PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council has approved the concept of a ban on single-use plastic bags.
The council unanimously adopted a plastic-bag ban on a first reading Monday night.
Before final approval — expected when the council votes after a second reading of the new law this month or next month — changes will be made to the draft bag ban.
The ordinance — a first on the North Olympic Peninsula — will be returned to the Special Projects Committee, which May 9 recommended council approval, to refine such details as a determination of the rules merchants will have to follow, as well as how to handle outreach, how long to wait before the law comes into effect and penalties.
“This is a no-brainer,” said Councilwoman Michelle Sandoval on Monday night. “By passing this, we are taking a leadership role.”
City Manager David Timmons agreed.
“This is the right thing to do, and it sends a message,” he said.
Bag Monster Jude Rubin made her third appearance in a plastic-bag costume before the council Monday.
“I’m thrilled,” she said after showing up in the costume composed of 500 bags intended to symbolize the number of bags a person uses in a calendar year.
“It’s very unusual that a group of humans will come together and do something that helps the Earth and its inhabitants,” Rubin said in her role as Bag Monster.
The Special Projects Committee will consider revisions either during a special meeting this month or at its regular July 11 meeting, said City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
Then it will return to the City Council for final consideration.
The ordinance, based on a ban in effect on Bainbridge Island, will most affect supermarkets and large retail stores that use plastic bags.
It bans single-use plastic bags with handles.
This doesn’t mean all plastic bags will disappear from grocery stores within the city limit.
Produce bags are allowed; bags used to deliver newspapers and protect dry cleaning also are exempt.
The City Council will determine when the ban comes into effect. If it follows Bainbridge Island’s lead, it will be six months after passage.
The enforcement structure also needs to be determined but will be based on education rather than penalties, said City Attorney John Watts.
Fines for noncompliance would be assessed only for repeat offenses, Watts said.
Councilman Bob Gray said he would like charitable stores to receive extra help in complying with the ban.
Councilman Mark Welch proposed that the city supply cloth shopping bags.
Port Townsend was one of two Washington state cities to address the matter Monday night.
The city of Issaquah also moved forward on its own ban, with the council approving an ordinance 5-2.
Sandoval mentioned the fact that the Issaquah City Council was considering a similar measure Monday night as another reason to take immediate action.
“We don’t want to be behind Issaquah,” Sandoval said.
Other cities that have implemented bans are Bellingham, Seattle, Edmonds and Mukilteo.
Issaquah, which has dozens of supermarkets and big-box stores, is adopting a phased implementation, giving stores larger than 7,000 square feet until March 1 to comply with the restrictions and providing other stores another year to comply.
The Issaquah ordinance earmarks $9,900 to implement the ban.
Kolacy said the cost of the Port Townsend program cannot be determined until details are finalized.
Several people commented in favor of the ban.
“I know that bags affect over 200 species of marine animals, and they can’t be recycled effectively,” said Rubin, speaking tongue-in-cheek in character as the monster.
She continued: Plastic bags “contribute to pollution of local waters and even internationally, and I know the effect is toxic, but I can’t help myself — I love this town, and I love the wind and the water.
“We will continue to generate 750 more of these every single month until you kick us out.”
“This is an important step that we can take now,” said Jake Meyer of Port Townsend during the public comment period.
“This is something that we can do for our children.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
