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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07/01/2003 4970 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington July 1, 2003 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wiggins called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Erickson, Headrick (arrived 6:15 p.m.), Rogers, and Williams. Members ,4 bsent: None. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, C. Hagar, B. Collins, M. Connelly, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, J. Cole, B. Oliver, G. Kenworthy, D. McGinley, K. Ridout, N. Wu, B. Beverford, T. Smith, and B. Coons. Public Present: T. Price and P. Lamoureux. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilmember Rogers. ALLEGIANCE: PUBLIC CEREMONIES, 1. Certificate of Recognition - Larry Little- North Olympic Peninsula Discovery PRESENTATIONS AND Marathon PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Wiggins invited Larry Little to come forward and introduce the other members Certificate of Recognition - of his group. Included were Carol Stevenson, Shelly Turner, Michelle Little, Darryl Larry Little Wolfe, and Brian Gawley, who were all instrumental in the planning and implementation of the marathon. Mayor Wiggins then read a proclamation recognizing the dedication and hard work exhibited by Mr. Little in promoting this event and bringing it to such a successful conclusion. Mr. Little thanked Police Chief Riepe for his assistance in planning the marathon and thanked the Council for its support. Mr. Little announced that he had received 28 pages of e-mail from marathon participants and read one aloud. He also announced that the Iron Man Coeur D'Alene had been huge success, expecting to generate a $5 - $7 million economic impact. Mr. Little felt the North Olympic Peninsula Discovery Marathon could generate the same type of impact of properly promoted. Mayor Wiggins again thanked Mr. Little and all those involved in this event. Certificate of Recognition 2. Certificate of Recognition - Port ,4ngeles Exchange Club Port Angeles Exchange Club Mayor Wiggins recognized the Exchange Club for placing yellow ribbons around the community to honor our troops in time of war and presented the Certificate to Julie Hatch, President. Ms. Hatch announced that the Exchange Club is the oldest service club in the United States and one of its goals is promoting Americanism. She invited anyone interested to attend a meeting on Tuesday mornings, 7:30 a.m. at the Crab House Restaurant. -1- 4971 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 National Aquatic Week 3. Proclamation: National Aquatic Week- July 13 - 19, 2003 Proclamation Mayor Wiggins read a proclamation recognizing the week of July 13 - 19, 2003, as National Aquatic Week. The proclamation was accepted by Barbara Oliver, Aquatics Coordinator at the William Shore Memorial Pool, who thanked the Council and her co-workers for their support. Parks and Recreation Director Connelly noted that the pool is 42 years old, and 55,000 people have passed through its doors so far this year, which is a remarkable accomplishment for a community of this size. This year, attendance is up by more than 15% thanks to the efforts of the excellent staff at that facility. Retirement Proclamation - 4. Retirement Proclamation - Doyle McGinley Doyle McGinley Mayor Wiggins asked Mr. McGinley and his family to come forward and deferred to Director Cutler to read a proclamation highlighting Doyle McGinley's career with the City of Port Angeles and thanking him for his dedication to the community. Director Cutler introduced Mr. McGinley's wife Tammy, and his children Jamie and Justin and proceeded to read aloud the proclamation. Afterwards, Director Cutler presented Mr. McGinly with a beautiful plaque recognizing his more than 27 years of service to the City. Mr. McGinley thanked everyone and stated that working for the City has been an enjoyable experience. WORK SESSION: None. LATE ITEMS TO BE Mayor Wiggins noted there was a late item to be added to the agenda, a Permit for Fish PLACED ON THIS OR and Wildlife on Ennis Creek. This was added as item 2 under Other Considerations. FUTURE AGENDAS: Councilmember Rogers asked to speak briefly on the Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 for congressional support. This was added as item 3 under Other Considerations. Councilman Williams noted he had asked the Planning and Public Works Departments to give the Council on update regarding yesterday's rain storm. This was added as item 4 under Other Considerations. Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby Street, asked to address the Council. He stated he hoped the Council understood that he comes in a spirit of positive support to his community and never intends to be negative toward a Council he finds to be hard working in its efforts for Port Angeles. He said that sometimes he has a difficult time getting his point across and does not always express himself well. At the previous Council meeting Mr. Lamoureux had questioned the bridge placement for the White' Creek crossing. He said that his real question is why so far south of the city limits. Mr. Lamoureux also addressed his concern over the timing of the traffic signals located at the corners of Front and Ennis Streets and First and Ennis Streets, as they cause traffic flow problems for vehicles traveling norttKsouth at those intersections. Director Cutler stated that the east/west traffic was having problems, therefore the timing of the signals was slightly altered to ease that congestion. Staff is trying to balance the timing, but it is difficult. Further, staff is discussing the situation with the State, who owns those traffic signals. A possible solution would be new equipment with car sensors, however that would be very costly. Mr. Lamoureux asked again about a possible rebate for circulating pumps for water -2- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4972 July 1, 2003 LATE ITEMS TO BE conservation. Director Cutler stated that this is not a program currently being PLACED ON THIS OR supported by the BPA. FUTURE AGENDAS: (Cont'd) Mr. Lamoureux also spoke again in opposition of fluoridation of the City's water supply and asked the Council to reconsider its decision in this matter. FINANCE: 1. Award Contract, Peabody Creek Water Main, Project 02-20. Award Contract, Peabody Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler summarized the contract award for the Creek Water Main, Project Peabody Creek Water Main Project. After limited discussion regarding the differences 02-20 in bid amounts, Councilman Campbell moved to award the contract for the Peabody Creek Water main, Project No. 02-20 to Vision Builders, Inc. of Port Angeles and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract in the amount of $329,000.00. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Amendment No. 5 to 2. Amendment No. 5 to Consultant Agreement, Port Angeles International Consultant Agreement, Port Gateway Angeles International Gateway Director Cutler deferred to City Engineer Kenworthy who summarized the amendment, including the scope of work, as well as amendment no. 4, which was passed administratively by Clallam Transit. Mr. Kenworthy distributed two handouts to the Council, one described the Gateway expenses to date and summarized the Merritt + Pardini amendments, and the second reviewed projected costs vs. fund revenues. Councilman Headrick asked how much had been spent to date on this project and Mr. Kenworthy responded it was $733,400. Mr. Kenworthy then reviewed the Gateway Expenses Summary and felt they were reasonable for a project of this size and complexity. Manager Quinn then reviewed the projected costs for the project and described what they included. Manager Quinn noted that there is a funding gap at the bottom of column one in the amount of $640,000. This does not mean the City cannot complete the project, this funding gap is only if the City does not put the acquisition monies from the sale of the City's property into the project. The solution design has a $1.1 million funding gap. This money should be obtained from other private sources, such as businesses, property owners, grants, etc. This gap also assumes about a $2.5 million bond that was originally thought to be paid for by parking revenues. Manager Quin felt it may also have to be supplemented by other funding sources such as parking tax. Manager Quinn went on to explain the last column of the handout, which summarized costs and revenues if the waterfront promenade or the Tidelands West parking deck, were phased in and finances allowed. This would eliminate the funding gap and allow for the project to move ahead. Manager Quinn stated that it makes sense to move ahead with the best design and this design and the engineering costs reflect that total solution which is important for the community. Staff has made a commitment to the Transit Board to attend the July 21, 2003, meeting with a proposal for financing the Gateway Project and it will be brought to the Council as well. It may include some considerations not only from parking revenue and parking tax, but may include some other types of revenue sources currently being explored. Manager Quinn felt that this should not be an issue of whether or not a contract amendment is being authorized which the City has no way to pay. Mayor Wiggins thanked Manager Quinn and asked if there were any design costs - 3 - 4973 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 Amendment No. 5 to associated with the Tidelands West Parking deck, which is shown as a phased in Consultant Agreement, Port project. Manager Quinn stated that $75,000 was listed in the soft costs for design, Angeles International which would also be phased in. If we acquire private funding and other means of Gateway support are obtained, these projects can be completed along with the rest of the (Cont'd) Gateway. If this amendment is not approved, this project can be built as laid out here with some phasing. Councilman Williams stated that at the last Transit meeting, it was approved conditionally to move ahead with this project. However, there were many questions as to whether or not another $200,000 or more should be spent to design something that cannot be built unless funding is found. He stated it was like a chicken or the egg scenario. This is an extremely complex funding and grant operation. It's interwoven with some design pieces to help solve the downtown parking issues that go beyond what the original Gateway design had envisioned. The original design had the vehicle parking lid over where the tavern used to be. The solution design was the dream that ended up satisfying a lot of people downtown and answered many questions about the no net loss of parking. It was discovered that no net loss was a proximity situation and not just a generalized downtown situation. We're now seeing that we're learning a new phrase here reflecting the taking of City money from the sale of the public parking lot and putting it back into the project. Councilman Williams stated that this is a really good description of what we had, what we aspire to, and how we might be able to get there in incremental steps. He acknowledged that $2.5 million is still a "mushy" number, but going ahead with the expenditure to get the design finished up and pushed forward, we can end up as much as $4,000 to the good. At Mayor Wiggins request, Manager Quinn explained that originally it was thought that the $2.5 million revenue bond would be supported by parking revenues generated from the long term stalls. The estimate was based upon two sources of revenue, $170,000 to come from the parking generated at the Gateway site and $50,000 would come from the parking generated at the Tidelands West site. He stated that $220,000 a year would support a $2.5 million bond. Manager Quinn stated that it was learned that the City cannot count on all of those revenues to support that $2.5 million bond. If the Tidelands West parking garage is phased in, that $50,000 will not be available. Also, out of the Gateway parking area not all of the $170,000 can be counted on for Capital Debt service. Some of that must go for costs to operate a parking facility of some kind. Therefore, those lost revenues must be replaced with some other source, such as a combination of PBIA assessments with the downtown or an LID. Through these other means, we make up that difference and that would pay for the $2.5 million. Then if you go beyond that, you can take these projects that you were going to phase in and actually build them fairly quickly. Councilman Braun agreed with Councilman Williams. He stated this project has been a moving target and was very difficult to explain due to its complexity. He thanked Manager Quinn for doing such a good job of explaining the financial ramifications. Manager Quinn said that from both the Transit's side and the City's side this project could can move ahead with the original design, and believes there is enough hope and enough solutions to move ahead with this expanded design, which is what would really serve the community. Manager Quiun stated that you're always best served by designing what you need to build so that you understand and know all the components. You can always back off of a good design and phase or pare down, but if you don't design it in the first place, then it costs you more to have to deal with that later. -4- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4974 July 1, 2003 Amendment No. 5 to Referring to the revenue bond, Councilman Williams noted that the number could be Consultant Agreement, Port down $1,960,000 and still end up in the good according to his quick crunching of Angeles International numbers. He felt the City would be no worse off than if it went with the original Gateway design and would still have extra parking places. (Cont'd) Mayor Wiggins noted the presence of Dan DiGuilio of Clallam Transit in the audience and invited him to address the issue. Dan DiGuilio, General Manager of Clallam Transit, informed the Council that the question of whether or not the solution project could be built was a major topic of discussion when the Transit Board reviewed this amendment. He stated that he thought he had told the Transit Board that the $1.5 million was going to go back into the project, and that the Gateway would most likely be funded. However, the Transit Board was concerned as it has an $11 million project that it's being asked to design with the assurances that it would be built. Mr. DiGuilio stated that told the Board that the Tidelands West parking garage and the Marine Boardwalk are separate from the Gateway and what Merritt + Pardini are asking for are funds to continue to design the Gateway. The Transit Board did not want to delay this project. It hopes to meet the deadline of going to bid sometime in the winter and hopefully begin construction shortly after the first of the year. Merritt + Pardini was provided with a notice to proceed with the design work up to the meeting of July 21. A letter was sent to Manager Quinn asking for his attendance at the Board meeting of the 21st to present a financial plan. Mr. DiGuilio felt there are some elements that the Council is going to have to make decisions on, such as debt service on the bond, but he felt that both he and Manger Quinn were both fairly comfortable that the Gateway project will be completed, but it's a matter of at what point can the City move forward with the other two projects. Transit is still very very supportive of the project; there was just some concern that $800,000 would be spent for a design, and then the project would not be built. Councilman Braun said he would like to make a motion at this point and then there can be further discussion. He then moved to authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 5 to the agreement with Merritt + Pardini to provide additional services for the revised parking and transit lane design with the negotiated total added fee not to exceed $251,032.00. Councilman Williams seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Councilman Headrick stated that he had a lot of concerns regarding funding and the term "mushy" has come up several times. He stated that under the best of circumstances the City would have to borrow $2.5 million. He averred that he was not against the project, however he felt that funding should be more firm, the property acquisition completed, and a guarantee of public/private contributions before proceeding. Mayor Wiggins confirmed that the work by Merritt + Pardini would stop at this stage if this amendment was not approved. Councilman Headrick pointed out that Merritt + Pardini already completed $600,000 worth of work. He felt the project was getting ahead of itself without some of the other issues being nailed down. Councilman Headrick asked if the City would get to a point where it would have $1 million invested in this, and would have to go ahead or repay the $1 million in grant money spent. He thought this grant money was divided equally between the Transit Authority and the City, which would mean that we either go into debt or we have to pay back $500,000. He felt neither alternative was appropriate. Mayor Wiggins asked if the money had been spent evenly. Mr. DiGuilio informed the Council that federal money is 80% expended so far, which is the grant that Transit received. The City is using TIB funds as part of their match, which is State funds. -5- 4975 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 Amendment No. 5 to Councilman Headrick stated that in either case the money must be repaid if the project ConsultantAgreement, Port does not go forward. Mayor Wiggins asked Councilman Headrick if he preferred to Angeles International hold back on authorizing this amendment until the lands are sold and everything is Gateway figured out, to which Councilman Headrick responded affirmatively. (Cont'd) Mayor Wiggins pointed out that when you look at this solution design on the handout, the project isn't complete the way it was agreed to, because the other features of it have to be phased in. That's the hole that the private money has to fill, because there isn't any more public money. Councilman Headrick stated that the bulk of the expense was putting on a parking lid. The question becomes one of no net loss parking, and how much do we pay for a lid or a basement under the Transit? How much do we pay for the lid to accommodate the no net loss? He stated he had a problem with the value of the property. For instance, if the property underneath the Transit itself is worth $1 million and the City spends $2 million for the lid, that's the same as paying $2 million for the same amount of property. If it meant doubling the size of the lot for the cost of the lot that would be fine. If the downtown group wants a no net loss and they want the parking right there where it's convenient, they need to come on board. Councilmember Rogers noted that all those negotiations are taking place. She felt the complexity of the model is having Transit negotiating one part and the City another. She said we are within a very close time period of putting together all of those packages. Councilmember Rogers felt you must design the project that everyone unanimously supports and was sure the fmding would be found. She pointed out many other projects, such as the Carnegie Library, the Waterfront Trail, and the sidewalk and watermain projects all started out with little or no funding and have been accomplished in phases as money was obtained. She stated she supports the project that the community supports and the original design is not that. While she takes very seriously her fiduciary responsibility, she felt that phasing in the various components was a financially responsible way of completing this project. Mayor Wiggins pointed out that the difference between the Gateway project and those listed by Councilmember Rogers was the borrowed money. The examples sited were completed thanks to grants. Councilmember Rogers stated there are other key private sector partners to play the role. There are also property owners and the parking operator. She noted that there was a timing issue and the Council should not confuse timing with the ability to complete the project in a manner appealing to all concerned parties. Mayor Wiggins asked Manager Quinn if Finance Director Ziomkowski was satisfied with the bonding capacity relative to this income stream. Manager Quinn responded affn-matively and stated the City has tremendous bonding capacity. The real issue is, does the City have $220,000 per year to service the debt? Mayor Wiggins asked if there were any other areas that could be cut or phased in that wouldn't kill the project but would allow it to proceed. Manager Quinn suggested to phase in or delay the visitor's center, as the Chamber of Commerce is already using an existing building. He noted that once you get into the final design there are always areas that can be looked at in terms of phase-in as well. Councilman Campbell spoke in support of the amendment, noting that a large segment of the business community supports it fully. He stated that we're in a position now where the original design can't really be built and it's not a case that we'll be able to go back there if everything else fails. All concerned parties have to get behind the solutions design, which the whole group came up with and fully supports. He noted -6- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4976 July 1, 2003 Amendment No. 5 to that two years ago no one would have said we could come up with $10 million to Consultant Agreement, Port support this kind of a project and today we have it right on our threshold in being able Angeles International to put it all together. All public projects with multiple revenue sources are, by Gateway de£mition, "mushy." Councilman Campbell stated that there is an element of risk in (Cont'd) it, but this is probably one that has the lowest level of risk that anyone has ever put together. He felt it would be a terrible mistake to delay this project now on the basis that we don't have every dime identified and locked up. We aren't going to know what the project will really cost until we get the final design. We need to get that in hand, and then we can look at it and decide whether or not there are surplus elements in it, or things that can be phased in later, if necessary. He urged the Council to approve this additional $251,000 to get this project to the point where it needs to be. Councilman Headrick suggested this matter be tabled for a month or two, to see whether or not the figures can be firmed up. Mayor Wiggins asked what the risk would be in tabling it and Councilman Campbell stated that the project would lose momentum and it would discourage all those who are partnering with the City. Councilman Headrick stated that part of his concern is that they're partnering in concept, but are they partnering in funding or £mancing? Councilmember Rogers suggested giving them a deadline and asked what is the risk of delay. Mr. DiGuilio stated that currently, there is a very favorable construction market. This could easily go away, that is why attempts are being made to go to bid by the end of the year. Councilman Braun stated that the moment should be seized, and encouraged the Council to move forward on this project. Mayor Wiggins asked Councilman Headrick if he thought delaying the project would force a solution on the private side. Councilman Headrick responded affirmatively and noted that ifa solution cannot be found by delaying the project, it certainly won't be found by going ahead and approving it. Further discussion followed with Councilman Headrick expressing further concern over borrowing $2.5 million and not having a firm commitment, or indeed any ~1~,,~ cornmitment, from the~ Councilman Williams stated that as he understood it, if the Council approves this, it goes back to Transit Board for concurrence on the solution, then the design would move forward. Mr. DiGuilio reminded the Council that at the Transit Board's direction, Merritt + Pardini were instructed to continue moving forward with the design to July 21, 2003, and that no other work would be authorized beyond that date. That gives the City an opportunity to put its trmancial plan together for the Board to look at. It was the goal of the Transit Board to not delay the project, even though they had the same concerns discussed by the Council this evening. Manager Quinn stated that he planned to attend the meeting of the Transit Board on July 21, 2003, and present to them and the Council a business plan which lists anticipated revenue yields from various sources to generate the funds needed to finance debt service for construction bonding, which is estimated to be about $275,000 a year. Discussion continued as whether or not it would be prudent to postpone a decision on this issue. Councilmember Rogers again reminded the Council that the total costs must be known, but those costs cannot be determined until the full design is completed. -7- 4977 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 Amendment No. 5 to Mr. DiGuilio stated that coincidentally, the work that Merritt + Pardini will have Consultant Agreement, Port completed by July 21 will provide the information, or be very close to the information, Angeles International Council is seeking. Councilman Headrick stated the other issue of concern is how Gateway there can be no net loss parking and generate more revenue with the same parking (Cont'd) space that the City has currently. Economic Director Smith pointed out that publicly owned property is being used to generate a great deal of parking revenue in downtown, but it's not necessarily benefitting the public property owner, and that's the difference. The proposal is to try and channel some of those revenues to benefit the public, not a single downtown business. Federal funds are involved, therefore federally prescribed practices dealing with the acquisition of privately owned property as well as the relocation of business must be followed. Councilman Headrick pointed out that the land acquisition cost is an unknown figure. Mr. Smith stated that it is subject to current negotiations, but it's kind of like going down the river of no return. The City is past the point of no return, but we have a very good project and we have a solution that all of the partners have prescribed to. He pointed out that the governments involved are putting everything that they have back into designing and building the solution and many of the private sector partners are doing that as well. This includes the Downtown Association, which is prepared to recommend an increase to the PBIA. There are some holdouts that are still negotiating, but that's the few businesses, not the many. Mr. Smith went on to remind the Council that six years ago when the Downtown Forward Plan was adopted, there was no money. Today an $18 million investment in downtown can be seen. A plan was adopted that was based on a partnership and on faith. Mr. Smith thought this could happen again with the downtown transit center and gateway project. This is a very responsible discussion to be having. All involved entities need to come up with the solution, not only for the concept but for the design and the funding. We're all in this together and we should go forward with what's best for the community at large and the solution design does that. Mayor Wiggins asked Councilman Headrick what might be learned in the interim that will salve his'con, cerns. He replied that it mig,ht be learned if the private sector is interested in malting a financial commitment and settlement may be reached with property owners. He reiterated that he is in favor of the program, but concerned about getting locked into a situation where no matter which way we go, we're wrong. He agreed that there have been other projects downtown, but didn't know whether or not the City had been expected to come up with supplemental funding to the degree that's being requested in this case. The other projects could be done a little at a time, but in this case if a lid is going to be placed on the property down there, the hole is going to have to be dig first and that's going to be a big expense. Once a hole is dug and the lid placed, you may be doing it in phases, but you're not going to have what you want until you come up with all the money. After further limited discussion, Councilman Headrick moved to table the motion until the facts of the costs are in and Council has had more time to go back to the private sector and determine their interest is in this project. Mayor Wiggins seconded the motion. Councilman Williams spoke in opposition to the motion. He felt the City was at a juncture where it was necessary to continue to move forward. He acknowledged that there were some very delicate negotiations going on, but other revenue options were being pursued. He felt stopping at this point would send a wrong signal and further, tabling the motion would stop the authorization of the additional fee that would carry -8- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4978 July 1, 2OO3 Amendment No. 5 to the project up to July 21, 2003. Consultant Agreement, Port Angeles International At Council's request, Mr. DiGuilio clarified that Transit is spending money that the Gateway City has not concurred with. According to the records supplied by Mr. Kenworthy, (Cont'd) the amount authorized to be spent will be about $20,000. Mayor Wiggins asked if the City is obligated for part of this expense and Mr. DiGuilio stated not unless the contract amendment is passed. He explained that Transit has authorized the work, as it is the lead agency in this project. The Board did not believe there would be a hesitancy by the Council, so the work was authorized through July 21, 2003, when a financial plan would be reviewed. Councilman Williams again urged the Council to approve this amendment, stating the brakes can be applied at the July 21 Transit Board meeting if satisfactory answers have not been obtained. Councilman Braun agreed with Councilman Williams in opposing the motion to table, and felt it imprudent to stop the project for the lack of this funding. Councilman Headrick again stated he was not opposed to the program or the project as it's laid out. He is concerned about funding and getting others involved. He reminded the Council that the City's financial situation is not getting any better. Every year it's getting worse and a year or two from now the question is going to be how to pay off this project. He stated he has every reason to believe that the cost for the acquisition of the property is going to be a lot more than budgeted and said of the $2.1 million, $1.5 million is the City's money. Manager Quinn stated there were two appraisals on the property and there are guidelines dealing with FTA regulations, so these estimates are based upon that knowledge. There is a possibility that they can go up or down, but it is a better situation than the City has been faced with on other projects with property acquisition because of the appraisals and guidelines. Mayor Wiggins suggested holding a special meeting prior to the meeting of the Transit Board to further discuss the issue in order to gain unanimity with it. Councilman Headrick asked if spending limits were reached and the seller declined the final offer, what would be Transit's recourse. Mr. DiGuilio stated there are tentative agreements with two of the property owners. The remaining two property owners are being very difficult, but staff is quickly moving toward resolution. Councilman Headrick asked if condemnation might be considered and Mr. DiGuilio said yes. Councilmember Erickson stated that it was her understanding condemnation would not be used. If that has changed, it raises a question about the funding. Councilman Headrick asked if the maximum amount of money authorized under the rules of the grants is offered, and the property owner says no, what happens then. Mr. DiGuilio stated he was willing to share this information with the Council, but was not comfortable discussing this in open session. Councilman Headrick again expressed his concerns over funding shortfalls, especially as they pertained to property acquisition. Councilman Williams asked if it would be appropriate to adjourn to an Executive Session so that Mr. DiGuilio could answer some of these questions, because they are executive session type questions. Attorney Knutson advised the Council that adjourning to Executive Session to discuss matters of real estate was permissible. ADJOURN TO The Council adjourned to Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. to discuss the acquisition of EXECUTIVE SESSION: real estate for approximately 20 minutes. -9- 4979 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 RETURN TO OPEN The Council returned to Open Session at 8:00 p.m. SESSION: Amendment No. 5 to Mayor Wiggins reminded the Council that there was a motion on the floor to table and ConsultantAgreement, Port asked Councilman Headrick for clarification regarding the timeframe. Councilman Angeles International Headrick responded just until the next meeting. There being no further discussion, a Gateway vote was taken on the motion to table, which failed 2 - 5 with Mayor Wiggins and (Cont'd) Councilman Headrick voting in support and Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Erickson, Rogers, and Williams voting in opposition. After clarification of the motion, a vote was taken on the motion to approve the amendment which carried by a vote of 6 to 1, with Mayor Wiggins and Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Erickson, Rogers and Williams voting in support and Councilman Headrick voting in opposition. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Braun moved to accept the Consent Agenda, to include: 1)City Council Minutes - June 16, 2003; 2) Expenditure Report - June 20, 2003 - $453,345.90; 3) Electronic Payments - June 20, 2003 - $142,104.00; and 4) Accept Completion of Magna Drive Installation. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Headrick reported on his attendance at the Association of Washington COMMITTEE Cities (AWC) Conference in Spokane, which he found to be very informative. REPORTS & CALENDAR: Councilman Braun met with Parks & Recreation Director Connelly, Manager Quinn, and Stan Hams, a member of the sports facility committee, to discuss consultant services that would be necessary in regards to planning and designing a sports facility. He also attended a Real Estate Committee meeting. Councilmember Rogers, along with Councilmen Campbell and Williams and Economic Development Director Smith attended the Clallam County Economic Development Council (EDC) retreat. She informed the Council that the proposal supported by the Council at its last meeting regarding the Northwest Area Foundation, has not yet been sent. Consent has been reached on the proposal, and it will be submitted soon. Councilmember Rogers also participated in a Seattle Computer Source magazine interview, where she was able to tout the City's program for telecommunications. This issue will be available in August. Councilman Williams attended a Port Angeles Forward meeting, where a list of projects were prioritized. Thc top project was the downtown conference center. He also attended the Housing Authority groundbreaking for the self-help community, which will see 20 new homes built as a result of sweat equity. Mayor Wiggins, at the urging ofArla Holzschuh of the Downtown Association, visited the downtown stores, which was very interesting as it gave him the opportunity to see what effort is still needed to improve the downtown in small ways such as clean up and moss removal. Mayor Wiggins also attended a going away function for the Counsul General of Canada in Seattle. He felt it was important, as a border city, to continue the ties with the Canadian people and expressed regret that the joint meeting with the Victoria, B. C. Council had been postponed by them. Manager Quinn stated that staff is working on resetting a date. Councilmembers Rogers reminded the Council that the City had received some awards from AWC. Mayor Wiggins informed the Council that the AWC had presented the City of Port Angeles with a Diversity Award, was designated a Wellness City, and received a runner-up award for Municipal Achievement for its fiber optics program. Councilmember Rogers suggested a press release be sent out regarding this. - 10- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4980 July 1, 2003 CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Rogers announced that a photo shoot had been completed for the COMMITTEE Multi-Cultural Task Force poster. REPORTS & CALENDAR: Regarding the Council's Calendar, Councilman Williams pointed out that there is a (Cont'd) special Gateway meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2003, at 8:15 a.m~ ORDINANCES NOT None. REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS: RESOLUTIONS: Resolution in Support of 1/10th of 1% County-wide Sales' Tax for Emergency Communications Services': Police Chief Riepe stated that as a member of the Law and Resolution in Support of Justice Council, Councilman Headrick spent a lot of time on this issue, and it has also 1/10th of 1% County-wide been presented to the Public Safety Committee, on which Mayor Wiggins and Sales Tax for Emergency Councilmen Braun and Headrick sit. ChiefRiepe informed the Council that this is a Communications Services tremendous opportunity for the City to dedicate a revenue source for the emergency dispatch center and urged their support of this Resolution. ChiefRiepe then deferred Resolution No. 7-03 to Naomi Wu, Communications Manager, who thanked the Council for the opportunity to address this issue. Ms. Wu stated that while she understood that this was an added tax, which is very unpopular, however, there are critical issues to be dealt with and no revenue in sight. Ms. Wu went on to summarize the ways this revenue could be utilized, which included the replacement of a very antiquated radio system. Also, passing this new tax for emergency services would ease the financial burden on the user agencies. Councilman Campbell agreed that this would not be a very popular issue and asked how the public would be informed of the necessity of considering this increase. Ms. Wu stated that there will be an attempt to form a "grass roots" movement. Some suggestions included involving the Volunteer Fire Fighters and speaking to service groups. Currently, an attempt is being made to garner the support of the Fire Commissioners and the support of the City Councils of Sequim, Forks and Port Angeles just to get the measure on the ballot. Staffis working on a campaign strategy to get the information out to the voters. Councilman Williams clarified that the government entities will not be conducting the campaigns to educate the public on this matter, but they will be conducted by private citizens. Discussion followed. At Councilmember Rogers' request Councilman Headrick explained that the projected revenue from this tax increase would be about $250,000, which would go directly into the Emergency Communications Fund. He stated that the Criminal Justice Committee debated whether to back emergency communications funding or juvenile justice and corrections facilities. It was felt that this measure had a better chance, as juvenile justice had already failed in previous attempts. Manager Quinn stated that it has been a lot of work to get the agencies together to agree to a 9-1-1 proposal as opposed to some other. He felt staff should compile information for the public, describing how this money would be utilized. Manager Quinn stated voter issues should not be used to supplement existing funds, they should be used to enhance improvements for the public. Therefore, these funds should be used to improve service to the public. Councilman Williams described the 9-1-1 call back system, which could be purchased with these monies and utilized during an emergency situation. -11- 4981 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 1, 2003 RESOLUTIONS: Mayor Wiggins read the Resolution by title, entitled. (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 7-03 Resolution in Support of A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, 1/10th of 1% County-wide Washington, declaring support for placing a countywide I/10th Sales Tax for Emergency of 1 percent sales tax proposition on the ballot to provide Communications Services consistent funding for emergency communications services. Resolution No. 7-03 Councilman Braun moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. Councilman (Cont'd) Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. OTHER 1. Watershed Plan Report CONSIDERATIONS: Director of Community Development Collins explained that the only action is to agree on a meeting time and whether it should include the whole Council or an appointed Watershed Plan Report Committee. Councilman Campbell strongly suggested the whole Council participate in the meeting. The meeting was set for Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. Permit for Fish & 2. Permit for Fish & Wildlife to Access Ennis Street Culvert Wildlife Mayor Wiggins explained that the Department of Fish & Wildlife was requesting to cross city property to access the culvert in order to perform rehabilitation work on it. Councilmember Erickson moved to grant the Department of Fish & Wildlife access to the Ennis Street culvert. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Community 3. Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 Councilmember Erickson stated that this is the second year in a row that this Act is being considered by the House and the Senate. This Act would allow funding to be put in place for small rural, dependent communities to implement a telecommunication strategy and plan. With the success of the City's Telecommunications Plan, Councilman Rogers asked to work with Economic Development Smith to draft a letter to the congressional delegations supporting both the House Bill and the Senate Bill. She felt this would show the leadership by the City of Port Angeles. Rain Storm Update 4. Rain Storm Update Councilman Williams stated that the previous day's rain came down at a rate of about one-half inch in twenty minutes. He asked the Directors of Community Development and Public Works & Utilities to update the Council on the storm's impact, as he had noticed some catch basin problems while driving around, and wondered if a stormwater utility might be necessary. Director Cutler stated them was a significant rain event and the capacity of the storm water system was exceeded as a consequence. A number of buildings were flooded and several homes and businesses experienced back up problems. There were no upsets at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The catch basins and culverts were cleaned out several months ago and they will be cleaned again, which will take two employees about a month to accomplish. This will be a high priority, which means some other street projects may not get done. Discussion ensued and Director Cutler responded to qUestions and provided clarification to the Council regarding storm water issues. ADJOURN TO The meeting convened to Executive Session at 8:50 to discuss a matter of potential EXECUTIVE SESSION: litigation and labor negotiations for approximately one and one-half hours. - 12- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4982 July 1, 2003 RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 10:40 p.m. SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. ~...---~"~Glenn Wiggins, Mayo; - l~cky J. U~q, ~ Cler~ t- - - 13-