COUNCIL
MEETINGS: Audio and Summary - February 22, 2006
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MINUTES from Feb. 22, 2006 Sultan Council Meeting (w/links to audio)
[AUDIO,
0.6 mb, 3:40 min.]
The regular meeting of the Sultan City Council was called to order in
the Sultan Community Center by Mayor Pro Tem Seehuus. Councilmembers present:
Champeaux, Wiediger, Slawson, Flower, Blair and Boyd. Absent: Mayor Tolson
Student Representative: Karstan Thot
Planning Commission Recognition: Mayor Pro-tem Seehuus presented a certificate of appreciation to Ray George for his work on the Planning Commission.
ADDITIONS
TO THE AGENDA:
Executive Session: Moved to after Council comments.
Consent: Add setting a public hearing on the Shoreline Master Plan and
the Critical Area Ordinance and the excused absence of Mayor Tolson
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
[AUDIO,
0.6 mb, 3:37 min.] Sue Shawger: As a member of the Sultan Library
Board and the Friends of the Library, thanked the City staff for their
random acts of kindness over the years. Advised that they have book sales
twice a year to raise funds for scholarships and library programs and
they make about $1000 each sale. There is some confusion as to whether
they need to pay a rental fee for use of the community room and they requested
clarification on the new policy.
[AUDIO, 0.6 mb, 3:13 min.] Kay George: Attended the meeting regarding the Twin River Development and they were an angry group. She is not interested in chasing people away but there are issues that need to be addressed such as the road and the railroad crossing. In regards to the REET issue, people would object to the increase if they were aware that they will have to pay more taxes - this will discourage people who want to buy or sell homes in Sultan.
[AUDIO, 0.3 mb, 1:47 min.] Robert Criswell: Concerned about the taxes that are being voted on and the impact on the elderly people in town. As a former council member he knows how the money was spent ant the council needs to look at budget management instead of raising taxes. [G.R.I.T. NOTE: The audio for Criswell's statement in regard to the library fees can be found at the beginning of Kimbery(?), the Dyer Rd. resident's audio file, below] In regards to the library, they are part of the building and should not have to pay to use the room.
[AUDIO, 0.7 mb, 3:56 min.] Nathan Gorton: Submitted two letters for the record that discuss the REET increase, one from the County Executive's office and one from Lane Powell, Attorneys. From the last meeting, he understood that the county executive was close to agreeing on the exchange; however the letter contradicts that statement. Their attorney consulted with the Department of Revenue and according to information they received it appears that the city is prohibited from receiving the benefits from REET and sales tax. Encouraged the Council to continue their research on the matter.
[AUDIO, 0.3 mb, 1:56 min.] Loretta Storm: Attended the resident meeting on the proposed development in the Skywall addition and did feel they were angry but they were concerned about the road and sewer lines and they appear to lack information on the proposal. Commented that Connie Dunn and Rick Cisar were there and gave a good presentation.
[AUDIO,
0.5 mb, 3:00 min.] Josie Fallgatter: In regards to Action Item,
ask why they need an amendment to water plan and why it is necessary to
pay Berryman and Henigar additional funds to update the plan when it was
in their prior scope of work. The population numbers were provided by
Snohomish County Tomorrow in 2003 (letter and e-mail submitted for the
record) a year before the plan was prepared - how could the city not know
what the proposed numbers were? If the city did not have population numbers,
how could the rate study be correct? Who oversees the consultants?
[AUDIO,
0.4 mb, 2:08 min.] Kelly Korn: Was sorry to hear about the
Planning Commission being disbanded as the city does need one. Ask who
is responsible for the garbage on the corner at Trout Farm Road that is
building up. As a member of the Library Board is concerned about being
charged for use of the room since the programs help the kids. The money
could be spent on programs instead of rent.
[AUDIO, 0.5 mb, 2:51 min.] Kimberly Graham: Received the notice about the REET proposal today and felt that was not adequate notice. Also attended the Dyer meeting and they were not an angry mob. They are on septic systems which are not failing and they don't' want to pay for sewer lines. Concerned about the tax hikes, eminent domain and the small lots. The City will need more than one year to fix the problem. [G.R.I.T NOTE: This audio file also contains a statement from former Sultan councilman Robert Criswell re library fees.]
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS:
[AUDIO,
0.9 mb,5:10 min. for Champeaux and Flower]
Champeaux: Asked Public Works to look into the issue of the garbage
on Willow and thank staff for getting the stop sign at Fir back up.
Flower: In regards to the Library use of the room, it is a community
room and the policy can be reviewed and some leeway given to the Library
since they do pay for maintenance. Noted that the proposed sewer line
on Dyer Road is on the wish list but not planned in the near future. City
ordinance does not require people on septic systems to connect to the
system, however, the Snohomish County Board of Health requires that a
connection be made if the line is within 300 feet and the septic fails.
The City is working on the railroad crossing.
[AUDIO,
12. mb, 6:35 min. for Blair/Boyd]
Blair: Agrees that the Library should be given a break on the use
of the room. The Council will have to pay the increases also and people
are right about the problems that have built up over 20 years and will
take time to resolve. The initiatives and limits on property tax increases
have had an impact on the city and we need to make up for lost revenues,
increase sales tax revenue and encourage economic development.
Boyd: Agrees with Councilmember Blair. The problem has been ongoing
with poor decisions made in the past. The public does not want services
cut so they need to look for solutions.
Executive Session: On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Flower, the Council adjourned to executive session for thirty minutes to discuss potential litigation. All ayes.
STAFF REPORTS:
[AUDIO, 0.3 mb,1:55 min.] Introduction of Interim City Administrator and Finance Director: Mayor Pro-tem Seehuus introduced Lee Walton, Interim City Administrator and Gordon Hey, Interim City Finance Director.
[AUDIO, 0.8 mb, 4:17 min.] Police Department: Chief Walser advised that the Civil Service has completed their testing and provided a list of good candidates. The Skateboard Park design has been sent to the engineer for review. The Highway 2 Coalition [G.R.I.T. NOTE: There is no such organization as the "Highway 2 Coaliton," as this organization has offically changed its name to, "U. S. 2 Safety Coalition"] met with Representative Larson's aide to find funds to complete the corridor study.
[AUDIO,
0.6 mb,3:13 min.] Public Works Department: Connie Dunn, Public
Works Director, advised that the bid for the Sultan Basin Road projects
has been awarded to Wilder Construction for Phase 1. The Wastewater treatment
staff will be working with Brown and Caldwell to do necessary testing
for the upgrade study.
[AUDIO IN TWO PARTS: Part #1,
0.9 mb,4:52 min., Part #2,
0.7 mb, 4:14 min.] Grants Report: Donna Murphy advised that
the grant application for improvements to the Skywall Drive crossing has
been submitted. CTED is willing to provide a $1000 grant to help with
the demographic study. The Public Works committee has recommended that
staff submit grants for the Sultan Basin Road Phase III and the Rice Road
improvements.
[AUDIO,
0.6 mb, 3:22 min.] Finance: Laura Koenig reviewed the financial
report presented to the Council and provided an update on the request
for reimbursements on the street projects.
[AUDIO,
0.2 mb, 1:20 min.] Planning: Rick Cisar, City Planner, presented
a time line for the updates to the comprehensive plan.
[G.R.I.T. NOTE: THERE WAS A QUESTION FROM COUNCILMEMBER DEREK BOYD TO CHIEF WALSER RE NEW POLICE TRAINING. C/M BOYD ALSO OFFERED APPRECIATION AND A "THANK YOU" TO CHIEF WALSER FOR ALL OF HIS WORK ON THE U. S. 2 SAFETY COALITION, AND A THANK YOU TO L. STORM FOR HERS (as Coalition Secretary).- AUDIO 0.3 mb, 1:39 min.]
[AUDIO,
0.2 mb, 0:51 min.] CONSENT AGENDA:
The following items are incorporated into the consent and approved by
a single motion of the Council. On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux,
seconded by Councilmember Wiediger, the consent agenda was approved as
amended. Champeaux - aye; Wiediger - aye; Slawson - aye; Seehuus - aye;
Flower - aye; Blair - aye, Boyd - aye, abstained on the minutes.
1. Minutes of the February 8 2006 Council meeting and public hearings
as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
2. Vouchers #06-120 through 06-191 in the amounts of $355,677.00 and payroll
through February 10, 2006 in the amount of $61,258.83 to be drawn and
paid on the proper accounts.
3. Appointment of Councilmembers Champaeux and Seehuus to serve as City
Representatives to
Negotiate the Public Works employee Union Contract.
4. Confirmation of the appointment of Robin Maberry to the Sultan Library
Board.
5. Set a public hearing for March 9, 2006 at 6:30 PM on the Shoreline
Master Program.
6. Set a public hearing for March 23, 2006 at 6:30 PM on the Critical
Areas Regulation Update.
7. Excused absence of Mayor Tolson from the February 22, 2006 Council
meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
[AUDIO,
0.9 mb, 4:54 min.] Amendment to Water System Plan: Connie Dunn,
Public Works Director, discussed the population projects that were used
to prepare the Water System Plan and the changes in the anticipated increase
in residential units projected in the final plan. Berryman and Henigar
has presented a proposal to amend the water system plan to develop revised
water service area maps, provide revised population projections and assist
with the adoption of the revised plan. The cost should not exceed $5,000.
Discussion was held regarding the prior scope of work which included the
update and the availability of funds. On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux,
seconded by Councilmember Slawson, the Mayor was authorized to sign the
contract with Berryman and Henigar for Task Order 2006-1 for Amendment
1 to the Water System plan. All ayes, except Councilmember Blair who voted
nay.
[AUDIO,
0.4 mb, 3:26 min.] Ordinance 908-06 Utility Tax: Rick Cisar
reviewed the ordinance which imposes a 6% tax on city utility services.
Brief discussion was held on the increase and the amount of funds that
will be generated.
On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Slawson,
Ordinance 908-06, Utility Tax, was adopted. All ayes.
[AUDIO, 0.3 mb, 1:46 min. for all three ordinance below, #910, #911 and #912 ]
- Ordinance 910-06 Sewer Utility Tax: Rick Cisar reviewed the ordinance which clarifies that the tax is on top of the city utility services. On a motion by Councilmember Boyd, seconded by Councilmember Blair, Ordinance 910-06, Sewer Utility Tax, was adopted. All ayes.
- Ordinance 911-06 Water Utility Tax: Rick Cisar reviewed the ordinance which clarifies that the tax is on top of the city utility services. On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Flower, Ordinance 911-06, Water Utility Tax, was adopted. All ayes.
- Ordinance 912-06 Garbage Utility Tax: Rick Cisar reviewed the ordinance which clarifies that the tax is on top of the city utility services. On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Flower, Ordinance 912-06, Garbage Utility Tax, was adopted. All ayes.
[AUDIO,
0.3 mb, 1:31 min.] Ordinance 913-06 Surface Water Management Plan:
On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Boyd,
Ordinance 913-06 adopting the Surface Water Management Plan was adopted.
All ayes.
[AUDIO, 0.2 mb, 1:23 min.] City Clerk: Mayor Pro-tem Seehuus, at the request of the Interim City Administrator, asked the Council to confirm the interim appointment of Laura Koenig as the Interim City Clerk/Deputy Finance Director effective February 22, 2006 for a period of 90 days subject to the City Attorney's approval of a contract specifically outlining terms and conditions of employment. On a motion by Councilmember Slawson, seconded by Councilmember Flower, the appointment of Laura Koenig as Interim City Clerk and Deputy Finance Officer was confirmed effective February 22, 2006 subject to the City Attorney's approval of the contract. All ayes except Councilmember Boyd and Champeaux who voted nay.
[AUDIO, 0.2 mb, 1:08 min.] Director of Community Development:Mayor Pro-tem Seehuus requested that the Council confirm the appointment of Rick Cisar as the Community Development Director and approve the revised employment contract. On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Slawson, the appointment of Rick Cisar to the position of Community Development Director was confirmed and the revised employment contract was approved. All ayes.
[AUDIO, 0.6 mb, 3:38min.] 2006 Budget Amendment - Public Hearing: Laura Koenig advised that a hearing to amend the budget to provide for changes in the Police Department budget and to fund the new positions created was needed. On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Wiediger, the public hearing on the 2006 Budget Amendment was set for March 9, 2006 at 6:00 PM. All ayes.
[AUDIO,
0.9 mb, 5:02 min.] Ordinance 914-06 LID Foreclosures: Thom
Graafstra, City Attorney, reviewed the ordinance that adopts procedures
for foreclosing on delinquent LID payments. To avoid the state requirement
to foreclose by March 1, an emergency clause has been added to make the
ordinance effective immediately.
On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Slawson,
an emergency was declared to exist and Ordinance 914-06 was adopted. All
ayes except Councilmember Flower who voted nay.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
[AUDIO, 0.9 mb, 5:02 min.] Web Page: Brief discussion was held regarding the current web page service contract and the need to keep the information up to date.
[AUDIO, 0.2 mb, 1:18 min.] [G.R.I.T. NOTE: Not recorded in these minutes is a congratulatory statement by Donna Murhpy on Ron Wieidiger's appointment as a board member to the Cities & Towns organization.]
PUBLIC COMMENTS [AUDIO,
0.4 mb, 2:12 min.]
- Josie Fallgatter: Amazed that the Council would consider pulling a contract for $80-100 per month and not even look at the contracts for the water and sewer plans that were over $100,000 and they did not get what they paid for.
- Loretta Storm: The City needs a policy on the room rental for the Library and other community oriented groups.
COUNCIL COMMENTS [AUDIO,
0.7 mb, 3:45 min.]
- Slawson: Choice on the taxes was difficult but needed. [G.R.I.T. NOTE: Slawson's sentiments and comment was echoed/supported by Kristina Blair, but not recorded in the City's minutes. She also mentioned the REET tax and invited ideas, suggestions and/or expertise from others in regard to this.]
- Flower: Advised that Alpine Drive Inn in Startup has received an award from the Snohomish County Health Department.
Adjournment: On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember
Blair, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.