HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/07/2003 4847
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
January 7, 2003
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wiggins called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order
REGULAR MEETING: at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell,
Erickson, Headrick, Rogers, and Williams.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B.
Collins, M. Connelly, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, and
Y. Ziomkowski.
Public Present: T. Price, P. Lamoureux, D. Colwell, and S. Reed.
PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Deputy Mayor Campbell.
ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC CEREMONIES, School District Report: Dr. Gary Cohn, Port Angeles School District Superintendent,
PRESENTATIONS AND was present for the purpose of submitting a status report on the impact of the State
PROCLAMATIONS: budget on the School District and what might be expected over the next several months.
With the use of PowerPoint slides, Dr. Cohn advised the Council that school districts
School District Report in Washington depend on the State for the bulk of their revenues. In the case of Port
Angeles, revenue from the State amounts to 70%. Other revenues generated equate to
14% from local voters due to the levy, and the remainder is made up of federal funds
and local revenues. The economy at the national and the local levels has a direct
impact on schools, and the State Legislature has faced the budget woes by severely
cutting various facets of the budget. Dr. Cohn indicated that, in the case of the Port
Angeles School District, the cuts amounted to $660,000. This factor is coupled with
the need for the School District to accommodate some longer term enrollment
downturns.
In order to balance this year's budget, the School District cut about $1.64 million,
$660,000 of which was a result of the cuts the Legislature put in place for this year.
Approximately $940,000 was the result of the declines in enrollment, which resulted
in reduced State funding. Dr. Cohn summarized the various cuts made in order to
balance the budget, to include teaching positions, learning improvement days, classified
positions, an administrative position, and some extra-curricular activities.
Because the State has further significant cuts to make, Dr. Cohn delineated those items
that will be at risk in the local schools. The State has been funding Student
Achievement Funds, a program targeted at elementary schools for the purpose of
getting the students up to standards very early. Another program being jeopardized is
levy equalization, which is intended to assist those districts that are property evaluation
poor. Also in jeopardy are the salary and benefit increases approved by the voters.
The school districts will be fighting to save learning improvement days for teachers,
as well as the Flexible Education Fund, which is a type of block grant from the State.
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4848 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 7, 2003
School District Report Dr. Cohn reviewed in detail the potential loss of revenue because of the State budget
(Cont'd) cuts being considered, feeling it important for the community to be made aware of the
possible impacts to the School District. The District staff is in the process of sharing
the problem-solving with community members, and a fiscal advisory committee has
been working on creating a plan if, in fact, the programs are cut. Every effort is being
made to engage the community in supporting the school district in the legislative work
that must be done. It is important to send a message that full and stable funding must
be provided in order to educate all kids. Dr. Cohn indicated the schools are trying to
change the system from educating some students to high standards to educating all
students to high standards. He noted that the Legislature made a promise several years
ago to implement a standards-based system and to pay for that system. The standards-
based system has been implemented, but the State has not fulfilled its promised in terms
of funding. The Legislators are being asked to hold themselves accountable for the
public's commitment to wages and class sizes.
Dr. Cohn expressed concern that, when the levy is passed, there will still be cuts made
equal to 20-40% of the size of the levy itself. It is essential to reinforce the importance
of staying the course in terms of school reform in order to get students to graduation.
Dr. Cohn advised the Council that the ballots for the levy go into the mail on January
13, and the election date is February 4. He distributed informational brochures, noting
that the levy is a continuation of the existing levy with the same projected rate.
Dr. Cohn was thanked for his informative presentation, after which individual
Councilmembers expressed the desire to take a position on the upcoming Maintenance
& Operations Levy. It was acknowledged that public input, pro and con, would need
to be solicited before the Council could take a position. Therefore, it was agreed by
consensus that this public input would be sought regarding the levy at the next Council
meeting to be held January 21, 2003, after which the Council intends to take a position.
Moment of Silence for At this time, before proceeding with the remainder of the meeting, Mayor Wiggins
Former Mayor Prosper asked for a moment of silence in honor of former Councilmember and Mayor Prosper
Ostrowski Ostrowski who recently passed away.
Olympic Discovery Olympic Discovery Marathon: Dr. Larry Little, 1234 E. 2nd Street, was present as a
Marathon representative of the Port Angeles Marathon Association, to submit information on the
proposed "Olympic Discovery Marathon" to be held June 15, 2003. Dr. Little
informed the Council that such a marathon is intended to showcase the Port Angeles
and Sequim area along the Discovery Trail. Also focused in this endeavor is the
natural beauty and warm hospitality of the area, as well as the community's
commitment to volunteerism.
Dr. Little expressed hope that 1000 participants will be attracted in the first three years,
with recognition of the event generated in the athletic community. He indicated the
marathon would start in Sequim and proceed east on the Discovery Trail to a
completion point at Hollywood Beach. At this point, Dr. Little was uncertain as to
whether the City of Sequim would be supportive of the event, as he has yet to introduce
the idea to the City. He delineated important factors to creating a successful event,
such as volunteers for staffing aid stations, seamless transportation for the participants,
and a finish venue for participants and their families. Dr. Little felt there would be
various economic benefits to the area, in that local accommodations would be utilized,
as well as shopping and dining opportunities. He felt that attendees would also avail
themselves of the various activities on the Peninsula. Dr. Little summarized a marathon
conducted in St. George, Utah, comparing the demographics to the Port Angeles area.
Noting that donations are needed to cover start-up costs, Dr. Little indicated efforts are
underway to raise funds and to seek the support of various service groups to sponsor
aid stations. Further volunteer support is needed for the different aspects of the event
as well.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4849
January 7, 2003
Olympic Discovery Following Dr. Little's presentation, Parks & Recreation Director Connelly advised the
Marathon (Cont'd) Council that the Parks Board would be hearing the same presentation in the near furore.
He spoke in support of the marathon, noting it would be a good opportunity to use the
Olympic Discovery Trail for its intended purpose. [Clerk's Note: Councilmember
Erickson departed the Council Chambers at 6:35 p.m.] After further discussion, with
Dr. Little answering questions posed by the Council, Councilmember Rogers moved
to endorse the North Olympic Marathon. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Williams and carried unanimously.
WORK SESSION: None.
LATE ITEMS TO BE Councilman Williams asked that the matter of Homeland Security be added as Agenda
PLACED ON THIS OR Item 1.3.
FUTURE AGENDAS:
Mayor Wiggins sought Council input concerning the agenda for the Council retreat to
be held January 25. He previously provided the Council with a list of possible topics
for discussion, and he asked that the Council be prepared to set the agenda at the next
regular meeting.
Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby, expressed appreciation to the Council and stafffor their
hard work this past year. He wished all a happy and healthy New Year. In addition,
Mr. Lamoureux offered commentaries concerning the PRIDE sign in the vicinity of
Jefferson Elementary. Noting the disrepair of the sign, he questioned the need to have
a sign with such a negative message, and he suggested that the City remove the sign and
perhaps replace it with one containing a more positive message. Mr. Lamoureux then
directed comments to City projects that have experienced cost overruns. In view of the
current economy, he urged the City to seek a better method of staying close to the final
bid amounts on projects.
FINANCE: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Rogers referenced the memorandumhaving to do with the agreement
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, noting the cost keeps escalating on an annual
basis. Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler provided the history of the agreement,
discussing the extraordinary measures being taken to control the fowl and wildlife in
the vicinity of the Landfill and the Airport. This contract will be in place to the closure
of the Landfill in 2006, and Director Cutler concluded that the costs are escalating due
to employee salaries and benefits. [Clerk's Note: Councilmember Erickson returned to
the Council Chambers at 6:45 p.m.]
Councilman Braun questioned the expense of $306.80 for a heater hose; Director
Cutler offered to obtain the information and provide it to Councilman Braun at a later
date.
Councilmember Rogers questioned the Roof Drain Disconnection Pilot Project, which
Director Cutler explained is an ongoing project to determine how much can be taken
out of the sanitary system and funneled into the stormwater system. The drainage of
stormwater into the sanitary system has a direct impact on the Combined Sewer
Overflow and the harbor, plus it impacts the amount flowing through the Treatment
Plant and the ultimate longevity of the Treatment Plant. This pilot project will provide
data in terms of a cost benefit analysis so that a determination can be made as to
whether the project should move forward. When asked if the matter went before the
Utility Advisory Committee, Director Cutler indicated this was a budgeted item, and
it was not referred to the UAC.
After further limited discussion, Councilman Braun moved to accept the Consent
Agenda, to include: 1.) City Council Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2002; 2.)
Check Register - December 27, 2002 - $1,224,027.69; 3.) Electronic Payments -
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4850 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 7, 2003
CONSENT AGENDA: December 27, 2002 - $165,024.00; 4.) Cooperative Service Agreement with the U.S.
(Cont'd) Department of Agriculture (USDA); 5.) Award Contract for Roof Drain Disconnection
Pilot Project, #99-21; 6.) Final Acceptance for Black Diamond Reservoir
Improvements, Project #99-18. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL Manager Quinn advised the Council of the January 21 City Council work session on
COMMITTEE the Elwha/Morse water issues. In addition, the Real Estate Committee meeting of
REPORTS & January 14 was discussed, and the committee members agreed to change the meeting
CALENDAR: time from2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Manager Quinn indicated some Councilmembers had
expressed interest in participating in negotiations with AFSCME. There is a mediation
session with AFSCME this coming Friday, and Manager Quinn extended an invitation
to the Council to attend. Councilmember Rogers reminded the Council of the Capacity
Provisioning open house to celebrate the I-Net completion. The open house will be
held this Friday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., at the 8t~ Street Tecb Center.
Moving to committee reports, Councilmember Rogers attended a meeting, along with
the Mayor, regarding development issues and potential development projects coming
to the area. Staff and Council are committed to working with the private sector to
generate some new economic packages for attracting development and residential
properties in the area. Councilmember Rogers has been working with Tim Smith on
several items that are generating interest; she noted that Port Angeles is getting more
and more press and is attracting firms that want to co-locate to Port Angeles because
of the maritime industry developments. Mayor Wiggins inquired as to the makeup of
the committee that met on development standards. Councilmember Rogers indicated
this will be a subcommittee made up of Manager Quinn, Economic Development
Director Smith, Councilmember Rogers, and a representative of the Engineering staff.
Manager Quinn indicated this will be a joint Council and staff subcommittee, calling
itself the Business Advisory and Development Committee. It was noted that Steve
Zenovic plans to work with this group as well. Manager Quinn indicated the group
would bring recommendations to the Council the first quarter of this year.
Councilman Williams reported on the Gateway meeting held this past Thursday at
which time the final design for the project was reviewed. He indicated that the City
Engineer has agreed there is an open area underground, so design alternatives will be
discussed. Manager Quinn reported on an upcoming meeting with Lee Pardini and
staff on some finalization issues and some design issues for the project. One of the
issues referenced by Councilman Williams may result in some redesign work on the
void area between the retaining walls on Front Street and, ultimately, Council approval
will be required if there are any additional costs in order to preserve that area. It is
unknown at this time what the engineering costs might be, and Mayor Wiggins
questioned the need to spend additional funds, particularly since he didn't recall that
the Council had decided there was something worth saving on the north side of Front
Street from the standpoint of the underground. He recalled that the possibility of
Laurel Street would be considered at a future date as part of Phase III. Councilman
Williams reported he had listened to the Council audio tapes on the subject, and he
indicated he would share this information with the Council at its upcoming retreat.
Discussion followed, and Manager Quinn emphasized the need to obtain a cost estimate
if the area in question is to be filled.
ORDINANCES NOT None.
REQUIRING PUBLIC
HEARINGS:
RESOLUTIONS: None.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4851
January 7, 2003
OTHER 1. Appointments & Reappointrnents to City Boards, CommisSions
CONSIDERATIONS: Committees:
Appointments & Clerk Upton advised the Council of additional vacancies that must be filled: David
Reappointments to City Morris will be leaving the Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission, and Mary
Boards, Commissions & Craver has resigned from the Planning Commission. She noted that the
Committees recommendationperfinent to the membership of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
was considered and forwarded by the LTAC membership.
Councilman Williams inquired as to whether the Council should formally approve the
name change of the Downtown Forward Executive Committee to the Port Angeles
Forward Executive Committee, which is something that has been discussed at length.
Clerk Upton agreed that, since the committee was initially created by motion of the
City Council, it would be appropriate for the Council to endorse the name change.
Therefore, Councilman Williams moved to endorse the name change of the
Downtown Forward Executive Committee to the "Port Angeles Forward
Executive Committee". The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rogers and
carried unanimously. With respect to the recommendation from staff,
Councilmember Erickson moved to approve the appointments and
reappointments to City Board, Commissions, and Committees as presented and
to direct staffto seek interested applicants to fill vacancies as identified, via news
releases, paid ads, and the like. Councilman Headrick seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Set Public Hearing for 2. Recovery of Cost for Abatement of Structure at 604 S. "B" Street:
Abatement of Structure
Councilman Williams moved to set a public hearing to accept public comment on
the abatement cost for the structure removed at 604 S. "B' Street for February
4, 2003 and, further, to direct the City Clerk to proceed with the notification of
the owners and other interested parties as required by the 1997 Uniform Code for
the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Braun and carried unanimously.
Homeland Security 3. Homeland Security:
Attorney Knutson informed the Council that Councilman Williams had asked if the
State Open Public Meetings Act allowed for Executive Session discussion on matters
of Homeland Security. Initially, he didn't recall there was such a provision in the Act,
but after checking further, there is a provision in the Act that provides for Executive
Session discussions to consider matters affecting national security. If there were no
such provision, Councilman Williams had expressed the desire to seek legislation in
that regard. Attorney Knutson indicated the Legislature recently amended the State
Public Disclosure Act to allow for this type of information to be exempt from public
disclosure if it was in written form, but the law already allows for discussion of
governing bodies in Executive Session if it affects national security.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
QUASI-JUDICIAL:
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
OTHER:
INFORMATION: City Manager's Report: Manager Quinn reviewed and discussed the proposal
concerning Martin Luther King Day, whereby City Hall and non-essential public
City Manager's Report facilities would be closed to the public for normal business. He advised the Council
that it is intended to arrange for mandatory training for employees on the matter of
diversity in honor of the spirit of the holiday. The Council spoke in support of this
approach, and Councilmember Rogers urged Manager Quinn to arrange a public
4852 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 7, 2003
City Manager's Report ceremony celebrating diversity for Martin Luther King Day next year. Councilman
(Cont'd) Headrick suggested that this year's training incorporate Martin Luther King's
principles.
Brief discussion was held concerning the Carnegie Library project, and Manager Quinn
indicated the Real Estate Committee will be provided with the most recent draft of the
agreement for the Museum in the Library. Discussion was also held concerning efforts
underway to acquire more bricks for the project.
Referencing the PIRA report, Manager Quinn indicated that funds had been budgeted
for a trip to Mutsu City this year. Tad Price advised the Council that PIRA is awaiting
a response from the Mayor of Mutsu City regarding the dates for this trip.
Brief discussion was held concerning vacant positions for Volunteer Support Officers
in the Fire Department; both positions have been filled.
Manager Quinn presented the 2003 Work Plan, asking the Council to review the plan
and submit any suggested changes, additions, or deletions to his office by Wednesday,
January 15. In addition, he asked that the Councilmembers select their top 5 priorities
for each category. The input will be incorporated into one document for consideration
at the January 21 meeting. Also at the January 21 meeting, Manager Quinn will submit
a report on the status of 2002 projects.
Break Mayor Wiggins recessed the meeting for a break at 7:35 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 7:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. to consider one item of
SESSION: personnel, one item of litigation, two items of potential litigation, and a potential item
of national security.
RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to Open Session at 10:05 p.m.
SESSION:
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
/Glenn Wiggins, Mayor ~-~ec~k~, ~. ~p(c~, C~y Clerk -- -
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