HomeMy WebLinkAbout011908CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE RETREAT SESSION OF JANUARY 19, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in a retreat session the
nineteenth day of January, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, Mayor
Michelle Sandoval presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council 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, Public Works Director Ken Clow, Finance Director Michael Legarsky, DSD
Director Leonard Yarbe~ry, Police Chief Conner Daily, Library Director Theresa
Percy, Senior Planner Judy Surber, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
INTRODUCTION AND INTENT OF RETREAT
OVERVIEW OF ONGOING PROJECTS, PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
Mayor Sandoval welcomed the Council and made introductory remarks
City Manager David Timmons and Planning Director Rick Sepler reviewed the
ongoing items on the Council's work plan, with emphasis on the fact that the ferry
service issue will dominate the first quarter of the year. Ferry strategies formulated
at the Council workshop on January 13 were distributed, with Council members
asked to offer amendments if necessary prior to formal approval at a regular
meeting.
Other ongoing issues noted included the following.
Transportation Plan. Public Works Director Ken Clow noted it is a general
document without specifics relating to every street and block in town. He stated that
the Plan should come before Council in the fall as the assigned staff person was
pulled off the project to conduct a series of meetings with citizens regarding the
Upper Sims Way project.
Alternative Energy. The task force may have recommendations in March or April.
Cable Contract. The current television cable contract expires in 2011; however
state and federal legislation may affect cable franchise agreements.
City Council Retreat Page 1 January 19, 2008
Land Use Issues: Concept and implementation of mixed-use centers will be the
subject of an upcoming Council Workshop. Other land use issues will be the subject
of joint workshops with the Planning Commission.
Facilitation of community forums - re-engage with citizens regarding community
values.
Comprehensive look at City owned property.
City budget and cash flow.
"Economic development" -repercussions of not having economic development;
thinking non-traditionally about definition of economic development.
Alignment of all relevant organizations behind a common economic development
strategy; include baseline assessment and identification of clear strategy.
Assist non-profits and others to develop destination based uses; get up to speed
with Fort Worden, Port, and Maritime Center plans. Possible master calendar of
events coming to the City that could be accessed by businesses.
Outside committee representatives to report to full Council at business meetings.
Connect with building community; low housing starts have impact on City.
Affordable housing. Task force will be bringing recommendations forward soon.
Sustainable funding.
Library expansion plan.
Meeting and working with County Commissioners.
Identified as workshop topics for the first quarter:
Budget/money flow
Library Plan
Community Values
Priorities
Another retreat will be scheduled late in March to reaffirm or introduce new priorities.
Mayor Sandoval asked each Council member to list his or her priorities informally:
City Council Retreat Page 2 January 7Q 2008
Mrs. Medlicott: economic strategy, Upper Sims Way, PTTV (improve or reconsider
funding); combine three standing committees (Public Works, Public Safety,
Transportation) into one (General Government); Council to stay focused and not be
distracted from main goals.
Mr. King: greater collaboration between City and Port; improve communications with
the community and get people engaged to support City's efforts.
Mr. Butler: collaboration is critical; sharing financial responsibility with other
agencies; housing and economic development; expanding cable and radio for
emergency preparedness.
Ms. Robinson: budget and funding; cooperation with the County; community
conversation with County, service providers, substance abuse prevention funding,
land for affordable housing; library expansion and operations.
Mr. Randels: agrees with most above; also pool, working closely to facilitate Make
Waves efforts; Post Office future.
Ms. Sandoval: stated she is hearing that communications is a primary goal -among
City, Port, schools, hospital, County, non-profits, etc.; communications with citizen
committees including volunteer recognition and training; communications with
media; spreading opportunities for public appearances among Council members.
Organization/Framework Issues
Mr. King requested a copy of last year's Council goals.
Mr. Timmons presented a suggested committee structure for consideration. Using
the Council of the Whole committee approach was discussed for appropriate items.
Mr. Timmons noted that if Council were able to work out same issues through the
Committee of the Whole and arrive at consensus, the regular business meetings
could be more efficient.
There was general agreement that separate Public Safety, Public Works, and
Transportation Committees were not necessary. A committee called "General
Government" or "General Services" could replace the three listed.
Rather than having a specific "ferry strategy and issue" committee, it was suggested
that a "special projects" committee be formed to deal with similar issues that arise.
A need was identified for clarification on the relationships and roles of the citizen
advisory boards and the Council standing committee.
City Council Retreat Page 3 January 19, 2008
Mr. Randels noted that the Council should recommend that County committees and
other outside committees schedule more evening meetings to accommodate Council
schedules and encourage public attendance.
Mayor Sandoval asked Council members to communicate their outside and standing
committee choices to her, Mr. Randels will develop a new spreadsheet for
committees.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:37 p. m.
Attest:
~~~
Pam Kolacy,
City Clerk
~~~Z~~
MMC
City Council Retreat Page 4 .Ianuary 19, 2008