The Forks City Council convened Monday night, June 9, for a meeting filled with updates, approvals, and extensive public comment. Council members Jeff Gingell, Joe Soha, Armistead Coleman, and Vilkesh Patel were present, while Council member Clint Wood was absent.
The evening included Clallam District II Court Judge Bruce Hanify administering the oath of office to newly appointed Council member Armistead Coleman.
During public comment, Mayor Tim Fletcher laid ground rules, noting speakers would be limited to three minutes, must state their name, and that council members would not engage in back-and-forth discussion during the period. But their concerns might be responded to later in the meeting or a later date.
Concerns over the installation of a 5G tower near West Division Street dominated public remarks. Corey Pearson, a candidate for Council Position 5, voiced strong objections, calling the decision to proceed “unsettling” and “a violation of the Constitution.” She urged the Planning Commission to revisit its approval, citing potential health risks and impacts on the community and children.
Several other residents echoed her sentiments, raising concerns about electromagnetic radiation, cancer risks, and the tower’s visual impact on the neighborhood. Property owner David Ferguson, who had previoulsy objected in a letter to the city, questioned the legality of the right-of-way for the tower and feared its effect on property values. He suggested relocating the project to a less residential area.
Other topics brought forward by residents included overgrown weeds and unmowed city-owned properties, junk vehicles, and the deteriorating building on Sol Duc Way. Lissy Andros, Director of the Visitor Information Center, reported record-breaking attendance, 4,000 more visitors than the same period last year, and flagged traffic congestion and erratic driving near the city’s stoplight as a growing safety concern.
In city business, the council approved a contract with Century West Engineering to serve as the on-call engineer for the Quillayute Airport under a five-year agreement. The city also plans to apply for an FAA grant for airport improvements.
An Economic Development Council (EDC) grant was authorized to support continued progress at the Forks Industrial Park. Park Board minutes were reviewed, with positive remarks on the new roof over the Scorpion, completed by the Forks Lions Club, and moss removal from the Ben Dome.
Public Works Director Paul Hampton explained recent delays in landscaping, citing staffing shortages and ongoing infrastructure work, including bathroom remodels at City Hall and the park, as well as new water main installations. He noted the absence of jail trustees, previously a major workforce contributor during summer maintenance, has also impacted operations. Hampton added that Roundup is no longer used, and vinegar-based weed control is now the city’s method of choice.
Police Chief Mike Rowley reiterated the challenges posed by the loss of jail trustees, who formerly also supported projects like the July 4th celebration. He also addressed ongoing efforts to resolve issues with abandoned vehicles and RVs at the Transit Center.
City Attorney/Planner Rod Fleck reported on a recent Recompete economic development meeting in Port Angeles.
Mayor Fletcher announced that the public hearing on the controversial 5G tower will be reopened on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. in the council chambers.
In infrastructure news, upcoming chip seal road projects were discussed, with an informational open house scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the council chambers. The work is set to begin in July.
