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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/21/1995 2993 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington March 21, 1995 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETING: at 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Braun [arrived at 6:40 p.m.], Doyle, McKeown, Ostrowski, and Schueler [arrived at 6:05 p.m.]. Members Absent: Councilman Hulett. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, Y. Ziomkowski, M. Campbell, B. Becker, G. Kenworthy, B. Coons, S. Kenyon, and S. McLain. public Present: J. Spaulding, B. phillips, W. Rush, and B. Smith. ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. to discuss litigation and EXECUTIVE SESSION: labor negotiations for approximately one hour. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 6:45 p.m. SESSION: CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to Order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Boy Scout Troop 1461, Jason Huff, ALLEGIANCE: Senior Patrol Leader. Those participating included: M. Renes, R. Wendel, R. Hoffman, J. Cummings, A. Logan, M. Logan, C. Castlebury, R. Hessleman, S. Woodward, J. Sturgeon, A. Williams, and O. Williams. APPROVAL OF Councilman OstrOwski moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of MINUTES: March 7, 1995. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler requested a correction to Page 9 of the minutes, as he did not care for the phrase "expressing personal feelings". He asked that it be changed to "individual viewpoints or opinions". Councilman Schueler provided the dictionary de£mition of consensus and noted that he had no problem making the decision referred to in the minutes. He, therefore, asked that the word "consensus" be changed in that sentence. The Council agreed the wording "individual viewpoints" was more appropriate. Attorney Knutson suggested changing "general consensus" to "several Council members stated", and this was agreed to by the Council. Mayor Sargent requested a correction to Page 11 of the minutes, fourth paragraph, where she noted _ her dissatisfaction. She wanted this changed to "...only to realize that no notes or recording of the committee's suggestions had been maintained." There were no further changes to the minutes, and a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CEREMONIAL None. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: CITY COUNCIL Councilman Schueler attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Clallam COMMITTEE County Community Network. This will be addressed later in the agenda. REPORTS: Councilman Braun attended a Capital Facility Project Committee meeting, and a Clallam County Transit Board meeting. The Transit Board considered the hiring of a marketing manager, which Councilman Braun opposed because of the cost factor. - 1 - 2994 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 21, 1995 CITY COUNCIL Councilman Doyle attended an Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority meeting, a COMMITTEE focus meeting for the NW Straits National Marine Sanctuary, and the Capital Facility REPORTS: Plan meeting with Councilman Braun. (Cont'd) Councilmember McKeown attended a Utility Advisory Committee meeting; most of the issues discussed will be addressed later in the agenda. Councilman Ostrowski also attended the focus meeting for the Marine Sanctuary. Councilman Ostrowski announced that he met this morning with Deputy Public Works Director Ridout and the logger clearing the property on the west end. Work will commence tomorrow morning and should be completed within a week. Mayor Sargent was interviewed on the Manufacturing Technology Center that Woodnet is involved in and attended an EDC meeting ' where it was decided that a letter be sent opposing the Marine Sanctuary. Mayor Sargent also attended two meetings where an attempt was made to resolve the question of the Russian ship in the harbor. Port Angeles now has an ad in the "Where to Retire Magazine" as a result of the Retirement Committee' s efforts. Mayor Sargent attended a preliminary meeting for the White House Conference on Aging. FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Schueler moved to accept .the Consent Agenda, including: (1) Request to call for bids on Francis Street storm drain project; (2) Voucher list for March 17, 1995 - $454,653.21; and (3) Payroll of March 12, 1995 - $344,566.87. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Brando Blore, 524 W. Third Street, asked to address the Marine Sanctuary issue. AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ STAFF TO BE Mayor Sargent noted there was'a late item from the Police Department which she CONSIDERED OR added to the agenda as Item E. 11. PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA: Councilman Braun asked to address the "Pass the Buck* program and a memo from Captain Jerry Doyle of the Fire Department. These were added as Item E. 12 and E. 13. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings None. B. Ordinances Not Requiring a Public Hearing Street Vacation - C. Resolutions Not Requiring pUblic Hearings Anderson/Sawby - Resolution No. 3-95 I. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for Consideration ora Street Vacation Petition, STV 95(04)03 - Anderson/Sawby, for May 2, 1995 Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department and read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 3-95 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles setting a hearing date for a petition to vacate a portion of Fourth Street adjacent to Lot No. 6 of Pinebrook II. Councihnan Braun moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman Ostrowsld seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Planning Commission D. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items Minutes/Action Items None. -2- 2995 CITY COUNCIL ME~ING March 21, 1995 LEGISLATION: E. Other Considerations (Cont'd) 1. Discussion of City of Port Angeles' position on Northwest Straits National City's Position on North- Marine Sanctuary west Straits National Marine Sanctuary Mayor Sargent, and Councilmen Doyle and Ostrowski attended the meeting on this issue and, with the assistance of City Manager Pomeranz, drafted a letter for the Council's consideration. Mayor Sargent then read the letter aloud. Councilman Doyle stated that the Department of Ecology and NOAA set up approximately 24 separate focus group meetings. They had groups from local government, ports and industry, environmentalists, commercial users, recreational users, and research and education. Each focus meeting was for one group; they did not have a meeting combining the groups to discuss the issues. There was a working draft paper that listed three areas of concern: 1) declining and degrading water quality and sediment in the locations throughout the NW straits; 2) declining and degrading habitat of NW straits; and 3) declining and/or disturbed wildlife and living marine resources throughout the straits. Councilman Doyle felt there were too many unknowns regarding the marine sanctuary, and a much more information was needed before he felt comfortable supporting the issue. Councilman Ostrowski stated that a large part of the. meeting focused on marine habitat. He felt the sanctuary could create a devastating, economically critical habitat for the residents of Port Angeles. The City must stay on top of this issue and continue to express its concerns. Mayor Sargent stated that, after the meeting, they were informed that officials of NOAA and the Governor's office would decide if this issue moves forward. Mayor Sargent then invited Mr. Brando Blore to address the Council on this matter. Brando Blore stated that he shared the same concerns as those expressed by the Council. He attended the meeting held Monday, March 20, 1995. Questions were asked prior to the meeting, and it was discovered that the Governor sent a letter to the Commerce Department in March, 1994, stating that a goal of the State of Washington was for a national straits marine sanctuary. It was Mr. Blore's belief that if Federal waters are used, the Federal Government will have the final say in whether a sanctuary is established. Mr. Blore summarized other issues and concerns discussed at the meeting he attended. Discussion followed, and Mayor Sargent indicated this would be the only sanctuary in State waters under Federal control. Mayor Sargent announced that she and Councilman Doyle were elected to an umbrella committee and will continue to monitor the proceedings. Councilman Ostrowski moved to refer the Council's concerns back to the City Manager and staff to draft a resolution expressing these concerns to be brought back to the next Council meeting. Councilman Doyle pointed out that written comments will only be accepted through the month of March, and the next Council meeting is April 4. Manager Pomeranz stated that he and Attorney Knutson will draft a Resolution. Mayor Sargent suggested the letter be sent in addition to the Resolution. She itemized the individuals and/or organizations that would receive copies of the letter. Councilmember McKeown felt the letter should be stronger. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion.' Manager Pomeranz pointed out that the Resolution can be added to the agenda for the special meeting to be held March 28, 1995. Further discussion followed, and a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilmember McKeown moved to direct staff to draft a stronger letter. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. A brief discussion followed and it was decided that the letter would go out immediately and the Resolution would be sent upon its passage. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. 1994 Year End Financial 2. 1994 Year End Financial Report Report Yvonne Ziomkowski, Acting Finance Director, announced that 1994 was a good year for the City, with no real problems in any of the funds. However, it is recommended that the City continue with a frugal approach to spending and a conservative approach to budgeting the revenues. Using the overhead projector, Acting Director Ziomkowski reviewed the preliminary financial report for the year ending, December 31, 1994. Actual revenues exceeded both the original and amended budgets by more than 2 %. Major revenue increases were seen in the tax category, with sales tax as the largest source of revenue. Property tax revenue was increased by 24 % largely due to the 2996 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 21, 1995 LEGISLATION: County's annual update, which increased the City's property value by 19%. (Cont' d) Intergovernmental revenues were decreased by 2.6 % due to the 62 % reduction in the Criminal Justice allocation. 1994 Year End Financial Report (Cont'd) General Fund expenditures were 1.5 % higher, which is belOw the inflation level of 3.6%. The General Fund reserve, or fund balance, showed a 29% increase over 1993. The City's goal is to maintain a minimum of 10% of total fund expenditures in reserve. Relying on reserves to fund a deficit can be damaging to the City and may affect the City's credit rating. The Convention Center Fund showed a deficit in the fund balance. The Light Fund's operating revenues were 13.4% higher than 1993, and expenditures increased by 10.9%. Water and wastewater operating revenues were higher, mainly due to a July 1994 rate increase. Operating expenses for this fund were 19% higher than the previous year due to increases in personnel and charges for services. In the Solid Waste Fund, revenues were 1.1% below budget, and operating expenses were 11.9% higher than 1993 levels. A brief discussion followed, with Acting Director Ziomkowski responding to questions posed by the Council. Acting Director Ziomkowski then requested that Council give Customer Service Manager Kenyon the opportunity to give a brief presentation on the ~Pass the Buck' program. Pass the Buck Program 3. Pass the Buck Program Customer Service Manger Kenyon reviewed the information contained in the packet under Other Information, Item 8. This has been a successful program thus far, with 35 customers having received an average of $131.24 in assistance. Approximately 500 customers made one-time donations last year, and approximately 580 customers make ongoing donations. Councilman Braun felt it appropriate to place a message in the next City newsletter, thanking all those who have so generously participated in this program. Councilman Doyle stated it was very commendable that the citizens of Port Angeles donated $7,685 in ten months. Mayor Sargent noted that Bart Phillips of the EDC was present in the audience; therefore, with the Council's permission, Item E.8. would be the next agenda item. Request by EDC for City 4. Request by Clallam County EDC for City to Co-Sponsor Clallam County to Co-Sponsor Clallam Regional Report, Washington CEO Magagine County Regional Report Bart Phillips of the Economic Development Council distributed copies of a marketing recruitment plan to the Council. Mr. Phillips stated that the EDC has not had a recruitment program since 1985. As a result of recent research and surveys, the EDC has now adopted a comprehensive business recruitment program which will involve direct marketing, trade shows, and direct targeted recruitment. An effective recruitment tool is the publication of a profile in the Washington CEO Macazine. Mr. Phillips then went on to describe how and why this program works. The EDC is requesting the City to consider an investment of $2,200 in this project. A discussion followed, with Mr. Phillips addressing concerns expressed by the Council. At Council's request, Mr. Phillips explained where the rest of the money for this project would come from, and which entities had been contacted and expressed a willingness to commit to this plan. Councihnan Ostrowski moved to authorize the expenditure of $2,200 as requested by the EDC. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mayor Sargent moved Item E. 11. up on the agenda, as their were police officers waiting to address this issue. Training Building - 5. Training BuiMing - Firearms Range Firearms Range Mayor Sargent explained that this issue deals with the construction of a training building at the firearms range and involves the transfer of funds from the Criminal Justice Fund. She then asked if a member of the Police Department would care to address the Council. Police Chief Ilk stated that Mike Butler from the National Park Service was present to give a brief overview of the project. -4- 2997 CITY COUNCIL IVlg3rIING March 21, 1995 LEGISLATION: Mike Butler of the National Park Service explained that the project of the pistol and (Cont'd) rifle range was originally conceived as a multi-agency project. Olympic National Park did not have a fir~ range and sought partnerships with other agencies to Training Building - attain this goal. Last year the firearms range was completed, and this year the goal Firearms Range (Cont'd) is to complete a building at the range to be used as a training facility. The cost of the building materials would be shared between the National Park Service and the City of Port Angeles. A discussion followed, and Chief ILk explained that any agency that had not participated in the cost of the building, would pay a users fee for the facility. Councilman Braun moved to authorize the transfer of approximately $12,000 from the Criminal Justice Fund to the Firearms Range Fund. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Break Mayor Sargent recessed the meeting for a break at 8:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. Use of Vern Burton as 6. Agreement with Red Cross for Use of the Vern Burton Memorial Community a Mass Care Shelter Center as a Mass Care Shelter Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Fire Department. Councilman Schueler expressed concern that by designating the Veto Burton as a mass care shelter, the City would be responsible for stocking it with emergency supplies in the manner of the old fallout shelters. Fire Marshall Becket explained that no supplies would be stored, the building would just be identified on the plans as a shelter, if needed, for mass feeding, etc. A discussion followed. Councilman Braun moved to authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Red Cross for the use of the Burton Memorial Community Center as a mass care shelter. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, a vote was taken on the agreement, which carried unanimously. Amendment to Agreement 7. Amendment to Agreement with Consoer Townsend for Francis Street Storm with Consoer Townsend Drain Project Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Councilman Ostrowski moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a construction services amendment to the current agreement with Consoer Townsend & Associates which increases the total not to exceed $183,000. 'Councilman Braun seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Changes to Light 8. Changes to City Light Services Policies Service Policies Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Light Department. Councilmember McKeown moved to approve the changes to City Light's service policies, with Section 3.1 of the Line Extension Policy to read 200%. Councilman Braan seconded the motion. A discussion followed and Councilmembers McKeown and Schueler, as UAC members, explained why they felt 200 % was a fair number. After further discussion, and City Light Director Titus explaining why the changes in policy and procedure were necessary and how they would be accomplished, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Safeway Cost Sharing 9. Safeway Cost Sharing Agreement Agreement Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney. Councilman Ostrowski moved to accept the recommendation of the Real Estate Committee and execute the cost sharing agreement with Safeway in the amount of $40,000. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler requested a more comprehensive explanation of why the City is giving a $40,000 credit, which was provided by Councilman Doyle as a member of the Real Estate Committee. After further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. -5- 2998 CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 21, 1995 LEGISLATION: 10. Request from Healthy Families for Transfer of Human Services Funds (Cont'd) Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk. Request for Transfer of Human Services Funds Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize the transfer of $10,000 from - Healthy Families to the Concerned Citizens for Special Children. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion. A discussion followed, and Councilman Schueler gave a brief history of the Concerned Citizens for Special Children. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Dr. Schueler' s Resignation I I. Resignation of Dr. Larry Schueler from Clallam County Community Network from Clallam County Community Network Manager Pomeranz explained that Dan Leinan, the Forks Clerk/Treasurer, 'proposed Pat Mansfield of Forks to fill this position. Mr. Leinan stated he would send a letter stating Mr. Mansfield's qualifications; however, it has not arrived as yet. The Cities of Sequim and Forks have been cooperative in supporting Port Angeles' nominations. It was felt that the Council should wait for the letter from Forks before making this decision. Councilman Schueler stated that his reasons for resigning from this Committee were painful. He had felt this committee had real potential for helping the community; however, he now wonders how much the State government is mandating versus how much the community can autonomously develop itself. Request to Rejoin WPAG 12. Request to Rejoin the Washington Public Agency Group Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Light Department. Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize City Light to rejoin WPAG and drop its membership in PNUCC. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Firefighters Recognized 13. Firefighters/Paramedics Recognized Councilman Braun pointed out that in the Information portion of the packet there was a memo from Captain Jerry Doyle of the Fire Department. On March 12, 1995, Dan McKeen, Greg Darling and Dave Chastain rescued a woman from a house fire at 505 West 12th Street. Councilman Braun requested that these firefighters and their efforts be formally recognized at the next Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. -6-