EYE ON JEFFERSON: Annexation proposal before Port Townsend City Council

The Port Townsend City Council will consider an ordinance to place on the February ballot the annexation of the city into the East Jefferson Fire District for fire and emergency medical service when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The meeting will be in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

If the council approves it, the ordinance would be sent to the East Jefferson Fire Rescue board for consideration. If that board OKs it, it would go to the county auditor for inclusion on the special election ballot.

The council also will consider authorizing the city manager to file a brief of amici curiae in support of the city of Seattle’s income tax, which is before the state Supreme Court.

“The case has broader implications for the citizens of Port Townsend than just the city’s ability to potentially tax incomes of city’s residents,” the staff agenda memo says.

Port Townsend has adopted the optional municipal code, which grants the city broad home rule powers — in other words, it has the authority to enact laws unless the power has been preempted by the state.

If the court determines that Seattle may not impose an income tax, “this ruling would potentially limit the home rule authority of all code cities,” city staff members say in the memo.

The council will hear a report on a comment letter concerning the Environmental Impact Statement on Growlers at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The council also plans to proclaim Friends of the Library Week.

Other city committee meetings, which are in conference rooms at City Hall, 250 Madison St., unless otherwise noted are:

• Library Advisory Board Special Meeting — 3:30 p.m. Monday, Library Learning Center/Charles Pink House, 1256 Lawrence St.

• Public Art Committee — 3 p.m. Wednesday, first-floor conference room.

• Community Task Force on City Manager Recruitment — 6:30 p.m., council chambers at 540 Water St.

Jefferson County

The three Jefferson County commissioners will be briefed on draft revisions to the county code concerning the Public Infrastructure Fund when they meet at 9 a.m. Monday.

The meeting will be in commissioners’ chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

Commissioners also will discuss a comment letter on Washington State Ferry’s long-range plan with the aim of reviewing a draft letter on Oct. 22.

During the county administrator briefing at 2 p.m., commissioners will continue their review of the update of the county’s comprehensive plan, focusing on the housing natural resources and environmental elements of the plan.

They also will continue discussion on the recording fee interlocal agreement and interim shelter service agreement.

Joint city/county meet

The Port Townsend City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Housing and the Jefferson County commissionaires will meet at 3 p.m. Friday.

The meeting will be in council chambers, 540 Water St.

Board of Health

The Jefferson County Board of Health will consider enforcement of sanitation regulations in non-permitted living conditions when it meets at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

The board will meet at Jefferson County Public Health offices at 615 Sheridan St., Port Townsend.

The board also will consider adoption of bylaws and hear reports on the communicable diseases and opiates.

Jefferson Transit

Jefferson Transit board members will consider approving a memorandum of understanding with the Pleasant Harbor Marina when they meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The board will meet at the transit facility at 63 Four Corners Road.

The MOU is on the consent agenda.

Board members also will discuss the composition of the board, and consider resolutions concerning disposition of surplus property, an amendment of the procurement policy and an amendment of the drug and alcohol policy.

Public Utility District

Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioners will consider adopting the 2019 budget when they meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The meeting will be at 63 Four Corners Road.

Commissioners are expected to decline to increase the tax levy.

They will consider accepting a grant from the state Department of Commerce Community Economic Revitalization Board to expand the broadband fiber network.

The grant would cover $50,000 of the $67,000 estimated expense.

Commissioners also will hear an update from the Citizen Advisory Board and consider a flexible benefits plan.

East Jefferson Fire-Rescue

East Jefferson Fire-Rescue commissioners will conduct a workshop on the budget when they meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The meeting will be at Station 1-5, 35 Critter Lane, Port Townsend.

Public comment will be taken

Development authority

The Fort Worden Public Development Authority Executive Committee will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday and the board of directors is scheduled to meet on Friday.

Both meetings are listed as being in Seminar Building 298 at Fort Worden.

The executive committee will review the draft agenda for the board meeting, and receive an update on Makers Square.

No agenda was available by Saturday of the upcoming board meeting.

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