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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021814CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 18, 2014 CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on February 18, 2014, in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Council members present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King, Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval and Deborah Stinson. Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, Community Services Director Rick Sepler, Planning Manager Judy Surber, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer David Peterson, Police Chief Conner Daily, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA City Manager Timmons stated an executive session would be held at the end of the meeting to consider acquisition of real estate and to review the performance of a public employee. He said the session would take about 20 minutes and that no action would be taken following the executive session. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There was no general public comment. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Vouchers 122696 through 122704 in the amount of $238,923.65 Vouchers 122706 through 122718 in the amount of $3,213.25 Vouchers 122719 through 122739 in the amount of $4,986.42 Vouchers 122740 through 122825 in the amount of $200,279.58 B. Resolution 14-004 Providing Continued Support of the Employee Wellness Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve the consent agenda without Item C (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Contract) which was moved to New Business. Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 1 of 6 Ordinance 3104 Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 20.04 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Amendment Process Planning Manager Judy Surber stated that Council approved first reading of the Ordinance on February 3. Both a line in and out version and a clean copy of the ordinance are included with the packet materials. She added that staff could simplify the language in the recital per public comment to state there have been more than 25 site specific rezones since 1998 and more than 45 suggested amendments since 1998. She added that the ordinance has been presented in response to a change at the state level and the City must be consistent with the new 8 -year period update cycle. She said this also provides the Council with flexibility to add suggested amendments to an annual docket. Public comment Julie Jaman believes the changes to the ordinance make the amendment process less inclusive for citizens. Ms. Surber responded that the DSD Director will continually keep a list of proposed amendments; the council will be looking to DSD and considering amendments in terms of the City's overall priorities for the Planning Commission, staff and Council and thus is more flexible than the current process. Motion: Deborah Stinson moved to approve Ordinance 3104 Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 20.04 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Amendment Process Kris Nelson seconded Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Contract Extension with DM Disposal Co., Inc. Public 'Works Director Ken Clow presented the staff report and introduced representatives from DM Disposal, Dan Schooler and Ken Kovalenko. Mr. Clow noted the presentation is informational and Council action will be requested at the March 3 meeting. The City entered into a contract with DM Disposal in 2002 and since the end of 2012, negotiations have been � taking place regarding an amended contract. He added that overall the City is very satisfied with DM services but wished to make some changes prior to the next five-year term extension. Proposed changes are detailed in the Council materials and include a DM contribution for sidewalk recycling and trash containers, DM sponsorship of an annual spring clean-up for larger items not normally part of the collection program, and adjustments to fees that will reflect increased cost of service. The proposed rate sheet was reviewed and it was noted that the rates compare I avorably to other cities. Low income adjustments are available. There was further discussion, primarily about recycling and trash containers. City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 2 of 6 There was no public comment. Resolution No. 14-005, Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Safe Route to School and to Award and Sign the Design and Construction Contracts for the Sheridan Street Sidewalk and Crossing Improvements Project City Engineer Dave Peterson presented the staff report. He noted the project has been in the planning stages for some time and must be constructed this year to be in compliance with the Safe Routes to School grant which was authorized by Council in 2012. Public comment Nora Regan spoke in favor of the resolution. After brief discussion, it was confirmed that the project would be revisited by Council prior to the beginning of construction. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve Resolution No. 14-005, Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Safe Route to School and to Award and Sign the Design and Construction Contracts for the Sheridan Street Sidewalk and Crossing Improvements Project Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3105 Adopting the City of Port Townsend Parks, Recreation and Open Space Functional Plan 2014 - 2020 and Establishing an Effective Date Planning Manager Judy Surber presented the staff report, reviewing the history of the Park Functional Plan update and identifying the primary changes in the Plan. She stated that the Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval with changes detailed in the February 18 memo. Ms. Surber stated that an updated version of the open space inventory and maps including property purchased since 1999 will be included in the final version. The final plan will also include page numbers and a table of contents. There were several clarifying questions and a suggestion that the Golf Course should be in a separate category since it is open to members, but not the public. Public comment The following expressed support for adoption of the Plan: Nora Regan Rosemary Sikes Ron Sikes Brenda McMillan Deborah Jahnke Rick Jahnke Jim Todd City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 3 of 6 Julie Jaman expressed support but presented several suggestions for changes and additions. Council discussion topics included public outreach, golf course property designation, Metropolitan Parks district, golf course master plan, status of the Kah Tai property transfer, clarification in Community Profile of whether land was "donated by City Council", clarification that the County did not contribute funds to pool repairs, and correction of date of expiration of interlocal agreement on parks and recreation to May 2015. Staff will incorporate tonight's comments, review public comment, make revisions where appropriate, and bring forward a new draft for final adoption on March 3. Motion: Catharine Robinson moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 3105 Adopting the City of Port Townsend Parks, Recreation and Open Space Functional Plan 2014 - 2020 and Establishing an Effective Date Kris Nelson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3091 Providing for Regulations Concerning Sidewalks and Ordinance 3092 Providing for Regulations Concerning Parks City Attorney Watts presented the staff report, noting that the issue has been under consideration for several months by the Council, Special Projects Committee and Community Development/Land Use Committee. Discussion regarding why a specific shape is designated rather than an area in square feet. Mr. Watts noted that 3 x 5 shape is also the rule for a food cart. It may be easier to measure as well. Special Projects and Community Development/Land Use committee members commented on the committee process, noting that in the end the committee members felt it was better to be as specific in the ordinance as possible since flexibility was more difficult to build in. The goal was guidelines that could be understood and interpreted without difficulty, and make it a fair system for everyone. It was noted that most public comment was favorable to having limits on the space one individual can occupy. Discussion ensued about whether a buffer should be established around public art such as the Salish Sea sculpture. It was noted that an original suggestion had been 50 feet and it appeared that might be too much, also that if there were a buffer, special access could be granted to (for example) a film crew. Chief Daily discussed prior and current contact that he and officers have had with the individual who currently is a regular user of the Pope marine public space. Several typographical errors and inconsistencies were noted and will be corrected in the next version. There were questions and discussion about the amount of time a structure should be allowed to be unattended. The committee recommendation is five minutes of every 60. City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 4 of 6 Clarification was also requested to indicate that any individual gets the same amount of space; for example, two musicians would each get the same amount per the ordinance. Language from the agenda bill that references this issue will be replicated in the final ordinance. Public Comment Rosalind Russell spoke in favor of the ordinance although believes it is too modest and should be more restrictive, for example not allowing tables. Ms. Nelson explained the basis of her support of a larger space, including current street musicians who would not be accommodated by the proposed space limits. Mr. Watts noted that a permit could be acquired for a period of time and that whatever conditions necessary could be added. The issue of leaving displays unattended was discussed and it was noted that displays could become hazardous during bad weather. Councilors noted that public input has been primarily in support of limit space for each individual display. An emphasis on capital projects for the benefit of the community should be made with encouragement of tourism a lower priority. Suggestion that page 1, number 4 should be reworked to say "in part designed to make the area safe and inviting for pedestrians, encourage downtown business activity and encourage tourism." There was continued discussion about potential art buffers and establishing a time limit on how long a display could be unattended. A buffer area of ten feet was suggested. The potential of stating allowed area in square footage rather than "3 x 5" or 4" x 6" was also suggested. Motion: Michelle Sandoval moved to approve Action: (1) Move to rescind the prior first reading of the ordinances and move for first reading of Ordinance 3091 and Ordinance 3092 with the clarification regarding space limits per each individual use and rewording of 9.46.010 (emphasize benefit to community before tourism). Catharine Robinson seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT There was no presiding officer's report. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT There was no City Manager's report. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR STUDY SESSION Executive Session Mayor King announced at 9:53 that the Council would adjourn to an executive session to discuss acquisition of real estate and review the performance of a public employee. He stated the session would last about 20 minutes and no action would be taken following the session. City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 5 of 6 The meeting was reconvened at 10:15 p.m. F-11 q l There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:21 p.m. Attest: f Pamela Kolacy, MMC City Clerk City Council Business Meeting February 18, 2014 Page 6 of 6