Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am.

Guests:

Christine Loeue, Police Chief Brian Smith, Judith Morris, Mike Doherty, etc.

Minutes:

August 8 minutes accepted.

Announcements:

Beth Rasore, Mike French and Frank Calleti were introduced as new members of PABA.

Plein Air Juried Competition will be held during the week of August 20 – 27 at the Fine Art Center and around the Peninsula.

George B. said the Ride to the Ridge drew hundreds of riders from the County, the Puget Sound area and Canada.

Kaj A. said the PA Forward now has two alternative designs for the Race Street Corridor. Plans include commercial use, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes and wider lanes. The issues of zoning and parking, especially near the Civic Field have to be addressed. Let Kaj know of your feelings and ideas for the plans.

Program

PA City Council Position 3 candidates, Travis Berglund and Kate Dexter, presented reasons they want that position.

Kate, a 7 year resident, with a background in Public Administration and Community Service, said her vision for the community includes affordable housing, revitalization, sustainable economy, street/alley repair and harbor cleanup.

Travis Berglund, a PA native with a background in Finance and Investment Management, stressed importance of PAs natural assets such as Park and Harbor, and a destination college. He says access to an airport is a priority even if it means removing trees from Lincoln Park and he is willing to work with the Port on the prospects. Funding could come from woodcarving contests.

Kate said the natural playscape of the Park should lead to getting more families to use the Park. She thinks Federal and State monies should be sought to pay for park work. She wants an airline but can’t see how the community can support a full time service.

Travis added to not give up yet, but keep the idea of an airline on the list of things that are needed to draw new businesses to the area.  Travis said even though he does not favor fluoride in the City water, he will support the vote of the people.

Kate said the Council needs to represent the people and vote the way of the people.

Travis feels the City needs to work on a five-year plan on Annexation, especially on how to pay for added services.

Kate felt that annexation should start on the east in the Gales Addition area, but infrastructure and service costs need to be addressed.

Both candidates were against Second City Status and feel it only came up with the fluoride issue.

Travis reminded the group that people would not be able to present petitions such as that which started the whole thing in the first place.

Kate said that the Home Rule Status is enough.

Travis felt the plans for the swimming pool might have been too big and too expensive.

Kate felt the expansion and improvements are needed but other items need to be prioritized to see if the existing budget can fund them.

Travis though it was too bad the Skill Center had to close and feels maybe the high school can take over.

Kate felt the center should be brought back when the opportunity for non-traditional careers are possible.

Neither felt the need for background checks when forums can bring out the needed information about candidates.

Travis felt increased taxes hurt many, especially the recent utility taxes. He would vote against any sales tax increases but feels the City should support the school bond issues.

Kate said sales taxes are not always the best option even though residents and tourists have to pay them. City  need to look at its present budget and prioritize things.

Kate thinks the Park, natural beauty, people working together collaboratively are the greatest assets.  The greatest liabilities are affordable housing, and sustainable economic growth.

Travis said the Park, the Port, Marina and Hospital are the city’s greatest assets while the RAIN, aging infrastructure, streets and old pipes are its worst liability.  He would like to see more commercial growth on Race Street.

Kate thinks the City is staying ahead of litigation on the Elwha water supply problem. It could become a costly liability.

Travis says the problem is a business decision and the City cannot afford to take it over. Council should fight for citizens interest and in-house attorneys should be used in case of litigation.

Both felt that all US military veterans – drafted or enlisted – should be honored at the City’s Veterans Park. “All who serve should be honored”. Travis said the Monthly Friday gatherings should be better advertised.

Kate said the opioid problem is a concern of hers and she hopes the Police, Health Network, PA Can and like groups can work together to help reduce the ham to families. She said PA is ahead of other communities.

Travis said there are no easy answers. He is proud of the treatment users are getting in the jail. Community should not rush to criminalize all users enough though many crimes are due to the problem. Town meetings are beneficial.

Kate said the best way to advertise PA is through the softball team, the Ferry and Victoria/PA programs and the casino buses.

Travis said Railroad Avenue should be made one way to the West so people getting off the Ferry have to go through town.

Closing:

Travis said his background as a financial advisor means he knows how to look at investments and how to manage money. He is informed, always reads the whole Council packet, and will look at issues that don’t seem to have answers.

Kate said her background in public administration and management skills, her open-mindedness and willingness to look at zoning an budgets is what she brings to the race.

Upcoming Meeting:

August 22: City Council Position 4

Meeting adjourned at 8:45am.