HomeMy WebLinkAbout062920 Special CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING OF JUNE 29, 2020
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on the 29th day of June 2020
in the Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. Mayor Michelle Sandoval called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pam Adams, David Faber, Amy Howard,
Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser.
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi
Greenwood, Interim Police Chief Troy Surber, and City Clerk Joanna Sanders.
RESOLUTION 20-037 ESTABLISHING A COUNCIL AD HOC COMMITTEE ON
POLICING AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Staff presentation
Mayor Sandoval introduced the item by stating her recommendation that this be a
committee of the entire Council. She spoke about the larger law and justice
community and recognized the existing collaboration and interrelationship with those
law and justice agencies. She also recognized the needed involvement by people of
color as well as the larger community to address the many concerns that have been
stated.
City Manager John Mauro gave the staff presentation as detailed in the agenda bill.
He recognized that while the City Police Department practices may hold up well, there
may also be some desired changes.
City Attorney Heidi Greenwood pointed out there would likely be areas of discussion
that involve other government entities or which are restricted by state law.
Interim Chief Troy Surber expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead to address
community concerns.
Mr. Mauro addressed questions about the impact of this new body on the City's
existing budget and resources. There were also questions about the status of the
hiring process for a permanent police chief and unknowns as Council enters the
budget development timeline overlapping with the timeline of this Committee's work.
Ms. Greenwood clarified that Committee recommendations would be brought forward
to the City Council for consideration.
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Public comment
The following individuals provided written comments regarding the resolution (the
clerk read written comments into the record):
Frank luro
Candice Cosler
Chris Schuller
Hank Chinaski
Robert and Barbara Gray
Caienna Bierwirth
Emily Hiatt
Roarke Jennings
Jessica Tartaro
Heather Gordon
Samual Swenson Daly
Viki Sonntag
Faith Morgan
Earthen Watson
Jenny Esquivel
Tonia Burkett
Lilly Powers
Katie
Liz Muller
Noel Sarah Vrooman
AJ Traverse
Jordan Pollack
Cameron Jones
Paul Denison
Grace Champe
Tom Fenollosa
Naomi Himley
Meshell Maria Orozco
Rowan Sharp
Maxfield Koontz
Alexa MacAulay
Ann Benson
Daryl Dietrich
Samara Larochelle
Alexa Helbling
Corey Chin
Joanne Ponrello
Jason Victor Serinus
Lindsay Hoffman
Abner Barre
Lydia Vadopalas
Kimber Rotchford
Melissa Forster
Jacob Metzger
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Combined comment from the following individuals: Teddy Lachappelle, Mallory
Langer, Paris Jade, Cameron Jones, Rob Cantley, Einav Bloom, Sophia Petricola
An additional verbal comment was provided as follows:
Nathaniel Jacobs spoke about the need for collaboration on criminal justice reform
and the importance of hearing from the larger law enforcement community.
Council deliberation and action
During Council discussion, there was recognition of the extensive comments
provided, a desire to set realistic expectations with the public on what may
be possible to change in the short term. There was a desire to hear from the Black
Indigenous People of Color community (BIPOC) on biases they have experienced.
There were comments about continuing to support the good work of the Police
Department and seeking input from them on solutions, including ways to continue
to keep our community safe. It was noted that given the killing of George Floyd, there
is a current need to discuss the broad range of non criminal and non
crisis situations for which armed officers might not be best suited or most appropriate
to respond. There were additional comments in favor of the resolution. Council
considered a request to postpone action on the resolution until the July 6 meeting to
honor Council's three touch rule to give the broader community an opportunity time to
understand what is being proposed and address their apprehensions.
Mayor Sandoval summarized next steps including the development of the work plan
and topics to be considered at the first committee meeting.
Motion: Ariel Speser moved to approve waiving Council Rules and approve
Resolution 20-037, Establishing a Council Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Public
Safety. Amy Howard seconded.
Vote: motion carried, 6-1 by voice vote, Monica MickHager opposed.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Attest:
M
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
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