LAKEWOOD, DUPONT AND STEILACOOM
CITY COUNCILS
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 12, 2011
City of DuPont
Council Chambers
1700 Civic Drive
DuPont, WA 98327
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by DuPont Mayor Jenkins.
ATTENDANCE
Mayors and Councilmembers present: DuPont Mayor Jenkins and Councilmembers Coffey, Ehrenreich, Grayum, Hills, Trotter, and Westman; Lakewood Mayor Richardson and Councilmembers Anderson, Brandstetter, Moss, Neary and Whalen; and Steilacoom Mayor Lucas and Councilmembers Bier, Smith and Stovall.
Staff Present: DuPont City Administrator Masko and City Clerk Larsen, Lakewood City Manager Neiditz, and Steilacoom Town Administrator Loveless.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DuPont Mayor Jenkins introduced Pierce County Public Works & Utilities Director Brian Zeigler and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy.
Discussion on Flood Control Policy:
Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy provided background information on the impacts of flooding on Highway 410 in 1999 and the more recent devastation and impacts to I-5 in Chehalis and Centralia from flooding. She stated that the topic of creating a Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) came from King County. She stated that we need to do something to mitigate the impacts of flooding in Pierce County too.
Pierce County Public Works & Utilities Director Brian Zeigler discussed the impacts to I-5 and how closures affect not only the cities and counties around the flooded areas but others as well. He stated that he received feedback from many people during the process. An environmental decision was issued on the creation of a FCZD. He highlighted the legislative timeline and discussed state and federal funding options.
Discussion from the cities and Pierce County staff followed regarding the amount of property taxes needed, which areas would be targeted to begin mitigation, opportunity funds for cities, grant funding, including a sun-setting clause in the Ordinance creating the FCZD, imposing a moratorium for “at risk” cities, proportionality for rates, restrictions on development in “at risk” communities, assurance on a $0.10 rate cap, charging a flat fee per parcel versus a rate charge, highlighting a boundary around the most at risk river areas and raising money in that zone only versus all of Pierce County, how the funds could be spent in accordance with state laws and possible legislative changes.
Pierce County Councilmember Joyce McDonald joined the meeting and stated that the State tasked Pierce County with taking care of flooding issues. She stated that they are barely able to maintain the areas of concern. She added that sometimes there are no answers to specific questions because the FCZD is not formed yet. Ms. McDonald stated that the reality is that unincorporated Pierce County residents are the only ones paying for flood control. She stated that forming a FCZD will benefit all in the future. She expressed appreciation for all the input.
The Mayors from DuPont, Lakewood, and Steilacoom agreed to take the topic of an Opportunity Fund back to their Council’s for a complete discussion. They agreed to meet again at a joint meeting on January 9, 2012, after the second Ordinance is discussed by the Pierce County Council. Proposed amendments will be due by January 17, 2012.
Public Comment:
Dennis Haugen (Lakewood, WA) expressed extreme concern for delay tactics and not making decisions. He stated that the real estate market values continue to be driven by the amount of jobs which keeps sliding down in Pierce County. More people moving in keep house rates up. He encouraged Councilmembers to invest in people who get things done.
Update on Pierce Transit Boundary Lines:
DuPont Councilmember John Ehrenreich provided information on a meeting to take place on December 16th to consider re-drawing Pierce Transit Boundary Lines. He stated that the issue is that there are people who live inside the Pierce Transit Boundary who pay taxes but do not receive service. He stated that he is skeptical if Pierce Transit could pass a tax measure unless the boundaries are re-drawn. He highlighted a proposal he will take forward to the DuPont City Council to withdraw unless we can receive service.
DuPont Mayor Tamara Jenkins added that all cities will have representatives at the table.
Update on South Sound 911:
Lakewood City Manager Neiditz provided an update on the South Sound 911 measure passed in the last election. He stated that it is the first time that Police and Fire will have communications in the same organization. He added that a steering committee has been formed and is beginning planning stages. He stated that there are many meetings to come in the future among boards and committees.
Public/Council Comments:
Lakewood Mayor Richardson asked where the next joint meeting would take place.
Steilacoom Mayor Lucas volunteered to host the meeting at the Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette Street, Steilacoom, Washington. He also requested comprehensive minutes from the joint meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 pm.
__________________________________
DOUGLAS G. RICHARDSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________
ALICE M. BUSH, MMC
CITY CLERK
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