HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/2021 Study SessionM
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Patricia Byers, presiding, and Councilmembers Kay Funk (raised her hand
showing her attendance as audio temporarily unavailable), Brad Hill and Eliana Macias
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, City Attorney Sara Watkins and City Clerk Sonya Claar
Tee
Absent: Assistant Mayor Holly Cousens (excused), Councilmember Soneya Lund (excused)
and Councilmember Jason White
2. Public comment (allow 15 minutes)
City residents David Morales and Keally Cieslik spoke in support of the
proposed redistricting map.
3. 2020 Census City Council Redistricting Report and Maps
City Manager Harrison reported the proposed maps were created by I.T. Services
Supervising Senior Analyst Tom Sellsted. City Attorney Sara Watkins reviewed Judge Rice's
order relating to redistricting, outlined the process for redistricting and answered questions
from Council. She noted this is the initial review, which will require additional analyzation and
no action is expected at this time. Ms. Watkins reported this issue will be brought back for
further Council review next year.
4. Public Safety Issues in Downtown
City Manager Harrison reviewed public safety issues in downtown. Mayor Byers asked what
can be done about urinating and defecating in public. Chief Murray responded that an officer
must witness the action in order to write a citation. He added there are times when officers
are engaged in more serious crime and are not able to respond.
Councilmember Funk shared her written remarks and suggested external facing
restrooms with surveillance could be included with the City remodel. City Manager Harrison
reminded Council the City is looking at a possible partnership for a day camp with restroom
facilities utilizing ARPA funds; however, there would be ongoing unfunded maintenance and
operation costs.
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Council members asked about hiring security to handle some of the downtown issues. Chief
Murray reported the Police Department cannot create an agent of the police or transfer
responsibility. He noted if businesses hire private security it is a great deterrent.
Councilmember Hill asked if additional ordinances, such as Everett and Gig Harbor have,
would be helpful in combating some of the issues in,downtown, City Attorney Watkins
reported other cities have ordinances prohibiting sitting or lying down in certain areas during
certain times; however, date collection and surveys are required in order to create such
ordinances. Councilmember Hill asked what action could be taken at this meeting. After
Council discussion, City Attorney Watkins reported she will bring an outline for a required
survey at the December 7 Council meeting.
Councilmember Funk suggested the City: 1) initiate parking lots for Homestead Act vehicles
with a secure perimeter, Aorta -potty and anyone causing problems would be excluded; 2)
have police officers survey the homeless on whether they would go to a shelter if they could
have a Conestoga Hut with a lockable door and defensible space and 3) create a shelter
protection area. After discussion, Councilmember Hill suggested Councilmember Funk
tighten up her ideas and bring to a Council meeting for a vote.
5. Adjournment
meetingMOTION: Hill moved and Funk seconded to adjourn to a City Council regular
on • • - . 2021,1 p.m. • •m. The motion carried by
unanimous vote, Cousens, Lund and White absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY 1-4
4PUNCIL MEMBER Di,
OUNCIL MEMBER DATE
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