HomeMy WebLinkAbout070918CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF JULY 9, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
The Port Townsend City Council met in workshop session on the 9th day of July 2018
in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Deborah Stinson called the meeting
to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
City Manager David Timmons recognized and welcomed new City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood.
Councilmembers present at roll call were Robert Gray, Amy Howard, Michelle
Sandoval, Ariel Speser, and Deborah Stinson with Pamela Adams, and David Faber
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood, Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, Planning
Director Lance Bailey, Public Works Director Greg Lanning, Special Project
Temporary Employee Belinda Graham, Police Chief Michael Evans, Library Director
Melody Sky Eisler, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Library Advisory Board Update
Library Director Melody Sky Eisler introduced Chair Ann Healey Raymond and
Board Member Owen Rowe. Ms. Eisler reviewed recent accomplishments, including
the adoption of the fine free policy and collection development policy, and work on
level of service analysis. Owen Rowe spoke about the unique relationships between
the Library as a city department working with friends of the library, advisory board
and foundation. They reviewed some of the sample reports provided in the packet
and program offerings. The level of service analysis will be completed in October.
There was a brief discussion of the collaborative efforts with the Port Townsend
School and other small libraries such as at the Northwest Maritime Center.
City Manager David Timmons mentioned City opportunities to expand Library
including potential collaboration with the PEG Access Television Station. Long-
range planning on the levy would be addressed by the Berk study. The Library was
also recognized as a model for volunteer coordination.
Rainier Street and Upper Sims Way Subarea Plan Status and Timeline
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Special Project staff Belinda Graham gave a presentation on the status of the
Rainier/Upper Sims Way Subarea Plan (Vision, Guiding Principles, Site
Consideration/Opportunities, Draft Subarea Components, and Timeline).
Planning Director Lance Bailey reviewed that Council could expect the subarea plan
and development regulations in the September and October timeline.
Discussion and questions from Council related to the parks planning in the subarea,
planning concepts, and developing the southern half of Sims Way given the steep
slopes and lack of infrastructure.
Regional Economic Diversification Summits Overview
Belinda Graham described the Regional Economic Diversification Summit (REDs)
program. The program was described as a shared commitment with federal
agencies, host organizations, and regional participants to remove obstacles and
expand access to resources for economic diversification. The goal is to open
relationships and dialogue with partner agencies on housing, business expansion,
and infrastructure.
Capital Projects Update
City Engineer David Peterson gave a detailed project briefing of the
following: Mountain View Phase II, Library, Water Street Overlay, Visitor Center
Parking Improvements, Howard Street Regional Stormwater, SR Pedestrian
Walkway, Jefferson Street, Complete Streets - Washington Street and 9th Streets,
SR -20, Big Quilcene Diversion Dam Update, and Waste Waster Outfall. He
responded to questions about parking on Water Street and management of the
Taylor Street End.
Public Works Director Greg Lanning gave a staff report on pilot road projects,
including a road assessment for a pavement management program. Planned for the
end of the year is a Hastings Avenue road widening with gravel and chip seal next
year.
Update on East Jefferson Fire Rescue Joint Oversight Board Meeting
City Manager David Timmons described options for moving forward with limiting the
levy authority in a vote on annexation. Plan A would amend the annexation
agreement and describe the restrictions on the use of funds for roughly a three to
five-year window. There would be no use of money in the first year. For the second
and subsequent years, funds would be earmarked for streets, housing
infrastructure, parks capital/trails, and utility tax relief. Plan B is an amendment to
the Interlocal Agreement. If annexation is not approved, the agreement would be
revised to provide the same formula to duplicate annexation. With no objection
to these concepts, staff would schedule a joint meeting with the District and result in
a report back to the community on the town meetings. A decision could then be
made on a February ballot submission with the rates going into effect in 2020. To
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address funding for 2019, the City would be asked to make a one-time contribution
(possibly in three installments). A special levy adjustment may be needed to offset
the $350,000 in funding for the district.
Some discussion ensued about calculating the One Percent for the Arts. Mr.
Timmons explained one percent is discretionary not mandatory and Staff is working
with the Arts Commission on updating the Public Art Plan.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m,
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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