Council Tables Hoh Tribe Agreement, Hears Tourism Updates and Sets June Hearings

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 21, 2026

The Forks City Council addressed tourism updates, tribal agreements, development appeals and city projects during its May 11 meeting.

During public comment, Lissy Andros, executive director of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Visitor Information Center is already setting monthly visitor records this year.

Andros announced that Movies in the Park events are planned for the summer and shared that the Fourth of July schedule is now available online, with additional activities expected to be added.

One of the evening’s most discussed agenda items involved a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Hoh Tribe. City staff explained the agreement is similar to one already in place with the Quileute Tribe and would allow property owned by the Hoh Tribe on Holly Avenue to be placed into trust status. Under the agreement, the tribe would reimburse the city for lost tax revenue and pay for city services.

Mayor Tim Fletcher said the proposal closely mirrors existing arrangements.

Councilmember Corey Pearson questioned how law enforcement jurisdiction would work under the agreement, asking whether tribal police or local law enforcement would have authority. It was explained that agencies generally work together cooperatively.

Councilmember Joe Soha questioned the overall purpose of the agreement, saying, “It makes no sense.”

After extended discussion, Pearson moved to postpone action until council members could receive additional information about the long-term impacts and legal framework surrounding the agreement.

“We need more answers,” Pearson said.

The matter was tabled until the May 26 meeting.

Council approved awarding the lowest bid for trenching work at the Forks Industrial Park to D&H and also approved revisions to the PUD Industrial Park mainline extension project.

A discussion regarding council members sharing information on Facebook prompted legal guidance from Charlotte Archer, who was serving as legal counsel during the meeting. Archer cautioned council members to be mindful that comments made online could potentially become public record.

The council scheduled a public hearing on the city’s comprehensive plan for June 8.

Also set for June 8 is a public hearing on an appeal involving a proposed eight-unit tiny home development on Sportsmen’s Club Road. Archer described the matter as a quasi-judicial proceeding and advised council members not to discuss the case before the hearing. She noted any prior discussions would need to be disclosed publicly.

The appeal concerns a previous approval granted by the planning commission.

Council members approved Resolution 536, amending the employee policy manual to allow employees the option of working four 10-hour days.

Additional discussion items included the Forks Industrial Park fire suppression system, refinishing floors at the Rainforest Arts Center, with consultation planned with Randy McAvoy, and a recently submitted grant application for Tillicum Park improvements.

Public works also noted that restroom facilities at Tillicum Park are now open to the public.