HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06/25/19922282
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
June 25, 1992
CALL TO ORDER - Deputy Mayor Sargent called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council
SPECIAL MEETING: to order at 5:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Members Present: Councilmen Braun, Nicholson and Ostrowski,
Councilwoman Sargent, and Councilman Wight.
Members Absent: Mayor Hallett and Councilman Schueler.
Staff Present: Manager Pomeranz, Attorney Knutson, and Clerk Upton.
Public Present: B. Haselton
Elwha River The purpose of this meeting was to consider a proposal submitted by Senators Adams
Ecosystem and and Gorton specifically relating to the language in the proposed legislation having to
Fisheries do with the disposition of certain land on Ediz Hook. Deputy Mayor Sargent briefly
Restoration Act reviewed the proposal which provides for a new 99-year lease of lands to the City
and beginning in 1993, provides for a separate lease of land to the Lower Elwha
Klallam Tribe to construct and maintain a longhouse and associated interpretive and
parking facilities. The property referenced in the proposal would include
approximately 600 feet of land south of the road near the entrance to the U.S. Coast
Guard Station, divided roughly in half between Government Out Lots 6 and 7.
It was noted the Senators have agreed the City can suggest the appropriate lots to be
leased to the Tribe, and Deputy Mayor Sargent indicated it is important to assure the
area would be south of the road and the Waterfront Trail, with public access to the
beach. Manager Pomeranz expressed concern about the exact location, which was
clarified to be approximately 300 feet each side of the dividing line between Out Lots
6 and7.
It was agreed the Council would travel to Ediz Hook to view the exact site, which
was marked by Public Works staff this afternoon. Therefore, the Council departed
the Council Chambers at approximately 5:05 p.m. and after viewing the designated
area, returned to continue its deliberations.
Councilman Wight noted there are many citizens expressing concern as to the
disposition of Ediz Hook; many share in the opinion that this particular portion of
the proposed legislation should be deleted as it is not relevant to the removal of the
Elwha Dams. If the City Council makes a tacit statement of no objection to this
concept, he is certain the citizens will react in a negative fashion. Councilman Wight
felt the public would want the City to stand firm on the position that this language
does not belong in the Act. To support the concept would require the application of
a rational and reasonable process in determining why this should be accepted by the
City. Councilman Wight suggested consideration of purchasing the land from the
Federal Government.
Discussion followed and Councilman Nicholson pointed out the City would be
obtaining a significant lease extension without having to purchase the property. The
matter of maintenance costs could be a consideration. In terms of the amount of
property to be agreed upon for lease to the Tribe, Councilman Braun suggested the
amount be restricted to 300 feet. In addition, it was agreed the proposed location is
unacceptable in that it includes existing facilities critical to the City. Councilman
Ostrowski viewed the proposed extension of the City's lease to be a positive feature;
however, he agreed the amount of land should be decreased.
In the ensuing discussion, it was agreed the 300 western-most feet of what is now
leased to the Salmon Club could be considered for the Tribe lease. Deputy Mayor
Sargent indicated this issue will be placed on the agenda of the City Council special
meeting already scheduled for June 30. She suggested a map be generated reflecting
the proposed area, as well as the area to be included in the counter proposal. It is
hoped the public will provide input to this matter. Clearly, the Council prefers to
not give up any of Ediz Hook; however, to do so would result in the City's lease
extension of the remainder of the presently leased properties. Councilman Wight
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 25, 1992
Elwha River suggested pros and cons be delineated for consideration at that special meeting.
Ecosystem and
Fisheries Discussion followed with respect to what the Klallam Tribe might place on the
Restoration Act property. It was suggested that staff obtain information as to what is intended on the
(Cont'd) part of the Tribe. The question was raised as to whether the longhouse presently
located at Lincoln Park could be moved to Ediz Hook for cultural purposes.
It was agreed that input would be sought from the Chamber of Commerce and the
members of the public on this issue.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:23 p.m.
Clerk
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