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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 August NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter City of Port Townsend 250 Madison Street (360)385-3000 www.cityofpt.us AUGUST COUNCIL MEETINGS: August 2020 08/03/20 Business Mee�ng 08/10/20 Workshop Mee�ng 08/17/20 Business Mee�ng Mee�ngs are subject to change. Please view our website calendar for an up-to -date mee�ng schedule. A NOTE FROM DEPUTY MAYOR DAVID FABER Helping Us Conserve Water Make a difference in your community – and consider applying to be on a Ci�zen Advisory Boards or Commi�ee. Visit our website for board/commi�ee descrip�ons, applica�ons, and mee�ng schedules. www.cityofpt.us For more informa�on contact the City Clerk’s Office at (360) 379-5083. The following boards and Commi�ees have vacancies: • Ac�ve Transporta�on Advisory Board • Lodging Tax Advisory Commi�ee (collector) • Parks, Recrea�on and Tree Advisory Board • Planning Commission Hi folks! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is David Faber and I'm your Deputy Mayor. Mayor Sandoval asked that I "pen" this month’s newsle�er message and as any good poli�cian, I couldn’t wait to write a self-aggrandizing fluff piece. Then she told me to rein it in and focus on what our City government is doing for our community. I suppose that's a good use of this column... First off, we are very pleased that so many of our City staff are now back at work, restar�ng some of the services that had to be temporarily suspended due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. Though the pandemic is anything but over, we have found ways to effec�vely provide community services safely and hygienically so that everyone can remain as healthy as possible. Speaking of services returning to (the new) normal: most park facili�es are back to regular opera�on and our library staff are working hard to meet patron needs. Plus, as always, our City crews con�nue to ensure that water flows in when we open our faucets and flows out when we flush our toilets. Our City Council mee�ngs are also proceeding digitally and likely will for the foreseeable future. Though my dog likes to bark at me occasionally during mee�ngs (which gets pre�y distrac�ng while I’m trying to deliver remarks), our remote mee�ng process has been effec�ve and I have been well impressed with the level of public involvement. If you’d like to a�end our upcoming mee�ngs, you can find instruc�ons for joining on the City website under the relevant agenda at:www.cityofpt.us/citycouncil/page/agendasminutesvideos. Lastly, the City is con�nuing to try to address and respond to the many issues that our community is facing, including issues surrounding our golf course, policing, and local resilience and recovery from this public health crisis. I hope that you feel as though your voice is heard and that you are an integral part of Port Townsend, and I’m sure I speak for each of the Council Members when I say that we want to hear from you. Thank you and I hope this beau�ful summer weather con�nues! Summer has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Along with summer comes increased water usage for maintaining yards and gardens, washing cars, and maybe even running through the sprinkler on a hot day. Port Townsend’s water supply also decreases this �me of the year as the snowpack has mostly melted and there is typically almost no rainfall. This is a good �me to let your grass grow dormant but if you choose to water your lawn or garden, please do so early in the morning or in the evening. Cliff Mass, University of Washington Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, explains the science of spray at:www.cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/08/how-to-reduce-water-waste-from.html. You can also help extend our limited water resources by applying the conserva�on prac�ces found here: www.cityofpt.us/publicworks/page/water-conserva�on-�ps We’re a community that will not be stopped by the current pandemic. We’ve shown that we’re tough, innova�ve and resilient. It’s true that a lot of people and organiza�ons are really struggling, but we will persevere by caring for each other, trying new things and keeping our collec�ve eyes on the future we want. While many City staff were furloughed temporarily for months, many of them have returned. City opera�ons have not stopped during this �me, and I’d like to thank the staff who worked hard through very challenging circumstances to keep us all moving. There’s s�ll quite a backlog, so please have pa�ence as we priori�ze the work and keep our focus on the community we serve. One of the areas where there’s quite a backlog is in public engagement on several important issues that affect all of us. This may include budget, annexa�on, discovery road, golf course, library, mill, public safety, recovery, shoreline, sewer ou�all, and streets. How are we going to have a conversa�on as a community about the best op�ons forward for each? How is the City going to gather meaningful community input to feed into the decision-making process, especially in a �me where safe physical distancing is required? What is the vision for the future and how do decisions on these issues connect together and help us get there? Engaging together on issues like these is difficult even without a pandemic as a backdrop – so this presents a real challenge for the City and for all of us. But I believe we’re up for the challenge. That’s why I’m excited and proud to launch Engage PT. What Is Engage PT? Engage PT is a yearly campaign – a clear, coordinated and consolidated approach to community-led, integrated decision-making. With a visible brand and mul�ple ways to be engaged and involved, Engage PT generates awareness, excitement and interest in being part of the collec�ve solu�on. All of the issues above will come together so it’s easier to have your say on each while recognizing each ini�a�ve is integrated into holis�c policy making for our City. Through Engage PT, the City intends to reach a wider diversity of our residents, recognizing that some people are simply not heard or may not have the �me or interest to engage. Broader community engagement isn’t just important to inform the decisions that affect us all, it is also important as a crea�ve community process that is fun and builds a more cohesive, inclusive and caring community. What Does Engage PT look like? You can find out more about Engage PT at: • Our new website: www.cityofpt.us/administra�on/page/engage-pt. The website has background on each engage ment ini�a�ve. We’ll also be rolling out online engagement tools like the ini�al survey that’s there now to start captur ing your preferences, ideas and comments. • Outdoor events like the Port Townsend Farmers Market (star�ng Saturday 8/8 from 9am. - 1pm), where we’ll have printed materials, comment cards and a friendly and masked staff person eager to help you learn more. • Experiments in community art, including regular opportuni�es to use street chalk to answer weekly ques�ons and paint a picture of your vision for the future. • Small group neighborhood conversa�ons. Get a small group together safely (outside, masked, less than 10), download or request a mailed packet of background materials and comment sheets, and start genera�ng ideas that feed directly back into all decision-making. You’ll also see and hear about Engage PT on the City Facebook page, on the radio, on Zoom calls, in the newspaper, and in future edi�ons of this City newsle�er. We’ll be con�nuously upda�ng the opportuni�es as we roll out the campaign the rest of this year – so stay tuned! Engage today for a be�er tomorrow. City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us A Note From City Manager John Mauro ENGAGE PT City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us Our County’s Role in Climate Change Library Events In 2007, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend commi�ed to the goal of reducing the area’s greenhouse gas emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050, with an interim goal for 2020 to reduce emissions by 15%. The recently released Jefferson County 2018 Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions assesses the progress made toward these goals. City Government Opera�ons Reduce Carbon Footprint The study reveals that total 2018 emissions from City government opera�ons decreased 54% from 2005, well ahead of the goal for 2020 of an 18% decrease in emissions from 2005 levels. Emissions from City buildings and other facili�es fell by 37%, driven primarily by the 2013 change in electricity supplier to Jefferson County P.U.D., which acquires its electricity from Bonneville Power Administra�on (BPA). BPA electricity is sourced primarily from hydropower, a low-emissions resource. Emissions from City opera�ons declined even though electricity use increased 47%. Electricity use by street lights was reduced significantly as older technology was replaced with LED ligh�ng. Vehicle fleet emissions increased slightly (2%), and employee commute emissions increased by 84%. Water and wastewater treatment electricity usage decreased by 9%, and propane usage for wastewater treatment was eliminated. County-wide: Transporta�on Emissions Rising As a community, Jefferson County reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40% since 2005. The biggest declines relate to Port Townsend Paper Corpora�on efficiency improvements, and because of East Jefferson’s 2013 switch to hydropower. Transporta�on is the greatest single contributor of greenhouse gas emissions for the en�re community, accoun�ng for 66% of the CO2 generated county-wide. The report also calculated emissions from the commercial, industrial, agricultural, solid waste stream, and forestry sectors of our economy. The inventory, sponsored by the Jefferson County and City of Port Townsend Climate Ac�on Commi�ee, includes emissions data from all member organiza�ons: Jefferson County, City of Port Townsend, Jefferson Transit, Port of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Paper Corpora�on, Jefferson P.U.D, and Jefferson Healthcare. Consump�on Based Emissions The majority of the inventory focuses on measuring the precise amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated within Jefferson County. An alternate view of our county’s role in climate change is to es�mate how our collec�ve consump�on of goods and services produced elsewhere contributes to emissions in other places. The report includes a sec�on es�ma�ng those “consump�on-based” emissions; and details how emissions result from the choices we make as individual consumers. A brochure summarizing the key findings and an electronic copy of the full report are available at: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/637/Climate-Ac�onCommi�ee (under Documents). Summer Reading Final Count Down Summer isn’t over quite yet, and neither is the Summer Reading Program at Port Townsend Public Library! You can s�ll register and log any hours you have read star�ng on June 15th. Children and teens who read and log 50 hours will get a Super Reader t-shirt designed by local ar�st, Faith Pray. Adults can also get a t-shirt by comple�ng 100 hours of reading. You must log all �me and claim prizes by August 28th at 5pm. T-shirts awarded while supplies last. Thanks to the Port Townsend Friend of the Library for generously sponsoring this program. The Art and Wri�ng of Erwin Dence Thursday, August 20th, 7pm Live Online - www.zoom.us/s/91279664230 Erwin's wri�ng and art can be found on his website, www.realsurfers.net. He was a long-�me columnist for the PT Leader with his beloved column, So, Anyway..., He is currently at work on his novel Swamis. City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360)385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us Introducing City Staff Introducing Your City Department Directors Heidi Greenwood, City A�orneyI love being near the water. My favorite part of my job is the variety. I get to work on many different issues. Alex Wisniewski, Parks, Recrea�on and Community Services DirectorThe astonishingly beauty of Port Townsend – surrounded by mountains and water on all sides! Making posi�ve impacts on community mem-bers; managing beloved parks, trails and facili�es; posi�oning for a more sustainable future. Melody Sky Eisler, Library DirectorI love the vibrant arts and literary community and of course the 107 year old Carnegie Library. The people! Libraries bring together people from all different walks of life to celebrate stories. The City team is one team. City departments and staff work together to deliver the services you depend on – something we’re increasingly commi�ed to. Some staff and department heads have been here for awhile, others have only recently joined – so especially in �mes where direct engagement is limited, we want to ensure you know who’s who. Beyond leading their teams, Department Directors also spend a good deal of �me together. During the first three months of the COVID crisis, they met daily (online) to ensure a coordinated, cohesive response. They also meet quarterly for half a day to align the overall workplan, brainstorm new ini�a�ves, and build a more collabora�ve leadership style and a more cohesive team.Learn from each Director what they love about Port Townsend and what’s the favorite part of their job: Lance Bailey, Development Services DirectorIt's a small town with big dreams. Everyday is a fresh challenge Nora Mitchell, Finance & Administra�ve Services Director I love Port Townsend’s rich, diverse history and natural beauty. As I drive into town and see the water and mountain views, I feel inspired! I am proud to manage financial, human and informa�on resources – all vital to the success of our small City. Steve King, Public Works DirectorThe assets of the built and natural environment along with the area's history. Working with staff, peers, and the public to serve the community. How long have you worked at the City of Port Townsend?11 years. What do you currently do in terms of job du�es?I handle procurement and accounts payable, so I process and pay all the City’s bills. I also administer the City’s purchase card program, and I assist staff with travel and training reimbursements. What do you like or enjoy most about working at the City?I think I am lucky to work in such a beau�ful part of the world. I also enjoy my coworkers. We have a great group of people here at the City. How has COVID effected your posi�on and the Finance Team as a whole?Covid hit us pre�y hard, like I’m sure everyone feels right now. I was a lucky one that did not get furloughed, but we had our own set of obstacles, for those of us le� behind. We had to make sure all the Finance du�es s�ll got completed daily, but with about half the normal staff. We are so happy to have our team back at work. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself, your job, or your team with the public?I love what I do and am lucky to work where I do. I love mee�ng and talking to new people, bonus if you have a funny child or animal story to share. Once the City building is back open to the public, stop by and say hi! Have you ever wondered who fills potholes, fixes water leaks, mows parks, tests wastewater, reviews permits, cleans buildings, shelves books, responds to 911 calls, prepares council minutes, or processes u�lity payments? Over the coming months, we’ll profile a City staff person so you can learn a bit more about the team and their work from their perspec�ve. This week: Bobbi Carver, from our Finance team. Troy Surber, Interim Police ChiefI’ve lived and worked here for more than 23 years and appreciate the beau�ful scenery, the peaceful environment, and the strong sense of community. I get the opportunity every day to connect with members of our community and work with remarkable people.