HomeMy WebLinkAbout02232004CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF FEBRUARY 23, 2004
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session this twenty-third
day of February, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council Chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Catharine Robinson presiding.
ROLLCALL
Council members present at roll call were Frank Benskin, Freida Fenn, Kees Kolff,
Laurie Medlicott, Catharine Robinson and Michelle Sandoval. Geoff Masci was
excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John Watts,
Police Chief Kristen Anderson, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer Dave
Peterson, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
SALES TAX INCREASE PROPOSAL FOR ENHANCED E-911 SERVICE
Police Chief Kristen Anderson and Tracy Stringer of Jefferson County were present to
explain the request and answer questions. Ms. Stringer noted that the equipment at the
dispatch center is over 20 years old. If the proposal to pass a 1/10th of 1% sales tax
increase is successful, approximately $150,000 would be generated annually. Funding
would be used for radio upgrades, radio repeater restoration and additional radio
towers/repeaters.
It was noted that many other counties have passed similar measures to upgrade their
emergency systems. There are good example of successful campaigns, including Clallam
County's.
In answer to a question from Mr. Kolff, Ms. Stringer stated that she would find out if the
plan included placing the money in a dedicated fund, which could be used only for
emergency equipment.
Chief Anderson noted that the City of Port Townsend contributes funding to the Jefferson
County communications system; there is no question the equipment must be replaced and
if the sales tax issue is not supported, the funding must be found in other ways, including
increased contributions from each agency.
City Council Workshop Page 1 February 23, 2004
Ms. Stringer also confirmed that a backup console for emergencies would be housed at
the new fire station as part of the system.
Consensus was to agenda the issue to an upcoming regular business meeting for council
discussion and recommendation.
DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN
City Engineer Dave Peterson introduced Kris Nelson to present the results of the staff
facilitated advisory group. The group has met often and worked with a consultant to
produce a draft parking management plan. Ms. Nelson gave a presentation on the plan
and noted that there was not complete agreement on every aspect by the group but
consensus was reached on some items and from there, an action plan was developed.
Other committee members who commented:
Scott Walker
Dave Robinson
Tim Caldwell
Ms. Fenn asked about the concept of parking passes which was mentioned in the context
of the difference between the residential and visitor needs. Mr. Peterson stated that was
geared to the issue of possible daily or monthly parking passes for certain lots such as the
Tyler Street lot.
In regard to the issue of paid parking, Mr. Walker noted that there are several new
technologies that could be adopted which are far more flexible than the traditional
systems.
Jefferson Transit Director Dave Turissini stated Transit must come up with a scheme to
make transit more attractive during peak times. Transit is already working on strategies
to make the Park & Ride more attractive to visitors (examples: signage, making the site
more attractive, changing the fare structure) and to encourage them to leave their cars and
experience Port Townsend by using public transportation. It is also important to find
ways to entice downtown workers to use the facility during the summer season.
Committee members noted that there are several action recommendations in the plan that
can be taken fairly quickly, such as educating downtown businesses and tourists, working
on better parking enforcement, modifying short and long term parking areas, creating
parking maps, and closing loopholes such as the one which allows people to move their
cars every two hours.
Mr. Benskin asked how the issue of parking for downtown residents will be addressed.
Mr. Peterson noted that has not been specifically addressed, but a downtown resident
does serve on the committee. Mr. Walker commented that most communities who
initiate paid parking end up charging for all spaces, including those used by residents.
City Council Workshop Page 2 February 23, 2004
Ms. Robinson asked whether the city would need to hire a parking manager, as
referenced in the plan. Mr. Peterson noted that the consultant wanted that in the plan so
the concept was not lost; he added that either existing staff or a city partner such as Main
Street, would fill that role.
Funding for further work was discussed. An additional $22,000 is needed which is not
in the 2004 budget. Mr. Timmons noted that the city is seeking a $10,000 grant and may
look for private contributions (i.e. businesses may want to contribute because of special
benefit) or other methods of financing.
Ms. Robinson asked the projection on how many parking spaces may be needed in five
years. Mr. Peterson stated that the consultants estimate 250.
Mr. Benskin asked how many spaces are usually unused at the Park & Ride. Mr.
Turissini stated that the capacity is 270 spaces and on any given day, probably 240 are
available; on a typical summer day, about 190 are available.
Consensus was to schedule the item for discussion and council action within the next
month.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Attest:
Pamela Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Page 3 February 23, 2004