PA United

PA United is the name of a group comprised of members of the Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, Business Association and the CEO Group.  PA United met on Wednesday to seek a unified strategy for developing economic growth in Port Angeles.

The group will collect information about business organizations in other Washington cities of similar size, and they have four more meetings scheduled:  February 5, February 19, March 5 and March 19.  All meetings will be at 3 p.m. at the Vern Burton Community Center meeting room.

Port Angeles High School Bond

In February of next year, Port Angeles School District voters will decide on a bond for a new high school.  School Board members voted 4 to 1 to place this issue on the February 2015 ballot.

Port Angeles vs. the Smart Meters

Port Angeles city officials have sent a letter to Mueller Systems, based in Atlanta, accusing the company of breach of contract because of ongoing problems with Port Angeles' smart meter program.

So far, Mueller Systems has been unavailable for comment.

Pettit Oil Has Closed

Pettit Oil, a petroleum distribution company, has closed its doors.  It had facilities in Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Forks.  The company sought bankruptcy protection last month.  Callers to the company's 800 number were greeted by this recording:

“We regret to inform you that after many years of service, Pettit Oil has closed its doors and is no longer in business. We appreciate your many years of loyalty as a customer.”

Krush Closing

Krush Ultra Lounge, the Sequim nightclub that received numerous noise complaints from local residents, will be closing.  I've never been there,but the comments at a recent PDN article were all over the map.  Everything from "finally there's a place in Sequim where the main activity isn't Bingo" to "my 23-year-old daughter won't even go there at night because that place is so wild" to "why don't those elderly people just turn down their hearing aids if they can't sleep?"

The club's owner said:

“I’ve got to choose another city, one that wants me.  I’m out of here. Good night and good luck.” 

 Oh well, Bingo anyone?

Potential Buyer for Downtown Oak Street Property

Neeser Construction Inc., based in Alaska, has made an offer on the Oak Street property currently owned by Olympic Lodge owner Tod McClaskey Jr.

The property could be the new location for the Feiro Marine Life Center plus a conference center and some retail space.  Neeser's project administrator said:

“A final agreement was reached pending verification of certain disclosures, due diligence, soil conditions.  I assure you it will be worked out.”

Suggested Merger of PADA, PABA and Chamber of Commerce

At yesterday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association, Tim Smith suggested that the PABA, the Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce should start working toward an eventual merger of the three groups.  An ad hoc committee of six people — two representatives from each organization — would work to address local business issues.

I think it's an excellent idea, but with all the local turf wars going on here, I can't imagine it ever happening.

Tim Smith to speak at Tuesday's PABA meeting

Tim Smith, interim director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council, will be the guest speaker at Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association.

The only thing I remember about Tim Smith is that he spoke out against the Farmers Market at a City Planning Commission meeting (summer of 2005).  Everybody who was in favor of the Farmers Market was given thirty seconds to speak, and they were constantly interrupted by the Planning Commission Chairman yelling "Get to the point!" and "Time's up!"  When Tim Smith got up to speak, he spent about twenty minutes pausing, poring over documents and notes, pausing again, with no interruptions or shouts of "Time's up!" from the Planning Commission chairman.

But I digress...