COUNCIL
MEETINGS: Audio and Summary - FOR FEB. 9, 2006 MEETING
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MINUTES: MARCH 9, 2006 CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING
(Audio File A; 1:14 min., 0.2 mb) The regular meeting of the Sultan City Council was called to order in the Sultan Community Center by Mayor Tolson. Councilmembers present: Champeaux, Wiediger, Seehuus, and Flower.
Absent: Slawson, Boyd and Blair
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Consent: Excused absence of Councilmember Blair, Boyd and Slawson
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
(Audio File B; 1:52 min., 0.3 mb) Kelly Korn: Requested that the issue of the library paying for the use of the community room be placed on the next agenda for action. Pointed out that Sno-Isle pays for janitorial services.
(Audio File C; 1:13 min., 0.2 mb) Robert Keck: Opposed to the proposed transportation and sewer plan for the Skywall and Dyer area. A through street will decrease property values and increase crime and congestion.
(Audio File D; 4:47 min., 0.8 mb) Gerry Gibson: Presented a petition from the residents in the Dyer Road and Twin River areas requesting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Sewer Plan to delete the proposed connection road and sewer line. Residents were not aware of the proposals until a meeting was held with them regarding a proposed development. Advised that the citizens mistrust the city and feel they are trying to sneak the road and sewer lines through without notifying those that would be impacted.
The city needs to rebuild trust and listen to the people who don’t want the road, sewer line or pump station in their neighborhood.
(Audio File E; 2:51 min., 0.5 mb - includes Criswell, Storm and Mayland comments below)
- Robert Criswell: Thanked the Police Department for their prompt response and assistance with recovering his property after his truck was ransacked.
- Loretta Storm: Agrees with the comment about the lack of public process, especially on Ordinance 904-06 abolishing the planning commission.
- Elizabeth Mayland: Representative for the Homeowners on Yew Avenue requesting that the no parking signs on the north side be removed.
(Audio File F; 6:43 min., 1.2 mb) Al Hunstad: Has read that the city is broke and would like information on why. Asked why there were 9 police officers and why they were allowed to drive cars home and all over the state. Feels the city could save money if the officers did not take cars home. Was a prior police chief for the city and it was required that officers live in town at that time. Asked about the ratio of officers to citizens.
COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS:
(Audio File G; 9:33 min., 1.7 mb - Includes Champeaux's and Flower's comments)
- Champeaux: Apologized for being late and creating a lack of quorum for the hearing. Suggested that another meeting with the residents on Dyer Road be held regarding the comprehensive plan.
- Flower: There were good points made by the comment and the council needs to work on the phrase “mistrust”. The citizens have the right to be heard and the city should listen to their concerns. The city has rules and if a developer complies, they must be allowed to build. In regards to the police, the city needs 9 officers to provide coverage and they have worked to cut back the budget. Residential growth has created financial problems for the city. Thanked the city staff for all their work during the transition. Would like them all to know they are appreciated.
PRESENTATIONS: (Audio File H, 10:41 min.,1.9 mb)
City of Everett Animal Shelter: Bud Wessman, Director for the Animal Shelter, reviewed the Interlocal Agreement for the Everett Animal Shelter. The Everett shelter is the only remaining one in Snohomish County and they have been receiving all animals. The costs of maintaining the shelter has risen and they anticipate taking in over 10,000 animals this year. New contracts were provided to the other cities in the county which changed the fees and method of delivery for animals. The major change will be that cities will be charged for animals delivered by the city and residents. Advised that other cities have adopted ordinances to allow Everett to attempt to collect the fees for owner releases. Brief discussion was held regarding how the shelter determines if a person lives inside the city limits, dumping of animals and found animals and a reasonable fee for the city to charge.
STAFF REPORTS:
(Audio File I; 3:31 min., 0.6 mb) Police: Chief Walser advised that Officer Cook has received an Award of Merit from Snohomish County for his assistance with a case in Gold Bar. Advised that the US 2 Coalition has received $700,000 to complete the corridor route development plan.
(Audio File J-1; 1:13 min., 0.2 mb) Public Works: Connie Dunn advised that the preconstruction meeting is set for March 13 on the Sultan Basin Road. (Audio File J-2; 2:48 min.,0.5 mb) In regards to the road and sewer on Dyer Road, the plans must includ all proposed future developments and they have looked at the septic systems along the river and the potential for polluting the water.
(Audio File K; 2:46 min., 0.5 mb) Grants: Donna Murphy advised that applications for improvements on 339th and Sultan Basin Road have been submitted. CDBG has recommended funding for 2nd Street sidewalk improvements and for additional lighted cross walks on 4th Street.
(Audio File L; 3:15 min., 0.6 mb) Finance: Laura Koenig presented the February financial report and provided an update on the conversion to the Springbrook financial system.
(Audio File M; 1:44 min., 0.3 mb) Planning: Rick Cisar provided an agenda and meeting schedule for the Planning Agency to begin work on the Comprehensive Plan amendments.
CONSENT AGENDA: (Audio File N 18 seconds, 0.1 mb)
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 Seehuus, the consent agenda was approved as amended. Champeaux – aye; Wiediger – aye; Seehuus - aye; Flower – aye.
- Minutes of the February 22, 2006 Council meeting as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
- Vouchers #06-192 through 06-239 in the amounts of $78,488.40 and payroll through February 24, 2006 in the amount of $71,062.05 to be drawn and paid on the proper accounts.
- Public Works Committee Recommendations for relief from excess utility charges.
- Resolution 06-01, Support of funding for the Highway 2 Coalition Corridor Study.
- Set a public hearing for March 23, 2006 for Budget Amendments.
- Excused absence of Councilmembers Blair, Boyd and Slawson from the March 9, 2006 Council meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
(Audio File O; 1:00 min., 0.2 mb) Ordinance 915-06 – Shoreline Master Plan: On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, the matter was continued to the next council meeting. All ayes.
(Audio File P; 2:22 min., 0.4 mb) Master Business License Interagency Agreement: Donna Murphy and Laura Koenig discussed the Department of License Master Business License program. This is a partnership between the city and the state to centralize the business license process. The State will act as the City’s agent for business license applications and renewals and the city will retain regulatory control. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, the Mayor was authorized to sign the Interagency Agreement with the Department of Licensing for the Master Business License program. All ayes.
(Audio File Q; 2:51 min., 0.5 mb) Ordinance 916-06 Business License: Laura Koenig provided draft copies of the business license ordinance that needs to be updated to comply with the Master Business License program. The ordinance has been revised to provide for applications and renewals to be done through the state and will be presented for a first reading at the next council meeting.
(Audio File R; 5:39 min., 1.0 mb) Interlocal Agreement for Animal Shelter Services: The Interlocal agreement for animal shelter services through the City of Everett was briefly discussed. The City of Everett will attempt to collect the required fee on the City’s behalf, provided a proper ordinance is in place. The council agreed on a fee of $25 and directed staff to prepare the necessary ordinance. On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Weidiger, the Mayor was authorized to sign the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Everett for animal shelter services. All ayes.
(Audio File S; 1:52 min., 0.3 mb) Resolution 06-02 Thornton Demolition Costs: The building official determined that a public nuisance existed at 209 2nd Street, and that there was an immediate danger to the public health, and safety. Pursuant to Sultan Municipal Code 8.04.070 issued an abatement notice ordering the demolition of the structure within 72 hours. The total cost of this abatement will be charged as a lien against tax parcel # 00588801000800.
On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, Resolution 06-02 was adopted. All ayes.
(Audio File T; 3:31 min., 0.6 mb) Timber Shed Thinning Contract: Lusignan Forestry Inc., manages the timber in the City’s Watershed. Last year the logging company that started the thinning job was unable to finish before the rainy season. The project needs to be completed this year. Lusignan Forestry needs the Council to authorize the Mayor to sign the Department of Natural Resources Notice of Transfer of Approved Forest Practices Application or Notification Form. This form transfers the Operator of record on the FPA from Wisteria Corporation to Bowman Logging Co., Inc. so they can start the job at the beginning of the allowed season. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, the Mayor was authorized to sign the Department of Natural Resources Notice of Transfer of Approved Forest Practices, transferring the logging project from Wisteria Corporation to Bowman Logging Co, Inc. and also signing the logging agreement with Bowman Logging Co, Inc. All ayes.
(Audio File U; 2:51 min., 0.5 mb) Cable Franchise Agreement: The City of Sultan and our four-city East County Cable Consortium formally began our cable franchise renewal process in April 2004. On June 11, 2004, Comcast Cable Communication was hired, however, in the summer of 2004, the City’s consultant passed away, leaving the Consortium to secure the services of another consultant in this specialized field. Thereafter, the Consortium selected a legal consultant to develop a franchise ordinance and agreement and represent the Consortium in negotiations with Comcast Cable. Significant cost overruns and a lack of notice as outlined in the contract has prompted the Consortium to terminate this agreement in late 2005. The City’s reviewed other potential service providers and is recommending River Oaks Communication Corporation to complete our negotiations with Comcast. On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the Mayor was authorized to sign the professional service agreement with River Oaks Communication Corporation to negotiate a Franchise agreement with Comcast Cable. All ayes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Audio File V; 1:46 min., 0.3 mb) Sue Shawger: Advised that Sno-Isle pays over $18,000 per year for janitorial services and there was only one program that created a mess. Advised that the room is not always clean when they set up for book sales.
(Audio File W; 5:15 min., 0.9 mb) Loretta Storm: Requested a copy of the time line for comprehensive plan update. Noted that in accordance with the comprehensive plan, 2.5 officers per thousand are required. Upset over the amount offered by other cities for police officer pay compared to the Chief’s wages. The comprehensive Plan is just a plan and is not set in stone, but is only amended once a year. The projects should not be a “wish” list, but based on decisions made by planning.
(Audio File X; 2:44 min., 0.5 mb) Robert Keck: Asked about the grant for the highway. (Mayor advised it was for the corridor study.) There was comment made that the connection would be used to relive pressure on the highway. Thanked Mr. Flower for his comments on the need to get back public trust.
(Audio File Y; 7:00 min., 1.2 mb) Al Hunstad: Is not anti police, just concerned about the money spent. The city hires officers who do not live in town and pays them good money that they spend elsewhere. Asked how much money is spent on gas and car maintenance.
(Audio File Z; 1:14 min., 0.5 mb - includes Mayland and Long's comments below)
- Elizabeth Mayland: Asked for information on how to proceed with the parking issue on Yew Avenue. (Mayor Tolson advised her to work with staff to review the matter.)
- Tracy Long: Thanked the council for handling the situation with the animals and noted that they were going easy on the citizens with the low dollar amount.
[G.R.I.T. NOTE: These minutes omitted 2 minutes' worth of councilmember comments, one by Champeaux re his desire to "sit in" on that meeting with Hunstad, Tolson and Walton re SPD, and one by Flower to L. Storm re her comments on the Comp Plan. (Audio File AA; 2:13; min., 0.4 mb)
Adjournment: On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Flower, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.