HomeMy WebLinkAbout030920CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF 'THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF MARCH 9, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council imet in workshop session on the 9th day of March 2020
in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Deputy Mayor David Faber called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
,Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
,Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser with Monica MickHager excused.
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Engineer David
Peterson, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood, Operations Manager Wastewater
Treatement Plan Bliss Morris, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
There were none.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
DISCUSSION ITEMS
,Port Townsend High School Students for Sustainability Propose a Ban on
Single Use (Plastic Straws in the City of Port Townsend
City Manager John Mauro introduced student representatives Lochlan Krupa, Anika
Avelino, Hailey Gallagher, and Grace Wentzel who shared in presenting
their formal proposal.
Council questions centered on the structure of the fines and enforcement. The
students responded to questions speaking about their desire to partner with
businesses on a solution. Their educational efforts would propose no straw use by
businesses or use of reusable straws with exclusions or variances for special
circumstances. In addition, the students recognized a part of the educational
efforts would also need to include jurisdictions that host festivals with food vendors.
There was Council support for moving regulations forward for action. City Attorney
Heidi Greenwood suggested that staff would plan to bring the matter forward in
accordance with Earth Day in April.
Public Comment:
Joy'Wentzell suggested that businesses who are using up supplies of straws might
instead be encouraged to donate them to healthcare facilities.
City Council Workshop Meeting March 9, 2020 Page 1 of 2
Steve Mader urged exploring which businesses are most problematic.
Students recognized the waste stream can be challenging to follow and addressing
plastic straws would Ibe one step toward the larger issue of plastics in the
environment in general.
Sewer Outfall
City Engineer David Peterson along with Phil Martinez of Jacobs Engineering
briefed Council on the condition, meetings held, and evaluation of outfall
replacement alternatives. Amy Leitman of Marine Survey Associates reviewed their
Habitat Survey Analyses of kelp, seagrasses and other species from 2019, Bliss
Morris Operations Manager of the Wastewater Treatment Facility was also present
to comment about their facility.
In response to public comment and Council questions from the previous meeting,
Mr. Peterson presented data on the exploration of less impactful alternatives. He
also addressed questions about a DNR lease remaining in effect and he and Mr.
Martinez addressed questions about the impacts to local residents due to the
roughly three-month construction closure of the North Beach park. He noted that
staff would continue to proceed with the option as recommended. Mr. Peterson said
staff would meet with the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and the
tribes to review the same materials/presentation.
Public Comment:
Steve Mader urged addressing the indirect effects of increased flows in the future,
He urged exploring population increases as well as the increased impervious
surfaces possibly through the stormwater management plan.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p,m,
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting March 9, 2020 Page 2 of 2