PORT TOWNSEND — Part one of a special city council meeting saw the city of Port Townsend heavily criticized for its approach to the removal of a homeless encampment, planned for Monday.

Later in the evening, council members passed a temporary ordinance which will allow city staff to expedite permits that relate to sanctioned encampments.

A group of more than 50 city staff, city council members, service providers and community members, including at least one member of the encampment, gathered at the cul de sac at the end of Evans Vista on Monday afternoon.

Police Chief Thomas Olsen introduced service providers, who shared quick recaps on their relationship to the encampment as well as any plans to support the residents moving forward.

Among the service providers were Bayside Housing and

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