Hoquiam City Council met Monday evening. The meeting began by swearing in a new police officer: Jerad Spaur. Jared was born and raised in Grays Harbor and was appreciative of the opportunity to serve the city. He thanked his wife for her support. Once he was sworn in, those in attendance celebrated his commitment with enthusiastic applause.
Having started in such good spirits, the meeting continued smoothly, as workers involved with Hoquiam's sidewalk program were recognized and thanked for their efforts. The program has hired many high school and college students. These students have proven to be highly effective employees who display an incredible work ethic.
During the Mayor's Report, it was confirmed that work will commence on Queets Avenue involving houses that were severely damaged by the devastating landslide last January. The city will seek for voluntary compliance on the part of homeowners in order to remove the damaged homes. Mayor Jack Durney acknowledged that it was likely the city would have to take legal steps in order to move forward with the project.
Mayor Durney also reported that work will begin October 5 to resurface N Street, and work on John Gable Community Park is almost complete.
A Neighborhood Watch Program is starting up in Hoquiam. Mayor Durney spoke in favor of the idea, and the Hoquiam Police Department was reported to be supportive as well. It is a national program that uses volunteers to be eyes and ears in their community and to relay necessary information to police. A meeting for those interested in learning more about the program and how they might be able to participate will be held September 30 at 6:30pm at the Elks Club.
The moratorium on liquefied petroleum storage and sales facilities was rescinded. This was due to a new ordinance put in place that achieved the intent of the moratorium, but long term. Another ordinance was put through a final reading and passed that prohibits use of motor vehicles on flooded streets that are clearly marked as unusable.
Hoquiam City Council also passed a resolution tweaking their fiscal policy and requires public funds to be deposited within 24 hours.
The Council also addressed two legal matters. The first concerned a jail use agreement between Cosmopolis and Hoquiam. Cosmopolis will pay a set charge per day per person they send to the Hoquiam prison. The second legal matter concerned the use of the firing range by the Department of Corrections for training their employees. Both matters were approved.
The next Hoquiam city council meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on September 28 at the Hoquiam City Building, second floor, 609 8th Street.