Over this past month, to examples that stress the importance of doing things right have come up. Unfortunately in both examples, controversy has erupted because of the city’s insistence on others following the law and in one case their own procedures.
The first issue involves the Pacific Algona Community Services Non Profit Board. This board was created in 2006 to work with both cities to improve services provide to both our seniors and our youth. They formed under the laws of the State of Washington and the IRS as a 501 C3 nonprofit and created bylaws to govern their actions. Over this past year certain issues have been brought to the attention of the city that created concern. Among these issues were gifting $500 to a City of Pacific Employee (This gift was reported to have been returned after this was brought up), use of funds raised for programs to pay for the education of a board member’s family to write grants (at a cost above what it would cost otherwise) , not conducting annual audits, not keeping records up to date (both issues required by their own bylaws) and then the two most recent issues, the President of the Board submitting a Change of Address to the Post Office (in violation of the bylaws) and moving the location of a meeting to prevent certain members of the community from attending (a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act).
The City of Pacific has no interest in micromanaging this organization nor interfering with its operations. We do have the need however that it follow the laws and procedures it is legally required to follow. When it is out of compliance with those laws we must take appropriate action. Personally It is my hope that the board sees the issues that have caused concern and make the appropriate corrections. If it does not then as Mayor it is my duty to protect the interest of the City and the integrity of the community services programs and sever our ties.
The second issue involves a local business, enforcement action by the city and actions of a few council members. The City of Pacific has current enforcement action against a local business that is conducting certain activities that are outside of its current permitted use. (The reason I say current permitted use is because a conditional use permit is currently being processed by the City). This business was warned a number of times against this activity, was cited by the city and found guilty of violations in a court of law. This business still conducts some of this activity on a regular basis in continued violation. The City has documented many of these instances and will forward them to the Court for determination. But this is not where my concerns were really raised.
Last weekend, the owner of this business met with or attempted to contact individual members of the City Council. Some of those members of the City Council then attempted to make changes to an ordinance concerning land use that would benefit this owner. These changes would have changed allowed use in zoning and constitute a land use action. Although these attempts failed, they may be a violation of the “Appearance of Fairness Doctrine” and constitute Ex Parte Communications, both violations of the law.
The city has no wish to harass any business or group. We wish all of our businesses well and desire to see them be successful. However, we must follow the laws and guidelines that govern our society. To not follow that spirit is a violation of the trust to our citizens. People can complain all they want, I will always put the public trust first.
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