HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/21/2000 4320
CITY CouNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
November 21, 2000
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Doyle called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at
REGULAR MEETING: 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Doyle, Councilmembers Campbell, Erickson, Hulett,
McKeown, Wiggins, and Williams.
Members Absent.. None.
Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B.
Collins, G. Cutler, D. McKeen, T. Riepe, Y. Ziomkowski,
K. Asquith, T. Gallagher, E. Kovatch, J. Lowell, L. Dunbar,
M. Hall, S. Coyle, and G. Roggenbuck.
Public Present: P. Lamoureux, L. Lee, G. Gleason, and B. Monro.
PLEDGE OF The Pledge 0f Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilman Campbell.
ALLEGIANCE:
CEREMONIAL 1. Police Department Promotions/Administration of Oaths of Office
MATTERS/
PROCLAMATIONS: Police Chief Riepe informed the Council and audience of the following promotions in
the Police Department: Terry Gallagher, Deputy Police Chief; Erick Zappey, Detective
Police Department Sergeant; Eric Kovatch, Sergeant; and Jack Lowell, Detective Corporal. Mayor Doyle
Promotions/Administration then administered the oaths of office to all of the above with the exception of Detective
of Oaths of Office Sergeant Zappey.
Introduction of Finance 2. Introduction of Finance Department Accounting Manager
Department Accounting
Manager Finance Director Ziomkowski introduced Ms. Karen Asquith, recently hired by the City
as the new Accounting Manager. Ms. Asquith made a few comments to the Council,
expressing her pleasure at joining the City.
WORK SESSION: None.
LATE ITEMS TO BE Consideration of a proposed letter to the County regarding the Endangered Species Act
PLACED ON THIS OR 4(d) Recovery Program was added as Agenda Item 1.7.
FUTURE AGENDA:
Paul Lamoureux, 602 Whidby, addressed thc Council as a follow-up to a suggestion he
submitted at the last Council meeting on the matter of a reduced electric rate in order
to provide an incentive for residents to decorate their homes for the holidays. In that
he did not receive any communication, he was present to inquire as to the status of the
suggestion. Mayor Doyle responded that the budget is very tight, and the Council has
not taken action on the suggestion. Mr. Lamoureux expressed his disappointment and
urged further consideration of the £mancial incentive. Mr. Lamoureux then inquired as
to whether the City will derive any revenue from the installation of fiber optics, to
which Manager Quinn responded there will be a return on investment over the long
term. In addition, there should be indirect benefits because of job growth and business
expansion.
FINANCE: 1. Bid Award for "I" Street Substation Transformer
Bid Award for 'T' Street Mayor Doyle reviewed the information submitted by Public Works & Utilities on the
Substation Transformer matter of awarding the bid for the "I" Street Substation Transformer. Public Works &
Utilities Director Cutler advised the Council that this project has been in the Capital
Facilities Plan for a number of years, and it is anticipated that it will be a 1 1/2 - 2 year
program. Director Cutler reviewed the bids, which he felt were very competitive.
Mayor Doyle questioned the brand name of Virginia Transformer Corporation as
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 21, 2000
FINANCE: opposed to the bidder's name of United Sales. He asked if the transformer was actually
(Cont'd) being purchased from United Sales. Attorney Knutson advised the Council it would be
appropriate to add United Sales to a motion of recommendation. After further
Bid Award for 'T' Street discussion, Councilman Campbell moved to accept the $344,054.26 bid from United
Substation Transformer Sales and Virginia Transformer Corporation for the purchase of the power
(Cont'd) transformer and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Erickson and carried unanimously.
Fiber Optic Cable 2. Fiber Optic Cable Purchasing Authority
Purchasing Authority
Mayor Doyle reviewed the memorandum submitted by Public Works & Utilities
regarding the granting of authority to the City Manager or the Director of Public Works
& Utilities, as alternate, to purchase fiber optic cable. Power Resources Manager
Dunbar addressed the Council, explaining the difficulties in obtaining fiber optic cable
by virtue of the fluctuating market and the limited supply of the cable because of
demand.
Discussion ensued with regard to an increase in the budgeted amount in order to
accommodate the purchase of 96 strand fiber optic cable, which is preferred over 48
strand fiber. Manager Dunbar described the benefits of having more strands in the
cable, how the costs are incrementally increased, and the anticipated storage of the cable
once purchased. Councilman Wiggins moved to authorize the City Manager, with
the Public Works & Utilities Director as alternate, the authority to enter into
contracts for the purchase of fiber optic cable, for the total cost not to exceed
$400,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McKeown. Brief
discussion ensued as to whether this motion would suffice in the event the City was able
to obtain more than 96 strands, to which the response was affirmative. A vote was
taken on the motion, which carried unanimously.
Manager Quinn referenced a report he had distributed to the Council regarding high-
speed data. This article, excerpted from Scientific Americaq., was obtained at a meeting
of the National League of Cities, and Manager Quinn felt it Would be helpful to the
Council because it is one of the best generalized summaries of this technology.
CONSENT AGENDA: Couneilmember McKeown moved to accept the Consent Agenda, to include: 1.)
City Council minutes - November 7, 2000 and 2) Check list - November 14, 2000 -
$2,500,165.28. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Erickson. After
questions with regard to the check list, a vote was taken on the motion, which carried
6 - 1 with Councilman Williams abstaining due to absence from the City Council
meeting of November 7, 2000.
CITY COUNCIL Councilmembers Wiggins, Williams, Hulett, and Erickson had no report to offer.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS: Councilmember McKeown reported on a recent meeting of the Downtown Forward
Executive Committee, at which tune discussions were held on the Oak Street property.
Suggestions brought forward from the meeting were the possibility of the City opening
discussions with the Port regarding a possible trade of tidelands between the City and
the Port. The Committee felt the Oak Street property to be essential to the downtown
waterfront. Secondly, it was suggested that a meeting be set with representatives of the
Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, Port Angeles Business
Association, Port Angeles Downtown Association, Downtown Forward Executive
Committee, the Port of Port Angeles, and the City. The purpose of the meeting would
be to discuss the Oak Street property in a setting where all attendees are recipients of
the same information. Misinformation has been passed along, and it would be helpful
to clear up any misconceptions at this meeting.
Councilmember McKeown indicated that Russ Veenema, Chamber Executive Director,
has been invited to attend the Downtown Forward meetings. He has suggested that Port
Angeles is reinventing itself, which is a very significant observation. Further,
Councilmember McKeown reported that design standards in the downtown area have
fallen under the oversight of the Downtown Association, and Manager Quinn has
offered City staff assistance to further the renovation efforts. Consideration is being
given to constructing an archway to designate the entrance to the downtown, which
could be named and so designated on the archway. Manager Quinn expressed hope that
efforts on an archway can proceed rather quickly.
Councilman Wiggins advised the Council he had spoken with Manager Quinn on the
matter of an RFP for a convention center. Manager Quinn is working with Economic
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 21, 2000 /43 2 2
CITY COUNCIL Development Director Smith on the RFP, which should be forthcoming in the near
COMMITTEE future.
REPORTS: (Cont'd)
Councilman Campbell, along with Attorney Knutson and Director Cutler, attended a
conference of the American Water Resources Association regarding water distribution
and water rights. He reported on the nature of the discussions held, noting there is an
effort underway to buy back water rights in order to protect and restore fish.
Councilman Campbell stressed the importance of the City's water rights being
protected.
Mayor Doyle reported on his attendance at the Veterans Day Ceremony on the Coast
Guard base, as well as the Remembrance Day ceremony in Victoria.
ORDINANCES NOT None.
REQUIRING PUBLIC
HEARINGS:
RESOLUTIONS: Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for Consideration of Vacation of the Remainder
of Right~of-Way Known as the 8/10 Crossover for the Port Angeles School District
Set Street Vacation Hearing
Resolution No. 14-00 Mayor Doyle reviewed the memorandum submitted by the Planning Department on the
matter of setting a public hearing for the above referenced street vacation petition.
Mayor Doyle read the Resolution by title, entitled
RESOLUTION NO. 14-00
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles,
Washington, setting a hearing date for a petition to vacate
a portion of the undeveloped street commonly identified as
the 8thYl0th Crossover Drive in Lots 13 - 20, Block 306 of
the Townsite of Port Angeles, Washington.
Councilmember McKeown moved to pass the Resolution as read by title. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Hulett andcarried unanimously.
OTHER Other Considerations
CONSIDERATIONS:
1: Appointment of City Council Representative to North Olympic Peninsula
Appoint City Council Visitor & Convention Bureau Board of Directors
Representative to North
Olympic Peninsula Visitor Mayor Doyle summarized the memorandum submitted by the City Clerk, noting that
& Convention Bureau the Visitor & Convention Bureau wanted a City Council representative appointed to the
Board of Directors VCB Board prior to the December 1 annual meeting. Councilman Campbell moved
that Councilman Hulett be appointed as the City Council's representative to the
North Olympic Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau Board of Directors for
2001. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Erickson and carried
unanimously.
Appoint City Council 2. Appointment of City Council Representative to Government & Education
Representative to Channel 21 Advisory Committee
Govermnent & Education
Channel 21 Advisory Mayor Doyle reviewed the information submitted by the City Clerk, suggesting that the
Committee City Council appoint a representative to the Government & Education Channel 21
Advisory Committee. In responding to an inquiry from Mayor Doyle, Clerk Upton
indicated the committee meets on an as-needed basis. It is anticipated there will be
some committee meetings next year by virtue of the upcoming franchise negotiations
as relates to Channel 21. Based on Councilmember Erickson's offer to serve,
Councilman Campbell moved to appoint Councilmember Erickson as the City
Council representative to the Government & education Channel 21 Advisory
Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Williams and carried
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Public Hearings - Other:
OTHER:
Public Hearing on 2001 Budget: Mayor Doyle introduced the memo from Manager
Public Hearing Quinn and Finance Director Ziomkowski pertaining to the 2001 Budget Hearing, and
2001 Budget Manager Quinn explained that in accordance with the RCWs the Council was required
to review the proposed budget with the public. Manager Quinn reminded the Council
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4322 November 21, 2000
PUBLIC HEARINGS - that it had previously conducted a public hearing on the proposed revenue sources for
OTHER: the budget; the hearing this evening was intended to focus on the expense portion of the
(Cont'd) budget. Manager Quinn proceeded to review the expenditures, explaining the different
funds, and noting that the projected budget for 2001 was a little over $60,032,900. He
Public Hearing indicated that one of the major changes in the budget was the increase in the fiber optic
2001 Budget (Cont'd) project in order to accommodate the increased costs for moving ahead with the project
and ordering the cable. With the use of Power Point, Manager Quinn reviewed the
budget, explaining that the City has encountered many changes in economic factors,
to include 1-722, capital improvements, and a strong philosophy of trying to provide
high quality services while meeting all of the Council goals and objectives. Manager
Quinn stated the Council is committed to future projects, as well as solutions to help the
community succeed. One of these projects is annexation of the Eastern UGA area of
Port Angeles in an attempt to expand the tax base. Other projects slated for
improvement of the community are purchasing fiber optics; internally enhancing
improvements with information technology to make services available to the
community online; making plans for a convention and business center; and trying to
improve communication among the City, the citizens, and other agencies; and finally,
promoting governmental agency partnerships.
Manager Quinn pointed out that the strategy is to continue to control expenses and
move toward a program with performance measures to help identify which programs
should be kept based on success and which should not. Manager Quinn summarized
the budget highlights, totaling $60,032,900, inclusive of the operating budget of
$52,000,000+ and a capital budget of approximately $7,500,000. The slight increase
in the preliminary budget can be accounted for by virtue of fiber optics. Manager
Quirm continued by reviewing the differences as compared to the 2000 budget, as well
as the different expense funds. He itemized the changes to the 2001 Budget, to include
an increase in personnel costs, a cost of living adjustment, an increase in AWC medical
rates, and an increase in the Teamsters medical rate. He further reviewed other
increases and changes, as well as the projects contained in the Capital Improvement
Program, such as the 8~h Street reconstruction, Laurel Street slide repair, Francis Street
improvements, the Convention Center RFP, Gateway parking, marketing of the
DelGuzzi property, the Carnegie Library, Crown Park storm overflow, and pool
enhancements. General Fund reserves are budgeted at $1,765,522.
Manager Quinn reviewed in detail the Special Revenue Funds, specifically delineating
certain aspects of upcoming programs. He noted the Lodging Tax Fund will designate
a reserve of $100,000 toward a Convention Center. There was a slight decrease in street
paving, and the Street Fund will receive additional support from the General Fund, as
well as the Real Estate Excise Tax. Manager Quiun indicated the concept of a
stormwater utility will need to be addressed in the near future. Manager Quinn further
discussed the utilization of the Real Estate Excise Tax and then reviewed in detail the
PenCom and Economic Development Funds. Debt Service Funds include bonds for the
Senior Center, the 1992 Refunding Bond, the Fire Station, and the Library.
In reviewing the funding for utilities, Manager Quinn indicated 60% of the total City
budget is comprised of the utilities. Utility rates are set at a level to recover operating
costs and fund capital and cash and debt reserves. The combined rate of $141.75 per
month is 83% of the average of comparable-sized cities. Manager Quinn concluded the
general expense portion and inquired of the Council if there were any questions.
Following a question raised by Councilmember McKeown, discussion was generated
on the impact of having a light utility as compared to cities that do not have a light
utility. Manager Quinn offered clarification on the function of Internal Service Funds
and the overall impact on the budget. Discussion also focused on the potential
development of Ediz Hook, and Manager Quinn reassured the Council that any
development would most certainly involve the Coast Guard, Daishowa, the Lower
Elwha Tribe, and the public. He felt the best plan is one that is formulated by the
community.
Councilmember Erickson sought clarification regarding the funding of pool
renovations, and Manager Quinn summarized a transfer of funding from the CIP, as
well as funds not utilized from the Senior Center Bond. The combination of the funding
then becomes a potential option for the Council to join those funding sources together
for $500,000 to go toward a new project. A question was then raised on Human
Services funding, and Councilmember McKeown reviewed a change in the United Way
fiscal year which impacts the timing of funding requests. The proposed funding for
Human Services will be forthcoming. Discussion ensued concerning funding for
Hurricane Ridge, and it was clarified that the Winter Sports Club is the recipient of
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING q-5 2 5
November 21, 2000
PUBLIC HEARINGS - funding from two sources in order to defray marketing expenses, as well as expenses
OTHER: for bus transportation. Manager Quinn offered to make this correction in the budget.
(Cont'd)
Councilman Hulett asked for information on the matter of the Ennis Creek Business
Public Hearing Park, which Manager Quinn responded was marketing of the DelGuzzi property.
2001 Budget (Cont'd) Funding has been set aside to market the property, plus other funding has been
designated for establishing a business plan in order to determine the viability of the
property for marketing purposes. Lengthy discussion followed, especially as relates to
the marketing services offered by a realtor. It was unclear as to how a marketing plan
might somehow duplicate the services of a realtor. Manager Quinn offered clarification
to Mayor Doyle in that this matter must still be addressed by the Real Estate Cornrmttee.
Mayor Doyle then opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
Gary Gleason, a member of the Non-Motorized Advisory Committee, 2211 E. 7th
Avenue, introduced three other members of the committee in attendance: Kathe Smith,
Linda Nutter, and Bruce Mortro. He raised the question as to where in the budget could
he fred specific items relative to non-motorized issues, such as the trail and finishing the
trail east from the Rayonier property. Manager Quinn responded the City has been
trying to secure the property in question, which has been included in the grant portion
of the budget. Mr. Gleason asked as to the expected time frame, as he indicated the
County has been working closely with Rayonier on this matter. He urged the Council
to work closely with the County to assure a timely completion of the trail, and he
expressed the desire to have this project completed by the Grand Opening of Fall 2001.
Mr. Gleason shared his vision as to how a completed trail will result in economic
benefits to the community. He stressed the importance of improving web sites to
include information about the available trails on the Peninsula.
Linda Nutter, 1701 East Third, advised the Council she was liaison from the Planning
Commission, on which she has served for five years. She explained that the Non-
Motorized Committee addresses bicycles more than anything else, but the committee
also considers pedestrians, wheelchairs, those who ride the bus system, or any mode of
transportation not involving a car. She asked for direction on how the Planning
Commission could help improve the City for bicycles and walkers and, further, she
asked for Council support in helping the older community that walls and rides bikes.
Ms. Nutter expressed concern for the community members who ride their bikes
downtown and then have no place to secure the bikes. In order to attract more
customers downtown who use their bike as a form of transportation, there needs to be
a secure place for bikes. In addition, Ms. Nutter suggested a storage area for tourist
package storage. She suggested the Parks & Recreation Department might have some
type of bike parking area for children's bikes, and all such parking areas should be
noted on visitor maps. Additionally, Ms. Nutter felt maps should establish routes for
bikers. She urged Council support of ideas to help this segment of the population. The
availability of comfortable seating in the downtown area would be beneficial as well.
Ms. Nutter concluded by stating there are many areas in which the Non-Motorized
Advisory Committee would like the Council's help, as it is very important to make the
City more livable and friendly for the non-motorized community.
Manager Quiun commented that the Non-Motorized Committee has been very
successful, and he acknowledged that it is somewhat difficult to identify the
components of the budget that directly relate to the referenced improvements. Manager ~
Quinn indicated funds have been set aside for bike racks in the Francis Street design as
requested. Re-striping has been a focus of the City and, as part of the downtown
watermain project, all intersections will now have wheelchair ramps. Sidewall projects
have been continued as well. In addition, Manager Quinn advised the Council that a
committee has been working with the sight disadvantaged individuals in the community
in an effort to better facilitate movement of those community members. He felt there
has been a great deal of progress made in many areas, and he encouraged the group to
continue the progress it has made.
Director Cutler indicated the City scored very high in a grant application, and it is
hoped funding will be received next year for sidewalks. Some of the funds would be.
used for bike lanes on Front Street. Councilman Wiggins spoke in support of placing
bike racks in the downtown area, and Manager Quinn agreed this was a reasonable
request. He felt the racks could be incorporated into the designs for the Gateway
Project. Mayor Doyle suggested the possibility of placing bike racks in the downtown
parking lots. Councilman Williams attended a recent meeting of the Peninsula
Regional Transportation Planning Organization, at which time a number of
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4324 November 21, 2000
PUBLIC HEARINGS- enhancement grant applications were considered. Placing first was a request for
OTHER: funding to pave the Olympic Discovery Trail from Morse Creek to the Rayonier site.
(Cont'd) Councilman Williams explained a request had been submitted by Jefferson County for
a bike map and, because additional funds were available, that request was granted more
Public Hearing than originally requested. He encouraged the Non-motorized Committee to become
200t Budget (Cont'd) more involved with the PRTPO through someone who has access. Ms. Nutter agreed
this type of grant funding should be sought, and she requested support in the area of
grant writing.
Bruce Monro, 1505 Sequim Dungeness Way, advised the Council that he was the Chair
of the Non-Motorized Committee. Mr. Monro reviewed the history of the committee
and expressed the hope that grants could be received in order to accomplish desired
projects. He advised the Council that the committee has been working on bicycle
access, as well as handicapped and wheelchair access throughout the City. Crosswalks
have been placed at needed locations, such as Lauridsen Boulevard and on 10® Street
by Hamilton School. Mr. Monro indicated sidewalks should be placed in areas serving
the retirement community. Mr. Monro referenced the grant funding that will be
forthcoming for striping on First and Front Streets, indicating this will be most
beneficial to the members of the community. Mr. Monro noted the 15th annual
Northwest Tandem Rally 2000, that was held in Port Angeles, bringing in over 700
people to the community for the 4th of July weekend. These individuals spent close to
$100,000, which Mr. Monro felt was a good example of fostering economic
improvements. He informed the Council that a German film crew will be doing filming
in Port Angeles next year as a pre-cursor to a group of Bavarian cyclists coming to the
community in September of next year. Mr. Monro indicated that bicycling is a major
means of transportation for people all over the world, and the committee has been
working very hard to improve the standards in Port Angeles. Reminding the Council
that the City passed the Bicycle Friendly Cities Act, he noted it is of paramount
importance for the City to continue to make improvements for this segment of the
community. He indicated the Tandem Bicycle group is willing to donate funding to
support projects in this arena.
Kathe Smith, 607 East Fourth Street, stressed the importance of how citizen groups
working together with government and staff can benefit everyone concerned. The
Peninsula Trails Coalition has been working successfully with County staff involved
in seeking enhancement grants for the last three years, and Ms. Smith urged the City to
work in concert with the same group in order to accomplish the completion of the trail
through the Rayonier property. She emphasized the importance of moving forward
with Rayonier in getting a specific area designated for the trail. This next summer, the
County will have the trail paved to the gate of Rayonier, and it should be a goal for the
City to have completed the Rayonier portion by that time. Manager Quinn responded
the new Parks and Recreation Director will be addressing this matter, but he cautioned
that the Rayonier property is still in the clean-up process. There have been discussions
on the possibility of a floating easement in order to gain temporary access, and this is
a matter that will be pursued this coming year. Ms. Smith reiterated her suggestion that
the City work with the Peninsula Coalition in this regard, particularly since the Olympic
Peninsula Trails Coalition is in a position to seek grant funds. She reviewed for the
Council past funding secured for purposes of the trail.
Paul Lamoureux, 602 East Whidby, requested clarification of the acronyms REET and
PenCom, which Mayor Doyle indicated were Real Estate Excise Tax and Peninsula
Communications System. Mr. Lamoureux inquired as to expenses and revenues of
PenCom, to which Mayor Doyle responded, explaining that the City operates PenCom,
but the County provides funds for the City to operate the center. Manager Quinn further
explained the operation of PenCom, which also receives funding from other emergency
service operations for payment of services received. Mr. Lamoureux then inquired as
to whether future eastern annexation had any relationship with a future by-pass around
or through Port Angeles. He encouraged the Council to revisit past proposals in this
regard, as he felt it would be very important for the delivery of services. Director
Collins responded there had been a working plan between the City and the State on
developing the Heart of the Hills Parkway, which would extend to an area east of
White's Creek. It was expected that this project would be planned and developed
similar to the Sequim by-pass. However, due to 1-695, the project has been deterred,
and planning will likely not proceed for the next five years. Director Collins further
indicated that annexation of the Eastern UGA would only enhance the City's
participation in working towards the Heart of the Hills Parkway development. He
concluded that there was no direct connection between the two projects, yet this is
something that could be factored in as the State looks at an alternate approach to
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 21, 2000 t43 ~ 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Highway 101. Director Collins further clarified the area involved in the possible
OTHER: annexation.
(Cont'd)
Discussion was then generated on whether the public heating should be kept open until
Public Hearing the time the budget is adopted. Attorney Knutson offered clarification in that it is not
2001 Budget (Cont'd) legally required; however, the Council could opt to continue the hearing. Mayor Doyle
referenced the special meeting that has been discussed for the purpose of acting on the
affects of 1-722. Attorney Knutson indicated that, even if the public hearing is closed
this evening, the Council could accept public input at the special meeting. In view of
this fact, Mayor Doyle closed the public hearing .at 8:17 p.m.
Manager Quinn indicated the Budget Committee should set another meeting to consider
this evening's input. The committee agreed to meet on Monday, November 27, 2000,
at 2:00 p.m.
Break Mayor Doyle recessed the meeting for a break at 8:25 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 8:35 p.m.
Attention then turned to the matter of Initiative 722, and Manager Quinn advised the
Council that the Initiative would go into effect as of December 7. He reviewed in detail
the potential financial impacts on the City, totaling approximately $660,000, which
would involve property taxes, water and wastewater rates, Medic I fees, the Real Estate
Excise Tax, as well as fees for services delivered by City departments. Manager Quinn
indicated the City would be forced to refund tax and fee increases. It is for this reason
that a special meeting has been suggested for November 28th to consider re-adopting
the taxes and fees approved on November 17, 1999. Manager Quinn noted that other
cities in the State are taking similar action. Lengthy discussion ensued on the impacts
of 1-722, to include the possibility that any type of refund might be considered a gift of
public funds. In addition, it was noted that 1-695 was found to be unconstitutional.
Attorney Knutson supported the suggestion that the City wait to see what happens in
court as relates to the refunding of taxes and fees.
Noting that the voters have passed this type of initiative twice, Councilman Williams
queried as to when the City listens to the voice of the people and quits "running up the
charge card". He wondered if the City should obtain a vote of the people before
proceeding with any further increases. Mayor Doyle pointed out that the City Council
still has the responsibility of operating the City in an efficient and prudent manner.
However, Councilman Williams cited the example of the vote for the Transit system,
whereby future problems can be avoided because of the vote. Further lengthy
discussion was held on the issue, to include consideration of the 1-722 impacts and
requirements. Manager Quinn emphasized that the City's increases were well justified,
and the property tax increase was well within the parameters set.
Mayor Doyle directed attention to the suggested date of November 28, 6:00 p.m., to
conduct a special meeting to consider adopting formal measures which address the
impacts of 1-722 to the City's budget and financial condition. Mayor Doyle stated that
at this meeting public comment would be encouraged. It was agreed by consensus that
the special meeting should proceed, with the public urged to provide input. A meeting
of the Real Estate Committee had already been set for the same day at 4:00 p.m.
Because the special Council meeting commences at 6:00 p.m., it was agreed to change
the Real Estate Committee meeting to 5:00 p.m.
OTHER 3. PUD Water Sales Contract Amendment
CONSIDERATIONS:
(Cont'd) Mayor Doyle reviewed the information provided by Public Works & Utilities
recommending an 8% increase to the Wholesale Water Contract with the Clallam
PUD Water Sales Contract County Public Utility District. Director Cutler advised the Council that this is
Amendment Amendment No. 5, which is something that is done on an annual basis. One of the
changes included in the amendment is to give the Public Works & Utilities Director the
ability to change the flow requirements in case of an emergency situation without
having to seek approval. Another change has to do with making adjustments if there
is a meter malfunction.
Councilman Hulett asked how 1-722 might impact this increase. Director Cutler
responded that the City could institute the increase by virtue of the fact the contract is
being entered into with the PUD; it is unclear as to how the PUD might handle the
increase with its customers. After further discussion, Councilman Campbell moved
to approve Amendment No. 5 to the Wholesale Water Contract with Clallam
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
4326 November 21, 2000
PUD Water Sales Contract County PUD No. 1 and authorize the Mayor to sign the amendment.
Amendment (Cont'd) Counciimember Erickson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Bid Rejection for Overhead 4. BM Rejection for Overhead Electric Rebuild Projects
Electric Rebuild Projects
Mayor Doyle reviewed the memorandum submitted by Public Works & Utilities
inclusive of the recommendation to reject the bids for projects 20-07, 20-08 & 20-09
and increase the contract amount by $14,400 for project CL 01-00. Director Cutler felt
that rejecting these bids was in the best interest of the City. He explained that the cost
had risen for each of the projects due to varying factors; the contractors and consultants
suggested a bundling of the projects which should result in a better bid to the City.
Councilman Wiggins moved to reject the bids for Projects 20-07, 20-08, and 20-09
received on October 6, 2000; to authorize the City Manager to sign a change order
in the amount of $14,400 to increase the contract with TriAxis Engineering to a
new amount of $72,2000 to design Project CL 01-00 and direct the Public Works
& Utilities Director to bid the four projects together. Councilman Hulett seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously.
Pole Rental Agreement 5. Pole Rental Agreement Termination
Termination
Mayor Doyle summarized the proposed termination of pole rental agreements, which
is being recommended in order to comply with the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
Power Resources Manager Dunbar addressed the Council, explaining that the City has
five pole rental agreements at this time. He recommended that the City terminate the
agreements so that a pole attachment ordinance can be adopted and the City can then
have a unilateral means of managing the City's pole assets. Manager Dunbar felt it to
be important that the poles be made available to other providers in a non-discriminatory
way, with everyone being charged the same rates. This is an opportunity for the City
to better manage its facilities. Councilmember McKeown moved to authorize the
Mayor to issue the Pole Rental Agreement termination notices as specified.
Councilmember Lauren seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Greg Darling Easement 6. Greg Darling Easement Termination
Termination
Mayor Doyle reviewed the recommendation to terminate the utility right-of-way
easement. Director Cutler explained the history of the easement and the fact that it is
no longer needed. The owner is in the process of selling the lot and would like to clear
the title. Councilmember Erickson moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the
termination of easements for Lot 17, Block 191. Councilman Williams seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously.
Endangered Species Act 7. Endangered Species Act 4(d) Recovery Program
4(d) Recovery Program
Planning Director Collins advised the Council that the Council's assigned committee
had met as a follow-up to the presentation made to the Council on the County's
Endangered Species Act 4(d) Recovery Program. A proposed letter to the County had
been distributed, which supports a coordinated effort and also lists plans and regulations
that the City has in place, or put into place for the salmon that are endangered or.
threatened. This letter informs the County of the areas in which the City is working and
shows compliance with Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act. In responding to an
inquiry from Mayor Doyle, Director Collins clarified that the State recently drafted its
guidelines and regulations that allow for the City to choose Path A or Path B. The City
is required by 2002 to follow one of those two paths; this letter does not commit the
City to either path but does commit the City to meeting the legislative intent of revising
the plan by 2002. Councilman Campbell moved to authorize the sending of this
letter to the County indicating the City would like to participate with the County
in the development of the Endangered Species Act 4(d) Recovery Program.
Councilman Wiggins seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None.
QUASI-JUDICIAL
INFORMATION: City Managers Report: Manager Quinn reported he had added a calendar which
included the new Special City Council meeting. In addition, he inserted some project
updates in the packet for the Council's review; these updates will be provided on a
monthly basis. Mayor Doyle referenced the Christmas Party scheduled for December
15, and Manager Quinn indicated the OPS Award will be presented at a luncheon on
December 21st.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 21, 2000 t~3 2 7
INFORMATION: Brief discussion was held pertinent to the Planning Commission minutes as relates to
(Cont'd) the possible co-location of telecommunications towers m the City.
Manager Qum then recognized Councilmember McKeown for her recent appointment
as County Auditor. Manager Quinn stated that because of that commitment there was
a question if she could hold an elected office at the City as well. After legal research,
it was determined there is nothing that roles out the possibility of her serving on the
Council for the remainder of her term.
ADJOURN TO None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
-ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9..42 p.m. ~~~ '~4/~~~
Be~cky~~leJr"[-~2~~ La/ry Doy~aydr /~
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