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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 - October NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter October 2016 A Note from the Mayor... Deborah StinsonMayor It’s been a busy summer here in Port Townsend. As usual, we have enjoyed an abundance of lively festivals and events that entertain, educate and delight both locals and visitors from near and far. And we still have more to come as we transition into our autumn routines. Through it all, the work pace for City staff, advisory groups, volunteers and council members has remained at a fevered pitch. Here is a brief overview of some projects benefitting from that broad involvement. Our new water treatment and storage facility is nearing completion and will be coming online within a few short months. Winding down that years-long project frees up our engineering and public works department to shift their attention to the development of the new Howard Street Corridor. This economy spurring project has been years in the making and now brings reality to the vision of property that is “shovel ready” for light industrial and commercial development. With that project moving from planning to construction, a new project to repair Water Street between Tyler Street and the Ferry Terminal is entering the planning phase. This repaving project will also include replacing the water main under that section of street, improving ADA accessibility and streetscape design for safety, functionality and visual appeal. This project is in the early stages and will rely on public input to get it right, so you’ll be seeing more details in the not too distant future. Another significant project nearing completion is the 20-year update to our Comprehensive Plan. Our Planning Commission worked diligently with staff to incorporate both mandatory and optional updates to this critical planning document. They did an exemplary job of translating public input into policies and goals that will guide our develop- ment over the coming years. City Council just finished our review of the plan as presented by the Planning Commis- sion and found only a few recommendations for changes. We will be hearing public testimony on those changes, along with testimony on Temporary Tent Encampments, during our City Council meeting on October 3. We’ll then decide whether or not further changes are warranted. Depending on the degree of those changes, we will either proceed with the first reading to adopt the plan or schedule further work and hearings. In either case, we anticipate having this update completed by the end of the month. That will free up staff and council time to complete our 2017 budget work before the end of the year. We just completed one of the first steps for the budget process by updating and adopting our Financial Policy. Speaking of finances, I am very pleased to report that the City successfully completed three state audits for 2015. The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) performed an accountability audit (review of our internal controls and procedures), a financial audit and a federal audit (required for our federal grant programs). The auditor found no significant issues in any of these audits and only had a couple of minor recommendations for our procedural changes. I hope you will join me in commending our dedicated staff for achieving such stellar results. There are always a variety of topics and projects under way. Please remember to check the calendar on our website, www.cityofpt.us, to watch for topics of interest and let us know when you have questions or insights to share. 360.379.5047 • citycouncil@cityofpt.us • www.cityofpt.us MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - Citizen Advisory Board Recruitment The following committees have vacancies for citizens interested in volunteering: • 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. • 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 government 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. • 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 operation. In addition, the board may make recommendations to the City Council regarding long-range planning of facilities and funding-based proposals. • 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 organizes community efforts to maintain and protect the City's recreational assets. • 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 implementation of the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan and promotion of walking and bicycling for both recreation and transportation throughout the City. 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 requirement for most positions. CONNECT THE DOTS at GIRLS NIGHT OUT Thursday October 6th, 2016! A day and night of female camaraderie and shopping fun at Port Townsend Main Street’s “Girls’ Night Out”. The day starts with an early morning FREE Fun Run/Walk called “The Polka Dot Tiara Trot.” Meet at 7 am at The Cotton Building to register for this 1.47 mile walk/jog/run. Girls’ Night Out participating businesses will offer special events, in-store promotions and refresh- ments from 11 am to 8 pm. The evening ends with the popular “Wrap” Party at 8 pm at The Belmont. For more info, visit www.ptmainstreet.org. Get ready for trick or treating fun in the heart of the downtown historic district. The Port Townsend Main Street Promotion Committee invites pre-school through 6th graders and their parents to assemble at the 1st Security Bank Plaza at 3:45 pm for the 22nd Annual Main Street Downtown Trick or Treat and Costume Parade. The friendly Main Street Witches will lead off the parade. The parade leaves at 4 pm proceeding towards Quimper Mercantile Plaza, and the children trick or treat on the way back. For more info, visit www.ptmainstreet.org 22nd Annual Downtown Trick or Treat Monday, October 31st. 360.379.5047 • citycouncil@cityofpt.us • www.cityofpt.us It’s been a busy summer here in Port Townsend. As usual, we have enjoyed an abundance of lively festivals and events that entertain, educate and delight both locals and visitors from near and far. And we still have more to come as we transition into our autumn routines. Through it all, the work pace for City staff, advisory groups, volunteers and council members has remained at a fevered pitch. Here is a brief overview of some projects benefitting from that broad involvement. Our new water treatment and storage facility is nearing completion and will be coming online within a few short months. Winding down that years-long project frees up our engineering and public works department to shift their attention to the development of the new Howard Street Corridor. This economy spurring project has been years in the making and now brings reality to the vision of property that is “shovel ready” for light industrial and commercial development. With that project moving from planning to construction, a new project to repair Water Street between Tyler Street and the Ferry Terminal is entering the planning phase. This repaving project will also include replacing the water main under that section of street, improving ADA accessibility and streetscape design for safety, functionality and visual appeal. This project is in the early stages and will rely on public input to get it right, so you’ll be seeing more details in the not too distant future.Another significant project nearing completion is the 20-year update to our Comprehensive Plan. Our Planning Commission worked diligently with staff to incorporate both mandatory and optional updates to this critical planning document. They did an exemplary job of translating public input into policies and goals that will guide our develop-ment over the coming years. City Council just finished our review of the plan as presented by the Planning Commis-sion and found only a few recommendations for changes. We will be hearing public testimony on those changes, along with testimony on Temporary Tent Encampments, during our City Council meeting on October 3. We’ll then decide whether or not further changes are warranted. Depending on the degree of those changes, we will either proceed with the first reading to adopt the plan or schedule further work and hearings. In either case, we anticipate having this update completed by the end of the month. That will free up staff and council time to complete our 2017 budget work before the end of the year. We just completed one of the first steps for the budget process by updating and adopting our Financial Policy.Speaking of finances, I am very pleased to report that the City successfully completed three state audits for 2015. The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) performed an accountability audit (review of our internal controls and procedures), a financial audit and a federal audit (required for our federal grant programs). The auditor found no significant issues in any of these audits and only had a couple of minor recommendations for our procedural changes. I hope you will join me in commending our dedicated staff for achieving such stellar results.There are always a variety of topics and projects under way. Please remember to check the calendar on our website, www.cityofpt.us, to watch for topics of interest and let us know when you have questions or insights to share. Friends of the PT Library book sale Girls Create! Senior Camp • Jefferson County Library • Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3:30-5:30 Girls age 13-seniors in high school build, sew, light up LEDs and create amazing take-home projects and items to donate to local charities like Jefferson County Humane Society. Girls Create! Is free but space is limited, so please call the library to sign up at 385-3181. Note: This program is held at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock. The Library is providing a couple of fun, paranormal themed programs for October: Water Treatment Facility - Update The water treatment building is fully closed in and weatherized. Focus at the facility (WTF) continues on conditioning the membrane filters and preparing auxiliary support equipment. Good progress has been made on air, water and chemical piping as well as electrical and control wiring for the process equipment. The equipment supplier, Evoqua, is on site starting pumps, compressors, blowers and operating valves, as well as checking instrumentation. In late October the filters, compressed air, air scour, chemical cleaning, neutralization, and control systems will all be brought together for system start-up. It will take several weeks to adjust the process system, train operators, and receive the engineer’s and the State’s approval prior to producing water that can go into the City’s distribution system. At the reservoir, the contractor completed all elements of the pre-stressed concrete structure including polyester fabric baffles inside the tank, aluminum hatches, access ladders, and vent. The tank is ready for water. A paved trail along the east side of Rainier Street from Discovery Road to the intersection of Howard Street and 20th Street remains open. From 15th Street north, an orange construction fence provides a safety barrier to separate construction traffic from the adjacent trail. Political signs may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission. Signs are not permitted to be placed within the street right-of-way or on any public property such as city parks, the golf course or Kah Tai Lagoon. Street right-of-ways can be difficult to determine, general rule of thumb is outside of the vehicular and pedestrian traveled portions of the road. Signs must be placed on the private property side of public improve-ments such as; utility poles, sidewalks or fire hydrants. Anyone who causes damage to an underground utility in the course of erecting a sign is responsible for repair or replacement. Whats going on at the Library....Whats going on at the Library.... At the Uptown Community Center (8am Admission for Members of the Friends) - Gently used books, DVDs & CDs for adults & children. October 8th; 9am - 2pm UFOology - Maurene MorganPort Townsend LibraryFriday, Oct. 14, 7-8 pm Bigfoot Researcher - Ron MoreheadPort Townsend LibraryFriday, Oct. 7, 7-8 pm For more information on these events, please visit the Library website at: www.ptpubliclibrary.org/ Girls Create! Junior Camp • Jefferson County Library Monday, Oct. 24, 3:30-5:00 Girls age 9-12 build, craft, light up LEDs and create amazing take-home projects and items to donate to local charities like Habitat for Humanity. Girls Create! Is free but space is limited, so please call the library or go online to the library website to sign up. Note: this program is at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock. Code Compliance - Political Campaign Sign Information Size and height of signs permitted:Residential zones: 4.5 square feet per sign face. The maximum height limit for any sign is 5 feet.Commercial zones: up to 16 square feet per sign face in commercial and other (non-residential) zones. The maximum height is 5 feet for a freestanding sign and up to 17 feet for a wall sign. Removal of signs: All campaigns are advised to police their own signs and to remove signs that are not in compliance under Port Townsend Municipal Code, Signs 17.76. Candidates are urged to ensure their supporters respect the law. Signs found to be illegal in regard to size and or placement can be removed without notice. Signs removed by the City may be picked up at the City shop on Redwood St. All political signs must be removed by the campaign within 10 days after the final election. To contact the City’s Code Compliance Officer:Katie Quesada/360-379-5094/kquesada@cityofpt.us 360.379.5047 • citycouncil@cityofpt.us • www.cityofpt.us In support of National Fire Prevention Week: EJFR will be holding an open house at two stations on Saturday, Oct 15. 10am - 12pm - Uptown Fire Station - 701 Harrison St., Port Townsend & 2pm - 4 pm - Chimacum Fire Station - 9193 Rhody Dr., Chimacum We'll conduct station tours and provide coffee, punch (or similar) and cookies. There's a ton of stuff to do at Mountain View pool. We offer: Swim lessons for your kids and for you. It's never too late to learn water safety or better your stroke. • Water aerobics deep and shallow water offerings every weekday taught by qualified, gifted instructors. All ages welcome, fun encouraged. • Open swim & Family swim plenty of pool available for you and your whole family. Come on in and play with the toys and the tot dock. • Therapy swim geared toward older folks and those recovering from or getting ready for surgery, therapy swim is a slower time for our guests to enjoy all the healing properties of the water. • Discount Swim every Friday night, everybody swims for just 2 bucks! Second Sunday Swim sponsored by local businesses and community members, the second of every month is free to the public from 1-5 PM. And of course, • Lap swimming the best total body work out around is swimming and we offer lanes over 90% of our schedule. Check out the full schedule at http://cityofpt.us/pool/ And for those who wish to swim for free. It’s a perk of working here… Mountain View Pool is hiring full-time and part-time positions. And we'll train you to work here. If you or someone you know has ever wanted to become a lifeguard, now is your chance. MVP offers a blended, online and in the water Starguard training course. You can become a nationally recognized, certified lifeguard for only $175. Stop by the pool (1925 Blaine Street) to find out more information about the training. Starguard training will teach you water rescues and first aid for the professional rescuer, including CPR and AED training. Applicants must be 15 years or older and be able to swim 200 yards consecutively. See you soon, at the pool! M V PMountain View Pool Howard Street Extension - Construction Update The Howard Street project—Connecting Sims Way to Discovery Road—is now under construction. Seton Construction is the contractor for the project. Trail Detour: The Howard St. trail is detoured around the site for safety during construction. Please follow the detour signs for the new route. Seton Construction, Inc. is currently working on clearing the project area and will begin work on the installation of utilities. The project will be constructed in three phases. Phase 1—6th Street to 10th Street Sept 2016—February 2017 Phase 2—Sims Way (SR20) to 6th Street October—February Phase 3—Roundabout on Discovery Road December—May 2017 Project Notifications: The City of Port Townsend has created a blog to help communicate information in regards to the improvements occurring as part of the Howard St. Extension Project. - Instructions: Go to the City of Port Townsend’s website at www.cityofpt.us In the middle select “Capital Projects” in the drop down and press “Go!” - Under Current Projects select “Howard St. Extension” This link will then take you to the Word Press blog - On the bottom right side of the screen you will see “Follow”. Click on it and it will roll up - Enter your email address and click on “Sign me up!” - You will then receive an email from Word Press to confirm your subscription.Once you are signed up you will automatically receive all updates that are posted to the blog. Congratulations! to the Crew at the Wastewater Treatment Facility for receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award! MVP, More than just laps. Pictured Left to Right Top Row: Bob Mackey, John Merchant, Dave Rodia Bottom Row: Mike Bartkus, Jim Aman (Not pictured: Bliss Morris)