PORT LUDLOW VILLAGE COUNCIL

Workshop Meeting Minutes

 June 17, 2008 

The meeting was convened at 3 p.m. at the Beach Club.  Present were Larry Nobles, Don Clark, Tom McCay, Lynn Gauche, and Bill Browne, and (Absent: Gene Carmody, Jack Mckay; Dean Mosier; Adele Govert, John Cragoe, Frank Siler and Elizabeth Von Zonneveld).

There were 1 guest in attendance.

Items discussed included:

Utilities Committee: Phil Otness, Chair, described some of the activities taking place in Port Townsend regarding local electrical service.  He first projected the electrical rates for coming years. Through PSE these rates should rise substantially due to the lack of economical sources.  As an option locals in PT are studying the option of this area organizing an effort to have the electrical services provided through the PUD.  This could result in considerably lower rates.  As more accurate information is available petitions will be circulated in Port Ludlow to make the change.  The Utilities Committee will keep the PLVC advised on the progress.

Lynn Gauche reported on the Iron Mountain hearing held on June 16 regarding PLVC, SBCA, and PLA standing in appeals we filed regarding the hearing examiners initial ruling.  Iron Mountain filed a motion to dismiss the appeal filed by PLVC, PLA & SBCA to vacate the hearing examiners initial decision.  This initial decision granted Iron Mountain mining rights under the grandfathered “Diminishing Assets Doctrine” instead of under the current laws which limit to mining in 10 acre increments.    The judge acknowledged that PLVC, SBCA, and PLA are parties in with standing (that we in effect do represent a community of persons who would be impacted by the proposed mining).  So our appeal will continue forward with the final hearing in October.  On a parallel path, Iron Mountain has filed for a code interpretation on Conditional Use Permits with the county.   This code governs the process that Iron Mountain must follow with regards to permitting for their project.  In other words, Iron Mountain is proceeding with their permitting as if our appeal of the judge’s initial decisions will be dismissed granting Iron Mountain the right to  proceed.  In the event that Iron Mountain wins on appeal they will then be positioned to move forward with the project.  This is why we must continue our fight on all fronts, especially the environmental reviews such as SEPA, EIS etc.  Our appeal brief must be presented to the courts by August 11th with the hearing date set for October.

Lynn Gauche, Larry Nobles and Bill Browne reported on their discussions with Pope Resources regarding the Iron Mountain Quarry lease of 142 acres of Pope property mining purposes.  After the minutes are reviewed by Pope Resources they will be forwarded to the Council members.

Larry Nobles reviewed the status of the banner developments regarding the banners to be hung on Paradise Road below the Port Ludlow shopping center.  The Artists League is already planning for banners for the Summer art walk.  Questions arose on the funding of other banners for other events and banners for general use.

Meeting ended 4:20 p.m.

There were no motions made and no votes taken.

Respectfully,

Bill Browne

PLVC Secretary (06/17/08)