HomeMy WebLinkAbout102113 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF OCTOBER 21, 2013
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on October 21, 2013 in the
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by
Mayor David King.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Robert Gray, David King, Michelle Sandoval,
Deborah Stinson, and Mark Welch with Kris Nelson, and Catharine Robinson excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
and Deputy City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There was no objection to the Mayor's suggestion to defer to the next business meeting
the Executive Session discussion topics until more Councilmembers are present.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Proclamation: Boiler Room 20th Anniversary
Thomas Overman, Board President accepted the proclamation.
Introduction of new Police Officer Jeremy Vergin
Police Chief Conner Daily introduced new police officer Jeremy Vergin.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
David Goldman spoke about Council's upcoming budget discussion. He urged the City
to begin to address needed street repairs and offered funding suggestions.
Rick Jahnke commented on the process to select the Library Advisory Board. He
emailed to the City design alternatives for the Carnegie Building and believes the
public should have been involved in creating community alternatives.
Jim Todd said that the City eliminated good input by excluding Library Advisory Board
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applicants who were "no" and "yes" proponents on the Library bond vote.
City staff response
Mr. King responded by explaining considerations in reviewing Library Advisory Board
applicants.
City Manager David Timmons responded to comments by reviewing the purpose of
the contract with architect Jim Cary. He also commented on the Fort Worden PDA
project funding. He explained working capital accounts for water and sewer and
the goal to do the same with storm and street funds. In evaluating current policies, he
believes the City should be able to achieve this goal.
CONSENT AGENDA
Bills, Claims and Warrants
Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of$915.90
Vouchers 121777 through 121794 in the amount of$3,487.16
Voucher 121916 in the amount of $1,163.09
Vouchers 121917 and 121924 in the amount of$99,594.46
Vouchers 121795 and 121915 in the amount of$373,919.14
Approval of Minutes: July 30 (Retreat) and October 7
Library Advisory Board appointments Ellen Frick (Position 1), Lisa Crosby
(Position 4), Larry Fisher (Position 5), Ian Keith (Position 6), Ann Healy-Raymond
(Position 7) all terms expiring May 1, 2016
Resolution 13-029, authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment with
the Teamsters Local No. 589 (representing General Government Employees) to
modify the existing Agreement concerning part-time employees
Resolution 13-030, authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the
existing agreement with the Teamsters Local No. 589 (representing Police
Officers) relating to cost of living calculations and retirement incentive
Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception
of Library Advisory Board Appointments which was moved to Item A. under Unfinished
Business. Deborah Stinson seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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Library Advisory Board appointments Ellen Frick (Position 1), Lisa Crosby
(Position 4), Larry Fisher (Position 5), Ian Keith (Position 6), Ann Healy-Raymond
(Position 7) all terms expiring May 1, 2016
At Council's request, Mayor King reviewed the process of screening and interviewing
advisory board applicants that resulted in the list of recommended appointments.
During council discussion, Councilmembers provided positive comments about the
recommended appointments. Mr. King also noted that he had individual conversations
with other council members about the appointments. There was some concern
about continuing to use a Seattle architect when local architects are available. It was
noted that opposing viewpoints should be important in the future of the library. A
suggestion was to debrief following the November election. Some members urged
having more transparency of Library Advisory Board work going forward by moving
toward recording and broadcasting their meetings. Council felt it important to continue
to engage proponents and opponents of the Library bond in future board activities.
Interim Library Director Bev Shelton spoke about her excitement in working with the
Board after the divisive vote. Mr. Timmons noted that the Director's staffing
recommendation was not intended to get ahead of the advisory board's work and he
did not task the Director to prepare this particular recommendation.
Public Comment:
Rick Jahnke commented on the urban myths that surrounded and divided the
community.
Patrick Moore spoke about the divisiveness on the voted bonds and about the
community not wanting to support any tax increases.
Jennifer Cohn, Library Advisory Board Chair, commented that she sees the sharing of
differences of opinions as important. She is interested in good discussion, sharing of
interests, and committed collaborators.
Motion. Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Library Advisory Board appointments as
follows: Ellen Frick (Position 1), Lisa Crosby (Position 4), Larry Fisher(Position 5), Ian
Keith (Position 6), Ann Healy-Raymond (Position 7) all terms expiring May 1, 2016.
Mark Welch seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 13-028, Authorizing a Contract with Prothman for Succession
Planning Services, Provided that Prothman would not Incur any Expenses and
Would Not Perform any Recruitment Services Without Separate City Council
Approval
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City Manager Timmons explained the need for assistance from private consultants
for succession planning and the responses to the request for qualifications. He said
approval tonight would put Prothman under a retainer contract for a fixed price. In
addition, they would assist at no cost in putting together a plan starting first with
Finance and Library Directors. The matter would then be reviewed by the
Succession Planning Committee and then be brought forward to Council. He
reviewed the turnover of positions including police retirements which
will necessitate assistance from the City Clerk.
During discussion, there was a request for a report from the Succession Planning.
Committee which was comprised of Ms. Robinson, Mr. Gray and Ms. Nelson. Mr.
Gray provided a brief report on Prothman being the preferred candidate. There was
some question about whether succession planning would include smooth transition
of existing staff to management positions.
There was no public comment.
Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve Resolution 13-028, Authorizing a
Contract with Prothman for Succession Planning Services, provided that Prothman
would not incur any expenses and would not perform any recruitment services
without separate City Council approval. Mark Welch seconded.
Vote. motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER REPORT
Mr. King reported on the following:
- A celebration of the Kah Tai transfer of property is on Friday, October 25 at 5pm at the
Port Townsend Yacht Club.
- Meeting with the Hospital District (Mike Glenn and his assistant) on joint projects
- Met with Jefferson County partners regarding the MPD steering committee direction
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Timmons reported on the following:
- Sheridan Street sidewalk
- Jefferson General Hospital administration discussions on their future expansion
planning,
- Building 202 renovation permit, also received a permit application for a short plat on
Howard Street roundabout to the south,
- Walker Street pavement progress,
- Waterfront esplanade touchup needs to occur,
- Exit interview with State auditor last week and filing of the City's response (expending
reserves, condition of fund balances, cost allocation plan, complaints on campaign
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violation allegation and City Manager vehicle lease)
- Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment (LT2)
- City's contributions to Fort Worden PDA, Building 202
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Mr. Timmons reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule: Wednesday, October 23,
Wednesday October 28 forum on Mountain View, and November 14 special meeting to
review action plan for LT2 project.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Personnel RCW 42.30.110g to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for
public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.
This item was postponed until more Councilmembers were present.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Attest:
r r
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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