourth line of the Marketing Scope of Work. Kris Nelson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER REPORT
City Manager Evaluation
Mayor King assigned Mr. Welch to coordinate the City Manager's evaluation, which
will be a "360" according to the International City Managers Association guidelines.
The Finance and Budget Committee will meet in the third floor conference room
tomorrow so that the meeting can be webstreamed. It was noted that meeting after
hours poses some accessibility issues as the front doors need to be locked at 5:00
p.m. The committee will discuss adjusting the meeting to start 30 minutes earlier. It
will be suggested that the committee report regularly to the full Council.
The Comprehensive Plan is in the Council office in a paper copy and a more use
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friendly version will be posted on line.
Mr. King will provide a primer on using the City's website at his office hours on
Thursday, Jan. 31.
Community Development and Land Use Committee review of the transient
accommodation regulations will be resumed not earlier than June.
Mr. King spoke regarding the process for citizens requesting time to make
presentations to Council. He noted that special presentations are generally approved
upon request from organizations rather than individuals. If an individual makes a
request to a council member, that member should bring forward the suggestion at a
regular meeting for discussion by the Council. It was noted that many of these
issues are already in progress or being dealt with at the committee or staff level so
that should be confirmed. Comments were also made regarding the opportunity at
each Council meeting for public comment on non-agenda items. Some requests are
granted to increase the time allowed from 3 to 5 minutes. Citizens can also put
concerns in writing for review by Council members. Council meetings are primarily
for Council business and it is easy to get sidetracked if requests are not made
through existing channels. At the same time, Council does not want to appear to be
cutting off access for concerns or issues.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Mr. Timmons stated that a temporary position for Deputy Chief has been created.
Michael Evans, who has been serving as grant writer and public safety analyst, will fill
the job for a year. After the first year, the need for the position will be re-evaluated.
Mr. Timmons also reported on the following.
The City's insurance authority will be auditing this year for cyber liability issues.
The 2012 year-end financial report will be presented to the Council in February.
Committee schedules and work plans will be reviewed in March and committee activity
is on an as-needed basis until then. When committees meet, they will be scheduled in
the third floor conference room.
Other topics Mr. Timmons will be addressing include the financial status of the Public
Development Authority, the golf course lease, preparation for the workshop on January
28 regarding continued discussion of potential initiatives, town meetings, and
negotiations with the General Government bargaining unit.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Further work on the Customs House project may be assigned to the Special Projects
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Committee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Attest:
1
Pamela Kolacy, MMC � �
City Clerk
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