HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/30/19942713
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
March 30, 1994
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order
SPECIAL MEETING: at 8:40 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss various legislative matters
with Congressman Norm Dicks.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Sargent, Councilmembers Doyle, Hulett,
McKeown [arrived at 8:46 a.m.], Ostrowski, and Schueler
[arrived at 8:50 a.m.].
Members Absent: Councilman Braun.
StaJfPresent: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, K.
Godbey, S. Ilk, and T. Smith.
Public Present: T. Zenk and D. Noonan.
Congressman Norm Dicks, accompanied by his legislative assistant, Tim Zenk, set
the stage for an informal discussion of various legislative issues affecting the City of
Port Angeles. Of initial concern was the need for passage of draft legislation which
would enable the City to access timber relief grant funds. Because of population
levels, the City has b~n unable to apply for certain funding. Manager Pomeranz
emphasized this is a top priority of the City Council, as it relates directly to the
proposed Multi-modal Transportation Center. Congressman Dicks informed the
Council that a five-year freeze has been placed on discretionary spending, but he
would do the best he could in this regard.. Mayor Sargent reminded those present
that Port Angeles stands to suffer an economic "double whammy" by virtue of the
timber situation and the proposed ban on salmon fishing. It is imperative that this
area be given fmancial relief.
Brief discussion was held concerning the need for a Sequim by-pass, which would
have a direct impact on traffic flow to Port Angeles. Congressman Dicks felt the
accomplishment of such a by-pass to be a top priority. Mr. Zenk reported that an
environmental impact statement is being done on the Sequim by-pass, and acquisition
of right-of-way has begun. He then summarized the status of planning for the
entirety of Highway 101.
Councilman Hulett raised a question as to the status of the Jones Amendment, which
would amend regulations whereby Port Angeles would be eligible as a port for cruise
ships. Manager Pomeranz pointed out that this bill would also lend itself well to the
plans for a Multi-modal Transportation Center. Congressman Dicks indicated there
appea?s to be consensus in support of this amendment, and if passed, it would have
a positive impact on Port Angeles.
Councilman Ostrowski directed attention to two pieces of hemlock on the conference
table, one representing recent blowdown and the other representing blowdown from
a windstorm of 1991. He noted the rot which has taken place on the piece of wood
from the '91 storm and indicated the wood could not be salvaged. However, the
more recent blowdown could be used for pulp by the mills in this area. Councilman
Ostrowski urged Congressman Dicks to push legislation allowing the salvaging of
blowdOwn. Congressman Dicks noted the Forest Service had adopted certain
standards in this regard; however, nothing can be done until an injunction is lifted.
Once that is accomplished, he assured the Council there would be a major push in
support of such legislation.
Congressman Dicks discussed the need for improved forest management which would
include the harvesting of blowdown, as well as some thinning. However, he felt the
industry will have to prove that forest management can be accomplished without
jeopardizing the spotted owl and marbled murrelet. Using a map provided by
Councilman Ostrowski, discussion was held concerning the protected circles of
spotted owl habitat where timber harvesting cannot take place. Congressman Dicks
pointed out that the State of Washington has been particularly restrictive with State
and private land; he encouraged the City officials to discuss this issue with Jennifer
Belcher. Councilman Schueler inquired about timeframes, and Congressman Dicks
felt the problem rests in the fact that everything which is timber related is enjoined
at the present time. Every effort is being made to have the injunctions lifted;
however, he cautioned that the State may still maintain its rather restrictive posture.
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March 30, 1994
Attorney Knutson referenced a recent conference he attended on the matter of
watershed restoration. He was impressed by the cooperative spirit of those in
attendance and inquired as to the possibility of a similar conference being held on the
North Olympic Peninsula. Such a conference could be most valuable in addressing
timber and watershed issues. Congressman Dicks, who had organized the
conference, indicated he would be happy to coordinate such a conference if sufficient
interest is generated.
Lengthy discussion followed concerning unfunded mandates, and Congressman Dicks
acknowledged the impacts of these mandates on communities such as Port Angeles,
particularly in those areas where the mandates make absolutely no sense. He had
suggested that unfunded mandates receive at least $.5 billion, but he has been advised
there are no funds available for this particular purpose. The Councilmembers
pointed out that Port Angeles is unique, and an unfunded mandate that may lend
itself well to the Chicago area, for instance, may not make any sense for this area.
Congressman Dicks understood the City's point; however, he noted the need for the
legislation to remain consistent in its application, with little or no support for waivers
being issued.
Manager Pomeranz expressed appreciation for Congressman Dick's responsiveness
in conjunction with NAFTA in getting the fee waivered for those individuals crossing
from Canada to the United States on the ferries. Additionally, he expressed
appreciation for any assistance Congressman Dicks can give the City in getting the
legislation passed concerning access to timber relief grant funds.
Discussion was held concerning the status of legislation to have the Elwha dams
removed, and Congressman Dicks indicated the suggestion has been made to require
matching funds from the State of Washington, to include the City of Port Angeles.
This would complicate the matter even further, and he noted there is increasing
resistant6 in Congress to this legislation. The bill was structured for enactment by
Fish & Wildlife, which will be most difficult due to lack of funding. Congressman
Dicks felt the better approach might be for the James River Corporation and
Daishowa to seek relicensing of the dams and proceed with the construction of fish
ladders as was discussed in the past. In this particular economic environment,
projects must be able to stand on their own, and the validity of the proposed
expenditures on this project is in question.
In summary, Congressman Dicks advised the Council that he fully understands the
problems of the Peninsula and will continue to work in resolution of those problems.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
Clerk q
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