HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/06/1987I CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Whidden called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
II ROLL CALL
Members Present: Mayor Whidden, Councilmen Hesla, McPhee, Quast, Schermer,
Stamon.
Members Absent: Councilman Hallett.
Staff Present:
Public Present: J. Sargent, M. Lemon, E. R. Dorr, K. Gabriel,
M. Merrick, J. Glass, E. Saar, H. Berglund, J. Newlin,
B. Lyon, J. Cornell, A. Evans, G. Carriveau, L. Sunny,
C. A. Alexander.
III APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Stamon moved to accept and place on file the minutes of the
regular meeting of September 15, 1987. Councilman Quast seconded, amending
Register Page 825, Section 2A, final paragraph, changing the motion to
read: "Councilman Quast moved to recess this part of the public hearing
for the purpose of providing copies of City Goals to the public." On call
for the question, the motion carried.
IV FINANCE
1. Payment Authorized to Riddell, Williams for Legal Representation on
WPPSS Issues
Councilman Schermer moved to authorize payment of the September 16, 1987,
Riddell, Williams bill in the amount of $361.07. Councilman Hesla seconded
and the motion carried.
2. Bids Awarded for "E" Street Reservoir Cover to United Steel Erectors
Councilman Stamon moved that the Council award the contract to United Steel
Erectors, Inc., for their low base bid of $154,426, with additive Bid 2A in
the amount of $5,973 and the Alternative Additive Bid (in lieu of 2B) in
the amount of $6,299, and reject Additive Bid 2C involving landscaping.
The total, including sales tax will be $179,699.37 ($166,697 tax
$13,002.37). Additional funds needed above the budgeted amount of $153,000
to come from unbudgeted Water /Sewer Utility Reserves. Councilman Schermer
seconded. Councilman Stamon commented that even t4ough the bids received
were above the Engineer's estimate, we were under the gun a little bit
because the City has a 40% maximum matching grant from the State and grant
funds might be lost if this project was not constructed this year. She
further noted that these bids were substantially lower than bids received
on the first call. Following discussion, on call for the question, the
motion carried.
V CONSENT AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
October 6, 1987
Manager Flodstrom, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Anderson,
P. Carr, M. Cleland, R. Orton, S. Brodhun, L. Glenn,
K. Ridout, D. Wolfe.
Councilman Schermer moved to accept the items listed under the Consent
Agenda as follows: (1) Consideration of disposing of surplus equipment
from Police and Fire Departments; (2) Request permission to call for bids
on upgrading sewer scan equipment; (3) Request progress payment to Fremont
Construction of $206,412.46 for work on new City Hall; Request for payment
to Del Hur of $44,731.84 for Race Street project; (5) Request permission to
call for bids for single phase residential meters; and (6) Vouchers of
$1,092,087.26 and Payroll of 9 -20 -87 of $238,759.46. Councilman Hesla
seconded.
Councilman Stamon discussed with Police Chief Cleland sale of surplus
firearms by the Police Department and the need to re- identify a serial
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
number on a weapon prior to sale. Councilman McPhee discussed with staff
the request for permission to call for bids for single phase residential
ers;c 2
meters and the currentn program. Councilman Schermer discussed
disposal of clothing surplused by the Fire Department. Staff responded
that the City conducts an auction several times a year where surplus
property is disposed of. Councilman Quast ,discussed with,staff repair and
Jc2 uJ V� n YJ t ^r
upgrade of television equipment for or Councilman
Quast thanked Del Hur Industries for the widening of Race Street. He
stated it was regrettable that the electrical contractor did not complete
its task as soon as this contractor. He felt Del Hur and City staff, which
supervised the construction, should be commended for this project, which
was seven years in the making. The motion carried.
VI ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA
None.
VII LEGISLATION
12. Proclamation Share a Song Week, October 12th through 17th, 1987
Mayor Whidden moved Item No. 12 Proclamation Share a Song Week, October
12th through 17th, 1987, to the first item for consideration. He then
proclaimed October 12th through 17th, 1987, Share a Song Week in recogni-
tion of the many singing groups in our community who have given such
generous and special performances for the sake of charity. He urged all
citizens to join in public recognition of the good Sweet Adelines, Inc.,
has done in our community and the many honors it has won. He then
presented the Proclamation to representatives from Sweet Adelines.
1. Public Meeting City Council's Goals and Objectives for 1988 and
Beyond
Mayor Whidden opened the public meeting.
Administrative Services Director Wolfe distributed copies of Goals and
Objectives for 1988 and beyond. Councilmen Stamon and Schermer explained
the process used in establishing this set of Goals and the priority array.
Jerry Newlin, 717 South Peabody, addressed the Council on behalf of the
Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. He read a letter listing City Goals and
Objectives which complemented goals of the Chamber, including No. 2, Expand
and Diversify Economic Base of the City, and No. 5, Promote and Support
Tourism. The letter also strongly urged that although possibly implied in
No. 2B, Business Program, the Council consider a City Goal to use
local goods and services to the fullest extent possible. Councilman Stamon
stated that a committee of Councilmembers, community and business leaders
would probably be established to develop a program whereby we can improve
policies and procedures in order to retain and promote local business. She
asked if members of the Chamber would be willing to serve on that commit-
tee. Mr. Newlin responded in the affirmative, stating that the Chamber
already had a committee to deal with that issue.
Councilman Quast pointed out State bid laws that required bidding on many
projects. He stated there was a greater opportunity now as a result of a
change in legislation increasing the minimum amount for items to be bid
upon. He asked about the printing of brochures. It was his understanding
that the Chamber had brochures printed in Canada because the cost was
lower. Mr. Newlin agreed to check into this issue and provide Councilman
Quast with the information.
Jerry Cornell, 824 West Fourth Street, addressed the Council, representing
the Port Angeles Downtown Association. He addressed specifically Goal No.
1, Maintain and Enhance the Financial Stability of City Government; No. 2,
Expand and Diversify the City's Economic Base. He felt one of these Goals
was directly affected by the other, as sales tax revenue directly affected
Goal No. 1. He assumed that the Council was committing to assisting retail
business and to increasing aid to the retail sector for the benefit of tfie
City budget. He felt this was extremely timely, as the retail sector was
feeling the pinch, not only from the Silverdale Mall, but from a proposed
retail activity in our own back yard. He stated the Port Angeles Downtown
Association was going to become more aggressive in maintaining and increas-
ing its own economic base and from time to time would be approaching the
Council seeking more assistance, rather than asking for a withdrawal of
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
assistance. He felt the Council had done an excellent job of supporting
businesses in the Downtown and urged that to continue. Councilman Quast
inquired about Mr. Cornell's opinion on the City's Goal established in 1980
to enhance the quality of life in Port Angeles. Mr. Cornell stated that he
would vote for people based on whether he felt they would go beyond the
basics or not. Councilman Stamon asked, for the sake of clarification, if
Mr. Cornell felt that the City and the business people in the community
not just the Downtown Association but other areas as well as a team. Mr.
Cornell answered, "Absolutely He feared a mentality that looks at the
City as giving too much help to the retail sector.
Councilman Quast stated that the Council was well aware of the sacrifices
made by the Downtown merchants in picking up an LID, when interest was 15
to improve the Downtown and to help the City to survive at a time when
unemployment was 25 He stated current unemployment is 7.8 so we were
aware that this investment had produced plenty of interest and rewards.
Councilman McPhee felt that assisting and strengthening the Downtown was
not helping the Port Angeles Downtown Association, but helping the City.
Councilman Stamon felt that we were looking at the relationship between the
business community and the City government in a different way than we ever
had before; that we were seeing ourselves as partners and seeing the entire
business community in this City as part of the team and a neighborhood
within the community that comes to the Council just as a neighborhood would
to seek an improvement of a park, etc.
Councilman Schermer asked if the Port Angeles Downtown Association had
established a time line for replacement of planters. Mr. Cornell said he
would defer this to the Beautification Committee of the Downtown Associa-
tion. Councilman Quast asked how many square feet presently were vacant in
the Downtown. Mr. Cornell did not have those figures. He did state that
there were 18 vacant storefronts, with the exception of Armory Square Mall,
and that there were 160 or 170 occupied storefronts. Councilman Quast
asked how many square feet were created by thei new Malls and Mr. Cornell
responded he did not know those figures either, but a study had been made
which revealed that if you took all of the businesses out of the Malls and
filled up the vacant buildings Downtown, there would be more businesses
left over than we would have space for.
Marvin Merrick, 615 West Eighth Street, did not understand these Goals and
Objectives. He felt they were very brief and should have included a short
paragraph on what each goal meant. Upon inquiry by Councilman Quast,
Councilman Hesla, as member of the Public Information Committee, explained
that the next City Report would include an insert which would allow for
feedback from the public to enable citizens to participate in prioritizing
the Goals. He stated there would be a little explanation of, for example,
what we meant by capital improvements. He further explained that by the
next City Council meeting, results of this survey would be back and would
receive serious consideration. Councilman Stamon explained that additional
information was available in the City Manager's office and that any Coun-
cilmember would be very glad to sit down with Mr. Merrick to review all of
these goals and objectives.
Hattie Berglund, 1834 West Seventh Street, felt tliat crosswalks in the
middle of the blocks Downtown were an extreme hazard. She felt it impor-
tant that the City establish some means of making the Downtown areas
cleaner. She felt the City should continue to diligently pursue acquiring
land available on Ediz Hook. She stated Solid Waste disposal was a major
problem. She urged the Council to make it an immediate and definite asset
to people for them to recycle. She felt economic development was neces-
sary, and the City must guard against policies which hinder and force
existing businesses to move out of Port Angeles or go out of business. She
stated further that the City must guard against economic development which
lessens or destroys the quality of life in Port Angeles that citizens now
enjoy. She felt that efforts for a destination resort should come totally
from private resources. She felt this summer had seen tremendous increases
in programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department in providing
recreational programs for youth and adults. She commended the Parks
Department and encouraged them to look to who the future with regard to
teenagers. She felt the municipal swimming pool was used to capacity now,
and there may need to be consideration of enlarging the facility in the
future.
Mrs. Berglund discussed the Goal of Development of a Community Driven Value
Statement. Councilman Quast felt the community needs to give Council a
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
signal on whether they need to go back to basics, and the community could
do that by electing people who wanted to go back to basics. However, if
the community extended values beyond basics to enhance the quality of life
in this community, the community could look at those candidates or
incumbents who have worked and developed that mission statement. Mrs.
Berglund stated that she had sat through many Council meetings over the
years and seen the requests that came before the Council, the majority
dealt with quality of life and that's what people were asking for.
Councilman Quast stated that the Council had not addressed in its Goals,
preservation of the railroad line from Port Angeles to Port Townsend for
future years, as perhaps a rapid transit line. He asked if the City
Council ought to lend support to the PDA to retain, through the Department
of Natural Resources, the railroad line. Mrs. Berglund felt that deserved
consideration. Councilman McPhee felt that as long as we own the highways
and the land adjoining the highways, that would be a better place for rapid
transit, rather than buying new land that is out of the population center.
Councilman McPhee stated he would rather see the churches involved in
providing activities for young people, or groups like the Y or service
clubs. He did not want the government getting involved in everything. He
stated that churches are able to teach the types of values that he was
taught when he was a child and the government properly could not get
involved in that. He stated the quality of life should be improved, but
not necessarily by the government. He stated we who are the government
could lose control of what we think we are in charge of. He said we had a
good example of that in this City in the recent past.
Councilman Quast discussed with Mrs. Berglund the problem of unkempt side-
walks and cigarette discards. He noted that a number of local merchants
sweep in front of their stores early every morning and that there were no
outdoor receptacles provided for cigarettes. Councilman McPhee inquired if
Mrs. Berglund thought the public safety issue regarding crosswalks should
be placed as a high priority. Mrs. Berglund concurred. Councilman
Schermer raised a point of order. He stated this was a public hearing and
lectures and opinions by Councilmembers were not necessarily a part of the
public hearing. He felt it was fine to ask questions, but when we start
editorializing, that's not part of a public hearing.
Councilman Stamon responded that this was a public meeting, not a public
hearing, and provided a good opportunity for Councilmembers to have an
exchange and explore some ideas that members of the public are putting
forth. She did agree that we need to limit our editorializing. She felt
there was an opportunity to provide some exchange between Councilmembers
and members of the public. She suggested adding the crosswalk problem
under the Goal of Improve Street and Traffic Systems, thereby elevating it
to a higher priority. With regard to Acquisition of Ediz Hook, she stated
that could be added under Planning for Port Angeles' Future; and with
respect to cleanliness Downtown, she stated the President of the Downtown
Association was present tonight and was sure he would be glad to work with
the City in addressing that. She asked regarding the pool expansion if
Mrs. Berglund felt the pool expansion should be included in the Capital
Improvement Plan. Mrs. Berglund stated that it had always been a bond
issue before, but concurred that it should be considered as a candidate for
the CIP.
Alton Evans, 1204 South Cedar, felt the idea of using right -of -way along
the highway for rapid transit was ridiculous. He stated the railroad
right -of -way follows a level path and the highways go uphill and downhill.
He asked what it would do when it got to Sequim and how it would go from
Highway 101 to Port Townsend along that mountainous highway. Mr. Evans
compared this to a situation he had witnessed in Long Beach, California,
which used to have a trolly which went to Hollywood. He stated they
replaced the trolly with busses, much to their sorrow, and wished they had
the trolly again. Councilman Quast stated that Seattle was very sorry they
had given up the right -of -way for the suburban railroad. He stated they
have to buy it back now, with multi millions of dollars. Mr. Evans
reiterated that as long as we have the railroad right -of -way we ought to
keep it.
Mike Lemon, 1818 West Sixth Street, felt the Goal of Retaining Businesses
and Bringing in New Businesses should include the creation of incentives by
looking at a sales tax deferral system which includes retail and commercial
businesses. He felt the City should join with the County in going to the
State requesting the inclusion of retail services and commercial businesses
in tax deferral programs which right now include manufacturing, research
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
and development. He stated that on the State level, they were looking at
the elimination of sales tax for new construction and encouraged this also.
He stated that the State of Oregon has a tax increment financing for
improvements on facilities which included assessment at the old rate, to
give them an incubation period. He felt we should become more of a marital
community with the County and Legislators in pursuing these avenues.
Mr. Lemon commended the Council on its Goals, agreeing with a lot of them.
With regard to the Goal of Enhancing Community Involvement in Communica-
tions, he felt public input was a top priority. He favored providing
additional training for boards and commissions and recommended a public
forum consisting of developers, major business owners, realtors, long -time
residents, etc., in a situation where all ideas presented are right and
people are comfortable in presenting their ideas. He also recommended
allowing weekly gripe sessions as an avenue for citizen complaints. He
recommended an attachment or printing on the back of utility bills, advi-
sory ballots if a decision was being made, asking citizens if they were in
favor of the proposed decision. He felt that the Goals established by the
City Council looked good on paper and hoped that we could stay on track
with those goals.
Councilman Schermer noted that the City received quite a bit of objection
from restaurant owners when it applied for and received a $400,000 grant of
assistance to The Landing Mall. He asked if the private sector (the
financial institution Mr. Lemon was employed by) could offer free money to
a builder for a year. He used this as an example to indicate there would
be some problems. Mr. Lemon was aware of that. He asked why there were
not incentives passed on to other entrepreneurs in that same respect and
felt that the $40,000 received so far as payment for The Landing was not
even a drop in the bucket to what interest payments should be. He wanted
to see The Landing totally utilized so it could create a revenue that could
be funneled back into the reserves of the City to go back out to other
businesses. He knew that was the intent and hoped that would be what
happened.
Councilman Quast commended Mr. Lemon for being more positive and providing
constructive criticism. He stated that just like the banking institution
could not give anything away for free and could not make deferrals of
interest for years in order to get a business started, we, the City, had
accepted $440,000 from the Federal government because it was a block grant
and the State had decided that The Landing project would be the recipient
of this block grant, rather than a proposed project to improve sidewalks on
all arterials. He personally was against the Federal government giving low
interest to private business when the Federal government is $2.8 trillion
in debt, because' those are still tax dollars; but he also knew that if we
didn't grab it, some other community would, and with the high unemployment,
the Council wanted the money here, so accepted the grant. He stated that
$400,000 is a rotating fund and the first $40,000 that has come back to the
City is available for other businesses; so in the retention program, that
money will always be rotating in our community. He stated there was a
danger in this, too, in that the City was almost becoming a competitor with
the financial institution Mr. Lemon was employed by. With regard to the
suggestion for gripe sessions, Councilman Quast fe4t as long as the gripe
sessions contributed to good communication and constructive improvements,
it was wonderful. He stated the City had done this with the City Report
and the "We're All Ears" program. He welcomed Mr. Lemon to come to City
Hall to review all the responses received from citizens on the "We're All
Ears" program.
Councilman McPhee liked Mr. Lemon's idea of an advisory ballot on the back
of utility bills. He clarified with Mr. Lemon that his recommendation was
to go to the State to request changes in the State law with regard to tax
deferral.
Councilman Stamon also liked the suggestion of providing information on
utility billing, and pointed out that was what the Council was getting at
with the "We're All Ears" program. She also referred to neighborhood
meetings, stating that no specific neighborhood issues had come up
recently, but that these had been used as an avenue to receive comments,
suggestions and complaints from the public. She stated the Council was
hoping to establish meetings for the presentation of ideas from members of
the community. She was glad to see there were people in the community,
particularly the financial community, that were willing to say we ought to
look at tax deferral programs and incentives. She stated there were
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
political risks involved with these types of decisions and referred to the
Port's decision with Hiller Helicopter. She was glad to see that Mr. Lemon
was looking at those types of programs and hoped that regardless of what
happened in the upcoming election, he would be willing to participate. She
felt that was going to be the key to our economic diversity. She thanked
him for his comments and thought they were valuable. She asked if Mr.
Lemon had looked at the possibility of a business incubator to provide
centralized bookkeeping, secretarial, and administrative services for new
businesses. Mr. Lemon felt that a key to having this type of thing was to
have the community; i.e., the public, make the decision to bring that type
of project into the community.
Councilman Schermer also commended Mr. Lemon on more positive comments
towards City government, asking if Mr. Lemon was recommending more task
force committee types of decisions. Mr. Lemon felt that this was not the
time to respond to that question. He clarified that he would have
presented this as a citizen and even if he did not get elected in November,
he had been excited about what he had been doing now as a citizen and would
pursue these activities. He stated the Council might see him at every
meeting.
Joan Sargent, 309 West 15th Street, stated that a lot of the things she
would have mentioned had already been mentioned, and listed four: (1) She
felt the City did need to devise a workable recycling program; (2) She
stated not only the crosswalks that Mrs. Berglund had mentioned but all
crosswalks were dangerous. She suggested imposing a few stiff fines for
violations; (3) She mentioned that Port Angeles has been mentioned
nationwide as one of the ten most desirable places for people to retire and
the only place mentioned on the West Coast. She felt that when the City is
considering its Capital Improvement Plan for the next six years, it
certainly needs to be considering improving the Senior Citizens Center.
She felt it was very inadequate now. She strongly urged the Council to
reconsider the property at Seventh and Peabody, which had been put on the
market at the last meeting. She stated that property was very accessible
to all of the three senior housing facilities that exist in Port Angeles.
She felt it was an opportunity we may miss if we put that property on the
market; (4) She recommended development of a waterfront park as a priority.
She referred to a park she had visited recently in Ashland, Oregon. She
suggested pursuing the idea of citizen participation, encouraging memorial
gifts in the way of garden areas, fountains, ponds, bridges. She stated
these things were used in Ashland, Oregon, to a great advantage and felt
that we could use these things here.
Councilman Stamon responded that was one of the goals that the Council had
talked about and it had been established as a high priority goal. She
stated Councilman Hallett had specifically mentioned Ashland and how well
they had done with their parks program. She stated that specifically
mentioned were the east side, the waterfront, and Ediz Hook. Ms. Sargent
felt that the establishment of a park along the waterfront would certainly
keep tourists here a little longer.
With regard to the crosswalk problem, Councilman Stamon stated that the
Council really had no control; that this was uner the control of the
judges regarding the mandation of fines. She stated that the Council could
make a recommendation to the judges that the fines be stiffened. She asked
Ms. Sargent if she had any proposed solutions. Ms. Sargent felt that we
might be able to put more pressure on the judges, if possible, to levy
stiffer fines. She felt that once the news was out that you better stop
because you will get a stiff fine if you don't, it would encourage people
to stop. Councilman Stamon asked if she felt this should be mentioned in
the next City Report as a problem. Ms. Sargent answered in the affirma-
tive.
Councilman Schermer spoke to Ms. Sargent regarding recycling and mentioned
the problem with recycling regarding the high cost of transporting
materials. Ms. Sargent responded that all those things going into the
Landfill were filling it up faster and that was costing a great amount of
money, too. Councilman Schermer agreed. Councilman Schermer responded
that we did have a small grant and were beginning to work on it. Council
members discussed recycling options with Ms. Sargent at some length.
Councilman Quast stated that Councilman Schermer was chairing the recycling
committee and asked Ms. Sargent if she would be able to serve on that
committee. Ms. Sargent said although she had a number of other commit-
ments, she would seriously consider it. Councilman Quast mentioned some of
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
the obstacles that exist for recycling, one being that it cost the local
recycler more to ship recycled cardboard to Tacoma than it does to Oregon
because of Federal trucking regulations and deregulation. He stated it was
the opinion of some that recycling would have to be subsidized by tax-
payers. Ms. Sargent stated that she had spoken to the people who own
Olympic Disposal and seemed to be making money at it, so there must be some
way of doing it.
Upon inquiry by Councilman Quast, Ms. Sargent did �t agree with Councilman
McPhee that youth activities should be provided'1Joy c"nurch and service
organizations. She felt many more activities could be provided by the City
for youth, on the Pier, etc., that would be of little or no cost. Council-
man McPhee responded that senior citizens already have their values estab-
lished. He was not concerned about an unreligious group establishing
values for senior citizens. He felt there were too many of those people
influencing our youth already. Ms. Sargent discussed further with Council
her suggestion to expand the services and the facility of the Senior
Citizen Center. She stated this program provides an excellent service but
with the notoriety of this area and the influx of people moving here from
other areas to retire, we need to look at expansion of that service in our
six -year Capital Improvement Plan.
Councilman Quast drew attention to a note handed to him by Jerry Glass
mentioning the stiff penalties that existed in Europe if someone drives
through a zebra stripe; i.e., crosswalk, while a pedestrian was on it. He
felt it was time for the Chief to speak up because he had seen our police
cars sitting on the parking lot and watching two major crosswalks and
pursuing those who did not stop. He very much concurred with the danger of
the crosswalk situation in Port Angeles. Police Chief Cleland responded
and stated that forums like this were the best way of making people aware
of the problem and that he welcomed discussion of the problem. During
discussion, Councilman Quast suggested individuals concerned with this
visit District Court and review citations, noting how many fines had been
reduced. He stated they could then make their wishes known to the elected
judges. Councilman Quast discussed with staff the painting, re- striping
and removal of some crosswalks in town.
Marvin Merrick, 615 East Eighth Street, complained about City crews
beginning work with jackhammers and heavy equipment early in the morning.
He felt they could knock on peoples' doors and warn them prior to beginning
with noisy equipment and surprising or scaring people. Councilman Stamon
felt this type of thing could easily be handled by having the Public Works
Department put door hangers on doors in neighborhoods. He also complained
about an impolite letter he received from the Public Works Department over
an overgrown bush in his yard. Council explained that the process included
first sending a polite reminder, then sending a not so polite reminder
prior to having the City complete repairs and billing the owner, and that
something must have gone astray in the process in order for Mr. Merrick to
not have received the first polite letter. The Council asked Mr. Merrick
when this had happened and Mr. Merrick responded several years ago. The
Council then said that Mr. Merrick should have called them at the time.
Mayor Whidden stated that the City Report includes the telephone numbers of
all Councilmembers and if a citizen had a complaint,, all they had to do was
pick up the phone and call a Councilmember.
Evelyn McElravy, 1505 West Fifth Street, reported that one morning a man
knocked on her door and said that her trees were in violation, gave her two
weeks to cut them down or the City would cut them down and charge her. She
stated she received no other notice. Upon inquiry, she explained that it
was a few years ago. Councilman Stamon explained that the policy had been
changed since that time.
Councilman Quast suggested that we have our coffee break immediately fol-
lowing this item so that we could follow up on this interchange on a more
personal basis. Mayor Whidden asked for additional comments. There were
none. He therefore closed the public meeting.
Councilman McPhee felt that the staff had received some unearned criticism
tonight. He stated that the City sends out an awful lot of mail and it was
possible for one to get lost, but by and large, they do a good job. He
felt the Council could have better control over staff but as no one else
had jumped in to defend them, he felt he should. Councilman Hesla reiter-
ated and encouraged people to respond to the City Report survey and to add
their input. He commented on the community value driven mission statement.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
He felt that the majority of the Council wanted
of life and institute programs related to human
Council does currently want to go beyond basics
community at large on that subject.
Councilman McPhee asked Manager Flodstrom to
Department to look again at very early morning
the safety issue should be placed as one of the
as the water system improvement goal.
BREAK
The meeting was recessed for a break from 9:00 to 9:15.
2. Planning Commission Minutes of September 23, 1987
to add to the high quality
services, etc. He felt the
and wanted to hear from the
request the Public Works
noisy work. He felt that
top priority goals, as well
Manager Flodstrom explained that the results of the survey in the City
Newsletter would be brought back to the October 20th meeting, when an
additional public meeting would be held on the Goals and Objectives for
1988 and Beyond. Councilman Schermer brought up a suggestion by previous
Councilmember Rex Gerberding to make a park out of the Peabody Ravine.
Parks Recreation Director Brodhun stated that he had been working on that
with a member of the community. Councilman Stamon stated this community
member was Paul Owen, who had a vision for a park in the Peabody Ravine.
She stated more power to him. Councilman Quast stated that years ago there
were similar suggestions and where the trailer park exists now it was
suggested that there be placed an ampitheatre similar to one in Ashland,
Oregon, and we would even have something nicer than what we have in Ashland
in a way, although that park would be hard to beat. He also explained that
is very expensive private property at the moment.
Councilman Stamon moved to accept and place on file the Planning Commission
minutes of September 23, 1987. Councilman Hesla seconded and the motion
carried.
3. Resolution Passed Setting Public Hearing for Street Vacation 3/4
Alley and Fourth Street Abutting Block 75 (Tumwater Truck Route Area)
Mayor Whidden read the Resolution by title, entitled
RESOLUTION NO. 24 -87
A RESOLUTION of the City of Port Angeles
setting a hearing date for a petition
to vacate a portion of Fourth Street
and a portion of the 3/4 alley.
Councilman Schermer moved to pass the Resolution as read by title, setting
the public hearing for November 3, 1987. Councilman Stamon seconded.
Councilman Quast pointed out to the Planning Department that the Real
Estate Committee would appreciate it if they received the same information
as the petitioner.
4. Ordinance Adopted Vacating a Portion of Vine Street Compensation
Determined
Mayor Whidden read the Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 2459
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles
vacating that portion of Vine Street
abutting Lot 11, Block 16, and Lot 10,
Block 11, PSCC2d.
Councilman Quast reported that the Real Estate Committee discovered this
particular property falls under the statutory provision in which the City
cannot charge for the property. Therefore, he suggested the compensation
under Section 2 be zero. Following discussion, Councilman Stamon moved to
adopt the Ordinance as read by title, setting the compensation at zero.
Councilman Schermer seconded and following discussion, the motion carried.
Councilman Stamon discussed and clarified the precise location with staff.
5. Barney Caine Appointed to Civil Service Commission
Mayor Whidden recommended the appointment of Barney Caine. Councilman
Quast moved that Council confirm the Mayor's appointment. Councilman
Schermer seconded. Councilman McPhee did not approve of this procedure,
stating the majority of the Council had elected to do this. He felt the
State law prefers us to each take a public position on selections. On call
for the question, the motion carried, with Councilman McPhee voting "No
6. Consideration of Petition for Improvements by LID for Alder Street
Petition Accepted
Councilman Quast moved to concur with the recommendation of the Public
Works Department and accept the ballots in the form of a petition from the
property owners and authorize the Public Works Department to proceed with
surveying, engineering, and preliminary costs for the Alder Street LID.
After the preliminary lay -out and estimated costs, the Public Works Depart-
ment could then hold another public hearing with the property owners and
discuss alternates for roadway width and curb and gutters. After the
meeting with the property owners, the Public Works Department would then
bring a resolution of intent to form the LID to the City Council for their
consideration. Councilman Hesla seconded. Councilman Stamon asked about
the process, specifically if a public hearing would be held prior to
establishment of the LID, to provide property owners with another
opportunity to comment. Staff confirmed this. Following discussion, on
call for the question, the motion carried.
For the sake of expedience, Mayor Whidden directed the Council to Item No.
13, then proceed with the regular agenda Item 7. Manager Flodstrom
explained that Item 13 was the one item that we did need to consider this
evening and other items remaining on the agenda, with the exception of the
Executive Session, could be continued, with the Council's permission.
13. Certification of Property Tax for 1988
843
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
Councilman Quast moved the Council approve the tax certification and
authorize the Mayor to sign. Councilman Stamon seconded. During discus-
sion, Councilman McPhee voiced his disagreement with the statement included
in the memorandum from the Administrative Services Department that the City
is in better financial shape today than in 1982. Council and staff debated
this issue at great length with other Councilmembers explaining the basis
for this statement and agreeing with it. Following very extensive discus-
sion, on call for the question, the motion carried. Councilman Quast moved
to now view the video (Item No. 7) and to continue all items remaining on
the agenda to the October 20, 1987, meeting, except the Executive Session.
The Council determined Item 15 needed consideration. Councilman Stamon
seconded the motion, which was amended to include Item 15. The motion
carried. (Councilman Quast concurred.)
7. Presentation of Succeed in Port Angeles Video Butte, Montana
City Clerk Anderson presented a video entitled "Butte, Montana The Town
that Wouldn't Die" which showed the results of a program in that community
similar to the Succeed in Port Angeles program now underway. The video
showed how the community of Butte, Montana, utilized the Investment in
Excellence Program in their community to create esprit d'corps, enabling
them to become one of the forerunners in economic development in the State
of Montana when, a short time before, they had faced tremendous economic
adversities. Following the video, Councilman Stamon thanked City Clerk
Anderson. She stated that she and her husband had been involved in the
Investment in Excellence program for a number of years and that the program
works. She stated it is the kind of thing for Port Angeles and this is the
perfect time for looking at the program when the Council is looking at its
Goals. She said it has application with regard to possibility thinking,
goal setting, business attraction and retention, etc. She felt all of the
things that the Council had talked about earlier tonight could only be
facilitated by the use of the program. Mayor Whidden stated it is inter-
esting to see what an up -beat outlook on life in general and in City
government in particular can accomplish. He stated it's very infectious
and as a result, things get done. He stated the City of Port Angeles had
gotten an awful lot of things done in recent years with positive thinking.
He asked members of the audience to think back to six or seven years ago,
stating that things are much different now than they were then. He
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
reiterated a quote from the film, the three components of a winning team:
"Attitude, attitude, and attitude
15. Joint Cities /County Committee on Health Services City Committee's
Recommendations Supported by the Council
Councilman Stamon reported on the most recent meeting with the County and
recommendations established by the City Council Committee (absent Council-
man Hesla) as follows: (1) The County needs to identify (in detail) what
County services are provided to the residents of the three cities who pay
an equal amount of property taxes as residents living in the unincorporated
areas of the County. This information will be very important when deciding
what an appropriate cost sharing agreement might be; (2) If a contractual
arrangement is agreed to, the cities need to be represented on the
decision making board which will determine service and funding levels for
each health service. This could be accomplished by expanding the present
Clallam County Board of Health (the three Commissioners) to include a
representative from Forks and Sequim, two representatives from Port
Angeles. Or, we could look at elevating the present Public Health Advisory
Board to a decision making level for services and a recommendation level
for funding. The elected officials of the three cities and the County
would then approve the final budget. Much like is currently done with
Human Services; (3) If a contractual arrangement is not acceptable, we
should move to eliminate the current Clallam County Board of Health and
proceed to develop a Health District; (4) Any shifting of funds from the
County to the cities should occur over a period of three years. This is
particularly important to Sequim and Forks. (5) When developing a formula
for sharing costs, some consideration must be given in recognition that the
cities' residents pay property taxes to the County and therefore already
pay for some County services (including Health Services). The Committee
proposed that a formula which first eliminates the $87,650 of fixed costs
from the total might be possible. Following extensive discussion, Council-
man Schermer moved to concur with the recommendations of the Committee and
support these recommendations as the City's proposal. Councilman Hesla
seconded and the motion carried.
VIII CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS /LATE ITEMS
Councilman Quast requested the Council consider at its next meeting a
policy that there will be no dogs, cats or other pets on the new City Hall
premises and that violation of such a policy shall result in immediate
dismissal of City employment of persons involved. He stated he did not
want City employees to bring their pets into the building and have their
pets there for the entire eight hours while they are working. Manager
Flodstrom stated'he could quickly resolve such an issue.
Councilman Quast discussed with staff the "For Sale" signs made for City
properties being listed for sale. He wanted the Council to write a letter
to DNR to urge them to purchase the railroad line. Councilman Stamon
thought it would be more appropriate to put this on the agenda as a regular
agenda item. He also instructed staff to write a letter to Olympic
National Park in appreciation of completion of their trail. He discussed
with staff plans for completion of the City's portion of the trail.
Councilman Schermer referred to a letter from the Clallam County Museum
requesting the Senior Center as a site for a fire engine museum, should a
new Senior Center facility be constructed in the future.
Councilman Stamon would continue this year as the
cl rnine✓ticcf representative on the Tourism and Convention Association y
Board. She asked when the revised Animal Control Ordinance would be
„considered. Attorney Knutson stated we were shooting for the next meeting.
Councilman Stamon felt that two weeks would not be sufficient time, as
there were really substantial changes. She felt it might be better to
publicly announce in the near future that we would hold a public hearing
and copies of that ordinance were available and allow until the first
meeting in November for people to comment.
Councilman Stamon referred to the Succeed in Port Angeles update included
in the Information Agenda. She stated one of the things that was mentioned
was a suggestion that we address the problem of vandalism. She stated
particularly at City Pier, we spent in excess of $10,000 in repair last
year as a result of vandalism that could have been spent on other things.
She stated the suggestion was that we utilize the "We're All Ears" program
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 6, 1987
with the High School kids and ask for their comments and suggestions in
terms of ways to combat the problem of vandalism. She requested we follow
up on that suggestion, maybe with the two members of the Park Board who are
presently attending High School, to see if they might set up some sort of a
forum and form some students that would be willing to make some recommenda-
tions to the Park Board in terms of ways to combat that.
Councilman Stamon thanked staff for the Health Risk Appraisal results
received and stated it was gratifying to see the great improvement that had
occurred in just three years in the City of Port Angeles in terms of
attainable age as compared to the actual age of all of our employees. She
felt it was very good justification for our whole self- insurance and
wellness program. She suggested we provide that information to the
Association of Washington Cities, which is looking at developing programs,
and the Municipal Research Foundation. She asked about the drainage
problem as a result of recent construction completed at the College and
discussed this with staff briefly. She asked Planner Carr for an update on
the James River Trail. Planner Carr confirmed that construction had begun.
Councilman Stamon was hopeful that we could see something within the month.
Councilman Schermer announced that he would not be in attendance at the
next Council meeting, as he would be out of town.
Mayor Whidden directed attention to a letter addressed to the Mayor thank-
ing him for a letter regarding William Shore and the swimming pool named
after him; and to a thank you from the family of the late Representative
Fisch for flowers sent by the Council.
IX ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The meeting was adjourned to executive session at 11:26 P.M. for the
purpose of discussing litigation and personnel.
X RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
The meeting returned to open session at approximately 12:20 A.M.
XI ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:23 A.M.
JAAUt 1 4./
Clerk Mayor
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