HomeMy WebLinkAbout031920 Joint MeetingCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT BUSINESS MEETING WITH JEFFERSON
COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MARCH 19, 21020
CALL 'TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners met
in special session this 19th day of March 2020, at 5:00 p,m. in the Port Townsend City
Council Chambers of City Hall.
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Council imemblers present were David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager,
Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser. Pamela Adams was excused.
Commissioners present were Kate Dean, David Sullivan and Greg Brotherton.
City Staff present. City Manager John Mauro, City Clerk Joanna Sanders
County Staff present: Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley and Jefferson
County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke.
INTRODUCTIONSISPECIAL GUESTS (JEFF EIRSONCOUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH,
JEFFERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
CENTER, JEFFERSON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, MAIN STREET, LOCAL
INVESTING OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK (LION), ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND, AND OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS)
- Willie Bence (Director, Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management)
- Arlene Alen (Director, Chamber of Commerce)
- Brian Kuh (Director, Economic Development Council)
- Siobhain Canty (Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson County Community Foundation)
- Mari Mullein (Director, PT Main Street)
- Deborah Stinson (Local Investing Opportunities Network - LION)
- Pete Hanke, Jr., Bill Putney of the Port Commission and Eron Berg (Port of Port
Townsend Executive Director)
- Allison Hero (Silverwater)
- Heather Dudley
- Kris Nelson
- Kevin Street (Jefferson County Public Utilfty District)
- Eric Jorgensen and Crystile Kiisleir (Finn River)
NEW BUSINESS
Coronavirus, Economic Impacts: Coordinating response, aid and information
to impacted businesses and employees
City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 1 of 4
Dr. Tom Locke gave a case briefing on the Clovid-19 outbreak and need for an all-
out effort to prevent the exponential spread of the virus, noting that community
mitigation is essential to reduce transmission,
Willie Bence gave overview of Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management
office as the central coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Allison Hero, Kris Nelson, Eric Jorgensen and Crystie Kisler, representing city
and county business interests, posed questions to Dr. Locke as did Shelley
Leavens, Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society concerning the effects
and impacts of job loss.
Dr. Locke responded to various questions from the businesses
community regarding local public health recommendations on, closures and
noted there is excellent supporting business guidance documents at DOH.Wa.Gov
and King County Public Health. Once the data transmission shows signs of slowing
and the curve flattens, the County will be able to provide predictions and
guidance on the timing for reopening businesses, Dr. Locke encouraged
businesses to continue distribution of food through carry out and supported, the
suggestion that a closure of non -essential services for two to three weeks would
help flatten the curve.
Brian Kuh reported on Small Business Administration disaster loans, micro grants
for businesses from the State Department of Commerce, expansion of
unemployment benefits (including independent contractors), Small Business
Development counselor seminars, B&O tax relief from the Department of Revenue,
and IRS tax payment deferral. The Chamber and the North Olympic
Peninsula Resource Development Council will also conduct an impact survey of
businesses and the EDC would assist with a creation of task force to address next
steps and future vision.
Mari Mullen of Main Street announced available online resources through
MainStreet, the Chamber, and Governor's website and distributed a list of business
resources, including MainStreet micro loans. Most downtown businesses are lin
need of monetary support, website development, and social media connections.
Arlene Allen of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce announced available
links, audio/visual web platform resources, restaurant database/links, and support
of the Governers site,. She explained the Community Organizations Active in
Disasters (CO,AD) program designed to help businesses prepare for disasters and
switching to weekly virtual Chamber Cafes. They would be planning for an
,expected tourism resurgence later in the year.
Deborah Stinson of LION explained the membership network and flexible loans
available for businesses through L2020.oirg.
Siobhan Canty of the Jefferson Community Foundation listed services available to
employees who have lost their jobs, including food, rental assistance, child care,
homeless services. Noting impacts to the Northwest Maritime Center, Northwest
School of Wooden Boat Building, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and
City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 2 of 4
Jefferson Land Trust, a COVID emergency response general fund has been
developed to accept donations.
Kevin Street of the Jefferson County Public Utility District spoke about their efforts
to cease shutoff and allow payment arrangements.
Eron Berg at the Port of Port Townsend reported on their modification of business
operation practices in compliance with public health guidance to keep the boatyard
open, providing rent relief, and future modifications of tenant lease policies.
Addlitionall discussion and concerns were raised by participants about whether there
would be relief from County property taxes, urging landlord flexibility on rents, and
coordinating temporary reemployment. There was also interest in providing
businesses more public health direction and recommendations on temporarily
closing non -essential businesses. It was noted that currently there is no mandate
for business closure. Commissioner Sullivan spoke about the need for further
County conversation about the use of the revenue stabilization fund. Commissioner
Dean summarized needs for technical assistance for businesses on reopening,
opportunities for the public to engage in response efforts, need for business
navigators, as, well as shopping at and supporting local businesses. Mayor
Sandoval spoke about the need for positive response to the crisis and support for
individuals in the community.
COMMENT'S FROM THE PUBLIC
Public comment
Steven Mullensky urged postponement andl/or relief from the increase in property
taxes.
Hana:! Meyer urged monitoring highway traffic in and out of Jefferson and Clallarn
Counties to reduce transmission.
Kris Nelson made several suggestions including utility bill, property tax, and
business and occupation tax relief, additional patrols of commercial areas, more
fall/winter marketing funding, and improvements to the state's unemployment
benefits program,
Bonnie White urged waiving DIM Disposal fees.
Mark Grant urged tightening quarantine and lock down measures.
Mark Cooper of Local 2020 urged designating a Covid communications manager.
Paulette Lack urged allowing local farmers to set up next to Better Living Through,
Coffee other empty spaces downtown.
Charlie Kanieski urged that banks forego payments, no payments of LION loans,,
hospital covering 100% of healthcare costs for those without insurance, and
creating a community fund to cover those not covered by unemployment.
City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 3 of 41
Kevin Camfie[d spoke about vulnerable populations to the virus and urged
aggressive actions to prevent the spread.
City staff response
County Administrator Phillip Morley recognized the summary of resources and
concerns as well as the desire for a case by case business guidance from IDr.
Locke on recommended cllosures- City Manager John Mauro commented the meeting
was an important beginning of the conversation and review of current efforts.
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City CoulnicH Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020, Page 4 of 4