HomeMy WebLinkAbout081213 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2013
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on August 12, 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, Michelle Sandoval, Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Public Works Director Ken
Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, City Attorney John Watts, City Engineer
Dave Peterson, Interim Library Director Bev Shelton, Police Chief Conner Daily, and City
Clerk Pam Kolacy.
DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Mr. Timmons noted that the agenda is structured around an e-mail he provided earlier
about critical issues facing the City in the next several months. He stated that the plan
is for the Council to have an informal roundtable discussion.
Financial Strategy 2012-2014
Mr. Timmons reviewed some things that will affect the City's financial standing
including continued support of County parks and Mountain View on the expense side
and some positive revenue aspects including new housing starts, increased permit
activity and the Hospital expansion project. He stated that the fund balance ended last
year close to 8% and we have also preserved the 2% contingency fund. A primary
goal of this budget cycle is for Council to review and update financial policies.
With current restrictions on staff and software, the budget document will not be very
complicated this year. Mr. Timmons stated that another goal is to build a more robust
contingency reserve and rather than having multiple reserves for every fund, these
might be consolidated into a single contingency fund.
The City may have a third party review finances and suggest a format, identify trends,
etc. that would be part of the review of financial policies. There is a lot on the plate in
the next four months and building a complicated budget could derail some
efforts. Most budget items were discussed at the last retreat; the budget is the first
priority as it sets the stage for everything else.
Campaign Activity/Public Disclosure Commission - Public Record Requests
City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 2013 Page 1 of 3
Mr. Timmons stated there is not much depth in the Clerks office and resources are
strained when multiple public records requests are being handled. There is normally
an increase in requests during election season or when controversial issues arise,
such as the current PDC complaint.
Major Facility Action
Ongoing issues regarding the Mountain View campus were discussed. These
include improving building function, seeking funds to replace boilers, and negotiating
a new lease agreement with the school district. Mr. Sepler is putting together data
for the Council so a good policy choice can be made. At this time, three general
alternatives are: 1) additional year by year lease with no improvements; 2) working
with the School District to negotiate a long term lease structured to provide an
ownership interest so the City could raise funds to meet unmet needs in the building;
3) giving up any City interest in the facility and determining a cost to relocate the
Police Department.
There was further discussion about the Honeywell analysis and potential energy
cost savings, the potential of a separate corporate entity like a trust or non-profit
taking over the lease and entering into a management contract with the City and
about Mountain View becoming an emergency resource for the community. Pool
issues may be mitigated by a Metropolitan Park District or partnership with the
Hospital District.
Library discussion issues included use of the $150,000 Heritage Grant proceeds
that can be used for improvements to the Carnegie Building, recruitment for the
Library Advisory Board, and review of what it will take to move the Library from
Mountain View back to the Carnegie. Talks with the Foundation will begin as they
review their options on use of the capital campaign funds.
David Peterson and John Watts reported on the ongoing discussions with the
Department of Health regarding watershed management. It appears that onerous
conditions will be placed on the watershed which may result in the City updating its
options on installing a filtration system.
The City had anticipated a significant savings on the cost of the UV water treatment
system but alternative treatments will be at or above the original cost estimate, with
the potential final cost currently estimated at between $10 and $14 million.
Personnel Changes
Mr. Timmons said the Succession Planning Committee has started work. Job
descriptions and the organizational framework must be addressed. Upcoming
recruitments include Library Director, Police Officer, IT Assistant, and Assistant Lead
Operator at the Pool.
City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 2013 Page 2 of 3
Miscellaneous discussion items included revising System Development Charges
(Finance & Budget Committee); the Esplanade is nearing completion; upcoming
Transit rezone and surplus of property; and security at Fort Worden.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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