Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Matthew Rainwater at 7:30am. Mike Chapman led the flag salute.

Guests:

Greg Madson (Blyn Resident), Sam (Volunteer Captain Joseph House Foundation), Jodi Wilke (Port Townsend)

Minutes:

Andrew May moved to accept March 27 minutes, Jon Fager seconded. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Sam Phillips is selling $10 Rotary Raffle Tickets, win $2K or $1K.

Special board meeting immediately following this meeting.

Peggy Norris gave the quote of the day.

Jon Fager moved to extend today’s meeting by up to 15 minutes, Brian G. seconded. Motion passed.

Program:  Mike Chapman, State Representative

19th year addressing PABA. 28th consecutive year of public service. Glad to see younger people getting involved.

Accomplishments discussed:  funded McCleary, property tax will be reduced some time next year, WA is the first state in the nation for drug take back program, net neutrality has been preserved, no fees when freezing a customer’s account due to breach, we are a pay equality leader, better access to mammograms, expanded kids “After Dinner Bell” program as part of funding education, Hoh turn lane, ensured rural healthcare plan, helped the Natural Resources Center in Forks, worked on thinning projects in forest plan.

Biggest disappointment: paper/pulp tax break for credit for hydro as clean power, this law would have required no carbon generated power by 2045 and created a path for new hydro. Another bill would have given manufacturing companies a tax break.

Will a carbon tax come back? Voters turned it down so it’s 50/50 if the conversation renews next session, unless timber pushes for legislation, it won’t likely come back.

RE: B&O tax. He is working towards  $5K tax credit for small businesses.

8th St. Bridges, William Shore Pool, Captain Joseph House, VIMO, all thank you’s by Cheri Kidd, plus funding the nursing program at Peninsula College.

Top few things to keep an eye on coming up – access to healthcare, mental health challenges, affordable housing. Rural tax breaks and property tax reductions he will continue to push.

B&O tax is an income tax for business – he’ll push for small business breaks.

Concern on China’s tariffs for local agriculture? WA cold lose a lot as China consumes much of our natural resources.

DNR has elected a commissioner. The role for legislature is to set up an oversight committee for DNR and marbled murellet protection.

Secretary of State is making sure cyber security is not an issue.

No legislators were on marbled advisory committee. Why? They felt stakeholders should take preference and be bipartisan, and it wouldn’t have been a public process. The elected official of public lands will make final decision.

An increase in oil transport fee will include oil coming from Canada. A lot more tankers will be seen.

What can be done about recreational salmon fishing? Increased funding for hatcheries, commercial fisheries are included in the discussion for their allotment. Habitat restoration projects have been improved by local timber companies.

There is a Community College bill where businesses can put money in for specific  training and funds will be matched. Sierra Pacific and Green Crow supported it. Students can apply for scholarships in specific trades.

Upcoming Meeting:

Apr 10: Steve Tharinger, State Representative
Apr 17: Matt Acker, Owner Lefties Baseball

Meeting adjourned at 8:33am.