HomeMy WebLinkAbout042020CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2020
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in regular session on the 20th day of April 2020 in
Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Sandoval called the meeting to order at
6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pam Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser.
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood, Finance Manager Tony Hillman, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Added under New Business was a discussion of Plastic Bag Restrictions.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Proclamation — Earth Day
Mayor Sandoval read the proclamation. Written remarks from the Students from
Sustainability Member Melanie Bakin were read by the Clerk.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Barbara and Bob Gray provided written remarks encouraging a soft opening of
events and activities for purposes of public safety (comments read by the Clerk)..
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants
Vouchers 165175 through 165175 in the amount of $22,953.92
Vouchers 165184 through 165189 in the amount of $333,153.55
Vouchers 165190 through 165218 in the amount of $52,411.11
Vouchers 165219 through 165223 in the amount of $611.30
Vouchers 165224 through 165259 in the amount of $128,006.09
Electronic Funds Transfer in the amount of $20.95
City Council Business Meeting April 20, 2020 Page 1 of 3
Approval of Minutes: March 19 and April 6, 2020
Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda as written. Ariel Speser
seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinance 3248 Adopting 2020 Supplemental Budget Appropriations
Finance Manager Tony Hillman reported one additional change reflected since the
last review of the ordinance was the 2018 bond money for Homeward Board. The
funds were appropriated and unspent in 2019 and would be added to the 2020
budget in the amount is $316,107. Mr. Hillman fielded a few questions about the
Community Development Block Grant Loans and Homeward Bound.
There was no public comment,
Motion: David Faber moved to approve Ordinance 3248 Adopting 2020
Supplemental Budget Appropriations. Pam Adams seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 20-019 Authorizing the Program for Temporary Staff Furloughs
and Ratifying the Proclamation Signed by the Mayor and City Manager on
April 10, 2020
City Manager John Mauro briefed Council on the need to furlough staff as a
temporary measure to flatten the financial pain going into the second half of the
year. The resolution serves to document for the Association of Washington Cities
that the City is covering benefits for staff during this time and allows him to
temporarily reduce hours for remaining staff. While critical services would continue,
level of service and speed of service would be impacted.
When asked about the specific financial projections and impacts, Mr. Mauro
indicated that next week the Council Finance and Budget would discuss financial
projections and details on actions taken to date.
There was no public comment.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 20-019 Authorizing the Program
for Temporary Staff Furloughs and Ratifying the Proclamation Signed by the Mayor
and City Manager on April 10, 2020. Owen Rowe seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
PLASTIC BAG RESTRICTIONS
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Ms. Speser requested an exception to the current plastic bag ban regulations for a
restaurant that reported to her that they have run out of paper bags.
Mr. Mauro responded that there might be other options or a temporary lifting of the
restrictions. There was a brief discussion about tasking staff to prepare a resolution
on relaxing the ban. It was also recognized that some groceries are using
plastic during these times when paper supplies may be scarce. It was noted there is
currently code provision allowing for plastic bags for carry out so no action
was needed.
PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT
Mayor Sandoval reported the Governor's "Stay Home Stay Safe" order remains in
effect through May 4 and the Emergency Call Center Policy Group meeting was held
today.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Mauro provided department updates, summarized some of his upcoming
activities, and an update on COVID-19.
SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT OR FUTURE AGENDA, REGULAR MEETING AND/OR
STUDY SESSION
Ms. Speser urged a future Council discussion about opening streets to pedestrian and
bicyclists and potentially allowing stores to display merchandise. David Faber asked
to discuss support from the City and Jefferson County in the total amount of $50,000
for the Craft3 paycheck protection program. Ms. Sandoval urged that LION loans and
Brian Kuh of the Economic Development Council would be the best contact for the
latter item.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Business Meeting April 20, 2020 Page 3 of 3