HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to Elwha Klallam Tribe Public Safety Advisory Board �. EES L ORTANG 321 East Fifth Street
W A S H I N G T O N , U . S . Port Angeles, WA 98362
December 18, 2020
Chairwoman Frances Charles
2851 Lower Elwha Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Re: Port Angeles City Council Public Safety Advisory Board Tribal Positions
Dear Chairwoman Charles,
Over the last year, our City Council has had many positive discussions relative to the diversity of our
Public Safety Advisory Board(PSAB). In addition to their own discussions,there has been a number of
requests made by members of the public asking our Council look for opportunities to increase the
diversity of the Board. On September 16,2020, our Council acted on those discussions by adopting an
ordinance that made changes to the composition of the Board. One of those changes specifies that"two
positions,to the extent feasible, shall be for enrolled Tribal members".
Due to the time commitments, finding individuals who are willing to participate on our advisory boards is
often a challenge. It is with great pleasure that I share the City has had increased interest from the
community to participate on the PSAB. In addition,three of our applicants have indicated they are Tribal
members. Those individuals are: Jonathan Arakawa, Jesse Charles, and Joseph Turrey.We are asking
you to consider these individuals for the PSAB. If you have a favorable recommendation,we are asking
that you share this with staff so they can then provide any recommendations made, with our Council.
While we would like to see an appointment made prior to the January 18, 2021 PSAB meeting, we
understand this may not be practical due to the upcoming holidays. However,we hope to hear back as
soon as possible.
We are excited to share this news with you and hope this opportunity will continue to build our
relationship with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.We look forward to having a full Board so they
continue making thoughtful recommendations to our public safety team.
We hope you and your family are well and I wish you a safe holiday season.
Sincerely,
Kate Dexter
Mayor
cc: Nathan A. West, City Manager
Chief Brian Smith,Port Angeles Police Department
Chief Ken Dubuc,Port Angeles Fire Department
Alan Barnard, Chairman, Public Safety Advisory Board