HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/05/2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
December 5, 2017
CALL TO ORDER-REGULAR MEETING:
Mayor Downie called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Mayor Downie, Deputy Mayor Kidd, Councilmembers Bruch, Collins, Case, Merideth and
Whetham.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: City Manager McKeen,Attorney Bloor, Clerk Veneklasen, C. Delikat, K. Dubuc, J. Burke, B. Smith,
S.Carrizosa,N.West,G. Goodworth and A.Fountain.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Deputy Mayor Kidd led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chris White, 134 West Park Avenue, said lie is a volunteer with the local Chapter of Compassionate Friends that
reaches out to parents who've lost children.He said that suicides can be prevented and asked Council to think about
the mental health of first responders,witnesses,and surviving families who are also affected by public suicide.
Kjell Brittan,2128 West Sixth Street,said he is a grateful recovering addict with mental health issues,but
characterized himself as a survivor.Mr.Britian offered to volunteer in any way to help everyone come together to
create change.He thanked City Council for their public service.
Marolee Smith,P.O.Box 2498,spoke about the proposed Cost of Living Adjustment to staff saleries which she said
are part of a long line of similar increases seen over the years. She said residents are being taxed to death,and that
the"me too"clause for the non-bargaining staff is old fashioned and unfair.
Susan Hinton,318 West Eighth Street,spoke about homelessness and depression. She noted other places in the
world that changed to blue street lights which she said have a calming effect.Ms.Hinton proposed the City look into
installing blue street lights.
Michael De Piazza, 116 North Albert,proposed that the City coordinate with Serenity House and use the property
on Airport Road to provide some type of job training. He contributed$20 to the 811 Street Bridge effort.
Dan Bate am,207 Wolcott Street,spoke in favor of adding barriers on the 81 Street Bridges.He further spoke
against water fluoridation.
Jesse Wiederspiel,915 South Lincoln Street,said he is retired,lives on Social Security,and recently moved to Port
Angeles.He said he was flabbergasted by the high utility bills,and that he will probably need to sell his home
because he can't afford to live here.
Cliff Fors,P.O.Box 2963,shared his concerns about the Race Street Design project and said Council should
encourage more public input.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 2018 Budget
Budget Officer Sarina Carrizosa noted there were no recommended changes to the budget during or after the
November 215x public hearing process and as a result there have been no changes to the proposed budget since the first
reading.
PORT' ANGELES CITY COUNCIL,MEET ING —December 5, 2017
,fire Mayor continued the public hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Marolee Smith, P.O. Box 2498,asked how the 2018 budget can pass without first approving utility rates and cost of
living adjustments.
David Mabrey, 10 14 Georgiana,said the budget is sound,balanced,and on-time.fie supported adoption of the budget.
Dan Batehani,207 Wolcott Street,asked Council to take the funds for the staff cost of living adjustments and put them
towards funding barriers on 81' Street Bridges.
Mike Doherty, 617 South B Street, noted that wildfires are spreading in California. lie said climate change is
happening and there are real impacts,so lie hopes there is something in the budget to do a climate change impact study
for Port Angeles. He further asked Council to make some comments, maybe in partnership with AWC, on how
disastrous the Federal Budget is for citizens in rural areas.
Judith Broadhurst,, 5 t 9 South Washington, asked if cost-of-living increases for staff and the utility increases are
already part ol'2018 budget,and why they did not first take public input on these matters.
Rachel Lee, 3124 South Peabody, encouraged Council to remind people that it's within their control to be part of the
budget process by attending worksessions and other meetings.
Mayor Downie closed the public hearing at 6:43 p.m.
Mayor Downie conducted a second reading of the ordinance by title,entitled,
ORDINANCE NO.3595
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, adopting the 21.115 budget for the fiscal year ending
December 31,201K
Council discussion fbIlowed.Councilmember Whetharri called for a Point of Order,requesting that Council wait until
after Consent Agenda, which includes a 2018 Cost of Living Adjustment for Non-Represented Management and
Administrative Personnel,is voted on before then voting on the budget.
It was moved by Kidd and seconded by Bruch to:
Approve the 2018 city-wide budget,
Motion carried 6-1,with Whetharn opposed.
2. Proposed Adjustments to 2018 Utility Rates
Manager McKeen provided opening remarks on the agenda item, saying that Council for last 5 years has identified
utility rates as one of its primary concerns. He said the City restructured how it conducts the Cost of Service Analysis
and that they City has been able to decrease rates overall using a multiyear approach. Senior Accountant Glen
Goodworth conducted a presentation on the utility rates proposed for 2018,
Mayor Downie opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m
Judith Broadhurst, 519 South Washington, said she did not understand why COLA, utility rates, and the budget are
being approved in the order that they are on the Council agenda. Site said that she moved to Port Angeles from
California in 2015 for the affordable cost of living. She expressed concerns that people living on a fixed income can't
afford more increases,
Marolee Smith,P.O.Box 2498,asked why the City has a municipally-owned utility,noting that it is unusual for cities
in Washington. She said site would like Port Angeles to have the benefits of consumer protection laws.
David Mabrey, 1014 Georgiana Street, said utility rates are set and regulated by the state. He said residents have to
pay for what they're using, and lie encouraged recycling as a way to decrease rates.
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PORT.NNGELES ary COUNCIL MEET1NG —December 5, 017
Susan Hinton, 318 West Eighth Street, inquired about the Light Operations Building and encouraged the City to use
blue lights in the project.
Ed I lugbs, 412 East Fifth Street, said he carne to Port Angeles in 2003 with a duffle bag of clothes, and he is now a
homeowner, Mr. Ilughs is a former KPly worker,but now works minimum wage jobs and has been struggling since
the economy fell apart. He said that paying nearly$400 a month in electric bills is a struggle.
Mike Doherty,617 South B Street,said he hopes the new Council will get more active on a number of things involving
climate change. Ile said the City should talk to the mill to see if there;is an efficient way to take cardboard and paper
recycling directly to the mill.Mr. Doherty also said the City should consider taking asphalt roofing that goes through
the landfill, grind it up,and require it to be used in paving contracts.
Al Ornan, 214 Hancock Avenue., said there should be mandatory garbage pickup in the County so that City residents
are not paying for County garbage costs. Ile encouraged Council to talk to the County Commissioners,
Jesse Wiederspiel,915 South Lincoln Street, said fie has an$I 100 mortgage and$400 utility bill which he described
as"skewed". fie says the water rates are so high and most people can't afford to water their flowers and that people
on a fixed income can't enjoy living in Port Angeles.
Mayor Downie continued the public hearing to December 191".
Mayor Downie conducted a first reading of the ordinance by title, entitled,
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington amending electric rates by making changes to Chapter
13.12, water rates by amending Chapter 13.44,solid waste rates collections by amending Chapter 13.54,stormwater
by amending 13.63,and wastewater by amending 13.65 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.
Council discussion followed.
3. Addition of 8"Street Bridge Protective Screenings to CFP/TIP
Budget Officer Carrizosa said the addition of the 811 Street Bridge Protective Screenings to the CFPrFIP will allow
the City to seek State funding for the project. Deputy Director of Operations James Burke outlined the two options,
and said staff is looking into a third option as well.
Council discussion followed.
Manager McKeen said the City is looking at a combination of three funding sources - state, city and community
donation—and that the resolution adds the 8th Street Bridge Protective Screening to the Capital Facilities Plan(CFP)
and'I'tansportation Improvement Plan(TIP)due to immediate concenis for public safety.
The Mayor opened the public hearing on the Capital Facilities Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan at 8:20 p.m.
Rachel Johnson, 2.301 West 18' Street, said she and her daughter conducted a bake sale and raffle, raising$384 for
the bridge effort. She challenged the Mayor and other,;to match their donation.Mayor Downie said he would match
her dollar for dollar,
Sandy Royalty,526 East I I 1h Street,spoke about the possibility of a community GoFundMe page as part of the bridge
effort.
Al Oman,214 Hancock Avenue,wished comfort to the family and friends who've lost loved ones due to suicide. He
asked the community to have patience,understanding that it will take time to do things properly on the bridge so that
the protective barrier will last for generation& lie noted that he works for the City of Port Angeles and that there has
been an outpouring of support for this project.
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PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL MEETING —December 5, 2017
Jim Creelman,P.O. 101,said there are many emergency calls for service of police to the bridges and that lie figures it
costs$50,000 a year in manpower.He inquired about the possibility of using the Clallarn County Opportunity Fund
for the project,or contact Tribal agencies for help.
Marolce Smith,P.O.Box 2498,said she doesn't think anyone in the room hasn't been affected by suicide. She would
like to see a more permanent design on the bridges that incorporates the ability for people to put up plaques for loved
ones which could be a memorial for people who have died,
Sandy Goodwick, 142 Heather Circle, said she had lost many loved ones due to suicide. She asked City Council to
address the stigma that silences people who ultimately lose their life this way.
Susan Hinton, 318 West Eighth Street,presented a$100 donation check from the Guardians of the Bridge group. She
said they are also planning a Vaudeville Show to raise money,and that they would like to use Vern Burton Community
Center for the show.
Kjell Brittain, 2128 West Sixth Street, suggested Council put aside money for other issues that could occur in the
future.
Jesse Fanner,4218 Mount Angeles Road, said funding is available for the bridge barrier and that the Problem is not
the money, the problem now is the time it takes. He told Council they were playing an extremely dangerous game
with the community by not doing something soon.
Jim Bourget,313 Northridge View Drive,said that in California,reverse Curved chain-link fences are common suicide
barriers. He said he hopes design consideration is part of the discussion.
Chris White, 134 West Park Avenue, spoke about three bridge design options. He said that the community is owed
the barriers and there could be a compromise on height.
Mayor Downie conducted a first reading of the resolution by title,entitled,
RESOLUTION NO.28-17
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, amending Resolution No.13-17
adopting the City's Capital Facilities Plan for 2018—2023.
It was moved by Kidd and seconded by Brach to:
Approve as read.
Motion carried 7-0.
Mayor Downie recessed the meeting for a break at 8:59 p.m. The inceting,reconvened at 9;07 p.m.
LA'a inm S TO BE PLACED ON THIS OR FUTURE AGENDAS as determbied b),Cin,Alan rer
or Councilinember-
1. At the request of Manager McKeen, the Mayor added "Amendment to the Ordinance for Property 'Tax
Collection in 2018 Adopted November 21,2017"as Item 13.
CONSENTAGENDA:
At the request of Councilmember Brach,Mayor Downie pulled Item 2 from the Consent Agenda.
It was moved by Brach and seconded by Gase to approve the Consent Agenda to include:
I. Expenditure,Report: From November 11 to November 24, 2017 in the amount ol'S1,155,422.07
1 ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
3. Cost of Living Adjustment for Non-Represented Management and Administrative Personnel [Ordinance
No.35"]
4. Creation of Transportation Benefit District Fund [Ordinance No.3600]
Motion carried 7-0.
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PORTAN(YELES CITY COUNCIL MEETING -- December 5,2017
PULLED FROM CONSENT': Resolution to Receive Fees in Lieu ot"faxes from Jamestown S'Klallam'Fribe
Councilmember Bruch said she would not be voting on the item due to her partner's employment with Jamestown
S'Klallani Tribe.
It was moved by Gase and seconded by Collins to:
Pass the Resolution [No. 30-17] Authorizing the City Manager to sign a Cooperative Agreement for the purpose of
receiving Payments in Lieu of'faxes.
Motion carried 6-0,with Councilinember Bruch abstaining.
ORDINANCES NOT REQUIRING COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 2017 Budget Amendment#3
Mayor Downie conducted a second reading of the ordinance by title,entitled,
ORDINANCE NO.3596
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles,Washington,amending the 2017 budget and funds.
It was moved by Bruch and seconded by Gase to:
Approve as read.
Motion carried 7-0.
2. Donation Policy for Acceptance of Contributions to 8"Street Bridge Protective Screenings
Attorney Bloor noted that at the last ineeting,Council directed staff to come up with a means to accept donations for
the 8h Street Bridge Protective Screenings.He said the creation of a donation policy was a collaborative effort among
departments that allows staff to accept donations for the bridges oil behalf ol'City Council.
Community & Economic Development Director Nathan West provided an update donations received, saying it was
inspiring to see the care,compassion,and overall generosity of people in the community.He said the City had received
a total of four donations totaling$11,055,as well as a generous$100,000 pledge towards the construction project.
Mayor Downie conducted a first reading of the ordinance by title,entitled,
ORDINANCE NO.3597
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles,Washington,authorizing the City to accept donations for the
construction of protective screening on the 8"'Street bridges(over Tumwater and Valley Streets).
It was moved by Kidd and seconded by Bruch to:
Waive the second reading.
Motion carried 7-0.
It was moved by Kidd and seconded by Bruch to:
Approve the ordinance as read.
Motion carried 7-0.
Deputy Mayor Kidd presented a S1,000 donation check from Kelly Johnson.
RESOLUTIONS NOTREQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Results of Advisory Vote on Community Water Fluoridation
Manager McKeen provided a brief historical background on what lead to the advisory proposition.
Council discussion followed.
Mayor Downie read the resolution by title,entitled,
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PORTANGELES CITY COUNCIL MEETING—December 5, 2017
RESOLUTION NO.29-17 ,
A RESOLUTION olthe City Council of the City of Port Angeles,Washington,adhering to the outcome of the
citizen advisory vote to stop municipal water fluoridation.
It was moved by Bruch and seconded by Whetham to:
Approve the resolution as read.
Motion carried 5-2,with Kidd and Gase opposed.
It was moved by Bruch and seconded Whetham to:
Extend the meeting time to 10:30 p.m.
Motion carried 7-0.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Results of Ballot Measure to Change the Form of City Government
Due to the late hour, Manager McKeen recommended moving the agenda item to the Information Section of the
agenda,being there was no action required.
2. Update on Engineering Options for 8"Street Bridge Protective Screenings
Deputy Director Burke said that City Council directed staff to begin an engineering-based analysis of potential short
and long term protective screening options for the 8th Street Bridges. He provided an update on staffs efforts to
provide a preliminary look at options. Monte Sargent of Sargent Engineers presented preliminary options for both
permanent and temporary design,noting the primary design considerations included safety,maintainability,that it be,
challenging to climb over or around and will allow wind to pass through.
Deputy Director Burke said that staff and Sargent Engineers are still pulling ideas together,and that they plan to have
options available at the next Council meeting.
Council discussion followed.
Deputy Mayor Kidd was excused from the meeting and exited the Council Chambers.
3. Amendment to the Ordinance for Property'fax.Collection in 2018
Budget Officer Carrizosa outlined the need for the amendment to the previously adopted ordinance.
It was moved by Bruch and seconded by Gase to:
Waive the second reading.
Motion carried 6-0.
Mayor Downie conducted a first reading of the ordinance by title,entitled,
ORDINANCE NO.3598
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, amendingOr nan di ce No 3592 levying regular ad
valorem property taxes for the fiscal year 2018.
It was moved by Bruch and seconded by Whetham to:
Approve the ordinance as read.
Motion carried 6-0.
ary COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilmember Collins said lie went to the Farmers Market for the second month in a row and met people who had
recently moved to Pori Angeles and had questions about the City.Ile clarified that lie did not support having a
public vote on a public health issue like fluoridation because it blurred the line between science and politics.
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PORTA NGELES CITY COUNCIL MEE"I"ING ---December 5,2017
lie,said he believes the State is wrong in having the City Council or the public make these decisions,and that it
should be done by the Washington Department of Public Health.
Cuncitmember Case said it had been a riveting night,and a fun way to spend his wife's birthday.
No other reports were given.
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mike Doherty. 617 South B Street, wished the outgoing Councilinembers well and congratulated them. He said lie
hopes they will stay involved in community affairs and be,active citizens,
Scott Kennedy, 136 Black Diamond Road, said that ARCORA, the Foundation of Delta Dental of Washington, is
committed to improving oral health in Washington and providing, equitable access across the State. He read a letter
from ARCORA president Diane Oaks.
Rachel Lee,3124 South Peabody,said the group Gathering for Hope is asking the Council and others to make cookies
for first responders and bring them to the December 190'meetirig.
Maury Adams., 105 West 9111, asked Councilittember Collins and Dr. Kennedy why they think fluoride is good.
Daniel Myrick, hoineless, asked how people can convince themselves that they care about oral health if there are
impoverished children. lie said anyone in poverty is suffering a human rights violation.
ADJOURNMEN'r: Mayor Downie aqjoumed the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
I eklasen,� ���
ity Clerk,
Mayor/ i e rh i�I(e-
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