Parking Committee - The committee, consisting of downtown business, property and residential owners, and 3 City Council members, continues to meet.  July discussions included funding and the steps required to establish a parking garage, and initial discussion of how to manage and enforce timed parking for short-term, long-term and employee parking.  The committee is expected to meet through September and  will publish a report with recommendations.

Appeal of the Updated Comprehensive Plan - The appeal before the Central Region, Growth Hearings Board continues.  This appeal,  launched by 4 non-residents is primarily focused on growth and growth impacts is the Urban Growth Area.  Ironically, the Growth Management Act has caused Poulsbo to plan to grow to nearly 15,000 target population, specifically to do our part in reducing sprawl in Kitsap County.  However, the appellants are fighting these growth plans and their perceived impact on the Johnson Creek vicinity.  To date this appeal has cost the City over $40,000 in legal fees and countless hours of staff time.  In the end, the City expects to prevail.

Viking Avenue and Mesford Street Construction - Construction continues of roadway project the extend the widening of Viking Way southward to the City southern boundary, including adding sidewalks and extending utilities in the right of way.  The project is expected to be completed in the fall.  Construction on Mesford Street, on the north side of North Kitsap High School, will repair the road surface, install paved, parallel parking (south shoulder only), and a combined walking trail (also south side) to significantly improve both pedestrian and vehicle safety in this highly traveled corridor.  The projects is expected to be completed before school reopens.

Fjord Way Closure and Repairs - A study of the storm damage to Fjord Way, between Sommerseth Street and lower 6th Avenue, is complete and design is underway for repairs slated for next spring/summer.  Traffic has been limited to local traffic only, from Hostmark Street to 6th Avenue, and one-way (northward) for the portion near the storm damaged area, just south of Sommerseth Street.  The City has sent out a survey, and will hold a public workshop in August to discuss alternative to permanent traffic flow after the repairs are completed.  Alternatives include reopening Fjord Way to two-way traffic, making Fjord Way partially or fully local access only from Hostmark Street to 6th Avenue, or Ryen Street to 6th Avenue, and one-way traffic only northward or southward.  Included in these alternative are possible changes to stop signs on Hostmark, including adding stop signs on Hostmark at the top of 6th Avenue, and removing stop signs at Hostmark at the entrance to Fjord Avenue.  After the workshop, the City Council is expected to make a decision on a permanent traffic flow pattern. 

Poulsbo Historical Society Move into New City Hall - Plans and meetings continue between the City and the Poulsbo Historical Society to allow establishing a museum in a 1,000+ square foot area of the new City Hall.  An agreement is being developed by the City Attorney that would allow a combination of lease and purchase of this space by the Society.  Also included will be some additional storage space and the ability to make convenient use of pubic meeting and parking spaces.  The Society will be developing a display for the Council Chambers/1st Floor Lobby in time for the late September/early October Grand Opening.  The Society will then be working on plans and fund raising to occupy the museum area sometime in 2011.

Preparation for 2011 Budget - The Mayor and Staff are working closely with the Council Finance and Administration Committee to prepare for another very difficult budget year.  Although revenue has pretty much stabilized, revenue is significantly behind the last few years.  The budget review is considering various cuts in services, delays in projects and purchases, drawing on diminishing reserves, and personnel actions to be able to propose a balanced budget.  The Public will begin to see these budget action being discussed by the Council, beginning in October.

Dale Rudolph, Council Position #6

City of Poulsbo