City Council

Mount Vernon City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 27, 2016 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Boudreau at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Fiedler, Hudson, Hulst, Lindquist, Molenaar, and Ragan Absent: Councilmember Quam Staff Present: Public Works Director Bell, Police Chief Dodd, Fire Chief Hari, Community Development Director Hyde, Finance Director Huschka, Assistant Public Works Director Love, Senior Planner Lowell, Parks Manager Weppler Citizens Present: 4 Approval of Minutes A. Approval of April 6, 2016 Study Session Meeting Minutes. Councilmember Hulst moved to approve the April 6, 2016 Study Session minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hudson. Motion carried 6-0. B. Approval of April 13, 2016 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. Councilmember Ragan moved to approve the April 13, 2016 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Molenaar. Motion carried 6-0. C. Approval of March 30, 2016 Transportation Open House Minutes. Councilmember Lindquist moved to approve the March 30, 2016 Transportation Open House minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Fiedler. Motion carried 6-0. Approval of Claims and Payroll A. Approval of April 27, 2016 claims numbered 144525 - 144531 and 144543 - 144721 in the amount of $881,748.55. Councilmember Fiedler moved to approve the April 27, 2016 claims numbered 144525 - 144531 and 144543 - 144721 in the amount of $881,748.55. Motion seconded by Councilmember Lindquist. Motion carried 6-0. B. Approval of April 15, 2016 payroll checks numbered 105378 - 105422, direct deposit checks numbered 55412 - 55614, and wire transfers numbered 563 & 564 in the amount of $730,591.32. Councilmember Ragan moved to approve the April 15, 2016 payroll checks numbered 105378 - 105422, direct deposit checks numbered 55412 - 55614, and wire transfers numbered 563 & 564 in the amount of $730,591.32. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hulst. Motion carried 6-0. Mount Vernon City Council April 27, 2016 Page 2 of 3 REPORTS A. Committee Reports: • Finance – for details see Committee minutes. • Public Works – for details see Committee minutes B. Community Comments: • Katie McNett, representing Bike/Walk Mount Vernon, came to inform Council that May is National Bike Month. • Paul Woodmansee, came forward to add comments regarding the Housing Element of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. He does not agree with staff presented statistics that indicate that the market rate portion of the housing market is being met. As a construction company owner he stated that he would not make any profit if he built houses for $250,000, which is what the average median-income family could afford according to staff data. He believes that the overall shortage could be better addressed by allowing more multi-family housing. C. Mayor’s Report:– • Reported that the Skagit EMS Working Model Advisory Group has been meeting to develop recommendations that will be taken to the County Commissioners on a work plan for updating the EMS system. Information is available on the County website. • The newly constructed Downtown Riverwalk public restrooms are open. • Lisa Esparza was recognized for recently becoming an accredited Parks and Recreation Professional. • The Mayor proclaimed the first week of May as “Youth Week” in association with the Elks Lodge. • Upcoming Mayor’s coffee hours were noted. • Chief Hari came forward to address Council regarding a major house fire that occurred this afternoon. Three houses were impacted. Four other fire departments were called out. All residents escaped without injury and there were no injuries to firefighters. The cause is under investigation. D. Committee Agenda Requests:– • Councilmember Fiedler asked for a report on funding sources for a subarea plan to be presented at a Community Development Committee meeting. NEW BUSINESS A. Skagit 911 Update: Mayor Boudreau introduced Skagit 911 Director, Helen Rasmussen, who presented an overview of Skagit 911’s organization, responsibilities, technological requirements and challenges. She also covered the organizations funding. Thirty-five dispatchers answer all of the 911 calls and dispatch resources for the various police and fire departments. The EMS Council is the governing board over 911. The 911 center also has advisory, financial, technical th and legal boards that provide oversite in those various areas. In 2003 voters approved a 1/10 of 1% sales tax increase that was used to subsidize the per call fees for agencies. The infrastructure needs have been neglected over the years because of this. The new funding model now includes replacement reserves for infrastructure. B. Parks and Recreation Update: Mr. Weppler came forward with Ms. Lowell to discuss Little Mountain Park and possible annexation of two parcels that are adjacent to it. In 2003 the City purchased these two parcels, 27 acres in total, located on the north side of the park and adjacent to the entry road. Future park development is planned for these parcels consisting of parking, restrooms, new trailhead, a covered structure and mountain bike skills area. Ms. Lowell informed Council of the process necessary for annexation of the two north parcels into the City. They are Mount Vernon City Council April 27, 2016 Page 3 of 3 in the UGA and the City owns them; therefore, Council can approve an ordinance for this annexation, without further action. C. Agreement with WSDOT: Mr. Love presented Council with a request for authorization for the Mayor to enter into a supplemental agreement with WSDOT to obligate Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant money received for Rights of Way (ROW) purchases for the Hoag Road Sidewalk and Bike Lane Gap Project. Councilmember Hulst moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into a supplemental agreement with WSDOT for purchase of Rights of Way related to the Hoag Road Sidewalk and Bike Lane Gap Project. Motion seconded by Councilmember Molenaar. Motion carried 6-0. D. Approval of Change Order to Professional Services Agreement: Mr. Love presented Council with a request for the authorization for the Mayor to execute a change order to a professional services agreement with Abeyta & Associates for assistance in property acquisition for the Downtown Flood Protection Project phase 3. Councilmember Lindquist moved to authorize the Mayor to amend an agreement with Abeyta & Associates for property acquisition related to the Downtown Flood Protection Project. Motion seconded by Councilmember Ragan. Motion carried 6-0. E. Approval of Change Order with DGK, Inc.: Mr. Love presented Council with a request for authorization for the Mayor to execute a change order to a professional services agreement with DGK, Inc., dba Widener & Associates, for environmental consulting services. The agreement is for five years with a total cost of up to $20,000 per year. This company expedites the acquisition of State and Federal construction and environmental permits. Councilmember Hudson moved to authorize the Mayor to amend an agreement with DGK, Inc. for five years not to exceed $20,000 per year. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hulst. Motion carried 6-0. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: ______________________________________________ Rebecca J. Wade, Recording Secretary ATTEST: ______________________________________________ Alicia D. Huschka, Finance Director APPROVE: ______________________________________________ Jill Boudreau, Mayor