MINUTES FOR THE
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
September 9, 2009
Call to Order: 8:00am by Barbara Levette Adjourned: 9:00am
Members Present: Barbara Levette – Hood Canal Improvement Club
George Fisher – EAB
Mike Petz – EAB
Mary Mede – EAB/Lake Cushman Booster Club
Terry Brazil – EAB/Lake Cushman Maint. Board
Brian Cook – EAB/Hoodsport Business Assoc.
Members Absent: Janene Bandes – Hoodsport Business Association
Pat Kamber – Citizen
Carrie Berrie – Beacon Point Community Club
Don LeMaster – PDA/EAB/Hoodsport Bus. Assoc.
Ben Fabig – EAB/West Realty
Bill Smith – EAB/Skokomish
Dick Patterson – EAB/Citizen
Ed Binder – EAB/Skokomish
Lisa Ellis – EAB/Lilliwaup
Mike Purvis – EAB/Local Business Owner
Trudy Mischell – EAB/Lk.Cushman Booster Club
Guests: Commissioner Chuck Engel
Staff: Rich McEachin – Port Executive Director
Terry Veitz – Port Administrative Assistant
Approval of Minutes for August 12, 2009: Terry Brazil made a motion to approve the minutes of August 12, 2009. Mary Mede made the second, passed unanimously.
Board Member Reports: Barbara Levette reported that the Hood Canal Improvement Club was now meeting again after a summer hiatus. She also stated that she needs to leave the meeting by 8:45am and selected George Fisher to chair the remainder of the EAB meeting.
Commissioner Chuck Engel reported that the PDA has 2 position openings due to him and Gary Carlberg being appointed to the Port Commission. A third position may also exist, but he needs to find out if the current person occupying the position is leaving or staying. It was discussed briefly that it might be most beneficial for the PDA to be inactive until the elections are because at least 2 of the positions would no longer be vacant.
Old Business:
1. EAB Member review of draft project plan for restroom, presented by Mike Petz:
Port Executive Director Rich McEachin stated that he did a presentation to the EAB at their last meeting and Mike Petz has made an action plan from that information.
Mike Petz presented his draft project plan to the members. He stated that Commissioner Carlberg had requested a task force to assess what accomplishments have been achieved and those still outstanding. He explained that his draft plan could be amended and things added as the member’s desire.
Barbara Levette stated that someone needs to talk to the owners of IGA to affirm they will do what they said they would regarding an easement and connection to their drain field and septic system. She also said it is important to look at other options such as the existing restroom at the VIC.
Brian Cook stated the VIC doesn’t have the septic capacity that would be required in peek use months. Staffing to maintain that facility would also be an issue.
Commissioner Engel stated that at one time, the owner of the property next to the sani-cans told the Port she would give them an easement for a restroom facility. Several members agreed that it was worth pursuing to see if the owner was still willing to consider an easement.
Terry Brazil stated that he felt that number 2 on Mike’s draft plan should be switched with number one, saying that you need to know the site and capacity first.
Mike Petz stated that you need to look at the size because it is driven by capacity required.
Mary Mede asked if the Feasibility Study was complete and does it recommend a size.
Executive Director McEachin stated that the Study is only in draft form and it does not make a recommendation as to what size restroom might be required.
Brian Cook stated that the size of the restroom will be dictated by the site selected.
Commissioner Engel stated that per the owner, IGA has a large septic system. He believes it is the most accessible site and also has parking.
Barbara Levette stated that a good news article might shake out other options and/or donations.
There was discussion regarding the frustration by the public because it has taken so long to get a restroom completed. The loss of credibility is a key concern if the restroom isn’t built soon.
Mike Petz volunteered to talk to the owners of IGA regarding their willingness to allow the Port to connect to their septic system. Brian Cook volunteered to accompany Mike.
George Fisher stated that he had talked to the owners of IGA before and they want to see a plan from the Port before they will commit to anything.
Executive Director McEachin stated that Commissioner Benavente is contacting the Port of Allyn to get the plans they have for their new restroom facility.
Commissioner Engel stated that the Port already has 6 sani-cans on the property so a building should be able to be put there.
Brian Cook suggested that the Port try to get an easement from the property owner with an option to buy.
Mike Petz reconfirmed what the next actions should be: 1) Meet with owners of IGA and see what they are willing to do. Commissioner Engel is to get contact information regarding property owner next to Port property.
Executive Director McEachin reminded the members that any discussion they have with IGA or the property owner is on behalf of the EAB, not the Port of Hoodsport.
Barbara Levette stated that after all discussion the draft project plan should be amended and given to the Port. It would then be between the Port and their attorney to move things forward.
Executive Director McEachin stated that he felt it was important at some point to include what the Port has done in regard to grants for the restroom.
Terry Brazil suggested that the information on the grants should be put between number three and number four on the draft plan.
Mike Petz stated that once the draft plan is completed, the Port needs to decide on funding. They can spend more time trying to get grants or use Port reserves and move forward.
Executive Director McEachin stated that once a site and size of building is made, it can go out to bid.
There was discussion regarding the next newsletter and what information is to be included. Executive Director McEachin stated that he currently has information regarding the Trail Park opening, grants applied for and the draft Feasibility Study which will go into the next newsletter.
Barbara Levette stated that she felt there should be some kind of information regarding the candidate’s night and elections. She reported that a candidates night will be held at the Hoodsport Fire Hall on October 7th, 7pm. Questions arose as to what information the Port could put in the newsletter and not violate any laws. Barbara offered to call the Auditor’s office to inquire as to any restriction.
Terry Brazil asked if there was anything going on in the County and if they were working with the Port. Executive Director McEachin reported that there were no current projects that the Port and County were working on together.
Barbara Levette asked if anyone had any other items that might be good for the newsletter.
Commissioner Engel stated that groups and organizations need to call the paper at 426-4412 to get information in the paper.
8:45am – George Fisher chairing the meeting.
Commissioner Engel stated that they had a person that was assigned by the paper to come out and get information, but it has been a struggle. Information needs to get out there, but input from the community is needed.
Terry Brazil asked what the PDA is working on.
Executive Director McEachin stated that the PDA is to work on the parking lot issue and zoning issues, but until there is a full board, nothing will move forward. As to the restroom issue, we need to determine the site and size of the restroom and then we can go out to bid for the design. I would suggest that building the restroom on Port property and using an easement property for parking.
New Business: None
Adjourn: At 9:00am, George Fisher adjourned the meeting