HomeMy WebLinkAbout041221 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF APRIL 12, 2021
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 12th day of April 2021
in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the meeting
to order at 6:31 p.m.
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser.
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, Finance and Administrative
Services Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works Director Steve King, and City Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Financial Sustainability
City Manager John Mauro provided an overview of the issue of revenues not keeping
pace with the cost of services and announced Engage PT discussion topics. Finance
and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the staff briefing, including a
chart with a month-by-month timeline for the financial sustainability project.
The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk read the comments
into the record):
Bob Gray spoke about housing developments and desires for parks and shopping for
west side Port Townsend.
Rick Jahnke urged that future discussion include topics of debt, equity, sea level rise,
grant matching funds, maintenance, staffing, and densification.
Staff responded to Council questions and comments regarding expectations for new
construction revenue and publishing, recording, accessibility, and composition of the
task force estimated at 8 to 10 members. There was also interest in early public
engagement on the costs of services such as a Budget 101 as well as urging
community engagement activities in the long timeline between October and
April. Given recent growth, there was concern that level of service needs will continue
to outpace revenues.
Council Compensation
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell gave the presentation
overview.
There was no public comment.
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Staff responded to questions and there was general Council support for moving
forward with the documented approach for a salary commission and adding the item to
a future agenda. Several comments were made about the positive effects of a
representative Council, reasons behind residents running for office, and how to
encourage diversity.
Mr. Mauro spoke to the challenges of adopting the proposal coming from the salary
commission. Ms. Mitchell noted it is a binding decision and goes into effect in thirty
days. Given the age of the community, there are some limits for those serving who are
also collecting social security.
Banked Capacity
Ms. Mitchell gave a presentation on the East Jefferson Fire Rescue post annexation
restriction policy for utilizing the banked capacity. Public Works Director Steve King
presented projects for using the $605,816 in banked capacity in the areas of
transportation and parks. He solicited input on the project goals.
The following individuals provided written public comment (Clerk read the comments
into the record):
Debbie Jahnke spoke about the need to fund a dog park shelter.
Council comments and discussion ensued with differing opinions about the specific
projects to be listed and excitement about all the areas of the City that need
improvement. There was a desire for simple applications to achieve goals when
possible and some concern about making it a priority to pave currently unpaved roads
if there are not funds for future pavement maintenance. Specific projects are more
likely to engage residents when thinking of how to prioritize levying the funds and there
was some question about what the public venue would be for those comments. There
was a desire to improve services for the most people in the City, including prioritizing
additional road improvements west of Sheridan.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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