HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 2014Our Growing Commons
David Bollier, author of The Wealth of the Commons, has written that "a commons arises whenever a
community wants to manage a resource in a collective manner, with a special regard for equitable access,
use and sustainability. It is a social form that has long lived in the shadows, but which is now on the rise."
Washingtonians manage our various commons using the fifty-seven varieties of elected bodies that exist
under Washington State law. Generally speaking, progressives favor expansions of the commons, con-
servatives don’t. First, an update on a familiar one:
Council Moves Forward on Mountain View
I wrote extensively (exhaustingly?) about the project to repair Mountain View Commons in the July Newsletter. Progress
since then includes:
Unanimous approval by Council to place a ballot measure before the voters in February seeking approval of a voted
bond in the amount of $3.6 million for the repair of Mountain View Commons.
A resolution by Council stating its intent to levy as additional property taxes no more than half of the money required
to pay off the $3.6 million (the rest to come from other sources identified by Council).
A decision to defer any energy improvements or repairs to the library or other city facilities until after the citizens vote
on the Mountain View ballot measure.
Underway but far from final: We have made considerable progress with the YMCA and other stakeholders towards de-
veloping a "Full Service Y" at Mountain View. Discussions have included the possibility of setting aside some of the bond
funds to be used for that project if it goes forward. But Council has not yet agreed to, or even deliberated on, any specific
plan or agreement at this point, and the City will continue with the repairs authorized by Council under the adopted plan.
The February ballot measure will determine the extent of those repairs.
My New Car is an Old Bicycle
I’ve had this bike since 1996 when I bought it from PT Cyclery. Its small frame fits my
small frame so I’ve replaced many of the components over the years as my use of it
has changed. I’ve added fenders, lights, chain guard, a comfortable leather seat and
―Thudbuster‖ suspension to my seat post. Most recently I’ve added an electrical assist
(OK - a motor). This is how I get around town at 15 -20 mph (as long as the weather’s
not too terrible) without having to wear spandex or arrive sweaty. I won’t head out dur-
ing a rainstorm but I pack rain gear and have often gotten home dry in a hard rain if I
have to. I’ve put over 1200 miles on the bike since February when the Broken Spoke
installed the electric assist. For recreation I mostly ride mountain bikes on trails, only
using roads to get to trails. But since the electric-assist has transformed the bicycle into practical transportation I’m on
the road, sharing space with motorists, much more than ever before.
Our Transportation Commons
These two new signs and shared lane markers (called ―Sharrows‖) on Hastings
near the town limits were installed at the beginning of October but they are not a
new regulation. They alert drivers that cyclists have as much right to be on the
road as cars, and may ―take the lane‖ if it is unsafe to move off to one side be-
cause there is not enough room to pass in this constricted, heavily-used loca-
tion.
From the Port Townsend Police Log of October 9: Water and Taylor St, Down-
town - "Officers were called when a bicyclist and a driver got into a verbal argu-
ment over lane usage on the street. Officers responded and were able to calm
down the parties involved. No crime had been committed and the parties were
sent on their way." This happens a lot, though usually without requiring police
intervention.
The state laws that govern vehicle traffic in Port Townsend are not that helpful. RCW 46.61.755 says a bicycle rider on a
public street "shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehi-
cle." RCW 46.61.770 says riders "shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe." In other words
cyclists can take the lane but should not obstruct traffic (not obstructing traffic is one of the "duties" referred to,) and ride
to the right as much as possible. So it's basically left up to us.
November 2014
The most useful document I’ve been able to find that deals with the rights of cyclists and motorists in Washington is the
Department of Licensing Document entitled, reasonably enough, Test on Driving Safely Among Bicyclists and Pedestri-
ans. It’s available here:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/drivertraining/docs/bicyclepedtest.pdf
I tend to concentrate on driver responsibilities because cyclists are the more vulnerable. Of course etiquette on our roads
is a two-way street, and local bicyclists’ behavior is often atrocious. These bad actors, mostly adults, ignore stop signs
and stoplights, dart in and out of traffic and generally don’t acknowledge the cars around them. At least half the time I
share the road with one I end up furious at cyclists - and I'm a supporter!
I have a personal interest in addressing this because, as a fellow cyclist I don’t want to be facing a driver at Sims Way
and Kearny who’s still fuming about what another rider did at Sims Way and Haines. And I don't want all the non-
bicycling drivers in our community so angered by irresponsible cycling that they won’t support sensible reinvestment in
our streets that includes increased accommodation for bicycles and other alternative forms of transportation. I believe
that local law enforcement should issue citations for traffic violations by bicycle riders just as they do for drivers. Having
said that, it’s just not going to be possible for the police to regulate bikes as effectively as they do cars, and improving
the behavior of bicycle riders will probably be most effectively accomplished by peer pressure from other riders. Which is
what I’m doing here.
Our New Electricity Commons
It's very satisfying to get around town efficiently with a little help from electrical power. (I daresay I'm becoming tiresome
about it.) It's further satisfying because in the last couple of years I've acquired an ownership interest in two electrical
power companies: my rooftop solar system, and Jefferson County Public Utility District.
I installed the solar panels a year ago last June, the same year the PUD took over Puget Sound Energy's electrical sys-
tem—adding electric power management and distribution to our local commons. Since then I have been buying my elec-
tricity, along with 25,000 or so other new owners, from myself. My two power companies have been working very well
together - managed under state law by the principle of net metering. This requires that the PUD keep track of the energy
I provide and credits me at their charge rate if I produce more power than I use. The meters on the house keep track of
everything. The PUD functions as my battery.
Utility companies concerned about meeting their fixed costs have been in the news recently as conservation and alterna-
tive sources of energy reduce revenues produced by charging for power by KWHs used. One tool for managing this
shortfall is the base fee charged to customers for being connected to the system whether they use power or not. Regu-
lated private utilities in Washington have a relatively low base rate set by the State. This encourages conservation and
private investment in alternative energy sources by maximizing the benefit to customers that reduce their power use.
Publicly owned utilities are not regulated by the state and often try to cover their fixed costs with a higher base rate. Cur-
rently our PUD is still using Puget Sound Energy’s rate structure and their basic charge is $7.49/month. Clallam County
PUD’s basic monthly charge is $23.28. Grays Harbor's is $39.55.
I accept that the management of my power system is a service that benefits me even if I don’t buy power for the period
and I want my company to make enough money so that it is able to reinvest in technology and improved services. I want
to promote innovation and sustainability but not subsidize inefficiency. And I want all of this as I continue to use fewer of
the PUD’s KWHs. Oh, and don’t raise rates.
Jefferson PUD is currently working on evaluating its cost of service as part of its rate study. Setting rates is not a cut and
dry decision for our new electrical service commons but rather a complex policy decision that will (or will not) express the
community’s aspirations that led us to take this on in the first place. How should utilities encourage conservation and
private investment in alternatives while being fair to other ratepayers? How may it help the poor, elderly and disabled?
Common Interests
Managing a commons is messy and time-consuming. I can see the attraction of simple market transactions between
suppliers and informed consumers using the invisible hand of supply and demand to drive the creation of wealth. But
though efficient the market is less good at providing ―for equitable access, use and sustainability‖ which is why we see
the growth of commons to manage resources when we all share in the consequences of that management.
Our local streets are a long-standing example of the challenges of managing a commons. Many can’t or won’t use a bi-
cycle and will always rely on cars or transit. Though we will continue to install specific accommodations like bike lanes
and mulit-use trails we have neither the funds nor the real estate to provide dedicated infrastructure for all the ways peo-
ple will want to get around. Local elected officials, Council in this case, must always operate within a framework of state
and federal regulations and with limited funds. I may criticize and second-guess the decisions of the PUD Commission-
ers that I’ve elected to run my PUD but I understand their predicament.
Regulations are useful at preventing specific actions but you cannot legislate good behavior and the challenge of manag-
ing our growing commons without growing conflicts will always ultimately depend on how individual community members
behave. Courtesy, empathy, persistence, patience and resistance to fear mongering are useful traits that come to mind.
If we can't manage our streets with our neighbors, how can we hope to manage electrical power, or water, or land use,
or climate change – our planet being the ultimate commons.
November 2014
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Citizen Advisory Board Recruitment
The following committees have either vacancies or members with terms expiring at the end of the
year. Appointments are typically for three years.
The Planning Commission provides recommendations to the City Council on land use regulations,
Comprehensive Plan amendments and other challenging planning issues. The Commission also
conducts public hearings on legislative proposals. (3 vacancies)
The Arts Commission promotes and encourages public programs to further the development and
public awareness of and interest in the arts, and to act in an advisory capacity to the City govern-
ment in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the City. Members are selected
based on their knowledge and expertise with respect to the performing, visual and literary arts. The
many activities sponsored by the Arts Commission include an annual one-act play contest and juried
art exhibitions. (2 vacancies)
The Library Advisory Board advises the City Manager and City Council concerning the operations
of the Port Townsend Library. The board offers advisory opinions concerning the supervision, care
and custody of library property; the annual operations budget; purchase of supplies and materials for
library patrons; and hours of operation for public use of the library. The board also develops policy
for the selection of books, periodicals, maps, materials, and information services for the library's op-
eration. In addition, the board may make recommendations to the City Council regarding long-range
planning of facilities and funding-based proposals. Council has approved their 2015 Work Plan.
(3 vacancies)
The Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board advises the City Council on the planning,
funding and maintenance of the City's non-motorized transportation facilities, including implementa-
tion of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and promotion of walking and bicycling for both recre-
ation and transportation throughout the City. (1 vacancy)
The Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Board advises City Council on issues related to the
City's parks, open spaces, trees and recreational opportunities. The board provides review, advice
and recommendations on the implementation of the Port Townsend Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Functional Plan and other topics that are important to maintaining and expanding the City's
commitment to conservation and legislation regarding the City's parks and trees. The board organiz-
es community efforts to maintain and protect the City's recreational assets. (1 vacancy)
The Civil Service Commission administers the Civil Service system pursuant to state law and local
Civil Service Rules for employees of the Police Department. This includes establishing dates and
types of employment and promotional examinations and certifying employment lists. Eligibility re-
quirements include United States citizenship, a minimum of three years as a City resident, and sta-
tus as a registered voter in Jefferson County. (1 vacancy)
Applications are available in the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, 250 Madison
Street. Call 379-5083 with questions and to request an application form or download from
www.cityofpt.us/boardscommissions.htm. City residency or employment within the City is a require-
ment for most positions.
Spread the Joy this Holiday Season
On behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for
Tots Program, Jefferson Transit and the Port Town-
send Kiwanis Club will be collecting new, unwrapped
toys Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations can be dropped off at the Jefferson Transit
bus parked at the old Visitor’s Information Center lo-
cation on Sims Way behind Henery’s Garden Center.
The hope is to fill Jefferson Transit’s bus with toys.
Toys will be donated to the Christmas for Children
Program serving children in need in Port Townsend,
Port Hadlock, Irondale, Nordland, Chimacum and Port
Ludlow.
Thank you for helping promote the spirit of giving.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PORT TOWNSEND DRINKING WATER
November 1, 2014
Purpose of this notification.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has determined that the City’s watershed control pro-
gram does not meet current Department expectations for being a permitted unfiltered drinking water system.
While water quality has not changed, for regulatory purposes, the water system is considered to be out of
treatment compliance. Chlorine disinfection continues to provide protection from microbial contaminants,
which generally is more than adequate for safe drinking water treatment.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated
headaches.
What is being done?
The City has chosen to build a new membrane filtration water treatment facility to meet federal drinking water
standards. Pilot testing of the selected Evoqua ultrafiltration membrane system has finished and the water
treatment plant is currently in the design phase. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in mid 2015
and be completed by October 2016. Until the treatment plant is operational customers will receive a notice
similar to this every three months.
What should I do?
This situation does not require that you take action, however people with severely compromised immune
systems, infants, and some elderly may want to seek advice about drinking water from their health care pro-
viders. More information is available through the City’s web site http://www.cityofpt.us/waterquality.htm or
from the Port Townsend Department of Water Quality (360-379-5001).
This notice is being sent to you by the City of Port Townsend. State Water System ID#: 69000R. Date distributed: November 1, 2014.
State Board Approves Grant Funding to Grow
Port Townsend’s Economic Garden
On September 18, the Washington State Communi-
ty Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved
$1.4 million in public investments, including a
$48,750 grant to the City of Port Townsend to con-
duct a feasibility study to evaluate the economic
benefit provided by planned zoning changes and
stormwater infrastructure investments along Howard
Street. City Manager David Timmons notes, “The
Howard Street/Upper Sims Way Corridor is one of
four economic anchors for the City, along with Fort
Worden and the historic districts.”
The study will include marketing analysis and strate-
gy, zoning and land use analysis, identify measura-
ble economic outcomes and data collection process-
es along with projected employment figures. “Our
goal is to return to CERB for a request to help fund
Stormwater infrastructure along the corridor,” says
Timmons.
As Washington’s strategic economic development
resource, CERB is focused on creating private sec-
tor jobs in partnership with local governments by fi-
nancing infrastructure improvements.
For more information on the City’s CERB grant, con-
tact Liz Kanieski with Capital Projects & Engineering
at 360-390-4039 or lkanieski@cityofpt.us.
Ring in the Holidays
Enjoy Victorian Port Townsend
Friday, November 28, Black Friday
Saturday, November 29,“Small Business Saturday”
Merchants' Holiday Open House
Let the Shopping Begin!
Details? www.ptmainstreet.org