HomeMy WebLinkAbout03301998PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
March 30, 1998
5:00 p.m.
Port Townsend Community Center
The Port Townsend City Council met in special session on March 30, 1998, at the Port
Townsend Community Center. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Julie McCulloch at 5
p.m. Council members present were Peter Badame, Joe Finnie, Kate Jenks, Ian Keith, Forrest
Rambo, Ted Shoulberg, Mark Welch. Staff members present were City Attorney Tim McMahan
and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
The stated purpose of the meeting was to consideration of the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 98-032
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR THE REFERRAL TO THE QUALIFIED
ELECTORS OF THE CITY AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD THEREIN
ON THE 19TH DAY OF MAY, 1998, OF THE PROPOSITION OF WHETHER THE
PRESENT MAYOR-COUNCIL PLAN OF GOVERNMENT UNDER WHICH THE
CITY OPERATES SHOULD BE ABANDONED, AND THE COUNCIL-MANAGER
PLAN OF GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 35A. 13 RCW
SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN ITS PLACE
Mayor Julie McCulloch introduced the issue, noting that a citizens group has currently collected
enough signatures to place this measure on the ballot in September and noting that if the measure
were brought to ballot by city council resolution, the vote could be held during the May election.
Mr. Shoulberg asked Mr. McMahan whether the petitioners could bring the measure forward in
September if it were defeated in May. Mr. McMahan stated he has not yet found any legal
precedent and therefore cannot answer the question definitively at this time.
The meeting was opened for public comment.
Vem Garrison: in favor of approval of the resolution
Herb Herrington: in favor of designating a particular council position as the mayoral seat
Ken McBride: in favor of designating a particular council position as the mayor seat
Port Townsend City Council Page 1 March 30, 1998
Dyrk Lansdon: in favor of designating a particular council position as the mayoral seat.
Michael Anderson: in favor of designating a particular council position as the mayoral seat.
Laurie Stewart: asked if the change in form of government would mean change to a ward system.
There being no further speakers, public comment was closed.
Mr. Keith then moved for adoption of Resolution 98-032. Mr. Rambo seconded.
Discussion ensued. Concerns included the timing of election and seating of new council
members should the measure pass, and the length of time desirable for community dialogue.
The motion then failed 4-3 by voice vote, with Jenks, Shoulberg, Welch, and Badame opposed.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m
Pamela Kolacy
City Clerk
Port Townsend City Council Page 2 March 30, 1998