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CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION OF JANUARY 29, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in workshop session the
twenty-ninth day of January 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council
Chambers of City Hall, Mayor Mark Welch presiding.
ROLL CALL
Council members present at roll call were Geoff Masci, Laurie Medlicott, Michelle
Sandoval, Scott Walker and Mark Welch. Michelle Sandoval arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Catharine Robinson and Frank Benskin were excused.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clow, City Engineer Dave Peterson, Civil
Engineer Mary Heather Ames, Planning Director Rick Sepler, and City Clerk
Pam Kolacy. .
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS PRESENTATION
Mary Heather Ames introduced Andy Clark and Bill Nesper of the League of
American Bicyclists.
Mr. Clark presented a slide show emphasizing the public policy reasons for
encouraging bicycling. He noted there is a wealth of technical assistance and
funding sources currently available.
Encouragement ideas:
Hill climb challenge/event
Become a Biketown (50 free bikes)
TravelSmart program - individualized marketing, i.e., maps and info
Valet parking at events - have somewhere secure to park bikes and get out
quickly
Local loop rides (we went on a 12-15 mile ride today, can see tremendous
opportunities for signing and marketing local rides not too challenging that would
show people how to get around)
Hotel bikes
Education ideas:
Underwrite and promote cycling skills classes
Host local rides and teach skills
Institutionalize Safe routes to School
City Council Workshop Session
January 29, 2007
Use town publications to promote Share the Road message
Engineering Ideas
Keep expanding network of lanes and trails
Traffic calming downtown
Parking and more parking or bikes
Signage and local loops
Watch EVERY development to keep what you've got and improve
Conclusions: Bicycling is a worthwhile activity to promote and make safe in Port
Townsend
City Engineer Dave Peterson noted that the representatives of the League were
present because Port Townsend applied to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly
Community; they received a grant to visit six cities and assist them in making
their own grant applications.
Council members suggested that during the second visit (scheduled for June) the
League should involve a wider group of community members such as the
schools, County, Chamber, tourism, etc,
Councilmember Sandoval arrived at 7:20 p.m,
The next step will be to bring forward a suggested ten-point plan addressing the
policy requirements necessary to become bicycle friendly for action by the
Council.
RECESS
Mayor Welch declared a recess at 7:30 for the purpose of a break.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
INSTREAM FLOW RULE ADOPTION PROCESS
Tom Anderson of HydroLogic Services, consultants to the State Department of
Ecology, addressed the Council on the history and upcoming public process for
developing in-stream flow limitations within the Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) 17 in East Jefferson County.
Mr. Anderson noted he would like to get the affected jurisdictions together and
discuss how to do the best thing keeping in mind the State's need to maintain in-
stream flows. He noted that Port Townsend has a well-established water right
but that there has been no water right established for fish nor any enforcement of
City Council Workshop Session
January 29, 2007
water law. He added that it would be in everyone's best interests to resolve the
issue outside of the court system.
He stated the goal is to have a dialogue and talk about what it is going to take for
the County, City and PUD to come together and come to a conclusion about
water; he also noted that the Tribes may need to be involved as well. He said all
players should have the opportunity to understand what the impacts are. He
stated that he is dedicated to making sure all local governments are informed
and to determine what kind of information is needed by the agencies.
He asked that the Council be dedicated to commit staff time for the group and to
appoint a Council member as well to first help craft the public process.
Mr. Masci stated that it shouldn't be difficult to set up an intergovernmental
meeting; he said that there should be acknowledgement of which governments
have "a dog in the fight" and which do not.
Mr. Anderson stated he is meeting with the new county staff water group and
hopes to arrange an initial meeting of entities in February or March.
Council suggested setting a workshop meeting to hear from staff about the WRIA
issues; and that Council will end up setting a goal or policy for staff to carry out
on their behalf.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Attest:
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Pam Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop Session
January 29. 2007