HomeMy WebLinkAbout063015 WorkshopCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF JUNE 30, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on June 30, 2015. Mayor
David King called the meeting to order at 3:13 p.m.
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, Robert Gray, David King,
Kris Nelson, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance Director Nora
Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Attorney Steve Gross, City Engineer
David Peterson, Planning Director Lance Bailey, Library Director Melody Eisler,
Operations Manager John Merchant, Parks and Facilities Manager Alex Wisniewski,
Human Resources Manager Pam Kolacy, City Clerk Joanna Sanders, Finance
Manager Sheila Danielson, and Sergeant Troy Surber.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
2016 Budget
Finance Director Nora Mitchell reviewed the purpose of the retreat as outlined in the
presentation document. Facilitator Steve Nolen presented the list of primary
themes from the Leadership Retreat. City Manager Timmons noted that Council is
currently in year two of its three-year strategic plan and that the 2016
Comprehensive Plan priorities would lead the next strategic plan. Staff then led
Council through a discussion of administrative priorities in order to consider how
best to establish priorities.
Mr. Nolen reviewed the list of things that are working and not working that were
discussed as part of the Leadership retreat. Organizational and operational
challenges and strengths were listed in the presentation.
Mr. Timmons then briefed Council on the infrastructure/public facility challenges,
deferred maintenance, and public service/communication challenges to
providing consistent levels of service.
At 5:10, the meeting paused for the purpose of a break.
At 5:30, Council came back into session.
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Councilmembers shared their individual priorities with the water system and
parks ranking high in the following list of necessary long-term investments: Parks,
Streets, Storm Water, and the Olympic Gravity Water System. There was interest in
having a designated funding source for parks in the form of a Parks District. For
streets and stormwater, annexation of fire district was thought to be a good choice.
There was support for preparing a timeline with all the priorities and then identify
steps to go through annexation. There was also support for building into the budget
staff and consultant time for evaluating various funding options.
In considering Administrative priorities such as code enforcement staffing and the
possible addition of a public information officer, Ms. Mitchell said once the 2016
revenue projections are available, staff can begin to address funding options. There
was recognition of other priority items including public outreach strategy, task force
related to mental health issues, incorporating new technology to improve staff
efficiency, ER&R fund, website improvements, and clarity around the relationship
with volunteers and advisory boards.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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