EYE ON JEFFERSON: Port Townsend City Council eyes bond measure

The Port Townsend City Council will consider directing the preparation of a resolution to ask voters in November to approve the issuance of $4.1 million in capital bonds to pay for improvements and repairs at Mountain View Commons and other buildings when it meets Monday.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers in historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

Action Monday is to prepare a resolution that would be considered at a later time, possibly June 23. The council will not vote Monday on placing the measure on the ballot.

Under City Manager David Timmons’ proposal, the 15-year bonds would be financed through funds from Proposition 1 — a 0.03 percent sales tax increase voters approved in 2010 — as well as utility savings, with $1.8 million to be paid through a property tax levy.

The levy rate would not exceed 13 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation, according to Timmons’ memo.

To get on the November ballot, an election resolution must be submitted to the county auditor by Aug. 5.

The council also is scheduled to address the Proposition 1 allocations, which are also being considered by Jefferson County commissioners Monday.

It will consider an amendment to the free speech sidewalk ordinance.

Council office hours, during which members of the public can discuss any topic with a member of the City Council, take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in the mayor’s office at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

Jefferson County

The three Jefferson County commissioners will discuss the reallocation of funds from Proposition 1, a sales tax hike voters approved in 2010, when they meet Monday.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in chambers, 1820 Jefferson St.

Commissioners will consider an amendment to an agreement with the city of Port Townsend concerning the allocation of revenue from the 0.03 percent sales tax increase.

The city had agreed to use half of its tax revenue to support the Port Townsend Recreation Center and Memorial Field until replacement funds were found or until May 31, 2015.

The amendment under consideration provides for mutual accounting of funds.

As that agreement comes to an end, the city will provide an accounting of the funds and says the county will use city funding, as it allows, on the Memorial Field stadium roof, the Port Townsend Recreation Center roof and the recreation center gym.

Commissioners will hear an overview of programs of the Washington State University Extension Service, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

They will interview applicants for the Jefferson County Board of Equalization.

Commissioners also will consider proclaiming the week of June 23 Amateur Radio Week. Field Day events are planned June 28-29.

On the consent agenda, commissioners will consider scheduling a public hearing for 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, on two alternatives for a no-shooting area around Tala Shore and Tala Point near Port Ludlow.

A petition requested such a zone around Tala Shore Drive. The Tala Point Homeowners Association has asked that the proposed zone be expanded to include its area.

Other items on the consent agenda include:

â–  An Aug. 25-27 closure for culvert replacement on Egg and I Road.

â–  A $340,845 bid award to Heartland Toyota of Bremerton for hybrid sedans.

â–  A change order adding $14,495 to a contract with 2 Grade LLC of Port Angeles for the Quilcene replacement shop project. The addition brings the contract to $283,147. The project is locally funded.

â–  An allocation for the repair of the solid waste disposal facility scale in the amount of $11,762.

Port Townsend Library

The Port Townsend Library Advisory Board will discuss moving back to the Carnegie building when it meets Tuesday.

The panel will meet from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Library Learning Center/Charles Pink House, 1256 Lawrence St.

The library moved out of the Carnegie at 1220 Lawrence St. in April 2012, relocating to Mountain View Commons, 1925 Blaine St., to accommodate structural repairs that were completed last summer.

Jefferson PUD

Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioners will consider action on a rate study overview when they meet Tuesday.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at 250 Chimacum Road, Port Hadlock.

Commissioners also will consider the district’s medical emergency shut-off policy, an amendment to its deposit resolution, its vegetation plan and a policy on unpaid holidays for reasons of faith or conscience.

They will discuss rotating locations for meetings and a Northwest Open Access Network resolution for a loan guarantee.

An executive session is planned to discuss personnel.

Jefferson Transit

Jefferson Transit board members will consider issuing general obligation bonds for a maintenance and administration building when they meet Tuesday.

The board will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Port Townsend Fire Station, 701 Harrison St.

The amount of the bond was not in the draft document in the agenda.

The board also will consider an operating and capital reserve account amendment.

Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare commissioners will hear an update on emergency and specialty services when they meet Wednesday.

The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the hospital auditorium, 832 Sheridan St., Port Townsend.

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