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Home My WebLink AboutM031920S�ON<> 1 city of Port Townsend MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Port Townsend City Council Joint Special Meeting — Thursday, March 19, 2020, 5:00 p.m. City of Port Townsend City Council Chambers, City Hall 250 Madison Street, Port Townsend, WA CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners met in special session this 19th day of March 2020, at 5:00 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall. ROLL CALL Council members present were David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser. Pamela Adams was excused. Commissioners present were Kate Dean, David Sullivan and Greg Brotherton. City Staff present: City Manager John Mauro, City Clerk Joanna Sanders County Staff present: Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley and Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke. INTRODUCTIONS/SPECIAL GUESTS (JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, JEFFERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, JEFFERSON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, MAIN STREET, LOCAL INVESTING OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK (LION), ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND, AND OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS) • Willie Bence (Director, Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management) • Arlene Alen (Director, Chamber of Commerce) • Brian Kuh (Director, Economic Development Council) • Siobhan Canty (Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson County Community Foundation) • Mari Mullen (Director, PT Main Street) • Deborah Stinson (Local Investing Opportunities Network - LION) • Pete Hanke, Jr., Bill Putney of the Port Commission and Eron Berg (Port of Port Townsend Executive Director) • Allison Hero (Silverwater) • Heather Dudley • Kris Nelson • Kevin Street (Jefferson County Public Utility District) • Eric Jorgensen and Crystie Kisler (Finn River) Joint Special Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2020 NEW BUSINESS Coronavirus Economic Impacts: Coordinating response, aid and information to impacted businesses and employees Dr. Tom Locke gave a case briefing on the Covid-19 outbreak and need for an all- out effort to prevent the exponential spread of the virus, noting that community mitigation is essential to reduce transmission. Willie Bence gave overview of Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management office as the central coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Allison Hero, Kris Nelson, Eric Jorgensen and Crystie Kisler, representing city and county business interests, posed questions to Dr. Locke as did Shelley Leavens, Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society concerning the effects and impacts of job loss. Dr. Locke responded to various questions from the businesses community regarding local public health recommendations on closures and noted there is excellent supporting business guidance documents at DOH. Wa.Gov and King County Public Health. Once the data transmission shows signs ofslowing and the curve flattens, the County will be able to provide predictions and guidance on the timing for reopening businesses. Dr. Locke encouraged businesses to continue distribution of food through carry out and supported the suggestion that a closure of non-essential services for two to three weeks would help flatten the curve. Brian Kuh reported on Small Business Administration disaster loans, micro grants for businesses from the State Department of Commerce, expansion of unemployment benefits (including independent contractors), Small Business Development counselor seminars, B&O tax relief from the Department of Revenue, and IRS tax payment deferral. The Chamber and the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Development Council will also conduct an impact survey of businesses and the EDC would assist with a creation of task force to address next steps and future vision. Mari Mullen of Main Street announced available online resources through MainStreet, the Chamber, and Governor's website and distributed a list of business resources, including MainStreet micro loans. Most downtown businesses are in need of monetary support, website development, and social media connections. Arlene Allen of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce announced available links, audio/visual web platform resources, restaurant database/links, and support of the Governor's site. She explained the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) program designed to help businesses prepare for disasters and switching to weekly virtual Chamber Cafes. They would be planning for an expected tourism resurgence later in the year. Deborah Stinson of LION explained the membership network and flexible loans available for businesses through L2020.org. Siobhan Canty of the Jefferson Community Foundation listed services available to employees who have lost their jobs, including food, rental assistance, child care, homeless services. Noting impacts to the Northwest Maritime Center, Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, Port Townsend Marine 2 Joint Special Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2020 Science Center, and Jefferson Land Trust, a COVID emergency response general fund has been developed to accept donations. Kevin Street of the Jefferson County Public Utility District spoke about their efforts to cease shutoff and allow payment arrangements. Eron Berg at the Port of Port Townsend reported on their modification of business operation practices in compliance with public health guidance to keep the boatyard open, providing rent relief, and future modifications of tenant lease policies. Additional discussion and concerns were raised by participants about whether there would be relief from County property taxes, urging landlord flexibility on rents, and coordinating temporary reemployment. There was also interest in providing businesses more public health direction and recommendations on temporarily closing non-essential businesses. It was noted that currently there is no mandate for business closure. Commissioner Sullivan spoke about the need for further County conversation about the use of the revenue stabilization fund. Commissioner Dean summarized needs for technical assistance for businesses on reopening, opportunities for the public to engage in response efforts, need for business navigators, as well as shopping at and supporting local businesses. Mayor Sandoval spoke about the need for positive response to the crisis and support for individuals in the community. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Steven Mullensky urged postponement and/or relief from the increase in property taxes. Hana Meyer urged monitoring highway traffic in and out of Jefferson and Clallam Counties to reduce transmission. Kris Nelson made several suggestions including utility bill, property tax, and business and occupation tax relief, additional patrols of commercial areas, more fall/winter marketing funding, and improvements to the state's unemployment benefits program. Bonnie White urged waiving DM Disposal fees. Mark Grant urged tightening quarantine and lock down measures. Mark Cooper of Local 2020 urged designating a Covid communications manager. Paulette Lack urged allowing local farmers to set up next to Better Living Through Coffee other empty spaces downtown. Charlie Kanieski urged that banks forego payments, no payments of LION loans, hospital covering 100% of healthcare costs for those without insurance, and creating a community fund to cover those not covered by unemployment. Joint Special Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2020 Kevin Camfield spoke about vulnerable populations to the virus and urged aggressive actions to prevent the spread. City staff response County Administrator Phillip Morley recognized the summary of resources and concerns as well as the desire for a case by case business guidance from Dr. Locke on recommended closures. City Manager John Mauro commented the meeting was an important beginning of the conversation and review of current efforts. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk Approved and st "hed this 4th day of May, 2020. f SEAL: , ATTEST: Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Deputy Clerk of the Board JEFFERSO COUNTY OAPrto, SSIONERS Gr Bro ir David Sullivan, Member Ka Dean, Member 4