HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 May NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
City of Port Townsend
250 Madison Street
(360)385-3000
www.cityofpt.us
MAY CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS:
May 2021
05/03/21: Business Mee�ng
05/10/21: Workshop Mee�ng
05/17/21: Business Mee�ng
Mee�ngs are subject to
change. Please view our
website calendar for an
up-to-date mee�ng schedule.
www.cityofpt.us/calendar
A Note From City Manager John Mauro
Inves�ng in Our Trails, Parks and Streets
Our community deeply values its open space, trails, parks and streets –
and my family is no excep�on. As a community, we are unusually rich in
natural assets and beauty, but like many communi�es, we struggle to
keep up with ongoing and deferred maintenance and the community’s
desire for improved access and amenity. Each year through the budget
process we have a chance as a community to determine how to best use
our limited funding. We generally rely on func�onal plans– like the Transporta�on
Improvement Plan or the Parks, Recrea�on and Open Space (PROS) Plan –
that received broad community input to base recommenda�ons to City
Council. This year, we have another opportunity to consider in advance of
the budget process. It’s called banked capacity and allows us to consider
levying up to $600,000 of funding for specific uses.
How We Got Here – and What Banked Capacity Means
In February 2019, residents approved adding Port Townsend to East
Jefferson Fire & Rescue (EJFR) fire district. EJFR now collects the dedicated
Fire and EMS levies from City property taxpayers directly. In addi�on to
the dedicated levies, the City was subsidizing fire service through the
general property tax levy. The City no longer makes payments from the
general fund for fire protec�on. The City agreed to suspend the collec�on
of an equivalent amount of property taxes it would have paid EJFR from
the general levy – a reduc�on of the City levy or a “banked capacity” of
about $900,000. An agreement with the fire district and a policy adopted
by City Council spelled out an approach that allows increased levies of the
banked capacity over the course of four years. For the first three years,
funding is restricted to four main uses consistent with exis�ng plans: local
roads, parks and trails, the City’s housing trust fund and u�lity tax relief.
In 2020, the City decided not to levy any of the possible $300,000 banked
capacity given the dire COVID situa�on and its related impacts. Now in
2021, the City is considering whether to levy up to $600,000 in banked
capacity for use in 2022. In 2022, that “banked capacity” goes to
$900,000 and stays at that level a�er that; the restricted use requirement
sunsets in 2023.
Financial Sustainability
The City is experiencing steady increases in the cost of services while tax
revenues are not keeping up. This divergence of increasing costs in excess
of revenues will result in a steady erosion of services. This problem is compounded
by the present need to address numerous deferred maintenance projects
such as streets, city buildings, parks, and fleet in which zero revenue is
currently available. It also is informed by and impacts decisions set for
2021, including the nego�a�on of a water agreement with the Mill, a
comprehensive streets program, and a general sewer plan. Beyond those
projects, it will take many years to cra� and adopt sustainable solu�ons.
We start that journey this year – stay tuned to learn more about a Financial
Sustainability Task Force and how to stay engaged.
Consider applying to be on a City Advisory Board or Commission. Visit our
website for 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
Commissions have current
and upcoming vacancies:
• Arts Commission• Historic Preserva�on Commi�ee• Library Advisory Board• Lodging Tax Advisory Commi�ee• Parks, Recrea�on and Tree Advisory Board• Planning Commission
What to Expect
Funding of up to $600,000 can be used to make a posi�ve impact in our community, but given levels of need,
it can only go so far. Moreover, provided the community supports levying any of the banked capacity, the
rela�vely small amount of funding and the fact that the City and community will face a similar decision over
the next two years puts a premium on quickly delivering visible projects with tangible benefits and no hidden
costs. Drawing from exis�ng plans, the City will be pu�ng forward a proposed package of investments. A
virtual town-hall style event will help us all understand the approach, concepts, projects and decision ahead.
A survey and follow up events will help gain a sense of community interest and support for the proposal and
at what level. The City Advisory Boards will be crucial to hone the package and help communicate what priori�es
are already in the exis�ng plans. Finally, I will forward a recommenda�on to City Council in the summer for
their considera�on and a vote. Stay informed and involved through our Facebook page, on Engage PT
(www.cityofpt.us/engage) and in my weekly KPTZ broadcasts from 12:30-1pm each Thursday.
Thank you Chief Surber!
Interim Chief Troy Surber is re�ring later this month a�er nearly 24 years of dedicated service to the community
of Port Townsend. When Chief Mike Evans le� and Troy was asked to fill an interim chief role, no one knew
that a pandemic was about to hit. Two months became over a year and Troy served marvelously to ensure the
safety of our community, courageously to staff the Ad Hoc Commi�ee on Public Safety, and diligently to
prepare for the next Police Chief and keep his team together. Troy has been a big part of the Police team’s
enduring success over the decades, serving in almost every conceivable role and likely mee�ng almost all of
our community members. Many of you have wonderful stories of Troy’s ability to connect with us all over the
years. We look forward to finding a way to celebrate his career when we’re able to gather again. Meanwhile,
we’re lucky to keep seeing him around town – perhaps a bit more relaxed and out of uniform. Thank you for
your service and dedica�on, Chief Surber!
Welcome Chief Olson!
A warm welcome to Chief Thomas Olson. Chief Olson rose to the top of a very compe��ve field
of candidates in an extensive selec�on process, including both a community stakeholder panel
and a virtual community meet-and-greet. Aside from demonstra�ng a posi�ve, collabora�ve,
professional approach to his work, he also showed a remarkable understanding of Port
Townsend and our community and comes with decades of successful leadership experience.
Chief Olson and his family are reloca�ng from Auburn, WA, a�er his recent service as Deputy
Chief at the University of Washington. Chief Olson has also served in the Washington State
Patrol, the Washington Air Na�onal Guard and the US Air Force. Chief Olson has a Master’s
degree in organiza�onal leadership, a B.S. in workforce educa�on and development, and three
associates degrees. He graduated from the FBI Na�onal Academy in 2019 and has had extensive
professional training including in leadership, emergency response, conflict management, and
diversity centered leadership. Chief Olson enjoys traveling with his family, coaching his kids and
playing golf. Please say hello to Chief Olson when you see him out in our community!
Inves�ng in Our Trails, Parks and Streets
Our community deeply values its open space, trails, parks and streets –
and my family is no excep�on. As a community, we are unusually rich in
natural assets and beauty, but like many communi�es, we struggle to
keep up with ongoing and deferred maintenance and the community’s
desire for improved access and amenity. Each year through the budget
process we have a chance as a community to determine how to best use
our limited funding. We generally rely on func�onal plans– like the Transporta�on
Improvement Plan or the Parks, Recrea�on and Open Space (PROS) Plan –
that received broad community input to base recommenda�ons to City
Council. This year, we have another opportunity to consider in advance of
the budget process. It’s called banked capacity and allows us to consider
levying up to $600,000 of funding for specific uses.
How We Got Here – and What Banked Capacity Means
In February 2019, residents approved adding Port Townsend to East
Jefferson Fire & Rescue (EJFR) fire district. EJFR now collects the dedicated
Fire and EMS levies from City property taxpayers directly. In addi�on to
the dedicated levies, the City was subsidizing fire service through the
general property tax levy. The City no longer makes payments from the
general fund for fire protec�on. The City agreed to suspend the collec�on
of an equivalent amount of property taxes it would have paid EJFR from
the general levy – a reduc�on of the City levy or a “banked capacity” of
about $900,000. An agreement with the fire district and a policy adopted
by City Council spelled out an approach that allows increased levies of the
banked capacity over the course of four years. For the first three years,
funding is restricted to four main uses consistent with exis�ng plans: local
roads, parks and trails, the City’s housing trust fund and u�lity tax relief.
In 2020, the City decided not to levy any of the possible $300,000 banked
capacity given the dire COVID situa�on and its related impacts. Now in
2021, the City is considering whether to levy up to $600,000 in banked
capacity for use in 2022. In 2022, that “banked capacity” goes to
$900,000 and stays at that level a�er that; the restricted use requirement
sunsets in 2023.
Financial Sustainability
The City is experiencing steady increases in the cost of services while tax
revenues are not keeping up. This divergence of increasing costs in excess
of revenues will result in a steady erosion of services. This problem is compounded
by the present need to address numerous deferred maintenance projects
such as streets, city buildings, parks, and fleet in which zero revenue is
currently available. It also is informed by and impacts decisions set for
2021, including the nego�a�on of a water agreement with the Mill, a
comprehensive streets program, and a general sewer plan. Beyond those
projects, it will take many years to cra� and adopt sustainable solu�ons.
We start that journey this year – stay tuned to learn more about a Financial
Sustainability Task Force and how to stay engaged.
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
Stay Informed - Sign up for email notifications
Changing of the Guard
What to Expect
Funding of up to $600,000 can be used to make a posi�ve impact in our community, but given levels of need,
it can only go so far. Moreover, provided the community supports levying any of the banked capacity, the
rela�vely small amount of funding and the fact that the City and community will face a similar decision over
the next two years puts a premium on quickly delivering visible projects with tangible benefits and no hidden
costs. Drawing from exis�ng plans, the City will be pu�ng forward a proposed package of investments. A
virtual town-hall style event will help us all understand the approach, concepts, projects and decision ahead.
A survey and follow up events will help gain a sense of community interest and support for the proposal and
at what level. The City Advisory Boards will be crucial to hone the package and help communicate what priori�es
are already in the exis�ng plans. Finally, I will forward a recommenda�on to City Council in the summer for
their considera�on and a vote. Stay informed and involved through our Facebook page, on Engage PT
(www.cityofpt.us/engage) and in my weekly KPTZ broadcasts from 12:30-1pm each Thursday.
Thank you Chief Surber!
Interim Chief Troy Surber is re�ring later this month a�er nearly 24 years of dedicated service to the community
of Port Townsend. When Chief Mike Evans le� and Troy was asked to fill an interim chief role, no one knew
that a pandemic was about to hit. Two months became over a year and Troy served marvelously to ensure the
safety of our community, courageously to staff the Ad Hoc Commi�ee on Public Safety, and diligently to
prepare for the next Police Chief and keep his team together. Troy has been a big part of the Police team’s
enduring success over the decades, serving in almost every conceivable role and likely mee�ng almost all of
our community members. Many of you have wonderful stories of Troy’s ability to connect with us all over the
years. We look forward to finding a way to celebrate his career when we’re able to gather again. Meanwhile,
we’re lucky to keep seeing him around town – perhaps a bit more relaxed and out of uniform. Thank you for
your service and dedica�on, Chief Surber!
Welcome Chief Olson!
A warm welcome to Chief Thomas Olson. Chief Olson rose to the top of a very compe��ve field
of candidates in an extensive selec�on process, including both a community stakeholder panel
and a virtual community meet-and-greet. Aside from demonstra�ng a posi�ve, collabora�ve,
professional approach to his work, he also showed a remarkable understanding of Port
Townsend and our community and comes with decades of successful leadership experience.
Chief Olson and his family are reloca�ng from Auburn, WA, a�er his recent service as Deputy
Chief at the University of Washington. Chief Olson has also served in the Washington State
Patrol, the Washington Air Na�onal Guard and the US Air Force. Chief Olson has a Master’s
degree in organiza�onal leadership, a B.S. in workforce educa�on and development, and three
associates degrees. He graduated from the FBI Na�onal Academy in 2019 and has had extensive
professional training including in leadership, emergency response, conflict management, and
diversity centered leadership. Chief Olson enjoys traveling with his family, coaching his kids and
playing golf. Please say hello to Chief Olson when you see him out in our community!
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
Did you know that you can sign up to receive email no�fica�ons on various
City related items? Stay informed on topics such as a digital monthly
newsle�er, Latest news, City Projects and much more.
From our main page www.cityofpt.us click on the orange bu�on �tled
“Stay Informed.” You will see a checklist of topics you can sign up for,
just enter your email address and click subscribe. You can unsubscribe at
any �me.
--continued--
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
Where are Cross Connections Found?
The library is taking a break from Story�mes and Make and Take Bags un�l June 18th. We will be spending the
month of May preparing for another even�ul Summer Reading Program. Details to come.
The Library is open for limited in-person services Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Star�ng in May
the Carnegie Reading Room will be open for browsing and computer use from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
City Hall has recently re-opened to the public for limited services. We are open Monday -Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm.
On the first floor, you will be greeted by one of our Public Experience Liaisons who can assist you with paying your
u�lity bill or answer brief ques�ons about services related to the City. Masks are required upon entry, and space is
limited to three people in the lobby at one �me. Social distancing measures are being prac�ced, and hand sani�zer
is available. You can contact the front desk by phone or email: (360) 385-3000 or frontdesk@cityofpt.us.
In-person administra�ve services such as viewing public records, Public Works/Engineering, and Human Resources
are done by appointment only.
Development Services/Permi�ng is open by appointment, but electronic communica�ons are s�ll strongly
encouraged. Contact one of our permit techs by email to see if you need to make an appointment.
Facility Rentals are also available to reserve. Email facilityrentals@cityofpt.us or visit our website:www.cityofpt.us/parksrec/page/facility-rentals
City Hall Has Re-opened For Limited In-Person Services
Library Services Update
The following is the third part of a series of ar�cles aimed at providing insight into various aspects of water treatment and distribu�on.
A cross connec�on is a point in a plumbing system where the potable water supply is connected to a non-potable
source. The past couple months’ newsle�ers explained in more detail what a cross connec�on is. Find previous
newsle�ers on our website at www.cityofpt.us/administra�on/page/city-newsle�er
Where are Cross Connec�ons Found?
Cross connec�ons are found in all plumbing systems. It is important that each cross connec�on be iden�fied and
evaluated as to the type of backflow protec�on required to protect the drinking water supply. Some plumbing
fixtures have built-in backflow protec�on in the form of a physical air gap. However, most cross connec�ons will
need to be controlled through the installa�on of an approved mechanical backflow preven�on device or assembly.
Some common cross connec�ons found in plumbing and water systems include:
1. Wash basins and service sinks
2. Hose bibs
3. Irriga�on sprinkler systems
4. Auxiliary water supplies
5. Laboratory and aspirator equipment
6. Photo developing equipment
*This informa�on was provided by the American Water Works Associa�on Pacific Northwest Sec�on
Addi�onal sources of informa�on may be found on the PNWS-AWWA web site: www.pnws-awwa.org
7. Processing tanks
8. Boilers
9. Water recircula�ng systems
10. Swimming pools
11. Solar heat systems
12. Fire sprinkler systems
City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us
We are con�nuing to profile City staff members so you can learn more about the team and their work from their
perspec�ve. Check back here each month to see a new staff profile. This month is Bre Ganne - Parks Lead, from our
Parks, Recrea�on and Community Services Department.
How long have you worked at the City of Port Townsend?
I have worked for the City of PT Parks, Recrea�on and Community Services Department since September of 2017.
What do you currently do in terms of job du�es?
My du�es include coordina�on of daily maintenance opera�ons in City Parks and in the City’s extensive trail system.
I also coordinate numerous volunteer ac�vi�es, operate the City’s irriga�on systems and I am the City’s Cer�fied
Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).
What do you like or enjoy most about working at the City?
One of my favorite parts of my job is fall leaf cleanup. I also really enjoy doing projects to
improve and renovate the Parks infrastructure.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself, your job, or your team with the public?
Recently some plants were stolen from the Chetzemoka park gardens, which is discouraging
to staff and the dedicated volunteers who maintain them. The Parks team is small, with only
3 full �me employees, and we all work hard to provide safe, clean facili�es every day. We
can’t see everything everywhere, so we really appreciate when folks report issues or
concerns.
Introducing City Staff
Update From Our City Streets Department
Street Striping
The City street crew annually freshens up street paint in the spring. You will likely see the crews out throughout April
and May depending on the weather. The team focuses on repain�ng stop bars, crosswalks, parking stripes, and
other key areas where striping needs touching up. Typically, later in the summer, many of the centerline and fogline
stripes are repainted using a contractor. This year, in order to address budget shor�alls, the centerline and fog line
striping will be held off one year, resuming in 2022.
Washington Street Traffic Calming
The Street crew is also implemen�ng a modified design for the Washington Street Traffic calming islands. These
traffic calming islands are being developed as a cost effec�ve way to address traffic speeds on arterial streets
traversing through neighborhoods. Traffic calming is one of the number one requests we hear from ci�zens. While
the purpose of traffic calming is to slow drivers down, it does not usually result in changes in travel pa�erns. As part
of the Comprehensive Streets program, the City is looking at ways to make traffic calming op�ons available to all
neighborhoods where traffic speeds disrupt neighborhoods.
Please visit our Engage PT webpage www.cityofpt.us/engagept and click on infrastructure to find the latest
informa�on regarding the Comprehensive Streets program. We welcome feedback and sugges�ons on traffic calming
and on streets in general.
ENGAGE PT
Bre (Le�) with daughter, Harlow and wife, Megan at Lake Cushman