By Lisa Patterson - Daily World writer July 27, 1999, The Aberdeen Daily World
The Hoquiam City Council adopted its own resolution Monday night formalizing the city's opposition to proposed changes to the state's Shoreline Management Act of 1971.
Consensus about the state Department of Ecology's proposed rules was, "not without a fight," Councilman Patrick Connor III said afterward.
Councilmen Ron Tibbetts and Rob Carrigan were absent.
The proposed updates to the Shoreline Management Act would require landowners to "preserve the ecological function of shoreline."
If it passes, several new restrictions could be imposed on residents of Hoquiam and other people in the state of Washington who live near streams, rivers, lakes or other waterways.
The purpose of stiff rules, the DOE says, is not to stop growth and development, but to preserve vital existing elements of shoreline.
For example, the revised act may protect trees near a stream that provide shade and keep it cool.
Farmers and rural lawmakers, such as the Hoquiam City Council, say the plan would restrict development and sometimes prohibit it. They also say it gives the state too much power over their land - enough to enforce up to 150-foot development setbacks near some shorelines in the state.
"The people of Grays Harbor say "no,' " Connor said. "This was just a way for the City of Hoquiam to make sure that their voice is heard."
The resolution states that the City of Hoquiam finds the proposed rule-making amendment process to be "fatally flawed" and "beyond authorized scope and authority."
The resolution also states that the City of Hoquiam urges the Legislature to take appropriate action to prevent the DOE from "exceeding its authority and from implementing guidelines which would have a devastating effect upon rural Washington State."
Councilman Jeff Willis convinced all 10 council members to vote to send copies of the resolution to Gov. Gary Locke and other legislators via certified mail.
"Let's make sure they have to sign for it," Willis said.
Alley added to list
A resolution to pave another Hoquiam alley passed with a vote of 6-5. Mayor Roger Jump cast the tie-breaking vote.
The council voted to improve the alley by creating a local improvement district to assess property owners for the cost and expense of carrying out the improvement.
The alley bounded by Arnold Avenue, Ramer Avenue, Polk Street and Monroe Street was added to a list of 12 alleys upon request of some of the property owners in the area, said Dean Parsons, the public works director.
The total estimated cost to improve all 13 alleys is $117,400. Right now, the entire cost and expense of the alley LID shall be assessed against the properties specifically benefited by the improvements.
The City Clerk will notify property owners affected by the LID and provide the owners with an estimated cost for their share of the project. That cost will vary depending on the size of the property and the alley size.
People who desire to object to the LID will be notified to appear to present objections at a hearing before the City Council set for 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 23, at City Hall.
At least 60 percent of property owners must object to the LID in order to have it dismissed by the council.
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