Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Nathan West led the flag salute.  President John asked for a moment of silence in memory of past PABA President, Don Perry.

Minutes

Jack Glaubert moved and Mathew Rainwater seconded acceptance of minutes for Motion carried.

(Note: Nathan West later–to me–corrected statement (October 18th Board Meeting) about “city is not  in good standing with Rayonier”.  This has to do with the Rayonier Train engine across from the Library and Jefferson School. He said the city is in good standing with Rayonier and Rayonier in fact  has suggested several  places to check for help.)

Announcements

Composite Center is having an open house today from 4:30 to 7;30 at the Center. John read a letter from Robert Larsen about a possible contract of $1.73 million with the Clean Energy Fund 2. The Center now has 10 employees with hope to soon hire more.

Open Business Meeting

Jim McEntire discussed the spread sheet he handed out. (Clallam County Taxing Districts Overall Timber Revenue Shortfall Estimate). He said money from the Federal Government is usually offset by monies from the State.  This might be put off for the time being.  There is a possibility that the County can keep what DNR makes in the County. There is 16% that has been left on the table.  Clallam has the most trust lands, in State, managed by DNR. Timber rich school districts are hurt the most. Debts can be paid first and then rest of money goes into the general fund.  Privately held land have an excise tax of 5%. State gets one percent of that and  four percent goes to the districts with bonded and conscripted debt. School Districts have the right to decide if they want to pay all the debt at one time. McCleary could be funded if more than 2% of $12 billion was available.

What can PABA do?  Jim suggested that representatives meet with taxing districts to explain the White paper.  PABA Treasurer, Jon Fager handed out updated copies of the budget and said there is some reserve there. Mathew Rainwater moved and Richard Chambers seconded that PABA spent $800.00 to:

1. Have a meeting with School Districts, Chamber, and all taxing districts to discuss the White Paper, ($500.00) and
2. Place an ad in the PDN to communicate all that PABA does (300.00)

Motion Carried.

Jim said:

1. The DNR will be coming out with an EIS by the end of the year so comments will be needed from PABA;
2. Legislative Alliance such as NOLA will be a help in Olympia, and
3. Advocacy for higher number of arrearage is vital.

Harry Bell suggested a 4th item and that is the importance of attending meetings in Olympia since there are  some groups  that would  like to decrease amount of harvest.

Kaj Ahlburg reported on recent WIRA lawsuit saying that Judge Taber let an earlier ruling from the Department of Ecology stand.  Future appeals will be made to the State Supreme Court.

Marine Center, Discovery Trail, Hollywood Beach, etc. and Parking. City does not have anything in budget but grants might help. It is felt that Center can be expanded by adding a second floor. An expanded building will increase, not decrease, the amount of parking needed. City will continue to work with all groups involved. Community should let City know how they feel. Comments were made about poor condition of Railroad Avenue and about lack of public toilets.

Nathan West said a Storm Water public hearing and consideration by the City will be on December 6th and 20th.

Guest Speaker on Nov 8: Mark Nichols, Prosecuting Attorney.

Meeting adjourned.