Here are a few points of interest from Sequim City Council’s meeting on May 24.
Police chief salary
Sequim City Council unanimously approved a 10-percent increase in the salary range for the soon-to-be vacant police chief position currently held by Robert Spinks, who announced his resignation a few weeks ago.
The new candidate could earn $80,000-$106,000.
City Manager Steve Burkett said the pay increase would bring in high-quality candidates and make
Sequim more competitive with other cities.
Recruitment for the position begins in June and lasts about one month.
Economic Development Council Contract
An updated contract with the Economic Development Council, which provides regional economic development support and services, was approved for $5,000 rather than the budgeted $18,000.
Burkett said that how the EDC’s projects relate to the city of Sequim is hard to identify but partnering with the group should remain for future projects.
The $5,000 is proportionate to the city of Port Angeles’ allocation of $15,000.
Burkett suggested the remaining $13,000 go toward annexation and extending the city zoning to the Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory.
Mayor Ken Hays said the amount would be a more effective allocation of funds and that Battelle is essential to the vitality of the future of Sequim.
“We can do more with some of that money on our own,” Hays said.
Councilors Susan Lorenzen and Bill Huizinga voted against the approved amount.
Huizinga said he was conflicted because of the large amount the city spent on consultation, such as more than $100,000 on impact and mitigation fees.
He said $18,000 is a drop in the bucket for the Battelle project.
EDC President Mike
McAleer said he found the proposed amount unfair and that the city of Port Angeles, Port of Port Angeles and Clallam County have kept the EDC alive.
“We, too, have to have a budget to work with,” he said.
Hays said resources are limited but partially funding the EDC means the council wants to continue partnering.
Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
