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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/03/2000 4296 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington October 3, 2000. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Doyle called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Erickson, Hulett, McKeown, and Wiggins. Members Absent: Councilmembers Campbell and Williams. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, Y. Ziomkowski, J. Hicks, J. Lowell, G. Kenworthy, G. Darling, S. Coyle, P. Sekac, T. Gallagher, M. Sanders, J. Abram, N. Wu, L. Zenonian, E. Kovatch, V. Morgan, T. O'Neill, T. Smith, D. Dickson, J. Winfield, K. Miller, and K. Haugstad. Public Present: M. Gentry, L. Lee, S. Strafford, L. Lawson, L. and S. Witt, M. Schildknecht, and G. Moms. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Doyle, followed by a moment ALLEGIANCE: of silence for Betty Lou Campbell, who passed away the previous week. CEREMONIAL Appointment of Police Chief' Manager Quinn advised the Council he has been looking MATTERS/ at two candidates for the position of Police Chief. He delineated the attributes a Police PROCLAMATIONS: Chief should have, and he noted his pride in being associated with the Port Angeles Police Department. Manager Quinn then announced the appointment of Tom Riepe as Appointment of Police the Chief of Police. Manager Quinn administered the Oath of Office, and Mayor Doyle Chief presented ChiefRiepe with two Police Chief badges. Chief Riepeintroduced his family and expressed his appreciation and honor to be named to this position. WORK SESSION: 1. Presentation by Terma Planners, Inc., re. Francis Street Park Project Presentation by Terma John Hicks, Recreation Manager, introduced Messrs. Mike Gentry and Roy Hellwig, Planners, Inc., re. Francis Terma Planners & Architects, who were present to submit a report to the Council on the Street Park Project Francis Street park project. With the use of the overhead projector, Mr. Gentry explained the original design envisioned for this park project. He discussed the major elements of the project, noting there was a desire to allow vehicle access to the Waterfront Trail in order to provide handicapped access. Mr.. Gentry reviewed plan~, for a view pavilion, as well as intentions to move a portion of the Waterfront Trail to allow for a play area. He showed the Council a topographical depiction of the park, noting there will be a flag plaza, more parking, and pedestrian walkways. Mr. Hellwig advised the Council that the majority of the work will be regrading. Also with the use of the overhead projector, he indicated the plan is to incorporate as much native vegetation as possible. Mr. Gentry further reviewed the parking available, the area signage, as well as the fact that every effort is being made to provide a type of botanical effect in the park. Discussion followed, with the Council generating questions as to lighting, trail width, security, and the possibility of creating an amphitheater. Councilmember McKeown indicated the Soroptimist - Jet Set Club had considered the possibility of an amphitheater for musical performances and the like, but the group concluded it would be too cold for evening performances on the waterfront. Also considered was the area -1- 4297 CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 3, 2000 WORK SESSION: to be planted with grass, the sprinklering, and the possibility of using a portion of the (Cont'd) grassy area for a future stormwater detention pond. Steve Zenovic, who also worked on the park plan, felt it would be difficult to incorporate a detention pond; however, Presentation by Terma Manager Quinn reminded the Council that much of this project was funded by grant Planners, Inc., re. Francis monies on the basis that the City would be putting in a stormwater detention pond at Street Park Project (Cont'd) some future date. For that reason, the City is committed to leaving a portion of the area open for detention purposes if required. Manager Quinn felt the park will be a wonderful addition to the community, and he emphasized how many people have worked on the project to see it to completion. Messrs. Gentry and Hellwig were thanked for submitting this status report. LATE ITEMS TO BE Peter Ripley, Port Angeles Journal, extended his congratulations to Tom Riepe for PLACED ON THIS OR being named Police Chief. FUTURE AGENDA: FINANCE: None. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Erickson moved to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2000, regular City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wiggins and carried by a 3 - 2 vote, with Councilmembers McKeown and Hulett abstaining due to their absence from the meeting. Councilman Hulett moved to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2000, special City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Erickson and carried by a 4 - 1 vote, with Councilmember McKeown abstaining due to her absence from the meeting. CITY COUNCIL Councilmembers Wiggins, McKeown, Erickson, and Hulett had no reports to offer. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Doyle attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the house to be built in partnership with the Homebuilders Association, the School District, and Peninsula College. ORDINANCES NOT Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS: RESOLUTIONS: Resolutions: Resolution in Support of Resolution in Support of Business Incubator and Skills Center Facility: Mayor Doyle Business Incubator and reviewed the information provided by Tim Smith, Economic Development Director, Skills Center Facility who indicated he was present to report on the City's economic development efforts Resolution No. 11-00 since the end of last year. Working through the Economic Development Council, the City began to look at the potential for refocusing economic development efforts, ending with a marketing strategy that emphasized the potential in the high tech sector. Mr. Smith reviewed four goals that had been identified in the marketing strategy, noting that the presentation this evening would involve two of the four goals and would broaden the City's vision for a technology innovation center. Mr. Smith advised the Council that meetings were held with Mark Madsen ~4.- ~, Economic Director of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Development and Kendra Waggoner, First Federal Savings & Loan, on the matter of jointly pursuing the technology innovation center and expanding such an effort throughout the County. Also included in these discussions have been other partners, such as the City of Sequim, the City of Forks, and the Port of Port Angeles. Mr. Smith indicated there has been a great deal of public and private enthusiasm generated. Also discussed was the need to foster an opportunity for education as apart of the effort, to train the work force and to make education available to the entrepreneurs as well. Thus, the concept of considering a co-location project with the Skills Center came into being. Present this evening were Nancy LaChapelle, Vice Principal of the Port Angeles High School, and Mike Frick, Machining Instructor. Ms. LaChapelle informed the Council she was the Director of the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center, which is now referred to as the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Consortium. They cannot be referred to as a Center, since they don't have a building. Ms. LaChapelle was surprised that an educational program could be defined by how it CITY COUNCIL MEEFING October 3, 2000 RESOLUTIONS: is housed. Because of this fact, the Skills Consortium has lost access to certain funding (Cont'd) sources, as well as the summer program where they could offer the use of the community for job skills training during the summer. Ms. LaChapelle indicated she has Resolution in Support of learned that her strength and ability to provide sound educational programs to the Business Incubator and members of the community depends on the ability to build partnerships. She expressed Skills Center Facility her excitement at the concept of the business incubator and the synergy that can be Resolution No. 11-00 created to partner the incubator with the Skills Center. Ms. LaChapelle delineated those (Cont'd) areas in which the Skills Center could provide assistance to a business incubator. Mark Madsen addressed the Council and, with the use of the overhead projector, he summarized the objectives of the business enterprise center, which is a place to help small, expanding businesses grow to maturity through the difficult time when they lack resources or a complete knowledge of the business environment. It is expected that the business incubator will create new jobs in an area that has been adversely affected by a change in its economic base. Further, it accelerates the process of modernizing and diversifying the industrial base, and it helps to establish a technology-based industry or economy. Mr. Madsen explained the specific means by which businesses will be enhanced in terms of shared equipment, clerical assistance, and the like. He reviewed economic and demographic trends and noted the challenges to the entrepreneurial upstarts, such as management, capital, markets, and technology. Mr. Madsen summarized in detail a trip taken to visit various incubators already in place in areas such as Ellensburg, Prosser, Pasco, and Tri-Cities. Partnerships are created on a long-term basis, and Mr. Madsen stressed the importance of funding opportunities based on these partnerships. In addition, Mr. Smith felt the results would be of a better quality with the inclusion of the Skills Center. He indicated the next step to be taken is to create a business plan, identify the associated costs, and begin searching for outside funds. In response to an inquiry from Councilman Wiggins, Mr. Madsen reviewed the typical life of a business incubator indicating that it generally takes a business four years to mature. However, as learned during the trip taken, the incubators must be adjusted somewhat as the market place changes. Mayor Doyle inquired as to what has been envisioned for the b?icks and mortar. Mr. Smith responded that a feasibility study is being formulated; however, about six potential sites in Port Angeles and other areas have been identified. Sequim and Forks might also serve as sites as well. Mr. Madsen was of the opinion that, ultimately, there may be numerous sites. After further discussion, Mayor Doyle read the ResolUtion by title; entitled RESOLUTION NO. 11-00 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, in support of the county-wide development of a business incubator and skills center facility. Councilman Wiggins moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hulett and carried unanimously. PUBLIC MEETING: Public Meeting: Initiatives 722 and 745 Initiatives 722 and 745 Discussion /Resolution: Mayor Doyle reviewed information Discussion / Resolution submitted by Manager Quinn on the matter of Initiatives 722 and 745. Manager Quinn Resolution No. 12-00 advised the Council the purpose of this public meeting was to seek input from both sides of the issue with regard to Initiatives 722 and 745. He reviewed the contents of the packet, noting it was staff's intention to provide the Council with objective information describing the ballot measures, as well as information as to the financial impact on the City should the Initiatives pass. Manager Quinn summarized the intent of Initiative 722 in that it proposes to roll back certain 1999 tax and fee increases, exempt vehicles from property tax, and limit property tax increases (except new construction) to 2% annually. Initiative 745 proposes to utilize 90% of transportation funds, including transit taxes, for roads and transportation agency performance audits and, further, it proposes to make road construction and maintenance sales tax exempt. Manager Quinn further reviewed the staff memorandum by delineating the increases imposed in 1999 which would have to be refunded. If Initiative 722 were to pass, the estimated impact on the City would be $665,000, which would be a combination of roll backs plus costs associated with the refunding process. Manager Quinn indicated there -3- CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4299 October 3, 2000 PUBLIC MEETING: will be opportunities to deal with the impact if the Initiatives pass, and various cutbacks (Cont'd) are be likely. Initiatives 722 and 745 He noted that Initiative 745 would not result in a great loss of revenues to the City; Discussion / Resolution however, the Clallam Transit Authority would be significantly impacted, thus directly Resolution No. 12-00 affecting the citizens using the Transit system. Manager Quinn referenced an (Cont'd) informative letter submitted by the Executive Director of Clallam Transit indicating the Transit would lose 90% of its revenues should the Initiative pass. At this time, Mayor Doyle noted the attendance of County Commissioners Steve Tharinger and Mike Doherty. Mayor Doyle then invited comments from the public. Mark Schildknecht, a resident at Lake Sutherland, advised the Council he and his wife are very much a part of this community. He was present to urge the Council to adopt the Resolution opposing Initiative 745, as he didn't believe it to be the answer to traffic congestion throughout the State and in this community. Further, he didn't believe the Initiative is the answer to poor air quality. Joe Mangiameli, an Executive Board officer for the Transit Union, expressed opposition to Initiative 745. He felt passage of the Initiative would take away local control of taxes, it would take away transportation options, and it would give the City an excellent building to conduct a last presentation at the building at the Truck Route and Lauridsen Boulevard. Mr. Mangiameli felt there couldn't be enough testimony this evening to even approach the expression of support evidenced by the election this past May at which time a sales tax increase was overwhelmingly supported for the public transit. He felt that vote was an expression by the public that they want control of their taxes and want the taxes to support transportation options. Mr. Mangiameli strongly urged the Council to oppose Initiative 745. Rob Campbell, General Manager of Clallam Paratransit, indicated the Paratransit service contracts with Clallam Transit to provide transportation for people with disabilities. The Paratransit transports about 55,000 passengers per year, taking individuals to medical appointments, errands, and the like. Mr. Campbell, speaking on behalf of the Paratransit users, expressed opposition to Initiative 745. He indicated their users have no other form of transportation, and they are individuals who do bring money into the community. The Paratransit users need the lift-equipped buses, and passage of Initiative 745 would have a significant impact on these individuals because of cutbacks that would be required. He urged the Council to oppose Initiative 745. Larry Witt, 176 Taylor Cutoff Road, Sequim, offered clarification with regard to valuations on property tax by reading an excerpt from the State Republican Caucus memorandum to the Legislature. Mr. Witt's explanation was that Initiative 722 would not limit the valuation of property per se, but would instead use the 1999 valuation of property as a baseline. If the Initiative were to pass, it would exempt future tax increases from that portion of property tax attributable to the increase of value over the 1999 value, plus the lesser of inflation or 2% annually. Mr. Witt further emphasized that any increase in valuation would be exempted down to 2% Mr. Witt addressed the repealing of the stock piling effect related to 1-695, noting that some governments did not use the full 6% allotted in a fiscal year and then rushed to judg. ment by instituting significant increases before December 31, 1999. All of those tax increases would be repealed, to include the banking provision. Mr. Witt felt that the motor vehicle tax portion added an insurance policy to the people's right to express their views. On the matter of Initiative 745, Mr. Witt indicated the language of the Initiative calls for a 90 - 10 split on roads, to include ferries. Having heard earlier about how buses are going to lose money, he countered they would instead be getting a healthy 10% equal to $1 Billion split by all of the agencies around the State every two years. He read from a section of the Initiative on the performance audit required and indicated he could not give any merit to the "sky is falling" syndrome, as this didn't happen after the passage of 1-695. He felt these changes to be healthy for govermnent. Linda Herring, who recently moved to Highland Commons, uses Paratransit almost every day for transportation to medical appointments. Without the bus system, she felt she would be stuck at home. She urged a no vote on Initiative 745. Bruce Munro, a resident of Clallam County and a Transit employee, has lived in the community for twenty years. He has worked as a Transit operator for fifteen years, and -4- CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 3, 2000 t~ 3 0 0 PUBLIC MEETING: he informed the Council that Clallam Transit had approximately 800,000 boardings this (Cont'd) past year, representing individuals from throughout the County, Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Mr. Munro felt that Clallam Transit provides an essential service to the Initiatives 722 and 745 community and, without a transit system where 90% of the budget would be taken away Discussion / Resolution and given to highways, the people of the community would not have any way to get to Resolution No. 12-00 where they need to go. He explained the impact on the community, as people won't be (Cont'd) able to get to jobs, to schools, or to stores. Mr. Munro felt that passage of Initiative 745 would result in tremendous damage to the transportation system in the State of Washington and to the local community. He urged the Council to oppose Initiative 745. Allan Bentley, 610 Milwaukee Drive, referenced the passage of Referendum 47 in 1997. He queried how that might affect or eliminate the need for 1-722, as he recalled taxes were limited to the rate of inflation unless there was a substantial need that could be demonstrated and passed by the legislative body. Finance Director Ziomkowski agreed that Referendum 47 did initiate a provision on how much property taxes could be increased. The limit for increases was called the IDP, or the Implicit Price Deflector, which was actually less than inflation. Director Ziomkowski indicated that, in 1998, the City increased property taxes by .8%; this past year, the increase was 1.4 %, both of which were in compliance with Referendum 47. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Doyle, Manager Quinn offered clarification as to how 1-695 did not include utilities, but 1-722 would impact utility rates. Joe Sutton, 207 Dillon, informed the Council he has been employed by Clallam Transit as a driver for the past year and a half. Since the time he was employed, Transit has been in total chaos because of funding-related issues. He hasn't been able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the job. Mr. Sutton advised the Council he has four children, and he works another part-time job in order to support his family. With the 3% increase, 1-722 would take away 50% of most of the Transit budget, and 1-745 would leave almost next to nothing. Mr. Sutton felt confident that the figures provided to the Transit employees on 1-745 impacts were accurate, so there was no reason to question their validity. Mr. Sutton was raised in Port Angeles and chose to return to the area to raise his'family, as he felt this is a good area with good people living here. Councilman Hulett inquired as to the last water/wastewater rate increase which he recalled was part of a three-year rate plan. Director Cutler clarified the increase for 2000 was the first in a three-year process, as it was necessary to cover escalating costs associated with compliance. Councilman Wiggins asked if 1-722 were passed, would the City generate the necessary funds from reserves? Finance Director Ziomkowski stated some of the funding could come from reserves, but she cautioned the Council that the reserves are being depleted. Manager Quinn added that the bonds for the utilities must be covered by the rate structure, and there is a potential violation of the bond covenants. In addition, future municipal bond ratings could be seriously impacted. In the ensuing discussion Councilmember McKeown noted various increases that were determined essential, such as the Medic I increase. Also, Parks fees were increased in order to provide the citizens with a quality park system. Any cuts would likely be taken out of areas such as Parks, in order to maintain emergency services. She felt that passage of the proposed Resolution would not necessarily change any minds, and she expressed the desire for more debate on the issues. Councilman Wiggins followed up on commentaries made by Mr. Witt on the amount of $1 Billion being distributed among the various agencies. Mr. Witt returned to the podium and reiterated many of the comments previously offered. He clarified how the movement of sales tax would ultimately help fund transit systems. Lengthy debate and discussion followed between Mr. Witt and the Councilmembers. Mr. Mangiameli retumed to the podium and emphasized the fact that, inthe past twenty years, two votes have been taken to the public on the matter of funding for transit. On both occasions, there has been overwhelming support, and Mr. Mangiameli reiterated that passage of 1-745 would take away local control. After further discussion, Councilman Wiggins questioned the timing of taking action on the proposed Resolution. He felt it might be better to wait until the time there was a full Council in attendance and also to take action a bit closer to the date of the election. Councilman Wiggins, therefore, moved to table the resolution. Opinions were expressed that it would be acceptable to proceed with action at this evening's meeting. The motion died for lack of a second. -5- CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 3, 2000 PUBLIC MEETING: Mayor Doyle read the Resolution by title, entitled (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 12-00 Initiatives 722 and 745 Discussion / Resolution A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Resolution No. 12-00 expressing opposition to Initiatives 722 and 745. (Cont'd) Councilmember McKeown moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hulett and carried unanimously. Break Mayor Doyle recessed the meeting fbr a break at 8:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:10 p.m. OTHER Other Considerations: CONSIDERATIONS: 1. Position on Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Study Position on Blue Ribbon Commission on Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by the Planning Director, after which Transportation Study City Engineer Kenworthy summarized the last meeting of the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Engineer Kenworthy explained that the PRTPO is concerned that much of the funding will be concentrated along the I-5 corridor, excluding rural and smaller areas. In spite of the traffic congestion on the I-5 corridor, the Peninsula is asking for an adequate share of the funds. Engineer Kenworthy explained how traffic congestion is gauged, and discussion followed. Councilmember Eriekson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the response to the draft accords and options developed by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation. The motion was seconded by CounCilman Hulett and carried unanimously. Public Fireworks Display 2. Public Fireworks Display for High School Homecoming for High School Homecoming Mayor Doyle reviewed the memorandum provided by the Fire Chief, and Chief McKeen advised the Council this is the same type of requested considered every year. Based on previous experience, the Fire Department is recommending approval of the request. Councilman Hulett was surprised that this matter was again coming before the Council, as he recalled asking before if the request couldn't be delegated to staff. Councilman Wiggins moved to authorize Entertainment Fireworks, Inc., to conduct a public display of fireworks on the 13th day of October, 2000, at Civic Field for the Port Angeles High School homecoming game. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Erickson and carried unanimously. Financial Conditions 3. Financial Conditions Report for 2000 Report for 2000 Manager Quinn explained the City is required to provide a report on the £mancial conditions of the City, and the report is also provided to assure the Council that staff, while preparing the 2001 budget, has not forgotten about its current responsibilities related to the present budget year. The report provides the status of revenues and conditions for 2000 as the City proceeds to 2001. Manager Quinn reviewed current revenues and projections, and noted he was disturbed about future revenues, sales tax decreases, and the like. He indicated he doesn't see tremendous growth in revenues, and the City will have a challenging time ahead in terms of controlling expenses. Manager Quinn informed the Council that he has recommended the City set aside $250,000 towards capital improvements, and it would be his recommendation that those funds be dedicated to the Carnegie Building so that restoration or renovation efforts can proceed. Discussion followed on the budget calendar, and it was noted that some minor changes will be made to the schedule. Also, Manager Quinn informed the Council that the same process used last year for reviewing the budget will be followed again this year. INFORMATION: City Manager's Report: Manager Quinn reported he has been spending a great deal of time working on budget preparations. -6- CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 3, 2000 t~ 3 0 2 ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. to discuss litigation for 15 - EXECUTIVE SESSION: 20 minutes. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to Open Session at approximately 9:20 p.m. SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjoumed at 9:20 p.m. ~~? B~'~k37F. U'-p~(~, ~ C e~ Earry D,o~; ayo~r// -7- 4303 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK