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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012026 City Council Business Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2026 CALL TO ORDER City Council met in a Regular Session on the 20th day of January 2026 in Council Chambers at 540 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Deputy Mayor Rowe called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were Monica MickHager, Neil Nelson, Fred Obee, David Faber, and Owen Rowe with Amy Howard, and Libby Wennstrom excused. Staff members present were City Manager John Mauro , City Attorney Austin Watkins , Chief of Police Tom Olson , Public Works Director Steve King, Deputy Chief Kamal Sharif, Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver, Parks and Facilities Manager Michael Todd , and Deputy City Clerk Lonnie Mickle. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. PROCLAMATION(S) OR SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) Police Department Strategic Plan Deputy Mayor Rowe stated he would like to have a public comment period after the presentation. Chief of Police Tom Olson and Deputy Chief Kamal Sharif presented the Port Townsend Police Department Strategic Plan 2025-2027 which included Overview, Purpose of the Strategic Plan, Department Mission, Department Vision, Core Values, Message from the Chief, Department Overview, Organizational Structure, Crime & Service Trends (2021-2024), Office of the Chief -Priorities, Operations Division - Priorities, Investigations Division- Priorities, Administrative Services- Priorities, Strategic Goal #1: WASPC Accreditation, Strategic Goal#2: Community Engagement, Community Engagement- Schools & Safety, Strategic Goal #3: Operations, Strategic Goal #4: Employee Opportunities, Specialized Capabilities, Community Partnerships, Strategic Plan Summary, and Looking Ahead. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained regional collaboration regarding ICE, trends, and speed enforcement policy. Public Comment (Added During Changes to the Agenda) January 20, 2026 City Council Business Meeting Page 1 of 4 Angela Michelle spoke about domestic violence response protocol. In response to public comment staff explained domestic violence response protocol. Discussion ensued around looking forward to the next presentation and response to federal agencies. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager John Mauro provided the City Manager's Report which included transportation, Kah Tai restroom ribbon cutting, Fort Worden reservations, Solid Waste Taskforce public meeting, recycling conversation, Coffee Conversation, and AWC student scholarship. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment There was no public comment. Staff or Council response, as needed CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants Approval of Minutes: ICG- November 21, 2024, December 4, 2025, December 11, 2025. Council- November 24, 2025 Appointments/Reappointments: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Parks, Recreation, Trees and Trails Advisory Board, Arts Commission Resolution 26-001 Amending City Council Rules of Procedure Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda. Fred Obee seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. OLD BUSINESS (NONE) NEW BUSINESS Accepting Donation for Dog Park at Mountain View Commons January 20, 2026 City Council Business Meeting Page 2 of 4 Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver, Facilities and Parks Manager Michael Todd, and Debbie Jahnke presented on Accepting Donation for Dog Park at Mountain View Commons which included generous community support, ribbon cutting, Mountain View Park being well used, dedicated Parks team, Dog Park volunteers, need for shelter from elements, Jim Todd legacy and donations, Debbie speaking as individual not on behalf of Parks, Recreation, Trees and Trails Advisory Board, dog park history, properly engineered sheltered, and visits per year. Public comment: Dena Odell spoke about being a dog park liaison, visits per year have grown, encourage Council to accept donation, and appreciation for donors. Discussion ensued around donation policy. Council member Faber stated he is the Attorney of Record for the Estate of James Stewart Todd but there are no financials entangled in transaction, his office/personally receive no benefit and it does not affect vote in anyway. Council member MickHager stated she is the Executor of Estate, but the money is not coming from the estate, the money is from community members who received gifts from estate. Motion: Fred Obee moved to accept donation for a dog park shelter at Mountain View Commons Dog Park David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 5-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Deputy Mayor Rowe provided the Presiding Officer's Report which included request for Elected Officials to sign Ferry Support Letter. Discussion ensued around signing the letter allows City to advocate for topic, approve investing in ferry system, sign on your own but need to know if a majority signs. Public comment (Added during meeting) There was no public comment. Discussion ensued around budget concerns, supportive of message, Council member Faber will support, Council member MickHager will support, and investment made in Washington State. Deputy Mayor Rowe asked if the Council intended to sign the letter. A majority of Council indicated they would. January 20, 2026 City Council Business Meeting Page 3 of 4 Deputy Mayor Rowe continued his Presiding Officer's Report which included AWC City Action Days and upcoming Point in Time Count. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS There were no suggestions for future agendas. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL There were no comments from Council. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15pm, Attest: Alr a Kd&rues City Clerk January 20, 2026 City Council Business Meeting Page 4 of 4