HomeMy WebLinkAbout042622 Agenda PacketPARKS, RECREATION TREES, & TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING AGENDA
April 26, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. | Virtual Meeting
****The State of Emergency declared by Governor Inslee temporarily requires participation by
teleconference. There is no in person component to this meeting****
•Join via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com enter 9 digit Webinar ID 489-143-707
•Join by phone in listen-only mode: (360) 390-5064 Ext. 3 access code: 177-060-048#
•Submit public comment emails to be read aloud (up to three minutes per person) to:
publiccomment@cityofpt.us
I.Welcome, Introduction & Call to Order - Chair Debbie Jahnke
Good afternoon and welcome to this meeting of the Port Townsend Parks, Recreation,
Trees & Trails Advisory Board. The role of this Board is to assist City staff and to advise
the City Council on legislative matters concerning parks, recreation, trees and trails.
This meeting is open to the public via this web format and is also being video recorded for
those who could not attend the meeting today and for future reference. Given that this
meeting is in virtual format, we ask that the board members raise their hands to be called
on by the Chair. The public can do the same to comment during the public comment
periods. We take public comment at the beginning and end of the meeting.
II.Roll Call
III.Introduction of New Members
IV.Approval of Agenda
V.Approval of February 22, 2022 Minutes
VI.Public Comment (3 minutes per person/agenda items only) – Comments on Sims Way
and Boat Yard Expansion Project will be taken after the Staff Briefing. If joining by
phone, please press *6 to raise your hand and *9 to unmute yourself.
VII.Old Business
A.Sims Way Stakeholder Briefing – 20 min
•Reference last Stakeholder meeting video at
https://cityofpt.us/engagept/page/sims-gateway-and-boatyard-expansion-project
•Public Comments
VIII.New Business
A.City Staff Introductions, Roles, and Responsibilities (Steve King, Carrie Hite, Michael
Todd) – 20 minutes
B.RCO Grants (Presentation by Carrie Hite and Michael Todd) – 15 min
C.Volunteer Recognition including John Nowak – (All) – 10 min
Page 1 of 20
IX. Staff update – (Steve King, Carrie Hite, & Michael Todd) 15 minutes
A. Interpretive signs – Kiosks Under Way – Signs are a future work item
B. Maintenance Update
C. Pool Update
D. Bike and Ped Grants
E. Open Space and Development
F. Parks Tours
G. Bench Donations
X. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: May 24, 2022
XI. Public Comment
XII. Adjourn
Parking Lot/Future Meetings
Trail signing
Sims Way Project
Donation Policy Update
Page 2 of 20
MINUTES
A link to a recorded video is available at:
https://cityofpt.us/bc/page/parks-recreation-trees-and-trails-advisory-board-0
PARKS, RECREATION TREES, & TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD
February 22, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. | Virtual Meeting
I.Welcome, Introduction & Call to Order - Chair Debbie Jahnke
Good afternoon and welcome to this meeting of the Port Townsend Parks, Recreation,
Trees & Trails Advisory Board. The role of this Board is to assist City staff and to advise
the City Council on legislative matters concerning parks, recreation, trees and trails.
This meeting is open to the public via this web format and is also being video recorded for
those who could not attend the meeting today and for future reference. Given that this
meeting is in virtual format, we ask that the board members raise their hands to be called
on by the Chair. The public can do the same to comment during the public comment
periods. We take public comment at the beginning and end of the meeting.
II.Roll Call: All board members present.
Staff Present: Steve King.; Laura Parsons; Bre Ganne; Haylie Clement; Heidi Greenwood
III.Approval of Agenda: Approved
IV.Approval of October 26, 2021 Minutes: Approved
V.Approval of December 14, 2021 Minutes: Approved
VI.Public Comment (3 minutes per person/agenda items only): None
VII.Old Business
A.Sims Way Stakeholder Process (Steve King, no action) – 5 min
No action taken. Steve K provided a brief overview of an update and next steps.
B.Work Planning Process Overview – (Heidi Greenwood, no action) - 15 min
No action taken. Heidi G provide an overview of the work planning process. Steve K.
agreed to send a copy of the City work plan to the board in a follow up email for
information.
C.Discovery Road Final landscaping plan review – (Steve King, Laura Parsons, Bre Ganne,
no action) - 15 min
No action taken. Board provided consensus agreement with the plan and included
recommendation to use a seedless Sweet Gum variety or alternative. Board
commented on the appropriateness of the planting plan. Staff thanked board for
Page 3 of 20
support and advice.
VIII. New Business
A. Donation policy “Memorial bench policy update” - (Presentation by Steve King and
Group Discussion) - 10 min
Steve K provided a brief overview of where policy is inconsistent with practice and City
code. Board supported revision of policy and suggested that a map of eligible
locations for donation be provided for board pre-approval as a way to expedite
process as opposed to bringing each item to the board. Board also recommended
advertising program as well as ensuring that there is recognition provided to the
donors. The newsletter is a good option for example.
B. Right of way Principles – (Presentation by Steve King and Group Discussion) - 20 min
Steve K. provided presentation and overview. Board discussed nuances and made
suggestions concerning the City’s mowing program. Suggestions were made to look
at highway 3 as an example in Kitsap Co. Comments were made about the PUD
trimming and harm to trees. Board suggested looking for ways the members can
help.
C. Parks Foundation – (Intro. of topic from Debbie Jahnke and Steve King) - 10 min
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
IX. Staff update – (Steve King) 5-10 minutes
A. Interpretive signs – Kiosks Under Way – Signs are a future work item
B. Gateway Tree – Pruning Complete and Monterey Cypress on order
C. Utility Vehicle – Ordered
D. New Facilities and Parks Manager – Michael Todd
E. New Director of Parks and Recreation Strategy – Carrie Hite
F. Volunteer Program & Recognition next meeting
X. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: April 26, 2022
XI. Public Comment:
Russell Hill: Concern over trees hanging on the Powerline between Mill and Hwy 20. Steve
will reach out to other agencies to see if there any work planned.
Other Discussion:
Council Member Howard shared the role of the Liaison.
Board Member Nowak asked about recreation side of PRTTAB. Steve responded with
future work to be done when Carrie Hite comes on board.
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XII. Adjourn
Parking Lot/Future Meetings
Trail signing
Introductions of new staff
Sims Way Project
Donation Policy Update
Page 5 of 20
1
Joanna Sanders
From:brendainpt@gmail.com
Sent:Sunday, April 24, 2022 9:12 AM
To:publiccomment@cityofpt.us
Subject:Lombardy Poplars
I understand the removal of the poplars next to the Port.
But removing the poplars in Kah Tai opens the nature park
to the strong southern winds of winter. These trees are an excellent wind break. Although there has been much
planting in the Park not many trees are big enough to act as a wind break..
Page 6 of 20
From:Katherine Darrow
To:publiccomment@cityofpt.us
Subject:Kah Tai Prairie Preserve
Date:Monday, April 25, 2022 10:00:41 AM
This comment is addressed to the Parks, Recreation, Trees, & Trails Advisory Board for
public comment/question at the April 24th meeting:
Today and for the next couple of months is peak season for wildflowers at our beloved Kah Tai Prairie Preserve.
The Washington Native Plant Society and Chetzemoka Trail Project have each had beautiful professionally made interpretive signs posted at the Prairie for years to help educate visitors
about the cultural and ecological significance of the rare prairie remnant in this region.
Would it be possible for the people in charge of the adjacent construction project to move their materials and equipment to another location in the parking lot so that people can enjoy
unobstructed views of the prairie and also have easy access to the interpretive signs? The current arrangement seems disrespectful and an unnecessary intrusion on the educational
efforts and enjoyment of the Prairie.
Thank you,Katherine Darrow
3403 Sherman StreetPort Townsend
623-533-0171 (cell)
Page 7 of 20
Comment Date From Organization email Comment via Comment Summary
001 9/27/2021 Forest Shomer ziraat@olympus.net email
The popular trees are brittle, short lived, roots disrupt
sidewalks and paved areas and no wildlife value. A good
match is the Shore Pine
002 9/28/2021 Craig Voice Mail Expressed passionate discontent with tree removal
003 9/28/2021 Karen Rudd karenlenerudd@gmail.com email Please put trees between car lane and bike/sidewalk lanes.
004 9/16/2021 Nancy Erreca nerreca@aol.com website The project is not needed, housing is needed.
9/28/2021 Keith Emry Facebook Fix the roads first
9/28/2021 Walter McQuillen Facebook
Fixing Lawrence street should have priority. How about
something for the people that live here not the ones coming
to visit
9/28/2021 Richard Hefley Facebook
please please please do soil tests before planting; make sure the
new trees have room to grow and are the right plant for the right
place. Please do not leave this in the hands of out-of-town
landscape architects who, though I have great respect for many, are
not always very knowledgeable about trees (beyond their aesthetic
properties).
9/28/2021 Fredrich Bonbast Facebook Lawrence is fine. the roads in my neighborhood look like iraq,
except when it rains. then they look like iraq in a flood.
9/28/2021 Walter McQuillen Facebook Friedrich Bombast I picked Lawrence because it’s a major
street that many use.
9/28/2021 Robert Jaye Facebook
Wow, looks like the city has abandoned reasonable setbacks and
their importance for maintaining the city's character. The concept
picture shows maybe 15 feet from the road. Nice way to say
welcome to PT.
9/28/2021 Sarah Smith Facebook What exactly is wrong with the poplars? Why are they Not
environmentally friendly?
9/28/2021 Russell Hansen Facebook Walter McQuillen thank you !
9/28/2021 Sarah Ludlum-Wisehart Facebook Friedrich Bombast YES!!! All the roads in Uptown need to be
fixed!!! This project is ridiculous!
9/28/2021 David Crozier Facebook
Cant really believe anyone thinks moving the boat yard
boundary closer to the street is more eye appealing than the
current situation. This has to be the most unpopular city
council project yet.
9/28/2021 Gus Sebastian Facebook
I think Boat Haven adds good character to PT. Its pretty cool
seeing it when you come down the S curves. Its a major part
of the history of this town. "A Victorian Seaport" Many local
folks utilize the boatyard not only as a means of employment
but recreationally. I support this idea. If you have ever looked
up at those tress in big wind you might be concerned. Yes fix
the roads, yes fix everything, but please don't complain about
an idea that could grow a industry in PT.
9/29/2021 Fredrich Bombast Facebook
Walter McQuillen i get that. but i walk a lot of neighborhoods,
and many of the out-of-the way streets aren't even streets
anymore. at least Lawrence doesn't have massive potholes
and washouts. i once asked a city guy about the street in front
of our house, which is broken asphalt and gravel undercoat,
and he said the cost to repair it would be about the annual
street repair budget for the whole city. "improvement
projects," though, are sexier.
9/29/2021 Timothy Stone Facebook More gentrification, plz?
9/29/2021 Richard Hefley Facebook
Sarah Smith they are wonderful trees but at this stage of their
lifespan they are falling apart in high winds. It's a busy road
with power lines so there is a reasonable likelihood that a tree
failure (usually large sections of these trees break out like ice-
bergs off a glacier) can cause damage and even injury.
They have a few other issues as well. They send up suckers,
new trees from the roots, a great distance from the original
tree. They are beloved by aphids. They also produce a lot of
pollen which a number of people are allergic to.
While I have always admired this allee, it is time to plan for the
future; replace these with something new and (hopefully)
native trees and shrubs, something to take us the next 100
years.
9/29/2021 James Schultz Facebook Plant pot on the roadway! Pot Townsend rides again.
Page 8 of 20
9/29/2021 Stephen Hall Facebook
Very low on the priority list for the city. Putting utilities
underground is a nice goal. Roads repairs and replacement is
much higher on the list. Just not as sexy on the council
resume.
005 9/29/2021 Rachel Ganapoler rachelganapoler@gmail.com email
The trees.. while they are not indigenous to the area… have
stood 30 years, and have graced the entrance of our town
with their beauty. I think it’s a terrible idea to remove them
under any circumstances… certainly there are other solutions
for underground lines..and does the port really have to
expand a few feet.. ?
006 9/29/2021 Meg Lodes meg_lodes@msn.com email In support of removing of removing trees, shrubs and grass
that might cause raging wildfires
007 10/13/2021 Dori Bailey BAILEY_0611@YAHOO.COM email
The money should be spent for the homeless. Trees are
important no matter what type of wildlife or birds or whatever
how's them why is the city always trying to remove either
animals or trees.
008 10/17/2021 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com email Replanting the Poplars makes sense but stick to the 1993
study. There are benefits to the poplars.
09 10/19/2021 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com email Attached the 1993 Gateway Development Plan recommend
read page 14
010 10/11/2021 O'Neill Louchard oneill@olympus.net email Thoughtful planted in needed, mixed species array.
011 10/7/2021 Joni Blanchard email A professional tree person should be consulted about trees
and their impacts. Save the yellow lupine.
012 10/19/2021 Dixie Llewellin dixie@cablespeed.com email
Have been designing jurisdictional mitigation projects since
1995 and happy to join the planning committee.
013 10/19/2021 Dixie Llewellin dixie@cablespeed.com email
Has there been a soil analysis, makes all the difference in the
world for tree survival
014 10/27/2021 Julie Jaman jjamubi@gmail.com
email
take into consideration all the functions that the poplars
provide, including the impressive beauty. Please keep me
informed of when the public meeting will be held concerning
this issue.
015 11/4/2021 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com
email
Shore Pines, Evergreens, and, Madronas would not work
along the boatyard side of the road (as has been
recommended). TREES! Dioecious (only one sexed trees)
female trees only - they don't pollinate. We should replace (if
we must remove all the Poplars) with more young Poplars.
016 11/8/2021 Larry Eifert larryeifert@gmail.com
email
But I'm also hoping you'll see that killing 130 poplars for some
vague ideas is also going to tear this community apart. It
already has if you read social media. And once a government
looses their respect from the people they govern, it looses its
ability to govern. You'd be heros to just let this plan to be
focused to support the trees, not senselessly kill them.
017 11/7/2021 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com
email
Madrona tunnel coming into town beyond Mill Road. I'm not
advocating what-so-ever those trees get wiped out, but,
seriously - maintenance IS so important and has obviously
been neglected along that dangerous stretch of trees. The
living healthy Madronas stand firm at their precarious looking
angles, so, please don't touch those!!
018 11/7/2021 Karen Anderson karenlanderson736@gmail.com
email
What would the design of the expanded boatyard entail? How
would it translate into jobs, specifically? There is no
relationship between the tree removal on the south side of
Sims and the north side of Sims due to public safety. These
should be analyzed as two different options. Enhanced
accessibility to the boatyard - It is not clear what this means.
The proposal to have a narrow sidewalk adjacent to a block
wall with a small landscape strip adjacent to the street is
unacceptable and does not appear to conform to the 1993
Gateway Development Plan concept for Sims. I would prefer
to see a more natural edge to Sims. I support the planting of
native species.
019 11/9/2021 Charles Law clawthree@gmail.com
email
full-sized [fruit] trees will sequester between 220 and 260
pounds [of CO2] annually. acre-sized apple orchard can fix as
much as 20 tons of CO2 from the air each season, while it
releases 15 tons of oxygen, and provides over 5 billion BTUs
of cooling power. The idea of discharging CO2 into the
atmosphere from destruction of hundreds of trees should be
considered.
Page 9 of 20
020 11/9/2021 Joan Fabian fabianily@gmail.com
email
1) native species are likely to suffer or not adapt to climate
change. What species will thrive in the Sandy soil on the
boatyard side? Special consideration should be made that
irrigation or lack of water in our microclimate as well as sea
water intrusion need be studied.
2) Can the trees be removed only on the boat yard side and
leave the others on the lagoon side and experiment with
heavy trimming of existent trees on the lagoon side.
3) Lombardy poplar do thrive after extreme cutting. Please
look into it.
Perhaps this use of wood could be considered an opportunity
to offset tree replacement budget or establish a viable long
range green belt? Or ongoing trash collection as a lot blows
over from the boat yard and is rarely cleaned up.
4) poplar wood is the wood used specifically in the making of
wooden shoes in the Netherlands.
021 9/27/2021 Forest Shomer ziraat@olympus.net
email
If more people know about the allergenic downside of poplars
and birches (the latter being one of the four most common
trees planted here around 40-50 years ago), some may
change their minds about wanting to retain the poplars, and
also help swing the public toward a more diverse and ‘cleaner’
urban forest. Something like 20% of the general population
has strong reactions with allergenic trees—and don’t even
realize that.
022 11/2/2021 Andrea Heland rubymaxlily@gmail.com email
There is no problem to fix here. Have you seen the condition
of our roads? Plenty of work there.
023 11/17/2021 Fred Weinmann
fweinmann@cablespeed.com email
A city is not a natural area preserve and should not be thought
of as such. I believe we should be looking for something
attractive as an entrance to downtown. One suggestion would
be flowering cherry trees.
024 11/19/2021 Julie Jaman
jjamubi@gmail.com email
The City administration, the Port and the PUD are proceeding
with a capital project that does not reflect the vision, goal
statements or policies in the Port Townsend Comprehensive
Plan, Tree Conservation Chapter 19.06, the Gateway
Development Plan, the Strategic Plan 2019-2022, the Port
Townsend Urban Forestry - Trees In The ROW and
Brochure, the Parks and Recreation Functional Plan. It is
unknown if the PUD or Port have followed planning policy
with their part of the project including permitting for
commercial expansion that may involve chemical pollution of
water and air. Do not cut trees in December.
025 12/1/2021 Steve Mader stevefmader77@gmail.com email
I totally and completely support the Sims Way and Boat Yard
Expansion Project as described on the City's website
026 12/9/2021 Tom Myers
tommyers393@gmail.com email
Go for it! Plant native trees that FIT! Avoid "straight lines" if at
all possible. https://www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/
027 12/10/2021 Linda Tilley
artbytilley.com
lindatilley44@gmail.com email
It just simply seems like the wrong time to invest the money
in this project when so many of Port Townsend’s roads are
falling apart as well as other infrastructure issues.
028 12/13/2021 anonymous butterfly@olypen.com
engagept
Why does the Port have to expand toward Sims Way when
there's not enough land there to put any boats? Why do the
many have to pay for something that will only benefit the few?
029 12/12/2021 Russell Hill rhill3795@gmail.com
email
If care is taken by the design team to strategically re-plant
replacement trees, and incorporate other items to enhance the
arrival experience in PT, folks will get over it much sooner. I
believe a couple of these pieces of equipment (and maybe a
couple more sprinkled along the Larry Scott trail near the
Boatyard) would provide a great “personal experience” and
would promote more use of the new walk path. I would
imagine the maintenance costs of this type of equipment
would be minimal, but perhaps worthy of inquiry to justify.
https://playworld.com/fitness-wellness/lifetrail#gref
Page 10 of 20
030 12/10/2021 Steven Yanoff syanof@yahoo.com
email
I support the new "gateway" vision including poplar tree
removal/replacement. I wonder if some of the native species
of Kah Tai can be seen as a model for re-vegetating this
section. With careful landscaping they could be attractive as
well as beneficial to our region's wildlife and ecology, such as
madrones, maples, bitter cherry, willows, and various shrubs
and grasses (unfortunately there are non-native species there
as well).
031 12/9/2021 Andrea Hegland rubymaxlily@gmail.com
email
Who is proposing to remove the trees on the south side of
Sims Way? When are you proposing to do this? What permits
will you be securing? When will you be securing permits? Will
you be conducting environmental review.
032 12/6/2021 Julie Jaman jjamubi@gmail.com
email
An environmental impact statement would provide the
community an opportunity to review the project more in depth
allowing provision for information and alternatives not yet
considered. The particulars about chemical fumes and dust
are needed in order to make a community friendly plan. At a
minimum, there should be at least three landscape design
options . Sketches/concepts, one with re-planted poplars,
should be provided for public input with consideration given
to attributes i.e. functions, costs and overall design and
aesthetics. Recognizing topographical opportunities and
retaining existing vegetation are beginning points for good
design.” Look in the adopted Gateway Development Plan, the
Comprehensive Plan, and the Parks, Recreation and Tree
Functional Plan. The community has supplied vision and
guidance for our small town aesthetics as we proceed into the
future.
033 12/7/2021 Andrea Heland rubymaxlily@gmail.com
email
At a time when we need to be healing, you are tearing out this
community's soul so the Marine Trades and Port can make
more money.
034 11/22/2021 Charles Law clawthree@gmail.com
email
We need to start considering which species are most likely not
to die off due to our climatically uncertain future. i.e.: good at
adapting to the heat and cold, the floods and powerful winds
that are coming. According to studies, the most important
trees for carbon sequestration are in large, mature forests, not
young urban trees, street trees etc.
035 12/14/2021 Steven Yanoff syanof@yahoo.com
email
I support the multi-agency plan. I would like to see it
revegetated/landscaped to relate to our Pacific Northwest
natural heritage, and proximity to Kah Tai lagoon and the
shoreline.
036 12/15/2021 Karta John Miller susanmiller@olypus.net
engagept
Regarding the poplars on Sim’s Way. Why not, the city of Port
Townsend buy that 20 acres and trade it to the port for Sim’s
Way frontage and it’s win-win for all.
037 12/15/2021 Steven Yanoff syanof@yahoo.com
email
I listened to the December 15 discussion about the Sims
Gateway live on KPTZ. Thanks to everyone for doing this, it is
a good project. Eron Berg recounted a conversation in his
breakout group about using this as an opportunity to consider
ways to improve the health of the local ecosystem, specifically
rejoining Kah Tai with Townsend Bay through an active
estuarine connection.
038 12/30/2021 Val Johnstone valjohnstone@aol.com engagept Recommend: Acer Rubrum "Columnare " Red Maple
039 12/21/2021 Kathy Knoblock toddk@msn.com
email
I am angry about the decision to remove the poplar trees from
Sims Way. I am angry because of the reasons given, and the
lack of communication of a plan to replace the trees.
So of course, we are letting them expand. Why aren’t we
requiring them to expand safely?
040 1/13/2022 Debbie Jahnke dbjahnke@att.net email Comments on information provided to public
041 2/12/2022 Cliff Moore meamoore@comcast.net
email
consider this idea: take the trees on the Port side, but on the
Kai Tai side, take one third of the trees and replant with native
species. In five years, take another one third of the trees and
again replant with native species. Five years later, take the
final one third.
Page 11 of 20
042 2/14/2022 Patti Hoyecki phoyecki@yahoo.com
email
supportive of the poplar tree removal and have participated in
the virtual meetings, listened in on the radio. I write to
nominate a tree type for planting if that becomes part of
city/group efforts now and in the future. The Western Red
Cedar is native, long lived, well suited for that soil type and
our weather.
043 2/14/2022 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com
engagept
Where is the Long Term Tree Management Plan? What are
the plans for the cut trees? Who does one become a
stakeholder? Reconsiderwiping out the Kah Tai Populars.
044 2/15/2022 Gail Workman marksyounglady@gmail.com
engagept
Have you seen the gigantic poplar on San Juan that fell apart?
It will be much cheaper to cut these poplar trees now than
later when they are much bigger, rotting from the inside, and
posing a serious hazard. The sooner we get started planting
trees that are appropriate for our area, the sooner those trees
will mature into their full beauty.
045 2/18/2022
Richard and
MaryAnn Moore ptmoores1@q.com email
We are forwarding this Zoom educational webinar opportunity
that we will be attending next week.
046 2/22/2022 Johnny Ms Johnson's eighth grade class mail The hearts on the poplars comment
047 2/22/2022 Robin Jahnke public comment Stormwater drainage needs to be developed
048 3/6/2022 George Randels gr321@olypen.com email Remove poplars on port side but leave trees on lagoon side.
049 3/8/2022 Mary Elayne Dunphy medunphy@comcast.ne email
I urge you to insure more dedicated care for the existing trees
and preserve this iconic landscape.
050 3/20/2022 Joni Blanchard jonijobone@hotmail.com
email
Clarification of accessment report: populars would not likely
be killed if trenching done by Port fence line, safe option if
heavy equipment stayed off of the main roots closer to tree on
the Port side.
051 3/21/2022 Linda Lebrane lebranemusic@yahoo.com engagept Save the poplars
052 3/14/2022 Kelly Drake kellydrake22@gmail.com engagept
I wonder if it would be possible to bury the power lines without
removing the trees? One more question is how does the boatyard
expand if you're just replanting new trees?
053 12/13/2021 anonymous krdmps@hotmail.com engagept
How will the City of Port Townsend protect the vital industry that is
the heartbeat of this town?
054 4/6/2022 Brent Vadopalas brent@vadopalas.org engagept
It is not logical to both remove trees and underground the
power lines.illogical to expand the boatyard before tackling
these serious environmental issues. The public infrastructure
grant could be spent in a more productive way than the
proposed gateway project.
Page 12 of 20
1
SIMS WAY AND BOAT YARD EXPANSION STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE
AGENDA
APRIL 12, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Welcome and Meeting Logistics:
This stakeholder committee workshop is open to the public virtually. The principal purpose of the
workshop is to allow the stakeholder committee, agency staff, and the design consultant to
communicate with each other, answer questions, and get the stakeholder's opinions and input
regarding the Sims Gateway and Boat Yard Expansion project. It is not the opportunity to give public
comment. Public comment can be provided at the Parks Recreation Tree Trail Advisory Board
(PRTTAB) meetings during project updates. Written comments can be submitted to HYPERLINK
"mailto:engagept@cityofpt.us" engagept@cityofpt.us . All written comment will be provided to the
stakeholder committee, PRTTAB, and the City, Port, and PUD elected officials.
The public is welcome to join the webinar and view the proceedings of the meeting. The meeting
will also be recorded and posted for later viewing on the project website at:
https://cityofpt.us/engagept/page/sims-gateway-and-boatyard-expansion-project
To join the webinar, follow these instructions.
•Join via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com enter 9 digit Webinar ID 226-425-
723
•Join by phone in listen-only mode: +1 (562) 247-8422 Ext. 3 access code: 806-679-504 #
I.Introductions and Ice Breaker
II.Introduction to the project and charge for the Stakeholder Committee from Eron Berg, John
Mauro, and Kevin Streett
III.Process Review
A.Video recording/Transparency
B.Meeting Decorum
C.Internal communications – Appearance of fairness and public trust
D.Public comments
E.Parks board meetings
F.City council, port commission, and pud commission meetings
Page 13 of 20
2
IV. Public records – City Clerk, Joanna Sanders
V. Next Steps
A. Information review – See City Website – Is there any existing information that is
missing?
B. Consultant – Next meeting, we plan to introduce our consultant
C. PRTTAB Meeting on April 26, 2022
VI. Round table and Wrap - up
A. What is the most interesting part of this project to you?
B. How can you and we help the project for our community?
VII. Set next meeting date and time: May ___, 2022
Parking Lot/Future Meetings
The parking lot is for topics that come up that are not on the agenda and may be addressed in a
future meeting.
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Stakeholder committee emails up to 4/12/22
Mr. King:
Thank you for updating our Committee on the Sims Gateway Plan Implementation and Boat Yard
Expansion Project, and soliciting questions about the process and work to be performed. As I indicated
previously, I will perform in any capacity the agency partners deem appropriate. I am full of questions,
as I assume others are, and would be remiss if I did not respond to your request. Here are my current
questions:
1.From what viewpoint shall the Stakeholder Committee contribute? That is, shall participants
dispassionately help the partners meet their strategic objectives by contributing experience,
perspectives, materials, and resources; or shall they more narrowly represent the positions,
interests, or concerns of a subset of individuals or organizations? Will participants propose
concepts and solutions, or simply serve as a sounding board for the partners and consultant?
2.How will Project decisions be made? For example, shall we strive for consensus, or vote on
project elements, or apply objective decision making by ranking design alternatives based on
selected criteria?
3.I am aware of the Project’s broad vision and goals; however, the specific objectives escape me.
Can we pin down the current Project work scope? Can we define the Project area? Will the
Project include designs for boat yard expansion and Boat Haven stormwater system
modifications (in the Project area)? (Can Boat Haven stormwater facilities be in the Sims Way
ROW?)
4.Is it possible to prepare and distribute a base map (roll plot) to participants showing ownerships,
easements, edges of pavement, utilities, structures, and Project area (and tree survey)?
Stationing would help with location references (e.g., WSDOT highway stationing for Sims Way).
5.Since the City conducted the Report on the Hydrology of Kah Tai Lagoon in November 1984, has
additional information on lagoon hydrology and groundwater become available? Was an
additional outlet pipe constructed, as recommended in the Report?
6.Are preliminary roadway/landscape designs available for the WSDOT-proposed roundabout at
the intersection of Sims Way and Kearney Street?
Thanks for the opportunity to serve. I patiently await my assignments!
Steve Mader
612 Lawrence Street
Page 15 of 20
Hi Steve~
It all sounds good!
I have one question. In your email to us, you wrote 'Public comments' are encouraged and are
to be sent to PRTTAB, and then you wrote in the agenda that their 'written comments' are to
be sent to engage@cityofpt.us. Are they one and the same? That's a little confusing. Will the
Steering Committee have access to all public comments throughout the process so that we can
consider their opinions/suggestions as we're throwing out ideas together, or will we only have
access to their comments bi-monthly during or after the PRTTAB meetings when the written
minutes get posted online?
I understand there may be a bombardment of opinions sent that can be overwhelming, but,
they may just help guide the steering committee to hear of the community's wishes if we knew
of them more often than every two months. It may help with the 'transparency'
issue. Personally, I would like access to public comments on the issue as they come in - not
every two months.
Thanks you for clarifying!
Joni
From: Steve King <sking@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 1:26 PM
To: Steve King <sking@cityofpt.us>
Cc: Matthew Klontz <matt@portofpt.com>; Will O'Donnell <wodonnell@jeffpud.org>; John Mauro
<JMauro@cityofpt.us>; Eron Berg <Eron@portofpt.com>; Kevin Streett <kstreett@jeffpud.org>; Joanna
Sanders <jsanders@cityofpt.us>
Subject: First Sims Way Stakeholder meeting
Good Morning All!
Attached you will find the agenda to the first stakeholder meeting. We will be meeting at City Hall and
will allow the public to tune into to watch the meeting virtually. The public will not be able to
participate with comments in the meeting to allow us to focus on our work. However, the public will be
encouraged to submit comments through the Parks Recreation Tree and Trail Advisory Board. We will
also be recording the meeting for transparency of the process. This first meeting is intended to help us
all get to know each other and as well as discuss the process and work ahead of us. One of the critical
items that we will spend time on is how we work as a group and some protocols to ensure that our work
is transparent. For example, this email is sent to you all under blind cc. This helps us avoid email
discussions which become a public records challenge. Matt, Will, and I will be your primary contacts
for this effort. The three of us will be stewarding this process on behalf of the community and the three
agency partners.
Arlene and Forest are not available and thus I’ll reach out to you independently to ask for introductory
information as well as discuss the meeting points. There is also a possibility that Arlene and Forest may
be able to join a portion of the meeting virtually.
Page 16 of 20
We are very much looking forward to the work ahead and getting to know everyone. Thank you again
for volunteering to partake in serving our community on such an important topic.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks!
Steve
Page 17 of 20
Thank you, City, for your new webpage! It's very informative.
I just read Katy BIgelow's Poplar tree assessment report.
I needed clarification on her remark in her summary that stated to the effect that 'no matter
where PUD undergrounding occurs, critical root damage would occur and likely cause the trees'
demise'. So, I wrote to her and asked for clarification. Here are my questions and her
responses in blue:
If the PUD trenches along the existing Port fenceline (one of their options), which is 25' away
from the Poplars and beyond the 3' stormwater ditch, that has already been dug between the
Poplars and the fenceline, would it still likely kill the Poplars? No.
If the heavy machinery worked from the Port side to dig the trench and stayed off the main
roots closer to the tree, wouldn't that be a safe option for the PUD trenching? Sure
I just thought that was an important correction that needed to be known as all options are still
being considered for this whole project.
It is also good for us all to know that her assessment summary stated that 'the Poplar trees will
likely stand with low but increasing risk', and 'I did not observe any large trunks or bases of
trunks with a high potential to fall onto a target'. (By the ISA hazard rating chart, which she
used, low risk means: Insignificant minor issues with no concerns for years to come, and the
eventual moderate risk to come would be: no concerns for 10 years or more). That ISA hazard
chart was listed at the end of her 2013 Assessment report. Although she suspected basal rot in
the 2013 trees, also, they were still classified as 'low risk' of trunk failure.
Her suggestions for maintaining the health of the Poplars and mitigating their offenses (root
invasions, sucker sprouts) were also quite helpful. Can be found at the end of her 2012
Assessment report, also. Perhaps if any trees are left standing, these suggestions could be
heeded.
I agree with her in that it's an unlikely location for any kind of a substantial wildlife habitat
being a busy work area with lots of noise, along with all the busy traffic.
I also read the Kah Tai '86 Landscape Plan where it is recommended to selectively thin the
Poplars to keep an open view into the Park, and to do pruning and sucker mowing to keep the
Poplars healthy and contained. This recommendation is keeping with the following Gateway
Plan approved after in 1993 that the Kah Tai group were a part of creating. The Plan that
Page 18 of 20
recommended replanting any aging or compromising Poplars with the younger ones that were
purposely planted.
Thank you for providing such a comprehensive list of references for everyone's overall
understanding. This information will provide a good basis for working out a compromising plan
for the better good of our whole community.
Joni Blanchard
Page 19 of 20
Thanks Steve,
As the City’s one-time arborist (1990) I endorse the assessment by professional arborist Katy Bigelow.
Since as noted a few days ago, I will be in-flight at the time of the April 12 meeting, I wonder how I may
best stay abreast of the committee’s work and offer my expertise at that time? I will be away from April
5-12.
Last week I did some data-gathering at and near the Sims Way corridor to learn more about the ‘user-
group’ in the corridor, and about the composition of the urban forest in proximity to the corridor. Can
you help me anticipate how and when I can best share that information?
I have no other travel planned in the next two or three months so will likely be present for subsequent
meetings of the committee.
Sincerely,
Forest
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