Forks City Council Discusses Tillicum Park activities and potential new Industrial Park tenant

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 24, 2025

The Forks City Council convened Monday evening, July 14, in council chambers with council members Armistead, Coleman, Joe Soha, and Jeff Gingell present. Technical difficulties prevented the usual Zoom connection, making the meeting unavailable online.

During public comment, Lissy Andros, executive director of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of a proposed family movie night featuring The Goonies in Tillicum Park on August 9. She also reported that the Chamber’s Logging and Mill Tour has been especially popular this summer, with waitlists forming on most Wednesdays.

Sarah Huling addressed a correction to a statement she made at the previous council meeting regarding the Recompete grant. She acknowledged an error in how the funding split was described and noted she was pleased to learn the grant includes support for a city position. However, she expressed concern about how frequently funds leave the local area for services and stated her desire to track the funding more closely.

Another resident raised concerns about the city’s water supply, specifically related to Well 6, potential FEMA funding cuts, and how future disasters could affect local water availability. He also asked for more information regarding any plans to share Forks’ water supply with nearby communities.

Council members unanimously approved a $50,000 grant from the Allen Trust for improvements at Tillicum Park. Some future improvements might include arena upgrades for concert activity, equipment replacement and additional courts. The council also gave the green light to the Chamber’s Aug. 9 movie night, approving park use past the regular curfew.

City Attorney and Planner Rod Fleck proposed adding a special council meeting to discuss a potential lease agreement with a new industrial park tenant. Councilmember Soha requested a weekend review period before any vote; Fleck confirmed this would be accommodated. If not, the item will be addressed at the next regular meeting on July 28.

Fleck also voiced concern over a proposed Washington State Board of Natural Resources plan that could remove 15,000 acres of private timberland from harvest—10,000 of which are in Clallam County. The board’s hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4, and a resolution opposing the plan will be considered at the next council meeting.

Council Reports

Councilmember Soha praised the weather during the Fourth of July festivities and raised questions about the local Urban Growth Area, recent timberland sales, and the impact of carbon credit transactions on the community. “It’s a big deal,” he said.

Gingell reported from a recent Board of Health meeting where opioid settlement funds were discussed. He also highlighted ongoing problems with aggressive dogs and noted a recent incident underscores the need for proactive measures. “We shouldn’t wait for something serious to happen,” he said. Residents are urged to report dog issues to the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 360-374-2223, ext. 1.

Gingell also proposed revisiting a previous idea to conduct a traffic study and reduce speed limits at both ends of town. Councilmember Coleman agreed, adding concerns about speeding, particularly involving youth riding motorcycles late at night. He also complimented the flags lining Forks Avenue for the holiday.

City Staff Updates

Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew reported that chip seal dates should be confirmed soon, with the project expected to begin in August.

Police Chief Mike Rowley said his stress level had dropped following the successful management of Fourth of July events. Rod Fleck shared concerns from district court, particularly regarding ongoing mental health and substance abuse issues. He noted that recent funding cuts are affecting organizations that previously reached at-risk individuals earlier in their struggles.

Mayor Tim Fletcher closed the meeting by thanking the Allen Trust for its consistent support of local projects since 2015, including its contributions to the Olympic Discovery Trail.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.