Audio and Summary: City of Sultan Council Meeting & Hearing(s) July 27, 2006

(Agenda Packet for this meeting)

NOTES:

  • Although this audio is accurate and complete, for final "official" copies of all agenda, minutes, ordinances, resolutions or other actions, contac the city directly: 360-792-2231.)
  • All files in MP3 format, playable on Windows Mediaplayer or other MP3-compatible digital device.

 

 

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[G.R.I.T. NOTE: Preceding this meeting were two hearings: The first hearing was on Recreational/park Impact Fees; the second was re the City's WWTP Engineering Report by Brown & Caldwel1 (6.7 mb). Here's Brown & Caldwell's slideshow presentation.]

MINUTES - CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING - July 27, 2006

The regular meeting of the Sultan City Council was called to order in the Sultan Community Center by Mayor Tolson. Councilmembers present: Champeaux, Wiediger, Slawson, Flower, and Blair.
Absent: Seehuus and Boyd

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Consent: Add excused absence of Councilmember Seehuus and Boyd
Action: Remove Ordinance 929, Ordinance 934 and appointment of City Administrator.
Action: Add appointment to Salmon Recovery Board and FEMA letter
Executive session: Remove
Discussion: Add Animal Control (Audio File A, 3:13 min., 56.8 kb)

Presentations: Chief Walser introduced the new Officer, Ed Pereira and Judge Cough administered the oath of officer. Officer Pereira thanked the Council for welcoming him and advised that he looks forward to working in Sultan. (Audio File B, 5:42, 1.0 mb)

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

Loretta Storm: Commented on behalf of Gerry Gibson who is concerned about communications with the Council. One of the Councilmembers is not reachable by e-mail and this has caused frustration. [G.R.I.T.-added note: THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS WERE ON BEHALF OF L. STORM, NOT MR. GIBSON.] The general public should be included in the planning workshops. Asked why a construction inspector was being hired and why the city needs a Building Official. (Lee Walton advised that the construction inspector is for the utilities and underground work, not for the buildings.) (Audio File C, 3:50 min., 675 kb)

COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS:

  • Slawson: Advised that he had an incident with a dog attack and was concerned about procedures regarding filing a complaint. (Audio File D-1, 2:32 min., 448 kb)
  • Blair: The attack by a dog on Main Street was scary and the Council needs to find a solution for animal control instead of just continuing to discuss the problem. Advised that she needs to resign from the Salmon Recovery Board and it is important that someone represent the city at the quarterly meetings. (Audio File D-2, 3:27 min., 609 kb)
  • Flower: Advised that the Snohomish Health Board has been working on a county wide pandemic exercise to deal with an outbreak of pandemic type flu. (Audio File D-3, 2 min., 709 kb; includes Ron Wieiger's comments also, as well as another brief comment by SLAWSON, a brief apology to Chief Walser.)
  • Wiediger: Noted that the construction inspector is for underground work on utilities to insure that all infrastructure is installed properly. (G.R.I.T.-added note: The audio of Wiediger's comments is included in File D-3, above)
  • Mayor Tolson: Copies of documents are being provided in the Library and the city will be using the utility bill to provide information about meetings and issues. The Council will hold a Town Meeting on August 17th at the Sultan Middle School to discuss police and park services and other issues impacting the city. (Audio File D-4, 2:49 min., 496 kb)

PUBLIC HEARING - Six-year Street Program: (Audio File E, 27:55 min., 4.8 mb; the ENTIRE HEARING is contained within this file)

The public hearing on the six-year Street Program was to called order by Mayor Tolson. Councilmembers present: Champeaux, Wiediger, Slawson, Flower, and Blair. There were no objections to the Council participation.

Staff: Connie Dunn, Public works Director, provided the 6 Year Street Program for review and advised that the only change should be the removal of the 5th Street Signal project which is complete. At this time, they are requesting input from the Council and public on additional street projects that they would like included in the plan. Noted that the Capital Facility Plan must also be updated.
Discussion was held on additional emergency evacuation routes and potential locations (Walburn, Pine Street or north of the city), Alder street and the Industrial Park collector street. It was also noted that the pedestrian/bicycle path along Highway 2 [G.R.I.T.-added note: The correct name for this highway is "U. S. 2."] needs to be added to the plan.

Public Input:

Josie Fallgatter: Agrees that the Capital Facility plan must guide the 6 Year Street Plan and noted that the Transportation element in the Comprehensive Plan also needs to be completed. There is a need for bike lanes along Highway 2 [G.R.I.T.-added note: The correct name of this highway is "U. S. 2"] and they are included as part of the Industrial Park collector. There are power lines next to the Water Plant so an emergency route would be difficult to build there. Stressed that all the projects need to be in the Capital Facility Plan and the Hearing Board has already determined that the plan in non compliant and should not be adopted.
Loretta Storm: Questioned the proposed location for an emergency evacuation trail. Noted that the City needs to develop the Transportation element in the Comprehensive Plan and should form a stakeholder group to provide input. The funded improvements to the Foundry Drive railroad crossing are not included in the plan. Has heard rumors that an additional road and light have been approved on Highway 2 [G.R.I.T.-added note: The correct name of this highway is "U. S. 2"].
Fred Walser: As chairperson of the U. S. 2 Safety Coalition, he would like to see the cities join together to develop a street plan. Bike trails along U. S. 2, speed limit and signalization have all been discussed.

Staff: Connie Dunn thanked everyone for their comments. The plan needs to comply with the capital facility plan and the comments will be considered as part of the transportation element of the comp plan.
Thom Graafstra advised that the city must adopt a 6 Year program and they may have to go back and correct the capital facility plan.

On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the public hearing was closed. All ayes.

STAFF REPORTS:

[G.R.I.T.-added note: Unreported in these minutes is a brief report by Public Works re construction of the new CT bus stop near the Red Apple - Audio file F-1, 1:33 min., 274 kb)


Grants: Donna Murphy advised that the Railroad project does not need to be included on the 6 Year Street Program. The City/School Committee has scheduled an emergency evacuation drill for this fall and the City and School are looking for joint funding for a Resource Officer. Advised that the documents
to be copied under the Records Grant have been sent to the State. Thanked the volunteers at the Visitor's Center for their help in preparing the records for transfer. (Audi File F-2, 6:13 min., 1.1 mb)

Finance: Gordon Hey, Interim Finance Director, reviewed the six month financial report and noted that the interfund loans are current, the contingency fund is healthy and that expenditures are within a manageable range. Building permits revenues are less then anticipated and this will impact the budget later this year. Advised that Laura Koenig and Cyd Donk will be developing a tracking system for planning activity. (Audio File F-3, 5:49 min., 1 mb)

Police:

  • Chief Walser advised that they are testing vehicles from Dwayne Lane Auto Sales. The Department received two grants from the CIAW (City Insurance Pool), one for tazers in the amount of $2399 and the other for training in the amount $500. (Audio File F-4a, 10:01 min., 1.72 mb)
  • Re animal control, Chief Walser advised that he has talked to Linda Long who runs Blackhawk Kennels regarding animal control and she is willing to work with the city to help resolve the problem. He also would like to see strong enforcement policies adopted by the city and encourage people to call 911 when there is a problem with dogs. The County only has two animal control officers to cover the entire County and they are not a viable option for the city. Brief discussion was held regarding holding animals, transportation of the animals, issuing citations and contracting versus hiring an employee (Re animal control, Audio File F-4b, 11:14 min.; Re advertising for a new, lateral officer, Audio file F-4c, 23 seconds, 70 kb).

CONSENT AGENDA: (Audio File G, 21 seconds, 63 kb)
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 Slawson, the consent agenda was approved as amended. Champeaux - aye; Wiediger - aye; Slawson - aye; Flower - aye; Blair - aye.
1. Minutes of the July 13, 2006 Council meeting as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
2. Vouchers in the amounts of $65,512.50 and payroll through July 14, 2006 in the amount of $64,665.09 to be drawn and paid on the proper accounts.
3. Renewal of the Interlocal Agreement with Snohomish County for Furnishing Equipment Maintenance/Repair Services.
4. Interagency Data Sharing Agreement between the State of Washington Department of Revenue and the City of Sultan.
5. Excused absence of Councilmember Seehuus and Boyd from the July 27, 2006 Council meeting.

ACTION ITEMS:

  • Ordinance 927-06 Cable Utility Tax: On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Flower,
  • Ordinance 927-06, Cable Utility Tax, was adopted with an effective date of September 30, 2006. All ayes. (Audio File H, 1:54 min., 335 kb; this audio is virtually inaudible, due to Koenig's distance from the microphone and the City's horrendously-loud HVAC system.)

    [G.R.I.T.-added note - regarding what is obviously a simple typo in the above bullet points re Ord. 927-06: We have left the text above as typed. This text should have read: "Ordinance 927-06 Cable Utility Tax: On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Flower, Ordinance 927-06, Cable Utility Tax, was adopted with an effective date of Stepember 30, 2006. All ayes."]

  • WWTP Improvements: The Engineering Study on the Wastewater Treatment Plant has identified three issues that affect the ability of the plant to handle the projected flows prior to the planned upgrades. Staff has recommended modifications be made to the UV Disinfection Channel and that the Effluent Pump Station Pump be replaced at an anticipated cost of $85,000. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Slawson, the expenditures for the WWTP were approved. All ayes. (Audio File I, 1:28 min., 261 kb)
  • Sultan Basin Road Project Change Order: Two changes order were presented for review, one in the amount of $7,000 for exaction of unsuitable material on the slope adjacent to US 2 and the other in the amount of $26,898.50 for safety jersey barriers along US 2 to close the shoulder. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the change orders totaling $33,898.50 for the Sultan Basin Road Project were approved. All ayes. (Audio File J, 3:44 min., 658 kb)
  • Consultant Agreement - Inspection Service: The City Engineer has requested that the City authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Lawrence's Construction Services, LLC to provide inspection services on the approved plats that are currently under construction. On a motion by Councilmember Champeaux, seconded by Councilmember Slawson, the contract was approved and the Mayor was authorized to sign. All ayes. (Audio File K, 1:58 min., 346 kb)
  • Salmon Recovery Board: Mayor Tolson appointed Connie Dunn as the City representative to the Salmon Recovery Board and Donna Murphy as the alternate. Approved on a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux. All ayes except Councilmember Champeaux who voted nay. (Audio File L, 5:41 min., 1.0 mb)
  • FEMA: Flood area reclassification that will increase the insurance rates and decrease property tax. This will impact everyone. On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Flower, the Mayor was authorized to send a letter on the city's behalf opposing the increase in the insurance rates due to the fiscal impact to the city. All ayes. (Audio File M, 3:42 min., 652 kb)

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  • Parking Resolution: Connie Dunn provided copies of the current resolution for review. Community Transit would like some changes to the bus zones and the School District would like changes to the loading zones. Brief discussion was held on 5th Street intersection and it was suggested that a loading zone be designated and the motorcycle parking be allowed between the highway and Main Street.
    It was requested that staff and Council members review the current parking designations and provide additional input on other intersections that have site issues. (Audio File N, 10:02 min.)
    • [G.R.I.T.-added note: There was a brief 56-second statement (File O) by Donna Murphy not included in these minutes, announcing the rescheduled facilities tour of the City.]
  • Utility Rate Study: The city needs to review the rate study that was previously done and update it to conform to the proposed upgrades to the facilities. The monthly rates and connection fees need to be reviewed. Discussion was held on the cost and the prior study, potential connections for 2006 and the current deficit in the Sewer Debt Fund. Staff will provide a list of consultants to do the study. (Audio File P, 11:15 min.)
  • Police Bond: Thom Graafstra, City Attorney, advised that the financial alternatives have been reviewed and a levy lid life is not feasible as the City is taxing at the maximum level and GO bonds are limited to new capital items and can not be used for replacement of equipment. The option available is a one year operations levy. Brief discussion was held regarding the need to determine the total money needed and the need to provide adequate information to the public. (Audio File Q, 11:28 min.)

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

  • Ray Kistenmacher: Agrees that the sandwich boards and parked cars create a sight problem along the highway. Should not blame the prior consultant for the problems, they should have raised the rates to the amount recommended by the consultant. (Audio File R-1, 3:57 min.)
  • Loretta Storm: The interest rates and payments on the loans were not considered in the rates. Money from the utility taxes increase was to go to the police and that's why business supported. [Storm comments included in Audio File R-1, above.]
  • Josie Fallgatter: In regards to the rate study and connection fees, the City is still paying off the debt on last upgrade to the Sewer plant. Asked how long the City has to pay on the old debt and how the debt is being paid. (Staff advised that monthly rates and connection fees are used to pay the debt.) (Audio File R-2, 4:25 min.)
  • Kerry Ourada: The city needs animal control and he is glad that they are working on the problem. Linda Long is good with animals but there may be an issue with capacity at her kennel. City should increase the fines to make a point with people who let their dogs run loose. (Audio File R-3, 5:44 min.; also contains Connie Dunn's comments.)
  • Connie Dunn: Everyone tends to blame the animals, but there is also a "person" problem with those who own the dogs. They need to be educated and take care of their animals. (Connie Dunn's comments are included in Audio File R-3, above.)

COUNCIL COMMENTS (All councilmember comments are contained within Audio File S, 4:5 min.):

Wiediger: Thanked people for their comments and advised that they are trying to improve the meeting notices.

Champeaux: Need to register the dogs and put identification chips on them. Agrees that it was recommended that the connection rates be higher however there were issues that prevented the Council from raising them to the amount they should be.

Adjournment: On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.