HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10/16/2001 4532
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
October 16, 2001
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 Hulett, Campbell,
McKeown (arrived at 6:10 p.m.), Wiggins, and Williams.
Members Absent: Councilmember Erickson.
Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B.
Collins, M. Connelly, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, Y.
Ziornkowski, G. Kenworthy, T. Gloor, T. Smith, K.
Asquith, K. Johnson, B. Coons, and M. Pennino.
Public Present: L. Lee, T. Price, K. Rogers, K. Smith, G. Goldberg, and R.
Nason.
PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Clerk Upton.
ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC CEREMONIES, 1. Presentation of Downtown Project Awards
PRESENTATIONS AND
PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Doyle announced that the City of Port Angeles was recognized at the
International Public Works Association Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as
Presentation of the recipient of the Project of the Year for the Downtown Water Main and Sidewalk
Downtown Project Reconstruction Project in the $2 to $4 million structures category. He then recognized
Awards Public Works & Utilities Director Cutler who presented the award to the Mayor and
Councilmembers. In addition to the IPWA award, Mr. Cutler also presented the Mayor
and Council with the framed national magazine article and pictures about the Project.
Commemorative bricks were also distributed to the Mayor, as well as individuals and
firms who were members of the team that designed, constxucted, and coordinated the
project, to include: John Gillespie and Cecil Urlich of URS Consultants, Seattle; Jerry
Newlin and Robert Leach of Northwestern Territories, Port Angeles; James Gebhardt
of Strider Construction, Bellingham; Chuck Parrish, Steve Lee, and Larry Aillaud of
Primo Construction, Sequim; Charhe Smith of Lindberg & Smith Architects, Port
Angeles; Eileen Knight and Roy Gotham of the Port Angeles Downtown Association,
Port Angeles; and Ron Johnson, Terin Gloor, and Gary Kenworthy of the City of Port
Angeles Engineering Staff. Director Cutler also recognized the members of the Public
Works Operations staff for their assistance in the Project.
3rd Quarter Chamber of 2. 3ra Quarter Chamber of Commerce Report
Commerce Report
Russ Veenema, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, began by thanking the
Council for the continuing support throughout the year and then reported on the
increase in the number of "You Can See it From Here" Campaign brochures. To date,
the Chamber has sent out over 19,000 brochures compared to just over 6,000 the
previous year. In addition, he presented information on the Visitor Center door-count
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4533 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 16, 2001
3rd Quarter Chamber of increases, Chamber Website visitation, relocation requests, and room tax collections.
Commerce Report Mr. Veenema indicated he is presently working on confidentiality agreements with
(Cont'd) lodges in order to obtain occupancy information. He then followed with a review of
the Chamber's financial statement. Mr. Veenema concluded by stating that he is
looking forward to working with members to achieve their goals and objectives in the
upcoming year.
WORK SESSION: None.
LATE ITEMS TO BE Mayor Doyle requested that a MagnaForce letter of support be added as Agenda Item
PLACED ON THIS OR 1.2.
FUTURE AGENDA:
Manager Quinn asked that Council set a special meeting regarding the Convention
Center, a matter which was added as Agenda Item 1.3. ·
The Council decided to proceed with the item from MagnaForce, so Mayor Doyle
summarized a memorandum from Economic Development Director Smith regarding a
letter of support on the LEVX Project, as well as assistance to MagnaForce from the
City in the form of a Right-of-Way Use Permit. Director Smith summarized the
involvement of the City and the Port in supporting MagnaForce in the LEVX research
and development project in Port Angeles on a magnetic levitation transportation system.
Because of expressed interest by San Jose, California, in moving the project out of Port
Angeles, the City and Port have successfully countered their proposal and are willing
to negotiate regarding rights-of-way, building use lease agreements, and test track
locations. Specifically, as described by Mayor Doyle, Mr. Lamb of MagnaForce needs
permission to use the City-owned right-of-way along Milwaukee Drive. Manager
Quinn further explained that the letter sets forth the City's intent and the fact that the
City is most willing to move ahead in accommodating the Right-of-Way Use Permit.
Kathe Smith, 607 E. 4th St., a member of the City's Non-Motorized Advisory
Committee and a member of the Peninsula Trails Coalition, addressed neighborhood
reactions to the use of the right-of-way on Milwaukee Drive. She stressed the
importance of maintaining the right-of-way in this area to make it open to public access,
and she concluded by offering the coalition's assistance in drawing support from the
walking and bicycling community. Ms. Smith felt this would be a great opportunity for
a sharing of the public access.
Following Mayor Doyle's review of the letter of intent, Councilman Williams moved
to authorize the Mayor to sign the Letter of Support and instruct the staff to
provide the Right-of-Way Use Permit. Councilman Campbell seconded the
motion, which carried unanimously.
FINANCE: 3. Wastewater Treatment Plant Backup Generator
Wastewater Treatment Mayor Doyle reviewed the need for a backup system and deferred to Director Cutler
Plant Backup Generator who advised the Council that this investment would prevent major problems in the
event of lost power. The addition of the generator would be in keeping with DOE
requirements, and the expenditure would be under the amount budgeted. Following a
review of the bids received, Councilman Wiggins moved to accept the bid from
Pacific Detroit-Allison for a 500 kW generator in the amount of $96,160.00 plus
sales tax and to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. Councilmember
McKeown seconded the mOtion, which carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA: After Mayor Doyle's reading of the Consent Agenda items, Councilmember
McKeown moved to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Seconded by
Councilman Williams, the motion carried unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4534
October 16, 2001
CITY COUNCIL. Councilmember McKeoxvn reported on the Gateway Project meeting, which was also
COMMITTEE attended by Councilmembers Wiggins and Williams. After reviewing suggestions for
REPORTS: an alternative parking garage under the bus area, options were presented to the Federal
Transit Administration who then clarified which portions of the project were eligible
for funding with the result that thirty additional parking spaces will be added. Manager
Quinn emphasized that it is pivotal at this point for the committee to move forward with
the final design, keeping in mind that the City will present bids which will be accepted
with the lid or with the fill, and that they will be able to clearly measure the differential
in cost as it comes back on the bid basis. Councilmember McKeown indicated the
committee felt that the money derived from parking should go back into maintenance
of the project. The lid and parking area, according to Manager Quinn, will be designed
this winter and built in 2002.
Councilman Hulett had no report. Councilman Williams reported on the solar light
being tested at the Transit bus shelter located at Old Olympic Highway and Highway
101. He commented on the increase in safety at that location.
Councilman Wiggins offered commentaries with regard to the positive level of
involvement of the Economic Development Council in this area. He felt their efforts
have been enormous.
Councilman Campbell expressed enthusiasm regarding the Council's meeting with the
Lower E!wha Tribe, wherein interest was expressed by the Tribe to work with the City
in the development of the harbor. He attended a public outreach meeting sponsored by
the Elwha/Morse Management Team.
Mayor Doyle felt the meeting with the Elwha Tribal Council was historical, as the
agreement entered into by the City and the Tribe may well be the first such agreement
in the nation. Mayor Doyle greeted those attending the Master Gardeners Conference,
and he addressed the members of the Exchange Club. He attended the AWC Regional
Meeting, the MagnaForce meeting, and welcomed those attending the Story Tellers
event.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Street Vacation Petition - STV 01-04: Hopfner Portion of Grace Street
OTHER:
Mayor Doyle summarized the street vacation petition and recommendation, and he
Street Vacation Petition - distributed copies of a memorandum from Public Works & Utilities which set forth the
Hopfner - Portion of Grace benefits of the vacation. Community Development Director Collins elaborated on the
Street benefits of the exchange of property in that the adjacent property could be developed
Ordinance No. 3101 and improvements to Hillcrest could be accomplished. The Mayor opened the public
hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Glenn Go.ldberg, 310 Hillcrest Drive, stressed his and his neighbors' preference that
Hillcrest not be developed, as they appreciated the peace and serenity of the lane. He
asked that the City mitigate any impact of development in two ways: 1) provide access
to the development off of Peabody Street, not Hillcrest, and 2) be aware of drainage
concems.
Carolyn Cooper, 302 Hillcrest Drive, broached issues regarding the purchase of the
pastureland for future development. Prior to any improvements, Ms. Cooper stressed
that the drainage problems should be addressed in order to avoid runoff problems for
the existing homes. She also expressed concems regarding increase in traffic in their
area with the potential widening of Hillcrest and other possible problems and traffic
issues that may arise.
Robert Eash, 336 Hillcrest Drive, began by stating that he also had permission to speak
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4535 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 16, 2001
PUBLIC HEARINGS - for his neighbor, Corin Winters at 338 Hillcrest and for his wife, Marilyn O'Neal Eash.
OTHER: (Cont'd) Recognizing that a development will take place, Mr. Eash added that he and the others
would like see access come from Peabody Street and not Hillcrest for three reasons:
Street Vacation Petition - drainage, traffic, and aesthetics. He further expressed concerns that if Hillcrest is paved,
Hopfner - Portion of Grace less and less groundwater will filter into the water table.
Street
Ordinance No. 3101 Ed Hopfner, owner of the property under discussion, attested to his plans to develop the
(Cont'd) area and assured residents that the plans are that public access will be from Peabody
Street, not Hillcrest. His interest in the proposed street vacation under discussion is
only an exchange of property to clarify title concerns.
Director Collins, in response to the public testimony, affwrned that the issues expressed
by the public speakers would be brought to the attention of the Council at the time that
the property is developed. In answering a question from Councilman Hulett regarding
the drainage issues, Mr. Collins responded that the drainage issues would have to be
addressed at the time of development and would improve the problems rather than make
them worse.
Mr. Goldberg, returning to the podium, asked for clarification from the Council and Mr.
Collins on the matter of widening and improving Hillcrest Drive. Mayor Doyle replied
that the issue before the Council is only regarding exchange of property at this time.
Mr. Goldberg stated that he is looking forward to working with the developer and Mr.
Hopfner at a future time.
There being no further public testimony and following a short discussion, Mayor Doyle
closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Doyle read the ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 3101
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, vacating a portion
of the Grace Street (now more commonly known as Peabody Street)
right-of-way abutting Lot 14 of H. Maguire's Addition to Port
Angeles.
Attorney Knutson offered a correction to Page 2, Section 2, of the proposed Ordinance
in that "having an equivalent value, which property," should be deleted because the
properties are not of equivalent value. Councilmember McKeown moved to adopt
the Ordinance as read by title, including the deletion as referenced by the City
Attorney, subject to Conditions 1o 4 and citing Findings 1 - 13 and Conclusions A -
H, as set forth in Exhibit "A', which is attached to and becomes a part of these
minutes. Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Break Mayor Doyle recessed the meeting for a break at 7:35 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 7:55 p.m., and the Mayor introduced Jerry Lamb, MagnaForce, who wished to
address the Council.
Mr. Lamb expressed his gratitude to Tim Smith and Jim Haguewood for their work on
behalf of the community. He read into the record a statement about his company's
involvement in levitation without energy, something that has generated a great deal of
interest by many concerns in the application to mass transit. His goals for Port Angeles
are to stay focused on research and development and take logical steps in safety. Mr.
Lamb continued the reading, mentioning the advantages of the LEVX System, usage
of the system, and all possible users of the system. He further commented on the
necessity of transforming the mode of transportation systems today and listed benefits
of his system in solving problems.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4536
October 16, 2001
ORDINANCES NOT 1. 1991 and 1992 General Obligation Bonds and 1992 Electric Utility' Bond
REQUIRING PUBLIC
HEARINGS: Following Mayor Doyle's summary of the recommendation, Finance Director
Ziomkowski summarized the necessity of refinancing the bonds in order to achieve a
1991 and 1992 General savings for the taxpayers and the electric utility customers of the City. She then
Obligation Bonds introduced Mr. Steve Gaidos, the City's financial advisor.
Ordinance No. 3099
Mr. Gaidos referenced talks with Seattle Northwest Securities and the negotiation of
interest for the Bonds. He announced that the interest rates are competitive with the
market and that the City is looking at a savings on the Electric Utility Bonds of
$234,058.00 and a savings of $335,000.00 on the GO Bonds; overall, the actual savings
are over $750,000 from the refinancing of the Bonds. Mr. Gaidos explained that the
1995 Electric Utility Bond would not be refunded at this time, as it would result in what
is termed, negative arbitrage. The City would still be responsible for paying the
principal and current interest up to the call date of the bond. When a bond is refunded,
it is required that the principal amount be placed in escrow, and the resulting interest
earned would not be sufficient in light of current interest rates at the Treasury market.
He further pointed out the Treasury and Municipal market fluctuations and expressed
his support of refinancing the three bonds now to take advantage of the savings.
Councilmember Hulett inquired about the financial impact of the refinancing on the
taxpayers. Director Ziomkowski explained the percentages involved, and following a
short discussion, Mayor Doyle read the first Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 3099
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, authorizing the
issuance and sale of unlimited tax general obligation refunding bonds
of the City in the aggregate principal amount of $2,995,000.00 to
refund certain outstanding unlimited tax general obligation bonds of
the City; authorizing the appointment of an escrow agent and the
execution of an escrow agreement related to such refunding;
providing the date and form of said bonds; providing for the
disposition of the bond proceeds; providing for the annual levy of
taxes to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds; and approving
the sale of the bonds.
1992 Electric Utility Bond
Refinancing Councilman Itulett moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman
Ordinance No. 3100 Campbell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Mayor Doyle read the second Ordinance by title, entitled
ORDINANCE NO. 3100
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, authorizing the
issuance of electric revenue refunding bonds in the principal amount
of $2,560,000.00 to refund certain outstanding electric revenue bonds
of the City; providing for the establishment of certain funds and
accounts; making other covenants and agreements in connection with
the foregoing; and authorizing the sale of such bonds.
Councilman Wiggins moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by title. Councilman
Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS: None.
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4537 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 16, 2001
OTHER 1. Lodging Tax Allocations - 2002
CONSIDERATIONS:
Mayor Doyle summarized the packet memorandum, and Economic Development
Lodging Tax Allocations Director Smith reviewed the proposed service and funding allocation components for
2002 2002 lodging taxes. Following a request by Councilman Wiggins, Chamber of
Commerce Director Veenema explained the major changes, focusing on the
comparisons between this year and the proposed 2002 funding, previous joint funding
with the Visitor & Convention Bureau, and other changes beneficial to the City. Other
aspects of the proposal covered the special events criteria for funding and the issue of
performance reporting on a quarterly basis. In addition to the original presentation,
Director Veenema reported the following additions: project updates on a quarterly basis,
brochure development, and Olympic National Park visitation counts.
Councilman Campbell complimented the Chamber on its work and progress on lodging
tax issues, and Councilman Wiggins complimented Director Smith and Clerk Upton on
their work on this committee. Following a brief discussion, Councilman Wiggins
moved to accept the recommendation from the City Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee providing for an allocation of 2002 lodging tax funds in the amount of
$284,000 to the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce and $10,000 to the City Parks
& Recreation Department. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Special Meeting with Port 2. Special Meeting with Port of Port Angeles re. Conference Center
of Port Angeles re.
Conference Center Director Smith briefly addressed the proposals submitted to the City for a Downtown
Waterfront Conference Center. The Request for Proposals included a commitment of
Lodging Tax Funds towards a conference center. To date, two proposals have been
received, both of which meet specifications. It has been suggested to conduct a joint
Port/City meeting on October 24, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. for presentations of the proposals
to the elected officials and the public. Following the meeting, the review process and
negotiations could begin. After brief discussion, the Council agreed by consensus to
set the joint meeting as recommended.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
QUASI-JUDICIAL:
INFORMATION: City Manager's Calendar / Council Goals / Project Status Report:
Manager Quinn mentioned the Downtown Forward meeting on October 22, 2001, at
7:30 a.m., and the re-scheduled meeting with the Victoria City Council for November
9, 2001. Mayor Doyle requested the City Council meeting of December 4, 2001, be
moved to Monday, December 3, 2001. After no objections, the Council accepted the
change in date. Manager Quinn inquired if the Budget Committee members could meet
between the dates of October 23 and 25, 2001. They will contact the Manager's office
this week to confirm their availability:
Manager Quinn also made reference to the Parks & Recreation Department's Lodging
Tax 3~d Quarter Report which brought in a large number of people because of the
department's efforts.
GASB 34 Following Manager Quinn's introduction, Finance Director Ziomkowski and
Accounting Manager Asquith gave a powerpoint presentation on the new GASB 34
Accounting Procedures. Following a brief explanation by Director Ziomkowski,
Manager Asquith described and explained the New GASB 34 Reporting Model. The
Government Accounting Standards Board describes generally accepted accounting
principles for state and local governments. Implementation is now required by
December of 2002. Ms. Asquith pointed out the major features of the new process,
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4538
October 16, 2001
GASB 34 (Cont'd) concerns and benefits of the new model, and an overview of the new format. Other
areas covered in the presentation were the inclusion of two sets of statements in the new
reporting, Capital Assets, Infrastructure and Long-Term Debt, and Required
Supplementary Information.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations
for 15 to 20 minutes.
RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to Open Session at 9:47 p.m..
SESSION:
ADJOIJRNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
~ar~'y ~)~'yl~5~or I.,///'~ B~cky J. uP~ Cit(A]Clerk- ]'-
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4539
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Exhibit "A"
4540
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS IN SUPPORT OF
HOPFNER STREET VACATION PETITION - STV 01-04:
Conditions:
1. The vacation is for only the westedy 30 feet of the Grace Street unopened right-of-
way, except the south 30 feet, abutting Tax Lot 1786, H. Maguire's Addition to the
Townsite of Port Angeles.
2. The City shall retain 70 feet of right-of-way west of the east curb line of Peabody
Street.
3. The applicant shall exchange the 30 feet of property abutting the north side of
Hillcrest Drive to the City for the westerly 30 feet of unopened Grace Street, except
for the south 30 feet, which shall be dedicated as part of Hillcrest Drive.
4. The applicant shall sign a no-protest Local Improvement District agreement for the
installation to City standards of a sidewalk on Peabody (Grace) Street right-of-way
abutting Tax Lot 1786, H. Maguire's Addition to TPA.
Findings:
Based on the information provided in the Staff Report for STV 01-04 dated
September 26, 2001, including all information in the public record file, comments and
testimony presented during the public hearing, and the Planning Commission discussion
and deliberation, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby finds that:
1. A petition for vacation of right-of-way was submitted by Edward A. Hopfner
on August 10, 2001.
2. The proposed street vacation is for a portion of Grace Street abutting Tax Lot
1786 in H. Maguire's Addition to the Townsite of Port Angeles as shown on
the map in Attachment C to the DCD Staff Report of September 26, 2001
3. The purpose of the street vacation is to clear title to Mr. Hopfner's property
and to exchange unneeded right-of-way for needed right-of-way at the
corner of Grace (Peabody) Street and Hillcrest Drive.
4. Peabody Street is an arterial street on the City's Circulation Plan Map and
is a school walking route.
5. The Public Works Department had the following comments:
a) It appears that there are no underground utilities affected by this
request. Both water and sanitary sewer are adjacent or in Peabody
Street.
4541
b) Public Works has no objections to this request as long as we can
maintain a 70' right of way, measured from the east curb line of
Peabody Street.
c) The exchange of 30' right of way along Hillcrest Ave for 30' along
Peabody Street will allow for future road and utility improvements.
6. The Fire Department and the Police Department have no objections to the
proposed street vacation.
7. The topography of the unopened Grace Street and Hillcrest Drive rights-of-
way and the abutting properties slope from north to south and from east to
west allowing stormwater runoff to go toward Old Mill Creek via Hillcrest
Drive.
8. There is no development proposed in association with this street vacation;
however, in the past sidewalk improvements have been recommended
because Peabody Street is a designated school walking route.
9. The subject property is designated as Low Density Residential (LDR) on the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and Residential Single Family (RS-9)
) on the City's Zoning Map.
10. The Community Development Department found the proposed street
vacation as conditioned to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan goals,
policies, and maps.
1]. The vacating of a street is categorically exempt from a SEPA threshold
determination and Environmental Impact Statement requirements per Section
197-11-800 (2) (h) of the Washington Administrative Code which states "(2)
Other minor new construction. The following types of construction shall be
exempt... (h) The vacation of streets or roads."
12. Per the required publication and notification procedures, the site was posted,
and notice of the action was published in the Peninsula Daily News on
August 10, 2001, and no public comments were received during the
publication and posting period.
13. This action constitutes a recommendation to the City Council, who have
scheduled a public hearing for consideration of the petition at its October 16,
2001, regular meeting.
Conclusions:
Based on the information provided in the Staff Report for STV 01-04 dated
September 26, 2001, including all information in the public record file, comments and
testimony presented during the public hearing, and the Planning Commission discussion
and deliberation, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby concludes that:
4542
- As conditioned, traffic patterns on Peabody Street would not be affected by this vacation,
and improvements for traffic on Hillcrest Drive could be made.
A. As conditioned, the Iow density residential development patterns in the area
will not be affected by the proposed vacation.
B. Any future improvements to Hillcrest Drive would require stormwater
improvements to City standards and protect Old Mill and Valley Creeks.
C. The vacation of the proposed rights-of-way will not interfere with the public's
health, safety or welfare so long as conditions retaining necessary rights-of-
way and utility easements, including future storm drainage facilities, are
required.
D. The proposal helps to resolve questions about rights-of-way needed as well
as not needed for future road and utility improvements.
E. The proposal is consistent with the goals and policies of the City's
Comprehensive Plan, specifically the following Comprehensive Plan policies
have been found to be most relevant to the proposal: Land Use Policies B.1
and B.3, Transportation Goal A, Policies A.2 and A.3, Goal B, Policies B.11
and B.12, Utilities and Public Services Goal D, Policies D.1, D.5, and D.6,
and Capital Facilities Goal B, Policies B.1 and B.2.
F. The residential development pattern in this zone and vicinity will be
enhanced, and the necessary rights-of-way will be retained for arterial street
purposes and obtained for local access street and utility purposes in advance
of new residential development in the area.
G.Peabody Street is designated as a school walking route, and sidewalks
should be planned at the time of development or LID formation.
H. As conditioned, the street vacation and the right-of-way exchange are in the
public interest.
Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council at its meeting of October 16, 2001.
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