Sequim resident says grading and road work damaged century‑old trees, asks city to investigate

At the June 8 Sequim City Council meeting, resident Val Shaw told the council that grading and drainage work tied to a nearby road expansion and wellness clinic project had damaged mature trees and altered her family’s property.

"I have got some problems," Shaw said, recounting that a recently constructed small road and associated drainage work left a slope of rocks on her land, damaged roots and led to several trees dying or in decline. Shaw said she submitted two tree reports and later a forensic arborist report stating the trees had been compromised and that heavy machinery repeatedly crossing the site had damaged roots and caused tree decline.

Shaw also said two city officials visited her 90‑year‑old mother and asked her to sign a permit that included grading; she said her mother was not given time to review it and felt pressured. Shaw urged the city to inspect the site and address the damaged trees, warning, "That tree comes down, someone's going to get hurt."

After public comment, the city manager and mayor clarified that council typically does not respond directly during the public‑comment period but encouraged the speaker to provide contact information and follow up with staff. The city manager also told Shaw, "I will sit down with you and if you'd like to get coffee, that would be great," and said staff would follow up.

No inspection outcome or direct staff action was recorded on the council floor during the meeting; the clerk encouraged the resident to submit the concerns in writing or contact the city manager so staff could investigate and respond outside the meeting.

The council did not take formal action during the meeting on Shaw’s request; the record shows the resident provided written information and asked for city follow‑up.