HomeMy WebLinkAbout2817 Establishing a Dispute Resolution ProgramOrdinance No. 2817
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND RELATING TO
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PORT TOWNSEND DISPUTE
RESOLUTION PROGRAM AS CONTEMPLATED BY CH. 7.75 RCW;
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE ORDINANCE AND
PROVIDING FOR REVIEW OF THE PROGRAM RESULTS.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend finds, consistent with
Ch. 7.75 RCW, that resolution of many disputes can be costly and complex in a judicial
setting where parties involved are necessarily in an adversary posture and subject to
formalized procedures; and
WHEREAS, alternative dispute resolution processes can meet needs of Port Townsend
citizens by providing a forum in which persons may voluntarily participate in the resolution of
disputes in an informal and less adversarial atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, the use of alternative dispute resolution processes in the context of Port
Townsend's neighborhoods can enhance both relationships between individual neighbors and
cooperative relationships throughout the Port Townsend community; and
WHEREAS, City resources which are now devoted to resolution of disputes through
the criminal and civil judicial systems may be conserved and/or better utilized by having
available a neighborhood dispute resolution program,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend ordains as
follows:
SECTION 1. Program Created.
There is hereby created the Port Townsend Dispute Resolution Program, pursuant to
the provisions of the Court Improvement Act of 1984, Chapter 7.75 RCW.
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SECTION 2. Approval of Program Plan/Finding.
Prior to the start of operation of such Port Townsend Dispute Resolution Program, City
Council shall approve by resolution a plan that it finds to meet the requirements of RCW
Section 7.75.020(2) for establishing a dispute resolution program.
SECTION 3. Administration and Funding.
The Port Townsend Dispute Resolution Program shall be administered by the City
Manager.
SECTION 4. Confidentiality of Program Files/Privileged
Communications/Exceptions.
The Port Townsend Dispute Resolution Program records and information shall be
privileged and confidential consistent with RCW Section 7.75.050, which is incorporated
herein as if fully set forth.
SECTION 5. Fees for Services/Establishment.
That except as otherwise provided by City Council by resolution, the Port Townsend
Dispute Resolution Program shall provide services without charge to the participants. Any
fees established by resolution shall be based upon participants' ability to pay.
SECTION 6. Report on First Year of Operation.
This ordinance shall be reviewed by the City Manager who shall report to City Council
within one (1) year of its effective date as to whether to repeal or amend the ordinance.
Council may choose to hold a public hearing on such report and recommendation.
SECTION 7. Effective Date/Ratification.
This Ordinance shall go into effect five (5) days after final passage. Acts taken
pursuant to such ordinance but prior to its effective date are hereby ratified and confirmed.
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SECTION 8. Severability.
If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance, or the application of the provision to other
persons or circumstances is not affected.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington, at a special
meeting thereof, held this twelfth day of November, 2002.
Attest:
Approved as to Form:
John P. Watts, City Attorney
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