[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6206096,"mediaKeyId","3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550","parentId",3767228,"title","Council signals middle path on transportation impact fee package; consultant to finalize report for July","audioSeconds",259,"startMs",4713000,"endMs",4972000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550&start=4713&end=4972","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550/thumbnail_4713000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6206096/Port-Orchard/Kitsap-County/Washington/Council-signals-middle-path-on-transportation-impact-fee-package-consultant-to-finalize-report-for-July","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206096-17f98ad3f6dfa5b7ffac81327ff428af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186584&Signature=hZDLsJ2vRDtAbWyMlyN4gHMaIqIYhnsv0Cyj5oYU0W6ASqgSpmHk-eQ0sHUHgZdsSlanrkStrXKZ7NcVBu71dVFOwZ8mQdE4ILHmhILmbm~~J3L7nOTw4d7Go1JQZoX3NJq-aFnZlvpXrM4W721Xco6AR908wf8y1iYUjK9fY1ZueHm3C-lW2~DIbvos9M8uFy-ceaa8VHyHCT6zsAq1suqI3n9V6CZjHF2k6igGojNVQS16vWD23sg6as9qXRRkHmplYELaIVkY7DAmYkOEGzv~6~qIHpRS3DVK7BsvKFnGbond-JPog5Xm7g3ptBFG-Ec~Kip4ZxSnncWgTu~~EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Port Orchard, WA","date","2025-06-11T15:42:56.13Z","article","The council discussed an update on transportation-impact-fee options during a June 10 meeting and signaled a preference for a middle package of projects that would produce a per-peak-PM-trip fee between two consultant alternatives.

Project alternatives presented by staff and the consultant varied in size and scope. \"Alternative A\" included a smaller set of projects and produced a lower per-trip fee (about $7,044 per PM peak trip in the consultant\u000027s material), while \"Alternative B\" added a set of 12 further projects and produced a higher per-trip fee (about $8,900 per PM peak trip). To reach a midpoint, staff asked council members to rank the additional projects (the 12 items that differentiate A and B) and to identify a preferred bundle. Many of the higher-ranked items were downtown or Bay Street-area improvements; other proposals included the Sedgwick Corridor design, the Salmon Berry widening/culvert replacement and a roundabout at the base of Port Orchard Boulevard.

City staff reported the capital costs for the A-to-B difference totaled roughly $6.6 million for the seven higher-priority projects among the dozen; adding the more expensive items (listed by the consultant as projects 8\u00002012) would push the package substantially higher. After a short council round-robin, a plurality of council members indicated a preference for the staff\u000027s \"option 2\" (the mid-range bundle described by staff). The city manager asked the consultant to prepare a final preferred-alternative report and to return to council in July for possible adoption; the consultant\u000027s analyst is leaving the firm Friday, so staff asked for quick direction to complete the report.

No fee ordinance or new projects were approved that evening. Staff said any final fee depends on which projects are included and on final cost estimates; staff also emphasized that impact fees are charged to new development based on the number of new trips generated and that different development types (single-family, multifamily, commercial) will be charged according to trip-generation formulas in the adopted methodology.

Council members asked questions about the timing and feasibility of the candidate projects (state involvement on Sedgwick Road was noted) and whether it was more important to hit a numeric midpoint between consultant alternatives or to select projects most likely to be done. After discussion the mayor noted five council members had indicated support for the middle option; staff will direct the consultant to prepare a draft final report reflecting that preference and return to the council in July.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 10, 2025, City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After reviewing project lists and per-trip cost calculations, council members signaled support for a mid-range package of projects between two consultant alternatives, asking staff to prepare a final preferred alternative for formal consideration in July.","taxTitle","Port Orchard, Kitsap County, Washington","taxId",54315,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6206100,"Port Orchard Inclusion Commission reports high staff response rate to baseline survey, sets communication and psychological-safety goals",504,2781000,3285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550&start=2781&end=3285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550/thumbnail_2781000.jpg","/articles/6206100/Port-Orchard/Kitsap-County/Washington/Port-Orchard-Inclusion-Commission-reports-high-staff-response-rate-to-baseline-survey-sets-communication-and-psychological-safety-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206100-78f396aa005fbafc1db619a8ec289d62/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186584&Signature=TUN7M28bXHDVqaaSXGZ4HRN9Of3kuqUhKdzO1Z7XNRKX6IPvngOjrvULr8PjCd2hGKhCUdrhcB2uw1q~t8S1xYly359ma4HNvn2rB~27jWHeOJMl0PQxL6wUS0CixC~nonrpLy4VtMAgpOEjEIZin67tomo2ULNATZnxg1L-tuxAiZ0qZMfksJC2Ry8ep2H7ctSEgZUnC6QYLvPkPl1ZnGfrjwkUtWQ6M0oyVrPgL0vD88zR774vplmzJYBPb4Wjuw7B5JfqdcnSW4wdKCOxJRQFnkl-w6tKhBnk8E7~EYSgeisSsqOwnmgm6ARIpwFPXdm4T~or-s6dOQ9DEba7uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Employee Inclusion Commission presented its annual update to the Port Orchard City Council on June 10, describing its work since formation by council resolution in 2023 and summarizing a May 2024 employee survey that will serve as a baseline for change.

Beth Spaulding, the commission volunteer who helped assemble the work program, described the group\u000027s mission to cultivate workplace inclusion through education, promotions and activities. Heather Humphrey (commission chair in 2024) and Human Resources Director Debbie Lund summarized the commission\u000027s 2024 activities: monthly volunteer meetings, webinars and literature review, celebration and awareness events (Rosa Parks Day, World Autism Day, Pride Month events and a cultural-foods gathering), and a city-wide employee survey.

Evolve Market Research administered the May 2024 survey (103 employees invited) and achieved an 84.5% response rate. Key findings presented to council included: 91% of respondents rated relationships with colleagues and supervisors as very good or excellent; 84% reported job satisfaction; 65% felt they belonged; 61% reported a high level of inclusion. The survey also identified areas for improvement: over one-third of employees reported high or very high stress levels (most often tied to workload), 44% had witnessed or experienced burnout, 40% had considered leaving the organization, and employees who self-identified as having a disability (about 18% of respondents) reported lower levels of emotional support and belonging.

The commission said it used the results to propose department-level goals for 2025, to prepare trainings for managers and staff (including unconscious-bias and psychological-safety topics), to begin an employee newsletter, and to plan a follow-up survey to measure change (proposed for early 2026). Deputy Chief Alan Awashta, the 2025 commission chair, emphasized psychological safety as a priority: an environment where employees can speak up without fear of negative consequences, which research ties to lower burnout and higher team performance.

Council members thanked the commission for the work and asked for access to the full survey report. Commission leaders said they would share the consultant\u000027s report with council and would return with measurable goals tied to the 2026 follow-up survey. No council action was required; the presentation served as an informational update and a request to continue the program and the planned 2026 follow-up survey.","The newly formed Employee Inclusion Commission reported results from a May 2024 employee survey (84.5% response) showing generally positive workplace relationships but areas of concern on stress, burnout and psychological safety; the commission set measurable goals and plans a follow-up survey.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6206104,"Residents, downtown business owners press Port Orchard council to act on late-night noise, racing and parking enforcement",443,220000,663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550&start=220&end=663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550/thumbnail_220000.jpg","/articles/6206104/Port-Orchard/Kitsap-County/Washington/Residents-downtown-business-owners-press-Port-Orchard-council-to-act-on-late-night-noise-racing-and-parking-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206104-dffb19ea17153b07ea374edc52fe5083/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186584&Signature=mojRd~-JyQrxo2Efppfqadve4LfbhC8nyPC1u3EuQ2hNYJNDrAVnSA~XqfzDoiJJQ9U9B88V7l7T9HL3-Xqt9pl7Ud3DiViNKmm3SIOQkBUh5XT6IIEwuEcNNYDEtfkwq4VQpEYOUuVvjwv82NoaG96967tD5VjF5~FExhmrtI6KhgWUlVBGowXJG~BCmWSVAUNbc7hB7-w5tEQUguOuKHRnwkeul3yuQSyL9JBbHpxpFVQeHcRf-INX67qn6CeFpYbWnDqGV~ScPCOv-spKm3~nBnHFKUeHBS~2pMzhcFhasg3PpCISlQiuR7q6gXv56tHAOxdQMr0gV8P8OnYICA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Port Orchard residents and downtown business owners used the public-comment period at the June 10 City Council meeting to raise persistent problems in the waterfront and Bay Street area: loud cars that rev and race late into the night, drivers speeding through downtown, and parking enforcement practices that owners say hurt small businesses.

Kevin Fox, representing the nonprofit Communitas (which operates group homes in Port Orchard), said one of the organization\u000027s group homes on Harrison Avenue regularly needs four to six staff vehicles present for 24/7 care and that employees are receiving street parking tickets because they cannot use landlord parking; he asked staff to look for solutions. Downtown business owners said two-hour limits and frequent Saturday ticketing force shop owners to move their cars multiple times a day, interrupting service and driving away customers. \"This is aggravating,\" said Karen Hayek, a downtown business owner who said she was ticketed three times in a single day.

Multiple residents described a pattern of late-night disturbance on Bay Street and adjacent blocks beginning about 10 p.m. and continuing to 2 or 3 a.m., with engine revving, backfiring, loud stereos and occasional fighting. Several speakers linked the behavior to groups that gather on Port property at the waterfront and said police presence has been limited. \"We have law-abiding, tax-paying citizens suffering from lack of sleep,\" said Kelly May, who proposed stepped-up nighttime patrols, updated noise ordinances, speed bumps, cameras and a partnership with car clubs to provide a designated place and time for enthusiasts.

Speakers also said the waterfront is a magnet for mixed activity at night, sometimes involving alcohol and people camping under waterfront structures, and that police responses are limited by property-ownership questions. Council members and the mayor noted that the Port of Bremerton owns much of the waterfront property and that the Port must install certain signage before Port Orchard police can pursue trespass enforcement there; Chief Matt Brown confirmed the department continues to coordinate with the Port. Council asked staff to continue discussions with the Port, to explore signage and trespass options, and to return with enforcement and operational options.

Several residents suggested engineering fixes (speed bumps or radar feedback signs) and stepped-up, targeted enforcement, including unmarked patrols and decibel measurements where practical. Some recommended changes to parking rules to create a business-friendly zone or dedicated parking for employees of group homes who are required by state rules to remain with clients on shift.

Council members acknowledged the long-standing nature of the complaints and that resources and legal limits (property ownership, noise measurement equipment and state vehicle laws) constrain what can be done immediately. Chief Brown and staff said they would continue coordination with the Port and examine options such as trespass signage, targeted patrols, and communication with stakeholders; no ordinance or funding decision was made that evening.","Multiple downtown residents and business owners told the council of ongoing late-night engine revving, street racing and a pattern of parking citations that they say harm sleep, commerce and quality of life; speakers urged more enforcement, updated noise tools and changes to parking rules.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6206109,"Port Orchard consultants propose simpler sewer rate structure; residential bills to fall initially while some businesses face higher charges",776,1714000,2490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550&start=1714&end=2490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3767228-ac7b1ce31a8e29b64bb6d541459f8550/thumbnail_1714000.jpg","/articles/6206109/Port-Orchard/Kitsap-County/Washington/Port-Orchard-consultants-propose-simpler-sewer-rate-structure-residential-bills-to-fall-initially-while-some-businesses-face-higher-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206109-6205bcbb725c27b4b659eaa1baed9e1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186584&Signature=Sudi4zJp96OgBNvVRT1ksS70RgEhX35YhAQzWTwIdQ3a~U-3xlVNOZVCnd4Tl7-VP-tcMD92f7jDB168l1POy7IUusDvF5gurh68yHTD4sEWgaD80-J3WdqgnNOO0PlEBpiIRjZ5umeyhc5CEbM-LeOcsu2CW3on7XWf~nXla0sN1iPeap2hdQqTOyYZh66mQVZ6wwQIIDZvIsyM8SZNxz8qFXaG76PgR4zFRksiDvYSB29UJFlAPPV-e8PKRHBdB-OPGTiaYmvfseZXvOBcdaPI~OjiDYfDBqgTO5QbuIXM1PPBAeNe3~zl2rqWHshtgjtjP6rmhQwQUzTg6OTdLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taghi Acker, a consultant with FCS Group, and Zach Hazel of Bowman Group presented results of a comprehensive sewer utility rate study to the Port Orchard City Council on June 10, saying the utility needs roughly 3.5% more revenue per year through 2030 to pay operating, capital and debt-service costs. Under the consultants\u000027 preferred approach the city would simplify the current 21-class rate schedule to a per-ERU (equivalent residential unit) charge, lowering the typical single-family bimonthly bill in 2026 from $163 to about $151.58 while raising the nonresidential per-ERU charge to roughly $235.

The study matters because the city plans about $50 million in sewer capital work over the next six years (unescalated), which the consultants escalated to about $60 million using a 3.5% construction-inflation assumption. Consultants modeled funding from grants, low-cost state loans, developer contributions and rates; their recommended hybrid approach spreads large project costs partly through borrowing and partly by rates to smooth customer impacts.

Consultants described the study in three parts: a revenue-requirement (how large the total revenue pie must be), a cost-of-service analysis (how to slice that pie between residential and nonresidential customers), and rate design (how to bill). The cost-of-service work found residential customers were paying about 107% of their cost to serve while nonresidential customers were paying about 76%, meaning nonresidential accounts on average have been subsidized by residential customers. The consultants therefore proposed moving to an ERU-based unit charge using existing annual ERU counts (measured in winter months to avoid irrigation bias) and applying a weighting that increases nonresidential per-ERU charges.

The presentation included examples: a typical single-family customer would see a modest bill decrease in the early years of the proposed schedule. A large restaurant and the county jail were given as examples of accounts that would see substantial increases under the ERU-based charge because measured flows and ERU counts for those facilities are high relative to how they are billed today. The consultants said some customers\u000027 bills would fall while others would rise; the change is intended to align bills more closely with measured impact on the sewer system and the city\u000027s obligations to the South Kitsap Water Reclamation Facility (SKWRF).

Council members and staff raised several operational and fairness questions during and after the presentation. Council members pressed how the ERU counts are measured (winter-period water use) and whether facilities that do not discharge to the sewer system (for example some schools with septic or grinder pumps) would be treated fairly; consultants and staff said they use the city\u000027s existing ERU-count process and that accounts are reviewed individually when anomalies appear. Several council members said they wanted more time to digest how the changes would affect local businesses, schools and institutional customers. Staff and consultants said implementation would require code changes, billing-system updates and public outreach and that the earliest the new structure could be implemented is calendar year 2026.

Council members also asked about reserve and debt policies used to size the revenue requirement; the consultants noted the city has an adopted general reserve policy (60\u00002090 days of operating revenues) and that debt-service coverage requirements (common practice for revenue bonds) were modeled where appropriate. The study lists a mix of funding sources for the capital program: roughly one-third from low-cost loans the city has already secured, a slice from developer/county/WSDOT contributions, a small portion of grants, and the remainder from rates and cash on hand.

Mayor and council directed staff to return with the sewer plan and proposed rate ordinance later this year. Staff said they plan to bring the item back in late summer to early fall for further study with an implementation target of 2026, allowing time for code updates, stakeholder outreach and system changes.

“It\u000027s trying to get us to a simpler and more fair way to bill customers,” Acker said during the presentation, while Zach Hazel walked the council through sample bills and the ERU math.

The consultants and city staff emphasized the study did not adopt rates that night; it was a presentation and discussion. The council asked for more examples, requests for follow-up on specific large accounts (including vacant commercial accounts), and additional outreach to business owners and institutions before any ordinance is adopted.","Consultants presented a sewer utility rate study recommending a simplified ERU-based rate and a 3.5% annual revenue requirement; single-family bimonthly bills would drop initially under the proposal while some nonresidential accounts would pay more to better match cost to serve.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council signals middle path on transportation impact fee package; consultant to finalize report for July

Port Orchard Inclusion Commission reports high staff response rate to baseline survey, sets communication and psychological-safety goals

Residents, downtown business owners press Port Orchard council to act on late-night noise, racing and parking enforcement

Port Orchard consultants propose simpler sewer rate structure; residential bills to fall initially while some businesses face higher charges