📋 City Council Regular Meeting

Port Angeles City Council

📅 January 06, 2026 📍 Council Chambers, City Hall, 321 East 5th Street, Port Angeles (Hybrid meeting)

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Meeting Summary

The January 6, 2026 Port Angeles City Council meeting began with a ceremonial swearing-in for three returning council members before proceeding to a significant political moment: a deadlocked vote for mayor that had to be tabled until the next meeting. Council Members Kate Dexter, Drew Schwab, and Latricia Suggs were officially sworn in during the 5:30 PM ceremony, with Council Member Mark Hodgson absent due to work conflicts. The evening's most dramatic moment came during the mayor election, where incumbent Mayor Kate Dexter faced challenger Deputy Mayor Navara Carr. After both candidates delivered substantive speeches about their qualifications and vision, the vote ended in a 3-3 tie, forcing the council to postpone the decision until January 20 when all seven members can participate. City Attorney William Bloor confirmed that Dexter will continue serving as mayor until a successor is elected. Carr's candidacy marked the first serious challenge to Dexter's six-year tenure as mayor, centering on themes of leadership rotation, term limits, and developing new leadership within the council. Dexter emphasized her experience and community support, while acknowledging the value of change and leadership development. The meeting proceeded with routine business including Olympic National Park updates from Superintendent Sula Jacobs, approval of 2026 legislative priorities, and selection of three council members for upcoming state advocacy events. Despite the mayoral deadlock, council demonstrated unity on policy matters, unanimously approving the legislative agenda and conference attendance selections. The evening concluded with extensive council reports highlighting individual members' committee work and community engagement, suggesting strong working relationships despite the mayoral contest. #

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Study Guide

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** POA-CON-2026-01-06 ### Meeting Overview The Port Angeles City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on January 6th, starting with a swearing-in ceremony for three returning council members. The main agenda items included electing a mayor and deputy mayor (which resulted in a tie and was postponed), Olympic National Park updates, 2026 legislative priorities, and AWC City Action Days appointments. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Council-Manager Form of Government:** Port Angeles uses a system where the mayor is an appointed position (like a chairperson) rather than separately elected. The mayor is chosen by fellow council members and serves primarily as the meeting facilitator and city representative. **Ranked Choice Voting:** The method council used to try to determine mayor preference, where each member ranks candidates in order of preference rather than voting for just one candidate. **Legislative Priorities:** The annual list of issues the city wants state legislators to focus on, ranging from tax reform to specific local infrastructure projects like Ennis Creek restoration. **Association of Washington Cities (AWC):** A statewide organization representing municipalities, offering training, advocacy services, and policy coordination. Their "City Action Days" conference allows local officials to meet with state legislators. **Trust Land Transfer:** A state program involving the Department of Natural Resources transferring certain lands to tribes, wildlife areas, and conservation, which affects local jurisdictions. **Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center:** The Olympic National Park facility that burned down and is being rebuilt, with community input sessions planned for the replacement design. **Ennis Creek Restoration:** A fish habitat restoration project requiring removal of barriers to allow salmon to reach upstream spawning areas, involving partnership between the city and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. **Street Medicine Programs:** City-funded programs like paramedicine and the rediscovery program that provide healthcare and services to people experiencing homelessness. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kate Dexter | Mayor (continuing), Position 4 | | Navara Carr | Deputy Mayor, nominated for Mayor | | LaTricia Suggs | Council Member, Position 1 | | Drew Schwab | Council Member, Position 2 | | Amy Miller | Council Member | | John Hamilton | Council Member (newest) | | Mark Hodgson | Council Member (absent, work conflict) | | Nathan West | City Manager | | Bill Bloor | City Attorney | | Sula Jacobs | Olympic National Park Superintendent | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during a transition period with newly sworn-in council members beginning their terms. The mayor and deputy mayor positions are appointed by fellow council members every two years, creating an opportunity for leadership change. The tie vote between Kate Dexter (the incumbent mayor for six years) and Navara Carr reflects different philosophies about leadership rotation versus continuity of experience. The legislative priorities discussion shows how local governments must advocate for their needs during state budget processes. With a short legislative session ahead, cities compete for limited state funding while also positioning themselves on broader policy issues. The city's relationship with tribal partners, particularly on environmental restoration, demonstrates the complex inter-governmental coordination required for major projects. The Olympic National Park update highlights how federal infrastructure affects local tourism and recreation, while also addressing climate change impacts like increased wildfire risk on the Peninsula. ### What Happened — The Short Version Three council members were sworn in to continue their terms. When council tried to elect a mayor, Kate Dexter and Navara Carr were nominated. Each gave speeches about their qualifications, and voting resulted in a 3-3 tie. On advice from the city attorney, they postponed the decision until the January 20th meeting when the absent seventh member can break the tie. Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs updated council on the Hurricane Ridge visitor center planning process, summer wildfire impacts, and upcoming road projects. Council approved 2026 legislative priorities focusing on tax reform, tribal sewer project funding, and Ennis Creek restoration. They selected three members to attend the AWC conference in Olympia. ### What to Watch Next - **January 20th council meeting:** Final mayor and deputy mayor elections with all seven members present - **January 14th Hurricane Ridge community meeting:** Public input session on visitor center replacement design at Field Hall, 4:00-6:30 PM - **January 21-22 City Action Days:** Three council members will meet with state legislators about city priorities - **Legislative session progress:** Track funding decisions on Ennis Creek restoration, LEKT sewer project, and trust land transfers ---