Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Matthew Rainwater at 7:30am.

Minutes:

Jack G. moved to approve Jan. 23 and 30 minutes. Second by John Brewer. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Allyson Brekke and Colleen Robinson announced “Love Your Block” Feb 24, similar to Rally in the Alley to be held in the neighborhood at Lauridsen & Hwy. 101. Sign up at habitat.org.

Membership dues are due at $70.

Matthew announced Pennies for Quarters is again searching for land due to a bump clause in the current contract.

Program:
Nathan West, City of Port Angeles: Their goal is strike a balance.

Environmental: Limited land base, harbor cleanup, shoreline access, restoration of creek corridors, quality of life depends on respecting environment. They work with a stewardship approach for the shoreline master program, storm water program, keeping development away from sensitive areas, and education by local entities to youth. Puget Soundkeeper & WA Environmental Council chose Port Angeles as one of 12 jurisdictions in WA receiving 5 of 5 in footprint care in building.

Social: Housing, homeless, substance abuse (nationwide issues), poverty, mental health. 132 new housing permits in 2016/17. Development exceeds the rate of population growth. Improved awareness capacity and capability among active community leaders helps. Municipal code changes have been made: ADUs, med/high density zones amended to increase 1160sf in those zones, flexible development options by adding overlays.

Economic: There is leakage – need to use local supply chain/choose local. Hiring disconnect, median wage needs to rise, trade training and private sector projects needed, issues more unique to rural areas. Clallam Job Fair – March 21, outreach to all major employers. Angeles Millworks & Airborne ECS dedicated to improving wages. 4% decrease in unemployment. 35-50 certificates of occupancy annually for the past few years. 83% are new businesses. $26M in new construction value. 767 permits given in 2017. COO’s: Mostly small scale private office/consulting, unique businesses. This is the 6th record year of tourism. October had received revenue of $138k. December had a 45% increase over the 5 year average.

Positive Community:  Airborne, Habitat, Mt. Angeles View, TAFY, business organizations working together. Facade improvement program is being used, 45 grants since 2009. $871K in property value investment.

Q: Why didn’t the city extend sewer to Monroe?
A: Land can’t be developed there. Possibility of a cooperative approach with multiple property owners per Nathan? It’s outside city limits.

Q: Will there be east/west growth; when and if? Annexation?
A: They will take time with the new council members. Presently not in the 2018 work plan, a great deal of work within jurisdiction to be done. Not within few years.

Q: Harbor cleanup?
A: The City wants finality and are committed to progress. Remaining 40% waterfront improvement project is dependent on funding and grant opportunities, but will continue with pier improvements, etc.

Q: Ediz Hook?
A: Groups can take it upon themselves to improve the value of the experience, City has buildings they need to improve. Feedback is a strong desire for more utilization.

Q: Tribe Hotel?
A: They’re doing their due diligence. Nathan is confident they are moving forward.

Q: How do organization know about each other?
A: City know we have many resources, they play a part.

Q: Does the City have an earthquake plan?
A: Emergency operations plan will be supplemented with a continuity plan.

Red Lion has been purchased by a big player in the hotel industry.

Q: Affordable vs Attainable?
A: Affordable is more the federal definition of lower cost options. Attainable housing is for our standard workforce. They recognize a need and have to understand the reality on the ground.

Q: Why are they unoccupied? What are the facts?
A: City is progressing slowly with condemning properties, they don’t enjoy doing it. Result of years of staff resources to get one owner to turn around a situation. Fines, court not successful. He hopes it’s not used often.

Q: Rayonier?
A: A highlight is the trail through the site, no longer have css overflow there.

Q: Ennis Creek?
A: About 10 entities cam together for restoration plans, no funding yet. 1/3% per year anticipate growth – he thinks this will change as awareness of Port Angeles increases. Increased questions are coming in at the city.

Nathan’s full Powerpoint presentation can be found on the City of Port Angeles website.

Upcoming Meeting:

Feb 13: Courtney Nestler, Social Media for your business
Feb 20:  No meeting, day after President’s Day
Feb 27: Dan Gase, Airport Update

Meeting adjourned at 8:25am.