HomeMy WebLinkAbout050521 PTAC Meeting Packet
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
May 5, 2021 | 3:00 p.m. | Remote Meeting
****The State of Emergency declared by Governor Inslee temporarily prohibits in‐person contacts
with the public required by the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act. The May 29,
2020 Public Health Order by Jefferson County Health Officer Thomas Locke also states no in‐person
meetings are allowed. The Commission will be participating by teleconference****
Submit public comment emails to be read aloud (up to three minutes per person) to:
publiccomment@cityofpt.us or join in person via computer or tablet at http://joinwebinar.com
enter the 9 digit Webinar ID 539‐393‐595 or listen by phone only (listening mode only) United
States: +1 (415) 655‐0052 access code: 155‐675‐573#
Local Dial In – (360) 390‐5064 access code: 155‐675‐573#
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from the April 7, 2020 Meeting
IV. Public Comment (3 minutes per person)
V. Commission Business
A. Chair’s Update
B. Review of Draft Street Painting Applications
C. 2021 Commission Workplan
1. Public Art Maintenance Plans
2. Poet Laureate Program
3. Update Commission Mission Statement
D. Follow-up on artist loft/housing situation
VI. Correspondence
VII. Set Agenda for Next Meeting
VIII. Next Scheduled Meeting – June 2, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
IX. Adjourn
Minutes of the Port Townsend Arts Commission Meeting of April 7, 2021
LOCATION: City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jason Victor Serinus (Chair), Joe Gillard, Dan Groussman, Michelle Hagewood, Julie Johnson, Sondra
McConnell, and Nan Toby Tyrrell MEMBERS ABSENT: Nhatt Nichols and Danny McEnerney STAFF PRESENT: Legal Assistant Amber Long and Public Works Director Steve King
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:01 p.m.
Approval of Agenda The agenda was unanimously approved with an understanding that the poet laureate discussion would be moved to the next meeting if Nhatt Nichols was not present for it.
Approval of Minutes for March 3, 2021 Meeting The minutes of March 3, 2021 were unanimously approved.
Public Comment None
2021 Commission Workplan – Artist Survey Update Julie Johnson reported on a discussion she had with Mari Mullen and Kris Nelson. The Port Townsend Main Street
Program will be working with Northwind Art on a
comprehensive artist inventory.
The Commission will continue to check in on the project, as it will likely take a while.
2021 Commission Workplan – Public Art Maintenance
Dan Groussman explained the benefit of having maintenance plans for all City public art pieces in one location to ensure long-term maintenance.
Dan will work with City staff and reach out to artists about
maintenance plans and will ask the high school art teacher about having a student help update the public art list on the City’s website. Introduction of New Member Sondra McConnell Sondra described herself as having a lifelong passion for the arts; the Commissioners introduced themselves.
2021 Commission Workplan – Mission Statement Commissioners expressed interest in finding more proactive ways to invest in artists, such as creating
programs and doing outreach.
Nan Toby Tyrrell and Dan Groussman will work on possible revisions to the mission statement for the Commission to review at its next meeting. Commissioners will come back with ideas for
new ways the Commission can support artists.
OlyCAP Housing Project at 7th & Hendricks
Mark Blatter described the project, which will include art
elements during the construction phase, as well as arts programming for children once the project is complete.
The Commission voted unanimously to appoint Michelle
Hagewood to work with the project planning group. Nan Toby
Tyrrell volunteered to assist with programming when the project is further along.
Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action
Draft Street Painting Application
Legal Assistant Amber Long and Public Works Director Steve King provided background on staff’s research into other cities’ street painting programs. Commissioners expressed concern that the application process would
discourage interested residents from applying and
specifically worried about the neighborhood petition requirement and the overall number of required steps.
Staff will discuss ways to address the Commissioners’ concerns
and bring a revised draft to the next meeting.
Next Meeting: May 5, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
City of Port Townsend Street Painting Application
Neighborhood Block Party Project
Name
(must match signature on application)
Organization (if applicable)
Address
Phone
Email
Onsite contact name & phone
number (if different from above)
Estimated number of participants
Proposed painting location
Proposed painting start date*
*Please apply at least two months prior to this date. Depending on location, dates may need
to be arranged around special event traffic and normal traffic patterns.
Please read this section carefully before signing:
Applicant/Permittee/User shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers,
officials, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, suits, actions, or
liabilities for injury or death of any person, or for loss or damage to property that arise out of the
acts or omissions of the Applicant/Permittee/User, its employees, volunteers, representatives or
vendors, or from any activity, work or thing done, permitted, or suffered by
Applicant/Permittee/User, related to the permitted activity, except only such injury or damage as
shall have been occasioned by the sole negligence of the City.
I certify that the proposed painting meets all requirements of PTMC Chapter 12.11 and that all
the above information and attachments are true and provide an accurate presentation of the
proposed project. I acknowledge that any action taken by the City of Port Townsend based in
whole or in part on this application may be reversed if it develops that any such statement or
other information contained herein is false.
I certify that all activities associated with this permit will be conducted in accordance with State
Law and the Port Townsend Municipal Code.
Applicant Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________
Office Use Only
Engineering review date: ____________ HPC review date: _____________
PTAC review date: _______________ City Council approval date: _____________
Neighborhood Street Painting Instructions for Applicant
To get started, decide where and what you want to paint. Then contact
frontdesk@cityofpt.us to discuss your project with City staff. Once you have preliminary
approval, you should talk to your neighbors about the project to gather support.
The required application materials are listed below. City staff will review your application
and arrange for it to be discussed by the Port Townsend Arts Commission, the Historic
Preservation Committee (if in a historic district), and City Council. This process may
take a couple of months, so plan ahead. When your application has been approved,
City staff will help you arrange for a street closure.
Checklist
Unless otherwise noted, submit all items to the Port Townsend Public Works
Department (250 Madison Street)
The following items must be submitted for an application to be considered:
☐ Completed Street Painting Application form
☐ Sketch(es) of proposed design
☐ Vicinity map with proposed location and painting size indicated
☐ Proof of initial consultation with City engineering staff on traffic safety
☐ Petition with signatures from residents (not property owners) of 80% of the properties
within a one-block radius of the proposed location
☐ Check or cash for application fee submitted to City Finance Department (250
Madison Street, First Floor). For neighborhood block party paintings, the fee is the same
as a special event permit fee ($50.00 in 2021).
☐ Optional: completed Port Townsend Arts Commission Application for Financial
Support
The following items must be submitted at least one week prior to painting:
☐ Proof of general liability insurance
Within one week of painting completion, please submit:
☐ Photographs of completed painting
(may be used by the City on its website and in promotional materials)
Photos courtesy of the City Repair Project in Portland, OR
City of Port Townsend Street Painting Information
for Neighborhood Block Party Projects
What are the benefits of street paintings?
Building community! Street paintings
encourage neighbors to meet each other and
work together toward a common goal. They
add vibrancy and color to the streetscape and
allow residents to have a say in the look and
feel of their neighborhood.
Where can I paint? Street paintings last much longer on streets with less traffic. We
recommend painting on residential streets with low traffic volumes. Any painting on a
minor arterial, major collector (as defined by the City’s Engineering Design Standards),
or any other street the City deems to present a traffic control challenge must be
cosponsored by the City. We can only permit painting on City streets (not State highway
or private roads, even if within City limits). Painting projects within school zones require
additional coordination with the School District to ensure safety is maintained.
Paintings are allowed on driving areas at intersections. Mid-block paintings or requests
to paint surfaces other than driving areas (such as sidewalks or curbs) may be
considered, dependent on a traffic safety review by the Public Works Director. Paintings
at intersections with existing traffic control devices, such as stop signs or traffic circles,
must be approved for safety by City engineering staff.
*The City Public Works Director or designee reserves the right to request that an
applicant modify a proposal when a location raises traffic safety concerns.
What images can I paint? General guidelines are found in PTMC Chapter 12.11
(attached). In addition, no copyrighted images or designs or words that mimic traffic
control devices will be allowed. To reduce the potential for traffic distraction, we
recommend that designs do not include text. Street painting projects allow community
members to create designs that are meaningful for a neighborhood and help to
establish a sense of place.
How detailed does my sketch need to be? For small-scale neighborhood paintings,
an informal sketch is acceptable. We realize these projects can be free-flowing and
aspects of the design may change as the painting gets underway. Please make sure
that any changes still fall within the allowable criteria.
Neighborhood painting project in Portland
What type of paint should I use? Water-based spray marking paint
What insurance is required? Please contact your insurance provider about obtaining
special event coverage, general liability coverage, or a rider on a homeowners’ policy to
cover the activities and dates of the event. The City of Port Townsend must be named
as additional insured for $1 million. Limits and coverage may be adjusted as determined
by the City Manager. Submit proof of insurance no later than one week prior to the
painting date.
Do I have to notify neighboring property owners about the project? All applicants
must obtain signatures on a petition from residents (not necessarily owners) of 80% of
the properties within a one-block radius. A sample petition is included with this
application. Contacting neighbors is a great way to build community support for your
project.
Can I pressure wash the area before painting? Arrangements may be made with the
Public Works and Police Departments for applicants to clean the painting area the
morning of or day before painting, depending on location and date.
How do I close off the street to paint safely? After an application has been approved
by City Council, the applicant must work with the Port Townsend Police Department to
coordinate a street closure. Closure dates and times may be weather- and traffic-
dependent. The City may be able to provide traffic control depending on budgets.
How do I maintain my painting when it starts to wear away? Community members
may choose to maintain existing street paintings year after year. As long as the design
and location are unchanged, only a Special Events Permit (issued by the City of Port
Townsend Police Department) will be required. Changes in location or design require a
new Street Painting Application. Please note that the City will not replace paintings
when streets are repaved or dug up for utility work. Contact the Public Works
Department about any planned street repair or utility projects.
Is funding assistance available? The Port Townsend Arts Commission reviews grant
applications for art projects that provide a public benefit, which may include
neighborhood street paintings. Please visit the Arts Commission webpage for
information on the grant process and an application form:
https://cityofpt.us/bc/page/arts-commission-0
How do I get started? A good first step is to talk with your
neighbors about your painting idea to gather support for
the project. Before submitting an application, please
contact City staff at frontdesk@cityofpt.us to make sure
there are no traffic safety concerns with the location.
Vancouver, WA
Chapter 12.11
STREET USE PERMITS – STREET PAINTING ALL DISTRICTS
Sections:
12.11.010 Intent
12.11.020 Applicability – Permit required.
12.11.030 Street painting permit approval.
12.11.040 Approval criteria.
12.11.050 Removal maintenance.
12.11.010 Intent
Painting on city streets and sidewalks should positively promote the character and
values of the community and add to the unique vibrancy of Port Townsend. Paintings on
the street and sidewalks should not negatively affect traffic safety or interfere with the
traveling public’s use of city streets and sidewalks.
12.11.020 Applicability – Permit required.
This chapter pertains to allowing street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings and
community-designed crosswalks in all districts in the city. It does not pertain to any
painting or markings applied by the city or state for traffic safety or traffic control or to
any street, sidewalk and intersection paintings and community-designed crosswalks
drawn in chalk or other medium that may be removed with the non-pressurized
application of water. No person or group of people may install street, sidewalk, and
intersection paintings or community-designed crosswalks in the city without first
obtaining a permit from the city pursuant to the process and requirements in this
chapter. This chapter provides the exclusive method for obtaining approval of uses that
are regulated by this chapter. The city reserves the right to remove any street painting
that is installed without a permit.
12.11.030 Street painting permit approval
A. The public works director (or designee) will, in consultation with the arts commission,
develop a permit application and process for street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings
and community-designed crosswalks. The arts commission will review proposed street,
sidewalk and intersection paintings and community-designed crosswalks for
consistency with this chapter and will make recommendations to the city council, which
will have final approval of any street, sidewalk and intersection paintings or community-
designed crosswalks that are consistent with this chapter and public safety.
B. For street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings or community-designed crosswalks
proposed for installation in an area subject to design or historic preservation review, the
city will process the installation through the city’s historic preservation review or design
review process. The arts commission and the historic preservation committee may meet
together to discuss the permit application.
C. Holders of street painting permits will coordinate with the chief of police (or designee)
for any needed street closures in order to ensure the safe installation.
D. The city may require that a street painting permit holder indemnify the city.
E. The city council decision to approve or deny a street painting permit is final.
12.11.040 Approval criteria
The city does not intend a street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or a community-
designed crosswalk to be a legal “public forum” and therefore reserves the right to
control the art displayed on all city property, including painting or other art installations
on city streets and sidewalks. The city reserves the right to deny a street painting permit
application or to remove a street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or community-
designed crosswalk if it depicts:
1. Violent images
2. Sexually graphic images
3. Religious symbols or desecration of the same
4. Hatred of persons or groups of people
5. Support for or opposition to a candidate or initiative on the ballot
6. Advertisement for a good or service for sale
7. Imagery that may be inappropriate to maintain in or upon public property
because it so objectionable under contemporary community standards that it is
reasonably foreseeable to result in harm to, disruption of, or interference with the
public’s use of city property.
12.11.050 Removal and maintenance.
Once installed, the street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or community-designed
crosswalk is the property of the city, which may remove it without notice if the painting
interferes with public safety, street maintenance, or is vandalized or damaged. The city
has no obligation to maintain, repair, or reinstall a street, sidewalk, or intersection
painting or community-designed crosswalk.
Street Painting Neighborhood Petition We, the undersigned, attest that we have seen and approve the design plans for the street painting project at _______________________________(location). By signing below, we acknowledge notification of the planned street closure to install the street painting on __________________(date(s)). Address Printed Name Signature Phone number or email Date
Address Printed Name Signature Phone number or email Date Instructions for applicant: Signatures are required from residents (not necessarily property owners) of 80% of all properties within a one-block radius of the proposed painting location, one signature per property. Properties with four or more units (for example, apartment complexes) require a management signature to represent the property. For vacant properties, write the address and note “vacant” next to it.
Street Painting and Painted Crosswalk Application
for Temporary Street Use and Special Events Permit
Name
(must match signature on application)
Organization (if applicable)
Address
Phone
Email
Onsite contact name & phone
number (if different from above)
Estimated number of participants
Proposed painting location
Proposed painting date(s)*
*Please plan to apply at least three months prior to this date. Depending on location, dates
may need to be arranged around special event traffic and normal traffic patterns.
Please read this section carefully before signing:
Applicant/Permittee/User shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers,
officials, employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims, suits, actions, or
liabilities for injury or death of any person, or for loss or damage to property that arise out of the
acts or omissions of the Applicant/Permittee/User, its employees, volunteers, representatives or
vendors, or from any activity, work or thing done, permitted, or suffered by
Applicant/Permittee/User, related to the permitted activity, except only such injury or damage as
shall have been occasioned by the sole negligence of the City.
I certify that the proposed painting meets all requirements of PTMC Chapter 12.11 and that all
the above information and attachments are true and provide an accurate presentation of the
proposed project. I acknowledge that any action taken by the City of Port Townsend based in
whole or in part on this application may be reversed if it develops that any such statement or
other information contained herein is false.
I certify that all activities associated with this permit will be conducted in accordance with State
Law and the Port Townsend Municipal Code.
Applicant Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________
Office Use Only
Engineering review date: ____________ HPC review date: _____________
PTAC review date: _______________ City Council approval date: _____________
Street Painting and Painted Crosswalk Instructions for Applicant
To get started, contact frontdesk@cityofpt.us to discuss your project with City staff and
make sure the location is eligible. Once you have preliminary approval, you should talk
to the neighboring residents or businesses about the project to gather support.
Required application materials are listed below. City staff will review your application
and arrange for it to be discussed by the Port Townsend Arts Commission, the Historic
Preservation Committee (if in a historic district), and City Council. This process may
take a few months, so plan ahead. When your application has been approved, City staff
will help coordinate a street closure.
Checklist
Unless otherwise noted, submit all items to the Port Townsend Public Work Department
(250 Madison St.)
The following items must be submitted for an application to be considered:
☐ Completed Street Painting and Painted Crosswalk Application form
☐ Proposed design
☐ Vicinity map with proposed location and painting size indicated
☐ Proof of initial consultation with City engineering staff on traffic safety
☐ Petition with signatures from residents of 80% of the properties within a one-block
radius of the proposed location
☐ Check or cash for application fee submitted to City Finance Department (250
Madison St., First Floor). The fee is the same as a minor improvement permit fee
($265.50 in 2021).
☐ Optional: completed Arts Commission Application for Financial Support
The following items must be submitted at least one week prior to painting:
☐ Proof of general liability insurance
☐ Detailed, to-scale final design plan
☐ Sample(s) of neighborhood notification, if required by the City
Within one week of painting completion, please submit:
☐ Photographs of completed painting
(may be used on the City’s website or in promotional materials)
Street Painting and Painted Crosswalk Guidelines
Street painting projects allow community members to create designs that are
meaningful for a neighborhood and establish a sense of place. While creativity and
artistic innovation are encouraged, street paintings and painted crosswalks cannot
obscure or interfere with regulatory crosswalk and other pavement markings required
for pedestrian, bicyclist, and vehicle safety.
Where can I paint? Street paintings last much longer on streets with less traffic. Any
painting on a minor arterial, major collector (as defined by the City’s Engineering Design
Standards), or any other street the City deems to present a traffic control challenge
must be cosponsored by the City. We can only permit painting on City streets (not State
highway or private roads, even if within City limits) that are not within school zones and
where the existing pavement is in good condition, allowing the materials to bond well.
Painting projects within school zones require additional coordination with the School
District to ensure safety is maintained.
Paintings are allowed on driving areas at intersections. Mid-block paintings or requests
to paint surfaces other than driving areas (such as sidewalks or curbs) may be
considered, dependent on a traffic safety review by the Public Works Director. Paintings
at intersections with existing traffic control devices, such as stop signs or traffic circles,
must be approved for safety by City engineering staff.
Painted crosswalks are allowed only on existing crosswalks at stop-controlled
intersections, such as at a stop light or stop sign.
*The City Public Works Director or designee reserves the right to request that an
applicant modify a proposal when a location raises traffic safety concerns.
What images can I paint? General guidelines are found in PTMC Chapter 12.11
(attached). In addition, no copyrighted images, designs that appear raised or three-
dimensional, or designs or words that mimic traffic control devices will be allowed. To
reduce the potential for traffic distraction, we recommend that street paintings do not
include text. All applications will be reviewed by the Port Townsend Arts Commission for
recommendation to the City Council.
Decorative crosswalk painting must be contained within the two white parallel lines on a
transverse crosswalk or between the white painted bars of a continental crosswalk. Be
colorful with simple patterns, avoiding designs that could be confused for traffic control
devices (for example, text, logos, large areas of a single color, octagons, or triangles).
Colors and patterns cannot degrade the contrast of the white standard crosswalk
markings with the pavement. City engineering staff may require a buffer between the
decorative paint and the existing white crosswalk markings.
How detailed does my sketch need to be? For your initial consultation with City staff,
an informal sketch is acceptable. However, before the project can be approved, you
must submit a detailed, to-scale depiction of the final design, overlaid on an image of
the existing street or crosswalk. The end product must not substantially differ from the
submitted design. We highly recommend having a professional artist create the final
design and using stencils for a quality installation, particularly on painted crosswalks.
What type of paint should I use? Street painting projects require the use of Cabot
solid color acrylic deck stain or water-reducible acrylic traffic paint (zone marking paint)
with a walnut-based friction additive (such as Duckback). Crosswalk paintings require
flat paints with walnut-based friction additive and no retroreflective materials.
What insurance is required? Please contact your insurance provider about a special
event coverage, general liability coverage, or a rider on a homeowners’ policy to cover
the activities and dates of the event. The City of Port Townsend must be named as
additional insured for $1 million. Limits and coverage may be adjusted as determined by
the City Manager. Submit proof of insurance no later than one week prior to the painting
date.
Do I have to notify neighboring property owners about the project? All applicants
must obtain signatures on a petition from residents (not necessarily owners) of 80% of
the properties within a one-block radius. A sample petition is included in this application
packet. Contacting neighbors is a great way to build community support for the project.
Can I pressure-wash the area before painting? Arrangements may be made with the
Public Works and Police Departments for applicants to clean the painting area the
morning of or day before painting, depending on location and date.
How do I close off the street to paint safely? After an application has been approved
by City Council, the applicant must work with the Port Townsend Police Department to
coordinate a street closure. Closure dates and times may be weather- and traffic-
dependent. The City may be able to provide traffic control depending on budgets.
How do I maintain my painting when it starts to wear away? Community members
may choose to maintain existing street paintings year after year. As long as the design
and location are unchanged, only a Special Events Permit (issued by the Police
Department) will be required. Changes in location or design require a new Street
Painting and Painted Crosswalk Application. Please note that the City will not replace
paintings when streets are repaved or dug up for utility work. Contact the Public
Works Department about any planned street repair or utility projects
Is funding assistance available? The Port Townsend Arts Commission reviews grant
applications for art projects that provide a public benefit, which may include street
painting and decorative crosswalk projects. Please visit the Arts Commission webpage
for information on the grant process and an application form:
https://cityofpt.us/bc/page/arts-commission-0
Chapter 12.11
STREET USE PERMITS – STREET PAINTING ALL DISTRICTS
Sections:
12.11.010 Intent
12.11.020 Applicability – Permit required.
12.11.030 Street painting permit approval.
12.11.040 Approval criteria.
12.11.050 Removal maintenance.
12.11.010 Intent
Painting on city streets and sidewalks should positively promote the character and
values of the community and add to the unique vibrancy of Port Townsend. Paintings on
the street and sidewalks should not negatively affect traffic safety or interfere with the
traveling public’s use of city streets and sidewalks.
12.11.020 Applicability – Permit required.
This chapter pertains to allowing street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings and
community-designed crosswalks in all districts in the city. It does not pertain to any
painting or markings applied by the city or state for traffic safety or traffic control or to
any street, sidewalk and intersection paintings and community-designed crosswalks
drawn in chalk or other medium that may be removed with the non-pressurized
application of water. No person or group of people may install street, sidewalk, and
intersection paintings or community-designed crosswalks in the city without first
obtaining a permit from the city pursuant to the process and requirements in this
chapter. This chapter provides the exclusive method for obtaining approval of uses that
are regulated by this chapter. The city reserves the right to remove any street painting
that is installed without a permit.
12.11.030 Street painting permit approval
A. The public works director (or designee) will, in consultation with the arts commission,
develop a permit application and process for street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings
and community-designed crosswalks. The arts commission will review proposed street,
sidewalk and intersection paintings and community-designed crosswalks for
consistency with this chapter and will make recommendations to the city council, which
will have final approval of any street, sidewalk and intersection paintings or community-
designed crosswalks that are consistent with this chapter and public safety.
B. For street, sidewalk, and intersection paintings or community-designed crosswalks
proposed for installation in an area subject to design or historic preservation review, the
city will process the installation through the city’s historic preservation review or design
review process. The arts commission and the historic preservation committee may meet
together to discuss the permit application.
C. Holders of street painting permits will coordinate with the chief of police (or designee)
for any needed street closures in order to ensure the safe installation.
D. The city may require that a street painting permit holder indemnify the city.
E. The city council decision to approve or deny a street painting permit is final.
12.11.040 Approval criteria
The city does not intend a street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or a community-
designed crosswalk to be a legal “public forum” and therefore reserves the right to
control the art displayed on all city property, including painting or other art installations
on city streets and sidewalks. The city reserves the right to deny a street painting permit
application or to remove a street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or community-
designed crosswalk if it depicts:
1. Violent images
2. Sexually graphic images
3. Religious symbols or desecration of the same
4. Hatred of persons or groups of people
5. Support for or opposition to a candidate or initiative on the ballot
6. Advertisement for a good or service for sale
7. Imagery that may be inappropriate to maintain in or upon public property
because it so objectionable under contemporary community standards that it is
reasonably foreseeable to result in harm to, disruption of, or interference with the
public’s use of city property.
12.11.050 Removal and maintenance.
Once installed, the street, sidewalk, or intersection painting or community-designed
crosswalk is the property of the city, which may remove it without notice if the painting
interferes with public safety, street maintenance, or is vandalized or damaged. The city
has no obligation to maintain, repair, or reinstall a street, sidewalk, or intersection
painting or community-designed crosswalk.
Street Painting Neighborhood Petition We, the undersigned, attest that we have seen and approve the design plans for the street painting project at _______________________________(location). By signing below, we acknowledge notification of the planned street closure to install the street painting on __________________(date(s)). Address Printed Name Signature Phone number or email Date
Address Printed Name Signature Phone number or email Date Instructions for applicant: Signatures are required from residents (not necessarily property owners) of 80% of all properties within a one-block radius of the proposed painting location, one signature per property. Properties with four or more units (for example, apartment complexes) require a management signature to represent the property. For vacant properties, write the address and note “vacant” next to it.
1
Amber Long
From:Jason Victor Serinus
Sent:Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:46 AM
To:Amber Long
Cc:Nhattaleah Nichols
Subject:For our next meeting packet
CAUTION: External Email
https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/new‐washington‐state‐poet‐laureate‐aims‐to‐celebrate‐poetry‐in‐
indigenous‐communities/
New Washington state poet laureate aims
to celebrate poetry in Indigenous
communities
April 16, 2021 at 6:00 am
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Washington state’s new poet laureate Rena Priest, a member of the Lhaq’temish, or Lummi, Nation, wants to celebrate poetry in Washington’s tribal communities, and to use poetry to increase appreciation of the natural world and the threats facing it. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)Washington state’s new poet laureate Rena Priest, a member of the Lhaq’temish, or
Lummi, Nation, wants to celebrate poetry in Washington’s tribal... (Erika Schultz / The
Seattle Times) More
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By
Moira Macdonald
Seattle Times arts critic
Rena Priest has loved poetry since she was a child, listening to
Dr. Seuss books being read aloud. “It was just such a pleasure
and a joy to hear language, and the rhymes,” she said,
remembering how her mother’s renditions of books like “One
Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” were “like magic coming
out of her mouth.”
2
Now Priest, a Bellingham resident and author of two poetry
collections (her most recent is “Sublime Subliminal” from
Floating Bridge Press), gets to share that magic herself —
as Washington state’s new poet laureate, a position sponsored
by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) and
Humanities Washington. Her two-year term began April 15,
and her mission is to build awareness and appreciation of
poetry throughout the state.
Priest, the first Indigenous poet laureate of the state (she is a
member of the Lhaq’temish, or Lummi, Nation), has given
herself two additional goals: to celebrate poetry in
Washington’s tribal communities, and to use poetry to increase
appreciation of the natural world and the threats facing it.
Toward the first goal, she’s scheduling immediate events with
Northwest Indian College in Bellingham and the Salish School
of Spokane, and will be reaching out to various Indigenous
communities offering workshops and readings, “and just see
where poets kind of pop up.”
She’s been inspired by her own ongoing process — a few years
in the works — of learning her tribal language, Xwlemi Chosen.
“The language itself is very poetic — it’s so beautiful,” she said.
“We don’t actually have a word for poetry in our language, but
one of my teachers said that the closest would be song or
prayer, and I find that it’s very fitting. Those are both things
that I turn to poetry for, the satisfaction of my soul and also the
music of it.”
For the second goal, she has a specific plan in mind: bringing
poetry to the placards that we’re accustomed to seeing in
parks, adding a new level of appreciation to the natural beauty.
Years ago, Priest said, she was driving on Highway 20 and
stopped to visit a scenic viewpoint. “It was an incredible view,
of the North Cascades, and there was a William Stafford poem
up there, on a placard,” she said. “I remember reading it and
having this moment and feeling so connected — it was a
beautiful moment.”
Later, she learned that there are poems by Stafford (a former
poet laureate of Oregon) at a number of scenic places along
that highway, placed by the Friends of William Stafford. “I
3
thought, that’s so cool!” Priest said. She wants to expand that
idea, working with the state and local park systems, and will
soon be putting out a call to local poets “to write about their
most treasured, beautiful place that they like to visit.”
Priest, 42, grew up on the Lummi reservation in Bellingham.
Though she moved around a bit as an adult, “to see the world
and go to school” (which included a Master of Fine Arts in
writing from Sarah Lawrence College in New York), she
returned home to the Bellingham area 11 years ago. Her
resume includes a number of fellowships and residencies,
including a term as a National Geographic Explorer (in which,
through funding from the National Geographic Society, she
followed efforts to repatriate a southern resident killer whale
from Miami Seaquarium), and she most recently worked as a
job skills instructor. Priest left that job this month to focus on
her work as Washington’s sixth poet laureate, following in the
footsteps of Claudia Castro Luna (whose two-year term was
extended an additional year due to the pandemic).
Jasmine J. Mahmoud, a Seattle University assistant professor
and ArtsWA commissioner, was a member of the committee
that selected Priest. While she praised all the applicants, she
said that Priest’s submission “was a breath of fresh air.”
Mahmoud described Priest’s poetry as “very moving and very
thoughtful and makes you think about the Earth and about
each other in a way that is so needed, especially right now. …
It’s very cerebral, with a lot of pensive thoughtfulness,
connected to the earth, connected to Indigenous people and
culture.”
She and other committee members were moved both by
Priest’s writing and by her project to work with tribes across
the state, impressed by “what it would mean to have an
Indigenous poet laureate in our state, given her skill as a poet,
given what she is thinking about including community, about
global warming and the changing of the Earth. All of these
things were really resonant with myself and with the
committee.”
The position of poet laureate is one for which writers can apply
(though not a full-time job, it does include a stipend and
administrative support), and Priest did so, encouraged by
4
former Washington state poet laureate Kathleen Flenniken.
The two had worked together when Priest was a participant in
the Jack Straw Writers Program in Seattle in 2019; Flenniken
was then the curator for that program, which selects local
writers for training in live and recorded readings, and
encourages new work. Applying for the poet laureate position
“was really kind of delightful,” Priest said. “It gives you all this
opportunity to reflect on what poetry means to you, how you
think of it, what you’ve accomplished and what you would
want to accomplish, your whole history with writing. It was
kind of a revelation to me.”
Despite a mild catastrophe involving Microsoft Teams (“It was
really kind of comical!”), Priest enjoyed her interview, saying it
reminded her of her first poetry class as an undergraduate at
Western Washington University — “everyone was so warm
and it felt like we were on the same wavelength. … When they
called and let me know that I had gotten the position, it felt
very affirming that this whole thing was the right path for me.”
Inspired by her favorite poets — she cited local writers
Flenniken, her WWU mentor Jim Bertolino, Michael Schmeltzer
and Judy Kleinberg, as well as Layli Long Soldier, Walt
Whitman and Frank O’Hara — she looks forward to making the
role her own. She’s getting “crazy amounts” of requests for
readings since the announcement of her position this month.
“It’s all been very positive and very exciting,” Priest said, “and a
lot of fun.”
Moira Macdonald: mmacdonald@seattletimes.com; on
Twitter: @moiraverse.Moira Macdonald is the Seattle Times arts
critic.
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Amber Long
From:Michelle Sandoval
Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 1:38 PM
To:Jason Victor Serinus; David Faber; Amy Howard
Cc:Amber Long
Subject:Re: Housing for Artists / Poet Laureate proposal
Hi Jason
I have discussed in every meeting with the PDA leadership the need and suggestion that live / work stable
housing be considered for artists at the fort. I can only suggest.
I do know there will be further conversations with the PDA and state parks in the future about the master lease
and future uses.
But to be clear the city does not have control to make this happen.
Of course it’s on my mind always. And it part of many of the discussions with housing groups.
Thank you
Michelle
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Jason Victor Serinus
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 1:26:39 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>; Amy Howard <AHoward@cityofpt.us>; Michelle Sandoval
<msandoval@cityofpt.us>
Cc: Amber Long <ALong@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Housing for Artists / Poet Laureate proposal
CAUTION: External Email
Dear David, Amy, and Michelle,
I, as Chair of the Arts Commission, write youas members of CC’s Housing Committee. Many members of the
Arts Commission have voiced concern over the outflow of artists from Port Townsend due to a lack of
affordable work / studio space and housing. I know that the PDA had plans to address the studio aspect through
its work on Maker’s Square, but that seems to be all up in the air at the moment, so to speak. In your work on
housing, has any attention been paid to the needs of artists in particular? I’d like to be able to report on this at
our next meeting.
FYI, I’ve learned from Justine Gonzalez-Berg that Housing Solutions has not taken any steps so far to address
this issue of pressing concern in our Victorian Arts Colony.
On another note, discussion of a proposal to create a Poet Laureate position for PT was tabled last month
because Nhatt Nichols, who made the proposal, could not attend. It’s on our agenda for our next meeting.
Thanks for any information you can provide.
2
jason
—
Jason Victor Serinus http://www.jasonserinus.com
(He/his and Jason or Jason Victor rather than Mr. or Sir)
• Music and audiophile critic: Stereophile, Seattle Times, San Francisco Classical Voice, Classical Voice North
America, Seattle Symphony, Port Townsend Leader, Bay Area Reporter, American Record
Guide, AudioStream, Stanford Live, Opera Now, Gay City News, Copper, Opera News, Carnegie Hall...
• Whistler Extraordinaire: The Voice of Woodstock in “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown” • "The Pavarotti of
Pucker"
• Chair, Port Townsend Arts Commission
"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." —
Elie Wiesel
"This is a time to remember all of us who are LGBTQ. It’s a time to stand out and be proud, to parade who we
are, to celebrate and to let them know we will not be silenced, we will not be stopped, we will not go back into
the closet.
Together, we will love.” — JVS at our Orlando Massacre Support Rally in Port Townsend, WA
“Within infinite myths lies the eternal truth
Who sees it all?
Varuna has but a thousand eyes,
Indra has a hundred,
You and I, only two.” ― Devdutt Pattanaik
Rob Birman Centrum 4/16 The only thing that is certain about Makers Square is that the PDA Foundation is in control of
it. Centrum—so far—has no role in Makers Square. The Foundation plans to issue an RFP for proposals
related to the available buildings. They are having an appraisal done and it is believed that they will be
seeking market rate for tenants/leases. I know of no long-term housing discussions at the Fort. Again,
the PDA controls the lodging at Fort Worden. Foundation=Makers Square, PDA=lodging.
4/19 Jason, the Foundation currently has no staff. Dave Robison is a paid contractor, but he’s leaving in
30-45 days. They are beginning a search for an executive director. So I would wait on this until early
summer
Justine Gonzalez-Berg Housing Solutions
4/16 I would be happy to share what I know from the affordable housing perspective, and to
share what Housing Solutions Network's volunteer-led Housing Action Teams are working on to
find creative interventions to provide housing that is affordable for working people, including
artists. There are a few efforts in particular that might be of interest to the arts commission to
know about.
Please let me know if you'd like to have a phone call or if you want to set me up to give a
presentation at one of your meetings. I can share what I know about the overall affordable
housing landscape and then dive into HSN's projects.
Unfortunately I can't speak specifically to housing for artists, so I am afraid it would not be of
use.
4/23 The arts commission should simply be aware that there is an organizational model that
would work for creating artist-focused housing, and would hold them in perpetual affordability.
That model is the Community Land Trust (also known as a housing trust) model. CLTs can hold
any type of community asset (normally land and buildings) in a trust, keeping them safe from
the open market and devoted to serving a community need.
Homeward Bound is our local Community Land Trust, and I serve on the board of that
organization. We are in the process of building partnerships locally and educating the
community about the CLT model, in our efforts to build the capacity to take on an actual
housing project.
It is relevant for the arts commission to know about because a CLT organization would be the
perfect fit if, say, a building were to be donated or constructed with the intention of creating
permanently affordable housing / live & work spaces for artists. The CLT model is flexible
enough to be able to carry out that kind of project, if the right partners, funding, location, etc
all aligned.
If you think the arts commission would be interested in learning more about this type of
possibility, please let me know and I'd be thrilled to discuss what I know about CLTs and share
more about Homeward Bound.
--
From me to Justine: Hi fabulous Justine, I’m assembling all emails on this issue for us to discuss at our next meeting. Let me see where we want to go. Anyone who wants to audit the meeting and hang on should we wish to invite you to join us then (assuming that’s kosher by city standards, since you won’t formally be on the agenda) is
welcome to join the meeting at http://joinwebinar.com
--
So this meeting is on June 2nd at 3pm? [Note: I’ve corrected this.]
I would be happy to join if your agenda allows.
Just let me know what kind of information would be helpful.
I've put it on my calendar, but will await more information from you.
Michelle Sandoval 4/21 I have discussed in every meeting with the PDA leadership the need and suggestion that live / work stable housing be considered for artists at the fort. I can only suggest. I do know there will be further conversations with the PDA and state parks in the future
about the master lease and future uses. But to be clear the city does not have control to make this happen. Of course it’s on my mind always. And it part of many of the discussions with housing groups. Thank you
Michelle Michael D’Alessandro Exhibit Coordinator and more, Northwind Arts 4/22 Please excuse the late response. I have been working with OlyCap on the 7th and Hendricks low-income housing initiative, which included a small portion of the allotted housing to a live/work format. I was to meet with one of your commissioners, Michelle Hagewood and others in the arts community to discuss the re-start of the project, and what we could do to add a permanent art display to the construction. That meeting has been postponed. Other than that, I have also been working with the Port Townsend Creative District, as you know, and some of the focus I have personally is to pursue live/work as a viable option for PT, and for artists. I am in learning mode right now, but am active in that group, many of which are committed to finding a solution. Hope this helps. Michael--
1Amber LongFrom:Carol Sword <cgsword@gmail.com>Sent:Wednesday, April 28, 2021 7:48 PMTo:artscomm@cityofpt.usSubject:Fwd: F Street Concrete InstallationsCategories:Orange Category Dear Arts Commission, As a long time homeowner in Port Townsend (31 years), I have see lots of changes to my neighborhood. I live just off F Street, and I remember well the installation of the three concrete pillars when the sidewalk was put in a few years back. The narrative about that particular tower was quite insulting to the neighborhood when it was installed, decorated as a metaphor for a degraded neighborhood or something like that. The reaction from nearly every one I talked with was horror. Be that as it may, let's move onward and upward. My interest at this point is dismantling the westerly most one (the worst one aesthetically) and petitioning for offset benches. Many people walk in this town and many people are elderly. Halfway up the hill from San Juan to Hastings is a perfect spot for folks in the community to stop and rest a moment, even to chat with a neighbor walking by or stopping as well. Let’s turn this around. Let’s make something beautiful and useful at that spot. My letter you is a request for guidance. Can the Arts Commission make the call on changing a publicly funded installation ? Should I gather signatures to a letter requesting that the “pillar” be taken down ? Is requesting benches a separate process ? Who would contact the designer of the pillars, Sara Moll Johani and when ? Please go take another look at the pillar. Those of us in the neighborhood see it frequently. Please advise me, Carol Sword