Minutes for the Port of Hoodsport

Executive Advisory Board MEETING

april 11, 2007

Call to order:  8:05 a.m.                                                  Adjourned:  9:25 a.m.

Attendees:   Commissioner Tom Young

Commissioner Frank Benavente

Commissioner Dick Patterson

Don LeMaster, EAB

George Fisher, EAB

Carol Ferguson, Administrative Assistant

Old Business

Overnight Moorage Fee Implementation

Don LeMaster asked if the Port has a schedule for putting up the signs at the dock. Commissioner Benavente responded that we were waiting for the DNR Lease and on contact with the tribe. The lease has arrived and will be approved at the 9:30 a.m. meeting. Commissioner Benavente ran into a council member the other day who said that they are interested in a meeting. He was invited to today’s meeting, but he didn’t come.

Hoodsport Vision

Don LeMaster asked for an update on the consultant’s work. Commissioner Young responded that the final report and graphics just arrived and that the commissioners have to review them. The report covers five areas: downtown Hoodsport, the parks, connectivity, marina vs. city dock, and property acquisition. Downtown Hoodsport is seen as the starting point and “center of gravity” for residents and visitors alike. The proposed theme is a “Seaport Village/Pier” with the Sultana.

The proposal includes the concept of a separate marina, possibly on the winery property, with the existing dock fulfilling the need for a city dock. Parking is proposed on the north and south ends of town on the landside of Hwy. 101. Don LeMaster stated that the winery people are interested in some arrangement with the Port and suggested a separate property acquisition meeting. Further, he said that there is the potential to secure the property with an income stream.

The primary concept of the plan is the Seaport Village. We would like to see a buffer between the existing dock and the commercial area, but the consultants had a concern about shading the oyster beds. The proposal puts restrooms on the waterside to tie into the pumpout. The consultants suggest that we should concentrate our efforts in one area at a time, finish that and move on to the next. They also suggest that we concentrate on the parks first, since we’re already well on the way with these projects. Don LeMaster pointed out that some of the projects would take less energy than others and that dealing with government entities is very different from dealing with private parties. Dealing with private parties is time sensitive and requires immediate financing. He doesn’t want our focus to be so narrow that we miss opportunities. The ability to identify properties and move on them has to be in place.

Parks

Commissioner Young stated that a letter was sent to the federal government regarding the Hoodsport Trails Park. We have the opportunity to acquire the property for recreational use. Our proposal includes a golf-related activity on the golf course side of Hwy. 119, with tent campsites, parking, restrooms and, eventually, a bus stop on the other side. We would look at developing relationships with non-profits like the Back Country Horsemen, who would maintain the property.

Tall Ship

George Fisher said that the Port’s letter of intent was received and very much appreciated. It has allowed them to move forward. The consensus is that the ship should be inspected in San Francisco before moving it up here. They have volunteer groups in place to repair the ship and move it from Port Townsend to Hoodsport. They would like to see some form of financing from the Port as part of the partnership. Enthusiasm is building for the project and they feel that they’re limited only by their imagination.

Commissioner Young mentioned that there was some confusion caused by the proposal from the Children’s Guild. They are a 501(c)3 organization, which would allow them to seek grants and provides a tax write-off for contributors. The PDA, however, does not need a 501(c)3 to qualify for grants. It appears that the Children’s Guild would like to control the project, so we have to be careful. The Port’s response to their proposal basically told them that they should work through the PDA rather than the Port.

Commissioner Benavente added that he had checked with DNR about mooring the ship in Hoodsport. They said that it’s okay, but that permits are required.

Pumpout

We’re ready to go. We’re just waiting for the signed contract to be returned by the state.

Wastewater Management System

There was some discussion about a recommendation that the Port publicly support the system. Commissioner Benavente stated that we sent a letter endorsing the plan to the PUD over a year ago. We expected to be part of the process, but were never contacted about participating. Don LeMaster asked if there is a format for a formal endorsement and there is not. It was decided that the original letter to the PUD was sufficient.

New Business

Don LeMaster asked if we would like his engineer to look at the possibility of using the 20’ by 80’ piece of property between the library and Margene’s office for parking. This is suggested to mitigate the proposed widening of Hwy. 101. It was decided that, since the RTPO has been made aware of the project, it would be something that they can keep tabs on and participate in.

Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.