The Forks City Council met Monday, Oct. 13, with members Vilkesh Patel, Joe Soha, and Jeff Gingell present. Council members Clint Wood and Armistead Coleman were absent.
During the public comment period, Mike Leavitt with the Forks Elks Lodge spoke about Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign focused on drug and alcohol prevention in local schools. Leavitt asked for the city’s support of the Elks’ ongoing education and outreach efforts.
A public hearing was held for Resolution No. 530, adopting the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. With no public comment, the resolution was unanimously approved by the council. The plan outlines strategies to reduce risks from natural disasters—such as floods, earthquakes, and storms—aiming to protect people, property, and resources before emergencies occur.
Council also approved the renewal of a lease agreement with EarthScope Consortium, a nonprofit that has maintained earthquake monitoring equipment at the Quillayute Airport since 2004. With renewal the lease continues until August 2035 at no cost to Earthscope.
In other business, the council approved the budget hearing schedule for upcoming sessions.
Mayor Tim Fletcher read a Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, declaring October 23–31 as a period of community support for prevention and education, encouraging a drug-free lifestyle in partnership with the Forks Elks Lodge.
Council members also approved an updated agreement with Century West Engineering to carry out the scope of services for Phase 1 of the runway, taxiway, and apron rehabilitation project at the Quillayute Airport.
During staff reports, Public Works Director Paul Hampton shared that he recently attended a conference and learned about new funding opportunities for city projects.
City Attorney/Planner Rod Fleck reported that the Hoh Tribe plans to install an electric vehicle charging station behind their offices. Discussion followed regarding power supply installation by the PUD and whether power lines might need to be run under the alley and what that would mean. Further clarification on the project will be sought.
Fleck also provided an update on the Clallam County Commissioners’ upcoming discussion about the Ppportunity Fund related to a lease with Riverside at the Industrial Park, with a decision expected on Nov. 4.
In closing, Mayor Fletcher noted he recently attended the Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition’s Fish N Brew fundraising event.
The next Forks City Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27, at Forks City Hall.
