HomeMy WebLinkAbout032226 email - Public comment for March 23rd BOC meetingALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Josh and County Commissioners,
As Jefferson County faces a budget crisis affecting all departments, which will likely impact Port Townsend and County parks, I am writing to begin a conversation about protecting the
Port Townsend Community/Recreation Center—a facility and grounds essential to the operation of the Port Townsend Farmers Market (PTFM).
With the PTFM opening on April 4th, and the potential closure of the Recreation Center and park grounds, the time to address this collaboratively is now.
As you know, I represent a small nonprofit that generates significant economic impact for our community. Last year, small businesses participating in the PTFM generated $1.6 million
in sales, supporting local jobs, our local food system, and arts and culture. The PTFM attracts between 850 and 4,500 visitors on Saturdays, and up to 500 on Wednesdays.
Our vendors and market shoppers rely on the use of the Community Center and grounds (weekly, April through the third week in December) in the following ways:
* Restrooms on the upper floor of the Community Center, rented from the Port Townsend Senior Association
* Dumpster at the Community Center (historically under a partial rental agreement with Parks and Rec)
* Community Center grounds, used as a picnic area on market days
* Trash cans, which we empty on market days
* Playground, used by children and families visiting the market
Our ask is to please (1) slow this decision process to include additional stakeholders including JCFM to discuss the below needs of the Farmers Markets and (2) commit to the ability
to use the Community Center grounds, playground space, dumpster, and restrooms (upper and/or lower floor) by the public and Farmers Market at a minimum through the end of December 2026
while long-term solutions are discussed.
While our nonprofit has limited financial resources, we are willing to contribute to keeping these spaces open for the community on market days. Potential steps include:
1. Dumpster rental: Managed by the Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM), with costs shared by other groups actively using the Center, April through December.
2. Community Center senior floor operation: Manage operations on Saturdays (April–December) and Wednesdays (June–September) during market hours. If the Senior Association is not using
the upper floor, we could explore renting directly from the County as a source of county revenue and funding custodial cleaning after market hours.
3. Grounds maintenance: Explore maintaining the park and grounds, ideally in partnership with the City. We currently lack staff and equipment for this task but need the grounds to remain
open for a successful market. Ideally, City Parks would take the lead on this essential task.
4. Facilitated conversation: Fund a facilitator to lead discussions between the City, County, and other potential partners interested in keeping the Center operational.
We are not proposing to assume full operational costs for the Recreation Center or park grounds, but rather to help clarify how these spaces can continue to serve the community while
supporting the Farmers Market. I recognize that difficult decisions lie ahead regarding the Center and County budget, and I hope JCFM can be a collaborative partner in exploring next
steps for the Community Center and grounds.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Angela Dunham
Board President
Jefferson County Farmers Markets
425-220-5500
and
Amanda Milholland
Executive Director
Jefferson County Farmers Markets
Text/call 360-379-9098