Livestock Concerns, Traffic Safety and Downtown Issues Highlight Forks City Council Meeting
Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 6, 2026
Residents raised concerns ranging from roaming farm animals and planning commission appointments to golf carts and pedestrian safety during the Forks City Council meeting on Monday, July 27.
Public comment
Mary Howell asked the council to review the city’s livestock at large ordinance after describing ongoing problems with farm animals near her home, just a few blocks from City Hall.
Howell said neglected goats, chickens and roosters have created noise, odor and safety concerns in what was once a quiet neighborhood. She told council some animals are not being properly cared for while others roam freely, creating problems for neighboring properties.
Howell provided council members with a detailed letter and timeline and said she had photographs and videos documenting the situation. She urged the city to strengthen its code by establishing limits on the number of animals allowed, minimum living conditions and clearer enforcement procedures.
“Farms should not be inside city limits in neighborhoods,” she said.
Katherine Jackson addressed the council regarding an email she previously sent to the mayor and council members. After stating she had not received a response, she read the email during public comment.
Jackson expressed concerns about a member of the city’s planning commission who was involved in testimony during the Larson v. Quillayute Valley School District trial. She questioned whether the individual should continue serving in a position of authority and asked the council to consider limiting that person’s role or removing them from the commission.
“I expect a response,” Jackson said.
Andrew Hoschar commented on Police Chief Mike Rowley’s recent Forks Forum commentary regarding unlicensed vehicles. Hoschar said he supports the chief’s concerns about unsafe operation of minibikes and riders not wearing helmets but suggested the city consider establishing a designated golf cart zone.
Deborah Gaydeski thanked the city for trimming vegetation along Maple Street, saying it has improved visibility for motorists and pedestrians. She also expressed continued concern about children walking to school without adequate crosswalks.
Gaydeski noted that out-of-town drivers often stop at the flashing caution light at Calawah Way and suggested it should be reactivated to encourage drivers to slow down.
(Editor’s note: The caution light has since been turned back on.)
Representing the Forks Chamber of Commerce, Lissy Andros thanked city crews for helping prepare Tillicum Park for the recent movie activity moved into the Ben Dome after rainy weather threatened the event. She announced the next movie will be Jurassic Park on Aug. 22.
Council business
Council members approved Ordinance No. 694 updating the city’s Small Works Contracting procedures.
The council also approved a Transportation Improvement Board grant application for improvements to Calawah Way.
Council accepted Councilmember Vilkesh Patel’s donation of funding for a speed feedback sign that will be installed at the north entrance to the city.
Livestock ordinance under review
Council discussed proposed Ordinance No. 695 concerning livestock running at large.
City Attorney and Planner Rod Fleck said the ordinance should provide meaningful enforcement options, including making violations a civil infraction while recognizing that animal welfare concerns are a separate issue. Possible temporary holding locations, including airport pens, were also discussed.
Fleck said he will look to revise the ordinance using comments received from council members and the public before bringing it back for further consideration.
Other discussion
During second-quarter financial reports, Clerk-Treasurer Caryn Depew reported lodging tax revenues are running ahead of last year’s totals.
Council also reviewed a proposed Complete Streets ordinance. Fleck cautioned that while the policy could improve pedestrian and bicycle access, it could also increase the cost of future transportation projects. Council members were asked to review the proposal before further discussion.
Planning also began for the city’s 2027 Lodging Tax allocation process. Council discussed workshop dates, application questions and ways to better explain the funding process to nonprofit organizations while emphasizing how proposed projects promote tourism and economic activity in Forks.
Council reports
Councilmember Corey Pearson reported she has been working with Lissy Andros and Deborah Gaydeski on ideas to improve downtown traffic flow and pedestrian safety. She also noted ongoing efforts surrounding a petition related to the Hoh Bridge.
Public Works Director Paul Hampton reported the East E Street project is awaiting final paving, which is expected to take place in September. The project will also include pathways designed to improve pedestrian access to Forks Community Hospital.
Hampton added that he has contacted the Washington State Department of Transportation about additional crosswalks and the city’s traffic signal.
Fleck informed council of several upcoming public hearings and highlighted an Aug. 12 event at the Rainforest Arts Center, where the Brookings-AEI Commission will host a panel discussion focusing on coastal industries, outdoor recreation and rural economic renewal.
Before adjournment, Mayor Tim Fletcher reminded those in attendance that the council does listen to community concerns but noted that legal counsel often limits what elected officials can publicly discuss regarding certain matters.
