HomeMy WebLinkAbout011221 Retreat CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE RETREAT OF JANUARY 13, 2021
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The Port Townsend City Council, met in workshop session on the 13th day of January
2021, at 9 a.m. (virtual meeting based in Council Chambers). Mayor Michelle Sandoval
called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.
Councilmembers present at roll call were Pam Adams, Amy Howard (arriving at 9:13),
David Faber (arriving at 9:50), Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and
Ariel Speser (arriving at 9:50).
Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro, City Attorney Heidi Greenwood,
Finance and Administrative Services Director Nora Mitchell, City Engineer David
Peterson, Library Director Melody Eisler, Finance Manager Tony Hillman, Public Works
Director Steve King, and Interim Police Chief Troy Surber.
OPENING FRAMING AND WARMUP
City Manager John Mauro provided the structure and expectations for the retreat.
QUICK REVIEW OF 2020 —AND WHERE THAT BRINGS US NOW
Department Directors and Councilmembers reflected on accomplishments.
DRAFT WORKPLAN OVERVIEW
Utilizing a detailed work plan proposal, Department Directors, led by Mr. Mauro,
reviewed their major initiatives and projects for the coming year. There was discussion
about common themes across departments as well as a recognition where there are
overlapping objectives, a focus on financial constraints and sustainability, as well as ties
to the strategic plan and current functional plans.
REFINING AND FOCUSING OUR KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2021
Mr. Mauro and department directors reviewed their documented departmental purpose
statements. Council was supportive of the documented priorities and stated the following
desires: work toward improved connection to meetings on the website, clarifying how
public comment is received, coordinate the City's response to public comment, and an
inventory or upcoming schedule reflecting expiring contracts. There was also recognition
of the opportunities and challenges to expanded use of social media as the City seeks
input on important topics such as the golf course and Port Townsend Paper lease. Staff
would integrate feedback into their work plans and Mr. Mauro noted the desire to work
on a visual depiction/calendar/gantt chart of how decisions stack up throughout the year.
City Council Retreat Minutes January 13, 2021 Page 1 of 2
COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, ADVISORY BOARD STRUCTURE
City Attorney Heidi Greenwood and Public Works Director Steve King reviewed the draft
committee structure as provided. Council provided individual comments when
considering how the work of existing committees might be folded into a new
consolidated structure. Mr. Mauro agreed to incorporate the suggestions in formulating a
desired structure for Council's consideration.
LOOKING BEYOND 2021
Mr. Mauro provided closing remarks about the year ahead. Mayor Sandoval summarized
her gratitude looking back over the difficult year and spoke to a desire for the City to
begin to resolve street funding.
CLOSING
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:56 p.m,
Attest:
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
City Council Retreat Minutes January 13, 2021 Page 2 of 2