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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/18/2000 4174 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington April 18, 2000 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Doyle called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Campbell, Erickson, Hulett, and Williams. Members Absent: Councilmembers McKeown and Wiggins. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, Y. Ziomkowski, D. Miller, S. McLain, G. Kenworthy, D. Ridout, and T. Smith. Public Present: J. Carlio, L. Lee, B. Philpott, A. Bentley. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Doyle. There was a moment ALLEGIANCE: of silence for City employee Dave Wilcox. CEREMONIAL Earth Day Proclamation: MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Doyle read a proclamation declaring Earth Day to be April 22, 2000. Dale Miller accepted the proclamation and distributed recycling information to the Council. Earth Day Proclamation WORK SESSION: Clallam County Solid Waste Management Plan: Clallam County Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Department of Public Works Comprehensive Solid & Utilities. Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler indicated the presentation this Waste Management Plan evening was intended to provide a briefing of the Plan and answer any questions the Council may have. The Council will be asked to adopt the plan at its next meeting, after which the Plan will be submitted to the State for approval. Director Cutler then introduced Mr. Rick Hlavka of Green Solutions to present the Clallam County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (CSWMP). With the use of Power Point, Mr. Hlavka referenced the current Solid Waste Management Plan which was adopted on January 19, 1993. An update to the plan became necessary by virtue of upcoming anticipated changes, and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee began the process to update the Plan and to address the future solid waste activities in the County. Because the Port Angeles Landfill will be closing in 2006 and because it is expected that waste will have to be exported, there were many elements of the Plan which had to be considered. Mr. Hlavka reviewed the participants in the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and summarized the changes expected to happen in the future. He delineated the elements of the Solid Waste Management Plan, as well as the Plan recommendations, to include such areas as waste prevention, recycling, composting, collection, transfer, incineration, landfilling, waste import/export, regulation/administration, and special wastes. The adoption process for the Plan involves review by the public and the Department of Ecology, approval by local governments, final approval by Ecology, and finally, the Plan implementation. Mr. Hlavka asked of Council if there were any questions, and Councilmember Erickson inquired about reserve capacity at the Landfill in case of emergency. Mr. Hlavka indicated this possibility had been considered, but because of the great expense that would be involved, it was not further pursued. It was noted that the Blue Mountain transfer station could be used in the event of an early Port Angeles landfill closure. Councilman Campbell introduced the subject of financing for the new system, and Mr. ol- 4175 CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 18, 2000 WORK SESSION: Hlavka summarized the different options, to include the formation of a collection or (Cont'd) disposal district. He indicated it might be the better option to create a disposal system or district which would have taxing authority. Formation of such a district would have Clallam County to be approved by a majority of the voters. Discussion folloWed, and Mayor Doyle asked Comprehensive Solid for further information on the details of plan administration. Councilmen Hulett asked Waste Management Plan if the County would have authority to regulate the transfer station operation, and Mr. (Cont'd) Hlavka noted the County would issue a permit for the station. Director Cutler stressed the importance of recycling, as efforts proceed toward closure of the Landfill. In that regard, one of the first steps taken has been the conversion to smaller trash containers. Director Cutler asked that any additional questions be directed to him before the next Council meeting. Capital Facilities Plan Director Cutler reviewed the information contained in the packet on the matter of the Capital Facilities Plan. He noted several changes made to the document, explaining the document in detail and the significance of each column. The Capital Facilities Plan will be adopted once a year. Manager Quinn emphasized how important the CFP can be in terms of contract management. He reviewed the fact that $1,000,000 had been set aside in the 1999 budget process and an additional $650,000 in the 2000 budget process, and it was agreed that the combined amounts could be used for capital projects to benefit the community. The task now is to consider the $1,650,000 and allocate it to some capital projects. The current reserves are almost $3,000,000. Manager Quinn indicated that the goal of this evening's discussion was to address the General Government projects. Adoption of the Plan can take place at the next Council meeting. Director Cutler referenced the spreadsheet in the CFP and advised the Council that staff is recommending 13 projects for endorsement. He proceeded to review the specific details pertinent to each project, clarifying the total costs and funding options, as well as the associated time frames. He clarified that many projects not included in the 13 prioritized will still be accomplished during the year. Manager Quinn requested that Director Cutler address those projects that would be finished or at least started during this calendar year. Director Cutler included project numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10 in that category. Discussion, questions and answers followed, and Mayor Doyle felt this review had been a worthwhile start. The Council posed questions relative to specific projects, and Councilman Williams referenced the hillside behind the Lee Hotel which he felt could be a source for parking in the downtown area. He suggested staff consider this for further exploration. Also, Councilman Hulett mentioned the possibility of an observation area at the top of the Laurel Street stairs, and Director Cutler indicated this would likely be part of architectural,and engineering design as relates to the overall project. Director Cutler made closing comments, asking that Council direct any inquiries or questions to him. Break Mayor Doyle recessed the meeting for a break at 6:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:10 p.m. LATE ITEMS TO BE None PLACED ON THIS OR FUTURE AGENDA: FINANCE: I. Award Bid for 90-Gallon Solid Waste Containers: Solid Waste Containers Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by Public Works & Utilities regarding Bid Award the purchase of 90-gallon solid waste containers. Director Cutler was pleased with the bid spread, noting the low bidder came in under budget. Mayor Doyle noted the City would need 4,000 containers over a three-year period, so the bid of $61,615 is for the first phase of 1,400 containers. Councilman Campbell inquired as to whether additional containers should be purchased in view of the fact the bids came in lower than anticipated. Deputy Director Ridout indicated the bid is good for the entire year, and it is possible that Public Works could purchase additional containers up to the $75,000 ' budget figure. Councilman Campbell moved to authorize the Director of Public Works & Utilities to purchase the 90-gallon trash containers from North American Crane & Equipment. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -2- CITY COUNCIL MEEWING April 18, 2000 "I" Street Substation Bid 2. "I" Street Substation Bid Award: Award Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by Public Works & Utilities and, after limited discussion, Councilmember Erickson moved to award the contact to Triaxis Engineering. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Peabody Heights Water 3. Final Acceptance for Peabody Heights Water Main Improvements: Main Improvements Final Acceptance Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by Public Works & Utilities. Councilmember Hulett moved to accept the project as presented. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Electrical Distribution 4. Electrical Distribution Design Bid Award: Design Bid Award Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by Public Works & Utilities. Director Cutler advised the Council that projects had been bundled together because the work was similar, and the intent was to reduce the overall design costs. Councilman Campbell moved to accept the recommendation as presented to award the design contract to Triaxis Engineering. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Williams moved to accept the Consent Agenda, to include: 1) special Council meeting minutes of March 23, 2000, and regular Council meeting minutes of April 4, 2000; and 2) Check Register - April 12, 2000 - $ !,023,247.11. Councilmember Eriekson seconded the motion. All Council members voted in support of the motion, with the exception of Councilman Hulett, who abstained from voting on the minutes of March 23,2000, due to his absence from that meeting. Because abstentions are counted as affirmative votes, the motion carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Mayor Doyle introduced Jim Haguewood, who was in attendance to give a presentation COMMITTEE on a proposed hotel and convention center. Jim Haguewood, 705 Christman Place, Vice REPORTS: Chair of the Downtown Forward Executive Committee and a member of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, indicated his proposal involved the Oak Street property and Presentation on Proposed a downtown convention/civic center. He noted some community goals have envisioned Hotel and Conference a civic center of approximately 10,000 square feet, a significant size development for the Center Oak Street property, as well as an increase in lodging tax revenue. He discussed the idea of a performing arts center in a downtown location and the creation of a competitive product to offer tourists, conventioneers, and prospective business owners. Mr. Haguewood's proposal centered around three different elements: 1) a hotel for the Oak Street property; 2) a conference center in the Tidelands West block, which would be City- owned and operated and would offer the possibility of expansion; and 3) the Red Lion would be asked to make a financial investment in the construction of the conference center. He stated many positive impacts would be derived from building a conference center which has a waterfront to make it unique and valuable. Secondly, by building a new hotel on the Oak Street property, lodging tax revenues would be increased. The goal would be to create a first-class facility. He noted that Red Lion typically budgets $200,000 a year for marketing to bring people to the hotel, and a new hotel would likely invest a similar amount. Mr. Haguewood summarized a number of supportive motions that were passed by the Downtown Forward Executive Committee and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, most notably that $100,000 of lodging tax revenues per year, plus whatever increase in lodging tax revenues is generated by the new facility, be dedicated to a conference center. It has been determined that $100,000 would equate to $1 million in debt service. He urged the City to take a proactive marketing approach to attract prospective hotel owners. He noted a key point to his proposal was that there be a linkage between the convention center and the new hotel rooms to ensure the success of the investment in a convention center. Councilman Campbell inquired of Mr. Haguewood as to the presently low occupancy rate in Port Angeles hotels. Mr. Haguewood responded that the occupancy rate is 60% because there isn't a competitive product such as a convention center. Discussion ensued, and Councilmember Erickson felt this proposal was far more interesting than the proposal submitted by the Promus Corporation. She agreed there was a need to create a facility that involves 'the water and is unique and of high quality. Councilman Hulett asked whether the Red Lion had been approached on the matter of making a financial investment, and Mr. Haguewood responded that he had met with the General Manager and stressed the importance of Red Lion involvement. -3- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4177 April 18, 2000 CITY COUNCIL Consideration was given to the relationship of the Vern Burton Center to the proposal, COMMITTEE particularly as relates to the use of lodging tax revenues. The opinion was expressed that REPORTS: the Veto Burton Center has met its intended purpose but, if the City wants to become (Cont'd) competitive, the Center can't possibly attract conventioneers. Presentation on Proposed Councilman Williams referenced letters received by the City, wherein concem is Hotel and Conference expressed with the proposal to use lodging tax revenues for this purpose. The use of Center (Cont'd) these funds would reduce the amount of lodging tax revenues currently dedicated to marketing. Councilman Williams was concerned that the City wouldn't be honoring a previous commitment made and, in that regard, he asked for further information and clarification from staff. Councilman Campbell noted there has been an ongoing effort to fred the best way to put heads in beds and, to that end, the City has invested $150,000 per year for a three-year period in the area of marketing. While the City has committed those funds, at some point in time, it is important to look at the gains from this expenditure in the form of heads in beds. If, however, there has been no gain, then it would make sense to look at other ways for the use of the funds. Erl Hansen, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, was asked if he would like to comment the letter he sent to the Council. Mr. Hansen, 121 E. Railroad, recalled various ways in which previous lodging tax funds were used. When he and Rick Hert met with everyone in the industry on the matter of a 2% increase in lodging taxes, they talked about the funds being dedicated to marketing only. Mr. Hansen noted that, in 1992, the City had its best year in terms of hotel/motel occupancy. This was prior to the construction of the Portside Inn and the Best Western Olympic Lodge. He felt that more hotel rooms do not necessarily equate to more people. Mayor Doyle thanked Mr. Haguewood for the presentation. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Campbell reported that the state is phasing out land clearing/burning by the COMMITTEE end of this year, and restricted burning requirements will be instituted. There will be REPORTS: (Cont'd) limited outdoor burning restricted to 7 days per year. He attended the Washington Research Council Presentation sponsored by The Port Angeles Business Association and found it enlightening and useful for background information. Councilman Campbell advised the Council that the reconstituted Rayonier Task Force met and heard from the Department of Ecology regarding the plan for the Rayonier site cleanup. The three steps that DOE will follow includes remedial investigation about site contamination which may involve sampling and soil testing; a feasibility review describing cleanup limits; and a cleanup action plan which defines standards by which the site will be cleaned up. There will be public involvement and comment, and clean up could take approximately four years. Councilman Hulett interviewed four potential companies about replacement of Wendt Advertising. Mayor Doyle, Councilmen Wiggins and Campbell attended the Teen Scene dinner to kick off their fund-raising drive for this year, and Mayor Doyle was impressed with their efforts. Mayor Doyle and his wife attended four events at The Olympic Jazz Festival which were enjoyable. There is a Tandem Bike Rally scheduled in July which should be well attended. Salary Increase for IBEW Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings Ordinance No. 3050 Salary increase for IBEW for 2000 Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Human Resources Department and read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 30~0 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington . establishing a pay plan for the employees represented by IBEW Local g997 for the period of April 1, 2000 through March 31,2001, and providing for the payment thereof. Councilman Hulett moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -4- C1TY COUNCIL MEEIING April 18, 2000 t~ 17 8 Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings None. Approval of Labor Other Considerations Contract with AFSCME #1619 1. Approval of labor contract with AFSCME #1619 Mayor Doyle reviewed information from Bob Coons regarding the labor contract between the City and AFSCME Local #1619. Councilman Campbell moved to approve the agreement. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 2. Dais~owa Transmission Lines Maintenance and Operation Agreement Daishowa Transmission Mayor Doyle reviewed the inforndation provided by the Department of Public Works Lines Maintenance and regarding the Maintenance and Operation Agreements for Daishowa Transmission Lines. Operation Agreement Power Manager McLain directed the Council's attention to Section 9.3 of the agreement, having to do with insurance required under the agreement. Attorney Knutson indicated the City would have to name Daishowa as an additional insured with the City's insurance. However, the City's insurance and insurance pool, WCIA, does not provide that type of coverage for other parties to City contracts. He noted that Daishowa has no objection to having that particular clause applicable only to the PUD, so the words "responsible party" will be changed to "Districf'. After further limited discussion, Councilman Campbell moved to authorize The Director of Public Works & Utilities to sign the Maintenance and Operation Agreements 404 and 405 for transmission lines No.1 and No. 2. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Contribution to Electric 3. Contribution to Electric Utility Rural Economic Development Revolving Fund Utility Rural Economic for2000 Development Revolving Fund for 2000 Mayor Doyle reviewed the information from Public Works & Utilities, and Councilman Hulett moved to follow the recommendations of staff as presented. Couneilmember Eriekson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Renewal of High School 4. Renewal of High School Resource Officer Program Agreement Resource Officer Program Assistant Couneilmember Erickson moved to approve the renewal of the High School Resource Office Program Agreement. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion. Mayor Doyle noted the Police Department hopes to be able to renew the grant for this year. Currently there is a combination of contracts between the grant and the School District, and the Mayor asked if the City would be responsible for the expense if the grant funds are not forthcoming. Manager Quinn responded that a decision would haVe to be made relative to the continuation of the program should the grant funding not be approved. It was noted that the officer is very busy and has a worthwhile presence at the High School. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. QUASI-JUDICIAL: PUBLIC HEARINGS - Nonel OTHER: INFORMATION: City Manager's Report: Manager Quinn reported that Dave Sawyer, Senior Planner, has resigned and taken the position of Planning Manager for The City of Sammamish. He was wished well in his new position. With regard to the letters Council received on the 2% hotel/motel tax, Manager Quinn indicated the City has always honored its commitments. As a course of action, the City must remain somewhat flexible with the changing environment, while keeping its goals and focus. Brief discussion was held on the status of fiber optics being brought to the Peninsula. Also, Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler provided brief information about recycling .biosolids to hay and pasture land in the County. He added that Jeff Young has -5- CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 18, 2000 INFORMATION: made a positive contribution to our efforts. (Cont'd) Peter Ripley offered kudos to an officer in the Police Department who recently assisted Peter when his wheelchair failed. ADJOURN TO None. EXECUTIVE SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ~ ~. ~t~z'~Cl~r r - - ~L"~I:~ D o-y le ,,~,~or / /" -6-