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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01/21/1997 3434 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington January 21, 1997 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Ostrowski called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to SPECIAL MEETING: order at 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Ostrowski, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, and Wiggins. Members Absent: None. Stair Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Becket, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, and B. Titus. Public Present: P. Davis, J. Butler, S. Barker, J. Owen, M. Thompson, K. Hulett, T. Leach, C. May, M. Grimer, A. Adamson, J. Graft, N. Prus, J. McDaniel, J. Cline, T. Dougherty, J. Brooker, E. Baier, B. Ludwig, R. Roloson, K. Taylor, D. Dather, D. Andrade, J. Luna, S. Root, K. Leahy, A. Siering, K. Smith, J. Sage, T. Bord, S. Rottman, J. Breihaupt, and A. Collins. North Olympic Peninsula Mayor Ostrowski explained that the purpose of the meeting was to give the North Visitor & Convention Olympic Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau Board of Directors an opportunity Bureau to update the Council on its activities. Those participating in the discussion, in addition to the City Council members, were Rick Heft and Kristi Agren of the VCB staff; VCB Board members Sarah Kidder, General Manager of the Red Lion; Bob Smith, Sequim City Council; Ann Kennedy; and Carol Boardman, Clallam County Commissioner. Also present were two members of the City's Hotel/Motel Grant Review Team: Bob Harbick, Seasuns Bed & Breakfast; and Pat Davis, Downriggers Restaurant. Rick Hert thanked the Council for its support and distributed a packet which contained VCB publications and statistical information. Mr. Hert summarized VCB activities and advertising efforts which have promoted tourism for the City of Port Angeles. Further, Mr. Hert reviewed specific information pertinent to the VCB's proposed expenditure of the City's hotel/motel funding of $20,000 for 1997, to include special event promotion, an advertising co-op, the 1-800 number, as well as postage. He informed the Council that the VCB has received $2,000 in grant funds from the State's Tourism Division for tourism promotion on the Olympic Peninsula, to include Port Angeles. Mr. Hert shared the tourism numbers for 1996 and said Port Angeles tourism was down about one-half percent, and Clallam County was down about 13~/~%. This proves more aggression is needed in marketing the area. Ms. Kennedy informed the Council that there is a misconception that tourism jobs are all minimum wage; the State Director of Tourism has reported that the industry- wide average wage is $10.21 per hour. Mr. Smith stated that letters have been sent to all County Commissioners asking if they would be willing to hold an area meeting of their district to f'md out what the tourist related concerns might be. A meeting could be held to combine the three meetings to determine where there is agreement or disagreement. Discussion followed, with the Council members asking questions relative to Mr. Hert's presentation. Mr. Hert informed the Council that the VCB is attempting to f'md ways to work with the industry and get everyone to work together. To that end, he inquired as to how the VCB could do a better job working with the City. Councilmember McKeown responded that it would be helpful to receive Specific reports from the VCB as to how their endeavors resulted in increased tourism. Councilman Doyle agreed and noted it would be helpful to be informed as to the VCB's involvement in the recent VFW convention. Mr. Heft offered pertinent information on that particular convention. Ms. Agren informed the Council of the VCB's monthly newsletter, at which time 3435 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 21, 1997 North Olympic Peninsula Mayor Ostrowski inquired as to how the City could better cooperate with the VCB Visitor & Convention and the Chamber of Commerce. This led into lengthy discussion as to the need for Bureau (Cont'd) cooperation on the part of the VCB, the Chamber, and the City, with everyone in agreement that it is to the City's disadvantage to allow agency competition to get in the way of increasing, tourism to the City of Port Angeles. It was suggested that a joint meeting with all concerned might be helpful in gaining a spirit of cooperation. Mr. Hert assured the Council that the VCB would do everything possible to cooperate. Mayor Ostrowsk~ thanked the VCB for the information and indicated it would be helpful to conduct meetings of this nature on a more frequent basis. ADJOURN SPECIAL The special meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. MEETING: CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Ostrowski called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to REGULAR MEETING: order at 7:05 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Camp Fire Discovery Group. ALLEGIANCE: Those participating included: K. Logan, C. Pittis, and N. Beattie. CEREMONIAL 1. Proclamation Recognizing Camp Fire Club's 75th Anniversary. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Ostrowski read a proclamation recognizing the Camp Fire Club's 75th Anniversary. Camp Fire Club's 75th Anniversary APPROVAL OF Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of MINUTES: January 7, 1997. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Doyle noted there was a change order for the Fire Station included in the packet which was not part of the Consent Agenda. He questioned whether it Should be added to the Consent Agenda as Item 4, to which staff agreed. Councilman Doyle moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: 1) Electrical rate considerations associated with Rayonier Mill closure; 2) Payroll - December 29, 1996 - $389,808.93; 3) Voucher list - January 17, 1997 - $534,160.67; and 4) Headquarters Fire Station Change Order # 12 in the amount of $6,988.68. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Councilman Wiggins asked to add Item D. 9. Habitat Conservation Plan, AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ STAFF TO BE Councilman Hulett asked that Item D. 3. be deferred until after Executive Session. CONSIDERED OR PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA: PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. LEGISLATION: A. Ordinances not Requiring Public Hearings Developer Reimbursement I. Amendment to Developer Reimbursement Ordinance Ordinance No. 2947 Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney's Office and read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2947 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, revising the procedures for entering into developer reimbursement agreements and amending Ordinance 2732 and Chapter 13.68 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. -2- 3436 January 21, 1997 LEGISLATION: Councilmember McKeown moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. (Cont'd) Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Attorney Knutson provided clarification pertinent to this amendment, which was proposed in conjunction with the Developer Reimbursement development of the Pizza Hut/Taco Bell. It is proposed that an application for a Ordinance No. 2947 Developer Reimbursement Agreement must be submitted before the City accepts the (Cont'd) utility improvements, as opposed to before the construction of the improvements begins. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Resolutions not Requiring Public Hearings None. C. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items · I. Planning Commission Minutes - December I 1, 1996 Councilman Braun moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of December 11, 1996. Councilman Wiggius seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 2. Planning Commission Minutes - January 8, 1997 Director Collins explained that a correction needed to be made to Page 55, relative to the Transportation Plan in that the last sentence of the summary should be deleted. Councilman Wiggins moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of January 8, 1997. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mill Alternative D. Other Considerations Analysis I. City Contribution to Match for Financing Mill Alternative Analysis Mayor Ostrowski asked Councilman Campbell to address this issue. Councilman Campbell stated there has been discussion regarding the need to hire an independent consultant to evaluate future uses of the Rayonier site. The Mill Alternatives Committee and City staff have been meeting to define this concept. It appears the best approach to take is to scale down the scope of work for the consultant. Rayonier is asking for City input by February 15, 1997, which explains the urgency in this matter. Councilman Campbell continued by explaining the two phases of this process and why it is important to evaluate possible future uses of the Rayonier site. The Economic Development Council is attempting to obtain a $65,000 grant, which could cover the needs of Phase 1, and part of Phase 2. If the City, County, Port, and EDC each pay $5,250, it would cover the needed match for the grant. Expenditure of these funds would be closely monitored. Discussion ensued, and Manager Pomeranz explained that the critical portion of this study is the evaluation of the assets on the site. Councilmember McKeown queried as to the wisdom of spending money on this study, when Rayonier has stated it will not allow the mill to be reopened for pulp production. Councilman Campbell acknowledged that others have raised the same question, but it is important to be certain that the decision to close the mill was well founded. Manager Pomeranz further explained that there is a wastewater treatment plant, a water plant, and dock facilities. The City needs to know which of these facilities are in the best interest of the City to maintain. This analysis would be extremely important in that regard. It might be possible to negotiate with Rayonier regarding its decision to not allow pulp production from that mill. At Councilman Doyle's request, Councilman Campbell explained why Rayonier had set the February 15 deadline. After further discussion, Councilman Campbell moved that the City join with the County, Port and EDC and contribute $5,250 to perform the required studies to evaluate the Rayonier Mill site in terms of future uses. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Contract with EDC 2. Contract Between City and Economic Development Council Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk. Councilman Wiggins moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the -3- 3437 CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 21, 1997 Contract with EDC agreement with the EDC for 1997. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. (Cont'd) After brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. City Manager Employment 3. City Manager Employment Agreement Contract Deferred until after the Executive Session. Art Center Director 4. Contract Renewal - Art Center Director Contract Renewal Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. He invited Jim Butler, Chairman of the Fine Arts Cen~ter Board of Trustees, to address the Council on this issue. Jim Butler, 711 Milwaukee Drive, stated the Board is proud of the work Mr. Seniuk has done on behalf of the Fine Arts Center. He stated the endowment is doing very well, and realized a 28 % rate of return for 1996. The Board works with Director Brodhun of the Parks and Recreation Department to establish the agreement with Mr. Seniuk, and the Board ensures the budget will cover recommended pay increases. A three-year contract gives stability to both the City and Mr. Seniuk. The Board of Trustees recommends the salary increase and approval of the three-year contract. Councilmember McKeown moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract as presented, which includes a 2.5% rate increase plus COLA. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Pre-AnnexationAgreement 5. Pre-annexation Agreement with Super Market Development Corporation Mayor Ostrowski reviewed the information provided by the City Manager. Councilman Braun moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the proposed agreement with Supermarket Development Corporation. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Update on Old City 6. Update on Old City Hall Development Hall Development Manager Pomeranz stated that Barry Moore was present this evening to give a report on the issue. He reminded the Council that they had worked with Mr. Moore in the recent past with regard to a possible lease of the old City Hall facility. Unfortunately, the plans did not come to fruition. Mr. Moore has, however, persisted and has reached an agreement with Olympic Mountaineering to locate his micro brewery in their facility, which is that part of old City Hall that housed the food bank. Manager Pomeranz requested that Mr. Moore be allowed to report to the Council on his plans. Barry Moore informed the Council that he will sublease approximately 4500 square feet of space. Currently, he is remodeling the interior of the building in an attempt to bring it back to its original state. Under some of the renovations, he has found crown moldings and other various architectural treasurers. Mr. Moore also intends to redo the facade of the building, which will add to the character of downtown. He felt the brew pub would be a draw for locals and tourists to come downtown. Memorial Day is the targeted opening day, and things are going smoothly. Mr. Moore thanked City staff for their help. Mayor Ostrowski thanked Mr. Moore for his perseverance and his interest in the community. Update on Storm Disaster 7. Update of Snow Storm Disaster 1996 Mayor Ostrowski asked Fire Chief Becket to give an update on the storm damage. Chief Becker stated that FEMA was touting the County today to view the public facilities that were damaged. Tomorrow, they will probably conduct a similar tour in the City. This information, along with a listing of the public and commercial damages, will be put together for the State's evaluation. If the State recognizes Clallam County as a disaster area, the City will qualify for Federal funding which provides reimbursement for the City's expense for the storm and flooding, as well as low interest loans for private and commercial repairs. Staff anticipates a decision by early next week. 3438 January 21, 1997 LEGISLATION: Councilman Wiggins complimented staff on its handling of the storm situation, and (Cont'd) he felt all employees who gave extra effort should be commended. Manager Pomeranz felt it was gratifying to read all the letters in the newspaper that are Update on Storm Disaster positive towards the City. (Cont'd) Olympic Wood Products 8. Olympic Wood Products Storm Damage Councilman Campbell inquired if the City had had any contact with Olympic Wood Products. Manager Pomeranz replied that he agreed with the content of the letter contained in the packet, and he had drafted a letter to Mr. Takeshima, General Manager of Olympic Wood products, for the Mayor and Council's signature. The letter is to inform Olympic Wood Products of the significance of the company to Port Angeles and to encourage them to take whatever steps necessary to re-establish the business in the community. Manager Pomeranz also encouraged the Mayor to call Mr. Takeshima, so that he realizes the community is supportive of the company. Habitat Conservation 9. Habitat Conservation Plan Mayor Ostrowski explained that Councilman Wiggins and Tim Smith, the City's Contracts and Projects Administrator, had attended a hearing on the critical habitat area which was chaired by Jim Buck, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. Mayor Ostrowski then asked Councilman Wiggins to give a brief summary of the hearing. Councilman Wiggins stated there were representatives from the County, Port and City present at the hearing. Tim Smith represented the City, and he did an excellent job of presenting the point of view that the City can potentially be damaged if the Habitat Conservation Plan is signed as it now reads. Citing studies performed by the universities, which take an alternate point of view, it was suggested that 40% less reduction could occur. The Bill in the House and the Memorial passed 8 - 3 today: It is hoped this issue will be resolved soon. Break Mayor Ostrowski recessed the meeting for a break at 8:05 p.m. The meeting · reconvened at 8:20 p.m. ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss a matter of EXECUTIVE SESSION: personnel and litigation for approximately twenty minutes. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 8:50 p.m. SESSION: The City Council addressed the matter of the City Manager's Employment Agreement. Attorney Knutson summarized changes made to the agreement, and Councilman Braun moved to approve the agreement as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilman Campbell and carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m. ~ -,, " CityCleik ~ th/ - I - -'x,._~ --"-l~iayor -5-