HomeMy WebLinkAbout032408CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the twenty-
fourth day of March, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers
of City Hall, 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, City Attorney John
Watts, Planning Director Rick Sepler, BCD Director Leonard Yarberry, Sergeant Ed
Green, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy
POST LEGISLATION FERRY MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Mr. Timmons and Mr. Sepler provided handouts regarding the short term and long
term ferry issues and mitigation strategies.
He noted that the City was not as successful as had been hoped with regard to short
term mitigations; however he added that the ferry system is moving forward to a no
penalty, no cost reservation system for passenger and commercial vehicles which
will be tested this summer in Port Townsend.
He noted that the legislature has indicated there will be no Seattle passenger ferry
funded and that they are basically out of the "passenger only" business. There is a
commitment from the Department of Transportation for a modification to the Hood
Canal Bridge replacement project budget to include a vehicle ferry from Port
Townsend to Edmonds during the bridge closure; however, this is "strongly
predicated on vessel availability."
Mr. Sepler stated that the best long term mitigation has been achieved, and that is
the two "island home" type ferries that will be build after the Steilacoom model is
completed. These vessels will mean better service and greatly reduced weather
cancellations once they are on line.
The off site holding area will also be critical.
Economic sustainability issues will continue into the next quarter of the year and
staff will prepare a "report card" for reference.
City Council Workshop Page 7 March 24, ?008
Mr. Timmons provided a handout showing a summary of City Projects and estimated
costs totaling $16.3 million dollars. These projects are crucial to economic
development especially in light of the reduction in ferry service. A capital bond may
be a mechanism for funding in order to accomplish these projects in a three year
time frame. He added that more discussion can occur after the School Board makes
its decision about putting a capital bond project on the ballot.
Ms. Sandoval noted that the ferry reservation system will require an amendment to
the WAC. Reservations will be made up to 30 days in advance, and will give people
the confidence they know which boat they will be on and give them the opportunity
to park and visit Port Townsend rather than waiting in line for several hours.
Mr. Timmons noted that the Council should be congratulated for making the City's
voice heard; we did get the right vessel decision which was a key long term strategy.
He noted also that funding a lobbyist was a key Council action.
Ms. Sandoval noted that Mr. Sepler will begin planning a ferry summit for as many
partners as possible to attend, probably in May.
CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
Consensus was to schedule a retreat on Saturday, April 26, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Topics for discussion will include the committee and advisory board structure;
building active partnerships with other government and non-profits including BOCC,
PUD, Fort, Hospital, Maritime Center, Chamber, Main Street, School Board, and
Marine Trades Association; work plan for developing mitigation strategies in reaction
to the loss of the ferries; review of the city projects reviewed this evening by Mr.
Timmons, including priorities and funding mechanisms.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 2 March 24, 2008