According to the staff memo provided on the agenda packet starting on (page I-1):
Summary: Fluoridation of the City’s water supply has been a controversial topic for many
 |
| Peter Ripley, Publisher |
Mayor Downie has asked the Council to reconsider its decision, proposing that Council:
End fluoridation of the municipal water supply; Maintain the City’s fluoridation facilities so that, if Port Angeles registered voters choose to continue with water fluoridation, the City is prepared to do so; Conduct an advisory vote on fluoridation during the 2017 Municipal General
Election; and Adhere to the outcome of the 2017 advisory vote of Port Angeles registered voters. Council agreed by consensus to discuss the Mayor’s proposal at the August 2nd meeting.
Funding: The budget amount for fluoride treatment is approximately $18,000/year.
Discontinuation of fluoride treatments until December 2017 would result in an approximate
savings of $24,000. Placing the water fluoridation question on the 2017 ballot and paying for
inclusion in a general election voters’ guide would cost approximately $1,500.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3219
Editorial Comment: Way back when the discussion of adding fluoride into the water system started some ten years ago, I often spoke if this matter was given to the people to vote on in a ballot measure, this matter would have been settled. That's was during one of my campaigns for a posting on the council.
As you recall back in December of this year, the council did have an citizen advisory vote polling utility customers, leaving out many who gets subsidized housing who pays for the utilities, and the vote was nonbinding, meaning the council could simply ignore the will of the people, which four of the council members did, because they didn't like the end result of the vote which majority of those who voted were against continuing the practice of adding fluoride.
Since then the city council pretty much lost the respect of the citizens of the city, at least those who were hoping that they would have honored the decision that the majority who voted on that first citizen advisory poll. They have been met with five ethic complaint filings, demonstrations against the decision, name calling, and now completely changing the form of governance. Which would have meant something if they had that vote on this year's ballot, not in 2017, in essence making that issue moot, since at least two of the council members up for reelection coming in 2017 are not running, from what was mentioned during the last city council meeting.
If this latest "citizen advisory vote" which Downie is made binding, and placed on the 2017 ballot which should have been done in the first place. It will make the need to change the form of government unnecessary and meaningless in my book. This is a chance for the city to make amends to the city citizens and taxpayers.
COUNTY TO HONOR NOBLIN TUESDAY.
COUNTY WORK SESSION HIGHLIGHT: Contract with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the purchase of trees to be removed from DNR ownership to allow for the construction of Segment 7 of the Olympic Discovery Trail west of Fairholm Hill
See full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_worksession_agenda.pdf
work session details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_worksession_packet.pdf
COUNTY TO HONOR: Certificate of Appreciation recognizing Stephanie Noblin, of the Clallam Public Eye.
See full agenda: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf
Agenda details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf
Editorial Note: Well deserved.
In other local and regional meetings coming next week:
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:
2016 GMA Periodic Update to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations
See full agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=834
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Surveying Services Undie Road Emergency Relocation Project, County Project No. CR18020070, FEMA Disaster No. 4249-DRWA; Additional $56,710 for a Total Amount of $80,644; Jefferson County Public Works; Clark Land Office
see full agenda: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Agenda/2016%20Agendas/08-01-16.pdf
PORT TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY
Hot topic of discussion marina rate review
see agenda: http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/08012016-172
PORT ANGELES ANNOUNCES NEW POLICE CHIEF
(from an shared email press release)
The City of Port Angeles is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Smith to the Chief of the Port Angeles Police Department. Since January the City has been involved in an extensive hiring process that included the participation of community members, senior staff and the City Manager. It was the goal of the City to maintain the highest integrity of the Port Angeles Police Department by going to great lengths to search out the best fit for the City, department, and community. This included multiple interviews and a comprehensive background and screening process.
Chief Smith has over 35 years of diverse law enforcement experience with over 28 years in a leadership capacity. Chief Smith has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Montana State University and also graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Before he came to the City as Deputy Police Chief in 2008 Chief Smith served as a Special Agent in Charge/Chief of Law Enforcement Services with the National Park Service (NPS) in their Intermountain Region/Yellowstone Division. Chief Smith began his career as a Park Ranger and worked his way up through the ranks holding positions such as Special Agent, Special Agent-Lead Instructor, Supervisor Special Agent and Regional Special Agent in Charge. While in these positions Smith was responsible for command of the tactical teams, operation of a 911 public safety dispatch center, law enforcement records and training along with management of a $3 million budget. His law enforcement experience includes the full spectrum of police and emergency services including vehicle and boat patrol, traffic and DUI enforcement, investigations, emergency medicine, technical rescue and structural fire rescue.
Since coming to Port Angeles in 2008, with his wife Kristin and their daughter, Chief Smith has been instrumental in the promotion and implementation of several programs that have helped the Port Angeles Police Department progressively move forward in the world of policing. He played a major role in obtaining Stonegarden grants for implementing the mobile data project between local law enforcement agencies as well as increasing foot patrol in the downtown area. Smith collaborated with City staff and others to promote the wireless mesh network and use grant money to obtain computers and technology in all patrol vehicles. In addition, he applied and received a FEMA grant that allowed a state of the art security system along the waterfront to be installed. Smith has established interlocal agreements with law enforcement agencies such as the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard. He has been the driving force behind cross commissioning officers with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Chief Smith oversaw the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Accreditation process over the last five years, and with the assistance of others in the department, has met the accreditation standards making Port Angeles Police Department one of sixty law enforcement agencies in Washington State that is accredited.
“Chief Smith brings to the department professionalism, empathy, exceptional customer service skills, and a genuine love for the community he serves. He has a positive attitude and a high regard for public and officer safety,” said City Manager Dan McKeen.
“During his tenure with the City he has done an outstanding job building relationships with community members and community groups. The City has received an enormous display of support for Brian throughout this selection process.”
NATIONAL AND NORTHWEST NEWS COMMENTARIES
Trouble in Paradise: Kaine Says He Still Disagrees with Hillary on Hyde Amendment---PJMEDIA
Obergefell Decision Will Destroy American Society Within Two Generations---CNSNEWS
The GOP is becoming the party of exclusion. Who wants to be a part of that? ---WP
Nomination in hand, Hillary Clinton makes a sharp case against Donald Trump---LA TIMES
NORTHWEST NEWS COMMENTARIES
THE COLUMBIAN: Social Security at Issue
BELLINGHAM HERALD: Why do so many Washington state teens kill themselves?
SEATTLE PI: The idealism, enthusiasm and cynicism of Gov. Inslee's reelection campaign
SEATTLE TIMES: What’s hiding in your property-tax bill?
NOTE PAD:
Today's video clip: More on the joint meeting with the Port on Monday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSu5SP8cREk
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The State of the Dead between Death and the Judgment?
The Bible says that, at death, the body returns to dust and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Gen. 3:19; Ecc. 12:7).---Gospel Way
