Port of Hoodsport
Executive Advisory Board Meeting
June 10, 2009
Call to Order: 8:03am, by Barbara Levette Adjourned: 9:15am
Roll Call: Chuck Engel - PDA
Mary Mede - EAB/Lake Cushman Booster Club
Barbara Levette - EAB/HCIC
Dick Patterson - EAB/Citizen
George Fisher - EAB/Save the Lakes
Gary Carlberg - EAB/PDA/Potlatch Water Dist.
Don LeMaster - PDA/Business Association
Guests: Mike Petz - Citizen
Commissioner Terry Brazil
Commissioner John Wyatt
Port Staff: Rich McEachin, Exec. Director
Terry Veitz, Admin. Asst.
Approval of Minutes for April 8, 2009: Gary Carlberg made a motion to approve the April 8, 2009 minutes. Dick Patterson made the second, passed unanimously by those present at that meeting.
Approval of Minutes for May 13, 2009: Dick Patterson made a motion to approve the May 13, 2009 minutes. Chuck Engel made the second, passed unanimously by those present at that meeting.
Board Reports: Don LeMaster reported that the PDA and Business Association are proposing to put on a candidates forum sometime in October. There are 7 people who have filed for 3 Port Commissioner positions and it is important for the public to hear what each of them feels about Hoodsport and where it is going. Barbara suggested that they contact the Women League of Voters as they can facilitate such events.
Barbara Levette reported that the Union Tourism Association has about 52 members and feels that the PDA and EAB should make contact with this group. Exec. Director McEachin stated that membership in the UTA is on the Port agenda for discussion today.
Don LeMaster reported that the Hood Canal Beacon section of the Mason County Journal is not the product that was desired. In addition, Hoodsport was not well represented in the recent insert for the summer activities/places of interest. Local advertisement must be bought to support this media effort, but the sales person hasn’t been making the contacts with local businesses. Don stated that he would email Dan Mancuzzo again and schedule another meeting to discuss the concerns. George Fisher mentioned that it seems only the bad news is being reported, not all the many good things that are happening. Chuck Engel mentioned that there is suppose to be a designated reporter, but we have had none. He added that there is little from surrounding areas such as Union. There was much dissatisfaction expressed regarding the content of the Beacon. Don LeMaster will make contact with the Journal and set up another meeting so specifics can be clarified again.
Commissioner Brazil mentioned that he was now a Port Commissioner and asked if he could remain an EAB member. Exec. Director McEachin told him he could no longer sit as a member of the EAB due to becoming a Commissioner.
Dick Patterson reported that the Merrie Ellen Schooner will be at the Port dock during the 4th of July weekend. Three evenings there will be wine tasting available on the ship for $25.00 per person. It is not a cruise, just wine tasting and some light food. There will be sailings available, but only through the ship personnel. He mentioned that they need volunteers to help. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact him.
Don LeMaster reported that the Special Events Committee received $5,000 L-Tax funding for the event and also received $2,000 for the upcoming Salmon Derby. Chuck Engel asked where the Port is with the restroom project. Exec. Director McEachin said that the Port has a grant in process, but it is slow. Chuck suggested that the Business Association meet and come up with some fund raising events to get the funds needed for a restroom. Exec. Director McEachin reported that the Port is on the list to receive stimulus funding, but we have no way of knowing when that might come through. Gary Carlberg made a motion to have the PDA make a request to the Port Commissioners that they give the PDA the authority to pursue the restroom issue. George Fisher made the second, passed unanimously.
Gary Carlberg reported that a small group of citizens have formed the Hood Canal Education Foundation and anyone interested in helping with that may contact him.
Old Business:
1. Update and Direction regarding UGA: Don LeMaster reported that not much is happening with the issue, but it is suppose to be on the County Commission agenda at some point. He further stated that with 35% of the staff now gone, it slows things down. It was suggested that a few members of the PDA should possibly meet with the County Planner, Alan Borden, and ask for his help in getting the issue moving forward. It was also suggested that members of the PDA request to be put on the County Commission meeting agenda and present the issue to the Commissioners. Dick Patterson made a motion to have Don LeMaster contact Alan Borden for a meeting with Dick, Chuck, George and Gary. Chuck made the second, passed unanimously. Don LeMaster stated that he has a draft UGA plan and Alan Borden does too. He suggested that the Committee meeting with Alan have a good knowledge of the UGA and what is trying to be obtained with it. Gary Carlberg stated that he would talk to the districts County Commissioner and seek his support.
2. Discussion regarding Tami Garrow’s visit: Barbara Levette reported that Tami Garrow came to the Port office on May 20th and met with the EAB and PDA members. Gary Carlberg stated that it was an excellent meeting and he learned a lot. There was further discussion regarding the operation of PDA’s, infrastructure upon inception, revenue, etc. There was discussion regarding any interest in doing a tour of Satsop Development. Don LeMaster stated that he feels it is important to continue the connection with Tami. Chuck stated that she has answers and resources that could help very much. Barbara agreed to arrange a tour of Satsop and a meeting with Tami while they are there.
3. Continued Discussion and Direction regarding the Port Taxing District: Barbara noted that seven people have filed for three Port Commission seats and wanted to give candidates present a chance to speak. Don stated that the EAB was started with one idea, but over time it has taken its own direction. Chuck stated that Ports are generally more powerful than Counties, but income is important. Barbara remarked that in unincorporated Union, it is a real challenge for citizens to get the attention of their county government and it has to be difficult for the county to communicate effectively with outlying areas. She clarified that this is not a criticism, it is simply a challenge of the current structure and an expanding population. Commissioner Wyatt reported that they are now having joint Port meetings. Gary stated that some people in the Port district that have Shelton mailing addresses are still not getting the Port newsletter. Exec. Director McEachin stated that he got the mailing list from the County and sent them to all who had not gotten them before, but will check with the County again. Gary agreed to get the names of people he knows aren’t getting the newsletter to the Exec. Director.
New Business: None
Adjourn: At 9:15am, George Fisher made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Gary Carlberg made the second, passed unanimously.