HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-22 City Council Special Minutes Approved C YOff`
City Council Minutes— February 22, 2010
At 7:30 p.m. Mayor Pro Tern Brad Adams called the special meeting of February 22, 2010 to
order. Roll call found present: Nick Petrish, Erica Pickett, Brad Adams, Bill Turner and Cynthia
Richardson. Kevin McKeown and Brian Geer were absent (excused). Roll call was followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Resolution—Opposing the Model Toxics Control Tax Increase
Mr. Adams announced that Mayor Maxwell was in Olympia for hearings regarding this agenda
topic. Planning Director Ryan Larsen presented a proposed resolution opposing the State
legislature's HB 3181 /SB 6851 which would increase the state's Model Toxics Control Act tax
from 0.7%to 2%to help pay for stormwater projects. Mr. Larsen noted this would directly affect
local oil refineries. The resolution urges the state to find an alternative funding source to assist
with stormwater project clean up. Mr. Larsen advised that Mayor Maxwell is strongly in support of
this resolution. Mr. Turner said the legislature's proposal unfairly taxes a small portion of the
business interests in the state. He suggested a gas tax would be a more fair way to fund
stormwater clean up and supported the resolution. Mrs. Richardson added that taxing exports,
such as refined fuel, will decrease Washington State's market share and will eventually result in
no net increase in tax revenue. She expressed support for the resolution. Mr. Adams opposed the
proposed tax increase because it will go into the State General Fund rather than directly to the
purported purpose of funding stormwater treatment. He noted that the refineries already spend
millions of dollars every year improving environmental standards. He supported the resolution.
Mrs. Pickett acknowledged that the legislature is looking for much needed general fund revenue
but agreed with Mrs. Richardson that making Washington fuel more expensive will hurt the state's
export market. She said she favors the resolution. Mr. Petrish provided a historical perspective
that the refineries have changed the whole character of the Anacortes community and he does
not want to lose that. Mrs. Richardson moved, seconded by Mr. Turner, to approve Resolution
1795 opposing the Model Toxics Control Tax Increase and send it to Olympia. Vote: Ayes—
Petrish, Pickett, Adams, Turner, Richardson. Motion carried.
There being no further business, at approximately 7:39 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Adams adjourned
the special meeting of February 22, 2010.
Anacortes City Council Minutes February 22, 2010 1