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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/03/1987670 Staff Present: CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington February 3, 1987 I CALL TO ORDER Mayor Whidden called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. II ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Whidden, Councilmen Hallett, Hesla, McPhee, Quast, Schermer, Stamon. Members Absent: None. Manager Flodstrom, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Anderson, P. Carr, M. Cleland, S. Hardy, S. Brodhun, L. Glenn, J. Pittis, D. Wolfe, D. McGinley. Public Present: C. Alexander, J. Myers, J. Newlin, D. McVey. III APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 1987 Councilman McPhee referred to Register Page 667, Item No. 15, and Council- man Quast's abstention. He then inquired about Council Rules of Procedure, Section 8. Attorney Knutson explained the rules of the City Council do provide that abstentions are only recognized if there is an appearance of fairness or conflict of interest problem that requires the Councilmember to excuse him or herself; otherwise if the Councilmember or Mayor does not vote, the vote is considered to be a "yes" vote. Upon inquiry by Council- man Stamon, Attorney Knutson confirmed that a Councilmember should vote "no" if he /she had a particular problem with an issue, unless there was a conflict of interest or appearance of fairness problem which would require him /her to abstain. Councilman Hallett asked if the minutes could show, however, that a Councilmember abstained. Attorney Knutson agreed and recommended leaving the minutes as they were, but he indicated that the official vote tally would be recognized as that vote being a "yes" vote. Councilman Schermer then moved the minutes be accepted and placed on file. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. IV FINANCE 1. Payment Authorized to Riddell, Williams for Legal Representation on WPPSS issues Councilman Hallett moved the Council approve payment of the January 16, 1987 Riddell, Williams bill in the amount of $564.55. Councilman Hesla seconded and the motion carried. 2. Equipment Purchase from State Contract Authorized Councilman Schermer moved to authorize the Administrative Services Depart- ment to purchase five units as follows: two 1- ton and chassis, one 3/4 -ton cargo van, two 3/4 -ton pick -ups, from the State of Washington, with the condition that the vendors involved commit to selling the units to the City of Port Angeles at the State of Washington bid price. Councilman Stamon seconded. Councilman Hallett discussed with Administrative Services Director Wolfe the cost savings and the particular vendor of the equipment. Councilman Hallett explained that the last time the City had bid on equip- ment there had been no local low bids. He explained the City was not attempting to short circuit the process locally but attempting to save money and produce comparable equipment. Administrative Services Director Wolfe explained the City pays $50 a year to be able to purchase off this State contract and it saves time and expense. On call for the question, the motion carried. V CONSENT AGENDA The Council discussed with staff the following: hats purchased by the Solid Waste Division; an expenditure from the Light Department to Ona Landscaping for the Anderson Gulch Stairway; an expenditure to Network Management for medical and dental claims; and the McDougal L.I.D. survey. During discussion, Councilman Hesla inquired if the City had a written CITY COUNCIL MEETING 671 February 3, 1987 policy on consultant selection. Public Works Director Pittis answered yes. Councilman Hesla requested a copy. Councilman Hallett asked that the entire Council be provided with copies of the document. Councilman Stamon inquired as to when the Council would be receiving information on the McDougal L.I.D. Public Works Director Pittis stated it would be a while yet because of other projects previously scheduled. Councilman Stamon moved to accept the items listed under the Consent Agenda as follows: (1) Correspondence from Washington State Liquor Control Board; (2) Vouchers of $1,753,346.27; and (3) Payroll of 1/25/87 of $222,251,22. Councilman Hesla seconded and the motion carried. VI ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA None. VII LEGISLATION 1. Planning Commission Minutes of January 28, 1987 A. Conditional Use Permit Granted Umbrella Community Services The Council reviewed the request to allow a transition house for women and children recovering from domestic violence situations to more stable relationships in the RS -9, Single Family Residential District located at 1013 Craig Avenue. Councilman Hallett moved to concur with the recommenda- tions of the Planning Commission to approve the Conditional Use Permit for a transition house subject to the following conditions: (1) That the permit be for one year with an extension possible; (2) The quiet /reading/ study room be on the first floor; (3) Clientele shall be limited to no more than ten people; (4) One fire extinguisher shall be installed on each floor and one smoke detector installed in each bedroom or in a location recom- mended by the Fire Marshal; (5) Parking for four vehicles shall be provided off street, although two of the spaces may be stacked; and (6) The City shall be contacted regarding modification of the fireplace so it is not usable and the installation of any locks on doors inside the house; and citing the following findings: (A) The use is compatible with surrounding residential uses in this RS -9 Zone because it is predominantly a residen- tial use and the staff support includes many activities, such as teaching parenting skills and nutrition, that would occur in a residence; (B) With the attached conditions, the proposed use will not introduce detrimental impacts upon the surrounding residential area. Councilman Schermer seconded and the motion carried. Councilman Hallett asked the City Manager when the next meeting was scheduled regarding use of Ediz Hook. Manager Flodstrom answered that no meeting was planned, but information would be in the next issue of the City newsletter. He stated a recommendation would come back to the Council February 17th or March 3rd. Councilman Stamon asked if there were going to be any minutes from the 8 -hour meeting last week regarding the Harbor Use Plan. City Planner Carr stated the 8 -hour meeting was a workshop and there would not be minutes; however, the consultants had taken notes and he hoped to obtain copies of those notes. Upon inquiry by Councilman Schermer, City Planner Carr announced the next meeting would probably be sometime next week. He expected some of the major concerns to be resolved, but expected one more meeting before ample resolution. Following discussion, the Council scheduled a special meeting with the Planning Commission for February 25, 1987, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers to discuss the Harbor Management Plan. Councilman Stamon indicated the need to keep the meeting short, as several Councilmembers were attending the Association of Washing- ton Cities Legislative Conference February 26th. B. Planning Commission Minutes Accepted Councilman Schermer moved to accept and place on file the Planning Commis- sion minutes of January 28, 1987. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. 2. Park Board Minutes of January 14, 1987 Councilman McPhee went on record as opposing locating the Girl Scout building recently donated to that association at Jessie Webster Park. He 6 7 2 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 3, 1987 opposed the removal of any additional trees from the park. He felt the Girl Scout Association could locate their building in other places rather than that park. Councilman Stamon commended the idea of the City Park Board and the County Park Board meeting on an annual basis to discuss issues that pertain to both City and County interests. Councilman Hallett made reference to page 2, Item B, Rails to Trails, and discussed the matter briefly with Mayor Whidden. Councilman Hesla moved to accept and place on file the Park Board minutes of January 14, 1987. Councilman Stamon seconded and the motion carried. 3. Reimbursable Work Agreement with Clallam County Authorized Mayor Whidden read the Ordinance by title, entitled, ORDINANCE NO. 2435 AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles authorizing the execution of an agreement with Clallam County for the performance of work on City streets. Councilman Hallett moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Council- man Hesla second. Councilman Stamon offered a small correction to an article in the newspaper which stated this was the first time since 1979 this type of agreement had been in existence. She corrected this, as the County performed a chip seal program for the City in 1986. The motion carried. 4. Agreement with Healthworks Northwest for Health Risk Appraisal Authorized Councilman Stamon moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement with HealthWorks Northwest. Councilman Quast seconded. Councilman Stamon noted that the City's Wellness Program has been very successful in the past years in encouraging employees to work toward savings through an incentive program. She stated savings have averaged approximately $62,000 per year for the past three years. Councilman Hesla added the City saves $100,000 a year in premium costs compared to conventional medical plans. Councilman Hallett discussed with staff the make -up of the Puget Sound Health Systems Agency. Following discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. 5. Contract Authorized with Clallam County District Court including New Filing Fee Structure Councilman Stamon moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract with Clallam County for District Court services. Councilman Schermer seconded. Councilman Stamon noted she would like to make a correction to information in the newspaper which had stated we are going to be paying more for District Court fees. She stated the thrust and intent of the Council in asking for a bifurcated filing fee system was to more accurately reflect the costs that we incur through District Court. She stated while there might be a slight increase in the amount of money we are paying, it is a fairer allocation of funds, in that we are paying a fair amount for those small cases that really don't require much other than a simple amount of paper work. She felt this was a real good system. Councilman Hallett inquired of the City Attorney if the City would be paying more or less at the end of the year for the same caseload. Attorney Knutson answered that with the same caseload, the City would be paying approximately $12,000 more under this bifurcated right. On the other hand, stated if the City were torn te'bulk of its criminal offenses, it would have just the opposite effect and the City would be paying about $12,000 less. Councilman Hallett confirmed with Attorney Knutson that bifurcated meant "split" or "divided in two On call for the question, the motion carried. Councilman Stamon thanked the County Commissioners for acting so promptly on this issue once resolution had been reached. CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 3, 1987 6. Contract with Lisa Cochrun for Public Information Program Renewed Councilman Hesla moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Cochrun Graphic Arts and Promotions. Councilman Schermer seconded. Councilman Stamon asked if this was essentially the same contract that had been in place last year. Administrative Services Director Wolfe stated the previous contract called for a Public Information Officer, where this contract calls for a Public Information Committee. Councilman McPhee inquired as to the make -up of the Committee. Lisa Cochrun listed Committee members. Councilman McPhee inquired as to the budgeted cost of the program. Manager Flodstrom answered that $25,000 was budgeted in 1987 and $27,000 in 1988. Councilman McPhee asked, "And this doesn't include the amount in Solid Waste, in the other Departments Manager Flodstrom answered, "No Councilman McPhee then asked, "So, again, what is the actual cost of the program or do you know what Manager Flodstrom stated that the amounts budgeted for the Public Information Program are $25,000 for 1987 and $27,000 for 1988. He stated there was some money in Solid Waste which would be geared more toward Solid Waste advertising, probably outside the Public Information Program. Councilman Stamon stated this advertising would be geared toward display ads to remind people that a holiday was coming and there might be a shift in their collection day, etc., rather than public information as envisioned in this program. Manager Flodstrom used another example: for instance, the legal advertisements from the City Clerk's office were not included in the Public Information Program. Coun- cilman McPhee stated that we first started this program as a test and that he had apprehensions about this type of program anyway. He stated he had not seen the benefit of the program. Councilman McPhee then stated that we are spending another $25,000 here, and we don't know how much other money that is scattered here and there throughout the other Departments. He didn't know if the public had benefitted enough from this to continue spending this money. He stated this is another one of these items that when we add all these things together, our budget is just it's getting out of hand. He stated he would like to see us curtail this program. Councilman Quast asked Councilman McPhee if he had reviewed the responses received from the public and the responses from staff to those people who had requested written information. He asked what Councilman McPhee's general impression was of the responses from the "We're All Ears" program. Councilman McPhee stated this feedback indicated it was a good program and that his point was that "we don't know, no one on the Council knows" how much this program costs because to say, for example, to differentiate between advertising by Solid Waste which gives information to the public regarding Solid Waste as if this was some kind of different information. Councilman Quast stated it is necessary to differentiate these ads which notify the public when there are changes in the collections schedule. He stated that function was not a general public information program, but the Solid Waste Division notifying a specific segment in our City which might not be served on that day. He stated the same could be said by the City Light Department; that there were some announcements that always had been covered by that Department's budget. K Following further discussion, Councilman Quast reiterated he felt that Councilman McPhee could have a report from staff on total expenditures for advertisement and public information. Councilman McPhee requested, in addition, a total of sub- accounts so that we could know what was spent on telephones, and for each of these items. During discussion, Councilman Stamon indicated dismay again at the intima- tions of Councilman McPhee that somehow this information is going to be used and twisted to present falsehoods for some secret and mystical pur- pose. She stated she was reminded of Senator McCarthy years ago sitting at tables pounding and intimating that he had information that was never forthcoming. She didn't feel that served anyone. She then read excerpts from responses received regarding the Public Information Program which were positive and supportive of the program. She strongly supported expending these funds so that citizens are well informed on issues facing them, particularly in light of a number of very expensive things that are going to be coming up in the next few years. During discussion, Councilman Hallett inquired about conducting an evalua- tion of the program. Manager Flodstrom stated this was a very good topic 673 6 7 T CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 3, 1987 for the Public Information Committee to take on. He made reference to an update of the activities of the Public Information Program submitted to the Council in December. He stated that would be an excellent document for the PIP Committee to review in assessing whether they want to proceed further with assessing Ms. Cochrun's performance in administering the program. Councilman McPhee reiterated that his point was that we spend too much money. Councilman Hallett then asked Councilman McPhee what information he based his opinion that the program had not been effective. Councilman McPhee felt that which benefits the public can come almost as well from the newspaper articles and we don't have to spend this unknown amount of money. Mayor Whidden stated he had read the majority of the file containing comments from the public. He stated they were, by and large, very complimentary of the program. Councilman McPhee said he had read the summation and felt it was commend- able, but the fact remains that he was being asked to vote on a program that he felt was part of this runaway budget. Councilman Schermer mentioned all of the newspaper articles which had been written regarding the new City Hall (approximately 25). He commented on all the people who said they were unaware of the plan for a new City Hall. He felt it important that we have a program other than the news media not that we are not getting good news coverage it's just that people need to see it in a separate article. He strongly recommended continuation of the program because he saw the very positive effect it could have on an informed public. He then called for the question. The motion carried with Councilman McPhee voting "No Councilman McPhee requested from staff a total cost of the project and a total of the advertising sub accounts, including telephone costs. Council and staff discussed the matter further. Councilman Schermer asked that when the City Manager submitted the report requested, he also submit the amount of time it took staff to prepare the report. Councilman Quast took exception to the use of certain buzz words, such as "massive budget "runaway budget He thought that if we had for four screened the budget, cutting as much as we could, and staff had been able to build up the reserves that currently exist and continue to provide necessary services to the public, Councilman McPhee should be more careful with those kinds of words. He felt these words did not properly reflect what the Council of seven has done in recent years. Following further discussion, prior to the break, Manager Flodstrom introduced Kevin Dolan, new reporter for the Port Angeles Daily News who would be covering City issues. BREAK Mayor Whidden recessed the meeting at 8:02 P.M. for a break. The meeting returned to open session at 8:17 P.M. 7. Resolution Passed Supporting State Loan Funds for Zarana Fish Processing project Mayor Whidden read the Resolution by title, entitled, RESOLUTION NO. 05 -87 A RESOLUTION authorizing submission of an application to the State of Washington for a Development Loan Fund Project (DLF) for the Zarana Fisheries Development Loan Fund Project. Councilman Hallett moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Council- man Hesla seconded. Councilman Hallett clarified for the public that these are not City funds but are development loan funds and that the City is only acting as an agent which it is required by law to do in order for this loan to take place. Manager Flodstrom clarified the amount had been determined and could be filled in in the Resolution, that amount being $230,000, to be repaid by Zarana to the State of Washington. He further explained the proposed project and employment that would be derived from the project. Following further discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. 8. Amendment to Firefighters' Labor Contract Approved Councilman Schermer moved to approve the addenda to the labor agreement between the City of Port Angeles and IAFF Local #656 concerning (1) Article XII, Section 2, Compensatory Time; and (2) Article XII, Section 4, Holi- days. Following discussion, Councilman Hallett seconded and the motion carried. 9. Resignation of Steve Pazan from Board of Adjustment Councilman Stamon moved to accept Mr. Pazan's resignation from the Board of Adjustment and instructed staff to send an appropriate letter of apprecia- tion from the City and also advertise the vacancy. Councilman Hallett seconded. Manager Flodstrom noted that during recent interviews for Planning Commission, applicants indicated willingness to serve on other boards. Following discussion, Councilman Stamon amended her motion to contact previous Planning Commission applicants and if they were not interested in serving, then advertise. Councilman Hallett concurred. On call for the question, the motion carried. 10. Agreement with Washington Public Agencies Group Authorized Councilman Quast moved to authorize the Light Director to sign one -year agreements with the firms of Economic and Engineering Services and Marsh, Mundorph and Pratt as consultants to the Western Public Agencies Group in the amount of $6,850. Councilman Stamon seconded. Attorney Knutson pointed out that there were a few minor details or dis- crepancies that would have to be changed in the actual agreements that are in the Council's packet. On call for the question, the motion carried. 11. Out -of -State Travel Request Authorized Councilman Stamon moved to authorize travel and payment of one -half of Steve Hursh's air fare to Omaha, Nebraska, to inspect and witness testing of newly purchased switch gear before it is shipped to the City. Council- man Schermer seconded. Councilman Hallett commended Light Director Orton for providing Council with so much information and reasons why the Council might want to consider an issue. On call for the question, the motion carried. 12. View Trip to Morse Creek Hydro Project Scheduled The Council scheduled a special meeting for February 7th at 9:00 A.M. for the purpose of a'view trip to the Morse Creek Hydroelectric site. Council- man McPhee noted that he would be unable to attend. 13. Proclamation American History Month February CITY COUNCIL MEETING V 7 5 February 3, 1987 Mayor hidden proclaimed February as American History Month and urged all residents to join in recognizing the importance of American history in our lives. 14. City Councilmember Reports on City /County Cooperation Committee Meetings Manager Flodstrom reported that Jim Rumpeltes and he had been meeting over the last several days finalizing letters to be sent to Sequim and Forks with brief minutes of the three committee meetings, and extending an invitation to Sequim and Forks to participate in the upcoming discussions, giving them information on the next meeting dates and so forth. He stated the Council and Commissioners would all be given copies. Councilman Hallett reported on the meeting of the Law Enforcement Commit- tee, stating the meeting was mainly for the purpose of establishing ground rules. He stated the committee had concluded that the first topic addressed would be Combined Radio Dispatch. He stated the next issues would be Decriminalization and the Municipal Court Traffic Violations Bureau. Manager Flodstrom stated the next meeting of the Law Enforcement Committee would be 3:30 P.M. on Wednesday, February 18th. fi 7 6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 3, 1987 Councilman Stamon announced Councilman Hesla had been selected as the Chairman of the Human Services Committee. Councilman Hesla then reported on the meeting of that Committee. He reported that funding sources had been discussed, and Carol Owens, Clallam County Human Services Director, had been invited to the next meeting to address the committee on basic Human Services in the County. Councilman Stamon reported on the meeting of the third group, where a decision had been made that there would be a rotating chair. She stated the Committee would be addressing Solid Waste, Septage, and the general provisions of health services within the County. She stated that ground rules had been established and the tasks had been broken down into priorities, the first of which would be the issue of Solid Waste and Septage and the second group would be the issue of Health Services on a County -wide basis. She reported that staff was going to be coming back before the group with background information on the issue of Solid Waste and Septage. She stated this committee had also extended an invitation to Forks and Sequim to participate. She stated staff would also be preparing a report on the history of health services in the County. Mayor Whidden then reported on the meeting of the committee regarding the Railroad Acquisition issue. He stated Commissioner Jones had indicated there was proposed State legislation whereby the State could acquire all the railroad rights -of -way for use for the public good and recreation without regard to property owners. He also reported that individuals on the Chicago /Milwaukee Land Division would be coming to Port angeles in the near future and would be meeting with committee members. The Council and staff confirmed that the next meeting of the group as a whole was scheduled for February 10, 1987, at 4:00 P.M. in the Commissioners' meeting room. 15. Resolution Passed Authorizing Licensing for Use of Port Angeles Public Safety Radio Facilities Mayor Whidden read the Resolution by title, entitled, RESOLUTION NO. 06 -87 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles authorizing the Police Chief to enter into agreements allowing private commercial concerns to locate radio equipment at the Port Angeles Public Safety Radio Facilities. Councilman Hallett moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Council- man Stamon seconded. Councilman McPhee inquired if the rates were being adjusted. Police Chief Cleland stated that the rates were pretty much standard and were sent out by the State. Following discussion, on call for the question, the motion carried. VIII CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS /LATE ITEMS Councilman Quast asked Mayor Whidden if he had appointed his replacement on the Public Health Advisory Board. Mayor Whidden answered he would make the appointment tomorrow. Councilman Quast commended Park and Recreation Director Brodhun for a reply written regarding a citizen's Letter to the Editor. He felt this letter correctly addressed the issue of vandalism at the City Pier. During discussion, Manager Flodstrom clarified that the City did not respond to Letters to the Editor concerning certain Councilmen but did respond to letters concerning issues, for the sake of getting factual information out. Councilman Stamon suggested that if a number of complaints regarding the same issue were received over a period of several months, it may be something the Public Information Committee wanted to look at in terms of listing it as an item of interest in an upcoming newsletter. Councilman Quast requested either the Mayor or a staff member appear at the Ferry Advisory Committee meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 P.M., as he would be unable to attend. He stated that public input would be received at that time on proposed increases in rates for the ferries. He stated he CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 7 7 February 3, 1987 would like us to go on record as opposing any ferry rate increases at this time. Jerry Cornell addressed the Council from the audience, stating that the City might want to go on record on another issue, specifically, that the increase perhaps is not being applied equally. Councilman Schermer reminded the Council of information received by the Council on the Model Conservation Act. He commented that the City should go on record as trying to get Bonneville back on the track of actively supporting insulation of all houses in the County, rather than just new construction, stating that the older homes created the major drain on electricity. Conservation Manager Hardy noted there was a public hearing on Model Conservation Standards scheduled for February 18, 1987, in Seattle, providing an opportunity to comment on the proposed cutbacks. Councilman Hallett referred to several items in the Information Agenda, specifically the response on the business siting study for Hiller Heli- copter, asking Manager Flodstrom if that was public information. Manager Flodstrom stated he believed it was. Councilman Hallett commented this was interesting information and outlined the response of people involved in attracting Hiller Helicopter to the area. He felt the press should be exposed to this. He also referred to the memo from Fire Chief Glenn regarding residential sprinkler systems. He asked the Fire Chief what kind of comments he had received from the public and from builders, etc., on the newly adopted ordinance. Also discussed was a seminar being put on in Olympia regarding residential fire sprinklers for certification on installing fire sprinklers. Councilman Schermer reported that the Archie Hoagland house was on open house last Saturday. He commented on how inconspicuous the sprinkler heads in the home were. During discussion, Fire Chief Glenn noted that legisla- tion had been proposed to reduce insurance rates for residences that had installed fire sprinklers. Councilman Hallett brought up information in a recent AWC newsletter regarding certification of vicious dogs. He asked about the status of that legislation and how it would affect the City of Port Angeles. Manager Flodstrom explained that he had requested a copy of that bill. He stated he would be surprised if that bill included anything outside the recently adopted animal control ordinance. Councilman Hesla reported on the recent banquet of the Chamber of Commerce which included many interesting speakers. Councilman Stamon pointed out a clipping included in the Information Agenda about fees in the Seattle area. She noted how expensive these rates were in Seattle and how fortunate we were in Port Angeles. She also reported on the Tourism Convention Association meeting held last week. She stated a video was going to be produced to promote tourism within Clallam County. She announced the next meeting was next Monday night in Forks at the Vagabond Restaurant and anyone who would like was welcome to attend. She also reported that the City Hall Design Review Committee had met yesterday. She stated it was now to the point where textures and colors for the new City Hall were being selected. Mayor Whidden spoke regarding a letter he had received from the North Olympic Library System requesting a member of Council sitting in on the board for building site selection. Councilman Stamon suggested nominating Councilman Schermer. Councilman Schermer accepted. IX ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 9:26 P.M. for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and real estatec�nc Scn X RETURN TO OPEN SESSION The meeting returned to open session at approximately 10:30 P.M. 6 7 8 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 3, 1987 XI ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:32 P.M. Clerk -i M'yor K