minutes from the regular meeting
of the Port of Hoodsport Commission
march 14, 2007
Call to order: 9:35 a.m. Adjourned: 10:35 a.m.
Roll Call: Commissioner Frank Benavente
Commissioner Dick Patterson
Commissioner Tom Young (excused absence)
Introduction of Guests: Chuck Engel, PDA and Tall Ship
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Benavente made a motion to “Approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on February 28, 2007 as presented.” The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Vouchers
Commissioner Benavente made a motion to “Approve vouchers for All Seasons Gas of Bremerton for propane in the amount of $57.86; Michael Wittenberg for accounting services in the amount of $360.00; and Good Man for waste disposal in the amount of $141.00.” The motion was approved unanimously.
Agenda Changes – Move the following items to the next meeting: Overnight Moorage Implementation, DNR Lease, Hoodsport Trails Park and Dock Repair.
Open Items – PDA/Tall Ship
Mr. Engel reported that the PDA met and that they are in the process of preparing a charter and a presentation for the Port. He hoped to have that ready by the March 28 meeting. He asked if the commissioners had questions or input on the proposal.
Commissioner Benavente expressed concern about a permit for anchorage in the canal and said that the web site appears to be in a foreign language. Commissioner Patterson asked what the passenger capacity of the ship is. Mr. Engle responded that they have to check on permits, that the web site is being rebuilt and that he would have to find out what the capacity is. He suggested that the commissioners put their questions and comments in writing for the PDA once we have Commissioner Young’s questions and concerns.
Mr. Engel mentioned that he has just listed the Everett property on Finch Creek. It’s ¾ acre, zoned commercial and is listed at $359,000. There may be other property available between the Everett property and the firehouse in the near future. He will get a brochure on the Everett property to the commissioners for their review.
Action Items
Pumpout
Commissioners Benavente and Patterson had concerns about approving the contract in Commissioner Young’s absence, but didn’t want to wait until the next meeting. As a result, Commissioner Benavente made a motion “to approve and sign the pumpout contract pending Commissioner Young’s review and input.” He then made a motion “to approve the expenditure of $1,460 to Mason County for permits, pending contract signature." Both motions were approved unanimously. Commissioner Benavente asked Carol to email Commissioner Young to ask him to share his concerns.
Tall Ship
Commissioner Benavente expressed concern about investing in this partnership without any guarantees. Commissioner Patterson said that he isn’t clear what they’re asking of us, that the proposal is too vague. Commissioner Benavente said that the information is in the proposal. His concern is what the risks would be and whether or not we can afford to take them. He would like to see a guaranteed annual amount written in. Commissioner Patterson thought that the revenue from activities was inflated and recommends that we get a legal opinion on how to protect the Port’s interests. It was decided to table the discussion until Commissioner Young can participate.
Office Lease
We received a new lease from Don LeMaster. It is for two years and includes a $20 per month increase to $595. Commissioner Benavente doesn’t want to go with a two-year lease and asked what the termination clause says. Neither the original lease nor the new one contains a termination clause. Commissioner Benavente recommended that we continue with a month-to-month lease until we are able to discuss the lease term and include a termination clause. Commissioner Patterson will talk to Don LeMaster about both issues before the next meeting.
Individual Commissioners’ Reports
Commissioner Benavente recently attended an RTPO meeting. The discussion was about the DOT’s new computer system for tourists, a traveler’s guide, to be implemented in the next year. They’re hoping to have the pilot up and running this summer.
Commissioner Benavente also attended the EDC luncheon last Friday. Dick Taylor, the new Chamber Director, spoke about tourism efforts, including a joint venture with the Squaxin Tribe, the City of Shelton and Mason County.
Commissioner Patterson reported that they are moving the park dedication sign and will put the moorage sign on the same posts. They weren’t able to put up the pay box because Commissioner Benavente was not available. He told Commissioner Patterson where to find the box. They will hold off on the signs until we’re able to meet with the tribal council. Carol reported that the letter just went out a couple of days ago.
Commissioner Patterson reported that they replaced a broken plate on one of the floats. They used one of the old free-moorage signs to complete the repair.
Correspondence
We received an invitation to the Department of Ecology hearings on March 28 in Lacey. Commissioner Benavente believes that it would be beneficial for someone to attend.
We received an email from Jay Johnson expressing concerns about the moorage fee and a problem at the dock. Commissioner Patterson will look into the float in question. Commissioner Benavente asked that he also check on the bank where we put some gravel last year. It may need more gravel to fill in gaps.
We received an email from Michelle Connor, representing the Ingvald Gronvold family. She said that the county doesn’t recognize the park and that they need official documentation of the dedication to get it on the county’s designated parks list. Commissioner Benavente will check with the Parks Department to find out what process is necessary to get this done.
Agenda for the March 28, 2007 meeting:
Action Items:
Overnight Moorage Fee Implementation
Pumpout
DNR Lease
Hoodsport Vision Discussion – Hoodsport Trail Park
Dock Repair
Office Lease
Tall Ship Discussion
Individual Commissioner Reports
Correspondence
Motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:35 a.m.
Thomas Young, Chairman Frank Benavente, Commissioner Dick Patterson, Commissioner