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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/01/1994 2694 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington March 1, 1994 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETING: at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Braun, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, Ostrowski, and Schueler [arrived at 6:40 p.m.]. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, L. Glenn, K. Godbey, B. Titus, B. Coons, K. Ridout, T. Riepe, K. Maike, T. Smith, G. Kenworthy, and Y. Ziomkowski. Public Present: E. Tuttle, R. Beausoleil, D. Assumpcao, C. Hassell, R. Brockett, G. Goldberg, B. Tiffany, L. Hansen-Carl, D. Milligan, K. Smith, S. Schultz, T. German, S. Oliver, C. Alexander and R. Mantooth. ADJOURN'TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss a matter of EXECUTIVE SESSION: potential litigation and labor negotiations for approximately one hour. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 6:55 p.m. SESSION: CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by the Camp Fire Group Adventure ALLEGIANCE: Girls, JoAnn Frederickson, Leader. Participants included: A. Brach, J. Ruud, M. Rushton, H. Deane, L. Osterberg, K. Fredrickson, and L. Fredrickson. APPROVAL OF Councilman Ostrowsld moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of MINUTES: February 14, 1994. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilmen Hulett and Schueler abstaining due to absence from that meeting. Councilman Ostrowski moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 15, 1994. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler indicated there were errors on Pages 9 and 11, relating to the vote on special agency contracts and the Golf Course Seminar. He remembered voting against both of those issues. It was the general consensus of the Council that Councilman Schueler had voted for the special agency contracts after his concerns had been addressed; however, the minutes will be changed to reflect his vote against the Golf Course Seminar. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CEREMONIAL None. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: CITY COUNCIL Councilman Hulett attended a Visitor & Convention Bureau Board meeting where COMMITTEE they voted not to merge with the EDC. He attended a Public Information Committee REPORTS: meeting where articles to be placed in the City Newsletter were considered. He also attended a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, and the Parks Board meeting which was a farewell to Jim Jones. Councilmember MCKeown had nothing to report. -1- 2695 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 CITY COUNCIL Councilman Ostrowski attended a Peninsula Regional Transportation Organization COMMITTEE meeting with Planning Director Collins. The RTPO is sending letters of REPORTS: endorsement to the Honorable Bob Cart, U.S. Representative and Chairman of the (Cont'd) U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the City's multi-modal transportation project. Councilman Ostrowski also attended the Washington Coastal Corridor steering committee meeting in Olympia, again with Director Collins. Councilman Ostrowski informed the Council that an alternate was needed for the RTPO. Councilman Doyle had expressed an interest in this as he serves as an alternate on the Clallam Transit Board. Clerk Upton will notify the RTPO that a new alternate has been selected. Councilman Schueler met with the Principal of the High School to discuss volunteerism, as there is a great need for more volunteers in Port Angeles: The RSVP program needs volunteers and financial help, and he would like to see Lutheran Social Services bid for the opporttmity to provide this service. Councilman Doyle attended a Fire Station Design Committee meeting where they discussed colors for the exterior of the station. Councilman Braun attended the Fire Station Design Committee. He toured the new Foss Tug at an open house, and attended a general meeting of the Clallam Transit Authority. Mayor Sargent attended the EDC meeting where there was a presentation by a group interested in promoting off-shore aquaculture as an industry. She also attended the EDC Board meeting, and they voted to combine with the VCB. She was guest speaker at the Daishowa awards and attended a Council on Aging meeting. Mayor Sargent also attended Jerry Hendricks' retirement reception. FINANCE: 1. Close-out of Showerhead Installation Contract Showerhead Installation Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Light Department. Project Councilmember McKeown moved to declare the Showerhead Contract with Pacific Energy Systems complete and authorize the return of the performance bond in the amount of $18,818.85 when the City has received the releases from the State Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industries. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Director Titus informed the Council that there was a 92 % penetration rate for this program. The program was very successful and will go a long way in saving money for the City and its citizens. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Second and Peabody 2. Final Acceptance of Second Street Bridge Replacement Project Bridge Project Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Councilman Schueler moved to accept the project and authorize the final payment of $10,367.50 to General Construction, $545.66 to retainage and release of $6,910.75 from retainage upon receipt of clearances from the Department of Revenue and Labor and Industries. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion, A discussion followed, after which a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: It was the general consensus of the Council that item g2, the City Pier Float, should be a separate item. Councilman Ostrowski moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: (1) Request to call for bids for labor and materials to upgrade Peninsula College electrical system; (3) payroll for February 13, 1994, of $346,539.04; and Voucher list for February 25, 1994, of $734,208.71. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Councilman Doyle asked what the City was gaining by taking over for the · State on Item #1. City Light Director Titus explained that currently the college is billed as a primary meter customer, which is the cheapest rate. With the system upgrade, each building will be metered and the City will collect additional revenues because they will be on a different rate, which is higher. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Bid Award for Pier Item 2: Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Float Replacement Recreation Department. City Attorney Knutson informed the Council of one modification to staff's recommendation. There may be a potential problem with the specifications contained in Section #5, the gangways from the pier to the floats, in '2 ' 2696 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 CONSENT AGENDA: that the specifications may not adhere to the Building Code requirements. The (Cont'd) Council was requested to allow staff to rehid the gangways if, in fact, it is determined tl~o ~.a~problem meeting the Building Code requirements. Councilman Ostrowsld moved to accept the bid from American Construction for the Pier Float Replacement Project in the amount of $206,437, which includes Washington State sales tax, and authorize the Mayor to execUte the construction contract, with the proviso that, if necessary, staff is authorized to rebid gangways in order for them to he built according to the Building Code. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Ralph Brockett, 1773 O'Brien Road, asked for an amendment to the bicycle helmet AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ law to allow for a provision for medical exemption. Attorney Knutson stated that STAFF TO BE there is proposed legislation before the State Legislature which has incorporated such CONSIDERED OR a provision. The Council can opt to amend the current ordinance if so desired. If PLACED ON A the State law passes, it may supersede the City ordinance. Therefore, it was the FUTURE AGENDA: general consensus of the Council that if the law does not pass, the Council would be willing to consider an amendment as proposed by Mr. Brockett. Councilman Ostrowski requested that a Real Estate Committee meeting be held on March 11, at 4:00 p.m. Councilman Braun requested that a proposal for a law enforcement firearms range be added to the agenda as Item E.7. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings Appeal of CUP - 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT- UMBRELLA COMMUNITY SERVICES - Umbrella Community CUP 94(01)02 Services Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department, and opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Councilman Hulett noted that Mr. Warner Balch, Jr., the appellant, was not present in the audience. Planning Director Collins informed the Council that there was an irregularity in the posting of the public notice, as the original posting was stolen. It was reposted; however, the date of the public hearing was inadvertently changed to March 15, 1994, which may explain Mr. Balch's absence. According to the City Attorney, the public hearing can be opened and then continued. Director Collins then gave a brief presentation on transitional versus safehomes and the public hearing held by the Planning Commission on this issue. Laurie Hansen-Carl, 2755 Towne Road, Sequim, Director of Umbrella Community Services, requested that testimony be held until the next meeting as a courtesy to the petitioners and as a more productive use of the Council's time. Councilmember McKeown moved to continue the public hearing to March 15, 1994. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Zoning Code Amendment B. Ordinances Not Requiring a Public Hearing German I. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT- ZCA 93(12)04 GERMAN, Residential _ Single-Family Districts, City-wide: Request to amend the Planned Residential (PRD) Chapter of the Port Angeles Municipal Code and Ordinance No. 1709, Zoning, as amended. (Continued from February 15, 1994) Mayor Sargent stated that the Council has received word from the Planning Department that there has been discussion of this issue between the applicant and the Planning Department, and it has been agreed that a modification of the application could clarify a point of disagreement. Accordingly, it has been suggested the matter be referred back to the March 9, 1994, Planning Commission meeting to attempt to accomplish the intent of the applicant. It is recommended that a new public hearing be scheduled on this issue for March 15, 1994. Councilman Braun moved to remand this issue back to the Planning Commission for discussion at the March 9, 1994, meeting, and return it for public hearing at the City Council meeting scheduled for March 15, 1994. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. -3- 2697 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 LEGISLATION: 2. Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2758 to Correct a Minor Error (Cont'd) (Columbia/Caroline) Columbia/Caroline Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department, and Alley Vacation - read the Ordinance by title, entitled Ordinance No. 2799 ORDINANCE NO. 2799 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, amending Ordinance 2758, by correcting a minor error. Councilman Ostrowski moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Cemetery Fees - 3. Revised Cemetery Fees Schedule Ordinance No. 2800 Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation Department, and read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2800 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles revising and establishing fees for certain services at Ocean View Cemetery and amending Ordinance 2789 Section 15 and Section 3.70.020 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Doyle moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion. Councilman Braun stated that he is not in favor of making it more expensive to die. Councilman Doyle inquired into cemetery revenue. Director Brodhun stated that typically the Department is 60 % - 70% subsidized from cemetery revenues and about 30% general fund subsidized. He also noted that he and the City Manager were visited by the owner/operator of Mount Angeles who suggested that the City needed to keep pace with current rates and requested the City to do so as his competitor. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. C. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings None. Planning Commission D. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items Minutes/Action Items 1. Planning Commission Minutes of February 16, 1994 Councilman Braun moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of February 16, 1994. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Director Collins stated that following the March 9 Planning Commission meeting, a public hearing will be scheduled for March 15 on the Draft Comprehensive Plan. 1993 Year End Report E. Other Considerations 1. 1993 Year End Report Using the overheard projector, Finance Director Godbey gave a presentation explaining the different funds and the background of fund accounting. Each fund is considered a separate entity, and the revenues and expenditures are not co-mingled. She then explained how transactions are accounted for in the different funds. The General Fund is unique because it has eight departments vying for shares of the resources, and because it is reliant on taxes as a major source of revenue. Councilman Schueler departed the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m. Director Godbey continued by reporting that the City stayed within budget for 1993 by .6 %. More revenues were collected than budgeted as sales, property and utility taxes were all higher. Personnel and benefits account for approximately 70 % of the general fund budget. Director Godbey stressed that this is a preliminary report, as there are still adjustments to be made. -4- 2698 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 LEGISLATION: Compensated absences were explained, and a special fund will be set up to help (Cont'd) defray the upcoming expenses of five City employees retiring. 1993 Year End Report Much of the Convention Center's tax base is encumbered in the form of debt. There (Cont'd) are reduced funds available and it was suggested that capital improvement spending be delayed to mid-year when hotel/motel tax revenues are higher. Director Godbey reviewed special revenue 'funds, which include Real Estate Excise Taxes. She noted that 100% of the revenue generated by the Real Estate Excise Tax is encumbered for debt. Funding for the Growth Management Act ends in July, unless the Legislature acts to extend funding, which is not expected. Unfortunately, the Growth Management Act will be in effect ad infinitum, and the City will sustain increased expenses in that .. regard. Director Godbey gave a brief overview of utilities, which are called proprietary funds because they are self-supporting, and the accounting treatment is similar to that found in businesses. The solid waste fund is self-supporting, generating enough funds to be able to put away $400,000 per year to finance the $2 million needed in 1998 for the closure of the landfill. Accounting Manager Ziomkowski then gave a presentation on the Investment Review. The primary objectives of the investment policy are safety, liquidity and rate of return. The.January portfolio is $8 million less than it was in June of 1993, due to the cash flow requirements of the secondary treatment plant. After the bond is issued, the fund should return to normal, which is approximately $20 million. The economy is strengthening, bond yields will be rising, and the difference between short and long term investments will decrease. Changes are monitored on a daily basis, and changes in the portfolio are made accordingly. The Council commended the staff for the wonderful job they are doing. Break The Mayor recessed the meeting for a break at 9:02 p.m. At this time, the Council viewed a video of Public Works infrastructure repairs. The meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.m. Planning Grant for 2. Acceptance of Planning Grant for Multi-modal Transportation Center in Multi-modal Downtown Area from Department of Community Development Transportation Center Mayor Sargent reviewed the'information provided by the Public Works Department. Councilman Ostrowski moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with the Department of Community Development to accept Community Economic Strategies Fund grant support towards implementation of an Action Plan for the Port Angeles Multi-modal Transportation Center. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Multi-Modal 3. Port Angeles Multi-modal Transportation Center - Action Plan; Consultant Transportation Center Section Consultant Selection Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Councilman Ostrowski moved to authorize the Public Works Deparhnent to negotiate an agreement with the firm of E. P. Hamilton and Associates, Inc. to implement the Port Angeles Multi-modal Transportation Center - Action Plan. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Tim Smith, the grant coordinator for this project, explained the correlation to the Action Plan, and stated that the City is matching the $24,000 with staff time of the three agencies involved,, i.e. Clallam Transit, the Port and the City, as well as $10,000 in cash for the consultant. City Manager Pomeranz explained the importance of this project to the community, and he indicated his desire to meet with the Port Commissioners and the Executive Director to assure their ongoing support of this project. This is a tremendous opportunity to revitalize the downtown area. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. -5- 2699 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 LEGISLATION: 4. Agreement with Ranney Method Western Corporation to Flow Test the (Cont'd) Ranney Well Agreement with Ranney Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Method Western Corp. Councilman Braun asked how long it would take to complete the testing and if testing would interfere with water pumping capabilities. Deputy Director Ridout responded that there should be no interference, and the test should be complete in approximately four weeks. Councilman Doyle asked if the decline in production was a problem. Deputy Director Ridout answered that it was only a problem during low flow time. After further discussion, Councilman Braun moved to approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Representative from City 5. Selection of Representative from City to Olympic Peninsula International to Olympic Peninsula committee (Hyogo Friendship Day) International Committee Mayor Sargent provided the background information on this item. Friendship Day is Saturday, March 12, 1994. Councilman Ostrowski volunteered to serve on this committee. Questionnaire for Clallam 6. Questionnaire for Clallam County Charter Review Commission County Charter Review Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Manager, and Manager Pomeranz urged the Council to vote in support of the request; he provided further information on the content of the questionnaire and expense. Councilmember McKeown moved to assist the Commission by placing the questionnaire in the monthly utility bill, on the condition that any incurred expense is billed to the Clallam County Charter Review Commission. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Residential Plumbing/ 7. Report on Test Project Combining Residential Plumbing/Sprinkler Sprinkler Test Project Councilman Braun reported that Chief Glenn has been working on a residential sprinkler system which is being installed in a Port Angeles home. He requested that Chief Glenn speak to the combination residential fire sprinkler itself, and the residential plumbing project. Chief Glenn reminded the Council that, in 1986, a residential sprinkler ordinance was passed. Sprinklers are mandatory in apartments, but in single-family residences they are used as an alternative.' The International City Manager's Association is quite concerned about the cost of fire protection. They visited Port Angeles and were quite impressed with the City's residential sprinkler program. Port Angeles was chosen to try this new combination system where the plumbing system in a home is incorporated with the sprinkler system, all one system installed by one contractor. Thursday afternoon the system is going to be flowed. If Council can find the time to view this, it is a very good way to reduce the cost of fire protection in the City. The National Association of Home Builders is so impressed that they have requested that a presentation be made by the City in Riverside, California as to the nature of this program. Firearms Range 8. Proposed Law Enforcement Firearms Range Councilman Braun was 'contacted by Police Chief Ilk and Commander Tom Riepe regarding the possibility of a law enforcement firearms range being built near the landfill. Commander Riepe informed the Council that three years ago, the Police Department learned of a program through the Corps of Engineers whereby the Corps would build a modern firearms range at no cost to the local law enforcement entity except for materials. In October, the City was contacted again and told the Corps of Engineers was very interested in the area. The Police Department found an area on the west side of the landfill that is isolated, logged, cleared and owned by the City. Last week, the Corps of Engineers called and indicated they were ready to build the range for the City. The Corps will do all the work, materials costs would be minimal, and Customs and National Parks Service offered tentative commitments of $4,000 each. The area is contiguous to the City, so the Police Department would request that the Council annex the land to give Port Angeles jurisdiction over the area. Having a range close to the City would eliminate problems officers have in -6- 2700 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 1, 1994 LEGISLATION: getting in enough practice to qualify. Discussion followed. (Cont'd) It was the general.Consensus of the Council that this was an excellent idea and should Firearms Range be pursued. (Cont'd) Proposed Workshop on 9. Proposed Workshop on Growth Management. Growth Management Planning Director Collins reminded the Council that there had been a discussion of a Growth Management Workshop prior to the March 15, 1994, public heating, however, being that Council will not be taking any action on March 15, but will primarily be listening to public opinion, he felt it would be helpful to hold the workshop after March 15. There are five Tuesdays in March, which gives the Council the choice of March 22 or March 29 to hold a work session. Mayor Sargent suggested the date of March 29 for this purpose. City Manager Pomeranz called the Council's attention to the new City Goals and Objectives contained in the packet. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m.