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Home My WebLink About12 December_NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter DECEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: December 2021 12/06/21: Business Mee�ng 12/13/21: Special Business Mee�ng 12/20/21: 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 Mayor Michelle Sandoval 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• Civil Service Commission• Climate Ac�on Commi�ee • Library Advisory Board• Lodging Tax Advisory Commi�ee• Parks, Recrea�on, Trees and Trails Advisory Board• Planning Commission It is hard to be a long �me Port Townsend local these days, for so many different and complex reasons. I understand the anger and sadness about the changes happening in our community. Change is a constant. Incremental change can be surprising and may sadden us, but it sneaks up on us such that outrage is not the primary emo�on. The development of homes throughout the blocks of wooded North Beach is an example. It happened one by one or two by two, and much of the woods are now gone. But the development on Cook has inspired outrage because it is not at all incremental and yet there will be as many homes and downed trees in both areas. I would remind all of us of most neighborhoods were wooded before our homes were in place. Some change is lauded, eventually- the addi�on of new sidewalks, upgraded infrastructure and undergrounding of power lines, on Water Street. But first the project was derided for the inconvenience and the removal of the wrong type of trees (that were destroying the aged sewer lines) before replan�ng. F Street became more walkable a�er sidewalks and street widening, but ini�ally there was much angst that we were going to look like everywhere USA. City hall chambers, the longest consistently used chamber in WA State, was the subject of controversy as to the retrofi�ng of the historic building with an addi�on. In hindsight these projects now seem appropriate and it’s surprising they were controversial at all. I believe we will see exponen�al change in the next decade. Covid has played a part, given the “new normal” of working from home, even in a remote area like ours. Locals had to figure out how to make it work here and we were lucky if we did, because we got to live here, and others just visited. We have been fortunate to have mild weather and have only recently experienced short instances of smoke, wild weather, or drought. Climate change and result- ing catastrophes have created “climate refugees” ge�ng out of hot weather, fires, smoke, and drought. These changes are bringing a new popula�on to town that desire the same good fortune as us. And we are shocked at the escala�ng prices for housing which has affect- ed our en�re region, if not all the western states. The recession slowed to a stop our housing starts and now demand far exceeds our supply and we no longer have the luxury of incre- mental change. Much development is in our future. I want to remind all of us, that we are the only designated city in this county, by virtue of the Growth Management Act. As such we have the responsibility to be the area of density in our county. The county by the same rules is intended to stay rural. The vacant land in the city has been pla�ed for development since the 1800s. And while we have many areas look quite rural, we are nevertheless zoned for growth. For us locals all of this is a conundrum. We understand there is a housing crisis, and we need more housing built, but we do not want to see trees downed. We sympathize with the people effected by climate disasters, but we do not necessarily want new neighborhoods created. We appreciate and enjoy the ameni�es that our cultural non-profits provide us through community philanthropy, but we tend to be resen�ul of what people with money are doing to our town. No one likes to change. And hence one of my sayings about PT- “You know how long some- one has lived here by how far back their grudges go” - Let us not have grudges. Let us work to keep what is important about our community a priority. Remain passionate and involved. That means paying a�en�on. Democracy and keeping our town vital demand par�cipa�on. There are so many ways to have your voice heard. Not just for public comment a�er the fact but volunteering on commi�ees that shape the inevitable changes that are coming our way. I know I will stay involved. I urge you to do the same. City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us As 2021 draws to a close, I look forward to 2022 with renewed op�mism. These past few difficult years have shown once again that our community can come together and work through complex challenges, forge new partnerships to generate and act on new ideas, and rise above self-interest to distribute much-needed compassion and kindness to others. That community spirit is a huge reason I love living here and serving the community – and it will be one of our greatest assets in 2022. Despite con�nued uncertainty, I’m confident that next year will be a year of posi�ve recovery. Our 2021 financials came in slightly be�er than we expected and this month I expect City Council to pass a 2022 budget that slowly brings back some of what we lost when the pandemic hit. We’ll see modest investments in staff, in local facili�es and infrastructure, and in planning for the long-term. City Council is likely to vote on the final 2022 budget on December 6. You can learn more and have your say here: www.cityofpt.us/citycouncil/page/agendasminutesvideos. I am also eager to see con�nued recovery in our robust arts and culture organiza�ons, the events and celebra- �ons Port Townsend is famous for, our sister agencies with which we enjoy such strong partnerships, and in our local business community. So much grit, energy and heart has gone in to forging our collec�ve path forward and I applaud all your efforts to keep Port Townsend afloat and tracking the right way during the storm. It has been a real challenge for me to find my foo�ng in our community without being able to gather, create and exchange like we normally do. We’ve found virtual ways around it for now, but I know that when we can get back to connec�ng more directly, the enthusiasm and joy will be palpable – and we will fuel a resurgence of construc�ve civic dialogue, visioning and collabora�on. One near-term opportunity is the Sims Gateway Project. Thank you to all those who have taken the �me to make your perspec�ves heard and who joined our virtual Town Hall in November (or listened to it live on KPTZ). You may be wondering: what’s next? We will be solici�ng proposals for engineering, arborists, and landscape architecture services this month. We will build public and local stakeholder engagement into the front-end of that work. We intend to create broad engage- ment opportuni�es like design workshops and stakeholder sessions and will invite local professionals to join in as key stakeholders. The aim is to plan and visualize op�ons for what the Sims Gateway could look like along with developing a tree plan�ng and landscaping plan. We will take that work to exis�ng ci�zen advisory bodies like the City’s Parks, Recrea�on, Tree and Trails Advisory Board for review and considera�on, and then to the appropriate elected body (City Council, Port Commission, PUD Commission). The poplar trees between the boat yard and Sims Way will start coming down in early 2022. Join us on December 15 from 5-6pm for another virtual Town Hall to learn more. In the mean�me, you can visit the project page at: www.cityofpt.us/publicworks/project/sims-gateway-and-boat-yard-expansion-project I look forward to deeper engagement in 2022 on issues that ma�er to us all. Meanwhile, I hope you and your family and friends enjoy a res�ul holiday season. A Note From City Manager John Mauro PT Public Library Annual Uptown Gingerbread Contest The Uptown Gingerbread Contest has been a treasured holiday event for nearly three decades in Uptown Port Townsend supported by Port Townsend Main Street. This year the Port Townsend Public Library is bringing back the event by hos�ng the contest in the library from December 15 – December 28, 2021 with awards announced on December 30. Gingerbread kits will be available at the library star�ng December 7 while supplies last thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Fun for all ages! Check the library’s website or visit the library for details. -Gingerbread Art by Artist Michael Hale City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us Street Light Evaluation Sims Banner Reservations DM Disposal Christmas Tree Pick-up It is hard to be a long �me Port Townsend local these days, for so many different and complex reasons. I understand the anger and sadness about the changes happening in our community.Change is a constant. Incremental change can be surprising and may sadden us, but it sneaks up on us such that outrage is not the primary emo�on. The development of homes throughout the blocks of wooded North Beach is an example. It happened one by one or two by two, and much of the woods are now gone. But the development on Cook has inspired outrage because it is not at all incremental and yet there will be as many homes and downed trees in both areas. I would remind all of us of most neighborhoods were wooded before our homes were in place.Some change is lauded, eventually- the addi�on of new sidewalks, upgraded infrastructure and undergrounding of power lines, on Water Street. But first the project was derided for the inconvenience and the removal of the wrong type of trees (that were destroying the aged sewer lines) before replan�ng. F Street became more walkable a�er sidewalks and street widening, but ini�ally there was much angst that we were going to look like everywhere USA. City hall chambers, the longest consistently used chamber in WA State, was the subject of controversy as to the retrofi�ng of the historic building with an addi�on. In hindsight these projects now seem appropriate and it’s surprising they were controversial at all.I believe we will see exponen�al change in the next decade. Covid has played a part, given the “new normal” of working from home, even in a remote area like ours. Locals had to figure out how to make it work here and we were lucky if we did, because we got to live here, and others just visited. We have been fortunate to have mild weather and have only recently experienced short instances of smoke, wild weather, or drought. Climate change and result-ing catastrophes have created “climate refugees” ge�ng out of hot weather, fires, smoke, and drought. These changes are bringing a new popula�on to town that desire the same good fortune as us. And we are shocked at the escala�ng prices for housing which has affect-ed our en�re region, if not all the western states. The recession slowed to a stop our housing starts and now demand far exceeds our supply and we no longer have the luxury of incre-mental change. Much development is in our future.I want to remind all of us, that we are the only designated city in this county, by virtue of the Growth Management Act. As such we have the responsibility to be the area of density in our county. The county by the same rules is intended to stay rural. The vacant land in the city has been pla�ed for development since the 1800s. And while we have many areas look quite rural, we are nevertheless zoned for growth.For us locals all of this is a conundrum. We understand there is a housing crisis, and we need more housing built, but we do not want to see trees downed. We sympathize with the people effected by climate disasters, but we do not necessarily want new neighborhoods created. We appreciate and enjoy the ameni�es that our cultural non-profits provide us through community philanthropy, but we tend to be resen�ul of what people with money are doing to our town.No one likes to change. And hence one of my sayings about PT- “You know how long some-one has lived here by how far back their grudges go” - Let us not have grudges. Let us work to keep what is important about our community a priority. Remain passionate and involved. That means paying a�en�on. Democracy and keeping our town vital demand par�cipa�on. There are so many ways to have your voice heard. Not just for public comment a�er the fact but volunteering on commi�ees that shape the inevitable changes that are coming our way.I know I will stay involved. I urge you to do the same. PT Main Street Celebrate the holidays in Port Townsend! The “Make it Merry in Port Townsend” campaign is sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program, Kitsap Bank, the City of Port Townsend, the Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader, Port Townsend Kiwanis and KPTZ 91.9 FM. Fes�val Tent at Tyler Plaza Visit the large fes�val tent at Tyler Street Plaza through December 27 which will offer social distancing space and a place to rest in between shopping stops. Get a meal-to-go or a hot drink and enjoy it there. Made possible by CARES Act funding. Dec. 4 Making it Merry in Port Townsend1pm FREE Hidden History Tour led by Key City Public Theatre actor Bry Kifolo. Meet at Haller Fountain at 1 pm for a fun, interac�ve walk about downtown.2 pm-4 pm Appearance by the Wild Rose Chorale under the tent at Tyler Street Plaza2 pm Take & Make Ornaments at Tyler Street Plaza tent…while supplies last!2:30 pm-4:30 pm Photo opps with Santa and the Kiwanis Choo Choo by Flagship LandingDusk: Treeligh�ng at Haller Fountain Dec. 18 Final FREE Hidden History Tour led by Key City Public Theatre actor Bry Kifolo. Meet at Haller Fountain at 1 pm for a fun, interac�ve walk about downtown. These tours are sponsored by the First Federal Community Founda�on, the Port of Port Townsend and Windermere Real Estate. Winter Window Wander ac�vity—find the hidden Choo Choo in downtown store windows; fill in your card for a chance at a prize drawing. Look for signs at par�cipa�ng stores and pick up your entry form. Drop entries at the box outside the Port Townsend Leader newspaper, 226 Adams Street. Le�ers to Santa! Drop off your le�ers to Santa at the Santa mailbox at The Leader Building, 226 Adams Street, or Whistlestop Toys at 1139 Water Street Holiday Happenings: www.ptmainstreet.org The Sims Way community announcement banner is a popular way for local organizations to promote upcoming events. From March through October, one banner is displayed for one week at a time. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Monday, January 3, 2022. To make a reservation: • Call City Hall front desk at (360) 385-3000, or come in person M-F 9-4pm. • If your preferred week is not available, you will be added to the schedule as tentative. • Submit a permit application and required fees within 10 business days or your tentative reservation will be canceled. DM Disposal accepts bare Christmas trees for recycling, cut in sec�ons no longer than 4 �. The diameter of the tree may not be larger than 4 inches. Trees with flocking or �nsel can be taken as garbage and you will be charged accordingly. Collec�on of Christmas trees will be the week of December 28 - January 2 and the week of January 11-15, depending on what week you have yard waste pick up. The PUD recently installed LED lights throughout the city, replacing the pre-exis�ng high pressure sodium lights. This was done to reduce light pollu�on, in line with the “dark skies” ini�a�ve that was introduced earlier this year. We have received several requests for shields and/or dimming of lights. We will start evalua�ng these requests the week of December 6. The next step would be to dim them. City of Port Townsend • 250 Madison Street • (360) 385-3000 • www.cityofpt.us Utility Rate Increases for 2022 Building Permit Fee Increases for 2022 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 Don Cady from the Parks Department. How long have you worked at the City of Port Townsend? I have been with the City going on 24 years total, 19 full �me and 5 as a seasonal helper. What do you currently do in terms of job du�es? I am mainly responsible for grounds maintenance and special projects, I operate and maintain all of our equipment and help with our volunteers when needed. What do you like or enjoy most about working at the City? I enjoy knowing that the efforts of our department makes a difference in everyone’s lives every day. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself, your job, or your team with the public? We’re always glad to see everyone come out and visit their parks and have a good �me. Introducing City Staff Annual Uptown Gingerbread ContestThe Uptown Gingerbread Contest has been a treasured holiday event for nearly three decades in Uptown Port Townsend supported by Port Townsend Main Street. This year the Port Townsend Public Library is bringing back the event by hos�ng the contest in the library from December 15 – December 28, 2021 with awards announced on December 30. Gingerbread kits will be available at the library star�ng December 7 while supplies last thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Fun for all ages! Check the library’s website or visit the library for details. Rates for City u�lity customers will increase effec�ve January 1, 2022, and will be reflected in the January 31st billing. For an average residen�al customer: The monthly fixed rate for all services (combined) will increase from $117.10 to $119.57 plus usage charges. This is a 3% increase over last year. Rates will vary for each class of water customer and water meter size. The monthly water base rate increases from $21.42 to $22.06. Water usage charges increase from $3.03 per 1,000 gallons used to $3.12 per 1,000 gallons used. The water capital surcharge remains $22.00 to fund ongoing capital improvement projects. The monthly sewer base rate increases from $35.91 to $36.99. Sewer volume fee increases from $8.49 to $8.74. The sewer capital surcharge remains at $9.00. The monthly stormwater base rate increases from $8.33 to $8.63. The stormwater capital surcharge remains at $6.00. The City an�cipates addi�onal u�lity rate and surcharge increases over the next several years to fully fund u�lity requirements. For addi�onal details and projected rates through 2023, visit Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 13.05. The City an�cipates addi�onal u�lity rate and surcharge increases over the next several years to fully fund u�lity require- ments. Aside from the already adopted rate increases above, addi�onal rate changes are likely to be adopted in Decem- ber as part of a final agreement with the Paper Mill. Building Permit fees will be revised effec�ve January 1, 2022, in accordance with City of Port Townsend Resolu�on 21-065. The building permit fee schedule for construc�on-related permits has not been revised since 2011. The new fee schedule covers Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Grading permits for residen�al and commercial construc�on, as well as plan review fees. Flat fee permit rates have been adjusted for approximately a 20% increase, while valua�on-based permits for remodels will result in approximately 10% increases. For new construc�on or addi�ons, fee changes will vary based upon construc�on type and occupancy. Our new fee schedule can be viewed on our website:www.cityofpt.us/development-services If you are ready to submit a complete applica�on for a building permit or other construc�on permit and wish to receive an es�mate of permit and plan review fees, please contact Permit Technicians Wayne Fitch, wfitch@cityofpt.us or Robin Hill, rhill@cityofpt.us