Minutes for the Port of Hoodsport

Executive Advisory Board MEETING

may 9, 2007

Call to order:  8:10 a.m.                                                  Adjourned:  9:02 a.m.

Attendees:   Commissioner Tom Young

Commissioner Frank Benavente

Commissioner Dick Patterson

George Fisher, EAB

Carol Ferguson, Administrative Assistant

Old Business

Tall Ship

George Fisher feels that they’ve gotten good press on the Tall Ship project. They had a meeting last Tuesday and they’re very excited about the Port’s letter of support. The project is generating a lot of interest and inquiries, and a number of people have indicated that they would like to help. The PDA is in the process of seeking grants and other funding. Several questions have come up, including who will be responsible for grant administration.

A big issue is the lack of parking and restrooms. The PDA understands that they are both part of the Port’s Comprehensive Plan, but they are wondering when they might be coming. There was considerable discussion about the process and the amount of time it takes to secure grants, permits, etc. George commented that we never move fast enough for some people and that they’re asking, “what have you done for us lately?” With the waste water system coming in, and the elimination of angle parking in town, where does that leave us? Commissioner Benavente commented that parking could be tied to the store project, but we won’t know if space is available until their project is complete. Meanwhile, we continue to look for funding, which could include a partnership with a non-profit organization.

Commissioner Young suggested that, as a temporary solution, we could partner with Mason Transit for shuttles between Foothills Park and downtown, at least for the busiest seven months of the year. He suggested that the PDA could talk to Dave O’Connell, who is the general manager of Mason Transit.

Another concern is in the area of control, especially if the grants come in to the Children’s Guild. Commissioner Young stressed that it’s important to retain a really good attorney to draw up a contract, with all parties agreeing to the concept and to set up the structure. The PDA could be the project manager. The PDA wants to keep the ship in the area over the long term, but they don’t want to be responsible for the day-to-day operations or marketing. There is typically a struggle between authority and responsibility. We sometimes have to adjust our roles and expectations.

Commissioner Young added that public agencies are required to have a 20-yr. plan in place, with updates made every 5 years and annual reporting.

Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.