Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City, Saints Car Club reach safety plan; council notes $30,000 annual city support and Juneteenth organizers seek backing
Summary
Port Orchard and the Saints Car Club agreed on a safety plan that allowed the Saints Car Show to return to the waterfront. Separately, Juneteenth organizers asked the council for financial and promotional support for the Kitsap County Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
Port Orchard — City leaders told council members they have reached an agreement with the Saints Car Club on a safety plan that will allow the annual Saints Car Show to take place on the Port Orchard waterfront this summer. Separately, a representative of the League of Black Male Voters asked the council to consider financial support for the Kitsap County Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
The mayor read a prepared statement saying conversations with the car club addressed pedestrian safety concerns and produced "an appropriate and satisfactory safety plan that adequately addresses the city's concerns." The mayor added the city invests "over $30,000 annually" into the event, which he said covers staff overtime for police and public works during the event weekend.
"It is the Port Orchard's paramount duty to ensure that visitors of this car show enjoy a safe experience and we are confident that we have found a good path forward with the Saints Car Club to have a safe fun and memorable event," the mayor said. Councilmembers praised the outcome: Councilmember Cherry called the resolution "a win win situation for both the Saints Car Club, the city of Port Orchard, and our citizens." Another councilmember noted the Saints typically receive a LTAC (lodge tax advisory committee) award of about $5,000–$6,000 in addition to the city's contribution.
During public comment, Grama Jordan, speaking on behalf of the League of Black Male Voters and the Kitsap County Juneteenth Freedom Festival, asked the council to "consider ways to contribute" to the June 14, 2025 event at Evergreen Park and suggested the city could advertise in the festival booklet, present a proclamation, attend the event or provide financial support. "Your support will help ensure the Juneteenth celebration continues to thrive," Jordan said.
The mayor told Jordan to provide contact information to the clerk and said the city would be happy to provide a proclamation.
No formal council financial appropriation for either event was approved at the meeting.
