What Happened at the Meeting- July Edition
Fishermen's Monument Set for a Renovation
Council approved an upgrade of the Westport Fishermen's Monument, awarding the job to Beau Finley and Customs Creations LLC for roughly $100,000. The project has been in the works for six years, and much of the money has been raised through grants and private donations. The City has donated 30K toward the project and just approved the $21,903.85 needed to complete the project. The Fishermen’s Monument Fund will be fundraising to pay the the $21903.85 back to the City.
Fishermen’s Monument during Blessing of the Fleet. Image courtesy of Westport Maritime Museum
The Monument has a deep history in Westport. It was first erected in 1960, with newspaper accounts from 1959 noting that the Port of Grays Harbor granted the Westport Boosters permission to build it on Port property, with the understanding it would remain there and be maintained indefinitely. A June 1961 Twin Harbors Press article documented its official dedication and transfer from the Boosters to the Port. In 1974, the South Beach VFW Auxiliary led a beautification project adding the planter boxes that still surround the monument today, funded by local organizations, businesses, and individuals. Today, the Fishermen’s Monument Fund maintains the landscaping and seasonal flowers, alongside the City's ongoing care of the site.
Jodee Orton, who has been very involved in bringing this project to fruition, said of the council’s approval. “The restoration of the Fishermen’s Monument is about much more than restoring a landmark; it’s about honoring those lost at sea. I am deeply grateful to the City of Westport and its council members for allowing the Westport Fishermen’s Monument Committee to move forward in creating a safe place of comfort, remembrance, and healing for our community.”
STRs and Workforce Housing
The short-term rental conversation that dominated June meetings rolled into July. Council member Galvich noted the pattern of the STR issue bouncing between residents, the Planning Commission, and Council without resolution, and asked whether it was time to workshop the issue and actually make a decision rather than keep sending it back and forth. Council Member Meyers reported that Grays Harbor County GIS staff had provided updated zoning data to help with the STR discussion, and that City staff had compiled data on the number of short-term rentals, the zones they're in, and complaints and calls for service. Westport currently has 190 STRs, and the majority are concentrated in Westport By the Sea (aka the condos).
That conversation opened the door to a related topic: a DNR parcel of land on the corner of Forrest and Newell that the City has the opportunity to acquire for an affordable/workforce housing project. The state cut the price roughly in half. It also prompted lively discussion of whether the City should be in the real estate business, as it already owns surplus property. In the end, Council approved the purchase of the property.
VES Bid Awarded
The Vertical Evacuation Structure is one step closer to breaking ground. The lowest bid of $11 million was accepted and approved. The project's construction project manager is now working toward delivering the final VES.
Building and Infrastructure Updates
The Wastewater Treatment Plant received an Outstanding Performance Award letter. The City is also pursuing a $250,000 grant for a low-interest UV disinfection system for the plant's outfall.
A public comment addressed the City of Westport Water Department’s 2026 Consumer Confidence Report, which mentioned a high level of arsenic was found in North Well #1. The City is working with the Department of Health to complete a blending project to help reduce the concentration of arsenic, or possibly shutting off the well.
In other news, the Dune Crest neighbors that were banding together for a cobble berm extension have voted the project down as not sustainable. The project’s original idea generator has since listed his property for sale.
Police Department Updates
Mayor Welter congratulated Chief of Police Ron Phillips on his first six months of duty, noting Phillips had not only helped get new police vehicles and laptops, but the Westport Police is now fully staffed.
The next step will be to move forward with remodeling the upper floors of the City Hall building so the Police Department can move in. The work is currently out for bid.
National Night Out in Westport
Upcoming Events
August 4th National Night Out; join the community at Harriet Dorland City Park from 5-8pm
August 8-9 Tokeland Wood Fest at Tokeland Hotel
August 15-16 Westport Art Festival at the Marina
August 22-23 64th Annual Driftwood Show and Glass Float Hunt at the North Willapa Grange