HomeMy WebLinkAbout021317 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 13th day
of February 2017 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah
Stinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Robert Gray,
Amy Howard, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, City Clerk Joanna Sanders, and Police Chief
Michael Evans.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Resolution for Declaring Port Townsend a Welcoming City
Mayor Stinson noted that Council would allow public comment to address the
petition and proposed resolution to declare the City a sanctuary city.
City Manager David Timmons briefed Council on the City's relationship with the
federal and state jurisdictions related to grant assistance. He was uncertain whether
a declaration as a sanctuary city would interfere with the City's grant eligibility. Most
of the language in the proposed resolution is contained in existing language, but
given the spectrum of opinions, he urged finding common ground.
Police Chief Michael Evans spoke about current Police policies and the
department's goal to ensure all residents feel comfortable in the community. He
reviewed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) procedures.
Public Comment:
Annie Benson Port Townsend resident and immigration lawyer provided
background on the welcoming city resolution. She commented on the executive
order and its effects.
Board of County Commissioner Kate Dean spoke about the County Sheriffs
department policy on detainers the phrase "shall honor ICE detainers" was changed
to "may...."
Brody Turner spoke in opposition to a resolution.
Jason Victor Serinus spoke in support of a resolution.
Karl Boettcher spoke in opposition to a resolution.
David Berrian spoke in support of a resolution.
Viki Sonntag spoke in support of a resolution.
City Council Workshop Meeting - February 13, 2017 Page 1 of 2
Kees Kolff spoke in support of a resolution.
Gene Farr spoke in opposition to a resolution.
Karen Farr spoke in opposition to a resolution.
Lynn Hisey spoke in opposition to a resolution.
Reverand Florence Caplow spoke in support of a resolution.
Zhaleh Almaee spoke in support of a resolution.
Michael Davis spoke in support of a resolution.
Penelope Jensen spoke in support of a resolution.
Fred Nussbaum spoke in support of a resolution.
Dennis Daneau spoke in support of a resolution.
Alicia Douglas spoke in support of a resolution.
Michael Ladonna spoke in support of a resolution.
Kathy Townsend Volki spoke in support of a resolution.
Laura Lewis Thayer spoke in support of a resolution.
Dennis McDaniel spoke in support of a resolution.
Abba Kizer spoke in support of a resolution.
Kareem Santiago spoke in support of a resolution.
Beulah Kingsolver of the Dove House spoke in support of a resolution.
Clinton Hale spoke in opposition to a resolution.
Amy Blanchette spoke in support of a resolution.
Libby Palmer spoke in support of a resolution.
Liseth Marroquin spoke in support of a resolution.
Karl Boettcher spoke again about his concerns about the resolution.
Council shared their comments about concerns and fears in the community around
this topic. There was recognition that the existing Resolution 16-054 could have
been expanded and better publicized. There was general support for the statement
of values and inclusiveness language in Jefferson County's human rights
proclamation and Seattle's welcoming resolution. There were also comments for
and against moving forward with a sanctuary resolution. Staff agreed to come back
with an expansion of the existing resolution, adding value statements, and including
the details within those policies. There was support for creating a special committee
comprised of Councilmembers Faber, Sandoval, and Howard to work on resolution
language.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Attest:
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Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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