HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08/13/2015 PORT ANGELES FORWARD COMMITTEE
PITTIS MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ROOM / Port Angeles, Washington
August 13, 2015
Mission Statement:
To create a strong, economically and culturally vibrant community
that will enhance the lives of our citizens.
CALL TO ORDER: Patrick Downie opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Patrick Downie, Mark Ohman, George Bergner, Sherry Curran, MarySue
French, Wendy Clark-Getzen, Mike Edwards, Mellissa Williams (arrived at
8:00)
Members Absent: Cherie Kidd, Jim Jones, Jim Hallett, Ted Simpson, Bill Greenwood, Kaj
Ahlburg, Larry Morris, Charlie Smith
Staff Present: Nathan West, Scott Johns
Others Present: None
Public Present: None
Approval of Minutes
The June Meeting minutes were approved as presented.
Late Items
No late items were introduced.
Old Business
Pat Downie mentioned that Nathan West had been on television (KING 5) in association with new
businesses locating in Port Angeles. Mr. West indicated that the article focus had been more on
Jim Moran than himself and thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their participation in
advancing the City's image. A number of positive local factors were mentioned about Port
Angeles,
Nathan West provided an update on the waterfront project. The concrete work is on schedule.
The funding issue with Clallam County is still unsettled and the project timing is being affected.
The City and County are still working towards resolution. In the mean time, project funds are
being diverted from the landscape fund to the completion of hard infrastructure. Landscaping is
being delayed due to the drought conditions, so there in no anticipated loss at this time. An
opening ceremony is still scheduled for September 5, 2015.
Mike Edwards asked what percentage of the funding was being affected by the County funding
issue. Mr. West indicated that it was less than 5% of the project budget. Mr. Edwards also asked
Mr. West what the status of the proposes way-finding project is. That project is still in the Capital
Facilities Plan, but has been moved to a "parking lot" for unfunded projects until specific funding
is identified. It was estimated by Mr. West that the amount to complete the entire way-finding
project would be around $300,000, but the project could be completed incrementally.
Mary Sue French indicated that she had experienced a busy evening in downtown the previous
night with concerts and meetings occurring. She mentioned that the back-in parking at the
waterfront project had been taken up by large pick-up trucks parked incorrectly and resulting in
Port Angeles Forward Committee
Meeting Minutes for August 13, 2015
some traffic conflicts. Several members joined in the resulting discussion on that issue. It was
suggested that possibly the PDN might be asked to publish an article on the issue to keep people
thinking about it and understanding the correct method to use those spaces.
George Bergner provided a summary of the many things that PA Likes Bikes have been doing and
plans for more bike racks in downtown, bicycle activities that will be incorporated with the
upcoming Crab Festival, and other methods to involve more people. He also reported on the
successes that have occurred with recent bicycle events. A proposed draft loge was presented and
discussed among the group.
The PA Likes Bikes group is working on an idea of creating a bicycle service center somewhere
in downtown, near the Gateway Center. They have also been asked to host a table at the
Washington Bikes upcoming conference. The group is also working with entities on the west end
of the peninsula to enhance and complete a bicycle friendly corridor through the Olympic
Peninsula. Several member comments were added to the conversation.
Mr. Bergner pointed out that there is still a gap in obtaining metrics on the number and
demographics of bicycle riders in the area. The lack of metrics will affect the ability to receive
grants in the future. Several suggestion were made regarding counting of riders.
Mr. West introduced the topic of representation to the Lodging Tax Committee. Mike Edwards
has been the representative from PA Forward, however, the appointments expire in February and
need to be reappointed. A formal motion to reappoint Mr. Edwards was made by George Bergner
and seconded by Mark Ohman. After a short discussion, the motion carried unanimously. It was
pointed out that there were other open positions on the Lodging Tax Committee if anyone were
interested in sitting on the committee.
Mr. Downie brought up the recent International Conference Of Shopping Centers that he and Mr.
West attended. The conference was attended by approximately 400 commercial real estate
developers and provided an opportunity for them to market Port Angeles in a positive wady. He
also reported that a development corporation has shown interest in the vacant corner at 8t and
Lincoln. Overall it was a very positive experience.
Mr. Downie then discussed a locally driven murals project that was on-track to create two new
murals, one in the downtown and one on the east end of Front Street.
Member reports:
None
Adiournment
Vice Chair Downie adjourned the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Next Meeting Date
Next regular meeting date—September 10, 2015, at 7:30 a.m. in the Pittis Conference Room.
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Patrick Downie, Vice Chair -'Scott Johns, ec r
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