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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/06/1987MEMO: January 7, 1987 TO: Mayor Whidden a City Council FROM: Dave Flodstrom, City Manager SUBJECT: Material Relating to 1987 -88 Budget Presentee] to the Council at Your January 6 Meeting Attached is a copy of the written material which Councilman McPhee pre- pared in response to the Council's requests. I have prepared copies of the material for those City Departments addressed in the text of Councilman McPhee's notes. If the Council wishes, a complete response can be prepared and provided at your February 3rd meeting. DF /jg Thanks. attachment -p Members Absent: None. Staff Present: III MINUTES IV FINANCE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington January 6, 1987 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor Whidden called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. II ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Whidden, Councilmen Hallett, Hesla, McPhee, Quast, Schermer, Stamon. Manager Flodstrom, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Anderson, P. Carr, M. Cleland, R. Orton, S. Brodhun, L. Glenn, J. Pittis, D. Wolfe, S. Hursh, B. Coons, L. Cochrun, B. Jones. Public Present: Mr. and Mrs. C. Alexander, L. Sunny. Councilman Stamon made amendments as follows: Register Page 642, Item No. 3, paragraph 4; she indicated Councilman Hallett had arrived at 7:10 P.M. rather than 9:10 P.M. (correct arrival time 9:10 P.M.); Register Page 645, Item B -1, paragraph 1, third sentence to Connie Reandeau. Councilman Schermer amended Register Page 646, paragraph 4, deleting the words table the motion and from Councilman Quast's motion. Following further discus- sion, Councilman Stamon moved to accept the minutes as amended. Councilman Hallett seconded and the motion carried. 1. Payment to Riddell, Williams Authorized Councilman Schermer moved to approve payment of the December 17, 1986, Riddell, Williams bill in the amount of $1,065.06. Councilman Hesla seconded and the motion carried. 2. Acceptance of Work and Final Payment Approved for Asbestos Removal at Vern Burton Memorial Community Center Councilman Hallett moved to approve and accept the work performed and authorize final payment in the amount of $514 to Long Services Corporation of Seattle, Washington for asbestos removal at the Vern Burton Memorial Community Center (Project No. 86 -20). Further, that retainage in the amount of $1,011.15 be released after the 30 -day lien file period has lasped and releases have been received from the Departments of Labor Industries and Revenue. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. 3. Acceptance of Work and Final Payment Authorized on Tumwater Sidewalk Project Councilman McPhee moved to accept the work performed and approve payment in the amount of $8,862.10 to Primo Construction of Sequim, Washington, for the Tumwater Street sidewalk project (Project No. 85 -11). Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. 4. Bid Considered for Fine Arts Center Mini Van Manager Flodstrom provided Council with background information, explaining that bids had been received today for two used vans. He recommended authorizing the purchase of the used equipment, starting with the lowest bidder first (Ruddell Motors $4,650); if that piece of equipment, in the judgement of Duncan McKiernan and Scott Brodhun, should not be accepted, go to the second piece of used equipment (Gray Motors $5,797.77); and if again that piece in their opinion was not acceptable, go to the low bid on new equipment (University Ford $9,870.99). He stated sufficient funds had been allocated from the principal of the Trust. 651 6 5 2 City Council Meeting January 6, 1987 Following discussion, Councilman McPhee moved to concur with the City Manager's recommendation as far as the used vehicles, except authorization to purchase a new vehicle. Councilman McPhee felt the approximate $4,000 saved by purchasing a used vehicle could be used to purchase art works or furniture for the Arts Center. Councilman Schermer seconded for the sake of discussion, indicating concern that this left no alternative if neither of the used vehicles were acceptable. During discussion, Art Center Director McKiernan clarified that money saved by not buying a new van would not be used to purchase art. He stated it had not been Esther Webster's intent in the will to establish a collection. Councilman Quast then amended the motion that inspection by Duncan and staff also include inspection by Equipment Rental Superintendent Hutchin- son, and if, in the opinion of both Duncan McKiernan and Equipment Rental Superintendent Hutchinson, the two used vans are not to be recommended, then a purchase of the new Mini Astro Van be authorized. Councilman McPhee concurred with this amendment. On call for the question, the motion carried. V CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Schermer moved adoption of the Consent Agenda as follows: (1) Request permission to call for bids for City's official printing for 1987; (2) Request permission to call for bids for self- contained breathing apparatus compressor system; (3) Consideration of refund to FAUS (Federal Aid to Urban Systems) for closure of Tumwater Truck Route Project of $6, 337.60; (4) Vouchers of $1,506,396.84; and (5) Payroll of 12/14/86 of $222,194.30 and Payroll of 12/31/86 of $278,354.63. Councilman Stamon seconded. The Council discussed with staff payment for temporary person- nel, Seafirst Computer Services, advertising by the Park Department, etc. On call for the question, the motion carried. VI ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA Pat Gilbert, 931 East Front, complained to the Council about the Animal Control Ordinance and the conduct of the Assistant City Attorney during Mr. Gilbert's recent trial for violation of said ordinance. Attorney Knutson stated the Assistant City Attorney had acted well within her rights at the trial. He stated she had succeeded in getting a conviction in this very important case in which a pit bull tore apart a cat and threatened several innocent people. VII LEGISLATION 1. Fine Art Center Director Contract Renewed Councilman Stamon moved to approve the #contract between the City of Port Angeles and Duncan Y. McKiernan, to serve as Director of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center for a period covering December 1, 1986, through December 31, 1988. Councilman Hallett seconded and the motion carried. 2. Resolution Passed Setting Public Hearing for Final Assessment Roll on Campbell Avenue Sewer LID Mayor Whidden read the resolution by title, entitled, RESOLUTION NO. 01 -87 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, fixing the time and place of hearing upon the assessment roll for Local Improvement District No. 207. Councilman Schermer moved to pass the Resolution as read by title, estab- lishing February 3rd as the date of hearing on the assessment roll. Councilman Stamon seconded. Following discussion of the difference in the amount of preliminary assessment and final assessment, on call for the question, the motion carried. 5. Bids Authorized for PCB Clean -up Councilman Stamon reported that she had served on the nominating committee for the first slate of officers for the newly established Tourism Associa- tion of Clallam County and reported on those nominations. She requested authorization from the Council to join as a charter member, representing the City of Port Angeles. She also requested Council authorization to pursue a representative seat on the 21- member Board of reco,rg as the only governmental representative. The Council discussed the issue extensively. Councilman Schermer then moved that the City be represented as a member of the Tourism Development Council; that we seek appointment to the Board and if not appointed on the Board, then we become an ex- efficio member. He further moved that Glennis Stamon be designated as our repre- sentative. Councilman Quast seconded. Councilman McPhee preferred the City retain a non voting membership, favoring a Board being run by members of the industry, not government. Councilmen Quast and Schermer emphasized that one seat on a 21- member board would not be excessive governmental membership. Councilman Quast supported the motion and called for the question. On call for the question, the motion carried. City Council Meeting 6 5 3 January 6, 1987 3. Councilman Stamon Selected as City Representative in the Tourism Association of Clallam County 4. Amendment to Residential Weatherization Program Contract Authorized Councilman Hallett moved to authorize the Mayor to execute Contract Modi- fication No. M -026 to the Residential Weatherization Program agreement. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. Councilman Stamon reported that the Utility Advisory Committee had dis- cussed this issue. She emphasized the seriousness of this particular issue in terms of future liability to the City. City Light Director Orton ex- plained that the Environmental Protection Agency has been fining public utilities huge amounts of money for failure to contain spills. Councilman Quast commented on how costly removal of this contaminated soil would be, (the removal of approximately two dump truck loads of contaminated soil could cost as much as $110,000). Councilman Hallett also voiced his dismay at the cost now for an occurence that took place approximately 20 years ago. He stated this type of problem made budgeting and planning for the future difficult. Councilman Quast then moved to authorize City Light to call for bids for the removal and disposal of approximately 15 cubic yards of PCB contaminated soil. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. BREAK The meeting was recessed from 8:12 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. 6. Teamsters Labor Agreement for Uniformed Police Employees Authorized Following brief discussion with staff, Councilman Stamon moved to approve the labor contract between the City of Port Angeles and the Teamster's Union Local 589 for sworn police officers covering the contract period of January 1, 1985, through December 31, 1987. Councilman McPhee seconded. Following discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. Councilman Stamon thanked staff for their good and patient work on this project. 7. Interviews Set for Applicants for Vacancy on Planning Commission Councilman Schermer moved to schedule a special meeting of the City Council on January 20th at 6:00 P.M. for the purpose of interviewing candidates for a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. 8. Park Board Minutes of November 20, 1986, Accepted Councilman Schermer felt it was very commendable that the Park Board now has high school students as representatives. Councilman Quast pointed out spelling and grammatical errors in the minutes. Councilman Stamon referred to Item No. 6, Fire at Erickson Playfield. She concurred that the area needs better supervision after functions at Civic Field. She requested the f 5 T City Council Meeting January 6, 1987 Police Department make a real effort, possibly sending someone on foot patrol through the park when there are activities going on at Civic Field. Mayor Whidden discussed with Parks and Recreation Director Brodhun the status on the trees at Jessie Webster Park. Councilman Stamon then moved to accept and place on file the Park Board minutes of November 20, 1986. Councilman Hesla seconded and the motion carried. 9. Amendment to City's Power Sales Contract with BPA Authorized Councilman Stamon moved to concur with the suggestion of the City Light Director and authorize the Mayor to sign Amendatory Agreement No. 1 to Contract No. DE- MS79- 81BP90450. Councilman McPhee seconded and the motion carried. 10. Acceptance of Referendum 38 Grant Funds to Cover "E" Street Reservoir Authorized Councilman Hallett moved that the Council authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement accepting the grant for the "E" Street reservoir cover and authorize the Public Works Department to negotiate a contract with Gardner Engineers Inc. for future Council approval. Councilman Stamon seconded. Following discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. 11. Resolution Passed Authorizing Fire Department to Purchase Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Test Kit Mayor Whidden read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 02 -87 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles designating the Survivair brand and authorized distributor as the sole source for acquisition of a self contained breathing apparatust test console, and declaring an exception to normal bidding procedures. Attorney Knutson pointed out a typographical error in the fourth paragraph correcting the amount to $3,668. Following discussion, Councilman Stamon moved to pass the Resolution as read by title pointing out for the public that in adopting this Resolution, we are declaring an exception to normal bidding procedures because this manufacturer is the only one that provides this particular equipment. She further noted that this item was budgeted in the 1987 budget. Councilman McPhee seconded and the motion carried. 12. Geo- Technical Consultant Contract with Shannon and Wilson Authorized Front Street Slide Councilman Quast moved to authorize the Public Works Department to enter into an agreement with Shannon and Wilson Geo Technical Consultants for installation and monitoring of at least three slope indicators. Councilman Schermer seconded. Councilman Stamon added as'a feendly amendment, auth- orization for the Public Works Department to work with the State Highway Department for installation of the necessary casings for the three slope indicators. Councilman Quast concurred. Following discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. 13. 1987 Salary Ordinances Implementing Cost of Living Adjustments for All City Employees Adopted Mayor Whidden read the first Ordinance by title, entitled, ORDINANCE NO. 2430 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles establishing a pay plan for the employees represented by AFSCME Local #1619 (Schedule A), Teamsters Local #589 (Schedule B), and IAAF Local #656 (Schedule C), and employees working at the City's Pool (Schedule D), for the period of January 1, 1987, through December 31, 1987, and providing for the payment thereof. City Council Meeting January 6, 1987 Councilman Schermer moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Stamon seconded. Councilman Hallett commented that the City is contractually obligated to provide some type of cost of living adjustment and that this adjustment was the absolute minimum. On call for the question, the motion carried. Mayor Whidden then read the second Ordinance by title, entitled, ORDINANCE NO. 2431 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles establishing a position classification, fringe benefit, and pay plan for Management, Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Personnel, and providing for the payment thereof for the year 1987. Councilman McPhee moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title, with the addendum that the cost of living increase not be available to those whose income for fie City in 1986 exceeded $40,000. Councilman Quast seconded for the sake of discussion, noting concern over discriminating against these individuals, as there were employees in bargaining units who earned in excess of $40,000 per year. He did concur that the problem should be looked into at a future time, as the 2% figure did result in larger amounts for those whose salaries were higher. Councilman McPhee stated that al- though he agreed with Councilman Quast regarding the 2% being a larger amount for higher salaried individuals, his point had been that many tax- payers don't earn half the $40,000. He stated he had taken the $40,000 figure arbitrarily. He did not feel the taxpayer could afford continuing escalation. Councilman Hallett inquired why $40,000, why not a lower number. Council- man McPhee answered this was just a figure that was taken. Councilman Hesla did not follow the logic in this recommendation. He stated that many professionals earn more than the individuals partaking of and paying for their expertise. Councilman Schermer concurred that this was a concern and should be looked into in the upcoming year. He mentioned that some sectors have an average increase instead of a 2% across the -board increase. He also commented that 2% was not an excessive amount. He commended the City Manager for doing a fine job in keeping the inflation of salaries down to a reasonable range during the last two or three years. Councilman Stamon brought up the subject of salary and compensation studies which had been completed by the Personnel Division over recent years and emphasized that salaries paid to Port Angeles employees are average salaries for similar positiont in other cities of like size and services. She stated she was concerned, as was Councilman Hallett, that $40,000 was an arbitrary figure. She opposed that part of the motion. Councilman Quast stated that although he had seconded the motion for the sake of discussion, he would vote against it, feeling that singling out one group and not considering the same type of approach to the higher wage and salaried positions within the union realm would not be just. He felt the issue should be discussed at a future time in greater length. Councilman McPhee stated he had not re eo rna is with union employees as the City t was under contract with those employees. Following further discussion, the motion failed with Councilman McPhee voting "Aye" and all other Councilmem- bers voting "No Councilman Schermer then moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Stamon seconded, commenting that the City has an implied con- tract with non bargaining unit employees and it has been a policy to extend the same terms and conditions to the non bargaining unit people as are negotiated by the union in an attempt to assure one group not being treated better or worse than another group. Councilman Hallett spoke in support of the motion. He stated that cutting salaries may be a visible way to sound like you are trying to be responsible to the taxpayer but suggested that was a copout and probably the worst place to start if you want to hold the line on increasing government costs. He stated improvements in efficiency and other things would be a much more responsible manner to achieve a better return on investment to the average taxpayer and messing with salaries was probably the last place we need to start. Councilman McPhee stated he was not suggesting that any salaries be cut and in response to other issues mentioned by Councilman Hallett, he stated the City Manager 655 656 City Council Meeting January 6, 1987 had a copy of the eight areas Councilman McPhee described to Council during the budget hearings. He called for the question. The motion carried, with Councilman McPhee voting "No." Councilman Stamon stated that a number of the areas that Councilman McPhee had brought up were already being looked into by the Council as possible for cost reduction. She stated that Coun- cilman McPhee's concerns had not been summarily dismissed during recent budget hearings. 14. Agreement Authorized with PUD for Upgrading Distribution System to Serve Morse Creek Hydro Project Councilman Quast moved to authorize the City Light Director to enter into this agreement with Clallam County PUD for upgrading their facilities to serve Morse Creek Hydroelectric Project for a cost not to exceed $25,000; the bill based on actual cost completion on or before January 26, 1987. Councilman Schermer seconded and the motion carried. 15. Utility Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled for January 12, 1987 The Council scheduled a Utility Advisory Committee Meeting for January 12, 1987, from 2 :00 to 5:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers for the purpose of discussing Solid Waste rate review, sewer increase due to secondary treatment, review of recycling bids for Landfill, and Landfill permit to be issued by the County. 16. Ordinance Adopted Amending Fees at Senior Center Mayor Whidden read the Ordinance by title, entitled, ORDINANCE NO. 2432 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles amending the fee for membership in the Port Angeles Senior Citizens Center and amending Ordinance No. 2114. Councilman Stamon moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title, with the notation that the Board of the Senior Center and the membership have approved the increase. Councilman Schermer seconded, also commenting that he felt that we should not be char tw rate CQunnc 1mma i McPhee took exception, feeling that City residents were .s-ube-14-1*-144g the Senior Center because they were also paying taxes in Port Angeles. Councilman Quast noted that many individuals from outside the City, while in the City, did purchase items and pay sales tax which was returned to the City. Following further lengthy discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried with Councilman McPhee voting "No 18. Review of City Council Committee Assignments Following lengthy discussion, Councilman Quast moved to defer consideration of committee assignments until 1988 after the election of a new Mayor. Councilman Schermer seconded adding that the Mayor appoint any incidental positions as necessary. Following lengthy discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. Mayor Whidden stated he would consider the current vacancy on the Public Health Advisory Committee further. VIII CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS /LATE ITEMS Councilman Stamon referred to a memorandum received from Risk Manager Sugiyama, at the previous meeting, informing the Council of the amount saved on insurance costs as a result of the City's Health Incentive Pro- gram. She felt it was important to mention this as it was reflective of the programs being implemented by the City in an effort to address escalat- ing costs. She stated savings this year were in excess of $60,000 and per Council agreement, half of that was returned to the employees who partici- pated. She also reported that Centennial license plates are now available for purchase at a cost of $7, the proceeds to be used to provide funding for the Centennial celebration in 1989. She urged members of the public to purchase Centennial license plates. She referred to items on the Informa- tion Agenda, specifically the Fitness Challenge introduced by Risk Manager Sugiyama and other City staff. She personally challenged all members of the City Council to participate in the Fitness Challenge by walking, swimming, cycling, or participating in aerobic exercise. She referred to City Council Meeting 6 5 7 January 6, 1987 the update on the Investment in Excellence community program and the good comments received from members of the public who had attended the course. She complimented staff on the response to DOE on the final draft of the marine resource damage assessment report. Councilman Hesla reported that the Chamber of Commerce banquet date had been changed to January 30th. Councilman Hallett mentioned the upcoming Association of Washington Cities Legislative Conference, scheduled February 25 and 26, 1987. Manager Flodstrom stated he would make arrangements for any Councilmembers wishing to attend and would be attending himself. Councilmen Stamon, Hallett, and Schermer were interested in attending. Councilman Schermer reported that the Downtown Parking Committee was very close to being ready to present a proposed new parking ordinance. He also discussed with staff concern with the feeding of birds on the City Pier. Councilman Schermer stated he would sign up for the Fitness Challenge and challenged other Councilmembers to participate. Councilman McPhee questioned staff about electric rates. He suggested offering electricity at wholesale costs to manufacturing industries in an effort to encourage them to locate in this area. Staff explained that the City currently does sell electricity at wholesale costs to these indus- tries, and that further reductions in costs would have to be subsidized by other customers. Councilman McPhee stated it could be beneficial to the community for the City to absorb a part of the costs. Attorney Knutson stated this would violate Article 8, Section 7 of the State Constitution, which prohibits the City from lending or giving away City property or credit. Councilman Quast referred to a complaint he had received from a citizen who objected to paying a higher rate for extra telecable channels when she had not purchased the converter that enabled her to receive more channels. Manager Flodstrom explained that telecable service was not mandatory in the City of Port Angeles; that it was an optional service. Administrative Services Director Wolfe explained that senior citizens were eligible for a rate decrease and could apply for the decrease at Port Angeles Telecable. Attorney Knutson also explained that deregulation of telecable rates was currently being litigated. Councilman Quast also discussed with staff a letter received from a citizen regarding problems with the street where he resides. Staff confirmed that the circumstances had been explained to this individual before he moved to the location. Councilman Stamon stated she had spoken with,the individual explaining the circumstances to him again. Councilman Quast instructed staff to prepare a banner for the "Future Site of City Hall Councilman Schermer thanked Mayor Whidden, on behalf of Jean Fairchild, for a letter by the Mayor regarding the Downtown Christmas decorations. Manager Flodstrom reminded the Council that January 9th was the date of the annual meeting for the Clallam County Economic Development Council. He read a letter of thanks to Councilman Stamon from `the Fire Department for services she rendered at the site of an accident. IX ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Whidden adjourned the meeting to executive session at 10:18 P.M. for approximately one -half hour for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter and litigation. X RETURN TO OPEN SESSION The meeting returned to open session at approximately 10:45 P.M. XI ADJOURNMENT Mayor Whidden adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:48 P.M. Clerk Mayor