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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/16/1993 2606 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington November 16, 1993 CALL TO ORDER - Deputy Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council SPECIAL MEETING: to order at 6:07 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Hallett [arrived at 6:45 p.m.], Councilmen Braun, Hulett, and Ostrowski, Councilwoman Sargent, and Councilmen Schueler and Wight [arrived at 6:08 p.m.]. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, B. Titus, B. Coons, J. Jimerson, K. Maike, and B. Jones. Public Present: E. Hansen, I. Andres, P. Vance, A. Remley, T. German, L. & G. Doyle, B. & O. Campbell, J. Didrickson, and L. Bell. ADJOURN TO The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 6:08 p.m. to discuss a matter of real EXECUTIVE SESSION: estate, potential litigation, and labor negotiations for approximately one hour. RETURN TO OPEN The meeting returned to open session at 7:05 p.m. SESSION: CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Hallett called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order REGULAR MEETING: at 7:11 p.m. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Skylar Lazzara of the Campfire ALLEGIANCE: Group Starfiight, Terri Lazzara, Leader. APPROVAL OF Councilman Wight moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of MINUTES: November 2, 1993. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion. Mayor Hallett requested that the 5 - 2 majority vote on Page 8 be amended to include the names of those voting and now they voted. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. CEREMONIAL 1. Proclamation recognizing November 18, 1993, as Visitor Center Volunteer MATTERS/ Day PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Hallett read a proclamation recognizing November 18, 1993, as Visitor Visitor Center Center Volunteer Day, and presented the proclamation to Erl Hansen, Executive Volunteer Day Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Recognition of 2. Recognition of Mr. Ted Tedrow, 15-year volunteer for Chamber of Mr. Ted Tedrow Commerce, Visitor Bureau Mayor Hallett read a certificate of recognition recognizing Mr. Ted Tedrow as a 15- year volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Bureau. Mr. Tedrow thanked the Council and noted that the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce not only does a great job of promoting the Olympic Peninsula, but the entire State of Washington as well. Community Potluck 3. Community Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner Thanksgiving Dinner Mayor Hallett read an invitation for the public to attend the Community Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, November 25, 1993 at the Lincoln Park Longhouse. -1- 2607 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 1993 CITY COUNCIL Councilwoman Sargent attended the County Regional Planning Committee, COMMITTEE preliminary to drawing up the Comprehensive Plan for the County. There was a REPORTS: comprehensive review of the Port Angeles water shed area. She attended the VCB Mixer and met the State DCD representative. The EDC is moving forward in its search for an Executive Director; an Executive Search firm will be used to process the applicants. Also, the EDC is writing a letter to the Department of Corrections expressing an interest in Clallam County being considered as a possible location for a new prison. This item is also on tonight's agenda. There was nothing to report on the City/County Growth Management meeting. She also attended the Fire Hall groundbreaking ceremonies as a representative of the committee that has worked on that project. Councilwoman Sargent informed the Council that she had been in contact with Stan Finkelstein of the AWC, and discovered that six of the officials who were members of the AWC board were not re-elected to their respective offices. One of these was a member of 'the Employee Benefit Committee. Since the City has just recently joined the plan, Councilwoman Sargent indicated she would be applying to fill the vacancy on the committee. City Manager Pomeranz was asked to prepare a letter in that regard to be submitted to the AWC. Councilman Braun attended the Clallam County Transit Facility Committee. There was a lengthy plan review of the proposed facility. He also attended a Real Estate Committee meeting; the items will be considered this evening. Councilman Braun also attended the Crab Feed of the Olympic Peninsula Firemen's Association in Sequim. He attended a meeting at City Hall regarding the river restoration project. Councilwoman Sargent also attended this meeting. Councilman Braun attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Fire Hall as well as the Veteran's Day Ceremony held at the Coast Guard Air Station, and a CTS meeting which dealt mainly with maintenance items. There was a lengthy discussion held at the Utility Advisory Committee meeting held yesterday, which Councilman Wight will address. Councilman Schueler attended the Greek Festival in Victoria; he provided a brief history of the event. Councilman Wight deferred any further discussion concerning the UAC and Real Estate Committee meetings until the time they are considered on the agenda. He informed the Council that he visited the Satsop Nuclear Plant this past weekend and was impressed by the size of the plant. He commented on how much money is wasted on this non-operating power plant, and recommended that others stop by for a tour if they happen to fmd themselves in that area. Councilman Ostrowski attended the facility meeting for Clallam Transit with Councilman Braun. He suggested other Council members take a trip up the truck route to see an example of how to build a wetland. Bids are scheduled to go out in February. There was a reception held for the Visitors and Convention Bureau this past week, which he attended along with Councilwoman Sargent, Councilman Hulett and City Manager Pomeranz. He also attended the Veteran's Ceremony, which was the most impressive ceremony he has attended in a long time. Councilman Hulett had no report. Mayor Hallett represented the City in Victoria on Veteran's Day. He had the opportunity to spend some time with the Mayor of Victoria to discuss matters of mutual interest, to include the Commonwealth Games. FINANCE: 1. Bid Award for purchase of showerheads and an installation contractor Bid Awards for BPA Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Light Department. Ken Showerhead Program Maike of the Light Department explained the showerhead program and all that is involved. After a brief discussion, Councilman Ostrowski moved to award the bids to the lowest bidders as recommended in the Light Depaa-h~ent's report and to authorize the City Light Director to sign contracts for the purchase and installation of showerheads. Councilwoman Sargent seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilwoman Sargent moved to accept the Consent Agenda, including: (1) Contract for $12,500 with the consulting firm of MAKERS for preparation of a draft City Shoreline Master Program; (2) Wire transfers for October, 1993, of $60,820.42; (3) Concept Administrators through October, 1993, of $761,604.62; (4) Voucher list of November 12, 1993, for $1,903,727.37; and (5) Payroll of November 7, 1993, for $332,163.66. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. -2- 26O8 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 1993 ITEMS FROM THE City Manager Pomeranz informed the Council that the City received a request from AUDIENCE/COUNCIL/ Clallam County to appoint two members to the new Law and Justice Council. One STAFF TO BE of the members would be the Chief of Police and the other would be a Council or CONSIDERED OR staff member. Manager Pomeranz requested that, for the sake of consistency, the PLACED ON A person selected be someone who will remain on the Council past the first of the year. FUTURE AGENDA: Councilman Braun volunteered for this position. Councilman Schueler asked to have staff prepare some information on fluoridation. He felt this to be a responsibility of the City, and it must be dealt with. Public Works Director Pittis agreed to prepare a report for the Council. Craig Miller, who was in the audience, was City Attorney in 1978, and was requested by the City Council at that time to prepare a report on the subject of fluoridating the City's water. He advised City Attorney Knutson that he should fred a great deal of information on that subject in the old files. Mr. Miller then addressed the Council concerning Item 13.D., which is the final PRD for Highland Communities. On behalf of the applicant, he requested that the Council set a public heating on the PRD for the next Council meeting and defer any further action on the matter until that time. Councilman Braun moved to set a public hearing on the aforementioned PRD for December 7,1993. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Following brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Phil Vance, 1582 Black Diamond Road, requested that the Council postpone final approval of the solid waste rate increase until all other solutions to this problem have been fully investigated. He felt the City has not done enough to fight the FAA mandate to close the landfill in five years. Mayor Hallett assured Mr. Vance that the Council shares in his concern and invited him to stay until this item comes up on the agenda. Tabin Beckett, 421 E. 12th Street, informed the Council that every time a tax is raised, it becomes harder for people to live. It is difficult to fmd a good job in Port Angeles. LEGISLATION: A. Public Hearings Street Vacation - 1. STREET VACATION PETITION - STV 93(11)06 - HALLER, Portions of Hailer West Fourth Street and "I ~ Street: Request for vacation of a portion of West Fourth Street (1500 Block) and a portion of ~I" Street (abutting Blocks 125 and 1.30). Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department wherein the applicant had requested a continuation of the public hearing. Mayor Hallett opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. There was no one present who wished to address the issue. Councilman Wight moved to continue the public hearing to December 21, 1993. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Solid Waste Rates - B. Ordinances Not Requiring a Public Hearing Ordinance No. 2784 I. Solid Waste Rate Ordinance Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Finance and Public Works Departments. Mayor Hallett emphasized the fact that all solid waste issues have been discussed at great length at Utility Advisory Committee meetings, as well as City Council meetings. The City Council recently passed a resolution objecting to unfunded mandates, which would include that issued by the FAA. He also explained that, in the event the City is forced to dose the landfill at the end of five years, what the City does with the solid waste rates, and with its solid waste stream will still have to be confronted. This will effect not only the City of Port Angeles, but the entire Olympic Peninsula, as the City owns the only regional landfill. Even if the City wins the FAA dispute, the problem of what to do with solid waste will not go away, as there is still the future to worry about. It is hoped that next year and in succeeding years rate increases will be in the 3 9[ to 5 % range because the City will have sufficient revenue to cover the debt service. Director Pittis noted there were two issues that are connected by the fact that the landfill is located clOse to an airport. The first issue is that the bonds have been sold and in order to make debt coverage on those bonds, the City must comply with the payment schedules as established. This means the City is committed to this rate increase. Also, the second issue deals with the FAA and the life of the landfill and how long it can be used. It is a related yet separate issue which will be dealt with -3- 2609 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 1993 LEGISLATION: after the City has received and considered the information provided by Paramet, rix (Cont'd) regarding the options for the landfill. At that time, decisions can be made. Solid Waste Rates - Discussion followed regarding the efforts already put forth regarding the solid waste Ordinance No. 2784 issue and future plans for same. Director Pittis invited residents of beth the City and (Cont'd) County to call him or Mr. Jones, Superintendent of Solid Waste, if they have any questions regarding the solid waste rates and/or issues. Mayor Hallett read the Ordinance by title, entitled ORDINANCE NO. 2784 AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles amending solid waste rates and amending Ordinance No. 2317 and Chapters 13.54 and 13.56 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. Councilman Braun moved to adopt the Ordinance as read by rifle. Councilman Wight seconded the motion. After limited discussion, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Council's Rules C. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings of Procedure 1. Resolution amending Council's Rules of Procedure Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk, which was a follow-up to a discussion held at the November 2, 1993, City Council meeting. Mayor Hallett read the Resolution by title, entitled RESOLUTION NO. ~ A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles amending the Council's rules of procedure by changing the order of business and amending Resolution No. 37-91. Councilman Hulett moved to pass the resolution as read by title. Councilman Braun seconded the motion. Lengthy discussion ensued-with the Council members expressing opinions both for and against the proposed change in the sequence of agenda items. It was pointed out that many members of the public should not have to wait a lengthy period of time for the public hearings and legislative items. On the other hand, Council members pointed out that it is valuable for the citizens of the community to hear the committee reports in order to be fully aware of what Council members are doing in the commttnity. It was suggested that, as in the past, agenda items be moved forward in the agenda when determined appropriate. Additionally, it was suggested that Council members, when giving their committee reports, limit themselves to discussing only relevant items. Further, it was noted "Items from the Audience/Council/Staff..." could be policed in order to discourage lengthy presentations. A vote was then taken on the motion, which failed due to the lack of a majority vote. Councilmen Braun, Hulett and Ostrowski voted in favor of' the motion and Mayor Hallett, Councilwoman Sargent, and Councilmen Wight and Schueler voted in oppOSition. In the ensuing discussion, it was agreed the agenda will be left as is; the new Council members will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on this matter in the near future. Planning Commission D. Planning Commission Minutes/Action Items Minutes/Action Items I. Planning Commission Minutes of November 10, 1993 Councilman Braun moved to accept the Planning Commission minutes of November 10, 1993. Councilman Wight seconded the morion, which carried unanimously. Cable Television Rate F. Other Considerations Regulation I. Cable Television Rate Regulation Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Utility Advisory Committee. -4- 2610 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 1993 LEGISLATION: Councilwoman Sargent noted the number of calls she receives pertaining to cable TV (Cont'd) and she asked to hear a summary of the UAC's recommended position. Councilman Wight provid~:an overyjow ~of the October 18, 1993, UAC meeting. Although he Cable Television Rate wanted the City to become certified, he did not have a problem with the UAC's Regulation (Cont'd) recommendation. Discussion followed concerning the regulatory powers of the franchising authority. Councilman Braun expressed the opinion that any regulating power, should it become necessary, should come from the Council seated at that time. At the UAC meeting, he inquired of the Consultants as to whether the City needed to regulate, and the response was neither yes nor no. Mayor Hallett felt that~if the City holds itself out with the ability to regulate, then the public expectation and perception is that the City is going to be able to provide what the public wants. In reality, the FCC has done the public a disservice by inferring that the ability to regulate rates will solve all problems. The real problems, such as content of programming, channel selection, etc., are not at the discretion of the local jurisdiction. In 1974, the cost for cable TV in Port Angeles was $.75 per channel. Today, citizens are paying $.76 per channel. Any effort to regulate would be over only pennies. Attorney Knutson pointed out an error in the memo regarding this item. Under Background/Analysis, the fourth line should read: "...of all service and equipment rates except for premium channels and pay-per-view services.' Councilman Braun moved that the City not proceed with certification of any type to regulate basic cable TV rates at this time, but that staff and the consultants continue to monitor the rates on an ongoing basis. · Councilman Ostrowski seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Terms Expiring on City 2. Terms Expiring on City Boards and Commissions Boards and Commissions Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the City Clerk. Councilwoman Sargent moved to make the following reappointments: Linda Nutter to the Planning Commission for a term expiring 3/1/98; Ted Borden to the Board of Adjustment for a term expiring 3/1/98; Kenneth Dooley to the Civil Service Commission for a term expiring 3/1/98; Mike Gonzales and Bill Lindherg to the Building Code Board of Appeals for terms expiring 3/1/98; Skip Berquam to the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission for a term expiring 3/1/98; Carmen Fraker-Olstead and Veima Hopf to the Senior Center Board for terms expiring 3/1/97; and to publicize the other vacancies via news releases and the City newsletter. Councilman Schueler seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Council expressed thanks and appreciation to those who have served in the past as well as those who have volunteered for reappointment. Planning Director Collins wished to clarify that on the Board of Adjustment, John Teichert's position was recently filled, and Patsy Feeley's position is still vacant. Municipal Golf Course 3. Municipal Golf Course Mayor Hallett reviewed the information provided by the Recreation Department. Councilman Schueler moved to establish a Golf Course Development Committee as recommended. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion. Parks Director Brodhun reported he has met with some consultants and receives calls daily from individuals who are interested in knowing how the City plans to proca~J. Recently, a firm from Denver, Colorado, contacted him and expressed an interest in coming to Port Angeles to present an all day seminar to the Committee, Council, and staff on this matter. There is a meeting with a consultant scheduled for Friday, and Director Brodhun indicated he would like to have Council and Park Board members present. Councilman Hulett volunteered to serve on the committee, as did Councilmen Schueler and Ostrowski. Councilman Wight agreed to serve as an alternate. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. -5- 2611 CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 16, 1993 LEGISLATION: 4. Selection of New Correction Facility Site (Cont'd) Mayor Hallett reviewed a letter from the Department of Corrections, which solicited Correction Facility Site a response from those communities who might be interested in providing a potential site for a new correction facility. One of the criteria established for the facility site is 100 contiguous acres and Councilwoman Sargent inquired as to whether or not the City could meet this criteria. Councilwoman Sargent reminded the Council that the EDC is writing a letter in support of the correction facility being located in Clallam County. Councilman Schueler opined that a Correction facility of this size would have a real impact on the community. He noted the difficulty of providing necessary infrastructure. He felt the Council should solicit input from the citizens and let them decide the issue. Mayor Hallett reminded the Council that an expression of interest would be nonbinding, and the State has asked for a response by December 1. Councilman Wight pointed out that the State, in its letter, requested that each community submit a preferred site and an alternative by the end of December. He did not feel this could be done. Further, Councilman Wight indicated there would be certain demands placed on the City's social services by virtue of the number of families who would move to this area. He felt uncomfortable making a decision in the absence of public support. Councilman Ostrowski reminded the Council that there is also a prison in Clearwater, and it was his feeling that the Olympic Peninsula doesn't need any more correctional facilities. Councilman Schueler felt that City must make some response on this, but reiterated his belief that citizen input should be sought before any decision is made on the matter. Because a letter was addressed to the Mayor and the City, Councilman Braun felt at least some reply was necessary. Manager Pomeranz noted the possibility of the City running an ad in the paper asking property owners to submit information to the City regarding sites of 100 acres or more. He further suggested working with the Real Estate Committee. Councilman Schueler moved that City staff be directed to send a letter to the Washington State Deparh~ent of Corrections, expressing interest in the development of a prison facility in this area, and also stating specifically that the City cannot have the specifics in hand by the 31st of December. Councilman Braun seconded the motion, which carried by a majority vote, with Councilmen Wight, Hulett and Ostrowski voting in opposition. Mayor Hallett informed the Council that he would be absent from the next regularly scheduled meeting. Councilman Wight called the Council's attention to the Information Agenda Item//2, 5th Street LID report, and reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Councilman Wight indicated a great deal of work needs to be done on this arterial, as it is an eye sore, a pedestrian hazard and an uncontrolled area with no curbs and gutters and no sidewalks. Councilman Wight suggested that the City up the priority on getting that piece of street improved to City standards. Director Pittis will prepare a report on this for a future meeting. Councilman Braun encouraged the other Council members to read the information on the Capital Finance package in tonight's packet, as it will be helpful in making decisions during the budget hearings. Councilwoman Sargent wished to compliment Public Works on getting more grant money for the Second Street bridge rehabilitation project. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Clerk - ' .t~i~a~or {r~p, ty -6-