HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05/14/2015 PORT ANGELES FORWARD COMMITTEE
PITTIS MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ROOM / Port Angeles, Washington
May 14, 2015
Mission Statement:
To create a strong, economically and culturally vibrant community_
that will enhance the lives of our citizens.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Downie opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Patrick Downie, Mark Ohman, Jim Jones, George Bergner, Sherry Curran,
Mary Sue French, Edna Petersen, Charlie Smith
Members Absent: Jim Hallett, Bill Greenwood, Ted Simpson, Andrew Schwab, Mike
Edwards, Cherie Kidd, Kaj Ahlburg, Larry Morris, Wendy Clark-Getzen
Staff Present: Nathan West, Scott Johns
Others Present: None
Public Present: None
Approval of Minutes
The April Meeting minutes were approved as presented.
Late Items
George Bergner asked to include a report on the Lincoln Theatre. Vice Chair Downie agreed.
Old Business
Mark Ohman provided an update on the Revitalize Port Angeles efforts for the 'Beautify P. A. in
May' project. The project has resulted in the painting of the Laurel Street stairway and several
other structures in and around the downtown area.
Nathan West, Director of Community and Economic Development Department presented a list of
item the City is taking responsibility for as part of the project, including a Council proclamation,
press release, a blanket right-of-way use permit for all project related work, providing supplies for
the Laurel Street stairs, painting of curbs, seal coating of two parking lots, and extra alley
sweeping. Other items will include reinstituting the downtown resource officer, instituting a
program to reduce "dumpster diving" and ramping-up management of weeds in public rights-of-
way.
Edna Peterson discussed the notebook that she had kept from the 'Paint the Town'project of a few
years ago. Mark Ohman was very gracious and thanked Edna and others involved in that project
for keeping good records and notes. It has helped smooth the way for the current project. Mark
also indicated that he hopes to expand the project in future years and include neighborhoods and
private residential properties as well.
A number of points were made regarding support from the community, the effect of quick
response to graffiti, and upcoming projects that will enhance the visual nature of the city.
George Bergner reported on bicycling issues that have been occurring in the area. The City's
police chief has acquired 300 bike helmets that will be donated to young bicyclists through the
YMCA and PA Likes Bikes. Mr. Bergner attended the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon where
Port Angeles Forward Committee
Meeting Minutes for May 14,2015
Kevin Dayton of Washington Department of Transportation, Wendy Clark-Getzen of Clallam
Transit, and Barbara Chamberlin, Executive Director of Washington Bicycle Association led the
discussion on improving bicycle activity in Port Angeles.
Bergner announced that Washington has been rated as #1 in the nation as a bicycle community for
the 8`" time in 8 years. He also discussed the idea of adding a large portion of trail to the existing
Olympic Discovery Trail to move towards an Olympic Peninsula Loop trail that was discussed at
the recent Peninsula Trails Coalition meeting.
Bicycle supporters will be traveling to Victoria in June to visit 25 bicycle shops where
informational brochures about "Ride the Hurricane" and the Crab Festival will be left for
distribution.
Mr. Bergner then gave a brief report on the acquisition of the Lincoln Theatre. He stated that the
effort is close to having collected the amount being asked for the property, being approximately
$60,000 short at this time. Efforts are ongoing with fund raising events planned in the near future.
Nathan West provided an update on the waterfront project occurring in the downtown area. He
briefly explained the funding difficulties created by permitting issues and timing. Edna Peterson
questioned Mr. West on some budget specifics for clarification.
An opportunity grant from Clallam County of approximately $285,000 has allowed the project to
move forward with all of the features being fully funded. Thanks to the County and Jim Jones for
their support was expressed by all.
Mr. Jones discussed the status of the current County Commission and that they had decided to
move in the direction of more spending of opportunity funds for community project, which
seemed to have a positive effect on the community but that Commissioners were only hearing
negative comments about the spending.
Member reports:
Charles Smith indicated that he is working on another Facade improvement project.
Sherry Curran indicated that the Tribe is taking on the visual improvement of the "bunker" at the
top of the bluff overlooking the Elwha River.
George Bergner announced that Family Medicine of Port Angeles has become a nonprofit and will
be expanding to create a potential for 4,300 new patients. As part of that expansion, a $700,000
grant has been obtained to establish a medical residency program.
Nathan West discussed community air service into Seattle and possibly Portland. Letters of
support have been solicited but as yet, only 15 letters have been generated.
Mary Sue French discussed the alteration of the ODT through the Nippon site as part of the
installation of new truck scales. The trail realignment should be complete by June. She also
reminded the group that the Chamber is still seeking volunteers for the cruise ship visit this
weekend.
Edna Peterson indicated who the next speakers at the weekly Port Angeles Business Association
meetings will be.
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Port Angeles Forward Committee
Meeting Minutes for May 14,2015
Jim Jones discussed the County Court House renovation taking place for this year's 100`"
anniversary of the building.
Adiournment
Vice Chair Downie adjourned the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Next Meeting Date
Next regular meeting date—June 11, 2015, at 7:30 a.m. in the Pittis Confer ce Room.
7lick Downie, Vice Chair ''Scott Johns, Se etar
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