HomeMy WebLinkAbout071116 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF JULY 11, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 11th day of July
2016 in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pamela Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Robert Gray, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve
Gross, Finance Director Nora Mitchell, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Clerk
Joanna Sanders, and Parks and Facilities Manager Alex Wisniewski.
Councilmember Sandoval arrived at 6:32 p.m.
REVIEW OF ADVISORY BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
Executive Director Ann Bennett reviewed risk management services offered by WCIA
(pre defense review services, trainings, general risk management for City Councils).
She explained negligent representation as it relates to council communications
and encouraged adopting a communication plan with procedures for asking staff to
respond rather than risk providing inaccurate information. Designating a Council
speaking agent would present a unified voice. She noted that Council representation
on committees outside the course and scope of the City might not be covered by
WCIA. On the topic of the Public Records Act, she cautioned against the use of
personal devices for City business and noted how advisory boards are covered under
WCIA's policy when operating within their role and acting within the scope of their
authority. Advisory Board members are covered by WCIA as volunteers of the City
when operating within the course and scope of their specific duties. She offered to
conduct a WCIA training on ABCs of Advisory Boards and Commissions.
City Manager David Timmons spoke about the communication challenges between
Council, staff and the committees. He showed a chart that explains complex change
and talked about the differences between advisory boards and administrative boards.
Referring to an organization chart showing City administration, he indicated a desire
to create a similar structure for advisory bodies. There was some discussion of the
Inbox process and legislative process as reflected in Council rules and recognition of
the need for updated rules.
Council discussion centered on how Council receives recommendations; advisory
boards initiating agenda items; the need for updated work plans; whether a volunteer
coordinator could be helpful, and consideration of replacing Council committees with
ad hoc committees and/or meetings of Council of the whole. The creation of a housing
City Council Workshop Meeting - July 11, 2016 Page 1 of 2
committee was also suggested and there was a discussion about when to rely on the
Planning Commission for their expertise.
Mayor Stinson indicated a desire to align committee work with Council's strategic plan
to ensure the committees are organized in a way that serve Council rather
than operating with independent authority. On the matter of trails as transportation or
recreation elements, there was discussion if this should be addressed through a
Council committee, an advisory body such as Non-motorized, or a combination of the
two. She also mentioned that the continuation of the Climate Action Committee is also
under review.
Mr. Timmons recommended getting advice and/or additional public input in finding a
funding strategy for Parks and Transportation priorities. He, the Mayor and Deputy
Mayor would look at Council's schedule and bring back for Council consideration a
possible action plan. A recommendation would also be coming forward at the next
meeting on creating a consortium of providers to begin work on housing.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting -July 11, 2016 Page 2 of 2