HomeMy WebLinkAbout10082001 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF OCTOBER 8, 2001
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this eighth day
of October, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Geoff Masci presiding.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present at roll call were Joe Finnie, Allen Frank, Vern Garrison, Geoff
Masci, and Syd Lipton. Mr. Wolcott and Mr. Youse were excused. Staff members
present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts, City Clerk Pam
Kolacy, Library Director Linnea Patrick, Library Board members Bill Maxwell, Larry
Thomas, Sarah Muirhead, and Eileen Price, and County Assessor Jack Westerman
LIBRARY ANNEXATION
City Manager David Timmons recapped the history of the issue to date. He stated that
the city has found it more and more difficult to provide the level of funding needed to
sustain city library services in recent years. The result is that the Library must compete
with essential services such as fire protection, police, and roads. This presents unfair
choices for the community. The Library Board was tasked toexamine various options
and alternatives for future sustainable funding of the library which will maintain the level
of funding and also the integrity and autonomy of the library.
Bill MaxWell, chair of the Library Board stated that the Board and the library staff have
done a thorough job of investigating every option that as occurred and the Board has
unanimously supported the annexation option. He added that all wished that the city
library could remain independent and funded at an adequate level without the necessity of
competing with other city departments but intellectually most realize that two
independent library systems in a county of 27,000 people does not really make sense.
He added that the county library has retained a consultant to study the issue of annexation
and a report is in progress. He added that we'would have to ask the county to be
generous as the annexation would result in a raise in the tax levy for the library district.
The city would continue to contribute the funding to make up for the difference between
the current level of funding and the amount of levy funding.
Mr. Timmons added that the final decision would be made in 2002 'with the annexation
proceeding in 2003. He added that the city must provide to the county reassurance that
the city will do its part to continue funding.
Council members then questioned the staff and board members. Jack Westerman,
County Assessor, was on hand to clarify questions regarding tax levies.
City Council Workshop Meeting Page 1 October 8, 2001
Mr. Masci requested more information about the way in which future councils could be
encumbered by this commitment.
Mr. Timmons stated that if a decision could be made in January, then county and city
staff would begin planning a strategy to get information to the public so the voters would
have the full picture. Mr. Maxwell noted that the two library systems are now and will
continue to cooperate to effect efficiencies in any case.
There was considerable discussion relating to library expenses, levy lid lifts, tax rates,
library autonomy and per capita expenditure.
Board member Larry Thomas stated that the Library Board has finished their work and he
suggested that the council act on their advice. If the suggestion is not adopted, then other
avenues may be explored.
Mr. Finnie left the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Public Comment
Kees Kolff stated he appreciates the work of the Library Board, supports the full level of
service for the library and is happy to see effort put into ways to continue the service.
Barbara Pastore spoke in support of funding and maintaining or increasing the library's
level of service and the need to maintain the integrity and autonomy of the library.
Karen Long spoke in support of annexation, noted that wanting "our" city library is an
emotional reaction and that it is very logical that the Port Townsend Library become a
branch of the Jefferson County Library.
It was noted that the County Library Board is appointed by the County Commissioners
but has full control of their funds.
NOVEMBER ADVISORY BALLOT MEASURE
Mr. Frank requested this time to accommodate any clarifying questions the council might
have in regard to the advisory ballot. In answer to Mr. Frank's question, Mr. Watts stated
that advisory ballots are not binding.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Meeting Page 2 October 8, 2001