agenda bill ab21-099 meeting date: september 20, 2021

Agenda Bill AB21-099 Meeting Date: September 20, 2021 Agenda Item: IX. A. ☒ Regular Business Meeting ☐ Workshop/Study Session

☐ Special Business Meeting Submitted By: Steve King, PW Director Date Submitted: September 15, 2021 Department: Public Works Contact Phone: 360-379-5090 SUBJECT: Resolution 21-057 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a Public Infrastructure Fund Grant for the Port Townsend Sims Gateway and Tree Management Project, to Commit $100,000 in City Matching Funds, and to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Townsend to Complete the Project. CATEGORY: BUDGET IMPACT: N/A for 2021 ☐ Consent ☒ Resolution Expenditure Amount: $ ☐ Staff Report ☐ Ordinance Included in Budget? Yes ☐ No ☒ ☐ Contract Approval ☐ Other: ☐ Public Hearing (Legislative, unless otherwise noted) ☐ 3-Year Strategic Plan: 4 - Ensure sustainable future for public services and facilities Cost Allocation Fund: 305 CIP Street SUMMARY STATEMENT: Jefferson County PUD and the Port of Port Townsend approached the City concerning a safety issue with the transmission lines and the Poplar Trees along Sims Way. Upon review of the situation, a joint effort has been developed to improve this situation while furthering the City’s Gateway Plan. The attached presentation will be provided at the Council meeting in which a description of the project elements will be detailed. In general, the project would entail removal of the trees, undergrounding of the power, installation of a pedestrian path, expansion of the Boat Haven boat yard and replacement of the Poplars with an appropriate tree that carries on the look at feel of the corridor while providing environmental and safety benefits. Staff has presented this topic to the Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Board as well as the Council Infrastructure and Development Committee. Minutes from those meetings are attached. The presentation includes an approximate budget for the project at approximately $2 million. Passage of this resolution will enable staff to apply for grant funding in partnership with Jefferson County PUD and the Port of Port Townsend. Public Infrastructure Financing

grants are available through Jefferson County. Staff proposes applying for this funding as a supporting partner to the Port of Port Townsend. Each of the three partners would bring resources to the table with the majority of funding coming from Jefferson PUD, the Port of Port Townsend, and the afore mentioned potential grant. It is anticipated that the City would need to provide $100,000 in resources. Potential sources for this match includes: General fund reserves, possibility of 2023 banked capacity, in-kind staff time, other grant resources, and community fund raising for environmental benefit. The schedule for this project would involve Public Outreach and design in 2022 with Construction in 2023 and 2024. Schedules are contingent on permitting and availability of funding. Given the high level of public interest for the Poplars, the City anticipates a thorough public process to help obtain the best result possible for this work. ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution 21-057 2. Presentation 3. Parks Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board Minutes – August 24, 2021 4. Council Infrastructure and Development Committee Minutes – September 1,

2021 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Council Infrastructure and Dev. Committee recommended moving forward to find funding and perform public outreach on 9/1/21 consistent with recommendations from the PRTAB. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Move to approve Resolution 21-057 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a Public Infrastructure Fund Grant for the Port Townsend Sims Gateway and Tree Management Project, to Commit $100,000 in City Matching Funds, and to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Townsend to Complete the Project. ALTERNATIVES: ☒ Take No Action ☐ Refer to Committee ☒ Refer to Staff ☒ Postpone Action ☐ Remove from Consent Agenda ☐ Waive Council Rules and approve Ordinance ____ ☒ Other: The PIF Grant deadline is October 6th leaving one business meeting between now and the deadline.

Resolution 21-57 Page 1 of 2

RESOLUTION NO. 21-057

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GRANT FOR THE PORT TOWNSEND SIMS GATEWAY

AND TREE MANAGEMENT PROJECT, TO COMMIT $100,000 OF CITY MATCHING FUNDS, AND TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT AND THE PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT

WHEREAS the Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) and the Port of Port

Townsend (Port) recognize the poplar trees on Sims Way are incompatible with the overhead power lines and cause safety concerns; and

WHEREAS, the PUD and the Port agreed to a joint project to rectify the safety concerns

and increase the Boat Haven capacity; and WHEREAS, the City’s participation in the project will enhance the City’s Sims Way

gateway; and WHEREAS, the project involves the removal of the poplar trees, undergrounding the

power, installing a pedestrian path, expanding the Boat Haven, and replacing the trees with more appropriate trees; and

WHEREAS, the City’s Parks, Recreation, Trees, and Trails Advisory Board and the

Council’s Infrastructure and Development Committee support the project; and WHEREAS, the City’s share of the project is $100,000 in funds or resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port

Townsend, Washington, the City Manager is authorized to apply for a Public Infrastructure Fund Grant for the Sims Gateway and Tree Management Project, to commit $100,000 of City matching funds, and to execute and interlocal agreement with the Jefferson County Public Utility District and the Port of Port Townsend to complete the project.

Resolution 21-57 Page 2 of 2

ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting

thereof, held this 20th day of September 2021.

___________________________________

Michelle Sandoval Mayor

Attest: Approved as to form: ___________________________________ ____________________________________ Joanna Sanders, MMC Heidi Greenwood City Clerk City Attorney

Sims Way Gateway

and Tree

Management

City Council Business Meeting – Sept. 20, 2021

Council Infrastructure and Dev. Committee – Sept. 1, 2021

Parks Recreation and Tree Advisory Board Meeting - August 24, 2021

Attachment 2 - Page 1 of 21

Presentation Objective

Share information about this topic as well as

feedback from the PRTAB and Council I&D

Committee.

Ask for feedback.

Ask for support to apply for a Public Infrastructure

Financing Grant.


Problem Statement &

Opportunity


Setting and Background

Gateway



Burned leaves from power lines

Transmission Powerlines



Approx. 70 mature Poplars with many

more volunteer trees

Approx. 60 mature Poplars



Trees are on Port Property with some

straddling right of way



Sims Way right of way line


References: Gateway

Development Plan - 1993

The Flats Commercial District proposes thinning of Poplars to enhance views... replanting of Poplars on the south side and other native trees on the north side... feature plantings along with trees and ground cover unique to this area... Strengthen pedestrian environment... Trees should be low enough to preserve views of uptown and the bluff... Sidewalk along the south side with a nature path on the north side.

Take away: Distinct difference between the north and south sides of Sims Way.


Kah Tai Lagoon Park Landscape and Furniture Site Development -1986.

Recommended planting zones along Kah Tai to support the natural environment.

Recommends thinning and removal of Poplars with replanting of prescribed shrubs and trees according to the zone planting plan.


City Code

• Right Tree Right Location.• Manage Trees in right of way

• Discourages planting of inappropriate trees such as Lombardi Poplars.


Kah Tai Side of Sims


Kah Tai Side of Sims

Existing Tree Profile


Proposed Work Phases

1. Mitigate the hazard – Tree trimming and removal

2. Power undergrounding

3. Path installation and tree replanting

4. Boatyard expansion

5. Kah Tai side of Sims Way tree removal and

planting


Permitting Requirements

Street Development Permit for all work within the right

of way. (City, Port, and PUD)

Flood Development Permit (Port of Port Townsend)

Clearing and Grading Permit (Port of Port Townsend)

Compliance with National Electric Code (PUD)


Concepts – Sims and Boat

Haven


Cost and Grants

PUD – Tree removal, undergrounding, and path installation. $700,000

Port – Boatyard expansion. $900,000

City – Replanting on Boat Haven side of Sims. $170,000

City – Tree removal and planting on Kah Tai side of Sims. $200,000

TOTAL = $1,970,000

Grants are necessary!


Tree Restoration Feedback

PRTAB

Right Tree, Right Location. Poplars are not the right tree

Restoration should consider native trees, diversity, height,

CO2 Sequestration, Water update, and aesthetics

Concern over the Kah Tai side. Poplars need to be

removed per prior recommendations for environmental

health

Recognize community interest and potential push back

I&D Council Committee

Support PRTAB

Support Partnership

Support Public Outreach


Public Outreach Necessary

Work with PRTAB

Public Process Recommendations

Work with partners

Develop visualizations

Work through process of selecting the

appropriate trees and landscaping

Further the Gateway Plan vision with

adjustments to today’s environment.


Discussion and Questions


PARKS, RECREATION & TREE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Date: August 24, 2021 Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: City Hall (virtual) Members Present: Debbie Jahnke, Jennifer Rotermund, Jim Todd, John Nowak Members Excused: Sean Koomen, Brenda McMillan Members Absent: Staff Present: Public Works Director Steve King and Deputy City Clerk Haylie Clement

Topic Motions/Recommendation/Action Approval of Agenda: The agenda was unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of April 24, 2021 were unanimously

approved. Public Comment: There was none. Old Business: Pickleball Courts at Mountain View Steve King provided an overview of discussions since the last PRTAB meeting with the Dog Park representatives and the YMCA concerning court configuration. Jim Dow, Eric Seder, and Lynn Pierle from the pickleball club were present and provided a presentation illustrating a three court configuration leaving one of the three open for basketball and other activities. This configuration does not impact the dog park and facilitates multiple uses of primary interest to the YMCA. Concerns were raised by Mr. Todd regarding long term maintenance obligations. Steve provided an overview of the upcoming anticipated master planning process for Mountain View and the Golf Course and the need to secure more funding for parks to address the back log of maintenance as well as future park development.

Motion: Move to support the club installing pickleball courts at Mountain View . The motion passed with 3 in favor and Jim Todd abstaining.

New Business: Poplar Tree Removal and Replacement along Sims Way. Public Works Director Steve King briefed the Board with a presentation providing the concept of removal of Poplar trees on the Boat Haven side of Sims Way as a result of interference with the transmission power lines. The presentation also provide background for removal of Poplars on the Kah Tai side of Sims Way consistent with past studies and recommendations. Eron Berg, Exec. Director from the Port of Port Townsend was also present and shared the Port perspective on the project. The Presentation acknowledged the need to find grant funding to support a partnership project with the PUD, Port, and City.

No Action Taken. The PRTAB provided support for moving forward with key recommendations concerning tree species, considerations for height, and the need for a plan. The board agreed that Poplars are not the right tree for the location and issues such as sprouting and sucker growth are a problem. Recommendations were also provided concerning emotional attachment and justifications for a significant change in the light of issues such as climate change.

Attachment 3 Page 1 of 2

New Business: Gateway Park Landmark Tree. Steve King provided an update concerning the collapse of a significant section of the tree. The tree has been stabilized. Three options were presented for the tree. 1. Remove the damaged ½ of the tree; 2. Cable and perform weight reduction to preserve the tree for as much as 10-15 years while planting a replacement tree; or 3. Remove the tree and replant. Based on the arborist consultation, staff recommended option 2.

No Action was taken. Consensus by the board supported moving forward with Option 2. Staff will bring back a recommendation for the replacement tree. Board member Rotermund suggested that we evaluate a California Ash as one of the possible options for replacement as the tree should be a stately park grade type of tree.

New Business: Autumnal Arbor Day. Chair Jahnke presented that October is Urban and Community Forestry Month and our Tree City status requires an annual Arbor Day Proclamation and event. Chair Jahnke recommended that the City Council present an Arbor Day proclamation on Oct. 4th and recommended Oct. 16, 17,23 , 30 or 31 as the day to hold our Adopt A Native Tree Day to provide native trees and shrubs to the community.

Board provided unanimous support.

Staff Update: Steve King provided a brief update on a number of park, trails, and tree related topics including pool operations and staffing. An update on RCO grant funding was also provided. Steve shared that we are close to refilling the parks maintenance position.

No Action.

Public Comment and Board Comment: No public comment. Board member Nowak asked for time on the next agenda to discuss safe outdoor places for youth to gather with a focus on our parks. Chair Jahnke mentioned that RCO does not have a place in their programs for Port Townsend style trails, but rather support formalized trails such as the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is October 26, 2021. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.

Attachment 3 Page 2 of 2

CITY OF PORT TOWNSENDMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

CALL TO ORDER

The Council Infrastructure and Development Committee net on Wednesday, September1, 2021, in City Hall Council Chambers at 540 Water Street. The meeting was called toorder at 3:01 p.m. by City Clerk Joanna Sanders. Members present were David Faber,Amy Howard with Michelle Sandoval excused.

ELECTION OF CHAIR

There was approval of the nomination for David Faber as Chair.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were none.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT BRIEFING

Public Works Director Steve King gave a presentation on a proposed Citydevelopment of 14 acres at Evans Vista Street utilizing grant funding available forinfrastructure. He noted that there are contingencies to the purchase agreement,including bringing the matter before Council for approval. The purchase is in feasibilityuntil December 17. He recognized there is a need to include a timeline for futurediscussion. He noted to build the lift station is a three-year process.

City Manager John Mauro responded to questions about discussions with housingproviders and their needs for using this funding.

COMPREHENSIVE STREETS PROGRAM BRIEFING – NEXT STEPS

Overview

Mr. King noted that staff would pause on a presentation on this topic until more workcould be done.

Next Steps: Funding, Transportation Impact Fees, Right of way maintenanceresponsibility

SIMS WAY AND POPLAR REMOVAL AND TREE REPLANTING

Mr. King gave a briefing on a proposal to remove poplar trees along Sims Way. Herequested input on whether this should be pursued as well as what a replanting treeplanting program might look like recognizing there are regulations about treereplacement in the right of way. Noting this presentation was given previously to theParks Recreation and Tree Advisory Board, their recommendation is for evergreens,bushes, and shrubs. Funding needed of $2 million would be a partnership effort

DRAFTAttachment 4

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Council Infrastructure and Development Committee Meeting September 1, 2021

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=&clip_id=2284&meta_id=192088






between City, Port and PUD would be supported through requests for grant funding,possibly through PIF funding. Mr. Mauro noted the ICG has worked collaboratively toconsider the benefits of this project. The Committee recognized the difficulty withpublic perception on such a project. There was further discussion of the practical andemergency needs that exist on the south and north side.

PLANNING COMMISSION AND PARKS RECREATION TREES AND TRAILSADVISORY BOARD REPORT

PRTAB: Gateway Park Landmark, Pool, Park Naming, Pickleball Courts atMountain View

Mr. King gave a brief update on what occurred at the last Parks Recreation and TreeAdvisory Board. There was mention that the Planning Commission should not bereporting to this committee whereas there are advisory board activities that might beappropriate to stay on top of related to the Work plan.

Planning Commission

Ms. Surber noted one item the Planning Commission would be reviewing are theShoreline Master Program and Critical Areas update.

STAFF AND DEPARTMENT UPDATES: DISC. RD, REGIONAL STORMWATER,GAINES LIFT STATION, OUTFALL, OGWS, ADAMS PLAZA, JEFFERSON ST ADA,

MADRONA RIDGE DEV. PROPOSAL, STAFFING UPDATE

Mr. King provided brief project updates from Public Works as did Planning ManagerJudy Surber from the Development Services Department.

PUBLIC COMMENT (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)

There were none.

SET AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH AT 3 PM

Comprehensive Streets as well as possibly a Discussion of the Mill Agreement, andaffordable housing property update.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

Attest:

Joanna Sanders, MMCCity Clerk

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Council Infrastructure and Development Committee Meeting September 1, 2021






agenda bill ab21-099 meeting date: september 20, 2021

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