HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 - March NewsletterMarch 2016
Mayor Deborah Stinson
Water has been in the news of late both nationally and locally. The national news in-
forms us about the disturbing realities of the lead laden water in Flint, Michigan. Not
surprisingly, that brought up questions locally about lead in our water. In short, we do
not have the same exposure with our water since we do not have any lead pipes in our
water delivery system.
A selected number of homes in the City identified as having copper plumbing with lead- based solder have
been tested periodically since 1992. Port Townsend’s lead testing results have always been below the EPA
regulatory action levels thanks in part to the low acidity levels of our water. If you are concerned that your
older home may have lead-based solder, please consult with a professional to test your water and follow their
recommendations.
Water is a life-giving and life-sustaining element. As such, the provision of clean water is one of the City’s
highest priority services. Your city council and staff members have worked diligently to provide new infra-
structure that will help ensure our capacity to continue providing reliable water service to the city. Articles
elsewhere in this and the February newsletter provide an update on our new seismically sound five million-
gallon reservoir and the new filtration plant.
The cost for providing a system that meets all regulations is significant and we strive to keep those costs as
low as possible. The City has an adopted rate structure to equitably distribute that cost among the users of
that system. Some citizens have recently brought forward some very real concerns for those who struggle to
make timely utility bill payments. Our rate structure provides for those with limited means to qualify for a
fifty percent reduction on many of our utility charges. Our finance department also has some leeway to work
out payment plans for those who find themselves temporarily unable to pay their full bill. We suspect that
both these options are not being fully utilized, and will be working with our community partners to help more
eligible customers sign up.
We are also in the process of reviewing and possibly updating the criteria for our low-income utility program,
as well as our application process for that program. That said, the sooner you contact us the sooner we can
work together to keep your service intact. If you want to explore your options, please call 360-385-2700 or
click on Utility Forms on our website at www.cityofpt.us/finance. Our goal continues to be reliable delivery of
clean and affordable water to all our citizens.
This time last year we were anxiously watching as the snowpack that delivers our summer water supply
failed to materialize. Thankfully, we made it through an extremely dry season with the conservation efforts
of both our residents and the Port Townsend Paper Mill. Now we find ourselves in the midst of the wettest
winter yielding a healthy snowpack in our watershed and a full Lords Lake. Hopefully this trend will hold
through the Spring and early Summer.
It is timely that our current Community Read is about global climate change since extreme precipitation pat-
terns are one of the anticipated outcomes for our region. This is a great time to engage in the conversation;
see the article elsewhere in this newsletter for details.
Finally, I indicated last month that I would announce the date for Council’s strategic planning meeting. At
this point, I can tell you we are trying to find a workable date in April and I will report our progress in this
column next month.
Mayor Stinson is Awarded
Certificate of Municipal Leadership
Mayor Deborah Stinson recently received a
Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from
the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
Deborah Stinson completed over 30 hours of
training credits to earn this distinction.
The CML program is designed to enhance the
ability of elected municipal officials by providing knowledge
and skills to effectively operate within the law, plan for the
future, secure and manage funds and foster community and
staff relationships. To earn this certificate, the official at-
tends a variety of AWC sponsored municipal workshops.
The courses help the mayors and councilmembers learn the
essentials of municipal service and improve their ability to
work with council colleagues, city staff, and citizens.
THE COMMUNITY READ PROGRAM & HOW IT WORKS
Paradigm shift. That is the phrase I think of in relation to the City of Port Townsend Public Library’s 2016
Community Read. This year’s book is the first Community Read to be selected by a public process. We are
discussing more than a book—we are discussing our future and how we all can make a difference for the
health of our community and planet. The City has proclaimed March as the official “Reading Month.” Com-
munity Read is designed to promote closer ties among community members through the shared experi-
ence of reading, sharing, and discussing the same book and ideas raised by the book.
• Checkout a book at the library or find
a limited number of free copies at the
library and in the community.
• Join a book discussion below or
share with your own book group.
• Read the book and pass it on to oth-
ers.
• Attend related events and discus-
sions.
• All events are on the library website:
www.ptpubliclibrary.org
I am optimistic that this book will inspire involvement in grassroots efforts towards a sustainable
future.
—Melody Sky Eisler, Library Director
Animal Control Code
Update
The City is still accepting comments
on its proposed changes to its Animal
Control Code.
Council will discuss this issue at its
March 14, 2016 workshop.
Comments will be accepted on the
City’s SpeakUp site through March 7.
March 2016
Your Property Tax Dollar for 2016
City State Schools Local Schools County EMS Other*
30¢ 22¢ 22¢ 17¢ 5¢ 4¢
City Allocation:
City General Purpose 9¢
City Non Voted Fire 8¢
Voted Library 7.5¢
Voted Fire 5¢ Other: *Conservation Futures,
Voted Mountain View Bond 0.5¢ PUD, Hospital, Port
The City is conducting a "periodic update" to the Comprehensive Plan and develop-
ment regulations. In 2015, we asked for suggestions, reviewed changes in State law,
and assessed population and employment growth forecasts. On November 16, 2015,
City Council considered all the information and approved a scope of work (aka the
docket). In 2016, we will draft the revisions in accordance with the approved docket.
The update must be adopted by June 30, 2016, to ensure compliance with the Wash-
ington State Growth Management Act (GMA).
How can I get involved?
Attend meetings & provide input: Check the City’s meeting calendar at: http://www.cityofpt.us/
Check the dedicated webpage at: http://www.cityofpt.us/dsd/compplan.html
Use the links at the top of the webpage to view past meetings and documents related to the GMA Periodic Update.
Submit written comment to: 2016Update@cityofpt.us
Participate via SpeakUp: www.speakuppt.us. As we progress through the update process, we will periodically post ques-
tions on the SpeakUp Port Townsend site to gather feedback from citizens via this interactive online tool. Please check in
frequently to give your input on the each of the five Comprehensive Plan elements (i.e., Housing, Transportation, Land
Use, Capital Facilities and Utilities, and Economic Development).
Join the Discussion!
Housing Element discussion featured on SpeakUp through March 25th
Capital Facilities Element discussion on SpeakUp beginning in mid-March
Water Treatment Facility Project
Weather conditions have improved for the work at the water treatment
plant site. Both the reservoir slab at 600 cubic yards and the building
slabs are in place, are no longer subject to rain or temperatures, and
provide a clean working surface. At the reservoir, the exterior core
concrete wall is being placed in 11 segments at 40 feet high and 60
cubic yards of concrete each. At two per week, the walls should be in
place by mid-March and then work will start on the concrete roof.
Work on the reinforced masonry walls for the treatment building is in
full swing with anticipated completion by early March. Then the focus
will be on closing in the building with a metal roof. Two large fiber
glass tanks have arrived on site to set in place prior to the roof. Next
month will start the delivery of the membrane filter process equip-
ment. The Offsite contractor for water, sewer and communications
feeds to the plant is awaiting drier weather to avoid using imported
backfill caused by perched water flowing into the trenches.
Note that the new trail
installed by the project along the east side of Rainier Street
from Discovery Road is in good shape and allows safe passage
for bicyclists and walkers to connect to the trail extension from
Howard Street at 20th Street without conflict with fast moving
heavy construction equipment and delivery vehicles.
Annual Spring Clean-Up provided by DM Disposal
During Spring Clean-Up week of April 11 – 15, 2016, DM Disposal will pick up 3 extra cans/bags
of garbage and/or yard waste at no additional charge for customers inside Port Townsend city limits. DM
Disposal will also be picking up one appliance per customer. There will be a $20.00 Freon removal fee for
refrigerators and freezers, other appliances will be picked up at no cost to the customer.
Extra Garbage/Yard Waste
Curbside pick-up only.
Up to 3 extra cans/bags of garbage and/or
yard waste.
Additional cans/bags must weigh no more
than 45 lbs. when full.
Extra cans or bags of garbage or yard waste
should be placed for curb-side pick up by 7:30
am on your regular garbage pickup day.
Appliance Disposal
One (1) appliance item per household.
Acceptable appliances include:
Refrigerators and freezers. (these items will have
a $20.00 Freon removal fee and you will need to
contact DM Disposal prior to the pickup of these
items).
Stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, hot water
heaters, washers or dryers. (These items should
be placed for curb-side pick up by 7:30 am on
your regular garbage pickup day). There is no
cost to the customer for these appliances.
Special Note:
Refrigerators and Freezers must be completely empty and prior to set out the door/doors must be taped
shut or removed.
Hot water heaters, washing machines, and dish washers must be drained of all water prior to set out.
If you have any questions please call DM Disposal at (360)-385-6612