HomeMy WebLinkAbout021218CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 12th day of
February 2018 in 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, Michelle Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager David Timmons reminded that the Communications Strategy by
Pyramid Consulting included Council communications. He requested direction on
whether an update to policy on council correspondence is needed. Areas where there
is liability exposure relate to the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act.
Related to administrative support for Council correspondence, he proposed an auto
reply on all correspondence. In addition, administrative staff would request whether
staff assistance is needed to respond to citizen requests. He clarified that Council
rules call for correspondence directed to the entire Council to be responded to by the
Mayor.
Council concurred with an implementation of such procedures. Some discussion and
questions arose about how the Mayor knows when to respond. It was suggested
that "Your comments have been added to the record" might also be appropriate in
such situations/circumstances when it is a matter before council. It was recognized
that while the Mayor is the designated spokesperson, other Councilmembers
appreciate being informed of the response.
UPDATE ON COUNCIL RULES
Mr. Timmons suggested staff bring forward a tracked changes update to the Council
rules. As part of that update, Council could consider what changes, if any, are needed
to Article 4 and how it chooses to interact with its advisory boards.
Some discussion ensued about the role of Council liaison as allowed for in Council
Rules. Related to work plans, it was noted that a review and realignment of the
enabling legislation of advisory boards was needed. Alternatives considered were a
review process by the entire Council such as in a workshop setting or the
City Council Workshop Session February 12, 2018 Page 1 of 2
establishment of a Council committee to review work plan ideas and establishing
resolutions. No matter the mechanism, there was consensus that there was a desire
to ensure the timing for review of the work plans is synced with the budget
cycle. There was some interest in coming back with action on creating an ad hoc
committee to review work plans.
INBOX REVIEW
Mr. Timmons explained the inbox process outlined in Council Rules as a method for
addressing new initiatives that come from a variety of sources. He reviewed the
process for review and response.
Council then discussed the items listed on the Inbox new initiatives chart and the
status of each item. There was general support for Council reviewing the list quarterly.
Next week, Council would discuss whether to establish a work plan committee.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
Climate Action Committee Update
Mayor Stinson reviewed that a Climate Action Committee update was provided in
Council's agenda packet. There was some discussion of how best to provide input
on incorporating changes, guidance, and next steps. She proposed that
suggestions be brought forward to her.
Navy Draft Environmental Assessment
Ms. Sandoval proposed Council comment on the U.S. Navy's Indian Island
expansion and other military activities. Mr. Timmons agreed to ask the City Attorney
to explore more information about the cumulative impact to the peninsula for
Council consideration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - TO REVIEW CURRENT OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.11 0(l)(1)
At 8:48 p.m., the Council recessed into executive session for 30 minutes with no
action. They would come back into open session at 9:20 p.m.
At 9:20 p.m, the Council workshop resumed.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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