HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-009 Adopting the City of Port Townsend Share the Space Policy Resolution 19-009
RESOLUTION NO. 19-009
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND SHARE THE SPACE
POLICY
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend is dedicated to providing equitable access to and
fair use of its public facilities; and,
WHEREAS,the City seeks to provide a safe and comfortable setting for all its citizens
and guests; and,
WHEREAS,the City encourages all visitors to be responsible for their safety and the
safety of children in their care;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
1. The City Council adopts the Share the Space Policy in substantially the same form as
at Exhibit A.
2. The City Manager and the Department Heads will review the Share the Space Policy
as needed.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 22nd day of January 2019,
Deborah S. Stinson
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
Joanna Sanders,
MMC w. l..le :.ircel w coo.
City Clerk City ttorrcy
Resolution 19-009, Exhibit A
Page I of 2
Cityl/ }"
Town.send
Sharing the Space Policy
Purpos
The City of Port Townsend is dedicated to providing equitable access to and fair use of its public
facilities in a comfortable and safe setting. The purpose of these rules is to promote an
environment that encourages visitors to be responsible for their personal safety, the safety of the
children in their care, the security of their personal belongings, to respect others, and protect
public property while maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.
AL)pficability.
In addition to State and local laws, these rules of conduct apply to all City of Port Townsend
facilities when regularly open to the public* and includes, but is not limited to:
• The Carnegie Library
• Charles Pink House
• City Hall
• Cotton Building
• Mountain View Commons
• Pope-Marine Building
• Public Restrooms
Rules of Conduct
1. Cell phones. Cell phones are allowed, and we provide free public Wi-Fi for internet
connection. However, we ask that you place your ringer on low or vibrate and answer
phone calls outside to prevent the disturbance of others.
2. Children. We welcome visitors of all ages, but children below the age of 9 and anyone
with special needs who requires a caregiver must be accompanied and supervised at all
times by someone age 13 or older. City staff is not responsible for the care and
supervision of children.
3. Disruption. To help ensure our visitors have a valued experience we ask that all visitors
respect each other by avoiding disruptive behavior and conduct such as: creating loud
noises, loud talking, screaming, banging on computer keyboards, lying down or
appearing to be sleeping, having feet on furniture, monopolizing resources, or other
Resolution 19-009, Exhibit A
Page 2 of 2
behavior that may reasonably result in the disturbance of others. Visitors will not
interfere with the free passage of others in or onto City premises including, but not
limited to, placing objects such a bicycles, skateboards, or leashed animals in areas where
they may impede movement or blocking aisles, exits, or entrances.
4. Personal Hygiene. To help ensure general cleanliness of the facility and to respect the
personal space and values of other visitors, shirts and shoes are required. As well,
personal hygiene and clothing conditions should be maintained so as to not unreasonably
interfere with other visitors' ability to use the facility.
5. Harassment and abuse. Physical, sexual, verbal, or any other type of harassment or
abuse of others is not allowed.
6. Drugs and Alcohol. Illegal drug use, consumption, or possession is not allowed.
Possession or use of alcohol is only permitted under specific City permits. Marijuana
use in public is prohibited. Individuals appearing intoxicated or under the influence will
be asked to leave.
7. Smoking. Smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use is not allowed inside City facilities.
When smoking or vaping outdoors, please move at least 25 feet from an entrance, open
window, or ventilation and properly dispose of ashes and other litter. (RCW 70.160.075).
8. Food and drink. We allow food and beverages indoors but reserve the right to limit or
prohibit the consumption of food and beverages within any City facility. All drinks
ideally will have a lid and no food or drinks are allowed near public library computers.
Persons with food or drinks are expected to clean up after themselves.
9. Pets. We welcome service animals to accompany their owners during a visit. RCW
49.60.040 defines "service animal" as an "animal that is trained for the purpose of
assisting or accommodating a disabled person's sensory, mental, or physical disability."
Service animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses. However, pets may only visit
with approval from City staff. All animals must be on a leash unless it specifically
prohibits the animal from carrying out his or her service. No animal may be left
unattended on City property for an extended amount of time. Short-term dog moorage is
provided at the Library outside the front door.
10. Personal belongings. Backpacks, bags, packages, or other personal belongings are
allowed in the facility, but they must remain within the visitor's personal space. They
may not be so large or cumbersome that they interfere with other patrons and may not be
left unattended at any time.
* The Share the Space Policy does not apply to facility rentals. Please refer to the City's Facility
Rentals Policy and Information for more information.
Visitors may be asked to leave the facility if these rules are not adhered to and may be
trespassed by the police.