Community Government
Gig Harbor Council marks Sportsman’s Club’s 75th anniversary
The Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month. Mayor Tracie Markley read a proclamation at the July 11 City Council meeting acknowledging the club’s history and importance to the community.
The proclamation praises the club for its firearms training, safety training and hunter education program. The club also sponsors several events each year that raise funds for scholarships for local high school students.
Councilmember Le Rodenberg, who served as the club’s president for many years, said the club has more than 2,000 members.
Stormwater update
The council unanimously approved an update to the stormwater source control program as it relates to existing developments. The state-mandated program is designed to prevent and reduce pollutants in runoff that flows into the stormwater system.
Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm noted that the ordinance was discussed in depth at an earlier council study session and that the State Department of Ecology requires that the ordinance be put in place by Aug. 1.
For future approval
Two other items will be brought back for second readings and public comment on July 25: Ordinance 1491 would allow Verizon Wireless to apply for a non-exclusive telecommunications franchise agreement for fiber optic cable, small wireless facilities and other related facilities.
According to Langhelm, the city approved a similar franchise agreement with Extenet in 2020, and “cannot show prejudice to one wireless provider over another wireless provider.”
Ordinance 1492 would change the way members of the city’s advisory boards, committees and commissions are selected. Currently, a committee of three council members interviews applicants, then makes a recommendation to the mayor and council for approval.
The proposed ordinance would allow the mayor to appoint commissioners and board members to the Parks Commission, Arts Commission, Design Review Board and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The city council would then approve the appointments.
Councilmember Jeni Woock expressed concern that the proposed process would eliminate transparency. The public would no longer be able to observe the candidate interviews.
The mayor is developing internal procedures for the appointment process.
The next council meeting will be held July 25.