Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:30am. Barb led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Jack moved to accept July 9 meeting minutes, seconded by Jon. Motion passed.

Guests:

Barb, Navarra Carr, Charlie McCaughan, Ann Marie’s son, Pamela Hastings, Maury Modine

Announcements:

Kiwanis Thursday is Sheriff Bill Benedict

22nd Annual Corn Roast is August 4

Annual Long Rifle Rendezvous is July 26 & 27

Saturday, 10am-3pm is Edna’s Garage Sale at the old Fanaticus

Boys & Girls Club is the charity at Olympic Cellars’ Saturday concert

Sequim Assoc of Realtors has a golf tournament Friday at 7 Cedars to benefit kids’ sports

Program:  Brendan Myer, Martha Cunningham

Annexation to UGA and helping schools:

Martha said change happens, it needs to be managed in a reasonable way and follow the plan. It’s going to happen. City Council can’t govern schools.

Brendan is against annexation, police are already spread thin and they need to fix the density now. He would listen to schools.

Martha added the. need to follow the GMA and to bring in light industries.

Keeping a reserve fund for general fund at 25%:

Brendan would limit the reserve for infrastructure projects needed.

Martha said PA needs to be viable and 25% is prudent, projects could be funded by a different entity and reserves are needed for emergency.

Lincoln Park trees:

Martha said they have to go, the airport is needed for emergencies.

Brendan agreed and suggested planting slower growing trees and would hold a tree summit.

Both candidates said city pier railings are of high priority.

Increasing city sales tax for housing:

Martha said it’s a small matching sales tax towards low cost housing which is needed. Using opportunity zones are a possibility.

Brendan said a better way is to address zoning, he’s not 100% for the tax.

Impediments to housing:

Martha said restrictions and $36k for permits, zoning.

Brendan said limited space, need for increased density, and regulations.

Day jobs causing recusal and relating with staff:

Brendan is self-employed in advertising & marketing. He’s a communicative person, easy to talk to.

Martha is semi-retired, editor, court advocate for children. Neither should have to recuse themselves. She believes in letting staff do their job.

Brendan wants further transparency and to stream council meetings as they’re doing good things.

Railroad Avenue designated as a gateway:

Brendan said it should be prioritized.

Martha said she would look at it.

Making the city safer in light of the addiction problem:

Brendan talked about collaboration and working with other counties and cities. It’s not required for municipalities to provide drug rehab, but it’s a moral thing. Something needs to be done and we could share the effort to get people clean.

Martha said it’s the city’s responsibility. Jail time and hospital stays are a drain, and it is interconnected with housing. MAT will address the problem and we should support ReDiscover and more programs that already exist.

Brendan added police needs more officers.

Red light cameras:

Martha does not support due to cost and that people get savvy to them.

Brendan is 100% against.

Decision making process:

Brendan uses facts.

Martha looks at legal framework and researches similar cities.

Housing downtown:

Brendan would like to see mixed use downtown and a change to height restrictions.

Martha would like to see multi-use buildings.

Parking:

Brendan said get rid of one bike lane, he would agree with changing the lanes.

Martha would leave it up to the planning department.

Brendan added we need more parking, grant money is available if we increase population.

Martha added the need for parking garages.

Brendan would support a new parking structure.

Martha said it’s a long term investment that is needed.

Climate change:

Martha said city council has an action plan as part of the comprehensive plan. They always need to adapt.

Brendan doesn’t know what city council can do.

Martha added we have a minimal effect on climate change, it has to be a world effort. WA is one of the cleanest states there is. Pollution is different from climate change.

Brendan added yes, there is an effect, you must use facts.

Disaster Plan:

Brendan said Chief Dubuc has 3 pods planned, unfunded generators and a radio tower. We have to be prepared.

Martha agrees with combining resources with the county, supports citizen training, and Map Your Neighborhood.

Fragmented local government and having a shared set of goals:

Martha will fight I-5 mandates and will attack regulations that stop us from thriving. She has lobbied in Olympia.

Brendan said entrepreneurism is an important driver of economy and we should make it easier to start a business.

Closing Comments By Candidates

Carol announced the CEO of Composite Recycling Technology Center is next week’s presentation.

Meeting adjourned at 8:41am.