MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PORT OF HOODSPORT COMMISSION
January 14, 2009
Call to Order: 9:32am Adjourned: 10:19am
Roll Call: Commissioner Benavente
Commissioner Hamlin
Commissioner Wyatt (Excused Absence)
Staff Present: Rich McEachin, Executive Director
Terry Veitz, Admin. Assistant
Public: None
Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the agenda, for January 14, 2009 as submitted. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Public Communication: None
Commissioner Reports:
Commissioner Hamlin stated that the Lake Cushman Maintenance Board is in the process of replacing one of its board members. The current board member has health issues that prevent them from continuing.
Commissioner Benavente stated that he attended the County EDC retreat and they are working on a plan to identify functions of the EDC in 2009. He stated that more tourism should be included and that a subcommittee will be addressing the importance of tourism. He further stated that the EDC has nothing on its website to show properties that are for rent. It is important that a listing of commercial properties be shown. Commissioner Benavente stated that the County Commissioners are going to hold public hearings to address the potential closure of the skate park by Walmart. If it goes forth, they would surplus the property. He said he would be going to a meeting in Port Hadlock and the WRIA-16 meeting tomorrow.
Executive Director Report:
Executive Director McEachin reported the following: He said that EAB member, Carrie Berry is working with the Dept. of Transportation regarding a new Welcome sign in Hoodsport. There was discussion regarding the placement of a new sign. Mike’s Beach and the ITT building site were identified. The Executive Director will look at both areas and make a decision as to were the sign will be placed. Executive Director McEachin stated that he would be giving a presentation in Olympia tomorrow regarding the CERB grant and felt there was a good chance of success. He further stated that there is a meeting of all area Commissions schedule for February 10, 2009 at the Port of Shelton. He will bring the necessary information to the next Port meeting.
Consent Agenda:
Minutes: Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the December 10, 2008 minutes, as presented. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Vouchers: Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the vouchers 1-1, pages 1, 2 and 3, and payroll, as submitted. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Old Business:
Hoodsport Trail Deed Process: Executive Director McEachin stated that he received paperwork this morning. The papers should be signed by all Commissioners and Commissioner Wyatt is absent, so he will review the materials and bring it to the Commissioners at the next meeting.
Port Quarterly Newsletter: Executive Director McEachin showed the Commissioners a sample of the final newsletter. There will be about 1,600 copies printed. The Commissioners gave positive comments regarding the product. Commissioner Benavente stated that the newsletter information would be good material to send to the Journal for the dedicated West Hood Canal section.
New Business:
Storage Space Lease: Executive Director McEachin presented the Commission a lease agreement with Don LeMaster for storage space at the office site. Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the lease agreement. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Coin Box Loan to Mason County: The Port owns 4 coin boxes, one of which is being used at the Port site. There are 3 boxes not being used. Commissioner Hamlin made a motion that the Port retain 1 of the remaining boxes not be used and “loan” the remaining 2 to the Mason County Parks Dept. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Discussion/Direction Regarding Changing to Monthly Meetings: Executive Director McEachin stated that he had done some research of other Ports and was surprised how many held only monthly meetings. He further stated that the past two months is a good indication that the staff is able to handle Port business efficiently with only one meeting being held each month. Commissioner Benavente stated that he had no problem with it. Commissioner Hamlin stated that he felt they should wait until the next meeting when Commissioner Wyatt will be in attendance and then make a decision.
Discussion/Direction Regarding Attendance at the 2009 Hood Canal Co-ordinating Council Meetings: Executive Director McEachin presented the Commission with the 2009 meeting schedule. Commissioner Benavente stated that he had attended some of these meetings and felt it is important for the Port to be more involved. The organization has representatives from 4 Counties and the Tribe chairs the meetings this year. Commissioner Benavente stated that if the Port were to participate with input that they would receive more recognition and possibly a chance to become a member. Commissioner Hamlin asked what the formal designation was to become a member. Commissioner Benavente explained that the organization is established under a charter and the charter would have to be amended to include new members not identified at the present time. The Port can submit a letter asking for inclusion into the membership and the charter amendments necessary. Commissioner Hamlin said he felt that they should wait for Commissioner Wyatt’s return before making a decision. Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to Table the issue until the next meeting. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.
Adjourn: Commissioner Benavente adjourned the meeting at 10:19am
Minutes Approved: January 28, 2009