Forks council approves support for SR 110 flood project, industrial park funding and several contracts; honors Justice Owens

The Forks City Council on March 9 approved a package of motions advancing local infrastructure and economic development projects, and adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice Susan J. Owens.

The Council authorized Mayor Tim Fletcher and city staff to send a letter of support for the SR 110 Flood Risk Reduction and Lower Bogachiel River Restoration Projects after Attorney/Planner Fleck introduced a county funding request and a draft support letter. Councilmember Soha moved the authorization; Councilmember Gingell seconded and the motion carried.

The council also approved acceptance of a Clallam County Opportunity Fund grant and loan award for the Forks Industrial Park. Attorney/Planner Fleck presented the award agreement and Councilmember Soha moved approval; Councilmember Pearson seconded and the motion carried. The Council continued discussion on insulation bids for the Industrial Park to the next regular meeting to allow additional bid review.

On procurement and contract items related to the Industrial Park, the Council awarded an archaeological services contract to Cultural Resources Consultants, the lowest responsible bidder, at a contract price of $12,620 (motion Soha, second Gingell; carried). The Council separately approved an increase in the metering cabinet cost for the project (motion Gingell, second Pearson; carried); the specific dollar increase was not specified in the meeting record.

On airport and infrastructure matters, the Council certified the City's funding match for a WSDOT Airport Aid Grant application for Quillayute Airport pavement rehabilitation and vehicle gate engineering (motion Soha, second Pearson; carried). The Council also authorized the Mayor and staff to enter contract negotiations with Skillings, the most qualified respondent for King Ranch culvert engineering, and to execute a contract if costs are reasonable for the project budget (motion Soha, second Kimball; carried). The final contract cost was not specified at the meeting.

Councilmembers approved Resolution No. 534, a tribute to Susan J. Owens, after Attorney/Planner Fleck introduced the resolution and related background (motion Soha, second Pearson; carried).

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: motion by Soha, second Pearson — motion carried (no roll-call tally provided). - Approve Jan. 26 & Feb. 9, 2026 minutes: motion by Soha, second Pearson — motion carried. - Approve expenditures (manual check 45460 $13,474.39; payroll checks 45461–45479 $145,753.23; claim checks 45480–45506 and EFTs $41,937.21; travel checks 3765–3767 $885.40): motion by Soha, second Kimball — motion carried. - Approve Dec. 2025 Treasurer's Report: motion by Gingell, second Soha — motion carried. - Authorize SR 110 Flood Risk Reduction letter of support: motion by Soha, second Gingell — motion carried. - Approve Clallam County Opportunity Fund grant/loan Agreement (Industrial Park): motion by Soha, second Pearson — motion carried. - Continue Industrial Park insulation bids to next meeting: motion by Soha, second Kimball — motion carried. - Award archaeology contract to Cultural Resources Consultants ($12,620): motion by Soha, second Gingell — motion carried. - Approve metering cabinet cost increase: motion by Gingell, second Pearson — motion carried (specific increase not stated). - Certify Quillayute Airport Airport Aid Grant funding match: motion by Soha, second Pearson — motion carried. - Authorize negotiations with Skillings for King Ranch culvert engineering: motion by Soha, second Kimball — motion carried (final cost not stated). - Approve Resolution No. 534 (Susan J. Owens tribute): motion by Soha, second Pearson — motion carried. - Adjourn: motion by Soha, second Kimball — motion carried.

Why it matters: The actions advance local flood-mitigation planning, economic development at the Industrial Park, and airport and culvert projects that depend on outside grants and engineered work. Several approvals were procedural or authorized staff to proceed; several project costs and final contract terms remain to be negotiated or specified.

What’s next: Staff will issue the county support letter and proceed with contract negotiations and bid reviews. The Industrial Park insulation bids were continued to the next regular meeting for further review.