AUDIO & SUMMARY:
City of Sultan Council Meeting of October 12, 2006

NOTES:

  • Although this audio is accurate and complete, to obtain final "official" agenda, minutes, ordinances, resolutions or other documents based on council actions, contact the City Clerk, Laura Koenig, directly at 360-793-2231.
  • All files in MP3 format, playable on Windows Mediaplayer or other MP3-compatible digital device.

 

 

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NOTE: This page was created prior to City's publication of its draft minutes; thus, audio is linked to City's Agenda (as published, with changes noted).

NOTE: There's a G.R.I.T. transcription available (as webpage, Word doc or pdf) on the following subjects:

  • Discussion between PW DIrector Connie Dunn and council members re Stream typing of Wagley and Winters creeks;
  • City's denial by CTED (listen to Audio, Grant Report) of a low-interest $1.0 mil. loan for WWTP preconstruction (due to city's non-compliance in refusing to pass a Critical Areas Ordinance);
  • $20,000 "donation" by the building industry to fun Reid Shockey's guidance/advice to Sultan's Plng. Board to bring Sultan's 2004 Comp Plan into compliance with the GMA; and
  • Statement by new City Administrator Deborah Knight and questions/comments from council, mayor.

READ city's approved minutes for this meeting.

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SULTAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING - AGENDA
319 MAIN STREET
October 12, 2006


7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA - Audio file A, 1:53 min., 333 kb; C/M Flower requests Action Item #6 (Confirmation of City Administrator/Appointment) to follow executive session. [G.R.I.T. An unpublished Discussion item which was added to the one distributed at the council meeting, as "Sewer Rate Increases."

PRESENTATIONS:

(Audio File B, 3:07 min.,550 kb) Presentation to Marie Wold and reading of Resolution 06-08: Read by Mayor Tolson: This resolution designates the Sultan Basin Road/U. S. intersection as "Wold Corner," to honor Sam Wold and the Wold family's contributions to the citizens of Sultan as well as to our nation (through Sam Wold's military combat service and sacrifice).

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Citizens are requested to keep comments to a 3 minute maximum to allow time for everyone to speak. It is also requested that you complete a comment from for further contact.

COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS:

  • (Audio file D-1, 2:21 min., 417 kb): Comments from C/M John Seehuus (thanked everyone for coming) and Steve Slawson (re bus tour sponsored by SCT -- Snohomish County Tomorrow -- of mixed use developments/design stds. seminar, announced another tour in November if people wish to sign up; RSVP by Fri., 11/9 @ 425-388-3311, ext 2490.)
  • (Audio file D-2, 3:10 min., 559 kb): Comments from C/M Bruce Champeaux (re city facility van tour; Janet Peterson's problem; Kathy Immel's comments; and George Carberry's funeral at SHS) and Derek Boyd (thanks for tour of city facilities; re K. Immel - had same problems several years ago with other simultaneous road closures).
  • (Audio file D-2, 3:43 min., 654 kb): Comments from C/M Blair, Flower and Mayor Tolson.

STAFF REPORTS:


1) Public Works - PW Director Connie Dunn : (Audio File E-1, 4:21 min., 767 kb) Re: (1) Facilities tour; (2) WTP Study sent to DOE; (3) SBR road closure; (completion of SBR/US 2 intersection. Also questions from Flower re poss. view block at SBR/US2, and from Boyd re correct stream typing for Winters & Wagley; answer from Dunn -- correct typing are reference on F&W maps (see our transcription, linked at the top of the page, for a word-for-word of this discussion)

2) Grant Report - Grant Coordinator Donna Murphy:

  • (Audio File E-2A, 2:24, 423 kb): (1) Honored to work on Wold Corner project; (2) dedication of SBR intersection probably end of November; (3) Thank-you to Dunn for tour and her help; (4) sound system to be installed shortly; (5) re Utility Commission grant status; and (6) status of SPD vehicle grant.
  • Audio File E-2B, 8:25 min.,1.4 mb): Announcement that Cisar had received email from CTED "denying" city's low-interest loan application for pre-construction for the WWTP. This intervention by CTED was required because of the City's failure to act by passing its CAO (Critical Areas Oridnance), as required by the Final Decision and Order issued by the Growth Management Hearings Board (i.e. appeal to Board by J. Fallgatter/J. Kirkman , "Fallgatter V" pp. 23-25). General discussion ensued. (REFER TO OUR TRANSCRIPTION: as a webpage, in Word or in pdf.)


3) Finance - Interim Finance Director Gordon Hey (Audio File E-3, 4:31 min., 798 kb) - Has revised 2007 budget to reflect three years into the future (now driven by connection fees); State Auditor's exit interview/presentation to council and the public will be during the 10/28 council meeting; Tolson states he wants more public inputon the budget.


4) Police - Chief Fred Walser:

  • (Audio File E-4A, 8:03 min., 1.4 mb): Tons of info re - recent increase in crime; substantial need for school a resource officer; thanks to L. Koenig for training of Carole Pepperell on Springbook (acctg. software); Sky Harbor community organizing Crime/Neighborhood Watch; US2 Safety Coalition board attended Monroe's Chamber of Commerce election forum/debate, U. S. 2 needs are definitely on legislators' radar screens; multi-car crash today at MP 45; possible law re creation of "Traffic Safety Corridor" for U. S. 2 which would double traffic violation fines; Dave Helman supports skateboard park for kids.
  • (Audio File E-4B, 2:55 min., 514 kb): Animal Control & Code Enforcement in Budget
  • (Audio File E4C, 9:29 min., 1.7 mb): Discussion re deep need for School resource officer and upcoming meeting with school board on this issue; need for funding.

CONSENT AGENDA (Audio File F, 0:22 min., 67 kb): The following items are incorporated into the consent agenda and approved by a single motion of the Council.
1) Minutes of the September 28, 2006 regular Council Meeting.
2) Minutes of the Public Hearing on 2006 Budget Amendments
3) Approval of Vouchers

ACTION ITEMS:


1) Public Works Union Contract (Audio File G-1, 2:00 min., 353 kb)
2) Ordinance 936-06 Budget Amendments (Audio File G-2, 6:34 min., 1.2 mb): Includes news that a $20,000 donation has been made by the "building industry" to fund a consultant (Reid Shockey) to bring the City's 2004 Comprehensive Plan into compliance, as mandated by the Growth Mgt. Hearings Board (See links to audio CTED/GMHB appeals in "Grant Report" and our transcription at the top of this page) for the discussion between G. Hey and K. Blair re this developer-driven donation.)
3) Set Workshops for 2007 Budget (Audio G-3, 9:0 min., 1.6 mb)
4) Resolution 06-15 Police Levy (Audio G-4, 4:32 min., 796 kb)
5) Resolution 06-08 Wold Corner (Audio G-5, 1:41 min., kb)

6) Confirmation of City Administrator Appointment (G.R.I.T. NOTE: this item was not included on the city's "published" agenda as distributed to its email list (This agenda item was moved to follow the Executive Session; see below.)

DISCUSSION: Time Permitting

1) Sewer Rate Increases (G.R.I.T. NOTE: This item was not included on the city's "Published" agenda as distributed to its email list.) - Audio File H, 9:16 min., 1.6 mb Also: pdf file containing some historical background on rates.


PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY:

COUNCILMEMBER RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS - Audio File J, 3 min., 722 kb

Executive Session: Union Negotiations

FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION (Audio File K, 4:53 min., kb): Introduction of new City Administrator Deborah Knight, a statement by her and brief comments from Council and Mayor. (See our transcription of this excert, at top of page.)

Adjournment - 10:00 PM or at the conclusion of Council business.

ADA NOTICE: City of Sultan Community Center is accessible. Accommodations for persons with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please make arrangements prior to the meeting by calling City Hall at 360-793-2231.
For additional information please contact the City at cityhall@ci.sultan.wa.us or visit our web site at www.ci.sultan.wa.us

APPROVED MINUTES: CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING - October 12, 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, Seehuus, Flower, Blair and Boyd.
Student Representative: Sonaly Sayavong

CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Add: Presentation - Wold Corner Dedication
Add: Executive Session - Applicant Qualifications

PRESENTATION:
Wold Corner Dedication: Mayor Tolson read and presented the resolution dedicating the Sultan Basin and US Highway 2 Intersection as Wold Corner to Marie Wold.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Janet Peterson: Requested the Council's assistance with the city tax being charged by PSE on a water heater rental. The City staff has called and written letters to PSE advising them that there should be no tax on the rental but the tax is still being charged. Recommended that the Mayor send a letter to PSE.

Jeff Aiken: Thanked the Council for preparing a resolution of support for the police levy. Noted that there are some opposition signs that have been posted and this will make them work harder to pass the levy.

Kathy Immel: Advised that the County has been working with her to put up warning signs and to schedule the repair work on Rice Road, however the repair is scheduled during the time that the Sultan Basin Road will be closed. Requested that the City contact the County to coordinate the repair so it will not create a major traffic impact by having both roads closed at the same time.

COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS:
Slawson: Advised that he went on the Snohomish County Tomorrow bus tour and it was an interesting tour of new innovative design for lots and development. He advised that one development used a covered retention pond for a tot lot and the developer was able to build on the lot that would have been reserved for a tot lot.

Champeaux: Thanked the staff for the City tour. It was interesting and he was able to see where the developments are occurring. Would like to see staff pursue the tax problem with PSE.

Boyd: Thanked the staff for the city tour. Recommended that the staff ask the Fire District to help with the County Public Works plan to close two roads at the same time.

Blair: Thanked staff for the city tour. Would like to see staff follow up on the issue with tax being charged on the gas heater rental.

Mayor Tolson: Announced that the City received a $10,000 donation for the Skateboard Park from Sultan 144 LLC.


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CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING - October 12, 2006

STAFF REPORTS:
Public Works: Connie Dunn, Public Works Director, thanked the Council for attending the tours. Advised that the WWTP Engineering report has been sent to DOH for review. The Sultan Basin Road will be closed October 16th and it may be necessary to detour traffic to Rice Road for up to four weeks.

Grants: Donna Murphy advised that the ribbon cutting for Wold Corner will be in late November.
Advised that the City has received a notice from CTED regarding the Critical Area Ordinance and the need for the city to be in compliance with the requirements to adopt an ordinance in order to qualify for a loan from PWTF for the sewer plant design.
Brief discussion was held regarding the need to include a map or reference a map in the ordinance.

Finance: Gordon Hey advised that staff is working on the 2007 budget and should be ready for workshops to receive Council and public input by the end of the month.

Police: Chief Walser advised that calls for service are up in the schools and he would like to have a joint meeting with the School Board to discuss funding for an Officer in the schools. Advised that he received a $3,500 grant from WSTC for a portable radar unit. Thanked Laura Koenig for the tutor session on the new financial software. Advised that efforts are being made to have Highway 2 designated as a Safety Corridor which would include traffic fines and provide dedicated funds for improvements.

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 Flower, the consent agenda was approved as presented. Champeaux - aye; Wiediger - aye, abstained on the minutes; Slawson - aye; Seehuus - aye; Flower - aye; Blair - aye, Boyd - aye.
1. Minutes of the September 28, 2006 Council meeting as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
2. Minutes of the September 28, 2006 Public Hearing on the 2006 Budget Amendments as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
3. Vouchers #20437- through #20501 in the amounts of $226,070.59 and payroll through September 22, 2006 in the amount of $55,189.86 to be drawn and paid on the proper accounts.
ACTION ITEMS:
Public Works Union Contract: Councilmember Seehuus reviewed the revisions to the contract. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Slawson, the Public Works Employee Union Contract was approved and the Mayor was authorized to sign the contract. All ayes.

Ordinance 936-06 Budget Amendment: Gordon Hey reviewed the proposed amendments to the 2006 Budget. On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Flower, Ordinance 936-06, Budget Amendment, was adopted. All ayes.

2007 Budget Workshop Schedule: Gordon Hey, Interim Finance Director, advised that staff is finalizing the 2007 preliminary budget and it will be necessary to schedule Council workshops and the required public hearings. The following dates were set for workshops: November 2nd at 7:00 PM and November 16th at 7:00 PM. Public Hearings were set for November 21 and December 14, 2006. The November 22, 2006 Council meeting was changed to November 21, 2006.

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CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING - October 12, 2006

Resolution 06-15 Police Levy Support: On a motion by Councilmember Boyd, seconded by Councilmember Flower, Resolution 06-15 supporting the Police Levy was adopted. All ayes.
Public Comments:
Loretta Storm: Supports the resolution.
Dave Hellman: It is important to support the police. Doesn't like to see crime in the town.
Jeff Aikens: Thanked the Council for their support. The Committee is determined to get the levy passed.

Resolution 06-08 Wold Corner: On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, Resolution 06-08 designating the Sultan Basin Road intersection as Wold Corner was adopted. All ayes.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Water/Sewer Connection Charges: Connie Dunn discussed using the existing rate study to increase connection fees as an interim measure while the rate study is being completed. Brief discussion was held regarding using the prior study for a basis and the need to stay within the limits of that study for funding improvements. Staff was directed to set a public hearing on the proposed rates.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Loretta Storm: Congratulated the Council for considering an increase to the water/sewer connection charges and recommended that they review the traffic impact fees also.

Garth York; Advised that he has not received a response from the city on his letter regarding park fees.

COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmembers: Expressed concern that Mr. York has not received a response to his letter on the park fees.

Executive Session: On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the Council adjourned to executive session for twenty minutes to discuss Union Negotiations and review the qualifications of applicants. All ayes.

City Administrator: Mayor Tolson requested that the Council confirm the appointment of Deborah Knight as the City Administrator. On a motion by Councilmember Flower, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the appointment of Deborah Knight as the City Administrator was confirmed.

Adjournment: On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Champeaux, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.