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Home My WebLink About020226 City Council Business Meeting MinutesCITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 2, 2026 CALL TO ORDER City Council met in a regular session on the 2nd day of February 2026 in Council Chambers at 540 Water St, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Mayor Howard called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present at roll call were David Faber, Amy Howard, Owen Rowe, Libby Wennstrom, Neil Nelson, and Fred Obee with Monica MickHager excused. Staff members present were City Attorney Austin Watkins , City Manager John Mauro, Planning and Community Development Director Emma Bolin , Public Works Director Steve King , Finance and Technology Services Director Jodi Adams, Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver, Accountant Isaac Johnson , and City Clerk Alyssa Rodrigues . CHANGES TO THE AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. PROCLAMATION(S) OR SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S) Climate Action Committee Briefing- Implementation of Comprehensive Plan and Climate Element as Theme Climate Action Committee Chair Cindy Jayne and Vice Chair Jefferson County Board of County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette provided the Jefferson County/City of Port Townsend Climate Action Committee 2025 Update, Plans for 2026 presentation which included Review of History of the Climate Action Committee, Updated Goals, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Work Group- Accomplishments, Vehicle Miles Traveled Work Group- Future Opportunities, EV Work Group- Accomplishments, EV Work Group- Accomplishments and Future, Jefferson County Forests and Trees Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2001-2016 and Next Steps, New Carbon Sequestration Goals, Forest Working Group- Accomplishments, Forest Working Group- Opportunities for County and City, Other Working Groups, Food Systems Work Group, Working Group Model to Move Forward Comp Plan Climate Elements, and Organizational Climate Activities. In response to Council's clarifying questions CAC members explained measuring metrics and comfort with goals. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager John Mauro provided the City Manager's Report which included new staff/promotions, Discovery Rd, Walker/Washington sidewalk, Cook Ave drainage, Lawrence St grant, outfall project grant, Clay and Gaines St water from maintenance hole, Skatepark lights, funding for Sather and Bishop Park, Kah Tai restroom opening, RCO grants, and Coffee with the City Manager. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Ruth Gordon spoke about encouraging consideration of Resolution 17-014 suggested updates/edits. John Watts spoke about copy of letter submitted to City on January 12 re: Clarification on Key Issues Associated with R-II Zoning District Changes (Maximum and Minimum Density, Building Height, Street LOS F), responses to letter from City Council and staff, and the need for answers. Kellen Lynch spoke about energy consulting, Climate Commitment Act, Department of Commerce funding, resiliency grants, inviting Jeff Randall Port Townsend Commissioner from PUD, and contract terms with power company. Staff or Council response, as needed In response to public comment staff and Council explained appreciating resources from community, PUD responsibility, funding sources, response time, changes in Comprehensive Plan and explaining to public, no issues interpreting the code, connecting the dots on request, permit videos, applying for code interpretation, Development Code not Comprehensive Plan, and Welcoming City resolution will be coming forward to Council soon. EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)(1)) DISCUSSION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ABOUT CURRENT OR POTENTIAL LITIGATIONS (APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES) Mayor Howard stated the Council will go into Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)) Discussion with legal counsel about current or potential litigation for approximately 20 minutes. No action to follow. Council went into Executive Session at 6:43pm. Council came out of Executive Session at 7:03pm. No action was taken. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Bills, Claims and Warrants (None) Approval of Minutes: December 8, 2025 Appointments/Reappointments: Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board Authorizing for the City Manager to Sign a Task Order Under the Existing Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Between the City and the County to Perform Chip Seal on City Streets and Purchase Materials from County?s Supplier Change Order Authorization: Increase Contract Value for the Mill Road and Discovery Road Improvements Due to Unforeseen Subgrade Conditions and Improve Drainage Arts and Culture Coordinator Reclassification Motion: David Faber moved to approve the consent agenda. Fred Obee seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. OLD BUSINESS (NONE) NEW BUSINESS Authorization to Apply for Landmark Tree Designation at the Golf Park Public Works Director Steve King, Community Services Director Melody Sky Weaver, Marketing and Communications Director Shelly Leavens, and City Manager John Mauro provided the Authorization to Apply for Landmark Tree Designation at the Golf Park presentation which included roles, Landmark Tree program process, City is property owner, two applications made, City initiated Tribal consultation, Chemakum Tribe, importance of Tribal consultation, concurrence from Tribes, City moving forward, Golf Park entrance, State designation, consider all factors in process, staff recommends to authorize application, report to Parks, Recreation, Trees and Trails Advisory Board, Public Works Director makes decision per City code, Golf Park managed through lease, important to understand history of tree, and appreciation for patience. Public comment: Naomi Kranky spoke about the Landmark tree, relation to the Butler family, importance of history, and plaque. Rosalee Walz spoke about the Landmark tree, Chemakum history, and appreciation for full consideration. Jo Blair spoke about the Landmark tree, Native Connections Action Group, appreciation for consultation, Council approving, preserving cultural and historical landmarks, Camas Prairie, and Sentinel Rock. Discussion ensued around consultation history of Landmark tree, timeline, importance of consultation, mistake to cover up history, continuing consultation, and not approving designation tonight just process. Motion: David Faber moved to authorize the application for consideration of designation of a landmark tree located on land owned by the City at the Port Townsend Golf Park. Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. Ordinance 3363 Adopting New Port Townsend Municipal Code (PTMC) Sections 3.04.440, 3.04.445, 3.04.450, and 3.04.455 Relating to Separate Water and Sewer Operating and Capital Funds Finance and Technology Services Director Jodi Adams, Accountant Isaac Johnson, and Steve King provided the Water Sewer Fund Split presentation which included Agenda, Water Sewer Setup and Context, Inside the Water Sewer Fund, Benefits of Splitting the Funds, Water/Sewer Fund Separation Before and After, and Why Now? And Next Steps. In response to Council's clarifying questions staff explained customer impact, simplifying rate studies, and appropriate funds. Public comment: There was no public comment. Motion: Neil Nelson moved to waive Council Rules and adopt Ordinance 3363 Adopting New Port Townsend Municipal Code (PTMC) Sections 3.04.440, 3.04.445, 3.04.450, and 3.04.455 Relating to Separate Water and Sewer Operating and Capital Funds Owen Rowe seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. PRESIDING OFFICER'S REPORT Council Committee Assignments Mayor Howard provided the Presiding Officer's Report which included Kah Tai Restroom Ribbon Cutting, higher elected meetings, Council Committee assignments, and Production Alliance letter. Discussion ensued around Council Committee Assignments which included Council member MickHager agreeing to be Council Liaison to Historic Preservation Committee. Motion: David Faber moved to approve the Council Committee and Outside Committee positions with changes as presented. Fred Obee seconded. Council member Faber stated he will be unable to attend the upcoming Library Advisory Board meeting. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. City Manager John Mauro presented the Production Alliance Funding Request letter which included Connectivity Summit, funding request, request for Mayor Howard to provide a presentation, youth engagement sessions, agenda, and ways to support funding request. Discussion ensued around Council discretionary fund balance, great collaboration with County, unique event, in favor, and Mayor Howard's presentation regarding effective public comment. Motion: Owen Rowe moved to support the Production Alliance Connectivity Summit in the amount of $5, 000 drawing from the Council Discretionary Fund. David Faber seconded. Vote: motion carried unanimously, 6-0 by voice vote. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Council member Obee reported the Quimper Growers Group asked for a waiver of fees for the Comprehensive Plan amendment and believes it needs to come to Council for approval. Discussion ensued around it being an administrative process, staff received information today and will review, if they approach a Council member it can be proposed on docket, proper way to proceed, application has been submitted, staff needs to review and it will come in front of Council if needed. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL There were no comments from Council. EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110 (1)(G) PERFORMANCE OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE (APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES) Mayor Howard stated the Council will go into Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 (1)(g) Performance of a public employee for approximately 30 minutes. No action to follow. Council went into Executive Session at 7:45pm. Council came out of Executive Session at 8:14pm. No action was taken. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:14pm. Attest: Alyssa Rodrigues City Clerk