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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07222025 CC MinutesCITY OF PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Port Angeles, Washington July 22, 2025 This meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting. CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Dexter called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order at 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Mayor Dexter, Deputy Mayor Carr, Council Members Schromen-Wawrin (attending virtually), Schwab, and Suggs. Members Absent: Council member Miller and one vacancy. Staff Present: City Manager West, Deputy City Manager Goings, Attorney Bloor, Clerk Martinez -Bailey, S. Curtin, M. Young, S. Cartmel, B. Braudrick, and C. Bornsworth. Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe Chairwoman Frances Charles read a statement regarding the Rayonier issue, spoke about the upcoming canoe journey and welcomed all to participate in the celebration. Manager West recognized participants, reminded Council this would be the final opportunity for Council to provide Council -approved comments to the Department of Ecology related to the interim cleanup action plan. Manager West reminded Council of the August 12 comment deadline and stated it was critically important that the City provide feedback that best respects the needs and outcomes desired by our local community. Manager West reviewed the meeting agenda and stated the meeting would provide an opportunity to hear a variety of views from local stakeholders, experts, and community members. Manager West stated that as a city, we have long wanted to see a permanent solution that provides complete cleanup to the highest standard and that it has been repeatedly communicated that we expect a timely cleanup. He added that the meeting would be recorded and that interested persons could attend virtually or watch on Webex or YouTube. He stated that presentations would follow, and then there would be time for questions and answers. Council member Schromen-Wawrin made a Point of Personal Privilege, spoke to a conflict that would affect his attendance during a portion of the meeting, and added he would return later when action was planned to take place. Council member Schromen-Wawrin then logged out of the meeting. C. Rayonier Community Forum 1. Natural Resources & Grant Administrator Courtney Bornsworth provided a presentation on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, specifically on the results of the community survey regarding the Rayonier Mill site. Question and answers followed. 2. Olympic Environmental Council Member Darlene Schanfald provided a presentation on their involvement in the cleanup over the years. 3. Robbie Mantooth, a member of Friends of Ennis Creek, provided a presentation on the importance of Ennis Creek to the community. 4. Integral Consulting Consultant Nicole Ott presented findings on the 2025 Rayonier Interim Action Report Volume IV: Action Plan. Following the presentation, Manager West shared staff s recommendation that the Council direct staff to submit comments to the Department of Ecology requesting a complete, timely and high -quality cleanup of the Rayonier site, including a request that Ecology select disproportionate cost analysis alternative five. PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING — July 22, 2025 Hearing this recommendation, Carr moved the recommendation and Suggs seconded the motion to: Direct staff to submit comments to Department of Ecology requesting a complete, timely and high -quality cleanup of the Rayonier site, including a request that Ecology select disproportionate cost analysis alternative 5. Point of Order by Schwab. The Mayor recognized that there were members in the audience and online prepared to ask questions and provide comments. It was moved by Suggs and seconded by Carr to: Postpone the vote until the completion of public comment, but no later than 7:30 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. Schromen-Wawrin was not in attendance at the time of the vote. The Mayor recessed the meeting for a break at 6:16 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:21 p.m. D. Community Q&A The Mayor spoke to the public comment and question period. Jim Sherman, residing outside the city, stated he was in support of option 5. John (last name unclear), residing outside the city, provided comments in support of the cleanup action. Sue (last name unclear), city resident, asked a question. Sam Grello, city resident, stated he was in support of option 5. Georgia (last name unclear), stated she was in support of option 5. Linda Nutter, city resident, spoke about the options. Timothy (last name unclear), made suggestions on a new option not presented that evening. Noah Brady, city resident, stated he was in support of option 5. Paul Gottlieb, city resident, asked questions about the options. Ellen Menshew, residing outside the city and on behalf of the Clallam County Democrats, stated she was in support of option 5. Cherie Kidd, city resident, stated she was in support of option 5. Ralph Davisson, city resident, stated he was in support of option 5. Kelly Johnson, city resident, stated she was in support of option 5. Becky Winn, city resident, stated she was in support of option 5. Recognizing there were no other members of the public online or in the room who wished to speak, the Mayor turned the meeting over to Manager West to address questions asked by the public. Manager West addressed questions asked by members in the audience. Council member Schromen-Wawrin rejoined the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Page 2 of 3 PORT ANGELES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING — July 22, 2025 E. Council Discussion / Potential Action Council comments and discussion followed. Council returned to the motion postponed earlier in the meeting that was made by Carr and seconded by Suggs to: Direct staff to submit comments to the Department of Ecology requesting a complete, timely and high -quality cleanup of the Rayonier site, including a request that Ecology select disproportionate cost analysis alternative 5. The motion carried 5-0. F. Adjournment Seeing that all items on the Special Meeting agenda had been addressed, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Kate dexter, Mayor Minutes were approved on: S 1 g 'P_0 g 5- Page 3 of 3 R A Kari Martinez -Bailey, City C