PORT ANGELES — City Council members voted 4-3 tonight to place an advisory measure on the Nov. 3 general election ballot asking voters if they approve of adding fluoride into the Port Angeles drinking water supply as has been done for the last 10 years.
Such a measure would not have the force of law, but would give the council an opportunity to see where voters stand on the issue before they consider renewing the contract.
The contract for adding the chemical into the water supply comes up for renewal in May.
The city began adding fluoride into the water system in 2006, paid for by a grant from the Washington Dental Service Foundation.
Voting in favor of the advisory measure were Mayor Dan Di Guilio and council members Lee Whetham, Cherie Kidd and Sissie Bruch.
Voting against it were Deputy Mayor Patrick Downie and council members Dan Gase and Brad Collins.
The vote came after an extended public comment period at which 11 people spoke against fluoridation and seven people, mostly medical professionals, spoke in favor of it.
The City Council will meet next Tuesday to decide when to hold a hearing on fluoridation before the November vote.
Council members also want to include in voting on the measure those who get water from city but who are Clallam County Public Utility District customers.
Many dentists and health professionals say fluoride in the water helps fight tooth decay.
The addition of fluoride to Port Angeles’ water has survived several challenges in court.
Forks and Port Angeles are the only two cities on the North Olympic Peninsula that fluoridate their drinking water.
PORT ANGELES — City Council members will receive an update on the city’s fluoridation program when they meet tonight.
The 10-year contract for adding the chemical into the water supply comes up for renewal next year.
In an interview on KONP radio last week, City Manager Dan McKeen said some City Council members have indicated they want to take a closer look at the issue — and may want to put it on the ballot so residents can weigh in.
The city began adding fluoride into the water system in 2006, paid for by a grant from the Washington Dental Service Foundation.
Many dentists and health professionals say fluoride in the water helps fight tooth decay.
The addition of fluoride to Port Angeles’ water has survived several challenges in court.
Forks and Port Angeles are the only two cities on the North Olympic Peninsula that fluoridate their drinking water.
Tonight’s City Council meeting will begin at City Hall, 321 E. Fifth St., at 6 p.m.
The regular meeting will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. executive session to discuss collective bargaining with an employee organization, including contract negotiations.
No follow-up action in open session is expected.
Council members also will consider the reallocation of 2010 bond proceeds that were intended for the failed “smart meter,” or Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project, when they meet tonight.
They also will set a public hearing date for surplus equipment and property at the Morse Creek Hydroelectric Project and hear an update from McKeen on ambulance service.
