HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 October NewsletterLast month’s ar�cle reflected on how we are part of a
greater environmental ecosystem that must be nurtured
and protected. The same can be said for our civic
ecosystem here on the Olympic Peninsula. Our rural
region is populated with a variety of small ci�es and
municipali�es, each with their own challenges and
concerns. What happens to one neighbor can affect us
and vise versa. Nurturing good rela�onships with our
neighbors allows us to learn from each other and to
support one another in �mes of need.
One of our long-�me neighbors is the US Navy. Several
of its mission driven ac�vi�es are crea�ng serious
challenges and concerns here at home and in other
neighboring communi�es. While we all appreciate our
armed forces and their need to be adequately trained,
we also acknowledge our residents who deeply care
about the impacts they experience from Navy opera�ons
in and around our communi�es. Leaders from around
the region rou�nely hear from cons�tuents and our
many visitors about nega�ve experiences of jet noise,
fears of onshore warfare training, and concerns for sea
life.
Commanding officers of the local bases have been
responsive to these concerns when it is within their
scope of authority, and they alert the chain of command
when concerns cannot be addressed locally. As a result,
the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, visited the
naval air sta�on on Whidbey Island in mid-September.
Secretary Spencer briefly addressed our group of region-
al leaders before opening the floor to a robust Q&A
session. My key takeaway was his acknowledgment that
we, the Navy and local leaders, have serious challenges
that can only be solved by working together.
I have renewed hope that con�nued work with the
Navy and our neighboring municipali�es, along with
state and federal support, will chart a path that
supports our Navy in safely mee�ng its mission while
also protec�ng the natural environment and social
fabric of our communi�es.
We are also enjoying a strengthening of our partnerships
with sovereign neighbors. Port Townsend has been
enriched this past year by many contribu�ons from the
S’Klallam Tribes and we appreciate and honor that. A
presenta�on by Chairman Ron Allen of the
Jamestown S’Klallam provided local leaders a much
deeper understanding of the complex issues that
tribes must manage.
Addi�onally, our residents have been educated by
some powerful indigenous storytelling programs
offered through the Jefferson Historical Society. The
Welcome Totem Pole gi�ed to the Northwest Mari�me
Center provides an unmistakable statement about our
shared connec�on to the Salish Sea. And the čičməhán
Trail created through the Tribes’ partnership with the
Na�ve Connec�ons Ac�on Group of the Quimper
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship helps everyone
further appreciate that Port Townsend thrives on the
tradi�onal territory of the S’Kallam Tribes.
Formal recogni�on of the significance of past and
present contribu�ons by the many indigenous peoples’
in and around Port Townsend will be made with an
updated proclama�on of Indigenous Peoples Day. The
proclama�on will be delivered as we begin our City
Council mee�ng at 6:30 PM on October 14, 2019. I
hope you can join us, and/or par�cipate in celebra�ons
being planned by others to take place earlier in the
day.
October 2019 Newsletter
The mayor’s update
Make A Difference - Volunteer on a City Board/Commission
Consider applying today for vacancies on the following Council Advisory Boards and Commissions. Visit our website for
descrip�ons, applica�ons, and mee�ng schedules or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (360)379-5083 for more informa�on.www.cityofpt.us/bc/page/boards-and-commissions
Ac�ve Transporta�on Advisory Board | Arts Commission | Civil Service Commission | Parks, Recrea�on and Tree Advisory Board | Lodging Tax Advisory Commi�ee (collector posi�on) | Planning Commission
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
Capital Project Updates
Political Signs
9th Street SidewalkDuring the course of the work, Project Manager Tyler Johnson was asked by several residents why 9th street was chosen as the loca�on for the sidewalk. We chose to build a sidewalk on 9th street for several reasons: the project is listed as a priority in the Non-Motorized Transporta�on Plan, the sidewalk completes a “gap” between exis�ng sidewalks, there are many apartment and hospital users, and there is ample right-of-way and gentle grades to reduce costs. The complete sidewalk project was funded by a grant to the City by the Transporta�on Improvement Board in the amount of $250,000. Addi�onal money from the grant will be used to install several wheelchair ramps on Washington Street.
Visitor CenterThe Visitor Center is coming along ahead of schedule, with the cement for the founda�on of the sculpture having been poured a couple of weeks ago. All the concrete has been poured, and the next areas of focus are the new road, landscaping, and installa�on of the sculpture.
The installa�on of the sculpture is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2. Paving will occur on October 8 and 9. There will be a dedica�on ceremony for the sculpture reveal that will take place on November 2, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to a�end.
Fall Storm Drain CleaningThe Streets crew will begin catch basin cleaning in Late October – Early November. The route is yet to be determined, but will likely start at the courthouse and work downtown.
The crews will be taking the lids of the catch basins off, to measure how much debris (leaves, etc) is in there, and suck it out with a VACTOR truck if necessary. There should not be any interrup�ons to the flow of traffic.
As poli�cal campaigns con�nue to gear up for the elec�on, it may be valuable to review the City's regula�ons on poli�cal
signage and placement of signs. For more informa�on contact Suzanne Wassmer in DSD (360) 385-0644.
Permi�ed sign loca�ons: Poli�cal signs may be erected on private property only with the property owner's permission. Signs
are not permi�ed to be placed within rights-of-ways or on any public property such as City parks, the golf course, or Kah Tai
Lagoon. Because it is o�en difficult to know where public property ends and private property begins, the rule of thumb is: All
signs must be outside the vehicle and pedestrian travel way. Where public improvements such as u�lity poles, sidewalks, or fire
hydrants are present, signs must be placed on the private property side of all such improvements.
In the absence of u�lity poles, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, or other public improvements, signs should not be placed in the
road shoulder or mowed areas in the path of pedestrians or vehicles pulling off the road. Signs should not be placed in mowed
areas adjacent to roadways unless they are placed within someone's lawn or landscaping. Anyone who causes damage to an
underground u�lity in the course of erec�ng a sign is responsible for repair or replacement.
Size and height of signs permi�ed:
Residen�al zones: 4.5 square feet per sign face. The top of a freestanding sign may not exceed 5 feet when measured from the
adjacent grade.
Commercial zones: Up to 16 square feet per sign face in commercial and other non-residen�al zones. The top of a freestanding
sign may not exceed 5 feet when measured from the adjacent grade. The top of a wall sign may not exceed 17 feet when
measured from adjacent grade.
Number of signs permi�ed: There is no limit on the number of poli�cal signs permi�ed on private property, as long as each
sign is within the size limit and properly placed.
Great Washington Shakeout Drill - October 17 at 10:17 a.m.
This is a state-wide earthquake drill. You will hear the All Hazard sirens sounding off at 10:17 a.m.
You can find more informa�on at www.shakeout.org/washington/
DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON where ever you are, at 10:17 on 10/17!
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
JOIN US AT THE LIBRARY!
A Deadly Wind with John Dodge
Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join author John Dodge for an evening talk about his
book A Deadly Wind.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Port Townsend Community Center
Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(members of the Friends admi�ed at 8 a.m.)
CDs, DVDs and a myriad of books!
Halloween Story�me Bash
Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - 10:15 a.m.
Join us for a special Halloween family story�me.
Bring all the kids for stories, songs, rhymes, and
Spooktacular fun! Costumes are encouraged.
Get a Library card this Fall
This is a �me when the American Library Associa�on
(ALA) and libraries na�onwide join together to remind
parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a
library card is the first step towards academic
achievement and lifelong learning. So visit your local
library during the Fall to see what's new at the library
and get a new library card. Do you have friends who
don't have library cards? Invite them to the library too.
The more the merrier! To get a new library card bring
photo ID and a proof of address like a u�lity bill. The
process only takes a few minutes and contributes to a
life�me of explora�on, entertainment, and
educa�on.
For more informa�on about library events visit www.ptpubliclibrary.org
City Library Director Receives Award
Melody Sky Eisler is our Library Director for the Port Townsend Public Library and has worked in libraries for over 14
years, with the last four and a half of those years with the City of Port Townsend. She was inspired to become a librarian
when she visited the Library of Alexandra, while studying arts and culture as an undergraduate in Egypt in the early
2000s. She received her Master of Library and Informa�on Science degree from the University of Washington’s iSchool
in 2010.
In 2010 a�er gradua�ng, Melody a�ended PNLA LEADS, a compe��ve library leadership ins�tute hosted by the Pacific
Northwest Library Associa�on (PNLA) while she lived and worked in Boise, Idaho. The PNLA is a library associa�on for
the northwest United States and Canada, which offers a leadership ins�tute for library professionals. A�ending the
leadership ins�tute was transforma�ve for her career and how she came to Washington as she met a mentor who
encouraged her to apply for a leadership posi�on at Kitsap Regional Library. In 2017, Melody was able to a�end the
LEADS Ins�tute as a mentor when it came here to Port Townsend at Fort Worden, and as a mentor was able to help
future library leaders learn and grow.
PNLA LEADS had incredible leadership trainers for the ins�tutes un�l they re�red in 2017.
PNLA asked Melody and her colleague Brianna Hoffman to help assess the state of the
leadership field for libraries and present recommenda�ons for the future of LEADS.
Melody and Brianna spent six months surveying LEADS graduates to understand the
impacts and outcomes the ins�tute had on their careers and leadership paths. Next, they
researched other library and community leadership programs in the northwest and
beyond to get a state of the field perspec�ve. Finally, Melody and her colleague submi�ed
an 80+ page report to the board of PNLA with their findings and recommenda�ons. This
report was instrumental for PNLA during their leadership conference and in con�nuing
with the future of the LEADS Ins�tutes. All of Melody and Brianna’s hard work and
dedica�on to helping future leaders earned them both the “President’s Dis�nguished
Service Award” for making excep�onal and significant contribu�ons to the organiza�on.
“I think it is essential that leaders lift up others to be leaders” said Melody while reflec�ng
on her award. Melody feels deeply honored to receive an award from an organiza�on
that literally changed her life and helped lead her to Washington through a series of
serendipity. She expressed her deep gra�tude to her City and Library teams in Port
Townsend as they have helped make her a be�er leader through a posi�ve growth
environment.
Melody is passionate about leadership development and loves to read, make art, as well
as go explore the wild Olympics with her partner James and their lovable ca�le dog Gryfin.
Ar�cle wri�en by Kelly Graves
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
Community Happenings
HAUNTED HISTORIES & MYSTERIES OF PORT TOWNSENDFriday and Saturday - November 1 and 2, 2019
Enter the World of the Unknown! Port Townsend, founded in 1851, is recognized as one of the finest examples of a Victorian Seaport in the na�on. Our colorful town has many tales to tell—of shipwrecks, strange deaths, shanghaiing, and a haunted past that is felt in the present.
Prepare to be intrigued, entertained, educated and yes, even frightened during your �me spent immersed in the haunted atmosphere of our historic seaport. Learn some fascina�ng facts, gain access to inaccessible spaces, and hear real life ghost stories.
Come for ghostly fun and intrigue along the waterfront at one of our town’s newest events. This event is presented by the Port Townsend Main Street Program and The Jefferson County Historical Society. Sponsored by The Tunnel Tavern. Media partner: The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader.
• Guided “Haunted Walks” Downtown with Key City Public Theatre actors • Paranormal Inves�ga�ons in historic buildings • Key City Jail Break: Escape from the Museum at The Jefferson Museum of Art and History • “An Evening with Ankhasha” Psychic Presenta�on • Flashlight Tours of the Rothschild House • DIY Paranormal Classes • History Tour of the historic Has�ngs Building, built 1889 • Self-guided tour of 17 cemeteries in the county • Museum Ghost mural booklet self-guiding tour • “Tell Your Ghost Tales” • “Boo’s & Spirits” Mixer—social event
Explore Port Townsend’s haunts and be open to the possibili�es… Tickets at www.eventbrite.com –“Haunted Histories & Mysteries of Port Townsend.” Some restric�ons apply. Subject to change. See FAQ & details at www.ptmainstreet.org
The Port Townsend Main Street Program’s Annual Downtown Trick or Treat October 31st Celebrates 25 years of Spook-tacular Fun in 2019.
The Port Townsend Main Street Family Portrait –Town Photo Will be Taken at Start of ParadeGather at 4:00 p.m.—Come in Costume!
The Port Townsend Main Street Program invites trick or treaters and their families to come downtown to par�cipate in the 25th Annual Main Street Downtown Trick or Treat on October 31st, 2019. Tocommemorate this milestone, the Port Townsend Main Street Program Promo�on Commi�ee is scheduling the Main Street Town Photo for the start of the parade! The friendly Main Street Witches will be in the front row, and then lead off the parade a�er the photo. Gather at Water and Adams Streets at 4:00 pm. The photo will be taken at 4:15 p.m. sharp! The Downtown Trick or Treat is sponsored by The Old Whiskey Mill, Olympic Peninsula Steam, and many generous merchants. Printery Communica�ons will print the Family Portrait Town Photo posters, as they have done since 1985! The photo will be taken by David Conklin, of Conklinphoto.com. Mike Kenna of Printery Communica�ons and East Jefferson Fire & Rescue will assist with the photo. Special thanks to Port Townsend Police Dept. Come in costume!
Questions?
Contact: Alex Wisniewski | Director
tel. 360.344.3064 AWisniewski@cityofpt.us
https://cityofpt.us/parksrec
WHERE: The Cotton Building, 607 Water Street
WHEN: October 12 from10-2pm
PRESENTATIONS ON THE HOUR
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Port Townsend is developing an update to its 2014 Parks,
Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan! Our new 2020 plan
will be based on an extensive public outreach process & will:
• Create a vision for Port Townsend’s system of parks, recreation
facilities, programs, and services to meet the needs of the
community;
• Inventory parks facilities, recreation programs and users, as
well as needs and trends;
• Establish specific goals, objectives, recommendations, and
actions for developing, conserving, and maintaining quality
parks, trails, facilities, and open space and providing quality
programs;
• Identify service levels, costs, and funding options; and
• Recommend implementation strategies including phasing,
partnerships, and others.
#VisioningPTparks #PTPROSPlan
YOU’RE
INVITED!
Visioning your
City Parks
Workshop
PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE (PROS) PLAN
1925 Blaine Street 360-385-7665 www.cityofpt.us/pool