Minutes for the

Executive Advisory Board MEETING

nOVEMBER 14, 2007

Call to order:  8:55 a.m.                                                         Adjourned: 9:38 a.m.

Roll Call:        Commissioner Frank Benavente

                                    Commissioner Tom Young

                        Cindy Adams, Administrative Assistant

                        Don LeMaster, EAB Chair

Introduction of Guests: 

                        Barbara Levette, Hood Canal Improvement Club

                        Chris Lieberg, Lilliwaup Community Club

                        Ben Fabig, West Realty

                        John Wyatt, Kiwanis

                        Paul Mullins, Lake Cushman Maintenance Co

Approval of Minutes

Don LeMaster made a motion to approve the minutes from the Executive Advisory Board Meeting on October 10, 2007.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Old Business

Mr. LeMaster gave a brief history of the EAB and what the original plan and direction was for the committee.  The committee was originally established in the 2003 when Gray and Osborne developed a five year plan of action for the Port of Hoodsport.  Originally, there were 6-12 members that where the eyes and ears of the Port District and the surrounding communities.  Mr. LeMaster would like to reevaluate the Vision Statement for the EAB and develop a new version.  It would be best to have a separate meeting to discuss. 

One of the first tasks of the EAB was to get public input in order to complete the 2006 Comp Plan and 2007 Master Plan.  Now that the plans are in place, it is time for the EAB and Port to take action on the 14 items the surrounding communities identified as important.  Mr. LeMaster hopes that having new members on the EAB Committee will regenerate the group and that the EAB can work with the Port to get some of the project done.

Mr. LeMaster stated that the Port projects have impact to the surrounding communities and it is difficult to establish good communication with them unless there are representatives from each attending the meetings.

2008 Budget

Commissioner Young presented the 2008 Port of Hoodsport budget and narrative along with 2007 year end projections.

The proposed 2008 budget shows carryover of $60,000, revenue in the amount of $176,525.12, expenses in the amount of $139,120.36, with a closing fund balance of $37,404.76.

There is also an addition of a Port Manager under the salaries and wages category.  This position would start out as part time and would be responsible for the administration of Port projects and also searching for grants. 

Pumpout

Mr. LeMaster would like to see the pumpout project squared away since it is an environmental issue by keeping people from dumping their waste in the Canal.  Mr. LeMaster commented on the frustrating process of dealing with the county.

Commissioner Benavente commented on the permitting process with the county.  When he initially contacted the county regarding the project they were unclear on what type of permits were needed due to the new regulations on Hood Canal.    The public hearing process has been long but it is now in the public comment period.

Mr. LeMaster stated that he has spoke with Tim Sheldon about the lack of communication the county has in regards to the permitting process.  Mr. Sheldon said he would speak to the county about these issues.

Barbara Levette suggested that the Port of Hoodsport contract with an engineer such as Gray & Osborne to take care of the permits.  Engineering firms like Gray & Osborne are familiar with all the rules and regulations and could get things moving.

New Business

EAB Committee

Mr. LeMaster would like to hold a separate meeting to discuss the Vision Statement.

Commissioner Young suggested that the EAB meetings could now be held separate from the Port of Hoodsport Commission Meetings. 

Mr. LeMaster would like to meet prior to the Port meetings to discuss business prior to discussing with the Port Commissioners.  Each member should have a topic of discussion to be included on the agenda each month.  The EAB will meet at 8:00 a.m. the 2^nd Wednesday of the month and then a representative would report to the Port Commissioners at the regular business meeting at 9:30 a.m.  A Port Commissioner may attend the EAB meeting if they want but it will not be necessary.

Commissioner Young suggested that Cindy continue keeping minutes for the EAB.  There will be a standing meeting for a report from the EAB on the Port’s agenda for the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Tall Ship

Mr. Chuck Engle gave an update on the Sultana.  There are some problems in getting the ship moved.  The ship is in poor condition.  The rudder is almost completely rotten and no work has been done on the ship for at least 10 years.  A Survey should be done on the ship before the ship is moved to determine if it is worthwhile to bring it here.  Some of the issues are:  who will pay for the survey, where will the money come from to fix the ship, a business plan should be developed that would include the schools which would teach youth about ships and how they work.

Mr. LeMaster stated that it is generally the responsibility of the buyer to pay for the survey and feels that the tall ship group should pay for the survey.  Once the survey is done then it can be determined if the project is worth pursuing.

Commissioner Benavente stated the moorage plans have been developed but the PDA will need to figure out what the requirements will be.

Mr. Engle invited Mr. LeMaster to the next tall ship meeting on the 20^th at 8:00 a.m.

Correspondence

Commissioner Young presented the resignation from Commissioner Dick Patterson.  Jack Hamlin would normally take office after the election is verified.  However, because the position is vacant, he will take office immediately.

Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:38 a.m.