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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07(360) 379-5047 (email: citycouncil@cityofpt.us) www.cityofpt.us July 2012 City of Port Townsend From Mayor David King - The Park and the PDA “The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquires, operates, enhances, and protects a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical, and natural sites. The Commission fosters outdoor recreation and education statewide to provide enjoyment and enrichment for all, and a valued legacy to future generations.” This is the mission statement of the Washington State Parks. Due to severe budget cuts State Parks must learn how to fulfill this mission largely without financial support from the State. In June, I participated in a strategic planning exercise designed to develop a social enterprise approach that does not compromise and in fact supports this mission. They are seeking for each park an appropriate combination of three alterna- tives: parks as an “enterprise,” as a “community nonprofit,” and as a “public asset.” With camping, museums, colleges, educational programming, private businesses, not-for-profit businesses, food concessions, historic structures, festivals, conferences, beaches and bunkers, Fort Worden is the most intensely diversified park in the state system. Strategic-alternatives planning for the Fort has been underway since 2006 when State Parks initiated a process that resulted in adoption of the Lifelong Learning Center concept in 2008. A key component of that concept was choosing a “management entity” as a partner. A Parks Commission-chartered task force recommended that a non-profit management entity would be the best model and advertised for qualifying organizations. One responded – Centrum – which was selected in 2009. In January of 2011, after two years of helping to create the Lifelong Learning Center, Centrum decided to withdraw from any management of Fort Worden to focus its efforts on arts programming. The park manag- er, with Centrum’s support, proposed that the City’s Public Development Authority (PDA) step in to take over that role. A city or county can create a PDA to address needs or projects that it does not want to undertake directly. Many focus on the “D” word associated with a PDA “Development” but the real emphasis is on the “P Pub- lic.” PDA proceedings and documents are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act. A PDA cannot make a profit for shareholders (it has none) and board members are not compensated, though they can be reim- bursed for their expenses, so control or management by a PDA does not “privatize” the institution. It cannot be hijacked by private interests because board membership and the organization’s charter is under the au- thority of its creating agency. Yet it operates independently so it is insulated from the political oscillations of elected bodies and is thus effective at engaging with other entities to pursue its mission. A PDA cannot levy taxes but it can issue bonds, which a nonprofit organization cannot do. In addition to the frequently men- tioned example of Pike Place Market there are many other PDAs in Washington. The Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma is managed by a PDA as are the Lady Washington and Historical Seaport in Grays Harbor, the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium. In 2010, the City Council created the Public Development Authority to address several community issues: affordable housing, preservation of historic “assets” and the protection of “public places of special quality for the purposes of maintaining commons for the public interest.” In September 2011, the City Council passed an ordinance that changed the Port Townsend PDA to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center PDA (or FWPDA – an awful acronym to say) with a new mission to “manage, promote, develop secure funding and enhance Fort Worden State Park.” At the end of March 2012, after brief and contentious consideration of transferring the entire park to the FWPDA, the WA State Parks Commission unanimously resolved to continue support of the creation of the Lifelong Learning Center with FWPDA as the managing entity and directed that it work with State Parks to develop a “business plan and governance model.” Under any of the options to be considered FWPDA is a partner and the park always remains state owned. The park is never lost. It can never be mortgaged. If the entity for any reason fails in its management, then park management is resumed by the state. The Lifelong Learning Center is that balance of mission and enterprise that State Parks is seeking for the rest of their system. Centrum’s experience showed that the mission of the “management entity” of Fort Worden should be limited to just that. I believe that the institution of a PDA generally, and the composi- tion of the FWPDA in particular, are correct for developing a long-term partnership between our communi- ty and State Parks. Our future Fort Worden is simply a busier and better-maintained version of today’s. It buzzes with activity throughout the year. Music drifts from windows that were once shuttered and dark. Students from God- dard and Peninsula Colleges hustle between classes. In the summer RVs line up for camping, visitors prod sea creatures in the tanks at the Marine Science Center and walk the trails of artillery hill. Kites are flying above the beach. A six year-old rides his bicycle down the parade field under the watchful eyes of his parents, training wheels off for the first time. Thanks to David Timmons, Erin Fristad and Rodger Schmitt for developing this and to Alice’s book club for asking the question. Resources: Washington State Parks site about Fort Worden Planning http://www.parks.wa.gov/plans/ftworden1/ Ordinance 3063 – created the Fort Worden PDA and revised the charter https://weblink.cityofpt.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx? id=58516&&dbid=0 General information about Public Development Authorities http://www.mrsc.org/subjects/econ/ed-pda.aspx Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority http://fwpda.org/ Sidewalk Clearing: We need your help Summer brings out the best in everyone’s landscaping efforts. Unfortunately plant growth sometimes has a tenden- cy to impede access along many of the community’s sidewalks and trails. In some cases, almost the en- tire width of the sidewalk is lost to an adjacent hedge or bush that has grown into the right of way. The Public Works Department is asking property owners and residents to check their frontage to see if their plants are growing out over the sidewalks and please trim back the vegetation which will allow full use of the sidewalks. Trees should also be checked to ensure that adequate overhead clear- ance (at least seven feet) is maintained. We thank everyone in advance for helping to make our com- munity a better place for all. 05/03/12 Cherry Street GPS 05/09/12 Gise Street Bike 05/22/12 Madison Street Cash 05/22/12 Quincy Wallet 05/20/12 31st Street iPod 06/09/12 Sims hat Found property held by PT Police 385-2322 WellCity Award Association of Washington Cities (AWC) For the second year, City employees earned the WellCity Award from AWC Employee Benefit Trust. The award is based on meeting stringent best prac- tice standards in employee health promotion. Committed to improving and maintaining employee health, the Wellness Committee worked diligently throughout 2011 to achieve this award. The City will receive a 2% premium discount on their AWC medi- cal coverage for employees and spouses in 2013. FM Hearing Assistance Devices Available Assistance is now available in Council Chambers for those with hearing impairments. The wire- less listening assistance system includes pocket size receivers with adjustable volume control. In-ear buds, earphones, and a mono neckloop are available and those with “around the neck” loop systems may be able to plug those directly into the receiver. The FM receiver will not interfere with pacemakers. More information on the system is available through the City Clerk’s office and printed instructions are available in Council Chambers. If you are planning to use an assistance device during a meeting in Chambers, please come a little early or call ahead if possible so we can be of greatest assistance prior to the start of the meeting. Staff from the Clerk’s office are also happy to make appointments at any time if you would like to drop by and try out the equipment to see what will work best for you. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment please contact the Clerk’s office at 379-5045 or pkolacy@cityofpt.us. Taylor Street “Hard Hats & Carhartts” Party Saturday, July 7 Live Music and Costume Contest for Best Hard Hats & Carhartts Outfit As construction is completed on Taylor Street be- tween Washington and Water Streets, the Port Townsend Main Street Program and the City of Port Townsend invite the public to celebrate with a “Hard Hats & Carhartts” Party on Saturday, July 7 from noon-6 p.m and Gallery Walk from 5:30-8 p.m. “We’re excited to truly see the ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’ for this project,” said Mari Mullen, Execu- tive Director for the Port Townsend Main Street Pro- gram. “Downtown is going to be beautiful when the construction is completed and we want to celebrate with the community.” The afternoon starts off with children’s activities in selected stores and on Taylor Street. Visit Sand Castle Toys near Water & Taylor to join in the fun. A variety of refreshments will be offered throughout the afternoon, reflecting Taylor Street cuisine. The Rat Island Rowing Club will display their rowing shells at both ends of Taylor Street—on the Water Street end and the Washington Street end. At 3 p.m., there will be a costume contest for the best “Hard Hats & Carhartts” outfit. The winner will receive two tickets to a Key City Public Theatre Main Stage performance and two tickets to the Rose The- atre, plus popcorn! A trophy will also be awarded, so come in your Carhartts best! Live music will be featured on Taylor Street with the rockin’ Blacky Sheridan band playing from 4-6 p.m. The “Light at the End of the Tunnel” campaign is a collaboration between the Port Townsend Main Street Program, the City and participating businesses. City Wastewater Treatment Plant and Bio-Solids Wastewater Treatment Plant receive Department of Ecology 2011 Awards For the fourteenth consecutive year (sixteen overall), the City Wastewater Treatment Plant has received the “Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Per- formance” award and for the fifth consecutive year (seven overall) the City Bio-Solids Wastewater Treat- ment Plant is receiving the same award. The Department of Ecology evaluates wastewater treatment plants in Washington for compliance with the effluent limits, monitoring and reporting require- Recipes for a Green Planet Common household cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful if used or disposed improperly. If you’re chemically sensitive or just want a non-toxic alternative, here are some alternatives listed below that you can use for cleaning. For more information on non-toxic alternatives contact: Pinky Feria Mingo at 360 379-4489 or email pinky@co.jefferson.wa.us or go on-line at: http:// www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/pdf/Toxic% 20Free%20Alternatives.pdf. Multi-Purpose “Green Cleaner” 1 tsp soap (flakes, powder, or liquid) 1 tsp borax 2 TBS white distilled vinegar 2 cups water Bathroom Mold Cleaner 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) 2 parts water Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray on are- as with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing. Take care around fabrics as it can bleach out colors. Window and Mirror Cleaner ¼ cup white distilled vinegar 2 cups water Put into a spray bottle and use a lint free rag or newspaper to wipe surface. Toilet Bowl Stain Remover Dissolve one or two denture cleaning tablets in a porcelain toilet bowl and let stand overnight or during the day while everyone is at work or school. ments, spill prevention planning, pretreatment, and overall operational demands of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Of ap- proximately 300 treatment plants statewide, ours is one of 108 that achieved full compliance with its NPDES permit in 2011. It takes diligent operators and a strong management team, working effectively together, to achieve this high level of compliance. Operating a wastewater treatment plant 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without viola- tions, takes an extraordinary level of effort and commit- ment by plant operators. Our thanks and congratulations go out to: John Merchant, Operations Manager Mike Bartkus, WWTF Operator Bob Mackey, WWTF Operator Dave Rodia, WWTF Operator Jim Freitas, Biosolids/Compost Operator Bliss Morris, Biosolids/Compost Operator PLANNING COMMISSION - MEMBERS NEEDED: BE AT THE CENTER OF THE PLANNING: Are you interested in advancing sound planning practices, implementing community goals, and improving communication between the public and the governing body? Are you known for your keen insight and collaborative spirit? You may be just the person we need! The City is seeking volunteers to serve on the Planning Commission. The key function of the Planning Commission is to provide recommendations to the Council on land use related items. Only the City Council can make final decisions on land use items, but the Council relies on the Plan- ning Commission to hold hearings, gather input, and provide the Council with expert advice, based on City code and the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission meets generally twice a month (second and fourth Thursday). Appointed by the Mayor and City Council, Planning Commissioners serve a three year term. If you would like to learn more about the duties and time commitment involved, please contact Judy Surber, Planning Manager at 379-5084. Declaration of Interest forms are available at www.cityofpt.us. Meet Officer Bill Corrigan Each year, he participates in the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. The three day ride, Au- gust 4-6 this year, is quite a challenge, climbing a mountain pass every day…Snoqualmie, Blewett and finally Stevens Pass, covering 173 miles and climbing 11,000 feet. The sole function of the Courage Classic is to raise funds for the Rotary Endowment for the Inter- vention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Multicare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Child Abuse Intervention Department; and the Children’s Trust Foundation. Their mantra is, "Pedal for the Kids!" He became associated with the ride, and cause, when he worked for Capital One in Federal Way. In 2002, they became a sponsor but it was last minute and he was their sole representative that first year. The next year, five fellow employees participated and the third year, 34 others rode. He left Capital One in 2004 to work for the Port Townsend Police Department, but has continued riding each year to help the kids. Since then, he’s been riding without a sponsor and meets up with about 500 other dedicated participants from around the Northwest and Canada. This event has been raising funds for 21 years. Bill has participated in this worthy cause for 11 of those years and has made a pledge to continue this tradition for many more. For more information, contact Officer Corri- gan at bcorrigan@cityofpt.us. If you would like to make a donation, write a check to “Courage Classic” and either mail it to Bill or drop it off at the Police Department, 1925 Blaine St., Port Townsend, WA 98368. 4TH AT THE FORT! Come join us for an Old Fashioned 4th at the Fort sponsored by the City of Port Townsend. After 7 p.m. on July 4, there will be open access to Fort Worden State Park with free parking. Fireworks will begin around 10 p.m. Prior to 7 p.m. a Discover Pass or a Day Pass is required for parking at the Fort. Information about the passes is available by calling Fort Worden State Park at (360) 344-4400. Relay For Life July 28-29 at Memorial Field July 28 Opening ceremonies at Noon; Survivor Lap 6 p.m.; Luminaria Ceremony 10 p.m. July 29 Closing ceremonies at Noon. To volunteer, participate or donate, contact Julia Fulton at (360) 531-2679 or juliajjoyce@gmail.com. Recycle Program For Old Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids The Port Townsend Lighthouse Lions collect old eyeglasses and hearing aids for the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing. If you would like to empty that drawer of old glasses and hearing aids, contact Marvin Miller at (360) 385-5473 or Martin Vetere at (360) 379-4686.