Commission to develop metal‑detector permitting policy; rec‑center feasibility kickoff set for January

City staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Dec. 8 they will draft a metal‑detector policy after receiving multiple resident inquiries. The proposed policy would identify allowed and prohibited park locations, permit requirements (many nearby jurisdictions offer free permits; Port Angeles charges $5) and restrict excavation to probe‑style tools rather than shovels.

Brandon (staff) said he plans to send the draft policy to the Parklands and Playgrounds subcommittee for detailed review before making a recommendation to the commission and then to City Council. "I've narrowed down allowable and prohibited locations of parks... and I would like to determine if you think a permit is a good idea or a bad idea," he said.

Separately, staff provided an update on the rec‑center feasibility study. Consultant Barry Dunn has begun project team meetings and the city has compiled an information folder of city plans; the public kickoff is planned for mid‑January. The commission will serve as a steering committee, with regular updates and public outreach to follow.

No formal policy or permitting requirement was adopted at the meeting; staff will bring the metal‑detector draft to a subcommittee and will return with rec‑center outreach timelines.