Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/16/1994 2829 CITY COUNCI~ MEETING Port Angeles, Washington August 16, 1994 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Braun, Doyle, McKeown, Ostrowski, and Schueler. Members Absent: Councilman Hulett. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. - Titus, S. Hursh,. G. Kenworthy and Y. Ziomkowski.' Public Present: L. Meyer. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Michael and Kearsten Lukens. ALLEGIANCE: APPROVAL OF Councilman Braun moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of MINUTES: August 1, 1994. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilman Ostrowski abstaining due to his absence from that meeting. Councilmember McKeown moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 2, 1994. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion. Councilman Doyle noted the need for a correction to the title of Ordinance 2829. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilman Doyle abstaining due to his absence from that meeting. Councilman Ostrowski moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of August 8, 1994. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, and pointed out that on Page 3, second paragraph, third line, the word "not" must be deleted. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilman Ostrowski moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of August 9, 1994. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CEREMONIAL I. Employee Suggestion Program Awards MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: Manager Pomeranz reviewed the suggestions submitted by Tom Kaufmann and Kirk Johnson. Mr. Kaufmann was presented with a check for $500; Mr. Johnson was Employee Suggestion unable to attend this meeting. In accepting the award, Mr. Kaufmaun cited the Program Awards assistance in the endeavor from Dennis McBride and Dale Warner, both of the Street Division. CITY COUNCIL Councilmembers McKeown and Ostrowski had no report. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Braun attended the Clallam Transit Authority Board meeting. Councilman Schueler met with the Director of Healthy Families and indicated the Council may wish to deal with some issues regarding the allocation of Human Services funds for the balance of the year. Further information will be gathered, and the matter will be brought to the Council in the near future. Councilman Doyle attended a meeting of the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority. Mayor Sargent attended an EDC meeting; she noted the EDC status report in the Information Agenda. She also attended an exit interview with the State Auditor. There were no findings, and the City received a good report. Mayor Sargent stated that she received a call from representatives of the "Golden Agers", who are interested in having one or two Council members attend their potluck this Thursday to get acquainted. - 1 ' 2830 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 16, 1994 FINANCE: 1. Declare Contract CL-94-2 Complete for Purchase of High Voltage Cable Declare Contract Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Light Department. for High Voltage Cable Complete Councilman Schueler moved to declare Contract CL-94-2 with Western States Electric, Inc., complete and authorize the retainage payment of $1,461.52. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Schueler moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: 1) Final acceptance and payment for landfill compost facility; 2) Request for bids for Morse Creek trash rack; 3) Voucher list of August 12, 1994~ of $719,809.57; 4) Payroll of July 31, 1994, of $355,810.58. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion. In responding to an inquiry, Steve Hursh of the Light Department explained the nature of a trash rack. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. ITEMS FROM THE Louise Meyer, 2629 Franklin Lane, urged the Council, staff, and members of the AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ audience to encourage neighbors and friends to attend the Clallam County Fair, STAFF TO BE which opens Thursday of this week. Ms. Meyer presented a T-Shirt to the Mayor CONSIDERED OR on behalf of the Fair Board. PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA: Manager Pomeranz requested that a date be set for a Council/Staff goal-setting and team-building session. This was added to the agenda as Item E.7. Councilman Ostrowski set a meeting of the Real Estate Committee for Thursday, August 18, 1994, at 4:30 p.m. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings None. Establishing Charge for B. Ordinances. not Requiring Public Hearings Connection to Ediz Hook Sanitary Sewer - I. Establishing Charge for Connection to Ediz Hook Sanitary Sewer Ordinance No. 2832 Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department and read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2832 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, establishing the charges for connection to the Ediz Hook sanitary sewer and establishing Chapter 13.70 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Ostrowski moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. At Councilman Braun's request, City Engineer Kenworthy explained "equivalent wastewater service factor". After further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Street Vacation - C. Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing Center Street - Resolution 10-94 I. Petition for Vacation of City Right-of-Way - Krohs - Portion of Center Street at Olympus Avenue Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department and read the resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 10-94 A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles setting a heating date for a petition to vacate a portion of Center Street, Port Angeles, Washington. Councilman Braun moved to pass the resolution as read by title. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. -2- 2831 August 16, 1994 LEGISLATION: D. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items (Cont'd) None. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items Request for Proposals E. Other Considerations for City-wide Fixed Asset Appraisal 1. Consideration of Request for Proposals for City-wide Fixed Asset Appraisal Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Finance Department. Finance Director Godbey explained the purpose of a fixed asset inventory and why it is so important. She noted the City has been given an unqualified opinion in the past by the State Auditor's Office; however, the Auditor has made it clear that the time has come to establish a fixed asset appraisal and inventory system. Mayor Sargent suggested that the Council .may wish to establish a ceiling for the project. Councilman Braun concurred, as he was concerned with the $60,000 figure budgeted for the project. He, therefore, recommended that a ceiling of $30,000 be set. He inquired as to whether the City's facilities are covered with earthquake insurance. It was Manager Pomeranz' recollection that the City is insured for any casualty in excess of $250,000.00. He assured the Council he would confirm that information. Councilman Schueler expressed concern with this expenditure, and Manager Pomeranz explained that it is critical for the City to receive an unqualified Auditor's opinion, as this is something the bonding agencies closely scrutinize. If the City received a qualified opinion, increased interest costs would be incurred and bond insurance could be denied. Discussion followed, and Director Godbey informed the Council that once the inventory is complete, it should be fairly simple for the staff to keep it maintained. Councilman Braun moved to authorize a request for proposals for a fixed asset inventory and appraisal, with the cost not to exceed $30,000. Councilmember McKeown seconded the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilman Schueler voting in opposition. Amendment to Public 2. Consideration of Amendment to Public Works Trust Fund Agreement Works Trust Fund Agreement 'Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Finance Department. Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize the amendment to Public Works Trust Fund Loan Agreement b'PW-5-91-280-047, which states that loan repayment is not a general obligation of the City of Port Angeles. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Committee to Consider 3. Committee to Consider Requests for Hotel/Motel Tax Funds Requests for Hotel/Motel Tax Funds Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the City Manager, and noted that the funding for the Chamber of Commerce should be considered in two parts, as one portion is for the operation of the Visitor's Center. Councilmember McKeown moved to appoint a Committee to consider requests for hotel/motel tax funds, to be constituted as proposed by the City Manager, to make recommendations to the City Council during the budgeting process. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion. Councilman Schueler questioned the rationale of forming a committee when the Council has performed this function unaided in the past. He felt this was one of the discretionary parts of the budget, and he didn't understand why the Council shouldn't deal with it as it is a political issue. Mayor Sargent felt the Council would still be dealing with this issue within the guidelines of the RCW. City Manager Pomeranz reminded the Council that last year there was concern expressed, particularly by the motel/hotel association, over the way the Council had allocated funds. A meeting was held between some Council members and hotel/motel managers to discuss the allocation, and some changes were subsequently made. Every year there is concern expressed over the amount of time spent discussing $130,000 in hotel/motel funds, out of a $60 million budget. Several Council members had also raised the question of whether or not funds were allocated in the best manner possible, and if there is a systematic way of reviewing the accomplishments and activities of the various entities. The Committee would '3 ' 2832 CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 16, 1994 LEGISLATION: basically serve as an intermediary to screen the requests, develop more of a process (Cont'd) and make a recommendation to the Council, who would then deal with the allocations in a public forum. Committee to Consider Requests for Hotel/Motel Councilman Ostrowski stated that even though this was a small amount of money Tax Funds (Cont'd) compared to the entire budget, it was a very important part of the Council's function, and he did not feel the Council should give it up. Mayor Sargent felt that the hotel/motel managers were satisfied with the allocation of funds after their meeting last year. Councilman Schueler felt testimony on this matter should be presented to the Council and not a committee. He stated it was the Council's responsibility to make these decisions. After further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which failed by a majority vote, with Councilmen Braun, Ostrowski and Schueler voting in opposition. Rick Hert, from the Visitor & Convention Bureau, indicated the Council has done a good job in the past in making these allocations. The VCB would be willing to work with any process the Council chooses. Set Public Hearing for 4. Set Public Hearing for Presentation of Shoreline Master Plan Shoreline Master Plan Mayor Sargent reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. Councilman Braun moved to set a public hearing on the Shoreline Management Plan for September 20, 1994. Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion, Which carried unanimously. Appointment of Council 5. Appointment of Council Members to Serve on Youth Violence Steering Members to Youth Committee Violence Steering Committee Councilman Schueler explained the make-up of the committee and what it hopes to achieve. Councilman Doyle asked for more information on this issue as there was little information in the packet. Police Chief Ilk explained that no one is really sure what is going to happen with it and he didn't have any more information than the Council. Councilman Schueler volunteered to serve on the committee. Mayor Sargent agreed to contact the cities of Forks and Sequim to learn how they plan to deal with this issue. EDC Status Report 6. EDC Status Report for Second Quarter Bart Phillips, Director of the Economic Development Council, reviewed the list of accomplishments contained in the packet. Mr. Phillips stated that the EDC has an entrepreneurial training program that trains displaced workers in establishing their own businesses. During the past 12 months, six businesses have been started as a result of this program, and about 12 people have been employed by these businesses. The Small Business Development Program has had some significant results, with approximately 121 clients seen for extended counseling sessions, 28 .jobs created from new businesses, and 55 jobs retained from troubled firms, with the result of approximately $1.9 Million in additional investment. The EDC had a successful recruitment in Mervyn Manufacturing, which will be located just outside the City. This is the model of the type of business the EDC would like recruited into the City. There are four other recruitments the EDC is still working on which, if successful, will be located right in Port Angeles. Mr. Phillips explained that two additional staff members have been added in Jenny Foreman, Program Manager, and Mamie Hannah, Office Manager. Mr. Phillips briefly explained the work program. There are four elements to economic development, business assistance, business retention, business improvement and infrastructure development. The work program addresses all four areas. Break The Mayor recessed the meeting for a break at 8:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. -4- 2833 August 16, 1994 LEGISLATION: 7. Quarterly Report for Six Months Ending June 30, 1994 (Cont'd) Finance Director Godbey provided an update on sales tax, as this is a critical Quarterly Report for Six component of the general fund. The City is within 2 % of the projected sales tax Months Ending 6/30/94 figures as indicated by the year-to-date collections for the period ended July 31, 1994. The City is on target on the budget; however, Manager Pomeranz pointed out that the 1994 budget is still $100,000 lower than what was actually received in 1993. Director Godbey discussed the decline in hotel/motel tax collections. Collections for the period ending July 31, 1994, are 10% lower than for the same period last year. She discussed the possibility of reducing 1995 agency requests to make up the deficit. Director Godbey proceeded with an analysis of General Fund revenues and expenditures for the period ending June 31, 1994. She indicated that revenues are 51% unattained and expenditures 53 % unexpended, which indicates that the General Fund's financial condition is exactly where it should be half-way through the fiscal year. She also commented that utilities are monitored very closely for compliance with bond provisions, and that utility revenues and expenses are also on target. Councilman Ostrowski thanked the Finance Department for preparing the quarterly reports. Mayor Sargent echoed that sentiment and stated that it was nice to have current reports and know where the City stands, as it gives the Council advance warning of problems. Director Godbey praised the Accounting Division for a job well done and commented on the progress this Division has made in the past three and one-half years. Ms. Ziomkowski presented the investment report. She informed the Council that the size of the investment is approximately $15 million, and there has been a lot of recent activity due to recovering construction payments. In the environment of rising interest rates, the City shortened the maturity of the investments, and about 57 % of the investments will mature in less than six months. This will allow the City to take advantage of the higher interest rates. The City is still focusing on diversification of both maturities and types of investments, which increases the safety of the investments. Council/Staff Goal-Setting 8. Council/Staff Goal-Setting~ Team-Building Session Set Team-Building Session A Council/Staff goal-setting/team-building session was set for Monday, October 3, 1994, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Council held a brief discussion relative to plaques/recognitions in conjunction with the opening of the City's new facilities. It was agreed by consensus that the names of the current Council members would appear on the plaques prepared for the facilities. Break Mayor Sargent recessed the meeting for a break at 9:35 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:40 p.m. ADJOURN TO The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. to discuss a matter of EXECUTIVE SESSION: litigation for approximately fifteen minutes. _ RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 9:55 p.m. SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. -5-