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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/02/1993 2418 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington February 2, 1993 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hallett called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETING: at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Hallett, Councilmen Braun, Nicholson, and Ostrowski, Councilwoman Sargent and Councilman Schueler. Members Absent: Councilman Wight. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, L. Glenn, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, B. Coons, K. Ridout, R. Ellsworth and M. Campbell. Public Present: S. Oliver, P. Blanehard, K. Olson, J. Glaubert, J. Koester, G. Austin, M. Petrie, L. Ross, L. deBord, D. Sands, J. deBord, L. Keire, D. Jacobs, T. Stewart, L. Beil. Interview Applicants Interview Applicants for Boards/Commissions for Boards/Commissions The members of the City Council interviewed candidates for the Planning Commission, as follows: Louise Meyer; Julie R. Bondy; Carl Alexander, Jr.; Theron "Ted" Borden, EdD; and Ann Gilson. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hallett called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:17 p.m. CEREMONIAL Mayor Hallett read a proclamation designating February 2, 1993, Port Angeles Light MATTERS/ Opera Association Day. He then introduced Mr. Gershowitz, who introduced the PROCLAMATIONS: PALOA singers and provided a brief background on the Port Angeles Light Opera Association. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by the PALOA singers. Members ALLEGIANCE: present were: V. Beran, S. Dawson, N. Denhart, S. Frick, M. McGilvra, R. McHattie, B. Melville, C. Philpott, K. Rumpeltes, G. Scherer, H. Walters and P. Walters. The singers introduced themselves and then entertained the Council with a medley of songs. CITY COUNCIL Councilwoman Sargent attended a meeting on growth management, an issue which COMMITTEE will be discussed later in the agenda. REPORTS: Councilman Braun commented on his attendance at the City's Safety Award Program. Councilman Schueler attended a meeting of the VCB; consideration is still being given to a new executive director. He attended the County Health Advisory meeting, where efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive health plan for the community. He also attended a meeting on City employee's insurance. Councilman Ostrowski attended a legislative luncheon in Olympia, along with several members of the Clallam and Jefferson Transit staffs/board members. They met with Evan Jones and Lynn Kessler and discussed some of the local transportation issues. Councilman Nicholson did not have a committee report, but he did invite people to stop in and see the new kitchen equipment in the Veto Burton Center. -1- 2419 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1993 CITY COUNCIl, Mayor Hallett commented on the Safety Awards Program and the awards to City COMMITTEE employees. The Mayor reported on his meeting in Victoria at which time he met REPORTS: with the Capitol R~gi6nal District and toured several of their facilities. He had lunch (Cont'd) with several of the Mayors and shared a number of issues with them. He shared with them what Port Angeles has done regarding primary and secondary treatment. He will be providing a written report to the Council members on this trip. Mayor Hallett noted invitations have been sent to the Council members for a World Affairs Council function scheduled for the 7th. Councilwoman Sargent indicated Councilmen Niehedsea.~nd Wight and their wives o~'~ APPROVAL OF Councilman Braun moved to approve the mi ~)f MINUTES: January 19, 1993. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Ostrowski moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: (1) Call for bid for 8th Street bridge repair; (2) Approval of Civil Service Interview Board members tbr Communication Supervisor; (3) Correspondence from Washington State Liquor Control Board; (4) Voucher list of January 29, 1993; and (5) Payroll for January 17, 1993 of $333,240.56. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Councilwoman Sargent referenced the memorandum from Manager Pomeranz AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ suggesting that it would be appropriate to ask the Planning Commissioners who are STAFF TO BE resigning to remain on the Commission for the special Planning Commission meeting CONSIDERED OR in March where a recommendation will be finalized on the Comprehensive Plan. PLACED ONA Councilwoman Sargent moved to proceed with the City Manager's FUTURE AGENDA: recommendation. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilwoman Sargent explained her concern over the fact that Criminal Justice funding may be in jeopardy. She thought it appropriate for Council members to call Olympia and advise our legislators how important the funding is to the City of Port Angeles. Manager Pomeranz offered to draft a letter for Council members to sign. One letter has already been sent, but another may prove to be of assistance. Chief Ilk reported on his plans to attend a committee meeting in Olympia next Tuesday on this issue. Councilman Braun asked that a discussion concerning property at 7th & Chase Streets be added to the agenda as Item F. 10. A gentleman (later identified as Bill Shimasaki) from Habitat for Humanity asked to make a five-minute presentation with a video to follow concerning the Habitat's request, as part of the discussion on requests for donated property. Jack Glaubert requested to speak on the Austin/Glaubert property purchase. This will be under agenda Item F.7. Manager Pomeranz indicated he expected a gentleman from the Miller Peninsula to speak this evening. Since no one is present for this purpose, he indicated the presentation can be cancelled. In addition, Manager Pomeranz advised the Council of the need for an Executive Session to discuss a matter of potential litigation. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings None. Whistle. blowing B. Ordinances not requiring public hearings Protection Policy - Resolution No. 8-93 1. Establishing a whistle blowing protection policy. Mayor Hallett reviewed the inforn~ation provided by the Human Resources Manager. -2- 2420 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1993 LEGISLATION: He then read the Res~luti°n by title, entitled (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 8-93 Whistleblowing Protection Policy - A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Resolution No. 8-93 Port Angeles, Washington, amending the City (Cont'd) Personnel Policy and Procedures for City employees by adopting a policy and establishing procedures for disclosure by City of Port Angeles employees of improper governmental actions and protection for City of Port Angeles employees from retaliation for having made such reports. Councilman Ostrowski moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Attorney Knutson responded to an inquiry from Councilman Schueler as to possible redundancy. Attorney Knutson indicated that a new State statute mandates that a policy protecting whistleblowers be adopted by municipal governments. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. System Development 2. Establish system development charge for water and sewer connections. Charge for Water and Sewer Connections - Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by Public Works and read the Ordinance No. 2746 ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2746 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, creating a system development charge upon owners of property newly connected to the City's water and sewer systems and creating a new Chapter 13.68 to the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Nicholson moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by rifle. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion. Director Pittis pointed out an error in that the new Chapter should be established as 13.69, because 13.68 already exists. The correction has been noted in the Ordinance. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. C. Resolutions requiring public comment None. Declaring Emergency D. Resolutions not requiring public comment and Waiving Bid Requirements for 1. Declaring an emergency ami waiving bid requirements for water main Water Main Repair - repair. Resolution No. 9-93 Mayor Hallett reviewed the information supplied by the Department of Public Works. He then read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 9-93 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, declaring an emergency, dispensing with the requirement of calling for bids for the repair of a broken main, and authorizing the City Manager to sign the necessary contracts. Councilwoman Sargent moved to pass the Resolution as read by title, and authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary contracts. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Director Pittis, in response to an inquiry from Councilwoman Sargent, indicated a report will be submitted to the Council as to costs involved in the project, specifically relating to time and materials. This contract will be handled much the same as other contracts; the only difference is that bid requirements will -3- 2421 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1993 have been waived. Funding for the project will come from water utility account reserves. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Planning Commission E. Planning Commission Minutes/AcIion Items Minutes/Action Items Planning Director Collins reported there was a Planning Commission meeting this past Wednesday night, but there was no action required. The minutes will be on the next agenda. Fire Station F. Other Considerations Construction Update 1. Fire Station Construction update Fire Chief Glenn provided an update on the construction of the Fire Station. The Advisory Committee is in the process of final design and getting the plans drawn. Chief Glenn noted his commitment to bringing the project in on schedule and at or under budget. The original plans involved saving as much of the present station as possible. It was intended that the existing pillars would be saved; however, it has been determined the pillars cannot be saved without incurring more expense. Chief Glenn displayed an overhead drawing of the station and explained that the pillars did not have the steel necessary in the footings to appropriately support the structure and meet regulations. Saving the present pillars would involve an expense of $70,000. Chief Glenn indicated it was originally intended to retain the current station in order to save money and because it was a pre-existing, non-conforming use. The Fire Station Design Committee has recommended proceeding with disposing of the pillars and retaining the west wall. A request will be submitted concerning the zoning in order to allow the station to stay at its present location. By moving out of the station temporarily, the Fire Department would be able to save 60 - 90 days in construction time. Consideration is being given to temporary quarters for the department. Councilman Braun moved to make the changes as recommended. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Removal of City-owned 2. Rentoval of City owned buiMings Buildings Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Real Estate Committee. Councilman Nicholson moved that, concerning the property located at 416 S. Peabody, the recommendation be accepted and the Fire Department be authorized to remove the asbestos in the least expensive manner that meets legal requirements and exercise a practice burn. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion on the condition that she be notified of the burn date due to sentimental reasons. Public Works Director Pittis noted this should be subject to the City Clerk finding an alternative location for the storage of City records. Councilman Nicholson accepted this as an amendment to the motion, to which Councilwoman Sargent agreed. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilman Nicholson moved that any action on the old Hospice (331 E. Fifth Street) structure be tabled, until such time as there is a concrete proposal made as to whether it can be moved, where it can be moved, and a number of other things. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion. In the discussion that followed, it was felt there may be a very good use for the building if it can be _ moved. In addition, in view of the request to be considered on the donation of City property for similar uses, it was felt more information needs to be gathered before a final decision can be made. Hopefully, the needs of all entities can be considered and met with a concrete proposal before the Council which encompasses all of the details. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITT Rayonier Leases 3. ITT Rayonier leases on Ediz Hook Mayor Hallett reviewed the information from the Real Estate Committee. It is the recommendation of the committee that Council accept partial payment on the ITT Rayonier lease in the amount of $10,000.00 with the understanding that after negotiations are completed the balance due, if any, will be paid on or after February 28, 1993. Councilman Braun moved that Council accept the recommendation of the Real 1iT 2422 CITY COUNCIL MEETING ~ ..... .;' February 2, 1993 LEGISLATION: Estate Committee and accept partial payment of $10,000.00. Councilman (Cont'd) Schuder seconded the motion. Following brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITT Rayonier Lease~ (Cont'd) Coast Guard Lease 4. Coast Guard lease at City Pier Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Real Estate Committee, who has submitted the recommendation that the Property Manager be authorized to proceed with negotiations for a new contract with the Coast Guard for moorage at the City Pier. Councilwoman Sargent moved that the Property Manager be authorized to proceed with the negotiations for a new contract based on the updated lease amounts. Councilman Nicholson seconded the motion. In responding to an inquiry from Councilwoman Sargent, Property Manager Ridout explained how the costs of dredging have been calculated in conjunction with the contract. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Old City Hall Status 5. Old City Hall Status Mayor Hallett reviewed the status of the old City Hall, as submitted by the Real Estate Committee. The Real Estate Committee and the Property Manager recommend that the building be removed from the market and the exterior be maintained until the marketability of the property increases or the property is in demand and further that charitable organizations and others be advised that this building is not available. A question was raised as to the status of the Food Bank. Property Manager Ridout indicated it is intended that the Food Bank stay in place until the time something is done with the building. The remainder of the structure would not be available. Councilman Nicholson moved to accept the recommendation of the Real Estate Committee and remove the building from the market, maintain the exterior in a reasonably presentable manner until marketability increases, and that the Property Manager be directed to advise anyone that the building is not available. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Councilwoman Sargent requested that motion be amended to add that the Food Bank be allowed to stay. The amendment was acceptable to Councilmen Nicholson and Braun. The question was raised as to whether consideration could be given to a reasonable offer if one were to be submitted. Councilman Ostrowski indicated it was the feeling of the Real Estate Committee that offers could still be considered. Lengthy discussion followed, and Councilman Schueler indicated he would like to see the building. He expressed his lack of comfort as to whether everything possible has been done in terms of doing something with the structure which would be valuable to the community, such as creating a shelter. Linda deBord, President of the Food Bank, thanked Council for the use of the building and expressed concern over its future. The Food Bank is serving 700 - 900 people per month. In response to a question from Mayor Hallett as to the Food Bank's plans for permanent quarters, Ms. deBord reviewed the Food Bank's receipt of grant funds which are intended for the purchase of a building or a long-term lease. In terms of who should take a leadership role for the Food Bank, Ms. deBord would - like to see the City and County get together to help the Food Bank obtain a permanent home. Larry Leonard, 1030 Olympus, disagreed with the Property Manager's proposal to take the old City Hall off the market. He indicated the building has not been listed with a broker and further, he did not believe that the building has been aggressively marketed. Mr. Leonard felt waiting for the market to get better is a poor way of doing business. Councilwoman Sargent noted the Council has considered offers in the past, and felt serious efforts have been made to market the building. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilman Schueler voting in opposition. 2423 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1993 LEGISLATION: 6. Request to donate property and infrastructure to Serenity House and/or (Cont'd) Habitat for Humanity Property Donation Mayor Hallett reviewed information pertinent to two non-profit agencies which have Request (Cont'd) submitted requests for the City to donate property and utility improvements. If granted, the requests would provide emergency shelters and/or affordable housing within the City of Port Angeles. Sandy Oliver, speaking on behalf of Serenity House, thanked the Council and staff for the many kindnesses and courtesies to her in her years of working with them on behalf of Serenity House. Serenity House is seeking to build a facility to house seven families with on-site day care. Also located on this property would be low- income, affordable housing. The property on 18th St. is exactly what is needed. Serenity House went to the Port to ask for the land behind Serenity House; the request was denied. The request is for the donation of the property, the infrastructure and to put the street through. Funding is coming from private contributions, and grants and profits from their thrift store. A question was raised as to the zoning of the property on 18th Street, to which Planning Director Collins responded Block 451 is immediately adjacent to current LI zoning and RHD zoning. The type of uses which normally would be associated with this type of housing would benefit from a rezone to Multi-Family. Councilman Nicholson raised the issue as to why other shelter providers weren't made a part of this request. Ms. Oliver explained the relationships and noted Clallam County funding stays in Clallam County and is administered by Serenity House. Councilman Nicholson pointed out that a piece of land this large should house more than seven families, and he would like to see better utilization of the available space. He urged the involvement of other grant monies to be used for low- income housing in order to assure the maximum use of the property in a comprehensive package. Lengthy discussion followed and Property Manager Ridout indicated the portion referring to utilities also includes streets. In reviewing the figures submitted, the Council considered property values, which Planning Director Collins indicated would increase if zoned Multi-Family. The question was raised as to whether a PRD would be suitable in this instance, and Director Collins indicated it might be very appropriate. Ann Murray, 306 Lopez, is the proposal writer tbr Serenity House. She explained they are expecting one-third of the funding to come from the housing trust fund, which is State money. The maximum grant is $500,000.00. They had hoped to build without Federal funds and to have the facility constructed by the end of December. She offered clarification in that this would be a congregate care facility, to include housing and shelter. Councilman Nicholson reiterated his hope for better utilization of the property in terms of the amount of housing constructed. Patsy Blanchard, P. O. Box 1551, Port Angeles, spoke in support of the Serenity House request and the need for the facilities they desire to build. Break Mayor Hallett recessed the meeting for a break at 9:10 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:28 p.m. Bill Shimasaki, Habitat for Hmnanity, 553 Grant Road, Sequim, indicated the group is interested in the same piece of land as Serenity House. They do not, however, _ wish to compete with Serenity House. They are also interested in Lots 1-5, Block 307, at 9th and I Streets. His group would like to work with Serenity House toward obtain the same goals. Habitat for Humanity builds aftbrdable housing, and does not accept funding from Federal or County sources. Mr. Shimasaki explained the process of funding and home construction. In order to build one of these homes, volunteer labor is obtained, as well as 'sweat equity" from the buyer. Mr. Shimasaki was asked if he would consider property outside the City limits, to which Mr. Shimasaki answered affirmatively. In the ensuing discussion, it was noted that 10% of Habitat's donations are directed to the international office. Councilwoman Sargent noted them are a number of projects on which information must be gained. She asked for a status report on the Campbell Avenue project. Manager Pomeranz reported that a $250,000 grant application was submitted to the Housing Assistance Program. That request was denied, but an application will be submitted for technical assistance in refining the application for resubmission in the spring. It will not, therefore, be in competitton with the grant request of Serenity '6- 2424 CITY COUNCIL MEETING ~ ?, ~ : ~.. ~ February 2, 1993 LEGISLATION: House. (Cont'd) Councilman Nicholson foresees a project much larger than that which is being Property Donation considered at this time. He explained the need to create a type of coalition which Request (Cont'd) could address the overall needs of the community in a comprehensive package. He asked the Planning Department to prepare a conceptual site plan for up to 20 units on the six lots at 18th Street. Perhaps Serenity House could proceed with building what could be considered a portion of a larger project. Councilwoman Sargent moved to hold these items over until the City has more information on other City commitments, the affect they would have on the City budget, the possible need for a rezone, any other properties which might be available, and the possible disposition of a Hospice House for low-income rental, with all of this information brought back to the Council for consideration. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion. Mayor Hallett summarized the discussion on these requests and advised everyone involved that the Council must seek a solution which is in the community's best interest. This is not a denial; it is an affirmation of the Council's commitment to help solve the problem. A vote was taken on the motion, which carded unanimously. Austin/Glaubert 7. Austin/Glaubert letter on property purchase east of Red Lion Property Purchase Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Real Estate Committee. Jack Glaubert, East Sequim Bay, requested that he and Mr. Austin be allowed to sit with the Real Estate Committee to discuss their proposal, before the letter is sent to them, thereby possibly ending negotiations. The members of the Real Estate Committee who were present agreed; by consensus the Council agreed to the suggestion. Final Subdivision - Petree 8. Approval of Phase I of Final Subdivision - Petree, between Butler and ~0" and Eighteenth and Sixteenth Streets Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided and noted the Planning Commission's recommendation that the Council approve Phase I of the Final Subdivision. Councilwoman Sargent moved to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve Phase I of the Petree Estates Subdivision as shown on the drawing, citing the following Findings and Conclusions: Findings: (1) The City Council approved the preliminary plat of the 32 lot "Peach Tree Subdivision" on November 3, 1992; (2) The Planning Commission and City Council made conclusions that the plat was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance; (3) The applicant submitted for final plat approval on December 14, 1992; (4) A bond in lieu of roadway and utility improvements has been provided. Those improvements to be bonded for .... Those improvements that have been completed prior to the City Council approval include...; and (5) The final plat has been reviewed with respect to conformance with the preliminary plat approval and the subdivision ordinance; and Conclusions: (A) As conditioned, the final plat is in conformance with the preliminary plat approval; (B) The final plat has not changed in any manner so as to result in inconsistencies with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance; and (C) As conditioned, the final plat is in conformance with the City's Subdivision Ordinance. Councilman Nicholson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Urban Growth Area 9. Urban Growth Area update Update Mayor Hallett reviewed information provided by the Planning Department, and Councilwoman Sargent reported on several meetings between she, Councilmen Wight and Nicholson, and Commissioner Duncan concerning the City's proposed urban growth area. At the first meeting, it was indicated there was still information needed from the City's Planning Department. Therefore, a second meeting was held a week later, and it was determined that the County was not in need of any more City data. The City representatives received a map depicting the large industrial area on the west side of the City's urban growth boundary as having been deleted. Another document was submitted to the City representatives explaining the County Planning Commission recommendation, made with no public input, to change the City's proposed urban growth area. Further examination of their proposal indicates it is inconsistent with the planning policies. In addition, the question was asked of the -7- 2425 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1993 LEGISLATION: County that, if this industrial area were to be deleted from the City's UGA, would (Cont'd) it be downzoned, since it is inappropriate to have an industrial area adjacent to the UGA. Urban Growth Area Update (Cont'd) Councilwoman Sargent moved that the City of Port Angeles go on record at the County's scheduled meeting of February 9, 1993, as being opposed to the County's recommendation for the urban growth area boundary and we offer to continue to work with the County to arrive at an acceptable boundary. Councilman Nicholson seconded the motion. Discussion followed, and Councilwoman Sargent requested that City staff prepare a map of the proposed UGA, showing the present uses in that particular area. Planning Director Collins indicated that the City could go along with this particular area not being included in the UGA, if it was not zoned for urban uses. Councilwoman Sargent reported she had inquired as to whether the area would be downzoned if the City agreed to it being deleted _ from the UGA. Commissioner Duncan's answer was negative. A vote was then taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. 7th and Chase Property 10. 7th and Chase property Councilman Braun asked Director Brodhun tbr an update on the status of the property located at 7th & Chas~. Director Brodhun reported the Parks staff and the Parks Board had done some investigation to try to ascertain the feasibility of the City obtaining this property. Subsequently, Director Brodhun was contacted by a private citizen who expressed interest in purchasing the property in order to continue operating as a skating rink, only if the City did not sincerely wish to do so. Director Brodhun advised the individual that the City Council would prefer it be retained as a privately owned ~heility. However, if no one else were to purchase the property, the City might pursue opportunities in order to keep it open for the youth of Port Angeles. The Council was in agreement. Property Manager Ridout distributed information pertinent to old City Hall, inclusive of a legal description, building layout, a description of recommended repairs, and a delineation of costs involved in bring the building to code for purposes of usability. ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 10:25 p.m. to discuss a matter of EXECUTIVE SESSION: potential litigation for approximately 10 minutes. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 10:40 p.m. SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. -8-