HomeMy WebLinkAbout032717CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF MARCH 27,
2017
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on the 27th day of March 2017
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, Robert Gray,
Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, Amy Howard, and Deborah Stinson.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Steve Gross,
and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
OLD BUSINESS
Resolution 17-014 Affirming that the City is a Welcoming City that Promotes
Policies that Foster Inclusion for all, Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Serve
all Residents and Visitors, and Clarifying the City Council's Policy Related to
Non -Discrimination in the Provision of City Services
Mr. Faber gave a summary of the Council Ad Hoc Committee discussion and
recommendations on the welcoming city resolution. Clarifying questions from Council
related to Jefferson County Sheriff policies on immigration and customs enforcement,
whether a proclamation would be appropriate, police investigations of hate crimes, and
references to the research study. Staff responded to questions about the potential
impact to federal funding.
Public comment:
Michael Davis spoke about the resolution.
Libby Palmer spoke in support of the resolution.
Karma Tenzing Wangchuck spoke in support of the resolution.
Jason Victor Serinus spoke in support of the resolution.
Candace Cosler spoke in support of the resolution.
David Berrian spoke in support of the resolution.
Ruth Whitney spoke in support of the resolution.
Fayette Krause spoke in support of the resolution.
Fred Nussbaum spoke in support of the resolution.
Paula Martin spoke in support of the resolution.
Marilyn Mitchell Board Member of the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
spoke in support of the resolution.
Mark Danke spoke in support of the resolution.
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Artis spoke in support of the resolution.
Linda Smith Heiner spoke support of the resolution..
During deliberation, there were comments on the fearfulness of green card holders,
the misunderstanding around the use of the term sanctuary versus welcoming,
concern about the potential for loss of federal funding, and a suggestion to issue a
proclamation versus passing a resolution and urging making Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) a permanent legalization program.
There was significant discussion about proposed edits to the resolution. City
Attorney Steve Gross provided information on his research of the use of the
term "sanctuary" in resolutions from other jurisdictions. He acknowledged concerns
about current jail policies and noted that future contract renewals with Jefferson
County would reference these policies as they pertain to immigration enforcement.
Motion: David Faber moved to approve Resolution 17-014 Affirming that the City is a
Welcoming City that Promotes Policies that Foster Inclusion for all, Reaffirming the
City's Commitment to Serve all Residents and Visitors, and Clarifying the City
Council's Policy Related to Non -Discrimination in the Provision of City Services (as
amended as discussed). Michelle Sandoval seconded.
Vote: motion carried unanimously, 7-0 by voice vote.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m..
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, CMC
City Clerk
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