06/01/1998 - Work Study - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
June 1, 1998
Council of the City of Port Orchard, Washington, called to order for a Study Session by Mayor
Leslie Weatherill at 7:30 PM at City Hall, 216 Prospect Street.
Council members present: John Clauson, Rick Wyatt, Don Morrison, Robert Geiger, Carolyn
Powers, Warren Van Zee and Tom Stansbery.
Staff present: City Engineer Curies and City Clerk Parks.
Mayor Weatherill stated purpose of this study session is to receive update on status of city hall
construction and briefing on the archaeological finding at the construction site.
At the request of the Mayor, City Engineer Lary Curles briefed the Council and interested public
on the "Shell Midden Site" stating this has been classified as a significant finding and noting the
necessity to protect the archaeological site.
Lynn Larson, Larson Anthropological Archaeological Services (L.AAS), reported the city was first
notified on May 19 of the potential finding by construction workers. An archaeologist was on site
on May 20th. At this time the finding has been identified as a Shell Midden measuring 40' X 20'
X4-6' deep. It appears to be in three zones between the top of the bluff (Prospect Street) and the
toe of the slope and is estimated to possibly be up to 1000 years old. No carbon dating has been
done to confirm age. The archaeological deposits are very well preserved; shells are intact and
easily identified. To date findings also include fire -modified rock and a wide variety of shells.
Some of which are not indigenous to this area. This is the only recorded site in Port Orchard and
Puget Sound shoreline. It is the second most important site in Kitsap County. Most shell middens
which have been found are badly eroded and of minimal value. The Port Orchard site is intact
and well protected.
Ms. Larson reviewed process of identifying, classifying and protecting the find. The official site
registration number is 45 KP115. She stated the first step is to develop a Data Recovery Plan
which outlines research methods, analytical data methods, schedule, describing how any human
remains that may be located will be handled, and curation of artifacts. The Suquamish Tribe, the
Department of Rural Development and Archaeological Preservation Department must approve the
Plan. She anticipated the plan will be developed reviewed, and approved in time to allow
archaeologist to be in the find by June 15. Fieldwork should be completed within two weeks with
10 archaeologists digging by hand and using water -screening methods. Once fieldwork is
completed construction can continue. Archaeologist will remain on site as construction continues,
especially within the identified site.
Charlie Siego, Tribal Council member confirmed Ms. Larson's report of the importance of this site
to the Suquamish tribe. This site will contribute information previously unknown in the pre -history
of the area and their ancestors.
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Ms. Larson and Mr. Siego also confirmed that while it is anticipated that this finding extends under
Prospect Street and possibly under existing city hall, there is no intent to excavate the complete
site. To help preserve the Shell Midden, initially archaeologists will only excavate 15 square
meters of soil.
Mayor Weatherill and City Council members concurred with Suquamish representative on the
importance of respectfully addressing the historical, ancestral, and spiritual aspects of the site.
The city recognizes the significance of this Midden to tribal members and their history.
Ms. Larson stated the Suquamish Tribe and the City of Port Orchard would decide location of
artifacts found. It was suggested that a historical display might be appropriately located in the
new city hall to commemorate the site.
Ms. Larson stated her firm would not utilize volunteers for this archaeological dig. Because of the
level of community interest she suggested a tour of the site be scheduled after the archaeologists
complete their field work and data recovery.
Mayor Weatherill thanked Ms. Larson and tribal representative for attending this meeting to inform
and educate the city elected officials, staff and the public on this important historical find.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 P.M.
Patricia Parks, City Clerk Leslie J. Weatherill, Mayor