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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/2015 - City Council - City Council Meeting Minutes - Steven C LacyREGULAR SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED MAYOR STEVEN C. LACY, PRESIDING NOVEMBER 10, 2015 6:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Mayor Steven C. Lacy Councilmember Sandra McCourt Councilmember Wayne Barnhart - Excused Councilmember Tim Detering Councilmember Chuck Johnson Councilmember George Buckner Councilmember Harry Raab Councilmember Frank Collings EMPLOYEES IN ATTENDANCE Community Development Director Lori Barnett City Attorney Devin Poulson Finance Director Nick Gerde Public Works Director/City Engineer Greg Pezoldt Accounting Assistant/Executive Secretary Teresa Allen Police Chief Randy Harrison Clerical Assistant Shawn Murison OPRESENTATION(S) Greg Pezoldt, Public Works Director, and representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Chelan -Douglas Transportation Council — 9ffi Street NE/Valley Mall Parkway Intersection. Greg stated that Executive Director Jeff Wilkens, and Senior Transportation Planner Nick Manzaro, from the Chelan -Douglas. Transportation Council were present, as well as Assistant Regional Administrator for Engineering Dave Bierschback, Assistant Maintenance/Traffic Engineer Terry Berends, and Transportation Planning Specialist Cindy McGlothern from the Washington State Department of Transportation to answer any questions related to the project. Mr. Pezoldt gave a presentation on the 9th Street NE and Valley Mall Parkway Intersection Project which included; • Introduction and Background — The City was awarded an STP Grant in 2013 for $346,000, with a City match of $54,000, which was originally scoped as a new signal, but currently is not obligated yet. • Design Considerations — To coordinate with the 9"' Street NE and SR 28 Signal for efficiency, create Southern Bike/Pedestrian crossing at SR 28, and maintain design Level of Service (LOS) for 20 years. Greg said the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) funded a study to determine a preferred option which accounted for both intersections. • Design Options — the City maintains a signal at 9"' Street and Valley Mall Parkway and WSDOT either maintains a signal at 9 h Street and SR 28 or constructs a round -about at 9t' Street and SR 28 which is not being considered by them OR the City constructs a round -about at 9th Street and Valley Mall Parkway and WSDOT either constructs a round -about at 9`i' Street and SR 28 or maintains a signal at 9t1i Street and SR 28. • Design Performance — City and State configurations of Level of Service (LOS) options for Valley CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2015 n Mall Parkway and SR 28 graded A through F, which include accommodating a Southern Bike/Pedestrian crossing alternative, East bound left turns made at Valley Mall Parkway by the PUD offices, and WSDOT options that eliminate the Southern Bike/Pedestrian crossing having a Level of Service (LOS) B. • Preferred Alternatives — A Binary round -about is the optimum design solution for the City, it exceeds the LOS criteria for 14 years, provides the desired Southern Bike/Pedestrian crossing, the project cost is within the Grant funding, and will promote more "Gateway" opportunities. • A Synchro Model — A visual representation of what the model shows, which shows cars and trucks moving through the area. Greg said we do not get backup coming up 9t' Street, it operates pretty well on the Highway as well, there are two lanes going through the round -about on 91h Street, two lanes going 360 degrees through the Highway round -about which would not have to be built until after 14 years, we could get by with just a single lane until then, pedestrian crossings are modeled into the model which have to be moved back from the intersection a bit because cars need reaction time when entering and exiting the traffic circle. • Decisions/Schedule — If the City opts for a round -about there will be no secured funding for the SR 28 round -about, it may not operate optimally with an SR 28 signal, and it would require additional WSDOT modeling. If the City opts for the signal there will be no SR 28 round -about option, and we will forfeit the Southern Bike/Pedestrian Crossing option. • Funding Options — most future funding scenarios are four years away, because in the Legislative Session WSDOT got a $50 million award to do SR 28 Eastside Corridor improvements from 9th Street to Hadley, which will begin in 2019. He noted the other possibility is an STP Grant in 2017, but there is no guarantee of award for the SR 28 Project, we could consider delaying the City project, or we could consider trading our current funding for future projects. QGreg said no decisions would be made at this time, but we only have one opportunity to make the decision right. Mayor Lacy said without more compelling reasons he is not in favor of delaying the project, and thinks having the round -about in place is an enticing reason to convince the State or the Transportation Council to provide some funding to finish the job. Greg said if people have concerns about trucks and larger vehicles traveling through the round -about the DOT has laid out a footprint, which is located in the back of their lot on North Wenatchee Avenue, similar to the one we would build at Valley Mall Parkway and 9t' Street to provide an opportunity to test drive it. PUBLIC COMMENT(S) Jerry Lucas, 1091 N Alvin Ct, East Wenatchee, expressed concerns regarding an RV located adjacent to his property that is hooked up to his sewer that may have tenants living in it. He noted that the sewer line ruptured on his property in 2009. Mr. Lucas asked how he could get the joined sewer lines on his property separated, which were from a previous home -owners joint venture verbal agreement. He asked Council if they had the authority to do anything about this matter, or where he could go to resolve it. Mayor Lacy stated that Council does not have the authority to dictate a solution. He said sewer hookups on property are the Sewer Districts responsibility. Mayor Lacy noted that this matter represents a party in a private dispute, and could violate Attorney/Client privilege. Alisa Clardy, 390 13t' Street NE, expressed concerns regarding tax increases, and asked why there would be a tax increase if there was no earmark as to where the money was going or what it would pertain to. She noted that she lives near Robert E. Lee Elementary School, there are no sidewalks anywhere near that area, she fears for the children walking and catching buses, and suggested using the tax increase for sidewalks. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2015 Mayor Lacy said that property taxes that the City collects are not funds that have to be designated to a particular project, and when property tax levy is increased it goes into the general fund, which supports the general operations of the City. He added the East Wenatchee Transportation Benefit District imposed a $20 vehicle license fee designated specifically for street and sidewalk projects. City Attorney Devin Poulson added that the East Wenatchee Transportation Benefit District adopted a resolution establishing a Transportation Improvement Plan. BUDGET ISSUES Nick Gerde, Finance Director — Budget Committee Meeting Report & 2016 Preliminary Budget Finance Director Nick Gerde noted that the next Budget Committee Meeting would be held on November 19, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. where they will discuss proposed changes to the budget. MAYOR'S REPORT(S) Mayor Lacy said he received an arbitration decision through the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) regarding the issue with Union 846 over whether or not we were allowed to pass along insurance premium increases that we received notice of in 2013, taking effect in 2014-2015. He said their issue was whether or not the formal notice we provided was adequate, and the arbitrator decided that the City was correct on interpretation of the Union Contract with respect to whether or not they would have had the obligation to pay the premiums that had been increased. He said he has instructed the Finance Department to continue with our current practice until the end of the year, and then reimburse the $562 at the end of 2015 so we do not have to change our system, which already passes the premium increases along to them. Mayor Lacy noted that it is only for Vision Insurance premiums for 2015 for seven Union employees' share, which amount totally to $562. Mayor Lacy said he has a copy of an appraisal done by Pacific Appraisal Associates on the Douglas County Complex property. He said we have not analyzed it, so he will give it to Mr. Gerde for more thorough analysis, and get opinions about how this affects the City's ability to make a purchase. Mayor Lacy said there are three different approaches taken by the appraisers; Income Approach - $3.4 million, Sales Comparison Approach - $3.6-$3.7 million, and Market Value Approach - $3.45 million. He said after an analysis the Council will have an opportunity to know the details and discuss our ability to finance or do a purchase if that is what we decide, and what the implications would be in moving forward with the City's Maintenance Facility. Mayor Lacy said Douglas County Officials have already purchased 32 acres of property North of East Wenatchee near Turtle Rock, where they plan to move their Transportation & Land Services shops, which opens the way to move other Douglas County Departments including the Sherriff's Office, District Court, and Juvenile Department to its Public Services building at 140 19'h Street NW. He said they are going forward with divesting themselves of that property, so we need to come to some decision about what our position is on the issue. Mayor Lacy said he got a notice for an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Training & Education Elected Officials Essentials Webinar, co -sponsored by the Municipal Research & Services Center, that will be held December 5, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. He encouraged everyone on the City Council, and any newly elected people, to consider the training, because it will be the kind of training that not only current Councilmembers would benefit from, but also proposed Councilmembers or newly elected officials. He said it will deal with real world issues, responsibilities associated with service on the City Council, and specific requirements for elected officials under the Open Government Training Act, which they really should be aware of. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2015 DEPARTMENT REPORT(S) Greg Pezoldt, Public Works Director — Street Construction Update Public Works Director Greg Pezoldt reviewed the 2015 Construction Projects Status Report for November 2015. Community Development Director Lori Barnett stated that we received Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval of the Action Plan for the 5 h Street NE Sidewalk & Storm Sewer Improvements, and the Mayor will be signing the authorizations for funding in the amount of $108,000. Mayor Lacy gave kudos to Community Development Director Lori Barnett regarding the letter he received from HUD stating the Consolidated Plan has met all their requirements. Councilmember Johnson asked Public Works Director Greg Pezoldt to give an update regarding the replacement of carpet in the City Hall Library. Mr. Pezoldt said we submitted requests for five quotes, received three back, and the lowest quote was for $7,500. Councilmember Detering asked Mr. Pezoldt if the bid for the Valley Mall Parkway Parking Lot Project is available online electronically, and how bidders are getting access to that. Greg said there will be a bid house with an ad in the newspaper instructing them to go to a certain website for a company called E- bids, and they will be able to get the bidding documents through them. CONSENT CALENDAR Items listed below were distributed to Councilmember's in advance for study and were enacted in one motion. Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember McCourt, second by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried, 6-0. 1. Consideration of Minutes — Regular Session, October 27, 2015 2. Consideration of Payables and Payroll i. 2015 Payables — As of this date, November 10, 2015, Council does approve check numbers 44582 through 44644 and 44561 in the total amount of $287,075.04. No payables checks were voided. ii. 2015 Payroll — As of this date, November 10, 2015, Council does approve check numbers 44310 through 44327, 44340 through 44341, 44345 through 44366 and 44451 through 44474 in the total amount of $390,673.01. ACTION ITEM(S) 15-11-01 Recommendation authorizing the Mayor to sign a pager Contract with American Messaging. Presented by: Greg Pezoldt, Public Works Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Detering, second by Councilmember Raab, to approve a new pager contract with American Messaging for eight new pagers with a minor cost increase of $30 per month. The motion carried, 6-0. 4 CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2015 ORDINANCE(S) 15-10-09 (B) An ordinance of the City of East Wenatchee authorizing the regular property tax levy to be collected in 2016, an increase of .251 percent in the regular tax levy, and authorizing any increase which may be allowed in the amount under new construction, improvements to property and the State assessed property provisions of State Law. Presented by: Nick Gerde, Finance Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Buckner, second by Councilmember Johnson, to approve Ordinance No. 2015-20 authorizing the regular property tax levy to be collected in 2016, an increase of .251 percent in the regular tax levy, and authorizing any increase which may be allowed in the amount under new construction, improvements to property and the State assessed property provisions of State Law. The motion carried, 6-0. Ordinance No. 2015-20 An ordinance of the City of East Wenatchee authorizing the regular property tax levy to be collected in 2016, an increase of .251 percent in the regular tax levy, and authorizing any increase which may be allowed in the amount under new construction, improvements to property and the State assessed property provisions of State Law. RESOLUTION(S) 15-11-02 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement between the City of East Wenatchee, the City of Wenatchee, Douglas County, and Chelan County for the purpose of authorizing Wenatchee to act as lead entity in administration and use of homeless housing and support funds collected locally and those provided through or by the Washington State Department of Commerce, repealing an Interlocal Agreement executed on September 27, 2011 with the adoption of Resolution 2011-15. Presented by: Lori Barnet, Community Development Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Detering, second by Councilmember Collings, to approve Resolution No. 2015-19; and to further authorize the Mayor to sign the Interlocal Agreement for the purpose of authorizing Wenatchee to act as lead entity in administration and use of homeless housing and support funds. The motion carried, 6-0. Resolution No. 2015-19 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement between the City of East Wenatchee, the City of Wenatchee, Douglas County, and Chelan County for the purpose of authorizing Wenatchee to act as lead entity in administration and use of homeless housing and support funds collected locally and those provided through or by the Washington State Department of Commerce, repealing an Interlocal Agreement executed on September 27, 2011 with the adoption of Resolution 2011-15, and establishing an effective date. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2015 15-11-03 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Driver Record Monitoring Services with the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP). Presented by: Nick Gerde, Finance Director Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, second by Councilmember Buckner, to approve Resolution No. 2015-20; and to further authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Driver Record Monitoring Services. The motion carried, 6-0. Resolution No. 2015-20 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Driver Record Monitoring Services with the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool. COUNCIL REPORT(S) Councilmember Detering said he and Mr. Pezoldt attended a Regional Storm Water Steering Committee Luncheon last week. He said the Board is looking at ways of achieving Department of Ecology (DOE) requirements for Eastern Washington by giving direction for Storm Water Staff to look at opportunities on how we can use existing project, or select projects that will meet requirements for the DOE locally and regionally. He said it was a very good meeting, and well attended by all jurisdictions in the Bi-County area. Councilmember Detering said he and Mayor Lacy attended the Charter College Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which provides fast track training for Medical Assistant or Phlebotomy Certifications. He said it is a good group, very talented, and some students asked to be there and were excited about the program. Councilmember Detering said the private School is a great asset to have added to our community. Councilmember Detering said there is a Link Transit Board of Director meeting next week, where they will be discussing and voting on whether or not to change the makeup of the Board of Directors. He requested authorization from Council to act on the City's behalf to keep the board of Directors the same as it is now. Mayor Lacy said that is his preference. No objections were heard. The following reports/minutes were submitted in writing prior to the City Council meeting. • Councilmember Barnhart — Minutes from the Rivercom 911 Administrative Board Meeting held on October 14, 2015. EXECUTIVE SESSION(S) At 8:00 p.m. Mayor Lacy called a ten minute Executive Session regarding Potential Litigation with no action to be taken after. Council reconvened at 8:10 p.m. ADJOURNMENT 8:10 p.m. �.,_-' �� {n C• Cad -C�t cr ►A"