Saturday, September 12, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: BATEHAM SAY'S HE'LL SERVE IF ELECTED!?

Readers, This publication was the first to publish the story that City Council candidate Dan Bateham was withdrawing from the council race. He released his press release on Wednesday, in case you missed it:
Dan Bateham: This is official notification of my withdrawal of my candidacy for city council, position number 7, for the City of Port Angeles. I extend a sincere thank you to those that have shown me support over the last several weeks. Good luck and best wishes to all of my fellow candidates. There will be no further public comment on this subject.
There was no explanation for his withdraw.

Just a day later the Peninsula Daily News ran the story with this headline: Port Angeles City Council candidate withdraws from race; declines to discuss reasons for move
" Allyson Ruppenthal, state deputy director of elections, said that if Bateham were to receive more votes than Kidd, he could take office even though he renounced his candidacy.Bateham said that's exactly what he would do. If people voted me in because they wanted change for whatever reason, I would take office and do the best of my ability for the people of the city, Bateham said." ---PDN 

Does that make any sense to you readers? First saying he won't campaign for the position, but if he get's elected for it he will serve? If that's the case then he must well go all out and campaign for it!

Yours truly wrote to his opponent Cherie Kidd to get her take on this development here is what she submitted: I emailed his opponent Cherie Kidd who is currently running for re-election to the City Council for her comments, Kidd emailed the following statement:
"Yes, I understand that Dan Bateham will no longer campaign for city council position #7.  However, a candidate has only 10 days to withdraw, otherwise his name will still be on the ballot.  Mr. Bateham withdrew after three months.  Therefore, I will continue my campaign, asking for the support and the vote of the people of Port Angeles as I still need the votes to win in the November election.  His withdrawing now does not give me an automatic win.  The voters decide.

Our new waterfront is  the result of over 7 years planning and implementation for our town.   We have received large grants from DOE for the first time and I fought to take the CSO harbor study charge off our utility bills.  There is a lot of work still to be done and I look forward to working with the people of Port Angeles.  We have a great town.  Things are getting better, but we have to keep working with a vision for the future.  I'm positive on Port Angeles and it will be an honor to continue to serve.'----Cherie Kidd

Readers, in my book there is no half measures when running for positions such as the city council, or any local governmental posting. Either you are going to commit fully in it, or stay out of it altogether. I give a little more credit to the voters, they will read between the lines and vote accordingly. The voters will only see, that Bateham tried and quit at the 10 O'Clock hour meaning just two months away from the general election in November. 


 The saga of the Treasure v the County is over, but questions remain.
As you will see later in this report the county is prepared once again to issue the warrants for those opportunity grants. This time there will be no resistance from the County Treasure. After months of debate which was becoming more like a day time drama on TV in the court house. This week out of the blue, the Treasure gave in cites medical concerns.
The Peninsula Daily News ran this story on Thursday: Clallam treasurer to release disputed grant warrants; fight wraps up due to undisclosed medical issue
PORT ANGELES — A lingering dispute between Clallam County commissioners and Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis is over. Citing an undisclosed medical issue, Barkhuis on Thursday said in an email that she wouldn't reject a pair of warrants for $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to the port and city of Port Angeles.
“I don't want to die over this,” Barkhuis said in a brief interview while leaving the courthouse Thursday. “They win, OK? They win. “I'm physically unable to deal with this.”---PDN

Now wait a minute here readers, I am no psychiatrist, but when someone say's something like that you have to wonder about their mental state here, what's going on? You could probably figure out what was coming when she suddenly dismissed her lawyer as posted in previous PDN articles:


  • Clallam treasurer lets go of appointed lawyer amid grants dispute with county commissioners
"Barkhuis rejected the warrants in June because of the administrative process the board employed to modify the budget.
“All that needs to happen for me to disburse the funds for these grants is for the commissioners to produce and sign the necessary budget resolution and written contracts — to be approved by the prosecutor as to form — that hold them accountable for these $1.3 million in no-strings attached, election-year grant expenditures,” Barkhuis wrote in a Friday email."---PDN dated 9/6/2015


  • Clallam budget ‘loophole’ allowing transfer of millions without a vote debated by commissioners
Although the money can’t be spent without a vote of commissioners, Commissioner Mike Chapman said there is a “loophole” in county budget policy that needs to be fixed.
Chapman on Monday said it was “inappropriate” for County Administrator Jim Jones to sign a $3 million budget modification, redesignating 2015 funds for the delayed Carlsborg sewer project to other projects within the Opportunity Fund, in May without a board vote or public discussion.---PDN dated 9/6/2015


“Captain” McEntire’s $3 million Campaign by Selinda Barkhuis, WSBA 24139, Clallam County Treasurer
As such, I will continue to require the following documents before I will disburse the funds for these grants: 
(Unless these expenditures are included and approved in the 2016 budget), a “Budget Resolution Adopting Budget Emergencies” that has attached to it the properly signed Budget Change Form (which correctly shows that these expenditures are being paid for with Opportunity Fund “ending fund balance”), all as publicly processed consistent with Chapter 36.40 RCW.
Contracts that have been “approved as to form” by the Prosecuting Attorney, and that have been duly signed and executed by the County and the Port/City consistent with current County Policy 560. ----PORT O CALL/Barkhuis

You have to wonder what made her break like that from her position which she seemed so sure about just months earlier? It's just something about what she said: I don't want to die over this,” Barkhuis said in a brief interview while leaving the courthouse Thursday. “They win, OK? They win. “I'm physically unable to deal with this." That gives you pause and wonder what was going on here, all this posturing was for nothing? No one says things like that without people wondering about her, did she have a break down? Or what? I have this feeling the pressure and media attention was getting to much for her. Then that's my opinion.  

In other local news...

Port of Port Angeles ready to approve pact with composites facility
PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles’ Composite Recycling Technology Center is getting ready to set off on its own.
Port commissioners Tuesday reviewed a proposed $97,500 economic development services agreement with the soon-to-be-formed nonprofit center, known as the CRTC, that they are expected to approve Sept. 22, a day after an 11 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony.---read more


At least two Clallam commissioners expected to approve new recreational marijuana law


Sequim’s Bank of America to become 1st Security Bank
CEO Joe Adams for 1st Security Bank made the announcement on Sept. 1 that the Mountlake Terrace-based bank will acquire Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Hadlock and Port Townsend Bank of America branches with about $268 million in deposits and less than $1 million in loans.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Annual WEBPA Fish and Brew is Oct. 10
The 19th annual West End Fish and Brew is set for Oct. 10, sponsored by West End Business and Professional Association.---FORKS FORUM


When the price for pot is right
  At  age 23, Gracen Hook won a state lottery allowing him to open Port Townsend’s first and only recreational cannabis shop. But he knew better.---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Brazen thieves strip Victoria mayor’s bike of seat, wheels  
Not even Victoria’s mayor is immune to bike theft.
Lisa Helps left a council meeting about 11 p.m. Thursday, only to find that her “crappy beat-up old mountain bike” had been stripped of its wheels and seat as it sat locked up outside city hall.----TIMES COLONIST


Jack Knox: Kayakers return to clean up Island shores  
 Graham McNeil and a friend are kayaking their way around Vancouver Island, bit by bit, year by year.This July’s leg was supposed to be a highlight: counter-clockwise from Port Hardy around Cape Scott, then up Quatsino Inlet to Coal Harbour.
Except when they pulled into Experiment Bight — a long-awaited destination — on Day 2, they found themselves surrounded by piles of plastic garbage: shrimp traps, shampoo containers, Styrofoam from smashed-up boats, drift-net floats the size of hotdog buns----TIMES COLONIST


Councillor wants public to know more about amalgamation
An Esquimalt councillor is hoping an upcoming public forum will give the public a fair chance to understand what amalgamating with 13 municipalities in the Greater Victoria area would truly mean.---VICTORIA NEWS


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS: 4d Approval of warrants for Opportunity Fund grants to the City of Port Angeles and Port of Port Angeles
4c Ordinance creating a Chapter in the Clallam County Code titled “Recreational Marijuana”
establishing the placement of and development standards for recreational marijuana producers,
processors, and retailers licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT:  HARBOR CLEANUP PROCESS – CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO WORK ORDER NO 2
Summary: The City Council previously approved Work Order No. 2. Work Order No. 2 is for
work to complete a draft Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for the Western Port Angeles
Harbor Group’s Agreed Order with The Department of Ecology. This Change Order No. 3 adds to
the Scope of Work and budget.
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to approve Work Order No. 2, Change Order No.
3, expanding the scope of work and increasing the authorized budget for Work Order No. 2 by
$329,450 to a total of $1,059,150 and to approve minor modifications to the Work Order as
needed. The City’s share of the increase is $82,362.50.




PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula



DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NKJV
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Thursday, September 10, 2015

NEWS FLASH! CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM RACE...BUT IS IT TOO LATE?

The following is a press release issued from City Council Candidate:   
Dan Bateham
This is official notification of my withdrawal of my candidacy for city council, position number 7, for the City of Port Angeles. I extend a sincere thank you to those that have shown me support over the last several weeks. Good luck and best wishes to all of my fellow candidates. There will be no further public comment on this subject.

According to : By state law, a candidate may withdraw his or her Declaration of Candidacy at any
time before the close of business on the Monday following the last day for
candidates to file under RCW 29A.24.050 by filing, with the officer with whom the
Declaration of Candidacy was filed, a signed request that his or her name not be printed
on the ballot. There shall be no withdrawal period for Declarations of Candidacy filed
during special filing periods held under this title. No filing fee may be refunded to any
candidate who withdraws under this section. Notice of the deadline for withdrawal of
candidacy and that the filing fee is not refundable shall be given to each candidate at
the time he or she files. If you are too late to make an official withdrawal, you should still 
Revised May 21, 2015
inform your opponents and the PDC, and do a press release to inform the media that
you are no longer seeking the office. (RCW 29A.24.131)

However it is way past time to withdraw from candidacy.  So his name will still be on the November ballot.

He gave no reason why he is withdrawing from the race against Cherie Kidd who is currently running for re-election to the post. I think he could have won. 
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Saturday, September 5, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: IT'S FREE SPEECH LEE, NOT FREE GOVERNMENT!

As you all probably heard the news PAPA was given the green light by the City Council during their meeting on Tuesday. The following was a press release issued from the co-chairman and publisher of the Port O Call Dale Wilson:
Tuesday, September 1st, Port Angeles City Council voted 6-0 to enter an agreement with Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) to provide programming for up to 3 public access television channels to be available to Wave Cable subscribers early in the new year.
Dr. Ralph Smith, CEO of PAPA made a 30 minute presentation to city council on Tuesday night and introduced a dozen PAPA board members present.
Public Access television has been available to Port Angeles customers via the city’s franchise agreement with Wave Cable since 2002 but no one has, until now, taken the initiative to get a local television station up and running. In a recent survey of city residents 87% of respondents stated a desire for local programming.  The survey, conducted by Buske Associates, is  part of negotiations for renewal of the franchise agreement between the city and Wave Cable to expire in May 2017..
The goal of PAPA is to provide public, educational and government programming on up to three channels available on the Wave Cable line-up.  PAPA will also provide equipment and training for anyone in the community who seeks to produce their own programming for local and international consumption. Any budding film-maker now has an opportunity to create a television program or full length movie.
PAPA will associate with the Port Angeles Schools District, working with the Skills Center, which has its own television production curriculum, taught by their talented instructor, Lisa Hitt.
It is hoped that Skills Center students can “letter” in media just as athletes do in sports.  Graduates with sufficient experience with PAPA will be prepared for entry level work at most television stations.  They will learn the nomenclature, electronic news gathering, electronic field production, lighting, audio, editing and story-boarding. Funding for PAPA will come from sponsorship, producer training fees, memberships, video production work for local merchants and grants.
There will be a small amount of revenue coming from Wave Cable via a five cent per month per subscriber access fee which will be charged to each subscriber–under the current franchise agreement. Currently PAPA programming will be available to city residents who are Wave Cable subscribers.  At least two county commissioners have agreed to invite Wave Cable to provide PAPA programming to the 14,500 Wave Cable subscribers throughout Clallam County.  The city and county have  separate franchise agreements with Wave Cable.
PAPA plans to provide live and tape-delayed coverage of athletic competition covering Peninsula College and all schools in the county as well as government meetings and cultural programs.  Depending on the number of volunteers PAPA would like to extend coverage to EDC meetings, Chamber of Commerce meetings, college speakers, festivals and live music events.  
PAPA hopes to include news, exhibits and cultural events provided by  local sovereign nations.  
There will be live call-in talk shows allowing the community to weigh in on current events and also travelogues featuring the many  areas of unparalleled beauty in the county–of interest to tourists and residents alike. 
PAPA plans to feature profiles of community leaders and news makers and also promote projects designed to enhance the communication channels throughout the county. 
The faith-based community is invited to provide programs emanating from their local worship services.
Anyone interested in serving on the board or becoming a producer of local programming contact Dr. Ralph Smith, CEO of PAPA at 360-809-3388

Related stories...

Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) Recognized
Port Angeles City Council voted 6-0 to enter an agreement with Peninsula Area Public Access (PAPA) to provide programming for up to 3 public access television channels to be available to Wave Cable subscribers early in the new year----PORT O CALL


Port Angeles City Council considers agreement with public television group for local access channel
Concerns about content Whetham is worried about racy content — “a bunch of naked creatures,” as he put it, being on the air. Smith said programs that are “really controversial” would be aired late at night or early in the morning.---PDN

* Of course that statement wasn't all that our pal Lee Whetham said, he started out saying: "I support free government...." then went on with is statement as posted in the PDN. But wait! Free government Lee? Don't you mean free speech? Yeah, I maybe nick picking but we must not be confused when speaking about our constitutional rights particularly our 1st Amendment. Government is suppose to ensure those rights we hold dear are protected, and it's the job of the media to be the watch dog to ensure the government don't intrude. That's why I am concerned when ever you involve government in the affairs of the media, you are going to have some circumstances of some politician who happens to be sitting on a board like what they are going to form, trying to silence those who are critical of them by either not broadcasting the material, or putting them on a time slot which no one will tune into. That's why I was amused by Whetham saying that a council member should be on the PAPA board, I thought and said..."Let me guess him!" Can you imagine yours truly on there doing this Ripley Report? Since I have been so critical of Whetham and other local politicians they would want to be sure I would be on at 1AM! Then, again that might back fire and lots of people would be tuning in! Not to worry folks, I have no intentions on being on TV, you need to have that "TV Look" to be on TV, same as having that "RADIO VOICE" to be on the radio. I am quite content doing my little blog folks! I have a good audience both locally, and all over the world. So why would I want to abandon them?


In other local news....

Clallam commissioners discuss trust lands committee; one recommends de-politicizing group
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire wants to change the composition of a proposed forest trust lands advisory committee to de-politicize the group.---PDN


Port Angeles port commission candidates share economic development ideas in forum
PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles should establish an economic development zone to foster new businesses in Clallam County, port commission candidate Mike Breidenbach said Tuesday.---PDN


Rayonier Inc. presents $35,000 in grants to Clallam, Grays Harbor nonprofits
FORKS — Rayonier Inc. gave a total of $35,000 to 26 nonprofit organizations serving communities in Clallam and Grays Harbor counties.
Recipients of the company's 2015 Community Fund grants were recognized at a special awards breakfast hosted by Rayonier at the Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks earlier last month. ---PDN


“Trust us, We’re Experts!” More on the fluoride saga
I don’t know if you’ve been to a city council meeting, but the audience is much larger, with more people for-and-against fluoride. We’ve had some ringers from out-of-town (like Dr. Bill Osmundson, DDS, MPH, a speaker who tours on behalf of the Fluoride Action Network. Likable guy, only I didn’t like that he misrepresented himself as being from Neah Bay, or Forks, or whatever). We have the local dentists show up en mass and parrot the stance of the American Dental Association.----Marolee Smith, City Council Candidate


Port Angeles City Council moves toward selling Morse Creek hydroelectric plant
PORT ANGELES — The City Council took the first step this week toward selling the Morse Creek hydroelectric plant, declaring it and the approximately 800 acres it sits upon as surplus.---PDN


Kidd, Kennedy in Locke-Step on Fluoridation Opinion by Dale Wilson
Recently two high-profile medicos came before Port Angeles City Council attempting to bully the city council into continuing fluoridation of the city water supply even after the current fluoridation agreement ends in May.---PORT O CALL




New city manager sets priorities
More than two weeks in and Sequim’s new city manager, Charlie Bush, 40, has his priorities set for the remainder of the year — investigating a possible proposal for a Metropolitan Parks District, forming the city’s 2016 budget highlighting road projects and finding safer parking at the Albert Haller Playfields.---SEQUIM GAZZETTE


DNR to permit campfires west of Cascades
Campfires to be allowed in approved fire-pits on the west side over Labor Day---FORKS FORUM


Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Buys Mobilisa Wireless---KONP RADIO


Rep. Kilmer, other panelists, talk money in politics
The corrosive effect of big money in the American political system was the topic of a discussion Sept. 1 in the Port Townsend Community Center.---PT LEADER


Millions to watch Manresa Castle T.V. ghost show
What may be the pinnacle of publicity for Port Townsend pops up Saturday, Sept. 5 when the Travel Channel airs an episode of "Ghost Adventures" filmed at Manresa Castle.---PTLEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Comment: Avoid a new mistake on Victoria’s Inner Harbour ---TIMES COLONIST


Woman loses $50,000 in “blessing scam” targeting Asian seniors ---TIMES COLONIST


Naloxone prescriptions creating hurdles---VICTORIA NEWS



WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
5a Presentation of Preliminary 2016 Clallam County Budget
*The question is will the Treasure be making the presentation or one of her staff members?

H1 Proposed Ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code titled “Recreational
Marijuana” establishing the placement of and development standards for recreational marijuana producers, processors, and retailers licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
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

PORT OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Bond Refunding/Bank Financing Proposal Resolution No. 15-1106

Full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/09082015-114?html=true



DAILY DEVOTIONAL

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV


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Saturday, August 29, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: YES THERE WAS A PORT MEETING THIS WEEK...

THOUGH YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW IT BY THE FOCUS OF LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE...

  Yes, Readers there was a Port meeting held this week, and because of the coverage of the local media outlets, whose main focus was on the continuing melodrama going on in the County Court House, which I call: "When the County Blink."

Nevertheless the Port finally posted their agenda on their webpage on Monday, just a day before of their meeting which was on Tuesday.  Here is the highlight of the Port agenda this week:


  • COMMISSION BUDGET CALENDAR FOR 2016 BUDGET

Resolution 644 specifies the dates for budget preparation and filing for the annual budget and
tax levy. One of the first steps is to develop a budget calendar. The following calendar is for
Commission meetings. There are many other budget meetings at the staff level. In addition to
the following meetings, we may need work sessions.
ref. http://wa-portofportangeles.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/708?fileID=417
See agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/08252015-113?html=true

If you look on the agenda, you may note no mention of the opportunity grant MOU  from the County.
The very MOU which the City approved of two weeks ago. The very MOU that the County Treasure doesn't recognize as legit according to published reports:



  • Clallam treasurer reiterates position on Opportunity Fund grants in letter to commissioners

 Clallam County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis is holding firm to her stand on Opportunity Funds grants.For at least the third time and second by way of her attorney, David Alvarez  Barkhuis on Thursday said she would refuse to release $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants until the commissioners approve them as debatable budget emergencies with attendant contracts approved by Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols  or include them as part of the 2016 budget.---Peninsula Daily News dated 8.23.15


County Treasurer Barkhuis demands explanation from Clallam Commissioner Peach
Clallam County Commissioner Bill Peach should put up or shut up, according to county Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis.---PDN dated 8.23.15


Commissioner Mike Chapman to bow out of closed session on grants dispute at board meeting today.
PORT ANGELES --- As they inch closer to possible court action, two of three Clallam County commissioners will meet behind closed doors today to discuss legal strategy they will employ to break the board's months-long impasse with Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis. PDN DATED 8/25/15


Two Clallam commissioners vote to take grants dispute with county treasurer to court
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners have voted 2-1 to ask a judge to settle a dispute with the elected treasurer over the process by which the board approved a pair of infrastructure grants this summer.
Commissioners Jim McEntire and Bill Peach voted Tuesday to direct Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols to seek a declaratory judgement and order from a Superior Court judge that county Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis should issue the warrants for $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to the port and city of Port Angeles.
Mike Chapman was adamantly opposed to his fellow commissioners taking their feud with the treasurer to court.---PDN  dated Aug 25, 2015


Letter to the Editor by Mark Ozias
At today’s meeting of the Clallam County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Jim McEntire led the charge for pursuing a legal remedy to his dispute with our elected Treasurer, despite the fact that the Treasurer has offered two extremely reasonable methods of avoiding this disappointing conclusion---PORT O CALL


Judge to decide Clallam dispute over Opportunity Funds
(Port Angeles) -- A Superior Court judge will be asked to settle a dispute among Clallam County elected officials regarding a grant process after a 2-1 vote by County Commissioners Tuesday.---KONP RADIO


As you can see from the headlines collected readers the main focus of media coverage was on the drama going on in the County Court house, which will end up being a mellow drama in court it looks like now. Now readers, I looked at these publications and no word about the happenings at the Port. it was like the Port gotten a break from the local media this week.


As for the rest of local news...


Clallam tagged a ‘Primary Natural Disaster Area’---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Peninsula Housing Authority project starts in PT---PT LEADER


Medical Management company to evaluate Bogachiel and Clallam Bay Clinics---FORKS FORUM


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Barge tips, spilling wrecked cars into Gorge waterway ---TIMES COLONIST


15 Questions: With Lisa Helps, Victoria mayor---VICTORIA NEWS


Latest scam riles up seniors and police---VICTORIA NEWS


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

City of Port Angeles; Agenda highlight items:

  • DOE Interagency Agreement for Financial Assistance - Landfill Bluff Cell Stabilization – Project SW02-2012

Summary: The State of Washington, through the Department of Ecology (Ecology), is providing
financial assistance in the amount of $6,495,500 for waste relocation that is part of the Landfill Bluff Cell Stabilization Project. An interagency agreement has been developed to provide for the acceptance and administration of these funds.
Recommendation: Accept the financial assistance from the Washington State Department of
Ecology in the amount of $6,495,500 and authorize the City Manager to sign the Interagency
Agreement for the acceptance and administration of these funds, and to make minor
modifications to the Agreement, if necessary.


  • Electric, Water, Stormwater and Wastewater Utility 2016-2017 Retail Rate Adjustments (PAMC Chapters 13.12, 13.44, 13.63 and 13.65), 2nd Reading

Retail rate studies for the City’s electric, water, wastewater including combined sewer
overflow, and stormwater utilities have been completed. The recommended biennial 2016-2017 electric, water, stormwater, and wastewater retail rates are provided in the attached ordinances. Following Council’s ratification, the recommended rate adjustments would become effective on January 1, 2016 and on January 1, 2017. It is necessary to increase retail rates to maintain the City’s utility funds in a financially prudent position.


  • Summary The Morse Creek Hydroelectric Project and all associated property should be declared

surplus because they are not needed to meet any current or projected City requirements, and they cannot be economically used in any City program or operation.
Recommendation: 1) Pass a Resolution to declare the Morse Creek Hydroelectric Project and all
property surplus, and 2) Authorize the Director of Public Works and Utilities to prepare a
method to dispose of it in the most efficient manner, subject to the conditions delineated in the
attached Resolution.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2473

* Again, they should build a watermill that generates hydroelectric power there, instead of completely abandoning hydroelectric power. Off shore wind mills could also produce electrical power.

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: 2b Agreement with Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division, for reimbursement of coordinator professional development expenses for Peninsula Communications (PenCom)
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


DAILY DEVOTIONAL

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 NKJV
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Saturday, August 22, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: DESPITE COUNTY TREASURE DECLARING MOU'S WEREN'T ENOUGH...

CITY APPROVES  THEIR GRANT FUNDING MOU.

  Maybe city staff didn't catch the news article in Sunday's edition of the Peninsula Daily News, or didn't read the memo from the County Treasure...

Clallam County treasurer requests public documents in case commissioners start court fight
Barkhuis has insisted the $1 million grant to the Port of Port Angeles and the $285,952 grant to the city must go through debatable-budget-emergency hearings and be accompanied by contracts, or she could be held personally liable as treasurer. Commissioners for a second time approved the funds Tuesday on a 2-1 vote with Chapman voting no but in the second go-round held hearings and subjected the grants to memos of understanding, which Barkhuis told the PDN later Tuesday was not good enough.----PDN dated 8/16/15

During their meeting on Tuesday despite County Treasure's Barkhuis was quoted in saying in published reports that those MOA's were good enough for her to release any funds. The City approved their MOA by a 6-0 vote, our pal Lee Whetham "15-month lee" wasn't present at the meeting according to the Peninsula Daily's News report on what transpired during Tuesday's Council meeting with the headline which read: Port Angeles City Council votes to have county's criminal justice services handle misdemeanors 
PORT ANGELES ---- Government officials have agreed that Clallam County should take over responsibilities for adjudication, prosecution, public defense and jailing services under one contract, saying the plan would save the city of Port Angeles money and increase the county's revenue.---read more

Now, why no mention of the MOU approval of grant funding in the PDN? 

Nevertheless here is the staff memo from the city again to refresh your memory:

OPPORTUNITY FUND - GRANT ACCEPTANCE AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE WTIP PROJECT TR02-2003
The City has received a $285,952 grant for phase 2 of the Waterfront Development Project.
Considering this is authorization to receive money for a Council approved and budgeted project
this item has been placed on the consent agenda. The grant has already been incorporated in the City Council adopted Capital Facilities Plan.
The County has presented the City with a Memorandum of Understanding entitled the “Clallam
County Opportunity Fund Program Memorandum of Understanding. The document is attached to this staff report. The only obligation of the document is that the City will provide a presentation
to the County on the success, progress, and/or lessons learned from implementation of Phase 2 of the Waterfront Transportation Improvement Plan.
Staff recommends that Council accept the Opportunity Fund grant approving the Memorandum of Understanding. Council should also authorize the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of
Understanding and make minor modifications as necessary. 

If the County Treasure hadn't signed off on releasing these funds, which she indicated she would not MOU or not, how is it they got this funding? Is there something I missed here? I suspect the Port during their meeting on Tuesday will also have one of these MOU's to approved of as well. Unfortunately, they have yet to release their agenda for Tuesday. Did the County just ignored the County Treasure and wrote out the checks anyways!? 

 In other local news headlines...
Port of Port Angeles faces loss of $222,660 in annual lease income when Westport cabinetry shop moves to former Walmart building 
PORT ANGELES ---- The Port of Port Angeles must plug a $222,660 hole in annual income plus 100,000 square feet of vacant space  when Westport Shipyard leaves William R. Fairchild International Airport industrial park. That doesn't count $308,000 the port recently approved to improve the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system in the building at 2138 W. 18th St. that Westport LLC will vacate.---read more




McEntire, The Rainmaker
McEntire remains consistent in his distaste for moratoriums of all kinds, including one on water use. Based on his interpretation of the Dungeness River flows, McEntire said the average annual flow is on an uptrend since 1988.---PORT OF CALL


SARC: Now what?
Multiple changes at the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center are planned in an ongoing effort to maintain the public exercise facility and only public pool within the City of Sequim.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Remembering.....Sappho
In February 2009, the roof of the old building that stood at the Sappho junction finally gave out under the weight of snow.---FORKS FORUM


Dale Wilson takes helm as OlyCAP director Sept. 1
Housing and in-home care services are two areas in which Dale Wilson of Colville, Washington, expects to bring expertise to Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) when he takes the helm as its executive director on Sept. 1.---PT LEADER

* No it's not Dale Wilson who publishes the Port O Call. 

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Tax-debt scam left man out thousands of dollars, woman in tears  
A telephone scam involving someone purporting to be from the Canada Revenue Agency has left a Victoria businessman out a few thousand dollars and sent a woman crying to police because she thought she was about to be arrested.---Times Colonist


Chief judge reviews online provincial court records
B.C. is the only province where charges and convictions in provincial court are posted on a public database as well as being available to courthouse visitors.---VICTORIA NEWS


Private sewer pipes in Esquimalt due for inspection
The condition of sanitary sewer pipes running beneath the homes of Esquimalt residents isn’t something that’s typically on a homeowner’s mind.---VICTORIA NEWS


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK...

CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Resolution adopting the following Budget Reduction: Public Works, Carlsborg Sewer Projects – Delays in regulatory approvals pushing project into 2016/($2,285,952)


Port has a scheduled meeting on the 25th, but they not have yet published their agenda.

CITY OF SEQUIM AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:
Resolution Establishing a Community Arts Support Program 




DAILY DEVOTIONAL

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32 NKJV
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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

55 STILL ALIVE!

It's your's truly's 55th birthday today. I realize that might not be news worthy news! But way back in 1960 God started me on this little journey of life. Some if it had been good, some bad. But I think my faith in the Old mighty has seen me through a lot of things of this life. So I will continue to publish this publication until the good Lord calls me home. I walked this life without true love from a woman, or have kids to call son or daughter. I know even though, romance has abandoned me, I am never really alone. It amazes me that with some guys who would relish a love of a good woman, remain single because they can never seem to fine someone who appreciates them for who they are, not what they aren't. I know, this might sound like me going on a pity party, but hey! It's my birthday, and my blog I can say what I want right!? So three cheers for 1960!



You see when I was a kid I was a ladies man!



Yours truly at age 1




Me at 17



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Saturday, August 15, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: WHILE THE COUNTY WAITS FOR THE NEXT SHOE TO DROP...

CITY READY TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING!

It's another episode of our little mellow drama which I now will give the theme: "When the County Blinks"! Seems more fitting than what I been calling this on going soap opera from the county: "As the County Belches"! Don't you think? Nevertheless jesting aside, as the County is waiting to see if the County Treasure will release the opportunity grant funds that the County approved of ...Again! After holding a public hearing on the matter a week ago. However, the County Treasurer: Selinda Barkhuis' did offer a olive branch  of sorts:

Treasurer offers compromise to County Commissioners
As you likely know, I have been appointed by Prosecuting Attorney Nichols to represent Selinda Barkhuis, Clallam County Treasurer, with respect to warrants that would reduce the “ending fund balance” in the Opportunity Fund by some $1.3 million, with another $1.7 million set aside for “undesignated projects.” The scope of the representation extends all the way to possible litigation in Superior Court between the County Commission and my client.---PORT OF CALL DATED 8/6/15

However the County apparently rejected that compromise apparently as reported in the Peninsula Daily News:
Clallam panel approves Opportunity Funds in challenge to treasurer
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners threw down the gauntlet Tuesday by approving two resolutions and two memos of understanding that authorize $1.3 million in disputed Opportunity Fund grants to the city of Port Angeles and Port of Port Angeles. In their 2-1 decision, commissioners did not follow Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis' recommendation that they delay the grants until the 2016 budget, laying the groundwork for a possible court battle Barkhuis has threatened to wage and which a majority of the commissioners have not backed away from.
Commissioner Mike Chapman, who said he favored the projects but was against the budget process employed by the board, was the lone no vote on the two resolutions and agreements, with Commissioner Bill Peach and board Chairman Jim McEntire voting for approval.----PDN


While that little see saw battle was playing out, the city apparently assuming the money is in the bank. This little item appears on their next agenda this coming Tuesday:

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: OPPORTUNITY FUND - GRANT ACCEPTANCE AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE WTIP PROJECT TR02-2003
The City has received a $285,952 grant for phase 2 of the Waterfront Development Project.
Considering this is authorization to receive money for a Council approved and budgeted project
this item has been placed on the consent agenda. The grant has already been incorporated in the City Council adopted Capital Facilities Plan. The County has presented the City with a Memorandum of Understanding entitled the “Clallam County Opportunity Fund Program Memorandum of Understanding. The document is attached to this staff report. The only obligation of the document is that the City will provide a presentation to the County on the success, progress, and/or lessons learned from implementation of Phase 2 of the Waterfront Transportation Improvement Plan. Staff recommends that Council accept the Opportunity Fund grant approving the Memorandum of Understanding. Council should also authorize the Mayor to sign the Memorandum of Understanding and make minor modifications as necessary. 


Wait! A minute here! Did the Treasure signed off on any warrants while we were not looking? How is it the city is assuming that they already has gotten the monies, without warrants being issued by the county, and without the treasure signing off on them? What's going on here? Is there some kind of end run rope a dope action going on here? So, what's the game now? If we are not going to have a treasure doing our bidding, we are just going to find a way around her is that it!?



IN OTHER LOCAL NEWS....


Will Port Angeles council members' fluoridation votes mirror survey results? So far, four noncommittal
PORT ANGELES — Four of the seven City Council members are noncommittal on abiding by the results of an upcoming survey of water users who will be asked if fluoridation of city water should continue after May 18.
In recent separate interviews, Mayor Dan Di Guilio and Councilmen Lee Whetham and Dan Gase said they would vote to stop fluoridating city water if that's what water users say they want in the survey, which will be conducted by mail on a still-undesignated date in November.
Deputy Mayor Patrick Downie and council members Brad Collins, Cherie Kidd and Sissi Bruch took a wait-and-see attitude.---PDN



Port of Port Angeles awaits possible decision on passenger airline service to Seattle
PORT ANGELES ---  Two airlines have expressed interest in linking Port Angeles with Seattle, and at least one of them may make up its mind this month.---PDN


SeaPort Airlines  carrier eyed by Port of Port Angeles finds Southern skies unfriendly, but Coos Bay, Ore., loves carrier
TUPELO, Miss.  This Southern city wants to evict from its airport the same carrier the Port of Port Angeles says may connect the North Olympic Peninsula with Seattle. A SeaPort Airlines executive vice president concedes the airline has had trouble serving Tupelo but blames problems on a pilot shortage it says is worse in the South than in the Northwest.---PDN


Bacteria count leads Clallam County to close Cline Spit beach
After finding high bacterial concentrations in waters off Cline Spit beach, officials with Clallam County Health and Human Services' environmental health division have closed Cline Spit's beach, advising the public to avoid recreational water contact — no swimming or wading — in waters at Cline Spit County Park.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


Jefferson County residents among Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor demonstrators
Three Jefferson County residents were among as many as 40 demonstrators Monday morning, Aug. 10 who carried signs and temporarily blocked an entrance to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.---PT LEADER


The mysterious disappearance of Mr. Robison
What if someone in your family disappeared? Just decided to leave their life behind, start a new life in another town? What kind of questions would those left behind want answered?---FORKS FORUM


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT







WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Resolution adopting amendments to Policy 120 – Board of Commissioners Operating Guidelines

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Agenda highlight item: Resolution 15-028 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Public Works Contract with Shold Excavating, Inc. for the Replacement and Installation of Sewer Mainlines and Maintenance Holes in the City’s Wastewater Collection System.



DAILY DEVOTIONAL


 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
Romans 14:8 NKJV

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Saturday, August 8, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: WILL THAT BE FLUORIDE MAPLE SYRUP WITH THEM WAFFLES CHERIE?

The following lead article I am sharing today is from Port O Call. Wilson pretty much paints a clear picture on who was the main waffler, Cherie Kidd. Whom I am giving the nick name Waffling Cherie! No wonder when I spoke during the Council meeting Tuesday night, and merely mention the phrase waffling, Cherie Kidd seemed to be wiggling in her seat! She wasn't the only one who waffled in their decision on placing this on the November ballot, our pal 15 month Lee also voted to have this poll done by a mailer, rather than on the ballot, after he voted to have this question on the November ballot.


End fluoridation now
" Two weeks ago City Council member, Cherie Kidd made a motion to put the question of fluoridation to an “advisory vote” on the November ballot.  The motion passed.  A week went by and, Port O Call presumes the medical mafia got to Kidd.  When she returned to council a week later she craw-fished on her previous motion and suggested it not go to the ballot.  Now it will be simply a questionnaire mailed to city residents.  A questionnaire does not have the heft of an actual ballot." ----PORT O CALL

* I couldn't say it any better!


FLUORIDATION ADVISORY POLL RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington,
providing for the submission to the water system customers of the City and
to water customers in the unincorporated county who receive City water
from Public Utility District No. 1 of an advisory poll seeking citizen input
regarding the fluoridation of the City’s municipal water supply. ---from page H7 of the council's agenda packet:
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2360

Survey on Port Angeles fluoridation to be mailed after October hearings
PORT ANGELES — Two public meetings in October will precede a single-question, nonbinding survey mailed in November to all residential and business addresses that receive the city’s fluoridated water asking them if the practice should continue after May 18.----PDN


AND NOW FOR OUR CONTINUING SOAP OPERA: AS THE COUNTY BELCHES ....In this week's episode....


COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:
4b Resolution reauthorizing expenditure from the Opportunity Fund to the City of Port Angeles and authoring the Chair to execute the memorandum of understanding
4c Resolution reauthorizing expenditure from the Opportunity Fund to the Port of Port Angeles and authorizing the Chair to execute the memorandum of understanding
http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_agenda.pdf

Editorial Comment: When these funds are approved and I have a hunch they will. The ball will be back in the Treasure's Court. The question is will she release the funds or not. Let's not forget that little settlement she is now proposing to settle this dispute. Will the County Commission reject this settlement?
Agenda details: http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/bocc_meeting_packet.pdf

Jefferson County prosecutor named to represent Clallam treasurer in fight with commissioners
PORT ANGELES — A special deputy prosecuting attorney from Jefferson County has been named to represent Clallam County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis in her $1.3 million Opportunity Fund dispute with the county commissioners and other county officials.---PENINSULA DAILY NEWS


Clallam County grants to Port Angeles city, port debated in public hearings; no action taken
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners will wait another week before considering a pair of Opportunity Fund grants to port and city governments.---PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

Treasurer offers compromise to County Commissioners
As you likely know, I have been appointed by Prosecuting Attorney Nichols to represent Selinda Barkhuis, Clallam County Treasurer, with respect to warrants that would reduce the “ending fund balance” in the Opportunity Fund by some $1.3 million, with another $1.7 million set aside for “undesignated projects.” The scope of the representation extends all the way to possible litigation in Superior Court between the County Commission and my client.----PORT O CALL


Clallam treasurer proposes settlement of her dispute with commissioners over Opportunity Fund grants
PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis has said she will settle her dispute with Clallam County commissioners over $1.3 million in Opportunity Fund grants to the city and Port of Port Angeles if the board will place the grants in the 2016 budget.
The proposal from Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Alvarez, representing Barkhuis, was contained in a two-page letter to commissioners titled “offer of settlement” dated Tuesday and obtained by the Peninsula Daily News.----PDN







Top candidates locked in for general election
The second round of ballot counts in the Clallam County Aug. 4 primary election didn't bring any better news for supports of the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center Proposition 1.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


CLALLAM/JEFFERSON ELECTIONS — Breidenbach widens lead in Port of PA race; other races stay stable as more votes counted
PORT ANGELES — Mike Breidenbach has widened his lead over Lee Whetham by 34 votes and nearly a percentage point in the close race for a position on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for Port of Port Angeles commissioner.---PDN

* Look's like the voters aren't buying what 15 -month Lee is selling this time around of the vote count holds up. It also proves that people don't appreciate the attitude that attending public forums and debates as a big inconvenience, or view their current positions as mere "stepping stones" to higher office.


In other local news...

Emergency Closure of Recreational Fishing in Most Olympic National Park Rivers and Streams to Begin August 10
To protect fish during the ongoing severe drought conditions, an emergency closure of recreational fishing will be enacted on Monday, August 10 at 12:01 a.m. on most rivers and streams within Olympic National Park.  Current conditions have made Pacific salmon, steelhead and bulltrout exceptionally vulnerable because of low stream flows and high water temperatures.---Forks Forum


Food bank's hope for freezers for harvest falling short
The Port Townsend Food Bank's hope to install refrigerated storage in time for the 2015 harvest season has collided with the City of Port Townsend's need for a complete Mountain View Commons facility plan---PT LEADER

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT
Government ‘sadistic’ for appealing abuse case, mother says
A mother called the B.C. government “cruel” and “sadistic” Friday for appealing a court ruling that found social workers ignored or misled the courts and delivered her children into the hands of their sexually abusive father.  ---TIMES COLONIST


B.C. NDP oppose oil pipeline approval
B.C. New Democrats have staked out a formal position against approval of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion ahead of final arguments later this month before the National Energy Board.---VICTORIA NEWS
http://www.vicnews.com/news/321079411.html

Anti-violence measures increase at four hospitals
The B.C. health ministry is adding an extra $2 million to improve security at four facilities identified as having the highest risk for violence.----VICTORIA NEWS


WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

PORT COMMISSION HIGHLIGHT AGENDA ITEM: FIA Apron 3 Project - Design & Bid Assistance


SEQUIM CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM HIGHLIGHT: MPD Action Plan – Engage the community and stakeholders in developing a Metropolitan Park District Plan


Full agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1221

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP AGENDA


FORK CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA




DAILY DEVOTIONAL

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.
Psalm 149:4 NKJV
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Saturday, August 1, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST; CITY OF PA CHOOSES COP OUT ROUT OF ENGAGING THE PUBLIC ON FLUORIDE

During their next city council meeting, the council will pass the following Resolution for a public advisory poll on the fluoride question on whether or not they should continue adding fluoride in our water supply. They were going to have this poll on the next general election ballot in November, but they decided to take the cop out rout of just stuffing your utility bill with "ballots" hoping you take notice and vote on the question posed....yeah, right! How many people you know will actually read anything other than their utility bill when it comes? Hey! At least the local dental association could rest easy because I imagine many of those mailed ballots in utility bills will probably end up in the trash anyways!


FLUORIDATION ADVISORY POLL RESOLUTION
At its special meeting on July 28, the City Council voted to conduct an advisory poll of City and
PUD customers who receive fluoridated water from the City. The Council then asked staff to
recommend the process for conducting that poll. There are several items to consider.
First, Council must adopt the language that will be sent out to customers. There is no law or
regulation that governs in a situation such as this, but there are statutes that govern the language of
a ballot proposition that is binding. Those statutes are designed to assure that the language used in
a ballot proposition is neutral and easily understood. Recognizing that, staff recommends the
language of the poll follow the statutory rules for binding ballot propositions. A recommended
resolution containing such language accompanies this memo.
That language, along with a “for” and “against” statement from assigned committee chairs, would
be included in one mailing to City and PUD customers.
The second item to consider is the method of distribution. The PUD is willing to, and in fact
prefers to, distribute the same poll to its own customers who receive fluoridated water. Since that
is the case, the simple means of distribution is that the City mail the poll to City water customers
and the PUD mail the poll to its customers. The mailings should be sent out on the same day.
The next item to consider is collection and counting the polls. As of the date this memo is written,
city staff have at least two different proposals for collecting and counting the polls. However, we
have not yet been able to determine the practicability of either. We will provide supplemental
information on this topic as soon as possible.
The final item to consider is timing. Staff recommends that Council choose a public hearing date
in October that will set in motion a timeline for the advisory poll mailings. That public hearing is
intended to be the center piece for public education regarding the fluoride issue. Therefore, it
seems appropriate that the polls should go out soon after the public hearing.
Staff recommends that mailings are sent out by the end of the calendar week that follows the
hearing, and that customers have 21 days to return their votes.
See full city council agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2360

PORT O CALL PUBLISHER CALLS OUT DENTIST FOR A DEBATE...
 The question is will Kennedy accept? Or Dale Wilson will have to do his best Clint Eastwood impersonation talking to an empty chair?

Dr. Scott Kennedy, Chief Medical Officer
Olympic Medical Center
Dear Dr. Kennedy:
Since you have taken it upon yourself to be the spokesman for those seeking to continue fluoridation of our city water supply I would like to challenge you to an open debate on the merits of fluoridating the municipal water supply.
If, as  Harvard Medical School scientist conclude, children exposed to fluoridated water lose up to 14 points on IQ scores by age 14, then this important topic should be given more attention than it has received locally.
If you accept this challenge I will attempt to engage the League of Women Voters to moderate such a debate.  If they are not acceptable to you as moderators then please nominate a reliable entity.
Hopefully we can secure the city council chambers as a venue for such a debate.  Please let me know if you accept and also send over two or three dates in late August or early September that are available to you.  Early evening is best for me.
Respectfully,
Dale Wilson

Related stories....
Port Angeles fluoridation advisory ballot has strange twist for election system
" The city voters and Clallam County Public Utility District residents will be asked if the city should continue fluoridating drinking water after May 18, 2016, when the citys obligation to fluoridate runs out under an agreement with the Washington Dental Service Foundation, a nonprofit funded by Delta Dental of Washington.But Clallam County Auditor Shoona Riggs said the county cannot mail ballots solely to more than 1,550 utility district addresses that receive city water because ballots are mailed by precincts, not geographic areas that contain portions of precincts."---PDN


Port Angeles City Council decides on fluoridation poll by mail rather than ballot item
PORT ANGELES — The fluoride question will not be posed to voters on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
The City Council decided Tuesday that it would be too logistically difficult to include in a ballot question those Clallam County Public Utility District customers who drink the city’s fluoridated water.----PDN




OUR CONTINUING SAGA OF THE COUNTY BELCHES 

Is the second try a charm? County to hold two public hearings regarding grant funding.
H2 Consideration of Resolution reauthorizing a grant from the Opportunity Fund to the City of Port
Angeles
H3 Consideration of Resolution reauthorizing a grant from the Opportunity Fund to the Port of Port
Angeles
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

Related Stories....
Clallam County Treasurer Barkhuis lightens stance on Opportunity Fund grants
Selinda Barkhuis is backing off on her threat to challenge the Clallam County commissioners disbursement of Opportunity Fund proceeds in Superior Court.For now.---PDN


Clallam commissioner wants report on Opportunity Fund grants, past processes
Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman wants a paper trail to show that he and his fellow commissioners have gone above and beyond the normal public process to award a pair of infrastructure grants---PDN


In other local news:
Port of Port Angeles, Economic Development Corp. reach accord on industrial recruiting
 The Port of Port Angeles and the Clallam County Economic Development Corp. have made up a spat over which agency will recruit new industry to the area.----PDN


Clallam County commissioners approve $99,000 to Feiro, visitor bureau
Clallam County commissioners have approved a $99,000 debatable budget emergency to support the Feiro Marine Life Center and Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau.---PDN

Community TV Gains Momentum by Tyler
With more than four organizational meetings under its belt, the group working to bring community access television and live streaming of local events to everyday reality on the Olympic Peninsula is gaining momentum----PORT O CALL


Pot is coming to town as city ends moratorium
Sequim residents won’t have to venture too far to purchase recreational and medical marijuana.---SEQUIM GAZETTE


FAA: Wildfires and Drones Don’t Mix
WASHINGTON – Responding to recent incidents in which unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as “drones,” interfered with manned aircraft involved in wildland firefighting operations, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is supporting the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service in their simple message to drone operators: If you fly; we can’t.----FORKS FORUM

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Agenda highlight: Ordinance 3132 Related to an Emergency Related to Water Supply and Fire Hazards; Amending Ordinance 3131
See full agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=253

Related news story:
Water restrictions on City Council agenda for Aug. 3
 People in Port Townsend could soon be asked to water their gardens every other day if the Port Townsend City Council agrees Aug. 3 to a more aggressive conservation program outlined in a proposed ordinance dealing with water supply and fire hazards.---PT LEADER


NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

Victoria mayor faces furious Topaz Park crowd
It was no walk in the park for Victoria politicians who met the wrath of Topaz Park area residents on Thursday night over a proposed temporary tent city for the homeless ---TIMES COLONIST


$500,000 severance for boss as sewage program staff is disbanded
The head of the Seaterra sewage program will walk away with almost $500,000 in severance pay at the end of September.  ---TIMES COLONIST


Review flags denial, confusion in slow response to Marathassa oil spill
An independent review of the spill of bunker fuel oil into Vancouver's English Bay has blamed cleanup delays on the MV Marathassa's initial denial it was the source, as well as miscommunication between responding agencies.----VICTORIA NEWS





DAILY DEVOTIONAL

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
Psalm 119:114 NKJV



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Saturday, July 25, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST; PA DENTAL ASSOCIATION TO PA RESIDENTS....

YOU DON'T HAVE THE EDUCATIONAL BACK GROUND TO MAKE A INFORMED DECISION ON FLUORIDE! 

  That was the message I got from the public discussion during the City Council Tuesday night. The city chamber was full of members of the local dental association pitching for their cause to keep fluoride being added to the city's water supply. At one point during the debate from both sides, I heard one of the local dentist actually say, that the general public does not have the educational back ground on dentistry to make an informed decision on the issue of fluoride! I forgot the doctor's name who said it, but it was clear how the dental association views their patients as being not knowledgeable enough to make a rational decision on fluoride. Meaning folks we are too stupid for our own good! Funny, these dentist don't have a problem taking our money on those trips to the dentist do they? So, the whole thing came down to actually asking the public in a public vote what are there thoughts on the subject. Well I be! That's what I been advocating for nearly every time I ran for city council, and low and behold they saw the light apparently, and decided to have an non binding vote by the public whether or not to continue with the fluoride program. I of course question the motives of some council members voting in favor of putting this to a public vote, notably or pal "15 month Lee" Lee Whetham, who is currently running for Port Commission after only 15 months on the job at the city. I suspect this has much to do in seeking those anti-fluoride votes, and now since the city had decided to end the quest of installing those smart meters officially, he is now sounding like he is against the smart meters. I do recall Whetham saying during the election to city council in 2013, that he favored the council in honoring the contract with Mueller Systems, LLC . Now, apparently since the smart meter program is not longer viable for the council, he voted for the approval of the ordinance washing the city's hands of the whole matter, go figure! So here are the stories surrounding the debate about the fluoride issue, including an emailed article by one of the city council candidates,  MAROLEE SMITH. In her article she shared with me, Smith wrote:

 I went to the city council meeting last night (7/21/15). It was packed. Probably as packed as I saw it when the fluoride was jammed through 9 years ago.

Many people spoke. I found it interesting that the citizens were, by large, against keeping the fluoride in the water, but the dentists all said about the same thing.

The quoted the “talking points” from the ADA (American Dental Association) — word for word:

“More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

Source: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

I can only assume that the dental schools, continuing education classes, and the association itself must hammer this same non-wavering nonsense into the dentists heads.   So much so they each parroted the exact same numbers, percents, and the “one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century”. Every one of the speaking dentists said it.

But, folks, it’s the 21st century.

The dentists cited how they must treat children (3 years old) with bad dental caries. How they see these patients “every day”.  Which made me wonder — what has fluoridation in the water actually done for for us?   It’s been nearly a decade, so you’d think that 1/4 of the dentists would be out of business, that they’d be seeing 25% less children with bad dental caries.  I didn’t hear that.  Sounds like business is still booming for them. That’s great. I didn’t hear that this 9-year-test had really changed their lives, or bottom-line.

The attitudes from different professionals (not dentists) on fluoride are quite mixed up.

There are pediatricians who advise against mixing formula with fluoridated water. The European food guidelines (contained in the Codex Alimentarius, a collection of internationally recognized standtoothpaste-label-warningard, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations relating to foods, food production and food safety) insist on a warning on bottled water containing artificially added fluoride, or naturally occurring (over a set ppm), to have the warning “not for children under the age of 6”    If you read the side of a toothpaste tube it has a clear warning label. “Keep out of reach of children under age 6“. ..”call Poison Control Center immediately“.  Yipes!

Fluoridation has been nearly abolished in Europe, Israel and parts of Australia.  Statistics gathered by the World Health Organization do not show any difference in rates of dental caries in fluoridated vs. non fluoridated countries.  In the U.S., the state of Kentucky, which has been fluoridating the longest (70 years), and has 99% fluoridation of its water supply, has the worst dental health of any state in the country.    John Colquhoun, the Chief Dental Officer in Auckland, NZ, studied the effects of fluoridation around the world.  He discovered that people in countries with fluoridation had the worst teeth.

By all accounts (if we listen to the dentists) we should be seeing better teeth, more kids with zero cavities, right? But we aren’t.

Why?  I thought about this last night. Then I realized the problem.  What kid actually DRINKS TAP WATER?  I see kids downing sodas. I see kids drinking from highly sweetened juice boxes. I might see them sipping from bottled water.  Come to think of it, in the last decade, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a kid ask for tap water.

Maybe we should fluoridate soda and other children’s drinks. I think that might do more good. Why is no one suggesting this?

The newest studies (2000 and newer) seem to be changing from the rock-solid “we have to DO THIS” mindset of the mid-last century.  Too bad the dentists seem to not be able to think out of that box.  The studies done in the mid-1940’s were when kids drank water. Everyone drank water — tap water. Back in the 60’s, my grandmother would grouse at me: “You’re thirsty? Drink some WATER”.  Back then, American’s didn’t drink bottled water. They didn’t down sodas by the gallon, or fruit juice.

At the council meeting I started to wonder where does OUR fluoride  comes from.  I can’t seem to get any clear answer — what kind of fluorine was used in the studies in the 1940’s?  I know that the communities with natural fluorine — minerals seeping into the ground water — were the reason for the original “ah-ha” moment.   But, have there been studies done on this other source, the modern sources, of fluoride?

“Fluorine is the world’s 13th most abundant element and constitutes 0.08% of the Earth crust. Fluoride is widely distributed in the environment, occurring in the air, soils, rocks, and water. Although fluoride is used industrially in a fluorine compound, the manufacture of ceramics, pesticides, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, glassware, and Teflon cookware, it is a generally unwanted byproduct of aluminium, fertilizer, and iron ore manufacture.”  (source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956646/)

So, what is being added to our water is a by-product of manufacturing.  We’re drinking, bathing, watering our plants, feeding our livestock and pets with an industrial waste product that is being sold for a profit?   Really? Who is getting rich on this nonsense, and why is the ADA pushing it? Who wins here?  (Somehow I don’t think it’s us.)

It is the 21st century. So, please, lets come up with another option. Lets ask the dentists to start thinking for themselves, instead of parroting what the ADA has programmed into them. Lets get our government out of making health medication decisions for us. I want to know what the real reason small towns are being strong-armed into this crazy scheme.

Who profits from the fluoride?   Where is this coming from?


Related Stories:

Port Angeles City Council decides to ask voters if they approve of adding fluoride to drinking water; question will appear on Nov. 3 ballot
PORT ANGELES — City Council members voted 4-3 Tuesday night to place an advisory measure on the Nov. 3 general election ballot asking voters if they approve of adding fluoride into the Port Angeles drinking water supply as has been done for the last 10 years.---read more

Port Angeles residents to get November nonbinding vote on fluoride in water
Forty years ago, Port Angeles residents overwhelmingly voted against fluoridating their non-fluoridated drinking water.City Council members then kept the water as it was.In the Nov. 3 general election, citizens will be asked a similar question, with one big difference: Should the city stop injecting the mineral additive into the water system after doing so for nearly a decade?---read more


THE CONTINUING SAGA OF THE COUNTY BELCHES!

It's watching a soap opera on TV on the week day afternoons at the county court house, the feud apparently isn't over as I first thought it was when news reports about the county commission blinking. I thought this little mellow drama was over, but apparently that's not the case given the recent news articles making headlines locally:


Clallam commissioners to hold public hearing on grants, but obstacles could remain
Clallam County commissioners acquiesced in part to county Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis, deciding in a Monday work session to hold a public hearing on two disputed Opportunity Fund grants that she has refused to process.---PDN

Quote: "She was not ready Monday to say she will sign warrants releasing the funds.I guess we'll have to wait and see what they do, Barkhuis, a non-practicing lawyer in her second term as treasurer, said in a later interview.I can't continue to babysit these commissioners."

Why Commissioners “blinked” by Selinda Barkhuis, County Treasurer---PORT O CALL
Quote: "On the same day I received the Prosecutor’s letter, I received an email from James Casey from the Peninsula Daily News wanting my “reaction please” to the “possibility that in refusing to approve the warrants you’ve failed to fulfill your duties as an elected official… That’s a Class B felony upon conviction of which leads to removal from office and cancellation of your license to practice law.”  
Yes, Clallam County’s Good Old Bully Club was out in full force! And their message was loud and clear:  PAY UP OR ELSE"
Another quote which was in the same article posted on Monday's edition of the Port of Call's story: QUOTE: Well, because during that executive session, I think, somebody must have explained to them the ramifications of RCW 36.40.130 if it turns out in court that I was right all along, and that the Commissioners had absolutely no good reason to rely on the Prosecutor’s legal opinion.  Because that opinion, pardon the legalese, is nothing but a pile of crap.  ---County Treasure, Selinda Barkhuis

* I re-posted the above article from Port O Call to show how the County Treasure views the current county commission.

Ex-Clallam official, commissioner spar in meeting on spending, transparency
"Former Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty blasted the current board for its spending policies and a possible violation; of the Open Public Meetings Act. You can come here anytime you want and rip us to shreds, and I'm going to rip you back because you're out of bounds, current Commissioner Mike Chapman told his former colleague Tuesday."---PDN

* The county seems to be getting nailed from two ends these days.

In other local news:

PORT ANGELES SENDS HEALING WORDS TO CHATTANOOGA
 
On Thursday, July 16, 2015, the City of Chattanooga, TN, suffered a terrible loss when a gunman shot and killed five US Marines at two different locations. Several others were also wounded in the attack. The investigation of the crime is ongoing. The gunman allegedly opened fire on the Combined Armed Forces Recruiting Center and then later entered the U.S. Naval Reserve Center where four Marines were killed by gunfire. A fifth officer later died from his injuries 
 
Initial reports are calling those who were killed, heroes. Using skills learned in the service, they were able to secure areas and save lives, including seven people who were in the training center who no doubt survived due to the bravery and skill of the servicemen who lost their lives in the deadly shootout. They were able to keep those in the center safe from the gunman’s bullets, ultimately sacrificing their lives for the safety of others.
 
Three of the officers have spent time serving tours of duty abroad, including Iraq and Afghanistan.  Reports list the names of the officers who died in the attack as Gunnery Sargent Thomas Sullivan, Staff Sargent David Wyatt, Lance Corporal Skip Wells, Sargent Carson Holmquist, and Petty Officer Randall Smith. 
 
Port Angeles developed a relationship with the City of Chattanooga this past year through Outdoor Magazine’s Best Towns online contest in which Port Angeles and Chattanooga were finalists. To offer our condolences to the City of Chattanooga as they suffer from this terrible loss, the City of Port Angeles has a banner available for community members to sign. From now until 4:30 on Friday, the banner will be available at Port Angeles City Hall, across from the City Manager’s Office. 
 
We encourage you to come by and offer your condolences to the City of Chattanooga by signing your name, and sharing words of kindness, sympathy and support.

* A press release from the city.


Cleanup at Rayonier pulp mill site in Port Angeles to be completed in another five years
Cleanup that began on the former Rayonier Inc. pulp mill site in 2000 should be completed by 2020, a top state Department of Ecology cleanup official said Tuesday.---PDN

* So in essence readers thanks to our friends from Ecology we will see this eye sore on the waterfront for another 5 years! 








NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRIAT







WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK

PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Clallam Economic Development Council Contract


City of Sequim agenda highlight item: Ordinance No. 2015-012 Marijuana Moratorium





DAILY DEVOTIONAL

I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.
Psalm 119:60 NKJV
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Monday, July 20, 2015

COUNTY TREASURE DEFIANT AS EVER TAKES ON MEDIA AND COUNTY COMMISSION

Why Commissioners “blinked” by Selinda Barkhuis, County Treasurer
OK, I think I know why they blinked.  I don’t claim to have first-hand knowledge of what happened during the June 30 executive session that preceded the open business meeting where the County Commissioners unanimously decided to “rescind the grants” and “pull back” the $1 million warrant to the Port and the $285,952 warrant to the City that I had “referred to maker” two weeks earlier.  ---PORT O CALL---Read more

QUOTE: Well, because during that executive session, I think, somebody must have explained to them the ramifications of RCW 36.40.130 if it turns out in court that I was right all along, and that the Commissioners had absolutely no good reason to rely on the Prosecutor’s legal opinion.  Because that opinion, pardon the legalese, is nothing but a pile of crap.  ---County Treasure, Selinda Barkhuis

 Editorial Comment: Sounds to me she isn't about to give in even when all the protocols are addressed. This was on Port O Call webpage, which she only has communications with currently.
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