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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/19/1999 3884 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington January 19, 1999 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Braun called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Braun, Councilmembers Campbell, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, Wiggins, and Williams. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Becker, B. Collins, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, G. Kenworthy, Y. Ziomkowski, T. Riepe, M. Twitchell, J. Mason, M. Sanders, K. Ziegler, B. Raymond, and T. Kuch. Public Present: P. Dire, B. Dire, L. deBord, L. Lee, and J. Hordyk. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Braun. ALLEGIANCE: CEREMONIAL 1. Swearing in Ceremony for Officer Tom Kuch MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Steve Ilk, Chief of Police, introduced Officer Tom Kuch, who was joined by his family at the dais. Officer Kuch was recently hired by the City and has prior experience in the Swearing in Ceremony for law enforcement field. Chief Ilk stated Officer Kuch is academy trained and a welcome Officer Tom Kuch addition to the police force. Mayor Braun then performed the swearing in ceremony for Officer Kuch and wished him luck. Bicycle Friendly 2. "Bicycle Friendly"' Community Award Community Award Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Police Department. Tom Riepe, Deputy Police Chief, presented the Mayor with a plaque and signs from the League of American Bicyclists designating Port Angeles as a Bicycle Friendly Community. A sign will be posted at the City limits alerting people to this designation. Councilman Doyle felt it was an honor to receive such an award and asked if the signs should be put in place after road improvements have been completed, which will include the placement of bicycle lanes. Director Piths agreed and said the State will be widening Highway 101 East this summer, which includes bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadway. Deputy Chief Riepe acknowledged the presence of Kathe Smith and her leadership and participation on the Non-motorized Advisory Committee. Mayor Braun invited Ms. Sm/th to address the Council. Kathe Smith, 607 E. Fourth Street, agreed that the sign should go up after the bicycle lanes were in place. Ms. Smith thanked City Engineer Gary Kenworthy for his help and participation in obtaining this award. -1- 3885 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 Bicycle Friendly Councilmember McKeown moved to accept the plaque and two signs from the Community Award League of American Bicyclists designating Port Angeles as a "Bicycle Friendly" (Cont'd) community. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. WORK SESSION: None. LATE ITEMS TO BE None. PLACED ON THIS OR FUTURE AGENDA: FINANCE: Closeout of Tree Trimming Contract Tree Trimming Contract Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and asked Director Pittis for further input, which he provided. Councilman Wiggins moved to accept the work of Asplundh Tree Expert Company as being complete and authorize the final payment of $20,719.80 for tree trimming services. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Campbell moved to accept the Consent Agenda which included: (1) City Council minutes of January 5, 1999; (2) City Council minutes of January 11, 1999; (3) Checklist - $1,509,458.12 - January 15, 1999; (4) Interlocal Joint Purchasing Agreement with City of Sequim; and (5) Interlocal Joint Purchasing Agreement with Clallam County. Councilman Williams seconded the motion. After brief discussion and clarification, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Williams, along with Mayor Braun and Fire Chief Becket, attended a COMMITTEE meeting regarding the year 2000 and contingency planning. It was very informative and REPORTS: useful. Councilman Campbell and Councilmember McKeown attended a meeting at the Courthouse dealing with the Southwest Regional Area for Salmon Recovery, specifically the Chinook species. The SW Regional area has $2.5 million for salmon recovery, and it is hoped that the DungenessfElwha area will get a substantial share of that money for salmon recovery efforts. There will be more information forthcoming after the next meeting. Brief discussion followed, and Councilman Campbell responded to questions and provided clarification. Councilmember McKeown attended a United Way meeting. She felt it noteworthy that the City employees donated more money in spite of trying times. Councilmember McKeown felt these employees deserved recognition, as it proves what a part they are of this community. She asked that Council consider having a car wash next year, as a thank you to all employees who contribute to the United Way. Mayor Braun stated he and Councilman Williams and Fire Chief Becket did attend the AWC-sponsored forum on the Year 2000. The purpose of the meeting was to inform City authorities that a contingency plan should be in place for the Y2K. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen, but the City should have a contingency plan in place. Mayor Braun then enumerated the items the plan should contain. Mayor Braun attended a meeting with the E!wha Tribe to discuss the Rayonier site, which he felt was profitable. Mayor Braun read aloud a letter he received from George Woodruff, Superintendent of Schools, regarding the 4t~ Grade reading test scores. Mayor Braun asked Manager Ibarra to send a letter of congratulations to the 4th graders and the School District. -2- 3886 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 Ediz Hook and Milwaukee Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings Drive Sewer Connection Charges Ordinance Revising Ediz Hook Sewer Connection Charge and Milwaukee Drive Sewer Ordinance No. 3008 Connection Charge Ordinance Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and asked Director Pittis for additional input. Director Pittis advised the Council that Gary Kenworthy, City Engineer, was available to answer any questions or provide further information. Discussion ensued and at Council's request, Mr. Kenworthy explained the disposition of the old septic systems that had been abandoned. Councilman Doyle asked if future users would also have to pay $9,574.62 for hook up. Mr. Kenworthy explained that the current users are under lease with the City. The costs can be rolled into the future leases. Attorney Knutson agreed with Mr. Kenworthy and stated the Ordinance does not require the City's lessees to pay the sewer connections charge. It is the resPonsibility of the property owners or long term (99 year) leases. The one future connection referred to in the packet would be applicable under this ordinance if a subdivision of a piece of property occurred and there was a new owner of that piece of property. Councilman Campbell commended staff for bringing this project in under the estimated costs. Mayor Braun read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 3008 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington revising the charges for connection to the Ediz Hook sanitary sewer, revising the Milwaukee Drive sewer connection ordinance, and amending Ordinances 2832 and 2618 and Chapters 13.70 and 13.67 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Hulett moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mayor Braun asked to return to the Consent Agenda, as a correction was needed to the minutes of January 5, 1999. The public heating was opened at 7:00 p.m. and closed at 7:10 p.m, which was noted by the City Clerk. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. Other Considerations Lease Agreements with 1. Lease Agreements with North Olympic Library System: North Olympic Library a. Lease for New Library b. Terminatt'on of Lease for Former Carnegie Library c. Termination of Lease for Parking Facility Adjacent to Former Carnegie Library Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Director Pittis responded to questions directed by the Council and provided additional clarification regarding the leases and the City's responsibilities regarding same. Councilman Doyle felt section nine of the lease for the new library should be changed to read ".....initial term of this lease, including but not limited to., asphalt paving ...... " -3- 3887 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 Lease Agreements with Staff explained that this paragraph dealt particularly with those items, however, Council North Olympic Library is free to make changes if they desire. Following limited discussion, it was decided to (Cont'd) leave section nine as it stands. A question was raised as to the status of the parking lot associated with the old Library, and Manager Ibarra indicated that a determination has not yet been made as to the disposition of the parking lot. Following further brief discussion, Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the following agreements: a lease for the new Port Angeles Branch Library on Lauridsen Blvd.; termination of the lease for the former Carnegie Library; termination of the lease for the parking lot adjacent to the former Carnegie Library. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. United Way Contract 2. Contract with United Way for Administration of City's 1999 Human Services Funds Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk's office and asked Clerk Upton for additional input. Clerk Upton stated that the contract formalizes the payments made from the City's Human Services funds, and it also reflects a great deal of hard work on the part of Councilmember McKeown in establishing the allocation list. Councilmember McKeown commended the United Way organization. Those who work for United Way are incredible people with huge hearts for human service funding. This community is fortunate to have such a great organization. Mayor Braun felt the community was also fortunate in having someone like Councilmember McKeown who is such a strong supporter of the availability of human services. He commended her for a job well done. Councilman Wiggins moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with United Way for the administration of the City's 1999 Human Services funds. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. As it was too early to start the public hearing, Mayor Braun suggested the City Manager's Report be moved up on the agenda. INFORMATION: Manager Ibarra referred to the draft letter to Vice President Gore regarding the Elwha River situation and stated he would hold this item for last. United Way Manager Ibarra thanked Chief Ilk for leading the United Way Fund Drive. City employees increased their contribution level by 6.5%. He commended all those employees who gave to such a worthy cause. Home Builders Association Manager Ibarra noted that on Thursday, January 21, 1999, the Home Builders Coffee for Timothy Smith Association will host a coffee to welcome Timothy Smith as the new Director of Economic Development. All members of Council are invited to attend. Chamber of Commerce The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce will host a banquet on Friday, January 22, Dinner 1999, at 6:30 p.m., for the installation of new officers. Council members have been invited. Parks & Recreation Referring to Page 134 of the packet, Manager Ibarra noted there has been an increase in revenue to the General Fund due to the activities of the Parks & Recreation Department. He then referenced Page 144, which is a new document to the Parks & Recreation monthly report and which lists the Department's short-term and long-term goals. Building Permit Totals Referring to Page 150, Manager Ibarra noted that there were 760 building permits -4- 3888 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 Building Permit Totals issued in 1997 at a value of $21.7 million while, in 1998, there were 739 permits issued (Cont'd) at a value of $18.7 million, for a decrease of almost $3 million. It is hoped this will mm around in 1999. Fire Department Manager Ibarra noted that Pages 153 and 154 show the statistics for the Fire Departrnent. He felt it was noteworthy that, while the number of calls received stayed almost the same for 1998 as compared to 1997, the amount saved for 1998 was $2.4 million compared to a little more than $700,00 for 1997. Manager Ibarra further noted that calls for Advanced Life Support had decreased in 1998 and Basic Life Support calls increased. Manager Ibarra indicated there will be a Police report included in future packets, as the statistical information provides a good insight into the current levels of service. Brief discussion followed and at Council's request, Fire Chief Becker explained how saves and losses are computed. At Councilmember McKeown's request, Planning Director Collins explained the community meeting regarding the marine bluff area. Councilmember McKeown felt less intrusive signage should be considered for Port Angeles. She would like to see some improvements made. Letter to Vice President Manager Ibarra reminded the Council this had been discussed briefly at the last Gore meeting, and Council was offered the opportunity for review. Councilman Campbell stated he had discussed this letter with Councilman Wiggins, and they felt the sentence in the second to the last paragraph of the letter which reads "The Administration and key members of Congress have all indicated their desire to see Elwha Act · implementation comment." should be removed, as it is not strictly accurate. Councilman Wiggins noted that in the sentence previous to this one, the word "by" should read "be". Also, on the first page of the letter, the first highlighted section should read "...and move forward to fund engineering...." Councilman Doyle felt the first paragraph of the second page, the last sentence, should note that the "future listing" is the Endangered Species Act listing. Manager Ibarra noted these changes would be made. Councilman Williams thanked the Fire Department for its prompt response to calls for his wife and father. Break Mayor Braun recessed the meeting for a break at 6:40 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Appeal of Napier~Jones Short Plat SHP 98-04 QUASI-JUDICIAL: Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department and asked Napier/Jones Appeal Director Collins for additional input. Director Collins used the overhead projector to demonstrate the area under discussion. He described the area and provided a history of the issue. Director Collins stated there are three main issues. The first issue is priority areas for the school walking routes in Port Angeles. The second issue is timing. Currently, the City requires sidewalks any time there is any development along arterials. Third, is the issue of safety for vehicles and pedestrians. The appellant feels putting in this sidewalk, which would be the first stretch of sidewalk on this block, would be a safety hazard. Director Collins stated that staffhas heard this argument before, and it has been proven that placement of the sidewalk leads to improved walking areas in previously unpaved ' areas. Director Collins asked the Council to consider denial of this appeal. -5- 3889 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 PUBLIC HEARINGS- Discussion ensued, and Director Collins responded to questions and provided QUASI-JUDICIAL: clarification. Councilman Campbell asked if the City didn't budget for sidewalls every (Cont'd) year, and Councilman Hulett reminded the Council that monies collected for street Vacations also went toward sidewalk placement. Director Collins felt that, based on the Napier/Jones Appeal priority of the sidewalk project, it would be a good time for the City to join with the (Cont'd) property owner and put in more sidewalk along the reservoir and Fine Art Center and create a crosswalk across Lauridsen Blvd. which can be manned by a crossing guard during the school year. Councilman Doyle stated he had discussed sidewalls with Public Works early this winter, and it sounded like sidewalks are already booked for the next two years. He hoped not to jeopardize the sidewalk plans when there may be another area that would need the sidewalks more. Director Collins stated this sidewalk was a high priority. Mayor Braun agreed with Councilman Doyle and felt improvements to the north side of the street would improve stormwater flow. Manager Ibarra informed the Council that there are more than 40 projects in the inventory of sidewalk repair or installation. Manager Ibarra stated he had a meeting with Director Pittis recently, and part of the discussion centered around sidewall projects, as some of them have been on the list for more than two years. Funds are budgeted, but manpower and resources are not. Therefore, satisfying demands for sidewalk repairs will have to be revisited. Decisions will have to be made regarding whether the City does all the work or contracts some of it out. Further discussion ensued, and Director Collins stated he felt this sidewalk was required by City Ordinance and the alternative would be to change City policies and requirements rather than to grant the appeal. Mayor Braun opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Linda deBord, 1309 East Seventh Street, on behalf of the appellants, complimented City staff for its helpfulness in working through the appeal process. Ms. deBord then distributed packets of information to the Council, and gave a history of the property, application for the short plat, and appeal process. She informed the Council that the short plat was approved with the same condition in 1992. However, the ordinance requiring the sidewalks was not adopted until 1995. Ms. deBord felt that had this been appealed in 1992, the plat (condition) appeal Would have been approved. Ms. deBord informed the Council why she felt the sidewalk was unnecessary and urged the Council to approve the appeal. Ms. deBord and Director Collins then responded to questions directed by the Council and provided additional clarification. Jean Hordyk, 1122 East 9t~ Street, encouraged the Council to support the Planning Director's recommendation to deny this appeal. Many people of all ages walk in this area, and sidewalks would be a great improvement and make for a safer enviromnent. There was no further public testimony and Mayor Braun closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Further discussion ensued, and Director Collins provided additional clarification. Councilman Doyle moved to deny the appeal citing Findings 1-8 and Conclusions 1-5, as set forth in Exhibit "A", which is attached to and becomes a part of these minutes. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion. Discussion ensued, and Council members expressed their reasons for approving or denying this appeal. A vote was taken on the motion. All Council members voted in support of the motion, with the exception of Councilman Williams, who abstained. Because abstentions are counted as affirmative votes, the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. OTHER: -6- 3890 crrY COUNCIL MEETING January 19, 1999 ADJOURN TO Mayor Braun adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:05 p.m. for one and one- EXECUTIVE SESSION: half hours to discuss items of real estate, litigation, potential litigation, and personnel. RETURN TO The meeting re~med to open session at 9:50 p.m. OPEN SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Be"'~ky J. Upq, Ct~Clerk ~ Gary ~raun~layor -7- 3891 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 3892 Exhibit "A" FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN DENIAL OF NAPIER/JONES SHORT PLAT SHP 98-04 APPEAL: Findings 1. The subject short plat fronts on Lauridsen Boulevard, which east of Race St. is a collector arterial street. 2. There is considerable traffic on Lauridsen Blvd. in this vicinity to and from Peninsula College and as a 101 by-pass route following Ennis Street. 3. Franklin Elementary School is located a few blocks to the west along Lauridsen Blvd., which serves as a walking route for children attending that school. 4. There are no sidewalks on the north side of Lauridsen Blvd. in this vicinity, and there is a sidewalk immediately west and on the south side of Lauridsen Blvd. connecting to Franklin Elementary School. 5. It is the City's policy to require sidewalk improvements for developments, especially subdivisions, along arterial streets, where pedestrian safety is sorely lacking from past improvement standards. 6. The Public Works and Planning Departments have both recommended the sidewalks be improved as required. 7. Section 16.04.100 PAMC and 58.17.110(2) RCW require that the City of Port Angeles determine if appropriate provisions for public health, safety, general welfare, open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation, playgrounds, schools and schoolgrounds and all other relevant factors, including sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who only walk to and from school are provided. 8. The proposal has been reviewed with respect to the goals and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map, in particular, all of the Capital Facilities Element, Land Use Element Policies Al-2, and Transportation Element Policies A2-3. Conclusions 1. The short plat's new sidewalk on Lauridsen Boulevard would help to improve public safety for connection between the Cresthaven residential neighborhood and Franklin Elementary School. 2. It is anticipated that the housing developed on the two lots could be occupied by families with school age children who would walk the approximate 3 blocks to Franklin Elementary School along Lauridsen Blvd. 3. Development of other sidewalk/curb/gutter on the south side of Lauridsen Blvd. has benefited public safety in the area. 4. The City's Comprehensive Plan policies and the Urban Services Standards and Guidelines requires concurrency for streets, including sidewalk/curb/gutter, and storm drainage. 5. The public use and interest to be served by development, especially subdivision, requires street, sidewalk, and drainage improvements to assure public health and safety. Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of J~inuary 19,1999. Gary~raun, l~ayor~ Becky J. U~t~n,~ity Cler~ - --