Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout090913 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session the 9th day of September 2013 in the City 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, City Attorney John Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Public Services Director Rick Sepler, Water Distribution/Water Quality Manager Ian Jablonski, and Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders. DISCUSSION TOPICS: Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Compliance City Manager David Timmons reported on additional water treatment requirements that resulted from a recent inspection by the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH). In response, the City has been working with HDR engineering on additional filtration options to the ultraviolet disinfection selected. On September 16, Council will be presented with proposed action of its intent to either pursue filtration avoidance or install filtration in order to comply with the State's September 20 deadline. He noted that no matter the decision, the State will require a higher level of presence in the watershed. Public Works Director Ken Clow briefed Council on the challenges of tighter watershed management with the property not being under the City's ownership control. Mr. Clow then responded to Council questions about watershed inspections and the list of requirements. There were also questions about the findings, the cost for interim controls and testing, as well as long-term costs in addition to the current rate increase. Mr. Clow said interim costs are uncertain. He noted that WSDOH said that if the City goes to filtration, it would also need to maintain the watershed controls currently in place. The recent WSDOT inspection was done differently and more thoroughly than in the past. As a result, Staff has changed some procedures, but the imposition of new regulations was unexpected. He continued to answer questions about findings on turbidity and spoke about the need for a new watershed management plan as well as impacts to the memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service. By the end of November, the City with Council would need to decide on a method of filtration and put together filtration options, methods, and controls. City Council Workshop Meeting September 9, 2013 Page 1 of 3 Mr. Clow and Mr. Timmons then provided an overview of the filtration options (UV, Slow Sand, Rapid Sand, and Membrane Filtration). There was additional discussion of beta testing and the filtration options in terms of flexibility, energy efficiency, and cost. Mr. Clow and Mr. Timmons also responded to questions about which system might offer the most flexibility and energy efficiency in the future with changed conditions. There was also discussion about funding assistance from the State. At 7:47 p.m., the Mayor called a recess for the purpose of a break. At 7:53 p.m., the meeting resumed. Mountain View Facility Management Plan - Alternatives Public Services Director Rick Sepler gave the staff report starting with a detailed review of alternatives 1, 2A and 2B listed in the agenda bill. He noted that Council review and discussion of the models is necessary before the end of the year in order to move forward on a long-term lease with the School District. There is also a grant deadline of December 31 for a $500,000 grant. In reviewing the memorandum of key findings and unanswered questions, he noted that while the City might be able to afford operational costs, capital costs are problematic. Staff responded to questions from Council in the areas of how much space is currently available for lease, market rate rent, and why the library is still listed. Mr. Sepler responded that the Library would exit Mountain View in the next six (6) months. Council then reviewed each model's net operating income. Mr. Timmons pointed out that he wanted 2A in order to have a baseline figure before energy investments. He then explained that debt service and energy savings would be guaranteed under an agreement by the Department of Energy and Honeywell. Mr. Timmons then distributed a handout he prepared titled Mountain View Key Concepts. The information was prepared based on discussions with Alan Dashen and Associates and the City's bond counsel so Council could discuss how the City might fund its share of the project. Council discussion was as follows: FTE costs escalate rapidly; suggestion to do an interlocal with partners rather than a trust and public development authority; concern about financial sustainability of staying at Mountain View; Mountain View serves a much broader constituency than just the City residents and the pool is of vital importance; concern about the ability of the Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) to help at Mountain View and interest in discussing what happens to the pool if the City takes no action; suggestion for pool discussion with other partners before moving forward with a trust or a PDA; concern about the timing to consider Alternative 1. Mr. Timmons noted that at a minimum the City would need to find a facility for the police station and remember that the pool's heating system is fragile. Comments during continued discussion were as follows: suggestion to focus only on City-mandated service versus other community needs; consider the possibility of maintaining the status quo -- the pool is the main reason for staying; 2A is not a City Council Workshop Meeting September 9, 2013 Page 2 of 3 workable scenario; there is a need for Mountain View service agencies to interact on solutions; consider involving the broader community in a discussion; unrealistic to develop a PDA in the timeframe needed; begin a search for alternative space for police and find another agency to take over the pool; announce what would be lost unless there are agency partnerships to share costs; concern about the City continuing to be a facility manager; concern about where the City would find additional funds to support alternatives, the City cannot afford without assistance; consider a more realistic hybrid between 2A and 2B; whether there is a PDA or an MPD, there needs to be political will to carry any concept forward; consider Alternative 1 with a longer timeframe to get to Alternative 2; be willing to walk away from the property; Hospital is the only partner on the pool. Mr. Timmons noted that the school is not eligible for the grant. The only way to avoid catastrophic failure at Mountain View is to take some initiative on the property. He proposed beginning work on an MOU with the school district and then having a public hearing inviting nonprofit partners attendance. There was consensus to meet separately with nonprofits and update them on the status. Mr. Sepler agreed to provide a report at the next Council meeting on the cost for roof repair. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m. Attest: r Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Workshop Meeting September 9, 2013 Page 3 of 3