058-20 - Resolution - Adopting the 2021 Legislative AgendaRESOLUTTON NO. 058-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING
THE 2O2L LEG ISLATIVE AG E N DA.
WHEREAS, in ZOLI, the City hired Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs to
benefit the citizens from the expertise and guidance of a lobbying firm that would assist the Mayor
and staff in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the City; and
WHEREAS, each year, they continue to advocate for the legislative priorities of the City
which has included Phase ll of the Dekalb Pier construction and expansion project; Bay Street
Pedestrian Path; Rockwell Downtown Pocket Park, and replacement of the McCormick Sewage
Lift Station #2; and
WHEREAS, on October 27,2020, the Mayor provided Council with the drafl 2O2L
legislative priorities; and
WHEREAS, the City has been provided with the 2021 Legislative Agenda, now, therefore;
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIW OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:
THAT: The City of Port Orchard hereby adopts the 2021 Legislative Agenda, attached as
Exhibit A.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, SIGNED by the Mayor and attested
by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 24th day of November 2020.
Robert , Mayor
ATTEST:
YLq&/,o2,lz\
Brandy Rinearson, MMC, City Clerk
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z16 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA g8S66
e6o) 8Z6-+407 . Fax: (g6o) 8gS-gozg
cityhall @ citvofportorchard. us
www. cityofportorchard.us
Resolution No.058-20 Exhibit A
2021 Legislative Prio rities
South Kitsap Community Events Center
The City of Port Orchard, in collaboration with the Kitsap Public Facilities District, is developing a portion of the City's
downtown waterfront as the site of the South Kitsap Community Events Center (SKCEC). Lacking a central gathering
place for decades, the SKCEC will serve the needs of residents, businesses, and community groups from both the City of
Port Orchard and the broader South Kitsap region. The Community Events Center will house a branch of the Kitsap
Regional Library, feature conference space, and could host events including senior and youth programming, social and
human services, outdoor activity clubs, conferences, concerts, and more. The City of Port Orchard is requesting $1
million in the 2021 capital budget for property acquisition.
State Investment in State Routes
Like rnany cities, Port Orchard faces challenges in mairrtaining and improving the City's transportation system. State
routes - Sedgwick Road (State Route 160) and State Route l6 - traverse through the Cify and sen,e as both regional and
local thoroughfares. Because these are state routes, the state is responsible for rnaintaining and improving them to
accommodate the region's growing population. The City continues to seek $6 million in transportation funding for two
compact roundabouts at the SR- 16 and SR- I 60 interchanges in order to help mitigate congestion along these state routes.
Foster Pilot Program
The City of Port Orchard was chosen by the State for a water resource mitigation pilot project, which will inform a
legislative task force on options for how to respond to the Foster decisiorr. The outcomes of this pilot project, and
ultirnately the recommendations of the legislative task force, are of critical importance for the City and the state.
Police Reform
The City of Port Orchard is committed to advancing social and racial justice in our community. The City joins other
jurisdictions in supporting law enforcement and justice reform in the 2021 Legislative Session, including refonns to use of
force, transparency, and accountability. These changes must be accompanied by appropriate State funding.
Newspaper Public Notice Requirements
Cities are curently required to publish all ordinances, resolutions, and public notices in print, contracting with a local
newspaper to act as the city's official newspaper. This mandate is archaic, duplicative, and expensive for cities. The City
is requesting the Legislature remove the requirement that the official newspaper be in print format.
Protect Locally Approved Transportation Benefit District Funding
As the Legislature deliberates about reforming the use of car tab fees to fund transportation services, it is critical that
policymakers preserve Cities' ability to utilize locally approved car tab fees. The Joint Transportation Committee's
Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment has identified a gap of up to $13 billion in City transportation funding. Now
is not the time for the Legislature to remove already limited options.
Derelict Vessel Funding
The City requests enhanced funding for the Department of Natural Resources derelict vessel program. Curent funding
levels do not keep up with demand, threatening water transportation and our natural environment.
The City of Port Orchard supports the Association of Washington Cities' legislative agenda.