Port Townsend, WA

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a brainstorm session on new ways to engage the community. The body will also discuss the 2026 awards from the American Planning Association (APA WA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW).

• Brainstorm session on community engagement
• Discussion of APA WA and PAW 2026 Awards

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The City Council will hold public hearings on the 2027 property tax levies and the City Manager's unbalanced preliminary budget. The body will also consider a lease for a winter warming shelter and a resolution regarding state ballot initiatives.

• Ordinance 3372: Proposed 1% general levy increase and $150,000 for Mountain View commons capital improvements
• Resolution 26-021: Emergency repair of a leak on Waterline Road
• Proposed lease with Jefferson County Interfaith Action Coalition for Winter Welcoming Shelter (Nov 9, 2026 – April 18, 2027)
• Resolution 26-022: Opposition to state initiatives IL26-001 and IL26-638
• Presentations on Raw Water and Potable Water utility rate updates

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the 2027 preliminary budget and property tax levies. The body will also consider a lease for a winter warming shelter and receive updates on water utility rates.

• Ordinance 3372: Proposed 1% general levy increase and $150,000 voter-approved levy for Mountain View commons Capital Improvements
• Proposed lease with Jefferson County Interfaith Action Coalition for Winter Welcoming Shelter (Nov 9, 2026 – April 18, 2027) with waived rental fees
• Resolution 26-021: Emergency repair of a leak on Waterline Road
• Public hearing for the 2027 City Manager Preliminary Budget
• Presentations on Raw Water and Potable Water utility rate updates

Council Culture and Society Committee

The Council Culture and Society Committee will meet to discuss a draft social media policy for the Council. The body will also review an overview of City Council engagement channels for 2026.

• DRAFT Council Social Media Policy
• City Council Engagement Channels Overview 2026

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Special Session City Council- Special Session Intergovernmental Collaborative Group

The Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) will hold a workshop to review vision statements and polarity mapping for an economic development framework. The body will also consider a joint resolution to continue its collaborative process through 2028.

• Discussion and potential action on the ICG economic development framework
• Potential action on the 2027-2028 ICG Resolution for joint collaboration
• Approval of June 18, 2026 meeting minutes
• Agency roundtable updates from City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Port of Port Townsend, and Jefferson County PUD #1

Council Culture and Society Committee

The Council Culture and Society Committee will discuss a draft social media policy for the Council. The meeting also includes a review of the 2026 City Council Engagement Channels Overview.

• Review of DRAFT Council Social Media Policy
• City Council Engagement Channels Overview 2026
• Approval of September 17, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of Arts Commission, EAR, and LAB meeting minutes

Special Session Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board (Joins Culture and Society Meeting)

The Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board is meeting with the Culture and Society Committee to discuss proposed changes to its enabling resolution. The board is seeking to revise its scope of work and task descriptions to improve effectiveness and autonomy.

• Proposed revisions to Section 2 of Resolution 23-027 regarding scope of work and task descriptions
• Discussion on youth participation on advisory boards
• Proposal to establish liaisons with agency and department heads
• Proposal to adopt internal procedures for member selection and leadership structures

Special Session City Council Workshop- Interactive City Council Workshop at Blue Heron Middle School

The City Council is conducting a special session workshop to discuss the 2027 Work Plan and budget priorities. The meeting features a roundtable discussion with the public to address a projected $2.1 million recurring budget gap.

• Discussion of $16.3 million in total recurring expenditures vs $14.2 million in recurring revenue
• Review of $1.6 million annual increase to fully fund Equipment Replacement and Rehabilitation (ER&R)
• Proposed cost reductions including dropping new requested positions and scaling back software purchases
• Exploration of new revenue sources for 2028+ such as fee increases, levies, and a criminal justice tax
• Review of water, sewer, and storm rate revenue actuals and projections

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to review law enforcement personnel matters. The body is scheduled to discuss the sergeant promotional list and receive a hiring update.

• Sergeant Promotional List
• Hiring Update

Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board

The board will receive presentations on the Golf Park and Rotary Park and discuss funding for an interpreter for the Women’s Justice Circle. The meeting includes a staff report on the Comprehensive Plan and public feedback regarding housing.

• Friends of the Golf Park presentation and feedback
• Information and discussion regarding Rotary Park
• Discussion on Women’s Justice Circle and interpreter funding
• Next steps for the Enabling Resolution from Mayor Amy Howard
• Staff report on Comprehensive Plan and housing feedback

Special Session City Council Workshop- Interactive City Council Workshop at Blue Heron Middle School

The City Council will conduct a special session workshop featuring a roundtable discussion with the public. The meeting focuses on the 2027 Work Plan and addressing a $2.1 million recurring budget gap. No official action will be taken during this session.

• Overview of 2027 Work Plan and budget priorities
• Discussion of $16.3M in total recurring expenditures against $14.2M in recurring revenue
• Review of $3.7M proposed for Equipment Replacement and Reserve (ER&R)
• Discussion of cost-reduction strategies including scaling back software purchases and reducing seasonal staff
• Exploration of new revenue sources such as fee increases, levies, and a criminal justice tax

Library Advisory Board

The Library Advisory Board will meet to discuss adding an artificial intelligence section to the library's collection development policy. The board will also receive staffing updates from the Interim Community Services Director and reports on fall programming.

• Discussion on including AI in the library's collection development policy
• Library staffing update from the Interim Community Services Director
• Updates on Summer Reading conclusion and fall programming
• Introduction of new board member Annette Gurdjian
• Friends of the Library updates

Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board

The Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board meets Oct. 8 to review a proposed revision to its own scope of work, hear a presentation on the Five-Year Homeless and Affordable Housing Services Plan, and discuss Rotary Park and a Friends of the Golf Park presentation. The board will also take up a Women's Justice Circle interpreter funding request and next steps on its enabling resolution from Mayor Amy Howard. All items are advisory to the City Council unless noted.

• Proposed revision to Section 2 of the EAR Board enabling resolution, including member selection and public comment procedures
• Staff liaison report on the Comprehensive Plan and public participation on housing feedback (after 1:30 p.m.)
• Discussion on City Council-identified sections in the Five-Year Homeless and Affordable Housing Services Plan
• Friends of the Golf Park presentation and feedback, advisory to staff
• Discussion on Women's Justice Circle and money for interpreter services

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss law enforcement personnel matters. The body is scheduled to review the Sergeant Promotional List and receive a hiring update.

• Sergeant Promotional List
• Hiring Update

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed moratorium for new buildings in the R-II zone that exceed 32 units per 40,000 square feet. The body will also discuss preliminary 2027 manager and capital budgets. Other items include library improvements and emergency repairs to the Big Quilcene Diversion Apron.

• Ordinance 3369: Proposed moratorium on R-II zone buildings exceeding 32 units per 40,000 square feet
• Resolution 26-019: Emergency waiver of bidding for Big Quilcene Diversion Apron repairs
• Contract authorization for Port Townsend Public Library HVAC and elevator improvements via Department of Commerce grant
• Resolution 26-020: Intention to reimburse capital expenditures from future tax-exempt financing
• Discussion of 2027 City Manager Preliminary Budget and Preliminary Capital Budget

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The Port Townsend City Council meets October 5, 2026 to hold a public hearing on Ordinance 3369, which would impose a moratorium on permits for new buildings in the R-II Zone exceeding a residential density of 32 units per 40,000 square feet. The council will also consider authorizing a Department of Commerce grant contract for library HVAC and elevator improvements, review the 2027 City Manager preliminary budget and 2027 capital budget, and vote on Resolution 26-020 on reimbursing capital expenditures from future tax-exempt financing. A consent agenda covers bill approvals, August 10, 2026 minutes, and Resolution 26-019 ratifying emergency repair of the Big Quilcene Diversion Apron.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 3369: moratorium on new building permits in the R-II Zone above 32 units per 40,000 sq ft
• Resolution 26-019 declaring an emergency and ratifying the City Manager's approval for immediate repair of the Big Quilcene Diversion Apron
• Contract with Department of Commerce for a Library Capital Improvement Program Grant (2025-2027) for HVAC and elevator improvements at Port Townsend Public Library
• 2027 City Manager Preliminary Budget and 2027 Capital Budget presentations (discussion only, no action requested on the preliminary budget)
• Resolution 26-020 declaring intent to reimburse certain capital expenditures from future tax-exempt financing

Arts Commission

The Port Townsend Arts Commission holds its regular advisory meeting on October 1, 2026 at 3:00pm in City Council Chambers and virtually. The agenda includes approval of September 3 minutes, public comment, staff and chair updates, and committee reports on public art and art awards. Under new business, the commission is set to discuss the 1% for the Arts spending policy, an annual review of the Public Art Plan, an AP4 update, and a possible Art Marker Task Force. The agenda is largely procedural; no votes on specific contracts or ordinances appear on the posted agenda.

• Discussion of the 1% for the Arts Spending Policy and annual review of the Public Art Plan
• Possible creation of an Art Marker Task Force
• Public Works update on the 1% for the Arts Fund
• Art Awards publicity and ceremony planning
• Staff update on Performances for the People and a mural unveiling

Arts Commission

The Port Townsend Arts Commission holds its regular advisory meeting on October 1, 2026 at 3:00pm in City Council Chambers and online. The agenda includes approval of September 3 minutes, public comment, staff and chair updates, and committee reports on public art and art awards. The listed agenda items for the next meeting include discussing the 1% for the Arts Spending Policy, an annual review of the Public Art Plan, an AP4 update, and a possible Art Marker Task Force. The agenda itself is largely procedural; the attached September 3 minutes record grant awards to seven named artists totaling $7,500.00.

• September 3 minutes record grants approved unanimously: Amber Jones $1,000.00, Holly J Hughes $650.00, Danielle McClelland $850.00, Sasa Bellah $725.00, Laura Newman $475.00, Phina Pipa $2,300.00, Jennifer Gurrieri $1,500.00
• Agenda lists discussion of the 1% for the Arts Spending Policy and annual review of the Public Art Plan
• Possible Art Marker Task Force to be discussed
• Public Works invited to give a visit and update on the 1% for the Arts Fund
• Art Awards publicity and ceremony planning on the agenda

Parks Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation, Trees, and Trails Advisory Board will review and discuss the Rotary Club's preliminary design and MOU for revitalizing Rotary Park, including a proposed timeline and funding. The board will also receive updates on Golf Park, Chetzemoka improvements, staffing changes, and an appeal of the Comprehensive Plan. This is an advisory meeting; all items are for discussion and recommendation to staff and City Council.

• Rotary Park revitalization: MOU, $500K designated for public restroom ($250K LTAC, $250K Sewer Utility), timeline through March 2029 dedication
• Golf Park update from representatives
• Chetzemoka improvements, RCO grant activities, and 2027 budget requests
• Staffing changes and GMHB appeal affecting PRTTAB
• Autumnal Arbor Day plans: proclamation, plant adoption, tree walk, DNR participation

Parks Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation, Trees, and Trails Advisory Board is meeting to discuss and advise on several park projects, including a major Rotary Park revitalization plan proposed by the Rotary Club, updates on Golf Park and Chetzemoka improvements, and plans for Autumnal Arbor Day. The board will also hear about staffing changes and an appeal of the Comprehensive Plan that may affect grant funding. This is an advisory meeting; no final decisions are made.

• Rotary Park revitalization plan: proposed improvements include benches, gazebo, water feature, bike repair station, restrooms, solar panels, and play structure; MOU seeks City Council approval on Oct 19
• Golf Park update from Golf Park representatives
• Chetzemoka improvements, RCO grant activities, and 2027 budget requests
• Autumnal Arbor Day plans: proclamation for Oct 3, 2026, tree walk, plant adoption, DNR participation
• Landmark tree identification markers discussion

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The Port Townsend City Council will hold a business meeting with several action items, including adopting a supplemental budget, vacating a portion of McClellan Street for affordable housing, and ratifying an emergency sewer repair. The council will also hold an executive session on potential litigation and consider a joint stay request related to a Growth Management Hearings Board matter.

• Ordinance 3370: Adopting 2026 Supplemental Budget Appropriations #2
• Ordinance 3371: Vacating McClellan Street right-of-way between 9th and 10th Streets for Vince's Village, accepting affordable housing as value
• Resolution 26-018: Declaring emergency for sewer repair beneath Valley Trail near 3105 Sage Lane, waiving bidding
• Growth Management Hearings Board Joint Stay Request (action after executive session)
• Oath of office for police officers Gonzales, Koorn, and Ward

City Council Business Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The Port Townsend City Council will hold a business meeting with several proclamations, an executive session on litigation, and a consent agenda. Key actions include voting on Ordinance 3370 for 2026 Supplemental Budget Appropriations #2, a reimbursement resolution for a sewer and stormwater bond, and reviewing the Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Plan. The meeting also includes an ordinance to vacate part of McClellan Street right-of-way for Vince's Village with affordable housing requirements.

• Ordinance 3370: Adopting 2026 Supplemental Budget Appropriations #2
• Reimbursement Resolution for Sewer and Stormwater Bond
• Ordinance 3371: Vacating portion of McClellan Street right-of-way between 9th and 10th Streets, reserving sewer easement, accepting affordable housing
• Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Plan Review
• Proclamations: Arbor Day, 'Nine to Five' Day, Dementia Awareness Day

Parks Recreation Trees and Trails Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation, Trees, and Trails Advisory Board will receive updates on several park projects, including Rotary Park revitalization, Golf Park improvements, and Chetzemoka Park upgrades. The board will also discuss Autumnal Arbor Day plans, a Quimper Parks and Trees Foundation update, and landmark tree identification markers. This is an advisory meeting; no final decisions are expected.

• Rotary Park preliminary design and revitalization plans (Rotary Club)
• Golf Park update (Golf Park Representatives)
• Chetzemoka improvements, RCO grant activities, 2027 budget requests
• Autumnal Arbor Day plans - Brewocracy, proclamation, plant adoption, tree walk, DNR participation
• Landmark tree identification markers - discussion

Special Session Civil Service Commission

The Port Townsend Civil Service Commission is holding a special session to discuss a provisional appointment and receive a police staffing update from Chief Tom Olson. The meeting is open to the public, with opportunities for comment. No old business is listed.

• Provisional appointment discussion
• Police staffing and department update by Chief Tom Olson
• Public comment period (3 minutes per comment)

Council Culture and Society Committee

The Port Townsend Council Culture and Society Committee is meeting to review and approve the August 20, 2026 meeting minutes, discuss the city's ethics code with City Attorney Austin Watkins, and consider proposed edits to the enabling resolution for the Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board. The board will join the committee at 3:30 p.m. for this discussion. The agenda also includes public comment periods and committee updates.

• Discussion of ethics code with City Attorney Austin Watkins
• Proposed edits to Resolution 23-027 creating the Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board
• Questions regarding youth on advisory boards
• Approval of August 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comment periods (3 minutes per comment)

Special Session Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board (Joins Culture and Society Meeting)

The Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board is meeting jointly with the City Council's Culture and Society Committee to discuss a proposed revision to its enabling resolution (Resolution 23-027). The board will also consider questions about youth participation on advisory boards. The meeting includes public comment and updates from members and staff.

• Review of proposed revisions to Section 2 of Resolution 23-027, which would expand the board's scope to include identifying barriers to participation and establishing liaisons with agency heads.
• Discussion of youth representation on advisory boards.
• Public comment period (3 minutes per comment).
• Scheduling of next meetings: October 15, 2026 (Culture and Society) and October 8, 2026 (EAR Advisory Board).

Council Culture and Society Committee

The Port Townsend Council Culture and Society Committee will review minutes, discuss the city ethics code with the City Attorney, and consider an enabling resolution for the Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board, including proposed edits and questions about youth representation. The meeting includes public comment periods and is held virtually.

• Review and approval of August 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Ethics Code discussion with City Attorney Austin Watkins
• Equity, Access, and Rights Advisory Board Enabling Resolution (23-027) with proposed edits
• Discussion of youth on advisory boards
• Set agenda for next meeting on October 15, 2026

City Council Workshop Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The Port Townsend City Council is holding a workshop meeting to discuss two presentations: the status of Transportation Benefit District funding and 2027 street investment priorities, and an update on financial policies. Public comment is invited, and the council will discuss these items but take no formal action.

• Presentation on Transportation Benefit District funding and 2027 street investment priorities
• Financial Policies Update Presentation
• Public comment periods for both discussion items
• Meeting held via teleconference due to state of emergency and public health order

Council Finance and Budget Committee

The Port Townsend Council Finance and Budget Committee is meeting to discuss a reimbursement resolution, a draft update to financial policies on reserve balances, and proposed increases to the city's fee schedule. The agenda also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment periods. No final decisions are listed; items are for discussion only.

• Reimbursement Resolution discussion
• Financial Policies - Reserve Balance Update (draft)
• Fee Schedule - Proposed Increases
• Approval of August 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comment on agenda items (3 minutes per comment)

City Council Workshop Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

The Port Townsend City Council will hold a workshop to review the status of Transportation Benefit District funding and identify 2027 street investment priorities. Staff will also present an update regarding city financial policies.

• Presentation on Transportation Benefit District funding status
• Discussion of 2027 street investment priorities
• Financial Policies Update Presentation