City of Ocean Shores

The Public Safety Committee meeting focused on police department issues, including updates on the hiring processes for entry-level positions and the deputy chief role. The deputy chief candidate is currently a sergeant with the sheriff's office and has supervisory experience. Discussions also covered the development of a safety plan for future meetings, which will include evacuation procedures. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing the draft earthquake emergency response plan, which is designed to be scalable for various magnitude events and includes an appendix on tsunami information. The plan prioritizes life rescue for the first 48-72 hours, followed by short-term recovery objectives. The committee also discussed liquefaction risks due to the city's sandy soil, particularly concerning critical infrastructure like the wastewater treatment plant. The next priority is developing a plan for severe weather events, such as ice storms.

The meeting provided an update on various initiatives and projects. Key discussion points included the successful community engagement efforts, such as the Saturday market and Super Bowl party, and the development of the Veterans Pocket Park through volunteer efforts. Infrastructure projects reviewed covered the replacement of the Aerol lumber culvert, repair and recoating of two one-million-gallon water tanks, and replacement of the golf course bridge sewer main. A new reduced pressure backflow assembly was added to the water treatment plant. Significant attention was given to the Beach Management System (BMS) sand and cobble work, involving coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, Ecology, and the Wildlife Department, to prevent erosion and potential disasters. Special projects highlighted included the upcoming March opening of the Health Clinic, progress on the South Fire Station to improve response times, and the resurfacing of tennis courts to add pickleball courts, with the library planning to check out equipment. Discussions also covered the completion of the cyanobacteria master plan and ongoing work on the remnant jetty study. Furthermore, the management of the golf course transitioned from a previous management company to a local group on a one-year trial basis, aiming for future city department operation. Grant updates included receiving funds for North Bay Park upgrades and applying for RCO and BRIC funding for further park improvements and a tsunami tower, respectively. The administration emphasized increased transparency by opening finance committee and state auditor meetings to the public and stricter oversight on construction cost overruns.

The meeting commenced with administrative tasks, including excusing an absent member and approving the minutes from the previous meeting. A significant portion of the discussion focused on public communication, particularly concerning the ownership of the right-of-way near canals, and the legality of chumming for invasive carp, with follow-up requested to confirm regulations. Old business centered on invasive carp management, including strategies involving kernel corn as bait, potential tournaments modeled after events in Moses Lake, and coordination with Fish and Wildlife for testing. The Bass Canal cleanup was tabled until warmer weather (February or March) due to current cold temperatures and concerns over liability regarding boat damage during the cleanup effort. Board members reported on current conditions, noting minor debris in several canals, including a large tree down near Duck Lake. The City Lawyers' report indicated planning for spring treatment efforts starting in April, possibly using alum treatment following research into successful applications in other counties. Additionally, the final stormwater rate study is expected by the end of the year, and a $50,000 ecology grant application for alum treatment is being processed with a deadline of the 16th. Follow-up actions included posting appendixes from public comments to the Facebook page.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and subsequent motion to excuse an absent member, noting it was their second unexcused absence. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the previous meeting minutes. Key discussions included a report on the impact of an employee injury on radio program uploads and pending volunteer onboarding for radio and television operations. An update was provided on the recent replacement of the UPS system. The Chair's report covered a forthcoming meeting with the police chief regarding emergency management and the tower project, and a request for the Board to review the current tower contract to explore early termination possibilities. The Technology Report featured updates from the FCC regarding an illegal broadcasting enforcement action against a local entity, new FCC rules standardizing handset unlocking procedures to combat fraud, and the FCC's refocusing on anti-robocall enforcement. Furthermore, the FCC adopted new rules to sustain Low Power TV (LPTV) operations and allocated additional spectrum for the Starlink satellite system to enhance global broadband and emergency SOS capabilities. Finally, the FCC Media Bureau issued guidance on political equal opportunity requirements, specifically addressing the exemption for news interview programs and signaling a critical review of applying this exemption to entertainment talk shows that may have partisan motivations.

The meeting included the introduction of the city council liaison and the approval of the meeting agenda. Key discussions covered the election of officers, where Jeff agreed to continue as president, Becky as vice president, and Alex as secretary. A substantial presentation detailed library usage statistics for 2025, highlighting record checkouts (66,000 items) and significant visitor traffic (42,000 door counts), alongside data on library programs and card activity. Future agenda items discussed included updating bylaws, a presentation to the city council in April, and updates from the Friends of the Library group, noting their January book sale success and efforts to recruit partners. The Ocean Shores Library Foundation liaison reported on positive conversations with Seabbrook regarding collaboration, promoting library cards to non-resident visitors, developing consistent messaging, improving resource stewardship, and planning for board member expansion. The board also discussed the adoption of the strategic plan, agreeing to keep it general for flexibility, though specific programs like pickleball equipment lending and Towner Book Awards participation were noted for March.