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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09/16/20035030 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington September 16, 2003 CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING: ROLL CALL: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: PUBLIC CEREMONIES, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS: Beautification Recognition: Garden Club and Port Angeles Downtown Association Recognition of BMX Club Proclamation for Race Equality Week, September 29 - October 4, 2003 Mayor Wiggins called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Erickson, Headrick, Rogers, and Williams. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Public Present: Acting Manager and Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, M. Connelly, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, S. McLain, B. Kuchik, and G. Kenworthy. J. Wilson, P. Lamoureux, F. Norton, and C. Kidd. All others present in the audience failed to sign the roster. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Police Chief Riepe, followed by a moment of silence for the two Police Officers in harm's way, the lady in distress, and the man who was killed. Beautification Recognition: Garden Club and Port Angeles Downtown Association: Mayor Wiggins read and presented the Beautification Recognitions to representatives of the Port Angeles Garden Club, as well as representatives of the Port Angeles Downtown Association, Arla Holzschuh, Jan Harbick, and Charlie Smith. Parks & Recreation Director Connelly introduced and recognized Parks staffmembers Jim Breitbach and Brooke Keohokalole for contributing to the beautification effort. 2. Recognition of BMX Club: Mayor Wiggins read and presented the recognition of Mr. Mike Thomas for the contributions of the BMX Club in the community. 3. Proclamation for Race Equality Week, September 29 - October 4, 2003: Mayor Wiggins read a Proclamation declaring September 29 - October 4, 2003, as Race Equality Week and, in conjunction with the activities of the week, he announced efforts of the Community Multi-Cultural Task Force to disseminate the Community Pledge, copies of which will also be provided in the Peninsula Daily News. Citizens are being encouraged to sign the Pledge and place it in a visible location. In addition, the Task Force is sponsoring an essay contest on race equality within the Port Angeles School District for grades 4, 7, and 10. WORK SESSION: None. -1- 5031 CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2003 LATE ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THIS OR FUTURE AGENDAS: Jesse Wilson, 1025 W. 11th Street, President of the Clallam County Citizens for SAFE Drinking Water, referenced the February public hearing on fluoridation of the City's water, noting there were many who felt unheard and not properly consulted. The number of residents opposed to fluoridation is growing, and the group is trying to educate as many people as possible, remaining open to both sides. Mr. Wilson indicated two binders containing a significant amount of research have been made available at the public library. During the referenced public hearing, a survey was reported as having been conducted among 250 people, 175 of whom were in favor of fluoridation. However, Mr. Wilson indicated that many people questioned the survey results, as they were never invited to participate in such a survey. A petition drive opposing fluoridation was started, and signatures were collected from Port Angeles citizens, as well as citizens outside the City limits, to include visitors to the area who were supportive of the group's cause. Mr. Wilson read into the record: "We, the undersigned, believe the injection of fluoride into the City's drinking water to mass- medicate against tooth decay, without our informedconsent, is morally wrong and of questionable benefit to the public health. For you, for ourselves, for our children, and our children' s children, we respectfully request that you discontinue plans to fluoridate the water of the City of Port Angeles, now and forever." Mr. Wilson provided the petitions to the City Clerk for the public record. From outside the City limits, there were 180 signatures and from inside the City, there were 1,237 signatures. Mr. Wilson indicated it is understood there is no initiative or referendum proce?s, so this is an appeal to the Council's good conscience to open the topic to a public vote or public debate where both sides can be heard in a balanced and moderated venue. Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby, referencing previous commentaries on tree trimming, indicated he still didn't understand why the City doesn't eliminate trees that are in the vicinity of power lines. Also, referencing the different names for the trail in the area, he again questioned why money is being spent on the trail outside the City. Emphasizing concerns with the economy, he referenced an agenda item havingto do with trail improvements, and he suggested that a full accounting be made available to the public on trail expenditures thus far, to include Francis Street Park. Mr. Lamoureux also urged the City to provide a status report to the public on the Peabody reservoir cover. Mayor Wiggins asked Parks & Recreation Director Connelly to address the matter of work on the trail, and Director Connelly indicated staff could gather information on expenditures on the trail from the time Francis Street Park was acquired and constructed. Information could also be gathered on the trail eastward; however, it would be more difficult to assemble the information back to the mid-70's to calculate total costs of the trail westward. Director Connelly indicated that the Waterfront Trail, Francis Street Park, and other park facilities have been largely supported by State and Federal grants. This funding has been made available to support the development of recreational facilities and, from his perspective, the community has gained something of significant value that otherwise may not have been accomplished. Councilman Williams, being a member of the PRTPO, indicated the City competes for grant funds, as one of the Council's goals is to bring more income into the area. For every dime leveraged, the City gains an additional dollar in order to accomplish more things in the area, such as the Waterfront Trail. Mr. Lamoureux continued by submitting commentaries on fluoride, informing the Council that he didn't feel it was their prerogative to tell him what is good for his health. He cited practices for healthy teeth, informing the Council that the health issue of the citizens of Port Angeles was not in their elected job description. At this time, Acting Manager Knutson introduced Mr. Brian Kuchik, the new Accounting Manager for the City. -2- FINANCE: Award Electric Rebuild of Laurel Street & Washington Street Substations Award Fire Hall Roof Replacement / Deck Repair Award Olympic Discovery Trail Paving Extension Award 8th Street Bridge Repairs CONSENT AGENDA: CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2003 Award Electric Rebuild of Laurel Street & Washington Street Substations, Projects 01-27 and 01-29: Deputy Director of Power Systems McLain summarized bids received for the electric rebuild of the Laurel Street and Washington Street substations. Following brief discussion, Councilman Campbell moved to award the bid and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Potelco, Inc., of Sumner, Washington, in the amount of $183,074.40. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unanimously. 2. Award Fire Hall Roof Replacement/Dick Repair, Project 01-14: Deputy Director McLain reviewed the proposed contract for the replacement and deck repairs to the Fire Hall roof, after which Mayor Wiggins inquired as to reimbursement for the work. Deputy Director McLain indicated that approximately $232,000 in reimbursement has been received thus far, and Acting Manager Knutson added that the remainder is expected through the WCIA now that the bid has been received. Acting Manager Knutson explained that, although it took time and effort to get the insurance company to accept coverage responsibility, payments are now being made promptly. In response to an inquiry from Councilman Williams, Acting Manager Knutson indicated that any expenses for contract change orders should be covered as well. Councilman Braun moved to award and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the Fire Hall Roof Replacement and Deck Repairs, Project 01-14, with Aldergrove Construction, Inc., in the amount of $352,459.88 for the base bid. The motion was seconded by Councilman Williams and carried unanimously. 3. Award Olympic Discovery' Trail Paving Extension, Project 99-19: Deputy Director McLain reviewed the proposed contract to improve approximately 2 miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail east fromthe Rayonier Mill site. Responding to an inquiry from the Mayor, Deputy Director of Engineering Services Kenworthy indicated the project is being funded by an ISTEA grant. Mayor Wiggins noted the benefits of the trail, as well as the future benefits that can be expected. Deputy Director Kenworthy agreed, referencing the great deal of advertising that has been generated for the City. In addition, Parks Director Connelly felt that, without the trail, many upcoming events would not have been scheduled. There are many opportunities to showcase the trail as an economic development tool. After further limited discussion, Councilmember Rogers moved to award the contract for the Olympic Discovery Trail, Project No. 99-19, to Primo Construction of Carlsborg, Washington, and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract in the amount of $208,410.31. Councilman Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 4. Award 8t~ Street Bridge Repairs, Project Ol-lO: Deputy Director McLain explained the need to conduct temporary repairs to the 8th Street bridges until the time the bridges are replaced. Deputy Director Kenworthy provided additional informationin that the State Department of Transportation inspects the bridges every two years, tagging those bridge members that need replacement. The members scheduled for replacement in this repair project were those identified by WSDOT. Accordingly, Councilman Campbell moved to award and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the Eighth Street Bridge Repairs, Project 03-10, with General Construction Company in the amount of $30,051.00. The motion, which was seconded by Couneilmember Rogers, carried unanimously. Noting the inclusion of Gateway Review Committee minutes in the Consent Agenda, Mayor Wiggins asked for an update from Councilmember Rogers on the committee's deliberations. Councilmember Rogers reported the committee has been meeting every two weeks and has been reaching consensus on issues dealt with thus far. A new, 5032 -3- 5033 CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2003 CONSENT AGENDA: (Cont'd) CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS & CALENDAR: Break ORDINANCES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS: hybrid design is being supported, and preliminary cost estimates are such that the committee feels the project can move forward. She further reported that the project has been scaled back to a lower cost, as the structure will be at grade at Front Street and Railroad Avenue. In addition, the committee has met the goal of no net loss of parking. Councilmember Rogers indicated the architect is to return with more accurate cost estimates but, thus far, it appears the project has been reduced by approximately $2.5 million. Referencing Packet Page No. 28 of the September 2, 2003, City Council minutes, Return to Open Session, Councilman Headrick offered the correction that the purchase price of the property was $92,000 plus closing costs, with the North Olympic Land Trust funding 88% of the purchase price and the City providing 12%. Councilman Braun moved to accept the Consent Agenda, to include: 1.) City Council Minutes of August 28, 2003 Special Meeting; September 2, 2003 Regular Meeting as corrected and September 9, 2003 Special Meeting; 2.) Expenditure Approval List -September 5, 2003 - $576,011.21; and 3.) Electronic Payments - September 5, 2003 - $2,480,032.50. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Councilmember Rogers reported on the Centers of Excellence project for Peninsula College, who recently competed with 26 other community colleges for the grant. It is expected that six Centers of Excellence in the State will ultimately receive funding. A core group of people have been seeking donations toward the grant funding match and, thus far, firm commitments in the amount of $79,000 have been received. Councilmember Rogers further reported that an additional $135,000 has been requested from various corporations and foundations, and responses shouldbe forthcoming. The fund-raising effort has been met with great deal of support; most donations have been in the range of $10,000 - $25,000. Councilman Headrick reported on his attendance at the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, at which time a letter was received from Blackball as the Business of the Month. There was communication from the Port of Port Angeles regarding a groundbreaking ceremony, as well as from Tod McClaskey requesting that his membership from the Chamber be terminated. Various reports were submitted on Chamber memberships, sales and lodging taxes, hotel occupancies, and Chamber web hits, and the like. Councilman Braun attended the Public Safety Committee meeting, and deliberations involved a jake brake ordinance, OPNET, police patrol services, contract negotiations, WRICOPS, the 2004 budget, and vehicle funds. He also attended a Real Estate Committee meeting and Gateway Review Committee meeting, and he participated in a teleconference with Rex Bond, a consultant on the sports facility. Also participating in the phone conference was Ken Ballard, Denver, who indicated it would be preferable to have all facilities under one roof. Councilman Williams attended a PRTPO meeting; reports on the Hood Canal Bridge and homeland security were provided. Mayor Wiggins attended the totem pole ceremony at the Dream Playground, as well as the Hospice anniversary celebration. Mayor Wiggins recessed the meeting for a break at 6:57 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:14 p.m. 1. Electricity Rate Adjustment: Deputy Director McLain summarized the implementation of Option I to increase electric rates by $0.0031 per kWh for all rate classes and by 5.7% for all fixed charge -4- CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2003 5034 Electricity Rate Adjustment Ordinance No. 3145 classes of customers, except the industrial transmission class. He reminded the Council this increase was necessary in order to recover revenues due to the replacement of power purchase contracts that have expired. None of the increase is related to wholesale power cost changes from the BPA, and Deputy Director McLain indicated that $1.7 million in reserves will be used to mitigate the increase. He reviewed minor housekeeping changes made to the Ordinance and, after brief discussion, Mayor Wiggins read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 3145 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, revising Electric rates and amending Ordinance 2054 as amended and Chapter 13.12 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Campbell moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Deputy Director McLain provided clarification regarding municipal water pumping, after which a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Interim Septage Receiving Plan Ordinance No. 3146 2. Interim Septage Receiving Plan: Deputy Director McLain reviewed the proposal to allow the Wastewater Treatment Plant to accept County septage from punters at a charge of 11 cents per gallon. He indicated the program will be reviewed every six months, and he summarized the projected revenue, to include revenue from utility taxes generated. Councilmember Erickson indicated the proposal had been reviewed and endorsed by the Utility Advisory Committee. Following brief discussion, Mayor Wiggins read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 3146 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, providing F~r the'~r6cessingof septic waste from within Clallam County at The City's Sewage Treatment Plant and amending Ordinance 2394 As amended and Chapter 13.64 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Williams moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rogers and carried unanimously. RESOLUTIONS: Street Vacation Petition - Port Angeles School District: Portion of 12/13 Alley within Jefferson School Site Resolution No. 10-03 Street Vacation Petition - STV 03-02 - Port Angeles School District: Vacation of Portion of the 12/13 Alley within the Jefferson School Site: Community Development Director Collins advised the Council that this street vacation petition was submitted due to an oversight during the construction of Jefferson School. The alley was inadvertently left out of an area street vacation, and the Real Estate Committee had determined that no compensation should be obtained for the vacation. In response to Mayor Wiggins' inquiry, Acting Manager Knutson stated that the prior vacation did not involve compensation and, because this alley was inadvertently not included, it was agreed by the Real Estate Committee that there should be no compensation. Mayor Wiggins read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. 10-03 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, setting a hearing date for a petition to vacate a portion of the twelve/thirteen alley from Lincoln Street to Chase Street. Councilman Braun moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. The motion was -5- 5035 CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 16, 2003 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: PUBLIC HEARINGS - QUASI-JUDICIAL: PUBLIC HEARINGS - OTHER: INFORMATION: EXECUTIVE SESSION: RETURN TO OPEN SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: seconded by Councilman Campbell and carried unanimously. None. None. None. CommunityDevelopment Director Collins provided an update on the deliberations and activities of the Marine Resources Committee, a committee to which he has been reassigned as representative of the City. Councilmember Rogers noted the increase in Building Permits in comparing 2003 activity to 2002. Mayor Wiggins noted the October 9~ AWC Regional Meeting; Mayor Wiggins and Councilmembers Williams, Campbell, Headrick and Braun plan to be in attendance. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:34 p.m. to discuss a real estate transaction for 15 - 30 minutes. The meeting returned to Open Session at 8:05 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. /Glenn Wiggins, Beck~J. Upt~City~ierk - ]~--- - -6-