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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 11-7-11Minutes of the Arlington City Council Meeting Council Chambers 110 East Third November 7, 2011 City Council Members Present by Roll Call: Dick Butner, Sally Lien, Marilyn Oertle, Chris Raezer, Linda Byrnes, and Steve Baker Council Members Absent: There were no Council members absent. City Staff Present: Mayor Larson, Allen Johnson, Kristin Banfield, Paul Ellis, Jim Chase, Police Chief Nelson Beazley, Fire Chief Bruce Stedman, Doug Schmidt, Jim Kelly, Rob Putnam, David Kuhl, Bill Blake, Julie Good, Roxanne Guenzler, Elizabeth Chamberlain, Bryan Terry, Monica Schlagel, Phil Knepper, Dan Hargroves, Kris Wallace, Lisa Wojciechowicz, Dan Cone, Rory Bolter, Seth Kinney, Stephanie Ambrose, Scott Hillis, Peter Barrett, Fred Rapelyea, Mike Phillips, Dave Kraski, Tom Cooper, Brandon Asher, Greg Koontz, Jon Ventura, Jason Abrahamson, Kirk Normand Greg Anderson, Jeff Pitman, Linda Taylor, Eric Scott, Debbie Strotz, Lynn Bridges, Jan Bauer, Steve Peiffle — City Attorney Also Known to be Present: Vickie Solla, Walt Riebe, Mike Hopson, Debora Nelson, Sarah Arney — North County Outlook, Barbara Tolbert, Gale Fiege — Everett Herald, Tom Barry, Bea Randall, and Ken Klein, Kirk Boxleitner — Arlington Times Mayor Larson called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM, and the pledge of allegiance to the flag followed. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Steve Baker moved to approve the Agenda. Marilyn Oertle seconded the motion which passed with a unanimous vote. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS Ryan Guentz who worked on the flagpole mounts around Legion Park With the help of a power point presentation Assistant City Administrator Kristin Banfield showed the flagpole project and then introduced Ryan Guentz, an Eagle Scout who had worked on the placement of flagpole mounts around Legion Park. He was congratulated for his service and presented a certificate of appreciation by Mayor Larson. Also present was the father of Ryan Guentz who briefly spoke. American Legion's Jim Barron was also recognized. Scout Guentz then met each Council member. PUBLIC COMMENT Walt Riebe addressed the budget numbers, averaging the cost for his family, an additional $113 for the year. He then stated that the budgeting job does not belong to the Council, but to City Staff. Page 1 of 5 Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 7. 2011 Mike Shaw addressed the Council regarding Fire and EMS, urging the Council to remember that lives are important and that these teams deal with lives and emergencies, and he asked that they not be cut short. CONSENT AGENDA Steve Baker moved to approve the Consent Agenda with changes to the June 24, 2011 minutes noting that the 2012 budget minutes stated a deficit of $2 million, which should read $ 1.3 million, and noting that the meeting was adjourned at 2:OOPM, rather than 2:30PM. Marilyn Oertle seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended, and the motion was unanimously carried to approve the following Consent Agenda items: 1. Minutes of the October 17 and 24, 2011 meetings and June 24, 2011 retreat (amended) 2. Accounts Payable Electronic Payments and Claims Checks #74968 through #75114 dated October 18, 2011 through November 7, 2011 in the amount of $574,106.71 and EFT Payments and Payroll Checks #27380 through #27403 for the period of October 1, 2011 through October 31, 2011 in the amount of $1,334,955.59 3. Appointment of Kendra Ferrier as Student Representative to PARC PUBLIC HEARING Shoreline Management Plan With the use of a power point presentation Natural Resources Manager Bill Blake addressed the Shoreline Management Plan, giving a basic outline of the Plan history, and a timeline of required steps that have been taken. He then projected the proposed map area and gave the next required steps. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:20PM. John Miller Stillaguamish, Tribe Executive Director, gave praise to Arlington's staff for a job well done. Craig Smith, Island Crossing Property owner, voiced support of the proposed Shoreline Management Plan. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:23PM. No action was taken at this time, and the item is scheduled for decision on November 21, 2011. FEMA Flood Plain Regulations With the use of a power point presentation Bill Blake noted an endangered species lawsuit which gave birth to these new protective Regulations. He then briefly reviewed the Regulations' history, then projected and explained the proposed flood plain map. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:28PM. Tom Barry, Metron and Associates, pointed out a section regarding the change of water flow direction. Mr. Barry suggested a modification in the Ordinance. Mr. Blake and Mr. Barry will meet to discuss the pertinent issue. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:30PM. No action was taken at this time, and the item is scheduled for decision on November 21, 2011. Page 2 of 5 Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 7. 2011 2012 Property Tax (Resolution) With the use of a power point presentation Finance Director Jim Chase spoke to the 2012 proposed Property Tax Levies, giving a history of the taxes, reasons for revenue decline, and the resultant requested tax increase. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:44PM. Phillip Lane, 18016 Graywalls Drive, Arlington, expressed his disappointment in the state of the economy as a whole, and voiced his concern about tax increases. He stated that collected monies often don't seem to be put toward that for which they were collected. He suggested an eagle feeding station that might work as a money generating project for the City. Bea Randall, 427 South French, Arlington, is concerned about the increasing cost of living and the difficult effect additional taxes would have on her family, as well as the community. Donna Larson, 135 North Dunham Avenue, Arlington, is confused about North County Outlook newspaper Arlington tax article, and she asked exactly which taxes would be increased. Tom Barry, noted that budget items to be cut should be prioritized. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:54PM. No action was taken at this time. Proposed Utility Tax Increase With the use of a power point presentation Assistant City Administrator Kristin Banfield spoke to the 2012 budget process and timelines. She reviewed the history of the budget deficit and referred to the proposed Revenue Package which includes a Utility Tax increase, the formation of a TBD, and Sales Tax increase all of which would help to make up the $740,000 deficit. She also reviewed the effect increased taxes would have on residents and businesses. The Public Hearing was opened at 8:07PM Dave McDonald, 315 5th Street, Arlington, asked why the proposed raise would be from 5 - 8% and why is it proposed to be done all at once. Chad Schmidt, 17415 Osprey Rd. Arlington, asked that the increases be used properly, expecting that police and fire personnel would not be decreased. He asked to replace vacated positions and requested that Council continue to fund those positions. Donna Larson noted that a tax increase from 5 to 8% is not slight, as stated. Ms. Banfield spoke to Ms. Larson's questions. Phil Lane spoke to the slides presented and asked the Council to scrutinize the accuracy of information presented this evening. Steve Saunders, owner Rocket Alley Bar and Grill, stated that although he has a business that is doing well, however he is overwhelmed with the business taxes he must pay. He wonders where it will end, and he spoke in favor of police and fire support. Page 3 of 5 Minutes of the City of Arlington City Council Meeting November 7. 2011 Ted Lowness, new to Arlington, noted the increase in revenue, but hasn't seen a cut in City costs. He stated that fire and safety are important. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:19PM. In response to Mr. Lowness, Councilperson Linda Byrnes spoke to the numerous cuts that have already been made by the City over the last couple of years. No action was taken at this time. Formation of a Transportation Benefit District With the use of a power point presentation Kristin Banfield spoke to the proposed formation of a Transportation Benefit District, giving a description of the TBD, reasons for its creation, how it would be created, the projected cost to a family of 4, and an upcoming timeline of actions by the Council. The Public Hearing was opened at 8:28PM. Walt Riebe, Arlington, concerned about Transportation Benefit District costs, asked about specifics within the TBD. Donna Larson stated that she now understands the newspaper article. Bea Randal, 427 South French Street, Arlington, asked about the extent of vehicles that would be affected by a license tax. Mary McDonald, 319 East 5th Street, Arlington, asked what would be purchased by this TBD tax. Phil Lane, voiced concern about increased taxes, stating that the burden should not always be placed on residents. The Public Hearing was closed at 8:33PM. Assistant City Administrator Kristin Banfield addressed questions of Arlington regarding the formation of a TBD. A lengthy time of questions, answers, and clarification followed. Mr. McDonald noted that this appears to be a new tax that would serve government employees only, with no benefit to the public. No action was taken at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business. NEW BUSINESS Comcast Franchise Amendments Finance Director Jim Chase spoke to the Franchise Amendments. Page 4 of 5 Minutes of the City of Arlington Citv Council Meetinq November 7, 2011 Steve Baker moved to approve the proposed ordinance amending the City's Franchise Agreement with Comcast and authorize the Mayor to sign the Amendment. Sally Lien seconded the motion that passed with a unanimous vote. Approval of the Snohomish County Cities Legislative Agenda City Administrator Allen Johnson spoke to the slate of items proposed for the Snohomish County Legislative Agenda. Steve Baker moved to adopt the Snohomish County Legislative Agenda, as presented. Sally Lien seconded the motion that passed with a unanimous vote. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Larson noted activities and meetings she had recently attended COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS — OPTIONAL Marilyn Oertle, Linda Byrnes, and Steve Baker gave brief reports, while Dick Butner, Sally Lien, Chris Raezer had nothing to report at this time. EXECUTIVE SESSION City Attorney Steve announced that there would be need for an Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee [RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)] 8:53PM. The Session should 5 to 10 minutes with a 5 minute break beforehand, and no action to be taken during or after the meeting. The meeting was adjourned into Executive Session at 8:53PM RECONVENE The meeting was reconvened at 9:07PM. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07PM. ac, � Margaref Larson, Mayor Page 5 of 5