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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Sunday, July 19, 2015

LAST CALL FOR PRIMARY CANDIDATES UPDATED!

Readers, recently I emailed the Candidates for the local primary election here in Port Angeles which will allow local voters to separate the weeds from the wheat as it were, for the general election in November. I wrote the candidates in the primary to allow them to have their final say on their issues...I will post responses on this page when they come in:


  • As a candidate Doc Robinson is focused entirely on jobs.

         
Carbon fiber jobs – recycle it and create businesses here to build everything from skateboards   to snowboards, drones, auto and boat parts.  But before we spend a dime we must see that the recycled product we produce, will sell at a competitive price.  This most basic business
         question has not been answered and it must come first.
         
Wood production jobs – help our young entrepreneurs succeed at making
and selling wood products – from designer furniture, to bee hives, to
whatever marketable idea they have.  Our men and women have the work skills,
         they need micro-loans to get started and local business trainers to help turn ideas into
         companies that employ.

Logging jobs – be a thorn in the side of State DNR to open lands promised and overdue.
         We don’t have to sit by and let the state withhold land.  Sure we don’t have political or legal
         control, but that means we need to become a vocal and visible pain in their backsides.

Pollution cleanup – our Port waters & lands have pollution sites waiting for cleanup.
         The Port this week voted to award the K-ply cleanup contract.  Seven other sites are tied up in
         the courts while lawyers feed at the trough.  The Ports interest is to clear the path to Port
         development.  You and I cannot stop the lawyers.  But we can take this time to get ready
         for the day when cleanup actually starts.  Business, banks, the City, County, Port and the
College need to work together to develop a new private company – Clallam Pollution Cleanup, Inc.
         Pollution cleanup is a growing national and international business.  Let's use our 7 difficult sites
         to train our young men and women in this career.  When our cleanup begins, our local company
         needs to be ready to win the bids and then go on to win them elsewhere with our people.

Marine industries – Our Port is not close to capacity.  Meanwhile the marine transportation industry
         continues to grow because it is the cheapest form of transportation.  We need to attract new Marine
         business servicing this industry.  Meanwhile, Anacortes is slowly squeezing their Marine Industries
         because all the new retirees want more condos and less heavy industry.  Good for us.  We need to park
         a trailer in Anacortes and work with other county agencies and business groups to bring these
         companies to our deep-water port.  This is a every day effort until it is done.  In addition to this clear
         opportunity, we also need to bring in a company to build a small container facility so our new manufacturers
         can cheaply move their products to market.

Tourism – Tourism is good.  It brings cash flow.  But we all know in tourist jobs, the company owners can
         make money, the employees make $13 per hour or so.  So, the Port will only lease to small local shops.  We
         want lots of locals to start and run small businesses.  We will not allow large tourism corporations to
lease spots in the port.  Anything an outside corporation can do, three or four of our local business people
         can do better

County Labor Rule – If you bid for public business then then fifty percent of your workers must have lived
         in Clallam for at least a year and these jobs must be evenly distributed to all levels from trainee to executives.
         Companies may only be excused for a level if they can prove the required skill is not available in Clallam County.

There are other management issues.  Management oversight has been lacking.  At a recent Port meeting there was debate when one commissioner asked for the expected Return on Investment before voting for a project.  ROI is a
basic business investment number, as common as interest rates on loans.  It is unbelievable that the project did not already have this.  And it was more unbelievable when another commissioner stated this was not really necessary.
Try bringing a business proposal to a commercial investor without an ROI.  The meeting will be short and brutal.
We have to upgrade our management practices to reduce costs, increase returns and promote job making industries. ----Richard "Doc" Robinson, Port Commission Candidate



  • To the Voters of Clallam County,


I decided to run for Clallam County Commissioner District 1 because I am fed up with the status quo, and the same people that have been in control for far too long with their game of musical chairs going from commission to commission,
board to board and council to council.  When the music stops we see the same faces sitting in the chairs and their revolving door spending sprees on ideas that just never seem to pan out and when they fail they always blame the public
for lack of involvement or community interest.

We need a change from top down, someone who will protect your hard earned tax dollars and spend them on projects that are needed like water supplies for the community, schools, and existing public infrastructure that has been left to decay for far too long.  Businesses
in Sequim have had to install pumps to boost water pressure to support their day to day operations and their fire suppression systems because the water system is inadequate and old.  Our fire department couldn’t test hydrants without setting off fire sprinkler
alarms due to the decreased pressure in the system.  These are but two examples.

I value the small business and the jobs they create and encourage everyone to buy local first.  Make your purchases from the local bakery, dress shop, dinner, farmers markets.  We must become self- sufficient and protect what is left of our farms and open spaces.
I want to be your voice for your ideas and vision for Clallam County. If you have an idea or proposal I want to hear it and discuss it with you.

As of this election there is no unified vision for the City of Port Angeles, frankly it’s scattered and we should not re-elect those responsible.  We need port commissioners with a background in the maritime trades, a city council that actually listens to and responds to those
who have elected them.  Timber is not the future, retirement villages are not the future, tourism will not last because we have nothing to offer.  If we must purport Port Angels as the foyer or gateway to the Olympics then let’s put our best downtown, fake beaches just aren’t enough.

We must draw from our community talents and entrepreneurial spirit to bring their art, crafts, baked goods, clothing, into shops downtown.  Port Angeles is an historic Mill town, maybe someone can come up with a unifying theme and build on that.  Port Angeles is also rich in native cultural heritage
and our local tribes should be in the forefront helping with development.  This is a democracy and all voices and opinions matter, we must work together.

We must all plan for our future here in Clallam County,  we must plan for a secure water supply, we must now place this as a top priority and everyone must do their part to use our water wisely.  I do believe that the county has a responsibility to down zone critical areas in order
to decrease the demand on an already over appropriated water supply and plan for growth in those areas where water can be easily managed around cities with existing public facilities, services and infrastructure.

If you want STRONG-INCLUSIVE-LEADERSHIP, I’m your candidate.  If you want someone who will protect you HARD EARNED TAX DOLLARS, I’m your candidate.  If you want someone that is COMMITTED, HARD WORKING and INVESTED, I’m your candidate.

LET US BUILD A BETTER COUNTY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW!
Byran Frazier Candidate for County Commissioner, District 1




  •  My name is Mark Ozias and I hope to be your next Clallam County Commissioner.


I am a former small business owner (The Red Rooster Grocery, Sequim) who understands the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs around the County.  As Commissioner I will advocate for policies that support and advance the local business community and local economy.

I am a skilled non-profit executive who builds budgets and crafts policies to carry out budgetary priorities.  Since non-profit organizations depend on individual donors for their support, the concepts of transparency and accountability come naturally.

I am a proven leader who achieves results.  We ensure the best ideas come forward when citizens are actively engaged in their governance.  I will prioritize public participation and work to ensure that all who wish to participate feel their voice will be heard.

I look forward to elevating the entrepreneurial small business owners who are today’s job-creators and the leaders of tomorrow’s economy as well as looking outward for new “big picture” opportunities that take advantage of our unique resources and skilled workforce.

My priorities include increased planning for water scarcity and other vital environmental issues such as global climate change; a renewed focus on the crucial subject of community health and a commitment to transparency and open government.

Please visit markozias.org to learn more about my positions, catch my song of the week, register to vote, contribute to my campaign or volunteer to help.  I look forward to earning your vote.



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Saturday, July 18, 2015

PORT ANGELES DIGEST: 15 MONTH LEE SHOWS UP AT A PORT MEETING!

Yes, readers that's Lee Whetham's new nick name I gave him, 15 month Lee! Why you may ask? Well he served only 15 months on the city council which he wanted to serve on so he said at that time, now after 15 months he decided to move on up the political ladder, and these positions here locally are just "stepping stones" to higher office using his words. But, this week he made an appearance at a Port Commission meeting I attended this week, the first time I saw him attend any Port meeting which I attended since May. He came to speak about his continued support of chopping down the trees at Lincoln Park that are blocking the air space for landing, and taking off airplanes at the near by airport Fairchild International. He asked about the status of the environmental impact of cutting down those trees. You know what readers, maybe it's just me I think he was sending a message to his pal John Calhoun...."I supported you in wanting to cut down the trees, now you owe me buddy!" That's what I think the real message he was conveying, but that's just me. The other two Port Candidates were present too,  Rick (Doc) Robinson, and Connie Beauvais. Both Robinson, and Whetham started a little debate between them during the closing public comment session of the Port meeting, Beauvais staid out of the little debate that transpired which was about Whetham's pet project the apprentice utilization program. I think yours truly only met  Michael Breidenbach, once at one Port meeting, but nevertheless with the lack of coverage given about the primary election from the local media, is it any wonder candidates are now taking matters in their own hands to get their message out to other venues that will make mention of the primary election, ballots were mailed out this week for the primary election so this will be the time when voters will have to separate the shaft from the wheat so to speak. Weed out the pretenders, and opportunist, from those who truly want to serve this community, not seek their own advancement, or "name" in bold print!

With that, here is the latest local happenings;


 Clallam County commissioner candidates discuss county grants, water issues 
Three candidates for the Clallam County District 1 commissioner seat debated water and the distribution of county funds at a League of Women Voters of Clallam County forum Incumbent Commissioner Jim McEntire and challengers Mark Ozias and Bryan D. Frazier were questioned by audience members during the Sunday afternoon forum on the controversy surrounding County Treasurer Selinda Barkhuis refusal to honor funds transfers to other agencies, as well as about water rights and building permits in water-critical areas.---read more
(Well, now looks like PDN finally said something about the primary, along with Port O Call's article I shared earlier this week.)

 Clallam asks state auditor for review of grant allocation process in wake of treasurer's rejection
 Clallam County commissioners have asked the state auditor if they botched the process of awarding a pair of infrastructure grants to city and port governments in May


 Port of Port Angeles gets $596,913 federal grant to study Lincoln Park trees, airport flightpath
The Port of Port Angeles has started the process of finding a solution to the ever-growing, obstructive Lincoln Park trees in the path of William R. Fairchild International Airport.But dont expect a decision on cutting down trees to increase visibility of the airports flight path until the beginning of 2018, port Airport and Marina Manager Jerry Ludke said.

( No mention of the Port candidates attending the meeting in the article, guess that was up to me to do huh!? Readers! My job, readers is to comment on news stories posted, hence news commentator, but I guess if the local media isn't doing the job of covering primary elections, just the general ones well that falls to guys like me to do, which I am glad to do readers!)

 Don’t follow leaders–don’t re-elect anybody---PORT O CALL
As we get ready to mark our ballots and select the next leadership class let us keep one thing in mind–the incumbents are the ones who got us into the situation we are in now.

(PORT O CALL's second article about the primary election I found on their site, believe me readers I have been looking at both of these publications, maybe I missed some articles about the primary election, I am just noting the lack of coverage on both sides of the ledger)

Bloom time: The Gazette’s guide to Sequim Lavender Weekend---SEQUIM GAZETTE


 Spruce Railroad Trail Improvements to Begin July 27---FORKS FORUM


 FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT
Advocate for homeless backs moves to affordable housing ---TIMES COLONIST


 Victoria, Esquimalt mayors take initial steps toward Victoria-area amalgamation---VICTORIA NEWS


 Victoria's fossil fuel divestment movement heats up---VICTORIA NEWS

WHAT'S ON TAP FOR NEXT WEEK...

 COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Resolution adopting a Budget Emergency in the following fund: Health and Human Services, Homelessness Task Force – Transfer from ending fund balance to professional services for contracted services to the homeless in response to a request for proposals/$300,000
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 Council Agenda Items highlights:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON, DECLARING THE ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCUTRE (AMI) PROJECT NO LONGER VIABLE, TERMINATING THE ADVANCED METERING INFRATRUCTURE PROJECT, AND DESIGNATING ELIGIBLE ELECTRIC, WATER, AND WASTEWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR RECEIPT OF BOND PROCEEDS AS A RESULT OF THE TERMINATION OF THE AMI PROJECT----page h1
The City Council in August 2010 authorized the issuance of an Electric Revenue Bond and
a Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond to provide funding for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. In 2014, the City Council approved the acceptance of a settlement agreement with Mueller Systems, LLC to terminate the contract with Mueller for the implementation of the AMI project. Once the Settlement Agreement had been approved, staff began work on assessing the highest and best use of the bond proceeds previously designated for the AMI project together with refunds and repayments from Mueller associated with the termination of the contract to implement the AMI project. Included as part of the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) process brought before Council for briefings, public hearings and adoption were a series of Electric, Water and Wastewater projects that were proposed to be considered as eligible projects for the former AMI funding. With the adoption of the resolution, Council will formally terminate the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project as an authorized capital project of the City and designate the projects listed in the resolution as eligible projects to potentially receive funding from the former AMI-designated funds. 

 Editorial Comment: I imagine this will be welcome news for the anti-smart meter crowd. These so called smart meters I ran against during the 2013 campaign for City Council.
Along with the next topic: FLUORIDE – BACKGROUND INFORMATION
FLUORIDE OPERATIONS OVERVIEW:
The fluoride system was put into operation on May 18, 2006. Washington State
Department of Health (Division of Environmental Public Health, Office of Drinking Water)
requires fluoride levels be maintained between 0.8 and 1.3 mg/L. The average City fluoride
levels are between 0.8 and 0.95 mg/l. Fluoride treatment testing results are provided to the
Department of Health on a monthly basis, and are reported to consumers in the annual
Consumer Confidence Report as required by Federal law.
The fluoride used by the City is Fluorosilicic Acid (FSA) which is delivered approximately
every 6 months. The Fluorosilicic Acid is added to the water supply as a pretreatment prior
to entering the water treatment plant. The Fluorosilicic Acid is added to the water as a
liquid from a day tank through an LMI fluoride diaphragm injection metering pump.
The annual costs to provide fluoride treatment are as follows:
 1. Fluorosilicic Acid (FSA): $16,500/year
 2. Labor cost for Fluoride operation: $ 1,700/yr (approximate)
 3. Maintenance & repair costs: $1,700/yr (approximate)
Due to the age of the fluoridation system installed 10 years ago, there will likely need to be
an equipment upgrade in the future. In addition, it would be recommended to relocate the
fluoride injection system from the water intake of the plant, to the end of the treatment
process, for improved control
CITY’S OBLIGATION OVERVIEW:
In the 2005 agreement between the City and the Dental Foundation, the City assumed
several obligations, many of which have already been fulfilled. Of the remaining
obligations, probably the one of most current interest is the obligation to fluoridate for a
minimum of ten years.
Under the agreement, if the City stops fluoridation before 10 years of operation, the City is
obligated to repay to the Dental Foundation the costs it paid to design, construct, and install
the system. At the time the agreement was made, the system had not been designed or
constructed. Therefore, those costs were unknown. Recognizing that, a cap of $433,000
was placed on this repayment amount. The City could be liable for additional damages if it
were to deliberately breach the agreement.
In summary, the City is obligated to continue fluoridation until May 18, 2016. At that date
the contractual obligation ends, but fluoridation does not automatically cease. The actions 
of the prior City Councils in 2003 through 2005 set in motion the water fluoridation
program, and now that program will continue until and unless the City Council takes some
formal action to halt it.
COUNCIL OPTIONS:
1. Status Quo: After May 18, 2016, the City Council may do nothing, in which case
fluoridation will continue as it is currently proceeding.
2. Termination: City Council may take action, by majority vote, to cease the fluoridation
program. This choice is entirely within the discretion of the City Council.
3. Advisory Options: Before making any decision on this issue, the City Council may
want to, but is not required to, conduct some public process. If so, the City Council
may decide what that process is. There is no particular requirement. Options include:
a. Public Comment – It could be an informal public comment period, with
opportunities for both oral and written comments.
b. Public Hearing – It could be a more formal public hearing with equal
opportunity for both pro and con presentations.
c. Advisory Ballot – It could be an advisory ballot in the upcoming general
election or a subsequent special election. (Note that for an advisory ballot
to be included in the November general election, the wording of the ballot
must be submitted to the County no later than August 4, 2015.) If the City
seeks an advisory vote, consideration should be given to including those PUD
customers that also receive fluoridated drinking water from the City.
d. Combination – It could be some combination of these or something else. In
any event, the final decision still must be made by the City Council.  pages I1-I3
See full agenda for details

Editor's footnote: This is also something a ran against in previous campaigns for city council, told you this topic was once again going to be a hot topic for the current and new council to consider.

 Other regional meetings:
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
Agenda highlight: Waste Water Treatment Facility and Biosolids Awards Presentation with the Department of Ecology


 FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT
AGENDA - VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA HIGHLIGHT: Council is considering an application to permit the construction of a garden suite.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL

I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
Psalm 119:7 NKJV

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