HomeMy WebLinkAbout10272003CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF OCTOBER 27, 2003
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this twenty-
seventh day of October, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of
City Hall, Mayor Kees Kolff presiding.
ROLL CALL -- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmembers present at roll call were Freida Fenn, Joe Finnie, Kees Kolff, Geoff
Masci, Catharine Robinson, Michelle Sandoval, and A1 Youse. (Mr. Youse arrived at
6:40.)
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Police ChiefKristen Anderson, Police Sergeant Ed Green, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Kolff stated there would be an executive session following the workshop,
concerning a legal matter regarding litigation or potential litigation involving the city.
SPECIAL EVENTS/ASSEMBLY REGULATIONS
City Manager Dave Tirmmons reviewed the material in the Council packet. He clarified
that, for the most part, the City is not looking at allocating the actual costs identified in
Chief Anderson's report to the various event sponsors. He stated that most of these
events are major contributions to the economy and will become more prevalent and
important as the community develops. He added that the issue is the amount of time the
Police Department must commit to various community events and activities. The
Department is small and operates all day every day, with calls for service escalating at
10% per year.
Chief Anderson discussed the material in more detail. She stated that the report should
refer to volunteer "value" rather than "cost." She stated the Department is gaining more
voluntary compliance with regular event hosts, but a critical issue is enforcement of the
thirty-day filing period. She stated the Department would like to assess a $10 per day
penalty for late applications, which could be waived under emergency circumstances.
She also stated the fee should be more commensurate with the scale of the event.
Another issue is signs, which often are not returned. Costs are absorbed by the
Department and they would like to see a deposit system established. She added
members of the department would like to work with various organizations as well as
umbrella organizations on a community educational process.
City Council Workshop Page 1 October 27, 2003
Ms. Robinson asked what charges are currently assessed. Chief Anderson explained that
it depends on various factors, such as whether or not a street must be shut down for a
parade, whether the event includes a beer garden, etc. She stated the charge is currently
$50 per officer hour for newer and larger events; however she stated it would be
unrealistic for event sponsors to pay for all officer time. Currently there is no fee at all
attached to the issuance of an event permit.
Ms. Sandoval asked how collecting a fee would help in terms of officer hours. Chief
Anderson stated if costs could be offset, it would allow more reserve officers to be used
for the events at their rate of $8 - $12 dollars per hour.
Ms. Fenn asked about implications on rights of freedom of speech and assembly. City
Attorney Watts stated that an ordinance may need to include language stating the
regulations do not act as a burden on constitutional rights; he noted that a reasonable
regulatory approach, including fees, is not illegal if it is not unduly burdensome.
Chief Anderson stated that the department is aware there will be some instances where 30
days notice cannot be given but that the department has successfully worked with these
situations in the past. She again noted them would be ability to exempt applications
from the 30 day notice requirement under certain conditions.
Staff agreed to have a line in and out version available for the council showing the
proposed changes from the original ordinance to the proposed draft.
Public Comment:
Christy Green of the Rhododendron Festival asked the council to consider exempting the
Festival from the special event fees as it may place too much of a financial burden on the
event.
Peter Simpson, representing the Port Townsend Film Festival, stated he looks forward to
participating in the discussion.
Dave Aldrich, on behalf of Sunrise Rotary, stated concerns about the permitting process.
Michael Bittman, representing the Kinetic Sculpture Race, suggested a group of Kinetic
Kops be trained in traffic control to help with special events.
Chris Kluck, representing the Wooden Boat Festival, stated they would definitely
participate in the discussion and hope their festival would be considered exemption
worthy due to the amount of revenue brought to the city and county by the event.
Dick Shipman, representing the Rhododendron Festival, stated the Rhody festival should
be granted a waiver but should also be part of the solution, perhaps by providing trained
volunteers to assist the police.
City Council Workshop Page 2 October 27, 2003
Lauire Medlicott commented on the Fourth of July fireworks event; she also stated Fort
Worden volunteers are valued at $11/hour rather than $20/hr.
Mr. Masci commented that perhaps each festival could send volunteers to the police
academy for training. He would like to discuss the fee schedule further; asked if the
assembly regulations would apply to the Farmer's Market, and whether city activities are
exempt. He suggested an exemption for festivals based on the number of years they
have been ongoing. He also noted many events are not exclusive to the city and perhaps
the County should be a participant in the discussion.
Sergeant Ed Green explained that extra duty for local or reciprocal events is often not
voluntary. Chief Anderson stated the department would love to have more trained
volunteers.
Consensus was to have staff move forward, form an administrative task group and have
the Police Chief work with event coordinators and other stakeholders over the next year
and bring a recommendation back to the Council.
RECESS
The meeting was recessed at 8:05 for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 8:15. There was brief discussion,
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 3 October 27, 2003