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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07City of Port Townsend (360) 379-5047 (email: citycouncil@ci.port-townsend.wa.us) www.ci.port-townsend.wa.us July 2005 City Update—A special presentation from Mayor Catharine Robinson and City Manager David Timmons The Shoreline Master Program by Senior Planner Judy Surber Shorelines are at the heart of our community. One need only glance at a local paper to find numerous shoreline related articles…such as “Failing Riprap Threatens Landmark,” “Partnerships Bring Synergy Among Marine Trades,” “Dock to Open at NW Maritime Center,” “New View Bench a Memorial to Moth- ers,” and “Kids Carving Into Sandy Bluff has Residents on Top Worried.” These articles highlight some of the competing demands on our shoreline. How do we balance appropri- ate use of the shorelines, with physical and visual access, while at the same time protecting both prop- erty and shoreline resources? Balancing these competing demands is the charge of the City’s Shoreline Mas- ter Program (SMP). The SMP is a plan containing both policies and regulations that apply to “shoreline” areas. In Port Townsend, shorelines include Port Townsend Bay, Admiralty Inlet, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Kah Tai Lagoon, and Chinese Gardens Lagoon. The SMP is intended to provide for envi- ronmental protection, appropriate development, and public access. The City’s current Shoreline Master Program has become outdated. We need to update it to bring it up to speed with current state law, with community interests, and with the ever-growing body of scientific data. Our goal is to adopt an updated master program by the end of 2005. To assist the City in these efforts, the Washington State Department of Ecology provided a grant of $197,750. The City Council established a shoreline advisory group consisting of stakeholders represent- ing diverse interests including recreation, business, and homeowners. Since its initial meeting in May 2003, the Shoreline Advisory Group has been reviewing draft goals, policies and regulations affecting the City’s shoreline. A recommendation from the group is anticipated in July of 2005. From there, the document progresses to the Planning Commission, City Council, and ultimately to the Department of Ecology for adoption by the state. Join us for an open public meeting on shoreline management issues July 20 at Fort Worden Commons. For more information and an agenda, please view our website at www.ci.port-townsend.wa.us. FIREWORKS!! Where: Fort Worden When: July 4 at dusk (10-ish) Join us for the community fireworks display at Fort Worden on Independence Day. Our foremost safety concern for the City is fire control during the celebration. Remember, it is against the law to light any size of firework within city limits (this includes sparklers.) HOOD CANAL BRIDGE CLOSURE The latest scheduled bridge closures will be: August 11, 8 pm thru August 15, 4 am and, August 21, 8 pm thru August 25, 4 am For additional information and alternate routes, visit www.hoodcanalbridge.com or call the Hood Canal Bridge toll-free number 1-877-597-4222. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE WASTEWATER DIVISION Whether you flush it, pour it, or dump it down the drain or toilet, sewage (wastewater) doesn’t go away. What- ever goes down your sewer system comes back around in some way. Fats, oil, and grease can cause sewer backups and overflows which can cause health hazards, damage home interiors and threaten the environment. Our utility department must also perform more maintenance on the sys- tem than would otherwise be required. Here are some other items that should not go down the drain or be flushed down the toilet: • medical supplies including colostomy bags • bandages • incontinence pads • syringes • medicines • paper or disposable towels • wipes of any kind--moist towelettes and handy wipes • disposable diapers • feminine napkins and tampons (even if dis- posable), and • condoms. The Wastewater Division thanks you for helping us keep the sewer collection and wastewater treat- ment systems trouble free. POLICE OFFICER TAKES OATH Jason Avery - was sworn in as the City’s newest police officer on June 15. Jason was hired after complet- ing the testing requirements for the Entry Level Civil Service employment list. He has been with the City as a Reserve Officer for ten years and is slated to begin basic training at the Washington State Law Enforcement Academy in late summer. A vacancy was created on the police force when Officer David Sewell resigned to return to Kansas. Police Chief Conner Daily stated he is delighted that Officer Avery will be joining the de- partment. He noted that he and Mr. Avery started with the department at the same time, and he is looking forward to working with this long-time col- league as a fellow commissioned officer. CITIZEN CONCERN PROCEDURE Do you have a city related concern and are not sure which city department to address? Our Citizen Concern Procedure will simplify the process for you. You can call 379-5047; write City of Port Townsend, 181 Quincy St., Suite 201, Port Townsend, WA 98368; or email us at citizenconcern@ci.port- townsend.wa.us. We will process the concern and, if you wish, get back to you with the results. WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY and BIOSOLIDS COMPOST FACILITY RECEIVE AWARDS The City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) and Biosolids Compost Facility have received awards from the Department of Ecol- ogy for being 100% compliant with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES.) The following employees are recog- nized for their dedication and exceptional per- formance in protecting our community and natu- ral resources: John Merchant , Operations Manager Mike Bartkus, WWTF Operator II Marel Harstad, WWTF Operator II Dave Rodia, WWTF Operator II Jim Freitas, Bio/Comp Operator II Bliss Morris, Bio/Comp Operator I ATTENTION DOWNTOWN PATRONS! TWO-HOUR PARKING PASSES! As a courtesy to all the patrons who do business in our downtown historical district, the City Council approved the Downtown Parking Advisory Board’s recommendation to provide two- hour parking passes that can be purchased from participating businesses. If you are parked in a two-hour parking spot and need additional time, you can purchase a two-hour parking pass for $5.00. Display the parking pass in the windshield of your vehicle and our diligent Parking Volun- teers will grant you a two-hour reprieve. For more information or for the list of participating business owners, visit the Main Street web site at www.ptguide.com/mainstreet or look for the signs in the display windows of those businesses. All proceeds from this parking pass program are ear- marked for streetscape improvements.