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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-01 City Council Minutes Approved City Council Minutes—August 1, 2016 Mayor Laurie Gere called to order the regular Anacortes City Council meeting of August 1, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers Eric Johnson, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Liz Lovelett, John Archibald and Matt Miller were present. Councilmember Ryan Walters was absent. The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Announcements and Committee Reports Planning Commission Appointment: Mayor Gere requested Council confirmation of her appointment of Geoffrey Mount to the Planning Commission to fill the remainder of a term that will expire December 2020. Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Ms. Pickett, to approve the appointment of Geoffrey Mount to the Planning Commission. Vote: Ayes—Pickett, Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller and Johnson. Motion carried. Public Works Committee Report: Mr. Johnson reported from the committee meeting held earlier in the evening. He advised that the stormwater utility rate discussion begun at the July 25, 2016 City Council meeting would continue in September, the 3MG water tank contract was expected to be let over the summer with construction to begin before year end, the mayor and public works director would be meeting with Anacortes School District#103 regarding updating the 1985 agreement for maintenance of the Operations Building, staff was pushing ahead with vigor on the fiber project, and that the roundabout proposed by WSDOT for SR20 at Sharpes Corner should improve circulation at that intersection. Ms. Lovelett invited the public to attend the family friendly National Night Out at Storvik Park on Tuesday, August 2, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil for community peace at 8:00 p.m. Ms. Lovelett announced that the Housing Affordability and Community Services committee had formed three working groups focusing on different topics. She said the Affordable Housing group met the prior week and would be developing an affordable housing strategic plan in accordance with the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan. She added that the Social Services group would meet on August 11, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers. Public Comment Merilee Huffman, 806 Commercial Ave, reported that the stop sign at the southeast corner of 8th Street and Commercial Avenue was partially obscured by a hanging flower basket and that vehicles were running through the intersection without stopping. She suggested removing the planter. Mayor Gere said that the Parks and Public Works departments would address that concern. Warren Tessler, 1613 6th Street, spoke regarding Item 5c, COA/DNR Memorandum of Agreement for Thompson Parkway Trestle and Causeway Replacement. Speaking as a trustee of the Anacortes Parks Foundation and the chair of its Guemes Channel Trail subcommittee, Mr. Tessler supported the replacement project but emphasized the third objective outlined in the agreement which recognizes that the project should not compete for funds that might be available for the ongoing Guemes Channel Trail construction effort. Consent Agenda Ms. Pickett removed Item 5c, COA/DNR Memorandum of Agreement: Thompson Parkway Trestle and Causeway Replacement, from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Mr. Adams, to approve the following Consent Agenda items. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. a. Minutes of July 25, 2016 b. Approval of Claims in the amount of: $307,490.79 d. Street Fair Applications: Eagles BBQ, Oyster Run, Jingle Bell Dash e. Contract Award: Generator Set Preventative Maintenance (under State Contract) f. Accept as Complete: 2016 Slurry Seal Project(15-077-TRN-002) Anacortes City Council Minutes August 1, 2016 1 The following vouchers/checks were approved for payment: Voucher(check) numbers: 81434 through 81534, total $432,480.15 EFT numbers: 205478 through 206480, total $15,590.27 c. COA/DNR Memorandum of Agreement: Thompson Parkway Trestle and Causeway Replacement Ms. Pickett expressed concern that funding to remove creosote pilings may be more available than funding to then rebuild the trestle. She requested language in the agreement to the effect that, "No removal work will be started until total funds for the complete replacement of the planned removal are in Anacortes' hands." Parks and Recreation Director Gary Robinson said he could add that language and Council could approve the agreement conditioned on that change. Ms. Lovelett suggested that the project funding might be awarded to a responsible party other than Anacortes. City Attorney Darcy Swetnam suggested altering the language to "... funds have been secured." Ms. Pickett countered with "... funds have been secured by the City of Anacortes." Mr. Robinson addressed councilmember questions about how to ensure that the project would not jeopardize funding for completing the Guemes Channel Trail. Several councilmembers observed that the proposed MOA covered planning the project only, not constructing it. Ms. Pickett moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, to accept the Memorandum of Agreement as amended. The motion passed by voice vote with Ms. Lovelett voting against. OTHER BUSINESS Resolution 1966: City of Anacortes Personnel Policies Administrative Services Director Emily Schuh presented updated personnel policies for adoption by Council. She explained the extensive review by Washington Cities Insurance Authority, legal counsel, employees, bargaining units, and the Council Personnel Committee and noted that the policies were last updated in September 2014. Ms. Schuh advised that the policies presented in the evening's council packet would be updated to amend Policy 201 regarding Equal Employment Opportunity with the phrase "status as an honorably discharged veteran" in lieu of"military/veteran status." She offered to answer councilmember questions about the updates from prior versions; the changes were summarized in the agenda bill. Mr. Johnson inquired about the proposed vacation transfer included in revised Policy 502. Ms. Schuh explained that the program would allow the city to reduce its vacation liability at current wage rates and also encourage employees to save for retirement. She added that transfer of accrued vacation over 160 hours to a deferred compensation account was already available to represented police and fire employees and she did not anticipate that it would be widely used. Mr. Adams warned against rewarding employees for not taking vacation and encouraged timely use of accrued vacation. Ms. Schuh responded to a question from Mr. Archibald regarding changing the pay dates outlined in Policy 304, noting that changes to that section would have to be negotiated with collective bargaining units. Mr. Archibald moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve Resolution 1966 adopting the City of Anacortes personnel policies. Vote: Ayes—Adams, Lovelett, Archibald, Miller, Johnson and Pickett. Motion carried. There being no further business, at approximately 6:35 p.m. the Anacortes City Council meeting of August 1, 2016 was adjourned. Anacortes City Council Minutes August 1, 2016 2