Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/03/19932537 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington August 3, 1993 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hallett called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Hallett, Councilmen Braun, Hulett, and Ostrowski, Councilwoman Sargent, and Councilmen Schueler and Wight. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Acting Manager Pittis, Assistant Attorney Dickson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, S. Ilk, B. Titus, K. Ridout, S. Kenyon, M. Campbell, G. Leaf, N. Wu, B. Becket, S. McLain. Public Present: S. Hendricks, J. Michalczik, G. Kapouch, L. Doyle. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Hallett. ALLEGIANCE: APPROVAL OF Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July MINUTES: 20, 1993. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilman Ostrowski moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of July 28, 1993. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion, which carried by a majority vote with Mayor Hallett and Councilman Wight abstaining. CEREMONIAL Yard of the Month Award for August, 1993 MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: The individual Yard of the Month Awards were presented to: Karen and Gary Kettel, 1610 West 12th Street; Don and Jeanette Mudd, 3507 Galaxy Place; Lloyd and Frances Spencer, 530 West Fifth Street; Anna Clawson 234 East Tenth Street; and Ellis and Elaine Hankins, 1234 East Fourth Street. The Neighborhood of the Month Award was presented to the 600 block of East Fifth Street, including: Tracy Hendricks, Ivadel Earl, David Rood and Marjorie Upham, Cass Kennedy, and Michael Barrett. Chief Ilk introduced Mark Bowes, Administrator for the Northwest Regional EMS and Trauma Care Council. The Council has donated 300 bicycle helmets to the City of Port Angeles for distribution to school age children. Mr. Bowes addressed Council and explained the goals and purpose of the Trauma Care Council. In addition to developing a trauma system, the Council is establishing an injury prevention and public education program. The focus of this program for the past three years has been bicycle helmet distribution to children in grades three through five. In the Port Angeles School District, 151 helmets have been distributed. Mr. Bowes explained the method .of distribution to Council. The City of Port Angeles reported the highest pedecycle collision rate during 1991, with 106.2 collisions per 100,000 pOPulation. The Trauma Care Council is asking the City Council to allow the use of City police officers to help enforce the use of bicycle helmets. Mr. Bowes thanked the City Council for adopting the bicycle helmet ordinance which will make a real difference in the future in Port Angeles. Councilman Schueler pointed out to the Council that Chief Ilk, City Manager Pomeranz and himself are attempting to develop an on-going system for funding the purchase of helmets in the future. CITY COUNCIL Councilman Schueler was involved with the Japanese Friendship Day. In addition, COMMITTEE he was involved with Project Care in developing a resource finding system for the REPORTS: elderly, as well as Paint the Town. Councilman Schueler has been working with Councilwoman Sargent and Councilman Wight in attempting to decide what the City Council should do with Human Services Local Initiative Funds. -1- 2538 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 1993 cITy COUNCIL Councilwoman Sargent also was involved with Project Care. There will be one more COMMITTEE meeting before a recommendation will come before Council on how to disburse REPORTS: Human Services funds. The EDC met at the City and City Manager Pomeranz gave (Cont'd) a report on the award-winning City budget. The EDC was also shown how the digital marketing program works for the VBMCC. Councilwoman Sargent represented the Council for the change of command of the Active, which took place at the pier. She attended the Council on Aging meeting at which time budgetary concerns were addressed. The City and County met again on the Growth Management issues and discussed how the urban growth areas will be determined. Anyone who wishes to give input to the County before they make their final decision as to where the City of Port Angeles urban growth area will be should attend the County Planning Commission meetings. The next one is August 18. Councilwoman Sargent will attend and on behalf of the City Council, make a presentation concerning the City's position. Councilwoman Sargent thanked Councilmen Wight and Schueler for their help with the Japanese Friendship Day. The activities will culminate in Japanese Friendship Day II, to be held at the VBMCC. A Japanese meal will be served and demonstrations of origami, calligraphy and the Japanese language will be held. This will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 1993. Councilman Braun attended the Real Estate Committee meetings. There were three issues discussed: saving a tree, railroad right-of-way, and Ediz Hook lease lots. Most of this was referred to staff and will be brought before the Council at a future date. Councilman Ostrowski attended the Multimodal Transportation Program and Project Selection Committee meeting in Seattle. The Committee is getting organized, establishing by-laws, electing officers, and working on criteria for the projects that will be submitted. Councilman Ostrowski received a four-year appointment to this committee. Councilman Wight asked to add to the agenda a report on part of the Real Estate Committee meeting regarding the Ediz Hook leases. This was added as Item 4 under Other Considerations. Councilman Wight also addressed the issue of the Human Services LGIF funds. He spoke to the County Administrator and Commissioner Cameron and felt they were amenable to discussing a different way of handling these funds. Commissioner Cameron has suggested a meeting with Councilman Schueler's committee for a discussion of this subject. By consensus, the members of the Council agreed this discussion should take place. Councilman Wight is also a tour guide for our Japanese visitors. Mayor Hallett pointed out that there was another group from Japan in the community this week, and he will be recognizing them tomorrow. All are welcome to attend. Mayor Hallett inquired of Police Chief Ilk as to the matter of the optional tax. This was added to the agenda as Item 5 under Other Considerations. It was noted that the matter of the Milwaukee Heights Subdivision had not been placed on tonight's agenda, as it was continued from the last meeting. Director Collins informed the Council that he had received a call from the applicants requesting that this be continued to the first meeting in September. Milwaukee Heights was placed on the agenda as Item 6 under Other Considerations. Mayor Hallett asked Staff if there was anything else to report. Public Works Director Pittis advised Council that staff is attempting to complete the plans and specifications for the fire hall bids. The bids are scheduled to be opened on August 12; however, this may have to be delayed. Director Pittis advised the Council there may be a need to call a special meeting of the City Council for the purpose of awarding a bid. FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Sargent moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: (1) Agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for assistance on projects; (2) Agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for traffic signal maintenance; (3) Payroll of July 18, 1993, of $351,144;50; and (4) Voucher list for July 30, 1993, of $1,260,108.92. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler asked for more information concerning the agreement with WSDOT for project assistance. Director Pittis explained that the City requested this help, especially on Milwaukee Drive where assistance and expertise can be obtained on asphalting. They would only be used in special cases, and the amount of money involved would be minimal. A specific agreement would be brought before the Council for any significant project. A vote was taken on the motion, 2539 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 1993 which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Councilman Schueler pointed out that the issue of outdoor burning was continued to AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ a future meeting and it was not on tonight's agenda. Also, he reminded the Council STAFF TO BE that the car wash issue was previously discussed with no action taken. He felt this CONSIDERED OR needed to be settled. Public Works Director Pittis advised the Council that the PLACED ON A outdoor burning issue was not placed on this agenda due to Fire Chief Glenn's' FUTURE AGENDA: absence. This will be on the agenda for the next Council meeting and the parties involved have been so notified. Concerning the car wash, Director Pittis indicated there was additional information requested, and this matter can also be placed on the next agenda so that interested parties could be advised and present for discussion. The Council members agreed by consensus. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings Public Hearings 1. City Light rate increase City Light Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Light Department. Rate Increase Scott McLain distributed a hand out to the audience regarding the rate increase. Using the overhead projector, Light Director Titus gave an explanation as to why a rate increase is needed, what has been done to minimize the cost to be passed on, how the various rate classes will be impacted, the cost factors, and what options the Council. will have in addressing the rate increase at its next meeting. Councilwoman Sargent inquired as to who is represented in the non-profit segment of the rate class. These are the area churches and other non-profit organizations. Mayor Hallett inquired if the only variables would be using some reserves to postpone a rate increase or to delay the timing of purchases of capital improvement. Director Titus responded this was correct; however, although he was comfortable with the utilization of reserves, he would discourage any major changes in the capital program at this time. The City is growing and approaching the time when the Light Department should be expanding, particularly in view of the need for future facilities. Brief discussion followed regarding the reserve funds for both the City and the BPA, as well as the costs for Fish and Wildlife services, coUncilman Schueler questioned why the residents who use less kilowatt hours are getting an almost 2 % higher rate increase than the rest of the residential users. He felt this was unfair, as most of these people are elderly and on fixed incomes. Director Titus explained that in breaking down costs for each category, the small users' rates needed to be increased in order to fully recover fixed costs through the customer charge. He noted there is a voluntary program being formed to help provide funding for low-income residents. Councilman Schueler asked for further information on the non-profit group, and how their utility rates are established, which Director Titus provided. Mayor Hallett opened the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. There being no one who wished to speak to the issue, the public hearing was closed at 8:13 p.m. Subsequently, the Council addressed the merits of not leaving the public hearing closed and considered the possibility of continuing the hearing to the next meeting. After due consideration, Councilman Ostrowski moved that the public hearing regarding City Light rate increases be continued to the August 17, 1993 meeting. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Amendment to Business B. Ordinances not requiring public hearings License Ordinance - Temporary Taxicab/For- 1. Amendment to business license ordinance pertinent to issuance of temporary hire Driver's License - taxicab/for-hire driver's licenses. Ordinance 2772 Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk. He then read the ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2772 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, amending Ch. 9, §14 of Ordinance 2050 and Section 5.36.140 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Ostrowski moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Wight seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler felt that in this age of communication, investigations of this type should take less time, not more. Police -3- 2540 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 1993 LEGISLATION: Chief Ilk explained that the information must be sent to the State, and the City as (Cont'd) well as thousands of others are making these requests regularly. There is no way a 30<lay return can be guaranteed. A vote was taken on the morion, which carried unanimously. · Amendment to Public 2. Amendment to Public Nuisance Ordinance Nuisance Ordinance - Ordinance No. 2772 Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Attorney's office. He read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2773 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, providing for initiation of formal nuisance abatement proceedings by an Administrative Hearings Officer and amending Ordinance 2698 and 2469 and Ch. 8.04 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Braun moved to adopt the ordinance as read by rifle. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Brief discussion followed, and Councilwoman Sargent inquired whether or not the new ordinance would save staff time. Director Pittis responded that it would allow staff to proceed a little faster through the process, thereby saving staff time as well as the Council's time. Councilman Ostrowski questioned who would be the Administrative Officer. The City Manager will make this appointment. Councilman Wight felt that the Council had been delegating a fair amount of administrative hearings to the staff, and he cautioned the Council that someone may need to be hired in the future to handle these administrative hearings. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Public Nuisance - C. Resolutions requiring public comment Resolution No. 28-93 I. Consideration of Public Nuisance Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. A revised Exhibit "A" was distributed to the Council. Mayor Hallett inquired as to whether there was any public comment pertinent to the nuisances. There being no comment, Mayor Hallett read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 28-93 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, declaring the existence of a public nuisance and requiring the elimination of such nuisance. Councilman Sargent moved the Resolurion be passed as read by title. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Street Vacation - D. Resolutions not requiring public hearings City Light, Lauridsen and "A" Street - 1. Resolution setting public hearing for consideration of vacation of city right- Resolution No. 29-93 of-way - City Light, Lauridsen and 'A ~ Street Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. He read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 29-93 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles vacating that portion of "A" Street between Lauridsen Boulevard and Seventeenth Street Councilman Wight moved to pass the Resolution as read by title, setting a public hearing for September 7, 1993, and referring the matter to the Planning Commission meeting of August 25, 1993. Councilman Hulett seconded the morion, which carried unanimously. -4- 2541 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 1993 Planning Commission E. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items Minutes/Action Items I. Planning Commission Minutes of July 28, 1993 Councilman Ostrowski moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of July 28, 1993. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Grant Contract With F. Other Considerations DNR for Trail Extension from Francis Street to 1. Grant contract with DNR for Trail Extension from Francis Street to ITl' ITT Rayonier Rayonier. Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Parks and Recreation - Department. Councilwoman Sargent moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Program Grant Agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for trail development from Francis Street to ITT Rayonier. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion. Councilwoman Sargent noted the inclusion of lights and interpretive signs in the grant documents. Parks Director Brodhun indicated the signs will be more directional than interpretive. He has been encouraged to return with a request for funds for interpretive signs, and accepted a suggestion from Councilwoman Sargent to seek assistance from the Fisheries Department at the College in this area. Director Brodhun said this was a possibility. Additionally, Councilman Wight had attended a conference at the University of Washington and received information on projects being conducted at no charge by graduate students in the area of interpretive sign designs. He offered to 'forward this information to the Parks Department. Discussion ensued, and the Council lauded the staffs efforts to obtain public access through the ITT mill for the trail. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. MultimodalTransportation 2. Multimodal Transportation Facility Facility Acting City Manager Pittis reviewed the report provided by the City Manager. A cooperative effort such as this, involving other agencies, typically receives high marks when funding and grant requests are submitted. Planning Director Collins noted the importance of this effort as it relates to the City's Comprehensive Plan. This item was for information only; no action was taken. Budget Process 3. Budget process re-engineering. Re-engineering Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Manager. Staff requested that the Council appoint one of its members to serve on this committee. It was pointed out that Councilman Hulett volunteered to serve on this committee. Mayor Hallett officially appointed Councilman Hulett to this position. ITT - Ediz Hook Leases 4. ITT - Ediz Hook Leases Councilman Wight generated a discussion concerning the City's five or six parcels of land on the Hook which are currently leased to ITT Rayonier, several of which expired last August. In the course of renegotiating leases, one of the State agencies commented that the City was not charging enough for these lots, and should be within State guidelines on lease fees. The Real Estate Committee has been in negotiation with ITT regarding these lease renewals. Staff is attempting to get the State to modify its stance, because the guidelines they passed on to the City were significantly higher than the lease fees Rayonier has been charged in the past. Staff has been unofficially informed that ITT Rayonier may relinquish these leases, and the Port has shown some interest in assuming the leases. The Real Estate Committee has requested that Property Manager Ridout and Assistant Attorney Dickson draw up a draft letter to ITT requesting clarification of their intentions with regard to this land. Councilman Wight has had conversations with the Port's Director of Marketing and the Director of the Port regarding their interest. There is discussion going on among officials of ITT, the Port and City staff regarding usage of the land on Ediz Hook. Councilman Wight asked that staff determine the legality of leasing to another governmental agency and whether the lease of such property has to be done on a competitive basis. In addition, Councilwoman Sargent encouraged that any action taken be done in accordance with the Harbor Management Plan. Staff is to return to Council with more information on this matter. 2542 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 1993 LEGISLATION: 5. Optional Sales Tax (Cont'd) Councilwoman Sargent provided a brief summary of what the Council had done in Optional Sales Tax support of cri~ justice run,ling. With the possibility of instituting the optional sales tax, CounCilwOman sargent suggested that the Council examine the possible impact of Initiatives 601 and 602 on the tax. Chief Ilk reported on his attendance at a meeting in Olympia. Attorneys present at that meeting expressed the opinion that 602 would have no impact if the sales tax was passed, which is why the counties are proceeding with it. Initiative 602 rolls back State imposed taxes and they do.n't view this as a state imposed tax. Initiative 601 applies to future events and d°es not' impact what is currently imposed. The motor vehicle excise tax monies may be lost due to 602, but those have been reallocated based on community policing programs and no on is really sure how that money will be distributed. Councilwoman Sargent felt the City might have to subsidize some other program alreadY on the books if funding is lost in some other area. It was felt that the AWC should be contacted for their opinion on this matter. Councilman Wight pointed out that, according to the paPer, the County Commissioners were likely to impose this sales tax if there are any indications of interest from any of the City jurisdictions; however, Commissioner Cameron indicated that he has not heard from any of the Council members as yet. Councilman Wight called and informed the staff that he intended to at least open some dialogue on this tonight. This funding was generated by the legislature as a way for local jurisdictions to enhance their criminal justice funding in view of the budgetary restraints that were placed on State allocated funds. Councilman Wight suggested that Chief Ilk and the City Manager confer, and bring a draft letter to Council. The Council members agreed to this, and Acting Manager Pittis will make sure there is something on the next agenda to address this issue. Milwaukee Heights 6. Milwaukee Heights Subdivision Subdivision The applicants for this subdivision have requested a continuation of the matter to the September 7 meeting. Councilwoman Sargent moved that the issue of the Milwaukee Heights Subdivision be continued to the meeting of September 7, 1993. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. -6-