HomeMy WebLinkAbout071315CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF JULY 13, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on July 13, 2015. Mayor
David King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m,
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King,
Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson with Kris Nelson
absent.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance Director Nora
Mitchel, City Attorney Steve Gross, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer
David Peterson, Water Quality Manager Ian Jablonski, Library Director Melody Eisler,
and City Clerk Joanna Sanders .
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
SpeakUp Port Townsend Update
City Clerk Joanna Sanders gave an update on the Speak Up Port Townsend online
tools and discussions. Council felt the Ideas tool was a useful vehicle for providing
information and prompting citizen dialogue. There was support for Staffs continual
monitoring and providing factual responses and information when warranted. Staff
noted that Council participation could be considered a violation of the Open Public
Meetings Act. Rather than responding on the site, Council could ask
Staff to respond to citizens. Council would receive periodic updates of the ideas
submitted and could recommend elevating an idea to a forum to provide more
information and solicit input.
Water Supply Status
Water Quality Manager Ian Jablonski and Public Works Director Ken Clow briefed
Council on the current water supply and demand. Staff reviewed water use by Port
Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC) and a drought contingency response plan
that will come before Council for ratification next week.
Staff then responded to questions about the higher storage capacity now available
at Lords Lake. There was discussion about the use of wells for irrigation, individual
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conservation, and water use by the golf course. Mr. Timmons said staff would
continue to work with the Department of Health and with PTPC on water
conservation. The Department of Commerce is considering the economic
implications to PTPC. A risk assessment is also being conducted and an
emergency resolution may be needed to take action based on changing
circumstances.
Capital Projects Status
City Engineer David Peterson presented a detailed review of general, street, and
water projects listed on the Capital Projects schedule. There was
significant discussion and staff response to questions about Howard Street project,
sidewalks and water projects. Council expressed interest in better informing citizens
about project updates. Staff responded that under "Current Projects" on the City
website, citizens can find a map with specific project descriptions and information.
Mr. Timmons noted Council would also receive a list of
upcoming grant applications for the Transportation Improvement Board and Safe
Routes to School, street maintenance and other potential projects.
Council Rules Section 4.2 Regarding Advisory Boards
City Attorney Steve Gross said staff would be bringing forward proposed
amendments to the Port Townsend Municipal Code regarding the rules applicable
to Boards and Commissions. Staffs recommendation is to provide more guidance
on advisory board functions, setting of agendas, work plan development, and
reporting to Council.
During discussion, Council recognized the budget implications in providing
oversight of Boards and Commissions and the need to align resources focused on
Council -supported priorities. Staff noted that an area to be addressed is the
coordination of volunteer activities separate from the work plan of an advisory
board. Council or staff oversight is necessary to ensure advisory boards function
appropriately and are working on topics as assigned. There was interest in
balancing the meaningful contributions, ideas and important role volunteers serve in
the community with the needs and priorities of the City. It was noted there is at least
one City/County joint board to be addressed separately. There was also a question
about incorporating references to the Library Foundation.
Library Agreements with the School District, Library Foundation and Friends
of the Library
Library Director Melody Eisler and Mr. Gross reviewed the need for consolidation of
the agreements to clear up expectations, roles and responsibilities. It was noted
that there is a separate funding associated with the Library Foundation.
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Mr. Timmons noted Council also received a spreadsheet explaining the financing
package for debt service on the Water System from $21 Million to $26 Million.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Attest:
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Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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