Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02/16/1999 3908 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington February 16, 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 ~lbsent: None. Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Becker, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Piths, T. Smith, S. Romberg, D. Madison, and G. Kenworthy. Public Present: L. Lee and M. Madsen. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Rainbow Stars Campfire Group, D. ALLEGIANCE: Boroughs, Leader. Those participating included N. Page, K. Romberg, D. James- Brewer, and J. Chamberlain. CEREMONIAL None. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: WORK SESSION: Timothy Smith, Economic Development Director, reviewed the history of the Tourism Marketing Program. He introduced Rick Heft and Erl Hansen who gave a presentation Status Report on Tourism on the progress of the Program. Marketing Program Erl Hansen, Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, 121 East Railroad Street, and Rick Hert, North Olympic Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB), introduced themselves. Erl Hansen informed the Council that ads have been purchased in the Washington State Lodging Guide, Victoria/Vancouver Island Planner Guide, and the Sunset Magazine Planner Guide. The bus ads in the Puget Sound area will start in mid- March. Mr. Hansen stated he, Mr. Heft, Officer Ed Schilke and Lou Ann flew to Vancouver, B.C. and cut the radio spots for the billboard campaign. Rick Hert, VCB, thanked Police Chief Ilk for allowing Ed Schilke, the City's Crime Prevention Officer, to participate in the taping of the ads. Mr. Hert stated a lot of work has gone into creating the ads. He distributed a mock-up of the Visitors Guide which will soon be available. The guide will list special events, activities, accommodations, and a map of the area. Mr. Hert stated that a packaging workshop was held the end of January. Approximately 50 people participated, and the State of Washington paid for two speakers who gave a presentation on how to package your product and how to work together. Currently, the · Victoria market is being targeted, and there is a consideration to give Canadian currency at par during the month of April. Mr. Hert stated it is exciting to see everyone work together. - 1 - 3909 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 WORK SESSION: Mr. Herr stated a Customer Service Workshop is also being planned. Two classes will (Cont'd) be offered in Port Angeles, and Port Townsend, Sequim, and Forks will also register people for the class during National Tourism Week, which is the first week of May. Status Report on Tourism Marketing Program Mr. Hert felt partnership was the key to the success of this program. Victoria B.C. may (Cont'd) give Port Angeles rack space in its Visitor's Center. There has been participation in trade shows which also gets the word out, as well as a new calendar of events for Port Angeles on the web page. Mr. Hert offered to answer any questions. Councilman Campbell reminded the Council of how far the City has come in promoting itself, and he lauded the efforts of Messrs. Hert and Hansen in bringing all the groups together to pool resources in an effort to achieve a successful Tourism Marketing Program. Councilman Wiggins stated there has been a dramatic shift from the time when individuals approached the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to request funding to the current situation of a partnership of the Chamber of Commerce and VCB. Mr. Hert commented on the great job the Parks & Recreation Department is doing in bringing sports teams to the Peninsula for tournaments. Mayor Braun thanked Messrs. Hert and Hansen for the presentation. LATE ITEMS TO BE None. PLACED ON TI-IlS OR FUTURE AGENDA: FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember McKeown moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: 1.) City Council minutes - February 2 and February 9, 1999; 2.) Out-of-State Travel for Electrical Engineer; 3.) Interlocal Agreement to purchase off of King County bid for electrical line truck; 4.) Check list - February 10, 1999 - $584,355.35. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion. Councilmember McKeown noted that on Page 2 of the February 2, 1999, minutes, the motion to change the Council meeting time was made by Councilman Wiggins. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Campbell stated the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority has COMMITTEE established an air quality study site at the Stevens Middle School to gauge air particulate REPORTS: matter. The standards have been reduced and new testing apparatus put in place. This study is funded by the Department of Ecology, and the purpose is to get background information on the quality of the air from the particulate standpoint. Councilman Campbell understood that most of the particulates are from wood stoves and outdoor burning. More information will be forthcoming. Brief discussion followed. Mayor Braun reported that he and Finance Director Godbey spoke to the Norwester Rotary Club on current projects and Y2K. Along with Manager Ibarra, he attended the Mayors' meeting where there was a show of support for the Association of Washington Cities. Mayor Braun, along with Councilman Campbell and Manager Ibarra, had lunch with Dave Tamaki and Mark Hannah of Daishowa. This morning, Mayor Braun and Clerk Upton met with the Regional Manager of Northland Cable to discuss operations. Amending Time of City Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings Council Meetings Ordinance No. 3010 1. Ordinance Amending Time of City Council Meetings Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney's office. Brief discussion followed, and Mayor Braun read the Ordinance by title, entitled -2- :3910 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 Amending Time of City · ORDINANCE NO. 3010 Council Meetings Ordinance No. 3010 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, (Cont'd) revising the time for beginning Council meetings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and amending Ordinance 2981 as amended and Chapter 2.04 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Wiggins moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Use of Credit Cards 2 Ordinance ,4uthorizing Use of Credit Cards Ordinance No. 3011 Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Finance Department and asked Director Godbey for additional input, which she provided. DiScussion followed, and Director Godbey and Manager Ibarra responded to questions and provided additional clarification. Mayor Braun read the Ordinance by tide, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 3011 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, adopting a system for the issuance, use and control of credit cards by City officials and employees, directing the Finance Department to adopt rules and procedures to implement such system, and amending Ordinance 2628 and Chapter 3.05 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Campbell moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Couneilmember MeKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 1999 Salary Revisions 3. Ordinance Revising 1999 Salaries for Management/Administrative and Non- Ordinance No. 3012 Represented Employees Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by Human Resources and asked Manager Ibarra for additional input. ORDINANCE NO. 3012 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, establishing salary and fringe benefit plans for Management, Administrative, Technical, and Confidential Clerical Personnel (Schedules A and C) and establishing a pay plan for employees working at the City Pool and Fine Art Center (Schedule B) for the period January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999 and providing for the payment thereof. Councilmember McKeown moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Street Vacation - Davis Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings Resolution No. 4-99 Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for Vacation ora Portion of "P" Street South of Milwaukee Drive - STV 99-01 - Davis/City of Port ,4ngeles Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. At -3- 3911 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 Street Vacation - Davis Mayor Braun's request, Director Collins responded to questions and provided additional Resolution No. 4-99 clarification. Mayor Braun read the Resolution by title, entitled. (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 4-99 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles setting a hearing date for a petition to vacate a portion of the "P" Street right of way abutting Suburban Lot 84, Port Angeles, Washington. Councilman Doyle moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Other Considerations Gateway Consultant 1. ,qpproval of Gateway Consultant Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Director Pittis provided additional information and responded to questions directed by the Council. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis stated that the Gateway Steering Committee did feel Merritt+Pardini would need to strengthen the economic development portion of its resum6. They are in the process of doing this, and the information will be presented to the Steering Committee at its next meeting. Councilman Wiggins stated this project was very important to the City, and it must be done properly. He expressed hope that each Council member would give this matter serious thought and discuss it with as many people as possible. Director Pittis hoped other oppommities, such as a convention center, would springboard from this project. Councilman Doyle asked about the engineering cost of such a project. Director Pittis stated this is the idea and design portion of the project, and is not the area to cut comers. The final contract with the scope, schedule, and cost will be Presented to Council for final approval at a future meeting. Discretion will be used, and there will be a "cost not to exceed" clause. Following further limited discuSsion, Councilman Wiggins moved to select Merritt+Pardini to provide design services for the Gateway Project and authorize staff to negotiate the scope of services and contract for future approval of the City Council. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. LID 215 2. Review of LID 215 Recommended Cost distribution for Final Assessment Roll Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and asked Director Pittis for additional input, which he provided. Gary Kenworthy, City Engineer, responded to questions and provided additional clarification. Discussion followed, and concern was expressed over the amount of the assessment. Councilman Campbell stated this LID was driven by the current land owners who were building homes and having problems with septic systems. Pressure was put on the City to install the sewer system. Councilman Campbell felt that the LID helped to speed up development of this area, as a number of the homes couldn't have been built without adequate sewers. Councilman Wiggins suggested the future owners be charged a lower assessment than the current owners. Director Pittis stated that another way to approach the situation would be to use a system development charge. This charge is a proportionate share of the total system cost. Director Pittis then explained the system development charge, who would pay it, and how it would reduce the LID assessment. -4- 3912 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 LID 215 (Cont'd) Manager Ibarra informed the Council that sewer rates will be examined in the near future. He felt that before the Council approved a system development charge, the sewer rates should be discussed. Manager Ibarra suggested this item be returned to the Utility Advisory Committeei Manager Ibarra agreed with Councilman Campbell that sewer installation will prompt development in the annexed area, rather than slow it down. Further discussion ensued, and staff continued to provide clarification. Councilman Doyle moved to accept the recommendation of staff on the final cost of LID #215 in the amount of $7,101.36 per unit for final assessment. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion. Limited discussion followed, and Councilman Doyle stated that he intended to include in the motion that Council authorize the formation of a developer reimbursement agreement. Attorney Knutson offered clarification that, rather than a developer reimbursement agreement, staff would bring back a sewer connection charge that would be adopted by ordinance, to which Councilman Doyle agreed. Further, Attorney Knutson explained that if the development pattern shows more than 45 units will be coming on line within a reasonable period of time, the assessment charge for those units outside the LID can be amended and lowered at some future date, probably at the time of annexation. A vote was taken on the motion, as amended, which carried unanimously. Break Mayor Braun recessed the meeting for a break at 6:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. QUASI-JUDICIAL: PUBLIC ItEARINGS- Consideration of Application for CDBG General Purpose Grant [Continued from OTHER: February 2, 1999] Application for CDBG Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and Grant opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. There was no public testimony, and the public Resolution No. 5-99 hearing was closed at 7:10 p.m. Mayor Braun read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 5-99 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, authorizing submission of an application for a general purpose Community Development Block Grant and committing to comply with all required regulations. Councilman Hulett moved to pass the Resolution as read by rifle. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Other Considerations (Continued) Pedestrian Bridge at 3. Pedestrian Bridge Work at Elwha Fish Hatchery Elwha Fish Hatchery Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and asked Director Pittis for additional input, which he provided. Discussion followed. Councilman Campbell pointed out that this is not a fish hatchery, but a salmon rearing channel. Councilman Doyle moved to grant permission to the Department of Fish and Wildlife to place a new foot bridge on City owned property near the Elwha Fish Rearing Channel and authorize the property manager to sign the building permit, if required, on behalf of the City. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -5- 3913 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 Agreement with PUD 4. Agreement with PUD for Low Zone Customer and Facility Transfer Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. At Mayor Braun's request, Director Pittis gave a brief history of this issue, explained why the agreement was necessary, and how the purchase price was established. Director Pittis stated this had been a learning experience, and staff will be investigating new ways to handle this type of situation in the furore so as to keep expenses to a minimum. Director Pittis explained that should Council vote against the agreement, the 13 customers will be transferred back to the PUD with the net result of City residents serviced by the PUD and, therefore, paying 43% more for water than other City customers. Discussion followed, and Director Pittis responded to questions and provided additional clarification. At Councilman Campbell's request, Director Pittis explained the benefits to the City of the low zone connection for the PUD due to the reduced need for reservoir capacity in the upper system. Councilman Doyle pointed out that paragraph five of the agreement clearly states this agreement shall not establish precedent for future transfers of customers and/or facilities. The Utility Advisory Committee is aware that the price being paid is too high for the old facilities. However, State law mandates the City pay the PUD for lost revenues; therefore, this amount is included in the agreement. The PUD has agreed to the City paying for only five years worth of lost revenues; current law states seven years of revenues should be paid. Should the City get a large annexation, a new method of transferring services will have to be found. Director Pittis agreed with Councilman Doyle, and further discussion followed. Councilman Campbell stated the City has achieved a great deal of improvement in its relationship with the PUD. Thanks to this transfer process, some intangible benefits have been realized which will serve the City well in the future. Councilman Campbell moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into the Intergovernmental Water Facilities Agreement with the PUD. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Easement on Mt. Pleasant 5. Easement to County on Mount Pleasant Road Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Director Pittis provided additional information, and Don Madison, Property Manager, responded to questions. Following further discussion and clarification, Councilman Wiggins moved to grant an easement to Clallam County over City property on Mt. Pleasant Road in exchange'for the utility easement granted to the City at 5th and Lincoln Streets, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Easement and Right of Way Agreement. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. INFORMATION: Manager Ibarra reminded the Council that the Boards & Commissions Appreciation Night is Wednesday, February 17, 1999, at the DoubleTree Hotel in the Juan deFuca Boards & Commissions Room, at 7:00 p.m. AWC Conference The AWC Conference is February 24 - 25, 1999, in Olympia. Travel arrangements are being made. Storm Damage Manager Ibarra gave a brief report on the recent storm damage. The cost to repair the damage will be approximately $1 million. Staff will monitor the situation closely, and Council will be apprised of new developments. Salmon Meeting A letter was sent to other cities that may be interested in meeting regarding this subject. -6- 3914 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 Salmon Meeting If enough interest is generated, a meeting may be held. Council will be kept abreast of (Cont'd) this issue. Y2K Fire Chief Becket is the CitY'S.,coordinator in this matter. He has attended meetings with the County and others. The City appears to be prepared for the conversion. Chief Becker will conduct meetings with staffto discuss possible scenarios that may arise. A flier has been prepared on emergency preparedness and will be sent out in March. - Regular status reports will be presented at future Council meetings. Landfill Fee Waiver for Manager Ibarra deferred to Attorney Knutson on this item. Attorney Knutson stated the Habitat for Humanity issue on this request was the separation of church and state. In the past, Habitat for Humanity had approached the City to donate property. At that time, staff looked into the legal ramifications. Because Habitat has a religious requirement as to who can be a recipient of its housing, it can be viewed legally as the City supporting religion by making a donation to this group. Attorney Knutson felt that waiving a portion of the landfill fee would be in violation of separation of church and state as provided for in both the State and Federal Constitutions. Discussion followed. Councilman Campbell suggested Habitat contact Olympic Disposal to make the contribution. It was the general consensus of the Council that Attorney Knutson's advice be followed and the landfill waiver be denied. Council Workshops Manager Ibarra reminded the Council that two workshops are scheduled as part of the retreat process. One meeting is February 20, 1999, and the other is February 22, 1999. Out of Office Manager Ibarra noted the dates he will be out of the office. Pavement Restoration Manager Ibarra reminded the Council that. during discussion of the 1999 budget for Program street repairs, he suggested an ad hoc committee review the street program prior to bidding it out. It is time to coordinate that meeting, and Councilmembers Doyle, Hulett and Williams expressed interest in serving on the committee. Manager Ibarra would like the committee to convene within the next few weeks and begin discussion of the City's needs and bring a recommendation to Council. Manager Ibarra stated he would like to award the bid for this project prior to Director Pittis' retirement in May. Vacancies on Boards and Manager Ibarra referred to Page 107 of the packet. He suggested interviews for the Commissions Civil Service Commission vacancy be held at the next Council meeting as a work session. New press releases have gone out to generate interest in the other Boards and Commissions, and Manager Ibarra asked everyone to try to solicit interest. Nuisance and Junk Manager Ibarra reviewed the information contained in the pack?t on Nuisance and Junk Vehicles Vehicle Ordinance proposed changes. He asked Council to review the draft ordinance and advise his office of any suggested changes. Councilman Doyle felt changing the height of overgrown lots from 12 to eight inches was rather drastic. Manager Ibarra stated he would double check this, but it was his impression that the State legislation had been passed to allow this change. Concern was expressed over the names of the complainants being given to the violator. Attorney Knutson stated that there is a provision in the State Public Disclosure Act which allows the withholding of names of complainants. Discussion ensued regarding this Ordinance. Building Move Ordinance Manager Ibarra referred to the ordinance contained in the packet regarding the moving of buildings in the City. He asked Council to review these changes. Councilman Doyle stated he was satisfied with the changes regarding the definition of a building, and Councilman Williams stated he, too, was satisfied that his concerns had been properly addressed. The ordinance will be brought back to the next Council meeting for action. -7- 3915 CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 16, 1999 Taping of Executive Manager Ibarra referred to the information provided by the City Attorney's office. Session Councilman Doyle stated he, Mayor Braun, Manager Ibarra, and Attorney Knutson had met to discuss this issue. He suggested that Council could decide at each executive session whether or not to tape it. Councilman Doyle felt it was a difficult decision to make, as a lawsuit can arise out of either choice. Discussion followed, and Council members gave their opinion on the matter. Councilman Wiggins moved that executive sessions not be taped unless a majority motion is passed by the Council to tape a session. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Police Department Report Manager Ibarra stated a monthly Police Report will be included as a regular part of the Council packet. ADJOURN TO Mayor Braun adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:10 p.m. for EXECUTIVE SESSION: approximately forty-five minutes to discuss litigation and a personnel evaluation. RETURN TO The meeting returned to open session at 9:10 p.m. OPEN SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. B~cky ~. Up~TCi[~CI~-r~' -- Gary ~raun, ~layor -8-