085-21 - Resolution - 2022 Legislative AgendaRESOLUTION NO. 085-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING
THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.
WHEREAS, since 2011, the City has hired Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs
to provide benefit to the citizens by having expertise and guidance of a lobbying firm that would
assist the Mayor and staff in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the City to State legislators;
and
WHEREAS, each year, the firm continues to advocate for important legislative priorities
of the City; and
WHEREAS, on October 26, 2021, discussion was held expressing legislative priorities and
are listed and attached as Exhibit A, now, therefore;
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:
THAT: The City of Port Orchard hereby adopts the 2022 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 14t" day of December 2021.
Robert Putaansuu, Mayor
ATTEST:
Brandy Rinearson, MMC, City Clerk
ORCHARD-
CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366
(36o) 876-4407 • Fax: (36o) 895-9029
cftyhaU@cibLofVortorchard.us
www.cityofportorchard.us
2022 Legislative Priorities
Transportation Revenue
Port Orchard supports the adoption of a robust transportation revenue package that includes funding for
maintenance of state infrastructure, distributions to local governments, and new projects such as the Gorst
interchange and Highway 16 congestion relief.
Sedgwick Road (State Route 160) and State Route 16, traverse the City and serve as both regional and local
thoroughfares. The City continues to seek $6 million for two compact roundabouts at the SR-16 and SR-160
interchanges in order to help mitigate congestion along these state routes.
Transportation Benefit District Funding
The Joint Transportation Committee's Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment has identified a gap of up to
$13 billion in City transportation funding. The City of Port Orchard is among those cities that have accepted the
responsibility of raising local revenue through a Transportation Benefit District. We support legislation
allowing the City to continue collecting TBD revenue for more than two 10-year periods.
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 decision. The outcomes of this pilot
project, and ultimately 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
supports additional training and resources including expanded mental health intake facilities to keep our
communities safe. However, the City believes there is a need to refine legislation enacted in 2021 to resolve
unintended consequences, provide clarity to various police actions and equipment, restore police powers
regarding the use of force to prevent someone from fleeing a lawful detention, and ensure the ability to conform
to the duty to intervene.
Homelessness
We support additional State funding for housing, substance abuse, and mental health treatment so that local
governments can address the needs of the homeless in our communities.
2022 Legislative Priorities
City of Port Orchard
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Newspaper Public Notice Requirements
Cities are currently 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.
Derelict Vessel Funding
The City requests enhanced funding for the Department of Natural Resources derelict vessel program. Current
funding levels do not keep up with demand, threatening water transportation and our natural environment. DNR
estimates that $7.5 million/biennium is needed to adequately fund the need, though the current budget is
approximately $2.6 million/biennium. The City supports the agency's request for an additional $5
million/biennium from the Watercraft Excise Tax.
The City of Port Orchard supports the Association of Washington Cities' legislative agenda.