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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06/04/2002 4665 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington June 4, 2002 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wiggins called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at SPECIAL MEETING: 4:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Headrick, Rogers, and Williams. Members Absent: Councilmember Erickson Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, M. Connelly, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, Y. Ziomkowski, S. McLain, K. Ridout, J. Harper, T. Smith, and G. Kenworthy. Public Present: L. Lee, G. & M. Eisenscher, J. & E. Schmitz, L. Rasmussen, R. Anderson, A. Holzschuh, P. Lamoureux, T. Price, K. Monds, J. Robinson, A. Mattie, C. Sofie, A. Dueno, W. Dueno, R. Sofie, N. Karudas, P. Walker, M. Wiggins, and J. Anderson. Capital Facilities Plan Capital Facilities Plan (CFP): Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler made opening comments, advising the Council that the City approaches the Capital Facilities Plan at this particular time of year in order to also address the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is a requirement precedent to'the receipt of State and Federal funding. Additionally, the CFP dovetails into the upcoming budget process, as well as the needs of the City and economic development issues. Director Cutler explained the process used in developing the list of projects presently before the Council, all of which were prioritized in the form of governmental funds and utility funds. Based on the funds available, there are governmental fund projects totaling just under $2 Million; the utility projects will be addressed during the budget process. He explained that the Council will be asked to set a public hearing for June 17, with final adoption of the TIP / CFP at the July 2~a meeting. Manager Quinn asked the Council to consider the CFP's long-term impact on capital projects and policy decisions. He noted that the most discretionary projects are those included in the governmental funds, yet they are also the most restricted. Another consideration, as pointed out by Mayor Wiggins, is whether or not the remaining funds from 2001 should be committed to capital projects or left in reserve. Manager Quinn added that the Council may also wish to consider funding requests from the community that come forward from time to time, such as for the public service memorial, the Francis Street Park, or the children's "Dream Park" at Erickson Field. Councilman Williams asked for clarification on the organization of the information provided in the draft CFP, and a thorough explanation from Director Cutler was forthcoming. Director Cutler continued that the funds required, based on the list provided, total $2.7 Million. Available funds total $1.9 Million; however, the Council was reminded that the City expects to receive an insurance reimbursement of -1- 4666 CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 4, 2002 Capital Facilities Plan approximately $563,000 for the Fire Hall roof. Additionally, grant funding is being (Cont'd) sought for the Carnegie Library and, if received, that amount should make up the difference to reach the $2.7 Million total for the CFP. The Council then considered the past practice of committing surplus funds to capital projects. The question was raised as to whether the City should keep those funds in reserve in view of expected economic and budgetary challenges. Mayor Wiggins and Councilman Campbell emphasized the fact that the practice of using funds for capital projects had been a conscious decision of the City Council at the time. Finance Director Ziomkowski cautioned the Council that reserve funds used for operating expenses should only be considered if there is a one-time expense or if revenue problems are short term. She discouraged the use of reserves to cover general operating expenses on a continuous basis. Funds could be set aside for a future project but, in that instance, they would be placed in a separate fund so as to not be inadvertently spent. Director Ziomkowski then reported on her initiat revenue projections for the upcoming budget year, noting this will be a challenging time for the City. Attention then turned to the projects listed in the CFP, and Director Cutler discussed the prioritization of certain projects, such as the 8~ Street bridge replacements, the Lincoln/Lauridsen intersection, and the Lauridsen Boulevard bridge replacement. In the ensuing discussion, Director Cutler explained the results of the most recent inspection of the 8th Street bridges, as well as the fact that the City was recently notified that it is the recipient of $13 Million in grant funds toward a $16 Million project. The City's expense would be $600,000 toward the project. He advised the Council that the Lauridsen Boulevard bridge does not rate very high for grant funds by virtue of the fact the bridge is structurally very sound. If that particular bridge is widened for purposes for rerouting traffic, then the Lincoln/Lauridsen intersection would need to be done at the same time. Director Cutler felt it wise to proceed with the 8th Street bridge replacements, particularly in view of the substantial grant funds now available. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Council needed more time to consider the elements of the CFP. A special meeting was, therefore, scheduled to be held on Monday, June 17, 2002, at 4:30 p.m. for that purpose. The special meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. CALL TO ORDER - . Mayor Wiggins called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 6:05 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clerk Upton. ALLEGIANCE: PUBLIC CEREMONIES, Mayor Wiggins introduced Cindy Sofie, President of the Peninsula International PRESENTATIONS AND Relations Association (PIRA), to report on the Summer Institute and present a crane- PROCLAMATIONS: making project. Ms. Sofie began by explaining the Mutsu City peace project and asked the Council for its assistance in making paper cranes, the international symbol of peace, Peninsula International which will be presented at the Hiroshima Peace Ceremony. Following a demonstration Relations Association of origami paper folding, Councilmembers and staff completed a crane for the project. FINANCE: None. LATE ITEMS TO BE Mayor Wiggins asked for consideration of the agenda for the Council retreat, which was PLACED ON THIS OR added as Agenda Item J. 1. He also added a Multi-Cultural Statement to the agenda as FUTURE AGENDA: Item J.2., and the appointment of members to an Economic Development / Lower Elwha Tribe Committee as Agenda Item J.3. -2- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4667 June 4, 2002 LATE ITEMS TO BE Russ Veenema, Chamber of Commerce Director, spoke of the History Weekend and the PLACED ON THIS OR progress for the event. He asked for City staff support via the Fire Marshal and the FUTURE AGENDA: Building Official in serving on the committee to make the History Weekend goals (Cont'd) happen. This year, the Chamber is planning a two-day event on October 19th and 20th to be part of the Antique Fair to include both under-ground and above-ground tours, using the older existing buildings and murals as points of interest. Mr. Veenema then introduced Arla Holzschuh, 105 V2 East First Street, who spoke for the Downtown Association (PADA) in support of this project and read a portion of the Board's March 1, 2000, minutes dealing with the preservation of downtown sites. She stressed maintaining and creating an historic community to provide historic tourism. Jackson Smart, 472 Mt. Pleasant Road, referring to the underground murals he has discovered over the years, stressed his interest in collecting Port Angeles memorabilia and the need to preserve this history. He encouraged the City to become involved in safeguarding its heritage. June Robinson, 941 East Alder, Sequim, President of the Historical Society and Chairman of the County Heritage Advisory Board, urged the City Council to keep the one remaining section on Laurel Street on the West Side. She mentioned her article in the History & Culture Magazine of Greater Victoria and the Pacific Northwest, in which she wrote about the main details of the City's re-grade and asked that, in future renovation, a portion of sidewalk containing purple glass be saved for the Historical Society. Appealing to all concerned, Ms. Robinson asked that a portion of the underground be preserved for tourism. Manager Quinn referenced the CFP and the money set aside for pavers on Laurel Street and the grant application in place for funding on Phase III for the watermain project. Should the City receive the grant monies, matching funds are available; should the funds not be granted, the cost to preserve the area is substantially higher. Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby, expressed his support for the downtown sidewalk/water- main project. As a life-long member of this community and as one having a great deal of interest in the City's plans and progress, Mr. Lamoureux still has concerns regarding the stormwater issues and federal mandates facing the City, the tourism industry, the service-oriented businesses in relation to the economy, and the citizens of the community in general. In closing, Mr. Lamoureux wondered why Recycling would not accept paint cans and wondered about pursuing a second roadway leading out of Port Angeles to the East. Peter Ripley, 114 East 6th Street, Publisher and Editor of the Port Angeles Journal, expressed his full support of the underground project as the City needs to generate more interest for tourists. He also asked what the City is doing to market a business-friendly atmosphere, stating that Port Angeles citizens would benefit from economic development as many members need employment and income. He suggested more aggressive marketing to bring businesses to the City. Mayor Wiggins stated that this issue is being addressed very efficiently and purposefully by the Chamber of Commerce. Vince Cipriano, 815 S. Peabody, as a life-long member of the community, expressed concern for the loss of historical buildings and houses and stressed the importance of preserving Port Angeles memorabilia - all done to attract people to the City. A town without history, he added, is like an empty museum. Russ Veenema returned to the podium to add that the weekend planned in October can be considered a trial mn to show that the under- and above-ground tours would be a product which would draw tourism. Port Angeles has many aspects, including the Discovery Trail, which could be emphasized. He requested that staff be a part of this -3- 4668 CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 4, 2002 LATE ITEMS TO BE effort. Manager Quinn responded that staff would devise procedures and process on PLACED ON THIS OR safety issues involved in bringing people into the underground areas. This would not FUTURE AGENDA: be a permanent tour, only a temporary one for the weekend. (Gout'd) Jack Anderson, Environmental Engineering Manager for Rayonier, was present at the invitation of Councilmember Rogers. He referred to questions and offered clarification to questions regarding the trail. This issue is strongly supported by Rayonier, but a permanent trail would not be available until a future owner is identified. Regarding the temporary trail, progress is rapid, and the engineering plan was recently approved for the trail's position. Councilmember Rogers then asked Mr. Anderson to address the hazmat issue and whether the contractor would be required to be hazmat certified. Mr. Anderson responded that the materials on the Rayonier site are not the type that are readily absorbed in the skin; the focus is on keeping the dust down. The procedure should be to driving posts in, not digging. Soil testing will be done shortly, and if satisfactory, cost estimates would, according to Director Cutler, be reduced; he would provide more information about the cost differentials after examining the issue. Manager Quinn indicated that if the hazmat was a negligible issue, more contractors may be able to bid. Dan Engelbertson, County Administrator, 419 Vashon, addressed the 1/10th of 1% issue and others regarding jail and criminal justice issues. The Law and Justice Council is looking for solutions to mitigate the financial losses. In the County, a ballot put to the citizens' for the 1/10 of 1% sales tax would be used for maintenance, consmaction, and operation of detention facilities. The Committee is looking at this as a possibility, along with others. Councilman Campbell commented that because criminal justice costs are rising at an alarming rate and because revenues are declining, the residents of the County would be inclined to look favorably on this proposal. He added that he, personally, would support this action as a way to maintain the current level of criminal justice activities. Mayor Wiggins added that this is one cost that has spiraled out of control in the City budget over the last five years and that any tax increase should be looked at carefully. Police Chief Riepe read his recommendation supporting the County Commissioners putting the 0.1% sales tax for jail costs issue on the ballot, provided that the tax revenue would be distributed on a County-wide per capita basis. It would mean a $185,000 revenue to the City. Following brief discussion, Councilman Headrick moved to request the County Commissioners to place the 1/10th of 1% tax issue on the ballot. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Comprehensive Plan Amendments - CPA 02-01 OTHER: Community Development Director Collins presented an overview of the past and Comprehensive Plan current activity involving stakeholders in the Harbor and Downtown areas. The eleven Amendments - CPA 02-01 proposals included in the plan have resulted in 13 additional Land Use Element policies and objectives, 4 additional Transportation Element objectives, 1 additional Conservation Element objective, 2 additional Capital Facilities Element objectives, and 3 proposed Land Use Map changes. Director Collins stated that this is a Plan for project programs and directions to be undertaken in the next five years, not just a 20- year broad plan, and it tries to identify community priorities for a capital facilities plan and other public and/or private sector resources. What the City hopes to gain from this is a clear direction to where the community wants to go with specific allocation of resources. The department will be working with the County in future efforts. Mayor Wiggins opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Jack Anderson returned to the microphone and related that Rayonier fully concurs with -4- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4669 June 4, 2002 PUBLIC HEARINGS - the recommendation as relatesto the future development of the Rayonier site, as it is in OTHER: the best interest of the community, and investors or developers can come in and work (Cont'd) towards the future development of that location. Comprehensive Plan Arla Holzschuh expressed appreciation to the Planning Commission for the inclusion Amendments - CPA 02-01 of PADA requests in the Plan. (Cont'd) There being no further testimony, Mayor Wiggins closed the public heating at 7:45 p.m. Referencing Page Two of the Comp Plan memo, specifically relating to the underground tours, Mayor Wiggins expressed concern regarding the wording of Commercial Objective F(1), specifically the use of"will assist," which could be inferred to include financial assistance and the expenditure of existing funds. Councilman Campbell also expressed concern that, in adopting the Plan, the City would be investing extra money on the Laurel Street project. Subsequent to a discussion of alternative language, Mr. Veenema felt the word "assist" should remain, and that "in developing" could be replaced with "the proposed development" of an underground area. "Will assist" implies a unified group working for the community. Discussion ensued briefly, following which clarifications were made regarding the implications of approving a skating rink with the assumption that it would be located in the downtown area. In response to a question from Councilman Williams regarding Finding No. 6, Director Collins provided clarification as to the City's intent to provide utilities outside the City limits. Manager Quinn felt this policy will leverage cooperative extensions in the UGA between the City and the County. Councilman Williams moved to reopen the public hearing and continue the hearing to June 17, 2002. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unanimously. Break Mayor Wiggins recessed the meeting for a break at 8:05 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: With no discussion forthcoming, Councilman Campbell moved to accept the Consent Agenda to include: 1) City Council Minutes - May 21, 2002 regular meeting; 2) Check Register - May 24, 2002 - $443,553.84; 3) Electronic Payments - May 24, 2002 - $278,153.00; 4) Final Acceptance for Wastewater Treatment Plant Generator System; and 5) Surge Tank Replacement Project Final Acceptance. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Campbell commented on the Conference Center Review Team meeting, COMMITTEE stating that the team is sending a recommendation to the Council which will be on the REPORTS: agenda for the June 11 th meeting, asking the Council to accept the Ehm Architecture due diligence response as being substantially complete. Councilmember Rogers mentioned the stormwater issue and asked that staff e-mail a brief explanation of the federal mandate so that she can do an economical impact analysis for the City's Congressional Delegation.. She also visited the restored footbridge site on the Waterfront Trail and gave kudos to the Council and staff for the progress. On the economic development issue mentioned earlier by Mr. Ripley, Ms. Rogers assured M~. Ripley that the committee is working on the issue of jobs coming to this community. She also attended the Governor's visit to Forks. Mayor Wiggins attended the Juan de Fuca Festival opening, the Historical Society and Multi-Cultural meetings, and a meeting with the Elwha Tribe, who, he added, were pleased to welcome city officials. On June 17th, the Task Force will hear from the former mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, who will present the Bridge Builders program. -5- 4670 CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 4, 2002 ORDINANCES NOT Municipal Annexation - Continued from May 20, 2002 REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS: Community Development Director Collins indicated that, as a follow-up to the last meeting, he further communicated with the County regarding the proposed annexation. Municipal Annexation He distributed copies of a letter from the County, indicating there is no concern with the (Continued from 5/20/02) annexation as proposed. Mayor Wiggins read the Ordinance by title, entitled Ordinance No. 3117 ORDINANCE NO. 3117 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, annexing apProximately seventeen acres of property west of the City's landfill site to the City for the purpose of providing additional area for landfill, recreational, or other municipal activities. Councilman Braun moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title, and Councilman Headrick seconded the motion. Councilman Williams inquired as to whether the City is allowed to annex its own property, no matter where it may be located. He envisioned the possibility of annexing the City's property in the Morse Creek watershed. Discussion ensued, and Attorney Knutson indicated there are certain principles that should be applied to the annexation consideration, such as whether the property is contiguous to the City and within the Urban Growth Area. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. RESOLUTIONS: Resolution to Set Public Hearing Date for Capital Facilities Plan Resolution to Set Public Mayor Wiggins read the Resolution by title, entitled Hearing Date for Capital Facilities Plan RESOLUTION NO. 3-02 Resolution No. 3-02 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, setting a public hearing date for review of the Six- year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) for the years 2003-2008. Councilman Campbell moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. OTHER 1. Agenda for Council Retreat CONSIDERATIONS: Mayor asked that the Councilmembers provide Manager Quinn with a list of suggested Agenda for Council Retreat items to be placed on the agenda for the upcoming Council retreat. Multi-Cultural Statement 2. Multi-Cultural Statement Referring to the Statement included in the packet, Mayor Wiggins requested that the Statement be distributed to Councilmembers and that the adoption issue be postponed until the June 11th meeting. Economic Development / 3. Economic Development / Lower Elwha Tribe Lower Elwha Tribe Per the request of the Elwha Tribe to have an economic development committee amongst the City with whom Tribal members could meet, it was decided that Mayor Wiggins and Councilmembers Campbell and Rogers, with Councilman Williams as an alternate, would comprise the committee. INFORMATION: Manager Quinn mentioned the joint City/County session on June 11a at 6 p.m. and that the agenda for the meeting will be forthcoming. The Finance Committee meeting will -6- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4671 June 4, 2002 INFORMATION: be rescheduled; the Real Estate committee meeting is set for June 1 lth at 4:00 p.m.; and (Cont'd) Councilman Braun w~l represent the City at the opening session of the Genealogical Society meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. .............. G~enn Wiggins, Mayor B~cky J. ~p~C~ Ci-er~ -7- Exhibit "A" · 4672 RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION - ANX 02-01 - CITY OF PORT ANGELES: Findings: 1. The City of Port Angeles Public Works and Utilities Department initiated annexation of approximately 17 acres of property located adjacent to the city's northwest City limits. 2. The property is located directly west of the City's landfill site and is east of both Lower Elwha Road and Dry Creek. The site is located in the City's urban growth area. 3. The subject property is described as being in Phillips Addition to Port Angeles, Washington, records of Clallam County, and Lot 17 Island View Estates as shown on survey filed in Volume 20 of Surveys on Page 85, Clallam County. 4. RCW 35A. 14.300 authorizes the legislative body of Municipal Code cities to, by majority vote, annex territory outside the city limits, whether contiguous or non-contiguous, for municipal purposes. 5. The annexation is intended to provide additional area for landfill, recreational, or other municipal activities. 6. On May 21, 2002, the City Council of the City of Port Angeles considered the proposal to annex the subject property at a regular meeting. Conclusions: A. Annexation of the municipally owned property is in compliance with RCW 35A. 14.300. B. The annexed property will provide additional area for municipal activities and is therefore in the public interest. Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of June 4, 2002. '"~Glenn Wiggins, Ma~"or" Becky J. Jpq TC y Clerk/-.