SULTAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

319 MAIN STREET

June 22, 2005

6:30 PM

 

6:30 PM Public Hearing - Street Vacation [G.R.I.T. NOTE:  No supporting information for this item, which is Action Item #4 below, is included in this agend packet.]

 

CALL TO ORDER -  Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

 

CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

 

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:  Citizens are requested to keep comments to a 3 minute maximum to allow time for everyone to speak.

 

COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

 

STAFF REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS

1)  Grants 

2)  Police Department

3)  Public Works 

4)  Finance Department - Banking Options

 

CONSENT AGENDA:    The following items are incorporated into the consent agenda and approved by a single motion of the Council.

1)  Minutes of the June 8, 2005 regular Council meeting.

2)  Approval of Vouchers

3)  Utility Committee Report

4)  Set Public Hearing on 6 Year Street Plan for July 13, 2005

 

ACTION ITEMS:

1)  Closed Record Hearing on Timber Ridge Estates

2)  Banking Options

3)  Resolution 05-15 Salmon Recovery

4)  Ordinance 881-05 Street Vacation [G.R.I.T.-added NOTE:  No supporting documentation or explanation was included in this agenda packet on this item, which we understand is a request by the property owner to vacate an old U.S.  Highway 2 R-O-W located at, or near, Sno-Country (formerly NextCar).]

5)  Dump Truck Acquisition

6)  Interlocal Agreement with Snohomish County 0n the 800 MHz system

7)  Project Acceptance - 101 Main Street Acquisition

8)  Resolution 05-16 Sultan Centennial

 

DISCUSSION:  Time Permitting

1)  Animal Control

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

COUNCILMEMBER RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Executive Session:   Litiigation

 

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.    


 

SULTAN CITY COUNCIL

 

AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET

 

Date:                                      June 22, 2005

 

Agenda Item #:                    Consent C 1

 

SUBJECT:                           Council minutes

 

CONTACT PERSON:      Laura Koenig, City Clerk/Treasurer

 

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Attached are the minutes of the June 8, 2005 regular Council meeting as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:   Approval as submitted.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Action Date:           

 

COUNCIL ACTION:

 


1646-05

 

CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING – June 8, 2005

 

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

Champeaux – arrived at 7:30.

 

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:

Consent:  Remove Interlocal Agreement

Discussion:  Remove Animal Control

 

Certificates:  Mayor Tolson presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Sultan Boys and Girls Torch Club for the work done on the planter islands on Main Street.

 

Introduction of Staff:  Laura Koenig, Clerk/Treasurer, introduced the new Utility Clerk Tami Pevey.

 

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Bart Dalmasso:   Advised that Bank of America has announced that they will be closing the Sultan Branch in September.  A petition has been placed in several businesses supporting the bank and requesting that the bank be left open.  Requested that the community and council submit letters of support to the Corporate Offices.

 

Jeff Wilson:  Would like to provide summer time work for his children and requested that the Council allow them to paint addresses on the curbs and charge the property owners.  This would assist the Police and Fire Departments and would be an asset to the community.

 

Josie Fallgatter:  At the last meeting the Settlement agreement on the GMA hearings was approved by the City and within a week the City broke the agreement.  Bart Dalmasso and Jim Flower attended the County GMA hearing and spoke in support of the inclusion of the watershed into the City’s UGA.  This was a violation of the agreement.  Breaking the agreement creates a lack of trust and is dishonorable.

 

Loretta Storm:  Jim Flower was representing the City when he spoke at the hearing and that violates the agreement.  The Development Regulations as presented on the agenda are not the same as those attached to the settlement agreement and demonstrates poor faith by the City.  Commended Bart Dalmasso for his efforts to keep the Bank of America branch open.  Noted that the City web site has not been updated since last July.

 

Jeff Kirkman:  Concerned that the proposed document is not the same as Exhibit 1 of the agreement.  The changes allow wiggle room for the City in regards to notification.  The City should comply with the agreement.

 

COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS:

Criswell:  Commended Bart Dalmasso for trying to keep the bank in town.  In regards to the curb painting, would the property owners pay for the service?  (Yes).  Questioned where the money for the weight master training came from and who authorized the training.  (Chief Walser advised that the training was provided by the State at no charge.)

 

Boucher:  Thanked the Torch Club for the work on the planters and Bart Dalmasso for his efforts in support of the bank.  In regards to the curb addresses, if it is legal, he would like to see it happen.


1647-05

CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING  - June 8, 2005

 

Seehuus:  Thanked Bart Dalmasso and the Torch Club for their work for the community.

Flower:  Has been accused of being dishonorable and breaching the contract.  His understanding was that it was the city’s position to continue to support inclusion of the water shed in the UGA and that he could voice that support at the hearings.  If the attorney feels it was breach of contract, it was without his knowledge. 

Blair:   Supports the effort to keep Bank of America in town.  BOA is closing a branch in Darrington also and they will have to drive 20 plus miles to the nearest bank.  Supports painting the curbs and suggested that the party use a non-profit group to make the project easier for the children.  In regards to the comments about the Development Regulations, the document was provided prior to the meeting and there has not been time to do a comparison to the settlement exhibit.

Boyd:  Asked Bart Dalmasso if he introduced himself as a Planning Commissioner at the hearings and was he instructed prior to the meeting not to represent himself as a Commissioner? (Bart Dalmasso advised that he was not advised not to represent himself as a Planning Commissioner).  In regards to Council member Flower, he can not speak on behalf of the City without the Council support. 

Mayor Tolson:  Advised that he has requested that staff put together information regarding the anticipated growth to provide to Bank of America.  Agrees that the web site needs to be updated on a regular basis and the City is working on the problem.  In regards to the Growth Hearings, it appears that inappropriate comments were made.  In regards to the addresses on the curbs, the City owns the curbs and legal issues need to be addressed.   

Flower:   Understood from the City Attorney that the Council could support the inclusion of the watershed into the UGA but would not appeal the County’s decision.  Apologized for any inappropriate comments.

 

Champeaux:   Asked if there was any response from Community Transit in regards to the bus stop on Highway 2.  Noted that members of the Track team won at State meets and should be recognized at a meeting in the near future.

 

STAFF REPORTS:

Grants:  Donna Murphy commended the Centennial Committee and the many volunteers that have worked on all the events held to date and for their work on the Birthday Party set for June 25th.

 

Public Works:  Connie Dunn advised that construction on the Sidewalk project on 1st Street has started.

The pre-construction meeting on the 5th Street Signal is set for June 9th.  Advised that Tony Beedle will be retiring this year and asked for suggestions for a retirement party.  Staff is working on repairs to the garbage truck and the sludge transportation problem.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

The following items are incorporated into the consent and approved by a single motion of the Council.   On a motion by Councilmember Criswell, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, the consent agenda was approved as amended.  Champeaux – aye; Criswell – aye; Boucher – aye; Seehuus - aye; Flower – aye; Blair – aye, Boyd – aye, abstained on the minutes.

  1. Minutes of the May 25, 2005 Council meeting as on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
  2. Vouchers #05-564 through 05-600 in the amounts of $105,562.91and payroll through May 20, 2005 in the amount of $56,668.06 to be drawn and paid on the proper accounts.

1648-05

CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING – June 8, 2005

 

ACTION ITEMS:

Resolution 05-13 Development Procedures:  The resolution adopts the Development Regulation Amendment Procedures and a Public Hearing and Participation process.  Rick Cisar reviewed the changes to the procedure which address the City Web Site and the Public Access Channel and the availability of those sites.  If those sites are not available, it would delay the public hearing process.

Boyd:  Would like to see the proposed changes run through the Planning Commission with a majority and minority report submitted to the Council.   The parties worked for eight hours on the Settlement Agreement.  Asked if the other parties had reviewed and approved the language.  If changes are needed, they should be addressed.

Seehuus:  Felt the term “available” should be defined.  The additional language clears up the policy and stays with the spirit of the agreement.

Blair:  Council voted to accept the agreement and terms and the policy is in accordance with the agreement.  It is a public process for notification, however, there are problems with the web site.

Asked if there would be a delay in the process that would violate the party’s rights if the language was not changed.

Criswell:  The policy was written in good faith.

Boucher:  The agreement was done to save money in legal fees.  The language is fine and we don’t always have access to the web site.  There are potential problems for people filing land use actions and the Council is not considering them.  The City has met the legal requirements.

Mayor Tolson:  Asked Mr. Kirkman if he was familiar with the web site problems and the language could be changed to address the problem.  The city has made a good faith effort but we don’t always have access to the web site and there needs to be language to address the issue.  “Not available” means beyond the city’s control.

Jeff Kirkman:  Would like to see notices placed on the web site when available.  The staff not having time is not acceptable.  Suggested language of “if the web site is operational and accessible by city staff.”

Thom Graafstra, City Attorney, advised that the language suggestions seems fine.  The staff must post notices consistent with deadlines and the deadlines for the web site and Public Access Channel will need to be considered.  The policy was provided to all parties immediately after it was drafted. 

Councilmember Flower moved to adopt Resolution 05-13, seconded by Councilmember Criswell.   On the motion:  Ayes:  Flower; Nay:  Boucher, Boyd, Champeaux, Blair, Seehuus, Criswell

On a motion by Councilmember Blair, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, the Council recessed for five minutes to allow the Attorney to review Roberts Rules of Order.  All ayes

Councilmember Seehuus moved to reconsider the matter.  Seconded by Councilmember Boyd.  All ayes except Councilmembers Flower and Boucher.

Councilmember Boyd moved to adopt Resolution 05-13 with the corrected language, seconded by Councilmember Blair.  Ayes – Boyd, Champeaux, Seehuus, Blair.  Nay -  Boucher, Criswell, Flower.

 

I & I Project – Shoreline Construction: The City Engineer has certified that Shoreline Construction Company has satisfactorily completed all work under Schedule A of the I & I Project.  This work involved the installation of storm water separation at 5th Street and 6th Street on Alder.  On a motion by Councilmember Boyd, seconded by Councilmember Seehuus, Schedule A, I & I Reduction Program Phase 2 constructed by Shoreline Construction Company was accepted as completed.  All ayes.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Finances:  Laura Koenig, Clerk/Treasurer, presented the 2004 Annual report, 1st Quarter Financial report for 2005 and the current month’s reports for review.  Provided an update on the jail bill.


1649-05

CITY OF SULTAN COUNCIL MEETING – June 8, 2005

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Liz Kirkman:  If the staff is concerned about the web site and getting information onto the web site maybe they should try using the school to help.

 

Loretta Storm:  Some council members think the appeal and the issue tonight are ridiculous.   The Comp plan process was started two years ago and several members of the Planning Commission requested better definitions in the plan to better life in Sultan.  They have spent a lot of time to better the quality of life in Sultan but there needs to be a legal process to do that. 

 

Jeff Kirkman:  There is a misconception that he thinks up appeals to file.  He worked on the Comp Plan and he has a right to appeal decisions.  To get the city to comply with basic planning concepts, he

felt it was important to file an appeal.  He has spent a lot of time to get it done right.  The Council should read the Growth Management Act and there should be no more back door deals.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Boyd:   May not agree with appeal process but it was a tool that was used.  Thinks the city works hard and feels we do things right 90 % of time.  Hope we can get a procedure to make it easier. 

 

Blair:  Agrees there is a need for guidelines on growth and infrastructure and there is a need for long term development of the city.  Procedures need to be in place and hopes we are working towards those goals and have a public process for those people to express their opinions.  This is a difficult process but the City agreed to the settlement and needs to follow through. 

 

Boucher:   The intent of his comments is to let everyone know that he has been consistent and forthright about the process used by others.  Has been honest about his feelings and doesn’t feel that others have.   Does not agree with the process and feels the issue could have been worked out in another manner.  Some have indicated that they went along with the process because it was costing money and that gives the impression that government can be bought.

 

Criswell:   Agrees with Mr. Boucher.  Doesn’t like to be pressured by someone who doesn’t live in the city telling them what to do.  Agreed to settle because of the costs.

 

Mayor Tolson:  Everyone does not always agree with outcome but some times we need to take a step back.  An agreement was reached and it needs to be honored.

 

Adjournment:  On a motion by Councilmember Seehuus, seconded by Councilmember Criswell, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                        Benjamin Tolson, Mayor

 

                                                           

Laura J. Koenig, Clerk/Treasurer.


 

SULTAN CITY COUNCIL

 

AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET

 

Date:                                                June 22, 2005

 

Agenda Item #:            Consent C 2

 

SUBJECT:                    Voucher Approval

 

CONTACT PERSON:         Laura Koenig, Clerk/Treasurer

 

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

 

Approval of Vouchers # 05-601 through #05-646 in the amounts of $318,286.14 and payrolls through June 3, 2005 in the amount of $85,048.66 to be drawn and paid on the proper accounts.

 

 

FISCAL IMPACTS:

Expenditure Required: $403,334.80

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Recommend approval as submitted.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

COUNCIL ACTION:

 

Action Date:


 

 

 

SULTAN CITY COUNCIL

 

AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET

 

Date:                         June 22, 2005                   

 

Agenda Item #:      Consent C 3

 

 

SUBJECT:                Utility Committee Report - Adjustments for relief of excess

                                    charges.

 

CONTACT PERSON:  Laura Koenig, Clerk/Treasurer

 

SUMMARY STATEMENT:   Attached is the Utility Committee’s recommendations for relief from excess charges due to water leaks.  All repairs have been completed.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Approval of the Utility Committee report as presented.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

COUNCIL ACTION:

 

Action Date:

 


 

 

SULTAN CITY COUNCIL

 

AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET

 

ITEM NO:                               C - 4

 

DATE:                                    June 22, 2005

 

SUBJECT:                             Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan

 

CONTACT PERSON:          Public Works Director Dunn

                                                           

SUMMARY:                           Each year the City of Sultan is required to adopt a Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan and submit it to Washington State Department of Transportation. 

                                               

FISCAL IMPACT:                 This plan helps the City when appling for grants and loans.

 

RECOMMENDED               

ACTION:                                 Set a Public Hearing for the 6 year Transportation Improvement Plan on July 13, 2005 @ 6:30 pm

 

 

 

COUNCIL ACTION:             

 

 


SULTAN CITY COUNCIL

 

AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET

 

ITEM NO:                         A-1

 

DATE:                                  June 22, 2005

 

SUBJECT:                        CLOSED RECORD HEARING

                                             Hearing Examiner Recommendation:

                                             Timber Ridge Estates Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development

                                             File Number No.  FP-PUD-04-002

(Hearing Examiner Recommendations, Staff Reports and Plat Maps, Attached)

 

CONTACT PERSON:      Rick Cisar, Planning Director

 

SUMMARY:                       The Hearing Examiner held an Open Record Hearing on February 28, 2005 and considered a Request for Reconsideration on May 12, 2005 for the Timber Ridge Estates Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development – File Number No.  FP-PUD-04-002.  Based on the Findings of Fact, Principles of Law, Discussion and Conclusions, the testimony and evidence submitted at the Hearing, the Hearing Examiner’s site visit, and Examiner’s Review of the Reconsideration Request, the Examiner found that all but two of the deficiencies have been corrected.  However, compliance with SMC 16.68.060 and SMC 16.80.100 is lacking.  Therefore, the Examiner RECOMENDS RETURN FOR CORRECTION of the Proposed Preliminary Subdivision and DENIAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE of the PUD for Timber Ridge Estates.            The Examiner, on Page 8 beginning with  #16 through # 20 on page 11 discusses development on steep slopes.  Likewise, the Examiner beginning with # 21 on page 11 through #25 on page 14 discusses stream and wetland buffers and innovative design.  Lastly, the Examiner on page 17 #41 summaries his conclusions and notes” The concept of residential develop-ment of the subject property is clearly and unequivocally in conformance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan and applicable zoning, subject to the critical areas limitations”. 

                                         Staff, as noted in the attached Staff reports, which include discussions and recommendations of our Consultants, do not concur with the Examiner’s conclusions regarding SMC 16.68.060 and SMC 16.80.100.  The vague language in these sections certainly leaves them open to interpretation and in this instance has led to different conclusions by the Examiner, Staff, and our Consultants.  Therefore, the City Council has the option to follow the (1) Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation; (2) the Staff Recommendation; (3) to Approve or Deny the Application based on the Council’s own set of Findings and Conclusions; or (4) to remand the Application back to the Hearing Examiner for additional review.  To assist City Council in their evaluation of this project and the Recommendations, Staff has attached a June 15, 2005 Staff Report that provides a project overview and discussion of the code interpretation concerns.          

 

FISCAL IMPACT:             None at this time. 

 

RECOMMENDATION        Acceptance of Staff’s interpretation of SMC 16.68.060 and

ACTION:                              SMC16.80.100 and Approval of the Timber Ridge Preliminary Subdivision and Planned Unit Development with Conditions as Recommended by Staff on February 23, 2005 and May 23, 2005, and the Findings and Conclusions provided in the Hearing Examiner’s Recommendations of March 9, 2005 and May 23, 2005 and Conditions as deemed necessary by City Council to address any Critical Areas concerns.

_____________________________________________________________________

 

COUNCIL ACTION:

 

DATE: