Meeting Minutes

President John Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:30am.  Dale Wilson led the flag salute which was followed by the quote of the day and the reading and approval of the minutes for last week.  Guests included: Matt and Amy Miller, Kathryn MacGeraghty and Randall Foster.

Treasurer Jon reported the Association now has 52 paid members.

Announcements

Edna said the Coho Welcome Home Event, on March 5, has added a welcome dance from the Makah, coverage by KONP, and the playing of the United States and Canadian National anthems.

Committee Reports:

PA Forward: Kaj said he would report on the results of a questionnaire that the group has put out.

Chamber:  Andrew said the new directory has concerns about, and thus is working on, the Chamber’s financial statements.  He reported that since the Chamber would be meeting only once a month, that leaves it to PABA to be the only business interested organization around.

Next meeting will feature:  retiring Port Angeles Police Chief, Terry Gallagher.

Program

Port Angeles City Attorney, Bill Bloor, addressed the issue of what would happen if Port Angeles went back to a Second Class City.  The change would require a petition, an election in November 2017 and adopting the new status in 2018.  New RCW rules would apply even though a new city council would not be needed and local citizens would have no more or less authority than they do now.

Attorney Bloor explained the Dillon Rule, named after an 1800 judge.  That rules said the State Legislature, not the local citizens, could dictate who governs.  Washington State adopted the rule which applies to all except First Class Cities.  In 1966 most of the cities abandoned that rule for more local, practical rules and therefore, make their own decisions.  Losing home rule for the citizens does not help anyone no matter what side of the issue they take.

Q & A Period

Why all the confusion?  Petition vs Initiative vs Referendum, Home Rule vs Code vs Charter. Bonding vs Grants.

Meeting adjourned at 8:33am.