The Forks City Council met Monday evening, Sept. 22, with members Clint Wood, Jeff Gingell, Vilkesh Patel, Joe Soha, and Armistead Coleman present.
After opening formalities, the meeting turned to the Ferguson appeal of a Planning Commission decision to grant a Special Use Permit for a 152-foot cell tower on city property along West Division Street. The permit, approved July 18 for Vertical Bridge, drew objections from nearby property owners Sarah and David Ferguson.
Acting as pro tem city attorney, Charlotte Archer advised the council on its role in the closed-record appeal, noting that council members could affirm or reverse the Planning Commission’s decision but could not accept new evidence or testimony. Each council member stated they had no conflicts of interest and could make a fair decision.
Meridee Pabst, representing Vertical Bridge, urged the council to dismiss the appeal as untimely, filed three days past the deadline. Sarah Ferguson responded that at the time it was mailed, her household relied on float plane mail delivery, causing the delay.
During the hearing, Ferguson objected to maps presented by Pabst, saying they did not match her records. She also argued that the proposed tower would sit just 400 feet from her home, calling the city’s actions “reckless, unlawful, a dangerous overreach.” She added, “We don’t want special treatment, but lawful treatment.”
Pabst countered that the project met all legal requirements and that allegations of conflict of interest involving city planner Rod Fleck were unfounded.
Following closed-door deliberations, the council voted to uphold the Planning Commission’s approval. Wood, Gingell, and Patel voted in favor, while Soha and Coleman abstained.
In other business, Forks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lissy Andros thanked the city, Forks Police, and volunteers for their support during recent Forever Twilight in Forks events, noting that visitors have already booked lodging for next year.
A public hearing on the city’s 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan prompted Andros to suggest additional attention for the ICN building. Council approved Resolution 529, adopting the plan.
The council also passed Ordinance 685, approving the Decker annexation, after a hearing with no public comment.
During the discussion of the sewer rate study, members acknowledged that rate increases are unpopular but necessary to fund system improvements.
In council member reports, Joe Soha shared that the old radio station tower on his property on Cedar Avenue had been taken down.
In staff reports, Fleck updated the council on an Opportunity Fund loan/grant request tied to the industrial park lease and noted that new Planning Commission members are needed. Appointments are made by the mayor.
