HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-023 Suspending Utility Shut-Offs, Late Fees, and Penalties until August 31, 2021 Resolution 21-023
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RESOLUTION NO. 21-023
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, SUSPENDING UTILITY SHUT-OFFS, LATE FEES AND PENALTIES
UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2021
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend(City) is a non-charter code city organized under
Title 35A RCW; and
WHEREAS, RCW 38.52.070 has authorized the creation of local organizations for
emergency management within the City and authorized additional authority to combat
emergencies; and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Public Health and
Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public emergency for the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19)beginning on January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed a Proclamation declaring
a State of Emergency exists in all counties in the State of Washington due to the number of
confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and directed that the plans and procedures of the
Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Port Townsend Municipal Code 9.40.030, the Port
Townsend Police Chief(or Emergency Manager as designee) is designated to administer the
Emergency Management Organization; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager and City Emergency Manager have reported to the
Mayor of the City of Port Townsend that a state of emergency exists within the City of Port
Townsend based upon the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington State;
and
WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies the
potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 as high and has advised that person-to-person
spread of COVID-19 will continue to occur; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States declared a national emergency regarding
the novel coronavirus on March 13, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Health has confirmed localized
person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in Washington State, significantly increasing the risk of
exposure and infection to the general public and creating an extreme public health risk that may
spread quickly; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager and Mayor jointly signed a statement declaring a public
health emergency on March 13, 2020 which was ratified by the Port Townsend City Council on
March 16, 2020; and
Resolution 21-023
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WHEREAS, local businesses have recently reported laying off employees, experiencing
severe revenue losses, dealing with lost business due to misplaced fear and stigma, and seeing
major declines in foot traffic as many employees are being asked to work from home; and
WHEREAS, these impacts are being felt across all industry sectors, including retail,
restaurant, hospitality, transportation, logistics, arts and culture, and many more; and
WHEREAS, the economic impact may have long-term, dynamic and unpredictable local
and regional consequences, necessitating the City to act and plan accordingly; and
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation by the
Governor 20-25 "Stay Home— Stay Healthy"that ordered residents to remain home unless
engaging in essential services or working in essential businesses or services; and
WHEREAS, a number of City departments have strategized immediate interventions for
affected local small businesses and displaced workers; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Manager jointly issued a proclamation waiving utility
shut-offs, late fees and penalties through June 30, 2020 on March 23, 2020;
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend City Council ratified that proclamation on April 6,
2020; and
WHEREAS, on June 15, 2020, Council approved Resolution 20-033 that waived utility
shut-offs, late fees, and penalties through August 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2020, Council approved Resolution 20-048 that waived
utility shut-offs, late fees, and penalties through December 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2020 Council approved Resolution 20-062 that waived
utility shut-offs, late fees, and penalties through April 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the global pandemic continues to negatively impact Port Townsend
residents and businesses;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend:
1. The City of Port Townsend will waive all late fees and penalties, as listed in Port
Townsend Municipal Code ("PTMC") 13.05.090, for utility accounts from March 1, 2020
through August 31, 2021
2. The City of Port Townsend will not shut-off water nor require full payment of unpaid
utility accounts prior to restoring service as described in PTMC 13.05.100 from March 1,
2020 through August 31, 2021.
Resolution 21-023
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ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 19th day of April 2021.
Michelle Sandoval
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
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Joanna Sanders,
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City Clerk City Attorney