HomeMy WebLinkAbout091310 WorkshopCITY OF PORT TOWNSI=ND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2010
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the 13th day
of September 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City
Hall.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were David King, Laurie Medlicott, Kris Nelson,
George Randels, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and Mark Welch.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Library Director Theresa Percy, Library Associate Keith Darok, and Deputy Clerk
Joanna Sanders.
LIBRARY WEBSITE DEMO
Library Director Theresa Percy introduced library upgrades made possible with a
grant from the Washington State Library Project with support from the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation. Library Associate Keith Darrock reviewed new website features
and layout changes that will be active in two weeks. He also reviewed the many
library services available to citizens.
JOINT MEETING WITH JEFFERSON HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Scott Wilson briefed Council on the history of the Jefferson Higher Education
Committee and the studies to identify needs for higher education programs. He urged
Council to support Goddard College adult education offerings at Fort Worden and also
the renovation of Building 202 at Fort Worden. He stressed the economic
development opportunities associated with expanding college offerings.
Peninsula College President Dr. Thomas Keegan reported on Peninsula College's
interest in higher education opportunities and sharing facilities at Fort Worden. He
reviewed grant funds available to renovate Building 202 to support future growth of
Peninsula College. He also spoke about common goals among the educational
institutions.
Erin Fristad provided background on Goddard College, its programs and its students.
She talked about Goddard President Barbara Vacarr's recent visit and her support for
making Goddard's undergraduate program at Fort Worden a high priority.
Fort Worden Area Park Manager Kate Burke talked about the Fort's capital request to
support the renovation of Building 202. Two years ago, the estimated cost of the
rehabilitation was just over $6 million. Commitments so far are $2.2 million from State
City Council Workshop Meeting September 13, 2010 Page 1 of 3
Parks, and $2 million from Peninsula College, with the remainder to come from
other contributors. She spoke about the importance of demonstrating collaboration
in leveraging state funds when lobbying the legislature.
Dave Robison spoke about the Fort Worden Collaborative of which the City Public
Development Authority and Centrum are a part. The goal of the Collaborative is to
show support for not only the rehabilitation of the Fort Worden Wheeler Theatre
(anticipated to be a $3.5 million capital project), but also the rehabilitation of Building
202.
Ms. Fristad and Mr. Keegan responded to Council questions in the following areas:
explanation of Goddard's low residency program, anticipated capacity for resident
students to be served by Goddard and Peninsula College, program offerings, and
unified administration.
Others speaking about this project were John Austin, Julie McCulloch Sharon Railey
of Old Dominion University, and Katherine Baril of Washington State University.
Mr. Keegan, Ms. Fristad and Ms. Burke urged Council to express its support in this
collaborative effort in time for the October 2 presentation to Goddard Colleges's Board
of Directors and for the January legislative session.
Mr. Timmons reminded Council that supporting Fort Worden activities is one of the
City's infrastructure priorities. He urged Council discussion on how to become a
partner in this effort. Staff would bring forward a resolution and/or letter of support for
Council to consider.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committees reported on their activities:
Finance and Budget Committee by David King: Jefferson Higher Education
Committee, Interlocal Agreement with the County, Habitat for Humanity utility
connection charges, broadband, the transportation functional plan, an RFP process
for nonprofits to make funding requests, the Regional Fire Authority process, and PSE
windfall.
General Services Committee by Mark Welch: transportation plan and trailhead
access.
Community Development and Land Use Committee by George Randels: YMCA
issues, small affordable housing sites draft process, the City's Public Memorial Policy
for donations of purchased property, and progress on Upper Sims/ Howard
Street/zoning overlay.
Special Projects Committee by George Randels: Presentation by the PUD on a PSE
franchise agreement.
City Council Workshop Meeting September 13, 2010 Page 2 of 3
Information and Technology Committee by Mark Welch: Mobilisa proposal for the last
mile options and funding for under-grounding of utilities.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Attest:
C.l~y'~~
Pamela Kolacy,
City Clerk
~ ~,_
MMC
City Council Workshop Meeting September 13, 2010 Page 3 of 3