By Christi Baron
The Forks City Council met Monday, October 27, with council members Vilkesh Patel, Clint Wood, Joe Soha, and Armistead Coleman present. Council member Jeff Gingell was absent.
During the public comment period, Forks Chamber Director Lissy Andros thanked city crews for rescuing and rehanging street banners damaged during a recent storm. She also expressed appreciation for the city’s support with the downtown street closure for Halloween festivities.
Action Items
Council approved an amendment to the Vertical Bridge lease, reducing the monthly lease payment during the permitting period. City attorney/planner Rod Fleck recommended approval. Council member Wood made the motion to amend, seconded by Patel. Coleman voted yes, and Soha abstained.
Reports and Updates
In third-quarter reports, lodging tax revenues were up compared to the same time last year, with $106,880 reported for September (collected in July). Tourism numbers were also strong—visitor counts for the Forever Twilight in Forks festival, held Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 10-14, reached 2,981. September set a new monthly record with 10,135 visitors, and 4,627 people stopped at the downtown FTF Collection to take the tour.
Sales tax revenue was reported slightly down, while approximately 25 building permits were issued during the quarter.
Jail Operations and Staffing
Police Chief Mike Rowley raised ongoing concerns about the sustainability of the Forks Jail, citing continued low numbers of contract holds and the loss of trustee hours that traditionally help offset city operations costs.
“The jail can’t be sustained at this level,” Rowley said. “My goal is to do whatever it takes to keep the jail open.”
Rowley emphasized that the jail remains a critical resource for the West End. Without it, he said, many crimes would likely go unprosecuted, and the closure could also jeopardize District II Court operations. Transporting inmates to the Clallam County Jail in Port Angeles would add significant transportation costs and pull an officer off patrol for extended periods. He also reminded residents to prepare for winter driving conditions.
City and Planning Updates
Public Works Director Paul Hampton reported progress on the West E Street road/sidewalk/water line project.
Attorney/Planner Rod Fleck shared that he recently attended a conference in Walla Walla and continues working with the Federal Aviation Administration on the Forks Municipal Airport runway rehabilitation grant.
Fleck also noted that a technical issue caused the Planning Commission’s comprehensive plan discussion to be postponed until November. Additionally, three new Planning Commission members will soon be needed.
