City Council Advances Major Infrastructure Projects and Acknowledges City Manager Departure

PORT TOWNSEND, WA – City Council convened on July 20, 2026, for a regular meeting that centered on significant infrastructure improvements and a notable leadership transition. The council unanimously approved two resolutions seeking state funding for critical sewer projects and discussed a memorandum of understanding with Jefferson County. 

City manager announces departure

In his opening remarks, City Manager John Mauro announced he has accepted a position as City Manager of Bainbridge Island and will be finishing his tenure in Port Townsend. Mauro mentioned that a special city council workshop is scheduled for Monday, July 27, to discuss the transition and the city's next steps.

Sewer infrastructure projects move forward

The meeting featured significant discussion on two major wastewater infrastructure initiatives, with the council authorizing loan applications for both.

The council approved Resolution 2615, authorizing an application for up to $2.17 million in loan funding for the remaining design and construction of the Holcomb and Wilson Street sewer upsizing project. Project Manager Mike Connelly explained the project is crucial for addressing a capacity bottleneck in the city's sewer system that serves the Rainier subarea, which is planned for future housing and commercial development. Staff highlighted that the project's scope has been refined to be more cost-effective and placed within the city right-of-way to reduce construction risks.

The council also approved Resolution 2616, authorizing an application for up to $780,000 in loan funding for the planning and pre-construction of the Monroe Street Lift Station rehabilitation project. Project Manager Andre Harper reported that the lift station, originally built in 1965, requires an upgrade to meet future capacity demands and replace aging components.

Director of Public Works Steve King noted that the city is seeking low-interest loans from the Public Works Board. While planning for a 100% loan, King noted that previous projects have seen up to 50% loan forgiveness due to the city's status as a "distressed" area. He emphasized that the work is already accounted for in the city's rate models and general sewer plan, and these applications are for projects that must be completed to ensure the city meets regulatory requirements.

Collaboration with County for new lift station

In other business, the council authorized the city manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jefferson County regarding the siting and location of a new lift station on Mill Road to serve the urban growth area. The MOU commits the county to sell the necessary property and easements to the city, and the city to build the lift station to serve the area. Public Works Director King explained the location is critical, as it is the lowest point, allowing for gravity-fed sewer connections for the entire urban growth area.

A sewer lift station is a pumping facility that moves wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation. It is necessary in gravity-fed sewer systems when the sewage reaches a low point and can no longer flow downhill on its own, allowing the wastewater to be safely redirected toward a treatment plant.

The Mill Road Lift Station project is a key piece of infrastructure designed to unlock the potential of the Evans Vista neighborhood, a significant housing development on a 14-acre site northwest of the Port Townsend Paper Mill. The property, which currently lacks sewer service, is planned to include hundreds of mixed housing units, with the first phase alone comprising 150 apartments, walk-ups, and townhomes. By providing the necessary wastewater conveyance, the lift station will enable this major affordable housing project, which is required to have at least 25% of its units remain permanently affordable. The lift station would also serve the Caswell Brown property, extend along Discovery Road to the Rainier Street roundabout, and later help bring sewer infrastructure to Glen Cove. 

The lift station project is being supported by substantial external funding, including a $1.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce and $4.1 million from the Environmental Protection Agency. The city began selecting an engineering firm to provide design services in 2024, including environmental permitting and the creation of an Engineering Design Report. 

Following the public meeting, the council adjourned into a 30-minute executive session to discuss current or potential litigation with legal counsel, as permitted by state law. No action was to follow the session.