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CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF APRIL 30, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session the thirtieth day
of April, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Mark Welch presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Catharine
Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch. Frank Benskin was excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Welch read a proclamation in honor of Soroptimist International of Port
T ownsend/East Jefferson County Week. Kay Pownall accepted on behalf of the
organization.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Consent and non-agenda items)
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion: Mr. Masci moved for approval of the following items on the consent
agenda. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice
vote.
Approval of Bills. Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 101366 through 101392 in the amount of $37,169.30
Vouchers 420071 through 420079 in the amount of $91,882.77
Approval of Minutes:
April 9, 2007
April 16, 2007
Resolution 07-011, fixing the time for hearing (June 18, 2007) on a petition for a
street vacation by Tache Bentley.
City Council Special Meeting
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April 30, 2007
COUNCIL CANDIDATE SELECTION
Presentations (up to five minutes)
George Randels
Todd Wexman
Public Comment:
There was no public comment
Council Questions:
Mr. Welch asked what each of the candidates considered to be their proudest
achievement within their service to government or the community or City.
Mr. Wexman cited addressing the financial situation of the town of Earlville, Illinois
and his involvement with Earth Day and Local 20/20.
Mr. Randels cited his work as Chair of the Port Townsend Planning Commission,
particularly the completion of the Shoreline Master Program; also his service on the
Fort Worden Advisory Committee and Golf Course Task Force.
Ms. Sandoval noted that she appreciated the thorough submittals from both
candidates in answer to the written questions posed.
Ms. Robinson asked for each candidate's view on raising taxes or using the City's
banked capacity.
Mr. Randels noted that Oliver Wendell Holmes said that taxes are the price we pay
for civilized society; he stated he believes the Council should finance the things that
are needed to make the town work the way it ought to work; he has not examined
the budget in great detail, but in terms of addressing the City's needs he is prepared
to raise taxes if necessary.
Mr. Wexman stated he does not support utility taxes because of the effect on people
with fixed incomes; he stated that he believes the City has many areas where
expenditures could be cut; he also supported building a reserve.
Ms. Robinson asked each candidate whether they would support the
Council/Manager form of government and respect the role of the staff and council
within that system.
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April 30, 2007
Mr. Wexman noted he supports the form of government but has been critical of staff;
he believes translating policy into action is a tricky process and that in many ways
this Council should playa stronger role in making sure staff takes the correct action
to carry out Council established policies.
Mr. Randels stated he supports the form of government, adding he has gotten to
know and work with many of the staff and has been impressed by the quality of the
staff. He noted that his desire, if selected, would be to try to avoid getting involved in
micromanagement, which he sees as a bigger risk than not doing enough oversight.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
City Attorney Watts noted that the law permits Council to adjourn to executive
session to discuss the qualifications of candidates, but requires final action be taken
in an open meeting.
Motion: Mr. Masci moved to adjourn to executive session at 7:08. Mrs. Medlicott
seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote.
Mayor Welch noted that the session would take about fifteen minutes and that action
would be anticipated after the executive session.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 7:17 p.m.
Motion: Ms. Sandoval moved to appoint George Randels to fill the vacant Council
position. Mrs. Medlicott seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, by voice vote.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Attest:
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Pam Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
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City Council Special Meeting
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April 30, 2007