WILL CONSIDER OPTIONS REGARDING FLUORIDE...
They are not exactly known as the Fab Four, but the f4 along with the rest of the City Council will consider options regarding their ignoring the will of the majority of area voters who voted in their "advisory poll" to stop the practice of adding fluoride to the local water system. Since that time they have been met be harsh criticism from the media and angry local residents.
From a staff memo from the city council agenda packet:
The City of Port Angeles is contractually obligated to continue fluoridation of the
municipal water supply until May 18, 2016. After considering three sources of guidance, which
included an advisory poll, the Council voted on December 15 to continue community water
fluoridation. At its next meeting, on January 5, Council listened to and considered comments
from numerous citizens who disagreed with the determination to continue fluoridation. The
disagreement, in large part, arose because the results of the advisory poll were not used as the
basis for the Council’s decision. Acknowledging the concerns expressed, Council chose to
continue discussion of water fluoridation at its January 19 meeting. Council also directed staff to bring forward options for consideration.
Options:
City staff selected five options to present for Council’s consideration. Staff believe these options
reflect the range of actions that might be taken. Each option includes estimated costs. Staff
chose not to include advantages and disadvantages because we realize this information is
subjective. For example, what one person might see as an advantage could be viewed by another as a disadvantage.
1. Continue water fluoridation until June 30, 2026, as approved by Council on December 15.
Costs: Approximately $20,000 per year for the next 10 years. Does not include capital
replacement costs of associated infrastructure.
2. Continue municipal water fluoridation, but provide $100 offset per home towards the
purchase of a water filtration system.
Costs: If approximately 2,200 water customers were to take advantage of this one-time
offset, cost to the City would be approximately $220,000, most likely incurred in a one to
two year period. The significant, unbudgeted cost to the City would likely increase water
utility rates for multiple years. This cost does not factor in new water utility customers who
may wish to take advantage of the offset in future years.
3. Discontinue fluoridation of the municipal water supply after May 18, 2016.
Costs: None. Savings go to the water utility.
4. Arrange for an official advisory vote of registered voters during the next General Election.
Costs: Based on information provided by the County, costs to add an advisory vote to the
General Election ballot is estimated to be between $4,000 and $8,000. Costs vary depending
on the total number of offices and measures on the ballot.
5. Stop fluoridation of the municipal water supply after May 18, 2016, and replace it with an
Oral Health Care Initiative. The City, in cooperation with other local agencies, would join to
create an initiative that would target the underserved populations of Port Angeles,
particularly children and adolescents.
Costs: Up to $40,000 per year for the next 10 years. This option could direct the estimated
$20,000/year that the City spends on fluoridation, plus a matching $20,000 to fund the Oral
Health Care Initiative. The second $20,000 could be used in the form of matching grants
from the City as an incentive to leverage community-driven solutions and resources for this
community problem. The City’s contribution would have to be provided by the General
Fund. The Water Utility would see an expenditure reduction of $20,000, or a potential rate
reduction of approximately 0.4%. ref. city council agenda packet starting on page I-1
Full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2758
Editorial comment: I dare say if the four council members who voted to continue will fluoridation actually listen to the will of the majority of the people who voted down the practice of adding fluoride in the first place none of this would be happening.
(see what else is on tap for next week.....)
In other local news headlines...
Divided Port Angeles port commission considers meeting Fridays
Quote:" McAleer said she has a full-time job that keeps me traveling in Olympia and Seattle and across the state Monday through Thursday, so Friday does work well. Beauvais said she also has a full-time job that keeps her busy during other workdays and that Fridays would be a good time for her to meet as well. Hallett questioned whether the change is simply for the convenience of both Beauvais and McAleer. It is my understanding this is being done primarily to accommodate your personal work schedules, he said." ---Peninsula Daily News
* I attended this meeting on Tuesday, what got me that the media was made as an excuse for the change of all things! Port Commissioner McAleer mentioned the media's complaining about the Tuesday's meetings. Since when a government body, arrange meeting schedules at the whims of the media?
Port of Port Angeles mulls buying Second Street property ---PDN
Clallam holds off on naming Port Angeles representative to timber committee; council member asks for time to hold discussion
Quote: "Again, I ask that you postpone the actual name and keep our spot open at the table for future discussion by Port Angeles City Council Whetham said. It's not a democratic action that's occurred, and I'd like to just put the brakes on." ---PDN
Clallam County commissioners back $54 million Sequim School District bond---PDN
Reality Check: Clallam County Budget Shortfalls by Bryan Frazier---PORT O CALL
Carlsborg Sewer Project revisited by Selinda Barkhuis--PORT O CALL
Sequim man incarcerated for possession of gun and bombs---SEQUIM GAZETTE
Union Wharf 'rot' project in progress---PT LEADER
Free Entrance to Olympic National Park on Monday, January 18 in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day--FORKS FORUM
Going off the Grid — Part 4 Still figuring it out--FORK FORUM
Clallam needle exchange clients increase, but number of syringes lent out falls---PDN
Navy special forces use state parks for training--PT LEADER
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT
Victoria councillors relent, allow ‘Wave’ to be painted---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC
Law change urged to allow shooting of more crop-destroying geese---TIMES COLONIST/ VICTORIA BC
Victoria Shipyards buzzing with activity---VICTORIA NEWS/ VICTORIA BC
What's on tap for next week...
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Amendment 3 with the Department of Ecology increasing funding for the Dungeness Water Exchange grant
full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda item details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MEETING HIGHLIGHT: Ordinance 3144 Establishing a Line of Credit and Providing for the Issuance and Sale of a Water and Sewer Revenue Bond Anticipation Note in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Not to Exceed $3,000,000 to Evidence the Line of Credit to be Used to Provide Interim Financing for the City’s Water and Sewer Capital Improvements; Fixing or Setting Parameters with Respect to Certain Terms and Covenants of the Note; Appointing the City’s Designated Representative to Approve the Final Terms of the Sale of the Note; and Providing for Other Related Matters
see full agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=311
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Are Church Choirs and Solos Scriptural?
Many are using choirs and solos in their attempts to worship God. Are choirs and solos authorized by God as a part of Christian worship? ---TRUTH FOR THE WORLD
