PORT ANGELES — A controversial City Hall reorganization plan that merges parks and recreation with public works, and community development with economic development, was approved 4-2 by the City Council on Tuesday night.
Council members Lauren Erickson and Gary Braun voted no. Councilman Jack Pittis recused himself from the vote, citing a relative in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Then the council unanimously approved the 2005 city budget containing the reorganization plan.
A nearly full council chambers listened as 11 speakers paraded to the microphone either to speak against the proposal or urge that it be removed from the 2005 budget for further study and a public hearing.
No one spoke in favor of the staffing revamp.
The reorganization plan already had drawn objections from Erickson and Braun as well as the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and several speakers at a Nov. 16 council meeting.
The Port Angeles Downtown Association also sent a letter requesting a separate public hearing on the proposal.
Birthday diversion
Planning Commissioner Bob Philpott said he was so strongly opposed to the plan that he was testifying to the City Council on his birthday when there were three other places he would rather be than a city budget hearing.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jack Harmon applauded the council’s fiscal responsibility but criticized the lack of a public process to evaluate the reorganization.
“You’re hearing us. We’re watching you — please do the right thing,” Harmon said.
Mayor Richard Headrick, who voted for the proposal, said the reorganization was an administrative function and the council didn’t need public input.
The fact that testimony was being taken showed that the council wanted to hear from the public.