The Forks City Council met on Tuesday evening, May 27, instead of its usual Monday meeting due to the Memorial Day holiday. Council members Joe Soha, Jeff Gingell, and Vilkesh Patel were present in person, while Clint Wood joined via Zoom.

Council Seat Applicants Make Their Case

During the public comment period, five community members spoke about their interest in filling the council seat vacated by Hickory Grant. The appointed member will serve through December 2025.

Heather Gaddy highlighted her qualifications and community involvement, including work with the Soroptimists and the Forks Food Bank.

Corey Pearson emphasized her commitment to the community and her desire to preserve the town’s character while promoting growth.

Armistead Coleman noted some of his supporters had submitted letters of support to the city and expressed an interest in looking at different ways of boosting tourism.

Pamela Hunter, recently retired from pastoral duties, cited her desire to give back and her experience chairing two United Way campaigns.

Busy Holiday Weekend for Visitors

Forks Chamber of Commerce Director Lissy Andros reported a busy Memorial Day weekend at the Visitor Information Center, and setting an all-time high for May foot traffic.

Street Improvement Plans and Concerns Raised

A public hearing was held for the city’s Six-Year Street Plan (2026–2031). Comments included:

A request for a four-way stop at Calawah Way and Merchant Road due to increased residential traffic.

Concerns about uneven manhole covers on Calawah Way.

A suggestion to pave Big Pine Way.

Other Council Business

The city rejected a bid for a new fire alarm system and will rebid the project.

Coleman Appointed to Council Seat

During the appointment discussion, Councilmember Joe Soha nominated Armistead Coleman, stating he had encouraged Coleman to apply. Wood and Patel voted in favor. Gingell abstained, citing difficulty choosing between Coleman and Pearson. Coleman was appointed and will hold the seat through December 2025. He will face Pearson in the November election.

Industrial Park Update

City attorney/planner Rod Fleck provided an update on the industrial park, noting challenges such as electrical upgrades and needed roof and siding repairs. One small tenant currently occupies the site, and a larger tenant has expressed interest. He mentioned the consideration of harvesting trees on the east side of the property to help fund repairs.

Staff Reports and Downtown Updates

Public Works Director Paul Hampton reported that flags and red, white, and blue lights had been installed downtown in honor of Memorial Day. The lights will remain through the Fourth of July. Mayor Tim Fletcher thanked Hampton and his crew and announced the plan for replacement of downtown trash cans and the addition of new flower boxes created by Olympic Corrections Center featuring artwork by Eli Afterbuffalo.

Public Confusion Over Comment Period

As the meeting adjourned, some attendees expressed confusion regarding the public comment period. They had hoped to address a formal complaint letter from Dave Ferguson, property owner at 284 W Division, concerning the proposed installation of a vertical bridge wireless communication tower near his property at the former Campbell’s Pit site.

The next City council meeting will be June 9, new council member Coleman will be officially sworn in at that time. City council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m., in person and on Zoom. Zoom details, agendas and minutes are available on the city website at forkswashington.org.