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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/01/1998 3857 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington December 1, 1998 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Braun called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at REGULAR MEETING: 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Braun, Councilmembers Campbell, Doyle, Hulett, McKeown, Wiggins, and Williams. Members ~4bsent: None. Staff Present: Manager Ibarra, Attorney Knutson, Deputy Clerk Hagar, B. Becket, S. Brodhun, B. Collins, K. Godbey, S. Ilk, J. Pittis, D. Sawyer, T. Smith, and Y. Ziomkowski. Public Present: L. Lee. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mayor Braun. ALLEGIANCE: CEREMONIAL None. MATTERS/ PROCLAMATIONS: WORK SESSION: David Sawyer, Senior Planner, distributed information to the Council regarding the Parking Plan and introduced Arla Holzschuh, Executive Director of the Port Angeles PADA's Parking Downtown Association (PADA). Development and Management Plan Aria Holzschuh, 105 ½ E. First Street, stated a number of years ago, the City Council and Planning Commission requested a Parking Development and Management Plan be formulated. Many people worked long hours to develop this plan. The Plan was presented to the PADA membership, the PADA Board, and the Planning Commission for endorsement. Ms. Holzschuh then gave a brief history of the PADA. Ms. Holzschuh introduced Eileen Knight, President of the Board of the PADA, and Jim Haguewood of the PADA Parking Committee; Roy Gotham was present as a member of the Parking Committee and as Vice President of the PADA. Planner Sawyer then gave a presentation of the Downtown Parking Development and Management Plan. Mr. Sawyer stated the presentation would cover facts and figures on the downtown, as well as several conclusions, the Plan's four goals and a number of key policies, and what the Plan will change. He de£med PADA and the Parking 'and Business Improvement Area (PBIA). Mr. Sawyer exhibited maps which showed the parking lots covered by the Management Plan and the Plan's study area and explained the process by which it was decided whether a property should be part of the study area. During review of the Plan's policies, Mr. Sawyer stated that, based on downtown's growing orientation toward a friendly, pedestrian environment where visitors are encouraged to park their cars and walk to a variety of businesses, a single public - 1 - 3858 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 WORK SESSION: parking space is considered to serve from two to four downtown businesses. The (Cont'd) number of downtown parking spaces should be sufficient to maintain a maximum of 85% use during the summer. PADA's Parking Development and Based on the information referenced in the Plan, the Committee concluded the ratio of Management Plan parking spaces to ground floor area in the Downtown is currently sufficient and should (Cont'd) be maintained. Mr. Sawyer noted that in response to the often heard complaint of a lack of parking in the Downtown, the Plan's analysis shows it is not the number of spaces in the Downtown that is the problem, but rather their location and ease of use. The Plan points out that to achieve its goals, parking must be available for convenient use and the primary tool to insure this is reliable and consistent enforcement of parking space time limitations and permit requirements. Consistent enforcement will produce the desired mm over of both on-street and off-street parking spaces. The PADA must also work with Downtown business owners to increase their understanding of the importance of reserving the most convenient parking spaces for customer use and where employee parking is available and more appropriately located. The Plan also encourages new development to include adequate on-site parking in its design. Mr. Sawyer explained that .in-lieu-of fees will be reserved for new or expanded downtown parking facilities. The amount of the in-lieu-of fee should be equal to 25% of the local parking space development cost. Currently, the in-lieu-of fee is $600 and has been since the PBIA was established. Mr. Sawyer explained parking space development cost and how it is established, and reviewed a sample budget for the PBIA. Some of the changes to be implemented with the new Parking Management Plan include changing time limits from two to three hours, the cost of parking space in-lieu- of fee would go from $600 to 25% of actual cost of a space, and preparation of an annual report. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Sawyer displayed a Per Space Cost Comparison between surface parking and a 2-level parking structure and provided clarification of the in-lieu-of fee. He stated that the in-lieu-of fee is an option for developers of new construction only and does not apply to existing buildings. Mr. Sawyer and Ms. Holzschuh then responded to questions and provided additional clarification on several components of the Plan, including parking enforcement, particularly as it relates to business owners and employees. Councilman Williams asked if the Lee Hotel renovation project and J.C. Penney's building project would significantly impact downtown parking. Ms. Holzschuh stated that a contract has been signed regarding use of the Penney's building which will keep parking within the necessary bounds. The Lee Hotel project is an existing building; therefore, there will be no impact. Currently, the high season parking rate is at about 70%; the development of the Penney's building and Lee Hotel may raise the use to 80%, which is still within the 85% limits. Mayor Braun thanked Ms. Holzschuh and Planner Sawyer for their efforts. LATE ITEMS TO BE Mayor Braun asked to add two items to the agenda under Other Considerations. One PLACED ON THIS OR deals with a call Mayor Braun received from a former constituent, and the second issue _~ FUTURE AGENDA: deals with a letter written by Councilman Wiggins. CONSENT AGENDA: Councilman Doyle moved to accept the Consent Agenda which included: Minutes of the regular Council meeting of November 17, 1998. Councilman Williams seconded the motion. Following brief discussion, a vote was carried on the motion, which carried by a majority with Councilman Wiggins abstaining due to his absence from that meeting. -2- 3859 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 CITY COUNCIL Councilman Doyle attended an Olympic Air Pollution Control meeting, read a COMMITTEE proclamation at the opening of the Tellebration, and attended a Pool Committee REPORTS: meeting. Councilman Doyle also noted the passing of Ardys McWilliams, who in partnership with. her husband, Eugene, established SeaMount Estates, the first subdivision with Curbed streets and underground utilities. Councilmember McKeown reminded the Council that she had distributed a list of recommendations for the Human Services Funding from the United Way Allocation Committee. She asked Council to review the list and stated changes can be made. A formal presentation will be made at the next meeting. Councilmember McKeown attended a Downtown Forward meeting and discussed the Committee's mission. A lot of projects have been turned over to the City staff, and the number of meetings will be cut back to an as needed basis with the Council's approval. Councilmember McKeown announced that MCI had approached Representative Lynn Kessler regarding a donation of $15,000 for a Boys & Girls Club. Thanks to MCI and Representative Kessler, the new Club in Port Angeles was able to purchase computers. The kids were very excited and appreciative. Mayor Braun attended a School Superintendent's Multi-Ethnic Committee meeting, and an AWC Legislative Committee meeting. Some of the issues voted on by the Legislative Committee were telecommunications, criminal justice, affordable housing, the Landlord Tenant Act, children's health care, and utility restructuring. A final tally of the vote will be forthcoming and will be presented at a future meeting. Mayor Braun also traveled to Victoria B.C. to speak to the Northwest Economic Region Coastal Byway. Ordinances Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. Resolutions Not Requiring Public Hearings: None. Break Mayor Braun recessed the meeting for a break at 7:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Municipal Code Amendment - MCA 98-06- Binding Site Improvement Plan (Open and QUASI JUDICIAL continue to 12/15/98 - supporting documents to be provided with the 12/15/98 Council packeO Municipal Code Amendment Mayor Braun opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Manager Ibarra informed the Council that the Planning Commission had not concluded discussion regarding this item; therefore, its recommendation will be presented at the next Council meeting. There was no public testimony, and Councilman Doyle moved to continue the public hearing to December 15, 1998. Councilman Hulett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Port Angeles Downtown Association's Parking Development and Management Plan OTHER: Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Planning Department. Planner Parking Development and · Sawyer introduced and thanked the members of the PADA Parking Committee Management Plan including Don Bettger, Chairman; Wayne Barrett; Dan Diguilio; Sandy Haggarty; Jim Haguewood; Roy Gotham; Nancy White; and Arla Holzschuh. Mr. Sawyer reviewed the PADA's six recommendations as listed in the packet, and he and Ms. Holzschuh responded to questions and provided clarification. -3- 3860 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Mayor Braun opened the public heating at 7:26 p.m. OTHER: (Cont'd) Judy Haggarty, 1229 East Second Street and Sandy Haggarty, 1119 South Lincoln Street, approached the podium together. They both felt that only 50% of downtown Parking Development and parking is utilized; however, customers have complained about getting a $10 ticket. Management Plan (Cont'd) Judy Haggaxty asked why downtown merchants and employees are not being ticketed for parking in what should be public parking spaces. She stated the downtown is dying. People should be encouraged to shop there, not be ticketed. Both of the Haggartys claimed to pay parking tickets for their customers. Other than the parking limitations, the Haggartys did not have a problem with the parking plan. Jim Haguewood, 705 Christman Place, addressed the in-lieu-of fees. He felt one point of the Plan was to create financial security for the downtown parking lots. He provided a brief history of the Parking fund and where the original money came from. In-lieu-of fees will help insure the upkeep of the parking lots. There was no further testimony, and Mayor Braun closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Discussion followed. Mr. Sawyer addressed the concerns of the Haggartys, stating there are some policies in the plan regarding parking enforcement for merchants and employees. Mr. Sawyer and Ms. Holzschuh continued to provide clarification of various aspects of the Plan and reviewed activities which will be developed in order to implement the Plan. Lengthy discussion folloWed, especially as regards to parking enforcement and employee parking. Couneilmember MeKeown moved to approve the PADA Parking Development and Management Plan as presented. Councilman Doyle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 1999 Budget 2. 1999 Budget Manager Ibarra presented the recommended 1999 budget to the City Council and emphasized the themes of service, maintenance and economic development. Manager Ibarra and Finance Director Godbey reviewed the summary of budgeted expenditures by fund. General Fund expenditures reflect a $1.4 million, or 12.9% increase as compared to the 1998 budget. The budget variance consists of the following factors: $412,000 in additional capital outlay, $626,000 in salaries and benefits, a $50,000 transfer to the Economic Development Fund, and $32,000 in debt service on the fire pumper. Manager Ibarra reminded the City Council that the 1999 budget included items that Were not appropriated in the 1998 financial plan. As an example, the 1998 budget did not include any vehicle purchases or cost of living increases. Salaries and benefits include a budgeted 2.6% cost of living adjustment, a 10.5% increase in medical benefits and a 25% increase in workers compensation rates. In addition, the variance in salaries and benefits includes a retirement payout, a reinstated position in the Accounting Division, a janitorial position, and several temporary positions in the Street and Parks and Recreation Department. The Convention Center Fund reflected the largest variance in the Special Revenue Fund category. The 1999 budget includes the second half of the hotel motel tax that was not included in the 1998 budget. The total budget within the Debt Service Funds will decrease, resulting from the retirement of the 1978 City Pier bonds. The Light Fund shows a budgeted increase; however, Director Godbey explained that this was the result of underestimating power purchases in the 1998 budget. Water and wastewater expenses increased, largely due to an $850,000 capital improvement -4- 3861 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 1999 Budget (Cont'd) program. Salaries and benefits in the water and wastewater utility increased by 25%; however, there are four employees retiring in 1999, and the retirement payout is reflected in the budget. The Solid Waste budget decreased by almost $2.0 million due to the completion of the landfill cell project and the retirement of the 1993 and 1990 Solid Waste bonds. The Equipment Services Fund includes appropriations for fourteen new and replacement vehicles. No vehicles were budgeted in 1998. Discussion ensued relative to the replacement vehicles. Manager Ibarra will further review the replacements before purchases are made. Governmental capital projects reflect $1.0 million in appropriations. Manager Ibarra stressed that the $1.0 million has been designated, but not specifically identified for any one project. The capital improvement program will be reviewed again in 1999. Director Godbey reviewed the summary of budgeted revenue comparisons by fund. Although the General fund shows a 9.4% increase in budgeted revenue, Ms. Godbey directed the City Council to the Summary of Revenues, on page eight of the handouts. The summary of revenues for the General Fund shows the 1999 proposed revenue budget as compared to the 1998 year-end estimate, which is a better indication of the General Fund's actual revenue. The 1999 budgeted revenue reflects a 2.6% increase over the 1998 year-end estimates. Director Godbey explained that the property tax levy is now limited to the implicit price deflator (IPD), which is a different way of measuring inflation. The IPD is 0.85%. Approximately one-half of the increase in property taxes (about $20,000) is from the increase in property taxes, and the other half from new construction. Sales taxes were estimated very conservatively in 1998, and the 1999 sales taxes are budgeted based on 1998 actual revenues. Occupational taxes, primarily telephone and cellular, are also budgeted based on increases in the 1998 revenue stream. Revenue in the Convention Center Fund increased from invoking the second half of the lodging tax. Light operating revenue was underestimated in 1998, as were power purchases. Solid Waste operating revenue increased by $210,000 from the Jefferson County contract. Interest earnings on closure funds will generate an additional $240,000 in revenue to the utility. Director Godbey summarized changes to the schedule of long-term liabilities. Three changes include the refunding of the water and wastewater bonds, the Public Works Trust Fund loan for 8th Street design, and the $230,000 state loan for the fire pumper. Ms. Godbey reviewed the property tax levies and allocation to the various bond funds. Director Godbey explained that the City Council diverted interest earnings from the Library Construction Fund to the Library Debt Service Fund in 1998. There was $140,000 in additional interest earnings to divert to the Library Debt Service Fund in 1999. The year 2000 will reflect the entire levy of approximately $280,000. The total levy is one cent less per thousand than the 1998 levy. Manager Ibarra reviewed the recommend capital requests by department. Discussion followed. Manager Ibarra reviewed the personnel analysis, which summarizes the number of full- time positions by fund. The number of full-time positions went from 218 in 1996 to 207 in 1998, and back up to 211 in 1999. Four additional positions are recommended in the 1999 budget: Senior Accountant to be reinstated in the Finance Department, a Janitorial position in the Facility Maintenance Division (cost is offset by a maintenance contract), an Equipment Operator in the Solid Waste Fund, and a Systems Analyst in Information Services. Tim Smith, Economic Development Director, has been transferred from the Public Works Department to the Economic Development Fund, -5- 3862 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 1999 Budget (Cont'd) under the direction of the City Manager. In addition, six seasonal employees in the Street and Parks and Recreation Departments are included in the 1999 budget. Manager Ibarra further recommended designating $150,000 from fund balance for the next five years for the purpose of funding retirement payouts. Mayor Braun opened the public hearing at 9:55 p.m. There was no public testimony, and Mayor Braun closed the public hearing. Break Mayor Braun recessed the meeting for a break at 9:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:02 p.m. Other Considerations Contracts with Olympic Extension of Contracts with Olympic Disposal and City of Sequim for Solid Waste Disposal and City of Disposal at the Landfill Sequim Mayor Braun reviewed the information provided by the Public Works Department. Manager Ibarra stated the same provisions had been offered to West Waste, and they did not accept. Therefore, they will be taking their waste elsewhere. Negotiations with Sequim and Olympic Disposal went well. Sequim requested a longer contract; however this is not possible as the compliance order permit expires in 1999. Councilman Campbell asked what would happen if West Waste should choose to bring refuse to the landfill. Director Pittis explained that, as there is no contract, they would be charged the regular rate of $76.80 per ton. Councilman Campbell moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the extension contract with Olympic Disposal and the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Sequim for solid waste disposal at the landfill. (Clerk's Note: Due to the lateness of the hour, the two items Mayor Braun requested to discuss were tabled to a future meeting.) INFORMATION: Manager Iharra referred to a memo distributed earlier regarding storms which occurred over the. Thanksgiving holiday. He stated the City crews once again showed they are Thanksgiving Storm dedicated public servants, providing services even on a holiday. Manager Ibarra and Public Works Department discussed a show of appreciation to the Water, Wastewater, and City Light crews to say thanks. City Christmas Tree Manager Ibarra stated Scott Brodhun, Director of Parks & Recreation, will be providing the downtown Christmas tree this year. Parks staffwill cut the tree and deliver it to the downtown fountain area. Letter to Vice President Manager Ibarra noted the joint draft letter to Vice President Albert Gore regarding the Albert Gore Elwha situation. Several Council members asked to table this letter to a future meeting. Further comments may be directed to him. Retirement of Jack Piths Director Pittis distributed copies of his letter of resignation to the City Council and announced he would be retiring as of May 14, 1999. He stated he has enjoyed his employment with the City and will miss the interaction with Council and staff. Manager Ibarra stated Waldron and Associates has been contacted to begin a national search for the next Public Works Director. MaYOr Braun congratulated Director Piths and thanked him for his years of service. -6- 3863 CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 1, 1998 ADJOURN TO Mayor Braun adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 10:16 p.m. to discuss a EXECUTIVE SESSION: matter of litigation and potential litigation for approximately twenty to thirty minutes. RETURN TO The meeting returned to Open Session at 10:50 p.m. OPEN SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. B~cky J. lJl~t~j~le~' /r-- -- Gary Braun, MaWr -7- 3864 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY .LEFT BLANK