HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/19/1994 2722
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, WaShington
April 19, 1994
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order
SPECIAL MEETING: at 5:36 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Braun, Doyle, Hulett,
McKeown, Ostrowski, and Schueler.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S.
Brodhun, L. Glenn, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, G.
Kenworthy, T. Riepe, S. McLane, and Y. Ziomkowski.
Public Present: L. Beil, D. Milligan, J. Honnold, T. Ellison, D. Cosset,
S. Cosset, M. Underwood, G. Underwood.
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 5:36 p.m. to discuss litigation for
approximately one-half hour.
RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 6:00 p.m.
SESSION:
Interview Applicants for The following applicants were interviewed for the Growth Management Advisory
Growth Management Committee: Mike Gentry, Ann Gilson, Martie Lucas, and Chris Muir.
Advisory Committee
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order
REGULAR MEETING: at 7:05 p.m.
PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Boy Scout Troop #1458, P.
ALLEGIANCE: Carmean, Leader. Participants were J. Cates and T. Carmean.
APPROVAL OF Councilman Ostrowsld moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
MINUTES: April 5, 1994. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried by a
majority vote, with Councilman Hulett abstaining due to absence from that
meeting.
With the Conncil's permission, Mayor Sargent changed Item VIII. 1. to Item VIII.5.
CEREMONIAL 1. Proclamation Recognizing Port Angeles' Official Business Greeters: The
MATTERS/ Chamber of Commerce ~Ambassadors"
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Sargent read a proclamation recognizing Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce ~Ambassadors~ as the Official Business Greeters for the City. Accepting the
MAmbassadors' proclamation on behalf of the Chamber were Ann Ashley and Lucille Lee.
National Tourist Week 2. Proclamation Recognizing National Tourist Week - May 1-7, 1994
Mayor Sargent read a proclamation recognizing May 1 through May 7, 1994, as
National Tourist Week.
3. Proclamation Recognizing April 22, 1994, as Earth Day
Earth Day
Mayor Sargent read a proclamation recognizing April 22, 1994, as Earth Day, and
announced that there will be an open house held at the Landfill site on Friday, April
22, 1994, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
-1-
2723
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 19, 1994
CEREMONIAL 4. Consideration of Nomination for Community Memorial
MATTERS/
PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation
(Cont'd) Department regarding the nomination of Harold (Si) McLaughlin for the Community
Memorial. Leonard Bell, a member of the Park Board, spoke in support of the
Community Memorial nomination of McLaughlin and urged the Council to approve the addition of Mr.
McLaughlin's name to the memorial plaque. Councilman Sehueler moved to
approve adding the name of Mr. Harold (Si) McLaughlin to the community
memorial plaque. Councilmember MeKeown seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Gaming Development 5. Beverly Bennett, Lower Elwha $'Klallam Tribe Chairperson, to speak on
Gaming Development
Mayor Sargent introduced Beverly Bennett, Chairperson of the Lower Elwha
S'Klallam Tribe, who gave a presentation on the history of the tribe and the gaming
development. The gaming development will create in excess of 300 jobs during the
busy months, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support State of Washington
non-profit organizations and their activities. The gaming development will make a
difference in the economy and lives of Port Angeles residents. Ms. Bennett
introduced Bob Hingos, DreamCatcher, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a consultant who
will work on the facility design; Jane Bremmer, also from Minneapolis; Bill
Lindberg, the local architect who will assist in the design of the facility; and Ms.
Grace Bacon of the Tribe. Ms. Bennett urged the Council to review the information
provided on the gaming development.
The Tribe recognizes that activities associated with the operation of the gaming
facility may impact surrounding law enforcement agencies and emergency services;
therefore, the gaming compact provides for contributions to the community. A
committee consisting of six members, two each from the Tribe, State and County
will convene at least annually to determine distribution of the funds.
The Tribe is concerned with the potential for problem gambling and plans to secure
the services of a mental health professional who will be certified in problem
gambling counseling. Counseling services will be available to any County resident.
There is additional concern with problem drinking and the alcoholism rate in Clallam
County. If the Tribe decides to serve alcohol, it will be strictly monitored .and
controlled. The Tribe has no desire to have a sit-down bar in its facility and will not
offer free drinks.
The Lower Elwha Tribal Police Department operates under a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Clallam County Sheriff's Department. The Tribal force will
be increased to provide 24-hour support to the gaming facility.
The location of the gaming facility is advantageous due to the close proximity to the
ferries, the airport, Olympic National Park, and the many motel/hotel sites in the
Port Angeles region. The Tribe feels the City of Port Angeles will greatly benefit
from this project and is already investigating future economic development projects
which will benefit hotels, motels, R¥ parks, restaurants and other industries. Many
Port Angeles businesses have already sent letters of support to the Tribe. Ms.
Bennett requested that the City write a letter of support for the Lower Elwha Tribal
gaming facility. She asked that Mr. Hingos take the podium to review the
capabilities of DreamCatcher. Mr. Hingos stated that it was a privilege to be
associated with the Lower Elwha community and assist them with their endeavors.
The DreamCatcher Gaming Company will be assisting the Tribe with financing,
building and management of the facility. The gaming facility will not be located on
the reservation, but on Indian-owned land.
Discussion followed, and Mayor Sargent inquired as to whether a City representative
could be added to the compact committee. Police Chief Ilk cited the compact and
noted the make-up of the committee may be altered by mutual agreement of the tribal
and state gambling agencies if necessary. Mayor Sargent felt that there will be
definite impacts on the City, and having representation on the committee would be
beneficial. Ms. Bennett assured the Mayor she would check into this possibility.
After further discussion, Mayor Sargent thanked Ms. Bennett and Mr. Hingos for
their presentation and informed them that a decision would be made on this issue
later on the agenda.
Councilman Schueler expressed some concern with a poll taken on this issue which
did not include residents of Clallam County. Ms. Bacon indicated the Tribe had no
involvement in the poll; she has, however, received, many calls and letters since the
article about the gaming facility appeared in the newspaper more than two months
ago, and all of them were positive.
-2-
2724
April 19, 1994
Gaming Development At Mayor Sargent's request, Mr. Hingos provided a brief explanation of his
(Cont'd) company's background and history and assured the Council that his Company and
the Tribe would act. within the parameters of the compact.
CITY COUNCIl. Councilman Ostrowski attended a Regional Transportation meeting and a Multi-
COMMITTEE modal meeting. Under funding consideration was a County request, as well as a
REPORTS: City request for funds for the Multi-modal Transportation Center. Unfortunately,
neither of the two projects were recipients of funding. Councilman Ostrowski urged
staff and the City Manager to continue the pursuit of the City projects.
Having been on vacation, Councilman Hulett had nothing to report at this time.
Councilmember McKeown attended a UAC meeting, a report on which she deferred
to Councilman Braun.
Councilman Doyle attended an Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority meeting.
The Authority presented an activity report for the month of March, and Councilman
Doyle noted there is a drive-by inspection conducted almost weekly at Rayonier, K-
Ply and Daishowa.
Councilman Braun attended a Facility meeting, as well as a Maintenance meeting for
Clallam Transit. He also attended the UAC meeting; the main issue being the solid
waste tax exemption, which is on this evening's agenda. Councilman Braun attended
a Clallam Transit Board meeting, the UAC meeting, and a meeting on the
preparation of the quarterly report to the community.
Mayor Sargent attended an EDC meeting, at which time there was a presentation on
Tribal gaming. She noted the new EDC Director is on board. Mayor Sargent was
also involved in the recent emergency management earthquake awareness meetings.
FINANCE: I. Consideration of Bids for Traffic Materials
Traffic Material Bids Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department,
and noted two errors in the recommended bid awards: Item "F" should be Mid Ohio
Markings, and Item "O' should be Zumar Industries. After limited discussion,
Councilmember McKeown moved to award the bids to the lowest responsive
bidders as recommended, incorporating the two corrections as submitted.
Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanilnonsly.
Composting Facility 2. Composting Facility - Payment 5, Change Order 1
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department.
City Engineer Kenworthy explained that initially there was going to be a three inch
thick asphalt floor. However, the FAA has stated that it will not object to a
Composting Facility in an enclosed building; therefore, the Contractor was told to
proceed with providing estimates to provide a concrete floor, as this will have a
much longer life span. The estimate came in within an acceptable range, and the
Contractor was told to proceed as it will also give the City added value. Another
part of the change order was shifting the building easterly to provide room for an
access road. A third portion of this change order was due to unanticipated unsuitable
materials encountered. This comprises $81,000 of the change order. Polaris
Engineering investigated the site and made a recommendation to lower the site two
and one-half feet. Lengthy discussion followed.
Councilman Braun moved to approve Change Order No. I for the Composting
Facility Project 92-29.14 in the amount of $154,026.99. Councilman Ostrowski
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Director Pittis indicated he
would be meeting with Manager Pomeranz to determine a means of providing the
City Council with more timely information when situations such as this arise in the
future.
Mayor Sargent suggested that Item E. 1. relating to a letter of support for the Lower
Elwha Tribe's gaming facility.be moved up on the agenda.
Letter of Support for 1. Request from Lower Elwha Tribal Council for letter of support for their
Gaming Project Tribe's Gaming Project
Councilmember McKeown moved that the City Manager be directed to draft an
appropriate response letter in support of the Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe's
Gaming Project. Councilman Braun seconded the motion with the proviso that
the letter also include the City's request to be represented on the Compact
-3 '
2725
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 19, 1994
Letter of Support for Committee. Councilmember McKeown accepted the amendment.
Gaming Project (Cont'd)
Councilmember McKeown commended the Lower Elwha Tribe for their vision and
desire to address the many issues facing both the Tribal Council and the City of Port
Angeles. She especially commended the fact that they are dealing with the issues of
liquor and compulsive gambling at this early stage, and she urged them to consider
the placement of a Council member on the Compact Committee.
Councilman Doyle asked what the duties of the Compact Committee would be.
Grace Bacon, staff member for the Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe, explained that the
State asked the Tribe to consider all impacts of the gaming facility on the area. The
Committee reviews quantified impacts. Any agency that can show quantification of
impact will be addressed in a regular meeting, then the Committee meets and
determines how to distribute the available funds. The full title of the committee is
Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribal Gaming Impact Committee. The Committee must be
operating within six months after opening the casino.
Councilman Sehueler stated his opposition to the passage of the motion, as he did not
believe the City had taken the temperature of its constituency; the citizens of this
community have not had an opportunity to express themselves .on this issue.
Councilman Ostrowski echoed the sentiments of Councilman Sehueler and requested
that a public hearing be held. Councilmember McKeown reminded the Council that
it is a representative form of government, elected to make decisions on behalf of the
citizens.
Councilman Doyle expressed personal support of the gaming facility; however, he
felt the Council should not endorse a private enterprise. He felt the City should
remain neutral on the subject. Police Chief Ilk stated that he has spoken to law
enforcement agencies in other areas where gaming facilities are located, and they
have not had adverse impacts due to the facilities. For the most part, they have
provided some benefit to local government. Councilman Braun felt the Council
should support the endeavors of the Tribe and wish them well. He indicated he
would support passage of the motion.
Grace Bacon, in response to Councilman Schueler's concern over citizen input, stated
there had been a hearing in this area, as well as in another area, regarding the
facility and the compacting process to engage in gaming. No negative comments
were made at the hearings; the public was invited and no one came.
Grace Bennett stated that they are requesting a letter of support because the Bureau
of Indian Affairs suggested the Tribe obtain local government support to aid in land
acquisition. The Tribe has set up meetings with the City, County, EDC, and Port
Commissioners to gain their support.
After further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion which carried by a 4-3
vote, with Mayor Sargent and Councilmembers McKeown, Hulett, and Braun
voting in favor and Councilmembers Doyle, Ostrowski, and Schueler voting in
opposition.
CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Ostrowski moved to accept the Conse~it Agenda, including: (1)
Contract with CH2M Hill for long-range system study for City Light; (2) Voucher
list of April 15, 1994, of $1,638,075.72; (3) Payroll of April 10, 1994, for
$329,269.30. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Discussion followed, and
a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously.
Break The Mayor recessed the meeting for a break at 9:00 p.m. The meeting re. convened
at 9:20 p.m.
LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings
Zoning Code Amendment 1. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT- ZCA 93(12)04 - GERMAN, Planned
Residential Districts City-wide: (Continued from March 15, 1994.)
(Applicant is withdrawing the zoning code amendmenO
Mayor Sargent reported that Tim German had withdrawn his request for a Zoning
Code amendment concerning Planned Residential Districts. Councilman Doyle
moved to recognize and accept Mr. German's letter of withdrawal.
Councilmemher McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
-4-
2726
April 19, 1994
LEGISLATION: B. Ordinances Not Requiring a Public Hearing
(Cont'd)
1. Amendment to Landfill Rate Ordinance Providing Reduction for Commercial
Landfill Rate Ordinance - Haulers Whbidre Exempt from 4.696 Solid Waste Collection Tax
Ordinance No. 2803
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney's Office, and
read the Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 2803
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington,
pertaining to an exemption from the solid waste collection
tax and amending Ordinance No. 2317, as amended, and
Chapter 13.56 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.
Councilman Braun moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman
Schueler seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the
motion, which carried unanimously.
ITEMS FROM THE Thomas Ellison, 4308 Nicholas Road, asked to address Item E. 5.
AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/
STAFF TO BE Donald S. Cosset, 2141 E. Third Avenue, requested to address Item E. 5.
CONSIDERED OR
PLACED ON A
FUTURE AGENDA:
Law Enforcement Firing 2. Ordinance Annexing City-Owned Property at Landfill for Law Enforcement
Range - Firing Range
Ordinance No. 2804
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Police Department, and
read the Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 2304
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington,
annexing certain territory to the City of Port Angeles
Councilman Braun moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman
Doyle seconded the motion. Mayor Sargent inquired as to whether this annexation
would be subject to the review of the Boundary Review Board, to which Attorney
Knutson responded it would not. The annexation is exempt from the purview of the
Boundary Review Board, as it involves City-owned property which is to be used for
a municipal purpose. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Reservations for the Vern 3. Vern Burton Memorial Community Center Reservation Ordinance
Burton Memorial
Community Center- Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation
Ordinance No. 2805 Department, and read the Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 2805
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington,
establishing regulations for the scheduling of permitted
activities at the Veto Burton Memorial Community Center
and amending Ordinance 2398 as amended and Chapter 12.08
of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.
Clerk Upton informed the Council that there was a correction to a referenced Section
number: Section 12.08.100 should read 12.08.115.
Councilmember McKeown moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title,
inclusive of the corrected section number. Councilman Hulett seconded the
motion. Discussion followed concerning the ordinance language in the first sentence
of Subsection C. It was agreed to change the language to read as follows:
"...provided, however, that such events cannot be displaced by conference and
convention events within 120 days of the event date". The maker and seconder of
the motion agreed to this change, and a vote was taken on the motion, which
carried unanimously.
2727
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 19, 1994
LEGISLATION: C. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings
(Cont'd)
None.
Planning Commission D. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items
Minutes/Action Items
None.
E. Other Considerations
Appointments to Growth 2. Appointments to Growth Management Advisory Committee
Management Advisory
Committee Mayor Sargent reported that four applicants for the Growth Management Advisory
Committee had been interviewed earlier in the evening. There are five vacancies on
the Committee. Councilman Braun moved to appoint Mike Gentry, Ann Gilson,
Martie Lucas and Chris Muir to the Growth Management Advisory Committee.
Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Appointment to Law 3. Appointment to Law Enforcement Advisory Board
Enforcement Advisory
Board Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Police Department.
Councilman Schueler moved to appoint Katie Sundt for an additional one-year
term as the high school representative and authorize the City Clerk to advertise
for the position that will become vacant in June, 1994. Councilman Braun
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Chamber of Commerce 4. 1994 Contract with Chamber of Commerce
Contract
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk.
Councilman Ostrowski moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the
tourist promotion contract with the Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Hulett
seconded the motion. City Manager Pomeranz informed the Council that
hotel/motel tax revenues for 1994 are not coming in as projected, and with the
closure of salmon fishing, there may be a more significant decrease in the tax
revenues. It is possible the City will be in a deficit position by year end, and there
is a likelihood that the City will have to make a reduction in the levels of funding to
the various agencies in 1995. Mayor Sargent suggested that letters be sent to all
agencies funded by the City this year, and advise them that the taxes will fall short
and there will probably be some drastic cuts next year. A vote was taken on the
motion, which carried unanimously.
Request for Taxi and 5. Request for Taxi at~l For-Hire Vehicle License
For-Hire Vehicle License
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by staff, and invited Mr. Thomas
Ellison to take the podium.
Tom Ellison, 4208 Nicholas Road, Port Angeles, distributed a prepared statement to
the Council and stated that he believed Mr. Cosset applied for two additional
vehicles only because of the competition being offered by Mr. Ellison's corporation.
Mr. Ellison further stated that Blue One/Blue Top Cab should not be allowed to have
a monopoly on the taxicab business in Port Angeles. Mr. Ellison asked that the
Council give first consideration to. his application; he also requested that Mr.
Cosser's request for two additional taxicabs and the policy regarding the number of
taxicabs allowed in the City be put ona future Council agenda for further discussion.
Mr. Ellison then completed the review of his statement.
Donald Cosser, 2141 E. Third Avenue, owner and operator of Blue One/Blue Top
Cabs, felt that the issue at hand did not involve conflicting requests. Mr. Ellison
applied for a business license to operate a taxicab, and Mr. Cosser is attempting to
add two taxicabs to his already licensed business. He cited Chapter 5.36 of the
PAMC as specifically addressing both of these procedures, and pointed out that Mr.
Ellison has not completed the process to operate a taxi company, and therefore, Mr.
Ellison's request for a business license should be denied. Mr. Cosser then reviewed
the procedure for adding additional taxicabs to an existing company, which he stated
he has attempted to comply with.
Mr. Cosset informed the Council that while he was attempting to add two vehicles
to his fleet, City staff decided not to conclude the process by delaying the inspection
of the cars by the Chief of Police. Staff postponed the process until after
-6-
2728
April 19, 1994
LEGISLATION: consideration by the City Council. He felt this was an unprecedented decision.
(Cont'd) Adding vehicles is a staff function; granting a new license is a Council decision.
Request for Taxi and Mr. Cosset indicated he h~d no ~tention of halting Mr. Ellison's business by adding
For-Hire Vehicle License two more cabs, as the addition of vehicles had been his intention all along. He has
(Cont'd) owned the two vehicles for over a year; they have previously been in service as
taxicabs in Port Angeles. He is' returning these cabs to service to facilitate routine
maintenance on other vehicles in service and to prepare for a possible increase in
summer business. This flexibility would be eliminated by the approval of Mr.
Ellison's application for a business license. Mr. Cosset stated that he has eight taxis,
all of which are licensed to operate on the State highways of Washington, and he
wants them registered with the City in order to give his business the greatest amount
of flexibility. Mr. Cosset requested that Council direct staff to complete the
inspection of his vehicles by the Chief of Police. He reminded the Council that
5.36.020 of the PAMC limits the number of taxicabs to nine, and this is based on
population. He discussed the reason for the limitation of the number of taxis, and
urged the Council to not raise the allowable number of taxis.
Mr. Cosset stated that Mr. Ellison had called him and informed him that he was
applying for a taxi/for-hire vehicle company license, and that he did not wish to
adversely effect his business. Mr. Ellison further told him that he was mainly
interested in nmning a shuffle/bus service and would only operate his taxis during
the night hours and not solicit daytime business. Mr. Cosset said that this type of
taxi service is not needed in Port Angeles, but rather 24-hour service is needed
whether it is busy or slow. It is Mr. Cosser's opinion that public convenience and
necessity would not benefit from approval of a second taxi business license. He
urged the Council to approve two additional vehicles for Blue One/Blue Top Cabs,
and further requested that the Council deny the business license application for Mr.
Tom Ellison.
Meeting Extended Councilman Braun moved to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Councilman
Past 10:00 p.m. Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Mayor Sargent asked Mr. Cosset if he was really expecting an influx of business in
view of the problems facing the fishing/timber industry. Mr. Cosser replied that he
did not know what to expect, as the Summer Games in Victoria could create a lot of
traffic. He reiterated that he has owned these vehicles for a year, they are part of
his fleet, and he wants them on the road. If a business license is granted to Mr.
Ellison, then his flexibility will be eliminated, as he will not be able to add any
vehicles. He would not be able to take any of his hard working cars off the road for
routine maintenance.
Councilman Doyle inquired if Mr. Cosset operated 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, to which Mr. Cosser responded he does. Mr. Cosser indicated he starts the
day with two cars and goes from there; he stated there is a need for one more car
than you have on the road.
Councilman Schueler favored eliminating the number of allowed taxicabs and
allowing normal competition in the marketplace. Councilmembers McKeown and
Doyle echoed the sentiments of Councilman Schueler. Discussion followed.
Mr. Cosset expressed his resentment with the fact that Mr. Ellison could submit an
incomplete application and have it perceived that the three remaining slots should be
reserved for his use. He didn't feel that these are conflicting requests, as he is the
owner of an existing business who wishes to add to his fleet. The two requests
should be treated as separate issues. He reiterated that the PAMC limits the number
of vehicles allowed for taxicabs, and if the limitation is removed the City would be
flooded with taxis. They would all go out of business, because there isn't enough
business to go around and soon, the City would have no taxi service at all. Mr.
Cosset then requested that Glenn Larson of Olympic Van Tours be given the
opportunity to address the issue.
Glenn Larson, President of Olympic Van Tours and Shuttles, Inc., 731 West Fourth
Street, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Blue Top Cabs.
State regulations for transportation companies are changing rapidly. If Port Angeles
does not have a law regarding vehicles being purchased, licensed, insured, and
inspected before a business license is granted, then this should be pursued. His
company had to go through all the procedures first in order to get a State license.
He does not need a local license because they operate from Port Angeles to SeaTac
Airport.
Mr. Larson also received a phone call from Mr. Ellison, who stated that he would
be doing a shuttle service between Port Angeles and SeaTac Airport, but his main
concern was starting a taxi company. Mr. Ellison is the third company to apply to
7
2729
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 19, 1994
LEGISLATION: the State for the Port Angeles/SeaTac nm, and Mr. Larson indicated he would be
(Cont'd) contesting this to the State, and there will be a State hearing on this issue. There is
not enough business for this nm to support more than one company. If Mr. Ellison
Request for Taxi and is granted a license, the nm will be so watered down that all companies will end up
For-Hire Vehicle License going out of business, and the Olympic Peninsula will be left without bus service to
(Cont'd) SeaTac.
Mr. Larson felt there is no monopoly, as he has not raised his rates since he started
the business. He is also planning on applying for a for-hire license to provide a
shuttle service from the local hotels, motels and campgrounds to the waterfront in
the summer time for people who wish to take the ferry. Mr. Larson indicated he
started providing this service already this past year, so Mr. Ellison was incorrect in
stating this service was not provided.
Mr. Ellison returned to the podium to state that Mr. Larson and Mr. Cosser were
attempting to gang up on him; they started their businesses four and five years ago,
and it is in their own best interests if Mr. Ellison is not granted his license. Mr.
Ellison felt it inappropriate to argue competition at this meeting, as this should be
done outside of the City Council meeting. He acknowledged, that he did call both
businesses as a courtesy and informed them that he was starting a competitive
business. He has no desire to drive anyone out of business. Mr. Ellison has applied
for a State license, and his application was accepted with the same contingencies as
those set forth by the City.
Councilman Schueler felt that the Council was not in a position to make a decision
on changing the Ordinance or issue licenses until the Council has gotten impartial
input from someone who is well versed on the subject. Attorney Knutson explained
that the best information that staff was able to obtain for this meeting was the
information provided in the Council's packet by the City Clerk. Attorney Knutson
reviewed a portion of that information and indicated that more research could be
done if that is what the Council wished.
Noting that the existing ordinance is 40 + years old, Mayor Sargent suggested the
possibility of a review of the ordinance. She inquired if there were time constraints
for granting the licenses. Attorney Knutson explained that normally the City Clerk
has a five-day period for approving business licenses; however, this is a unique
situation because this specific business license must be approved by the Council.
Further discussion ensued.
Gary Underwood, 816 S. A Street, stated that the International Taxicab Association
keeps statistics and records on cabs. He offered to find the address for the City
Clerk, as they should be able to provide information which will help in the decision
making process. Mayor Sargent suggested the issue be tabled for further
consideration, and that staff attempt to get more information for the Council.
Councilman Braun moved to table this issue to the next Council meeting.
Councilwoman McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Contract with 6. Authorize Contract with E. P. Hamilton & Associates, Inc. to Implement the
E.P. Hamilton & Assoc. Port Angeles Multi-Modal Transportation Plan
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department.
After a brief discussion, Councilman Doyle moved to authorize the Mayor to
execute a contract with the firm of E. P.. Hamilton to implement the Port
Angeles Multi-Modal Transportation Center Action Plan. Councilman Schueler
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
First Quarter Finance 7. City of Port Angeles First Quarter Finance Report
Report
Due to the late hour, Manager Pomeranz suggested the Council review the financial
report and submit any questions to staff. He indicated the six-month report would
contain more detail. He reported that expenditures are on track for the first quarter.
Accounting Manager Ziomkowski briefly reviewed the investment policy and
portfolio. Mayor Sargent thanked staff for the great job they are doing.
Salmon Fishing Closure 8. Letter to Elected Officials Regarding Salmon Fishing Closure in Strait of
Juan de Fuca
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Manager. Manager
Pomeranz stated that until there is substantiation of the impact of the fishing closure,
-8-
2730
crrY COUNC/L MEEnNG
April 19, 1994
LEGISLATION: it will be difficult to obtain financial aid from the State or Federal Government. The
(Cont'd) City wants to be well positioned to substantiate its claim to being a disaster area so
that the residents that are immediately impacted, as well as the local government, are
Salmon Fishing Closure assisted if that',asslstance is ne~xled.
(Cont'd)
Manager Pomeranz further stated that it is hoped that the economist would have a
report in less than 30 days. This professor is well noted in doing economic impact
studies; he will be assisted by graduate students which is why the cost is only
$2,000.
Councilman Schueler moved to authorize the City Manager to retain the services
of an economist to estimate the economic impacts of the salmon fishing closure
on the City of Port Angeles, provided that the amount of such services shall not
exceed $2,000. Coundiman Braun seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Manager Pomeramz informed the Council that his office is attempting to coordinate
a meeting with Governor Lowry, and it is necessary to have the Mayor present at
this meeting, as well as Council members to show a unified front.
Councilman Doyle moved to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter regarding
salmon fishing closure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which will he sent to State
officials. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carded
unanimously.
AWC Request for Voting 9. AWC Request for Voting Delegate
Delegate
Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the AWC.
Mayor Sargent and Councilmen Schueler and Ostrowski volunteered and were
approved by the Council to be the voting delegates for the AWC 1994 Annual
Business Meeting.
Councilman Schueler informed the Council that he will not be in attendance for
either of the May Council meetings.
City Manager Pomeranz has received questions regarding goals, etc., from various
Councilmembers. He suggested a team-building workshop to involve the Council
and Department Heads. The Council agreed that such a workshop should be
scheduled for early June.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 11:13 p.m.
-9-