[{"_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",6471161,"mediaKeyId","5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9","parentId",5778382,"title","Residents press council on emergency preparedness and inclusion; council highlights Nordic Cottages opening, ADU outreach and veterans banners","audioSeconds",292,"startMs",150000,"endMs",442000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9&start=150&end=442","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9/thumbnail_150000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6471161/Poulsbo/Kitsap-County/Washington/Residents-press-council-on-emergency-preparedness-and-inclusion-council-highlights-Nordic-Cottages-opening-ADU-outreach-and-veterans-banners","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471161-584dedececc3a8feab401fbdb1d1b118/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418389&Signature=WWdwL-oX31245qKUMjNjUoWgZpDXCNAuGl3a1h2nmtzJ1GVx~gqAXwXjcYplpm065C6Y0dcWJSN4uY302d99I1L2XSLMMaNa-rLadBikWssKH7orWAnVudXw9dh9gApeehqDeEDsEAnPktm0HCQVppEOv~ZTyZCdMZMuKn4I1NugJdw7jl7hzcdAQTvYx5mGWaQutKLbCaUYvnyYOgemBysO9uFQfN0JdsJAVxp-eyEGyUcJpRO~wwG5DV-HY9j7EZ~uCrcOxwvtd7vT9wWvcGb2pEX0WJXgV3p9xZkWctbtk4JtrB3hxTjYwmieAJ8WhE3rv~9H3wFhc2x6eMOPjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Poulsbo","date","2025-09-17T16:30:00Z","article","At the Sept. 17 Poulsbo City Council meeting, public comment speakers asked the council about emergency preparedness and urged it to protect peaceful demonstrations and community inclusion.

Sharon Bud asked about the city’s plans to organize community first‑aid and CPR training and about how emergency preparedness efforts will be coordinated. Bud said she had received information from staff but wanted details on timing and organization.

Pam Keeley, representing Poulsbo For All, told the council her group has held weekly pro‑democracy rallies at Waterfront Park for seven months and “at every event, we emphasize peaceful protests and reject violence.” She added, “We reject racism, xenophobia and hate toward any group including natives, immigrants and members of the LBGTQ community,” and urged the council to uphold freedoms and resist outside pressure.

Councilmembers used their reports to highlight recent and upcoming local events. Councilmember Eckert described the ribbon cutting for Nordic Cottages as a culmination of years of work by staff, partners and prior councils. Councilmember Newell said the completed Nordic Cottages project contains eight units and that the per‑unit cost was “about $500,000 each,” calling the development “a good start” and urging continued work on affordable housing strategies.

Parks staff reminded the council that Wilderness Park was temporarily closed after a tree fell onto a crossing; public works will assess damage and post updates. Parks staff also noted a ribbon cutting and skate jam for the rebuilt skate park is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, with partners including Tara Simmons, Rotary and the skate‑park advisory group.

Councilmember Eckert announced new veterans banners to be flown from holiday to holiday and said the city will display them leading up to the Veterans Day parade. City administrator Rob Gelder and others noted the ADU outreach open house drew strong community interest in accessory dwelling units, lending and legal aspects of building ADUs.

Why it matters: Public comments signaled resident concerns about readiness and civil‑liberties protection; council reports showed progress on senior and affordable housing pilot projects and on parks facilities that affect everyday life and events in Poulsbo.

Next steps: Staff will follow up on emergency‑preparedness training details for the council and community; parks staff will post updates on Wilderness Park and coordinate the skate‑park ribbon cutting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Poulsbo - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged more community emergency preparedness training and defended weekly pro‑democracy, pro‑inclusion rallies; councilmembers reported on the Nordic Cottages ribbon cutting, ADU outreach events, veterans banners and upcoming skate‑park ribbon cutting.","taxTitle","Poulsbo, Kitsap County, Washington","taxId",54107,"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},6471166,"Poulsbo council approves consent agenda including ERP consultant and confirms Tree Board appointment",202,1417000,1619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9&start=1417&end=1619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9/thumbnail_1417000.jpg","/articles/6471166/Poulsbo/Kitsap-County/Washington/Poulsbo-council-approves-consent-agenda-including-ERP-consultant-and-confirms-Tree-Board-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471166-1b6678b5d61f9a80a297263f411e957b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418389&Signature=VIAItonRTJRni0zxCAZgivz~J16lER5KNqS28mUI5-24OyeiXrBqcRXqVXPYEtIbYC0NaHp~eiUebfAZBJsPpnCaVzDDoYNefjMAeouDrky7R5Kkk92Emh3DgJXJ-a43o0rWgm3aq3qc8XcvSiTJ8z2QAnaofIrMYtfYpvqfPSzNsoh3zgMjEHoJmBmRu9GWvLIKwChjSE4SID-eZLLFd3PtxWwOK3LNDbBe8tu-PIKiMlB0Vuy0b9KpB3h~PpEgD4hbXv-rEWVBthZuo1KLqrlk9TlA9zRQKO0Ld2VJv7KV1E52FW7o5QlNzjoSLyEB5FhrIHTIWEzUS86Zd4AErQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Poulsbo City Council approved its consent agenda and confirmed a mayoral appointment to the Tree Board at its Sept. 17 meeting.

The consent agenda included an enterprise resource planning (ERP) management software consultant agreement; staff said the vendor remains on the MRSC Small Works roster and that the agreement’s amount is approximately $84,000. The city attorney had noted the packet included a proposal and not a formal consultant agreement; staff added the consultant agreement to the materials. The council left the ERP item on consent and approved the full consent agenda by roll call.

Council then considered a mayoral appointment: Ashley Lloyd was nominated to fill a vacant position on the Tree Board for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. The council moved to confirm the mayor’s appointment and approved it by roll call.

Finance director Debbie Boer told the council that the city’s traffic counters were malfunctioning and that staff planned to buy replacements for about $10,000. Council members asked to move that request to the business agenda rather than approve it immediately; staff agreed to place the item on a future business agenda.

Roll‑call votes on the motions were recorded as follows: Taber, aye; Eckert, aye; McVeigh, aye; Crow, aye; Newell, aye.

Why it matters: The ERP consultant agreement will move forward procurement and implementation planning for the city’s enterprise financial/operational software; the Tree Board appointment fills a vacancy on an advisory board that advises on urban forestry matters.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the ERP consultant engagement per the contract documents, return with required procurement steps and schedule, and bring the traffic‑counter purchase to a future business agenda for formal approval.","Council approved the consent agenda — including an approximately $84,000 enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultant agreement — and confirmed Ashley Lloyd to a vacant seat on the Tree Board (term through Dec. 31, 2027). A proposed $10,000 purchase of new traffic counters was discussed and will be placed on a future business agenda.",{"_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},6471170,"Poulsbo council approves $35,520 engineering contract to assess Austin Velstad Pavilion",336,1682000,2018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9&start=1682&end=2018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6471170/Poulsbo/Kitsap-County/Washington/Poulsbo-council-approves-35520-engineering-contract-to-assess-Austin-Velstad-Pavilion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471170-96e71daad6875c6be0ae13ab3c5c9bdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418389&Signature=LFmdTuRkJGoouW3js09J7ALCQTuyjySp0WVGT~EDsAhmEw3D0iB1g-slMd-N7so7PBUEflTwpZD1M7fKFM8YojM3QrU0CRYJeXAwl03Mf5NyA-scyYlvi~V~MoM-zAfxA1yRUvsaShzCnjP4T9D4OvQe8SjvDSMwZ30283YQWqaTEb53J1goRz57G7b6uQM5hLWP5-AF1uJtL-7wTMEyME9Q-lgtkmYEwxbKfookg9m-xtsAcHoQIz1VvpW1wpufj7KljMnJclMHcBTlXS9GMPgxn7sSuciUplrdzAIJpQrMgZsflT1pTGkxi8nncbLA6lYU71Wne5W1auSAcd7J9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Poulsbo City Council voted to authorize a $35,520.90 contract with Railstar Engineering to conduct a condition assessment of the Austin Velstad Pavilion at Waterfront Park.

Jeff Osmek, parks and recreation director, told the council the work — funded through the lodging tax advisory committee because the pavilion is a tourism draw — will evaluate timbers, joists and load capacities for seismic, wind and snow loads and recommend priority repairs to extend the structure’s life. Staff told the council the work must be completed by the end of the calendar year.

Osmek said five firms responded to the city’s request for proposals and that Railstar was selected on qualifications after staff discussions with top candidates. Councilmembers noted the pavilion, which staff believes was built in the 1970s, is showing wear and has required periodic repairs. Councilmember Eckert said the structure is “starting to show its age” and recalled a recent incident in which staff restricted part of the stage because of a failing board.

A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the council approved it by roll call: Taber, aye; Eckert, aye; McVeigh, aye; Crow, aye; Newell, aye.

Why it matters: Austin Velstad Pavilion is one of the city’s primary waterfront gathering sites. The structural assessment will inform repairs and any needed safety restrictions.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract with Railstar and proceed with the assessment, then report back to the council with findings and recommended repairs or priorities for funding.","Council authorized a $35,520.90 Railstar Engineering contract, funded with lodging‑tax advisory committee funds, to perform a structural condition and load‑capacity assessment of the Austin Velstad Pavilion before year end.",{"_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},6471174,"Poulsbo council previews Placer AI visitor‑tracking tool to guide events and tourism planning",1623,2078000,3701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9&start=2078&end=3701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778382-6a84429b76a511820ad5471c9b409fc9/thumbnail_2078000.jpg","/articles/6471174/Poulsbo/Kitsap-County/Washington/Poulsbo-council-previews-Placer-AI-visitortracking-tool-to-guide-events-and-tourism-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471174-e30aa93ac11115f922212d163b545f3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418389&Signature=Oxyt-xinLmvvFsTHo8tsG7Y7L5rRgyWgpaD5GwClNJGDHRjvd0AP2dYhFwdudfix~3aDEiFSuznrjSxZPPw04V4iHsmXmKEIB~u4FX0k4peKlpZOehDLxrqcSAS~ZSH~8a11H66XPC730UEXenQmUdZUtgqIEvXoCU5vtSNZSjQYV7EvEX-6-AKrDvFaK0EOTOQOiYokH5jwkBEMkH-ZomERj0qU5keKG00EEWxaDn7LW99KSwoWM6xyxjx6QA5Yc5Aw9qkk0D1Y0Kx4q57q33XLG6zIL2BPShiKvjrRu3Fi4KbamcWU4p~kZxf5ULnTJSUziYPZ6KMQbsoa3zm8pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Poulsbo City Council received a demonstration of Placer AI, a subscription software tool that uses anonymized cell‑phone location data to estimate visitor counts, origins and dwell time in defined geographic zones.

The demonstration, delivered by Jeff Osmek, Poulsbo’s parks and recreation director, covered a rolling 12‑month dataset (Sept. 2024–Aug. 2025) for Waterfront Park and nearby parking. Osmek said the platform “is a visitor economics metrics tool” that shows who comes to defined zones, how often and for how long.

Placer AI’s report shown to the council indicated roughly 400,000 visits to the Waterfront Park zone in the prior 12 months, with about 112,000 of those visits originating in the Poulsbo ZIP code. Osmek told the council the platform reports visits when a cell phone spends more than 10 minutes in the defined area and calculates “unique visitors” separately from total visits.

Councilmembers pressed staff on data limits and how the city will use the product. Members asked how the platform distinguishes residents from visitors, whether it separates modes of travel (walk, bike, car) and how the product handles event outliers. Osmek said Placer’s algorithms infer a phone’s home location based on where the device spends most nights; he noted the product uses probability models rather than precise addresses and that data points are “randomly placed within a census block,” which reduces pinpointing of individual residences.

Councilmembers also raised Viking Fest and other large events as outliers that can skew maps and traffic routing. Osmek said staff can remove outlier days or run alternate time windows to compare data without specific event spikes. He cautioned the platform requires staff time to learn and to set appropriate geographic zones and date ranges.

On data access, Osmek said the city can generate reports and export CSV files on request for event organizers and fund applicants; however, he said the Placer subscription does not give unrestricted access to raw historical location data once a report is generated. He also said the platform allows toggles for visit thresholds (for example, the 10‑minute minimum used in the demonstration) and produces heat maps and origin zip‑code breakdowns.

City staff and council members discussed likely uses: informing lodging‑tax grant awards, timing and routing for special events, scheduling maintenance during lower‑use windows, and giving small event organizers empirical attendance data for grant applications. Osmek described examples in which the city used the tool to confirm lower attendance at a rain‑affected festival and to estimate pump‑track usage for a partner group.

Council members and staff requested follow‑up analysis on specific questions: removing Viking Fest weekend from the dataset to see baseline patterns, matching visitor origins against local lodging inventories, and exploring ways to incorporate maritime (boat) arrivals or other non‑cellphone sources. Osmek said those follow‑ups are possible and that staff would prioritize work based on capacity.

Why it matters: The tool offers the city new, data‑driven options to align event timing and maintenance, to target lodging‑tax dollars and to show grant funders usage patterns; council members cautioned that the platform’s outputs should be “ground‑truthed” against local knowledge before major policy decisions.

The council did not vote on the software subscription during the meeting; Osmek said the city requested lodging‑tax funding for a continued subscription in the next funding cycle and that staff would provide deeper reports on request.","Council heard a demonstration of Placer AI, a cell‑phone‑based visitor analytics platform that showed roughly 400,000 visits to Waterfront Park in the prior 12 months and that about 25% of visits came from the Poulsbo ZIP code; councilmembers raised questions about outliers, data limits and how the city will share reports with event organizers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on emergency preparedness and inclusion; council highlights Nordic Cottages opening, ADU outreach and veterans banners

Poulsbo council approves consent agenda including ERP consultant and confirms Tree Board appointment

Poulsbo council approves $35,520 engineering contract to assess Austin Velstad Pavilion

Poulsbo council previews Placer AI visitor‑tracking tool to guide events and tourism planning