THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE: WHETHAM EXPRESSES HIS CONCERNS MESSAGE NOT BEEN HEARD...

Thursday, April 21, 2016

WHETHAM EXPRESSES HIS CONCERNS MESSAGE NOT BEEN HEARD...

THAT HE SUPPORTS ELWHA, AND PAPA. BUT DECLINES INTERVIEW WITH THE RIPLEY REPORT.

As the biblical saying goes: Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12

PAPA to lease out the second floor
of old fire hall on South Lincoln.
Picture taken by, Peter Ripley

Perhaps it was out of wanting to get even or pay back for all those negative articles I wrote about Councilman Whetham in the past that made Whetham decline my olive branch to conduct an interview with me on some of these issues that he had some concerns with. I was willing to cut some slack with the guy, and offer an olive branch by doing an interview so he could express his concerns over some key issues.
Now during the city council meeting on Tuesday, during the discussion regarding the lease agreement with PAPA to lease out the second floor of the old fire hall on South Lincoln in a 5-1 vote. Whetham voted against the lease because he expressed concerns that the issue of PAPA's lease agreement wasn't vetted through a public hearing process. He said during the debate he would like to see all groups who may want to lease out the property be given a chance to be heard. He wanted in his words to get the best deal for the community. He also the same method of agreeing to a lease agreement with the Lower Elwha Tribe hadn't been vetted by a public hearing for the Carnegie library, which is next door to the old fire station. Saying though he supports both the Elwha and PAPA leases, he didn't support how the process of those leases were made. He said during the meeting that he would like to see the Real Estate committee be an open forum, rather a closed one. Councilman Dan Gase, mention that all parties who were interested in the leases were shown the properties, and vetted through the Real Estate Committee. He didn't understand Whetham's concerns over the process issues.
Whetham, wasn't the only one expressing concerns over the vetting process, Councilman Mike Merideth, agreed that the leases should go through a public hearing and other groups needed time to chime in, but, he voted in favor of the lease with PAPA.

Whetham pictured here sitting between Council members
Collins, and Gase.
Picture taken by, Peter Ripley

One point during the debate, Whetham expressed his concerns that the "word" wasn't getting out that he supports both groups, and was willing to vote for the leases if they first had a chance to hear from other groups who maybe interested. Because of that he voted against the two leases. Not because as he put it, he didn't want to sound like a hypocrite. After they voted on the issue 5-1 Whetham, voting against, and after they completed the meeting
I approached Whethm and asked for an interview, he declined...So much for my olive branch.

Here are other items that are note worthy:

City agenda item: Lease Agreement 215 South Lincoln (Old Fire Hall)
According to staff memo provided: Summary: On December 4, 2015 the City received a proposal from Peninsula Area Public Access for the lease of 215 South Lincoln (Old Fire Hall Building).
Funding: The lease of the facility would have no cost implications for the City of Port
Angeles. The City will benefit by having occupancy of the building which results in no
further decline or devaluation of this important historic property.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Lease Agreement
and authorize the City Manager to make minor modifications as necessary
Action: Lease agreement passed by a 5-1 vote, Councilman Lee Whetham voting against, on the grounds that the process hasn't been vetted by the public, or a public hearing on the issue hadn't been done.
.

City agenda item: Customer Service Standards Applicable to Cable Television Franchises
According to staff memo: The proposed Cable Customer Service Standards (Standards) are applicable to all entities that provide cable services under a cable franchise in the City of Port Angeles. The Standards are intended to provide basic “rules of the road” related to the interactions between cable franchise holders and residents and users of cable service in Port Angeles.
Action taken: Tabled until PAPA as an opportunity to comment on the proposal, it was suggested by council member Sisi Bruch to hold off in making any decisions on the matter until all cable providers had a say in the matter, she made the motion to postpone, Whetham 2nd the motion.

City agenda Item: Ethics Board (1) Recommendation
according to staff memo: On February 4, 2016, a complaint was filed against Deputy Mayor
Cherie Kidd alleging she had violated the City’s Code of Ethical Conduct as outlined in Chapter
2.78 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code. On February 16, 2016, Council chose three members
from a pre-approved pool of applicants to receive, investigate and make recommendations for
disposition of the complaint. Board (1) has completed its review and forwarded its findings and
recommendation to Council. In accordance with PAMC 2.78.080, the recommendation of the
Board of Ethics shall be subject to review by the City Council.
Action taken: Postpone action until legal issues are resolved.

(see agenda packet of last city council meeting}

Related news article: Port Angeles City Council delays decision on admonishment of Deputy Mayor Cherie Kidd---PDN
Quote from the article Posted: "The legal questions were raised by second ethics board Chairman Ken Williams, a retired Clallam County Superior Court judge. Williams said Wednesday his concerns are related to the unconstitutional and continuing double jeopardy that could be inflicted upon people who are targets of successive, identical ethics complaints."

While the admonishment is put on hold the second ethic's committee reschedules their meeting according to the press release issued by the city.
Press release regarding next ethics board meeting: Notice of Rescheduled Meeting - Board (2) of Ethics
NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED MEETING BOARD (2) OF ETHICS
Notice is hereby given that the Board (2) of Ethics meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2016, has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street. The meeting is open to the public.
Jennifer Veneklasen, City Clerk | Public Records Officer

County Commission agenda item: Consideration of amending Clallam County Policy 950 – Veterans’ Assistance
Action: Postpone until budgetary issues are resolved.

Related news article:
Clallam tables changes to veterans assistance policy---PDN
Quote from the article posted: County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis raised an array of concerns about the proposal in a public hearing Tuesday, including budgetary impacts and administrative oversight of the veterans relief fund.

In other local news...

CRTC PRESS RELEASE: Composite Recycling Technology Center Expands Board Of Directors,
Robert Larsen Named CEO Leadership Added As The CRTC Continues To Grow

See their home page: http://www.compositerecycling.org/

Editor's Note: The press release which was posted on the CRTC webpage, also appeared on the Port O Call webpage. Under the same headline. There was no commentary regarding the appointment on the Port O Call webpage: http://portocallpublishing.com/2016/04/composite-recycling-technology-center-expands-board-of-directors-robert-larsen-named-ceo/
I, on the other hand wish Mr. Larson all the best, and hope this will generate much needed employment opportunities for the community.
another related story: Composite Recycling Technology Center CEO: Port Angeles facility on verge of announcements---PDN

Star of Ax Men; television show from Port Angeles eyes commissioner seat---PDN
quote from article posted: Rygaard said Friday he will run as a Republican for the District 2 commissioner seat being vacated by Mike Chapman, who plans to run for a 24th Legislative District seat as a Democrat.

Editorial Note: Looks like Roth is heading for a primary after all. However, one must wonder if this guy is going to treat his service to the county as a part time gig. Rather putting full time to it. According to the article is sure sounds like that's the case here. So what does this mean if he is elected, and his TV show about logging, continues, he will treat serving as a commissioner as a reality show? Or not attend meetings when he is out filming the program?
I hadn't met Rygaard, personally, but would like a chance to interview and ask questions.

Clallam commissioners get Cascadia Rising drill update amid spate of Pacific Rim quakes---PDN

Interviews for Port of Port Angeles' director search point to 'fragile' connections to community--PDN

Five years later, a laundry list remains for downtown plan--SEQUIM GAZETTE

Clallam County District II Court Report---FORKS FORUM

Tribe says Brinnon resort threatens treaty rights
County hosts tribe, facilitates dialogue with applicant---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Wildlife officer who spared bear cubs denied return to job--TIMES COLONIST, Victoria BC

‘I can’t afford a bus’: clawback of disability benefits sparks ...---TIMES COLONIST/ Victoria BC

CRD looks for ways to benefit from sewage sludge---TIMES COLONIST

Big-city mayors see themselves at heart of issues closest to people---VICTORIA NEWS/ Victoria BC

NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON DC