HomeMy WebLinkAbout011308 WorkshopCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP/RETREAT SESSION OF JANUARY 13, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the
thirteenth day of January, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the third floor conference room of
City Hall, Mayor Michelle Sandoval presiding.
ROLL CALL
Gouncil members present at roll call were Brent Butler, David King, Laurie
Medlicott, George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark
Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Planning Director
Rick Sepler, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
FERRY SERVICE AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
City Manager David Timmons and Planning Director Rick Sepler reviewed the
packet materials, noting that the loss of the Port Townsend/Keystone ferries has
created a critical need for the Council to develop and articulate a set of goals and
strategies that represent the City's policy intent regarding the ferry route.
The Council worked through the draft goals first, with staff noting results of the
discussion.
Agreement was reached on adding "appropriate private or non-profit agencies" to
Goal 3 regarding development of coordinated and route-related strategies; for
example the Chamber of Commerce would be involved in discussions about
overflow parking.
An additional goal was suggested that would relate the ferry strategy to long term
economic strategy and recognition that all goals need to be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
After discussion of goals was completed the Council turned to the list of
strategies.
Discussion items included the following.
Differentiation between capital and operating expenses and what kind of
expenditure level the legislature will sustain in the future.
City Council Workshop Page 1 January 13, 2008
Level of service and how that is determined; for example, the state ferries
defined level of service as the number of cars moved in a day which led to the
plan for larger boats with fewer trips. In terms of the impact on the City, the level
of service should include the flow of vehicles and impact on our ability to manage
that.
The need to define steps toward economic recovery and where we want to be
not just in the next three years, but also in the next twenty years.
The need for help from a lobbying firm as well as the presence of staff and
Council in Olympia during the current legislative session.
The need for Council to reserve agenda time during the next 90-day period and
not over commit resources toward other issues.
Work to raise awareness of all legislators, not just our own elected officials.
Importance of a united front with Whidbey Island.
Emphasize economic mitigation.
Partner in the lobbying efforts with the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, and
business leaders, those directly impacted.
Get information to the community regarding about why the current boats are not
salvageable; for example, explain that if the steel electrics were refitted, they
would lose their grandfather status and would have to comply with all current
standards such as ADA requirements.
Try to keep the Pierce County boat through the summer of 2009 to partner with
the new boat.
Review options such as a car ferry from Port Townsend to Edmonds or
passenger ferry from Port Townsend to Seattle; consider stops at other
communities along the route. Consider event-based runs, for example during
big festivals or events at Fort Worden.
Create a coordinating council or clearinghouse so that all sectors of the
community know what events are going on in the community.
Figure out how to subsidize transit runs; look at a bike storage facility.
Consider a reservation system for the ferry runs.
Look at turning over the Highway 20 project to the State so the City can
concentrate on the Howard Street corridor.
City Council Workshop Page 2 January 13, 2008
Work with the CTED to establish strong public relations, business counseling and
coordination. If we attract people, give them a good experience in Port
Townsend.
Ask for legislation to allow private vessels to use state ferry docks.
Work with the Port, Northwest Maritime Center, Fort Worden, and Jefferson
Transit.
Ask the State to turn over one or more of the steel electrics to the City for another
use. Investigate cost of maintenance.
Investigate an extension for Union Wharf to accommodate commercial use.
Upgrade Quincy Street dock.
Investigate a Federal as well as a State strategy.
Relocation of ferry holding area.
Water taxi from the ferry dock to Ft. Worden, Port Hadlock, possibly other
locations.
Accelerate the EIS.
Place ferry update on each council meeting agenda.
Staff will provide goals and strategies in draft form for the next Council meeting.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 3 January 73, 2008