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Forks City Council approves industrial-park utility contracts, amends employee manual and sets June hearings
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the Forks City Council authorized a contract for trenching at the Forks Industrial Park, approved a revision to Line Construction Agreement No. 260406, adopted Resolution No. 536 updating the employee manual, approved a procurement-bid waiver (Resolution No. 538), tabled an intergovernmental agreement with the Hoh Indian Tribe, and set two public hearings for June 8, 2026.
At a May 11 regular meeting in City Council Chambers, the Forks City Council approved several project contracts and policy changes intended to advance infrastructure work at the Forks Industrial Park and set public hearings for June 8.
The council authorized the mayor and staff to execute a contract with D&H Enterprises for the Forks Industrial Park PUD Electrical Extension Trenching, Boring & Backfill Project and approved a revision to Line Construction Agreement No. 260406 to add extra conduit and associated costs. Council also approved Resolution No. 538 to waive state competitive bidding requirements for the project. Councilmember Soha moved each action; Councilmember Pearson and Councilmember Gingell seconded various motions and the motions carried.
Clerk/Treasurer Caryn DePew summarized a separate personnel action and the council approved Resolution No. 536 amending the City of Forks Employee Policy and Procedure Manual. DePew also reported administrative updates: the City retained Randy McAvoy as an on-site consultant for the Rainforest Art Center floor refinishing when the contractor returns; the Tillicum Park RCO grant application was submitted with a presentation scheduled the following Wednesday; one small Tillicum Park restroom is now open 6:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; and the City responded to a request from Senator Maria Cantwell’s office for information about the City’s FAA grant application for Quillayute Airport runway improvements.
Council also handled land-use process items: after Interim City Attorney Charlotte A. Archer explained the correct protocol, the council voted to table consideration of an intergovernmental agreement with the Hoh Indian Tribe until the May 26 regular meeting to allow staff to provide additional information. The council set a public hearing on the Forks Comprehensive Plan for June 8, 2026, and set a hearing on an appeal of a Planning Commission decision for the same date; the latter motion carried 3–0 with Councilmember Pearson recorded as abstaining.
Public Works Director Hampton told the council that the E Street paving project will be advertised for bid at the end of May, a new water main associated with property development will begin construction, and the city will obtain a new drinking fountain for the Ben Dome. Hampton also noted he had previously summarized the proposed fire suppression system for the Forks Industrial Park prior to the procurement discussion.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve agenda as modified: mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Approval of April 27, 2026 minutes: mover Councilmember Gingell; second Soha; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Expenditures approved (payroll checks 45682–45700: $162,514.41; claim checks 45701–45735 and EFTs: $101,623.37; travel checks 3773–3778: $537.85): mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Hoh Indian Tribe Intergovernmental Agreement: motion to table until May 26, 2026; mover Councilmember Pearson; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tabled). - Contract award: authorize Mayor and staff to contract with D&H Enterprises for trenching/boring/backfill at Forks Industrial Park; mover Councilmember Soha; second Councilmember Pearson; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Line Construction Agreement No. 260406 revision (add extra conduit and costs): mover Councilmember Soha; second Pearson; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Set Forks Comprehensive Plan public hearing for June 8, 2026: mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Set Planning Commission decision appeal hearing for June 8, 2026: mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried 3–0 with Councilmember Pearson abstaining. - Resolution No. 536 (Employee Policy and Procedure Manual amendment): mover Councilmember Soha; second Pearson; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Resolution No. 538 (waiver of state competitive bidding requirements): mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tally not specified). - Adjournment: mover Councilmember Soha; second Gingell; outcome: carried (tally not specified).
Why it matters: The contracts and the procurement waiver move planned utility and safety work at the Forks Industrial Park closer to construction, potentially enabling development or site servicing. The council’s decision to table the Hoh Indian Tribe intergovernmental agreement indicates staff still need to provide additional details before council action. The June 8 public hearings will give the public an opportunity to weigh in on the comprehensive plan and on a planning commission decision appeal.
Next steps: The Hoh Indian Tribe agreement is scheduled for reconsideration at the May 26 regular meeting; the public hearings on June 8 will be the next formal opportunities for public testimony on the comprehensive plan and the planning commission appeal.
