Port of Hoodsport

Executive Advisory Board Meeting

May 13, 2009

Call to Order: 8:01am, by Barb Levette                                     Adjourned: 9:05am

Roll Call:                          Chuck Engel - PDA

                                           Mary Mede - Lake Cushman Booster Club

                                           Barb Levette - EAB/HCIC

                                           Ed Binder - EAB/Site/Skok

                                           Dick Patterson - EAB

Guests:                              Steven Taylor - General Mgr. Mason County PUD 1

                                           David Bergdolt, Engineer, Brown and Caldwell

                                           Commissioner Frank Benavente

                                           Commissioner John Wyatt

                                           Rich McEachin, Exec. Director

                                           Terry Veitz, Admin. Asst.

Approval of Minutes:  No Action Taken

Board Reports:  None

New Business:

1. Dave Bergdolt, Engineer from Brown and Caldwell gave an update to the EAB regarding the sewer projects to take place in 3 sites. His firm was hired to be the project managers for the projects. He explained that there is a Tri-Party group made up of Mason County PUD, Mason County Waste Management Group and the Skokomish Tribe. He explained about the MOU that was signed in 2006, and addendum to that in 2008 which included the preliminary work and facilities plan for all 3 sites. An advisory board was established to maintain the day to day work and keep the projects moving forward. All reporting is done to elected bodies of the 3 Tri-Party groups. He further reported on approvals already obtained from State agencies and the various grant funding that is available. An RFP went out in April for a design team and they have received 5 parties of interest. That list will be brought down to 3 and a final selection will be made from those 3. Once the design team proceeds with their processes, the public will be involved in the process to solicit input. They will continue toward finding more funding, especially for the Hoodsport project. The Hoodsport site has not been finalized. The systems to be used are referred to as MBR, Membrane Systems. There are more permitting regulations in areas not within tribal lands, thus it takes longer to facilitate. The Potlatch site has been identified. Comments from meeting attendees ranged from “will Hoodsport really get a sewer system”; “it is a government issue due to no outreach to the public and no action”; “when was the last public meeting held regarding this issue?”. It was also stated that many of the people who made contrary comments regarding the sewer were not in areas that would be impacted. Steve Taylor, PUD stated that he hoped that the Port of Hoodsport can assist them in initiating a venue to establish site identification for Hoodsport. He also stated that continued dialog and feedback is important. The solutions and costs need to be brought forth to the public and they will be. The EAB thanked the gentlemen for their presentation.

Barb Levette reported that there is a newly formed group in Union called the Union Tourism Association and they have about 52 participants. Mathew Melendas is the chair and they also have other officers. His vision is to make Union like Ashland, Oregon with a theme of art and artists. Barb suggested that she extend an invitation to this group to attend the meeting with Tami Garrow next week. There was a consensus that Barb ask them to attend that meeting. Frank Benavente stated that he attended the last Union Improvement meeting and the club property is being transferred to the church for their use.

Old Business:

1. Discussion regarding Port Taxing District: Barb stated that they still need to get more input from other organizations before going further with this issue.

2. Discussion/Update regarding UGA: Don LeMaster was absent so no update was available.

3. Discussion regarding Tami Garrow visit: Dick Patterson stated that they need to look at small projects that can be completed. Ed Binder stated that Tami Garrow should have some ideas regarding that at next weeks meeting. Barb asked Terry if she could email a reminder of Tami’s visit to the EAB and PDA. Terry will do that. Mary Mede stated that volunteers need to be found to help clean up the canal. Ed Binder remarked that some do already. Frank stated that disposal is an issue and can be costly. Rich McEachin stated that the Port wasn’t successful in getting the grant for that purpose, but is working to obtain other grant funding.

Dick Patterson stated that he thought Barb Levette should be elected Chair of the EAB. All attendees agreed and she is now Chair of the EAB.

Adjourn: Barb Levette adjourned the meeting at 9:05am