minutes from the regular meeting
of the Port of Hoodsport Commission
april 25, 2007
Call to order: 5:09 p.m. Adjourned: 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Commissioner Frank Benavente
Commissioner Dick Patterson
Commissioner Tom Young
Introduction of Guests: None
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Benavente made a motion to “Approve the minutes from the regular meeting held on April 11, 2007 as presented.” The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Vouchers
Commissioner Benavente made a motion to “Approve vouchers for Mason County Auditor for consolidated mailing expense in the amount of $3.09; Carol Ferguson for administrative services, mileage and postage in the amount of $429.05; R&G Handyman Services for dock maintenance, repair and signage in the amount of $838.97; Commissioner Young’s per diem in the amount of $1,260; and Commissioner Patterson’s per diem in the amount of $630.” The motion was approved unanimously. A voucher for Art Anderson Associates in the amount of $22,520 will be held pending discussion later in the meeting.
Commissioner Benavente made a motion to “Pre-approve recurring vouchers for the month of May.” The motion was approved unanimously.
Agenda Changes –None
Open Items – None
Action Items
Overnight Moorage Fee Implementation
Commissioner Patterson reported that they are very close to having everything in place. They moved the signs around to group them in one area. The project should be completed soon. He asked about posting the rules signs, but it was decided to wait until the dock repairs are complete.
Commissioner Benavente asked if we need a press release to remind the public that we approved a moorage fee, and perhaps place notices in the library, store and post office. Commissioner Young will work with Carol to draft the press release and Commissioner Benavente will draft a small notice to post around town.
We still haven’t had a response from the tribal council, but probably will when we implement the fee. We’ll keep the opportunity for dialogue open.
Pumpout
We received the signed contract and a copy of the cover page was given to each commissioner. The voucher for the permits was taken to the county. They will call Carol when the check is ready and she will get it to Commissioner Benavente so he can submit the permit applications. Commissioner Benavente will also get the design work started. It was suggested that the designer could get the required written bids from three vendors for the equipment. We should have an official letter from the engineer with the price that he will accept. Commissioner Benavente believes that he has a copy in his file.
PDA Relationship
Commissioner Young hasn’t had time to draft a letter to the PDA, but hopes to have it completed by the next meeting. Commissioner Benavente suggested a work session with the PDA to go over where we are and where we need to be. We are supposed to get notification of new proposed members and we are supposed to approve them. We have to ensure that we are in compliance on membership and other issues like a quorum for meetings. Commissioner Benavente will contact Eric Ellis regarding possible dates to meet.
Dock Repair
Wil Clark has not returned Commissioner Patterson’s calls, but he’ll keep trying. If there is no response by mid-week next week, Commissioner Patterson will let Carol know and she’ll email Commissioner Young.
Commissioner Patterson stated that the piling caps are on. He also looked at the washout under the dock. The big rocks have shifted and will have to be put back in place before we add gravel. That would require some equipment to move the rocks and could possibly be done in conjunction with the dock repair.
Hoodsport Master Plan Discussion
Commissioner Young has not yet talked to Greg at Art Anderson regarding the pier issue (north of the existing dock) on the concept map. There is also a motel shown where there is no motel. Commissioner Patterson said that he is disappointed in the report because the marketing piece is very weak. He feels that the Seaside Village theme is something that we could have come up with and he had hoped to see more research on tourism and traffic patterns. Commissioners Young and Benavente said that’s not what we asked them to do. We asked them to provide a master plan based on our comprehensive plan and that’s what they’ve given us. We had an opportunity to make comments after the initial draft. If we’re not seeing what we thought we were getting, we have to let them know. Commissioner Young will follow up on the issue of the pier before we approve the voucher.
Commissioner Patterson stated that he’s talked to several people who see the portion of the Hoodsport Trails Park nearest the golf course as an opportunity to expand to an 18-hole golf course rather than a putt-putt course. Commissioner Benavente responded that we’re not locked into the putt-putt course and that, when we have ownership, we can look at other possibilities that fit with recreational use and revenue-generating plans.
Commissioner Benavente said that the transportation hub piece seems a bit thin. Commissioner Young responded that we couldn’t go too far with it until we have acquired property and that Mason County is 5-7 years out. Before anything else, we need a park and ride.
Park Dedication
Commissioner Patterson hasn’t been able to talk to Tim Sheldon yet, but will continue to try to reach him.
Foothills Park Meeting Agenda
Flyers are out around the community and John is ready to go. Commissioner Benavente wiil open up for the 6:00 p.m. meeting.
Individual Commissioners’ Reports
Commissioner Benavente met with the Kiwanis Club. He updated them on our plans and all of the feedback was very positive. They had a lot of questions about what we’re doing and commented that the Port has accomplished a lot in the last year or so. Commissioner Benavente told them about the overnight moorage and the plans for the parks, and they understand our need for revenue-generating projects. They are very interested in the parks projects and some of them plan on attending tomorrow’s meeting.
Commissioner Young reported that he couldn’t attend the WPPA seminar in Spokane regarding funding of projects. He suggested that we could sponsor Eric Ellis, PDA, and ask that he bring information back to us. Commissioner Benavente expressed concern about the quality of the information if Eric can’t attend and sends someone else. Commissioner Benavente said that he could go except for the time it takes to drive over there and back. The Port of Allyn is sending their three commissioners and Shelton may be sending two. They’re looking into chartering a small plane. If they do that, Commissioner Benavente would consider attending. He should know by the end of the week.
Commissioner Patterson mentioned his move when his house is sold, and asked what timing is best for the Port. He offered to resign now if that’s best or he could wait. Commissioners Young and Benavente said that it’s his decision. We are, however, in the middle of several projects and Commissioner Benavente said that he would prefer that Commissioner Patterson continue. Commissioner Young added that his term is up at the end of the year and, if he resigned now, we would actually have two transitions. Commissioner Patterson indicated that he is willing to continue for as long as possible.
Commissioner Benavente attended the auction and purchased three bookcases at $35 plus 10%. The conference table and chairs that we were interested in went for $2,500, which was over our approved expenditure. The desks went for $2,000 each, also over the approved amount. He suggested that the Port could just purchase his furniture, which the Port has been using for the last year and a half.
Commissioner Young stated that, even though the legislature has adjourned, the governor has until May 5th and May 15th to sign various bills, but that the budget has to be approved first. The RTPO subcommittee projects are also waiting on the budget. Ross Gallagher is now on the RTPO subcommittee and, since he’s very well politically connected, could be a good ally. Commissioner Young is researching CERB grant opening dates and Commissioner Benavente suggested that he also research tourism grants and anything that could be used at Foothills Park.
Correspondence
We received information on nominations for the WGEP board, which are due by June 7. Commissioner Young indicated that he is not interested in sitting on any other boards, and the other commissioners gave no input.
We also received the March 2007 financial report and the 2006 annual report from Michael Wittenberg. His office has forwarded a copy of the annual report to the state auditor’s office.
Commissioner Young reported that he is researching a Department of Ecology grant that will be available for testing of oxygen pumped into Hood Canal that affects deep-water fish. We may want to take that on. Commissioner Benavente also mentioned a WSU Extension project that was originally supposed to be done in the Skok Valley, but they’re looking for a new location. Commissioner Young will look into it.
Agenda for the May 9, 2007 meeting:
Action Items:
Overnight Moorage Fee Implementation
Pumpout
Hoodsport Master Plan Implementation
Dock Repair
Park Dedication Follow-up
Discussion Items:
Tourism/Marketing
Individual Commissioner Reports
Correspondence
No Executive Session was needed.
Motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Thomas Young, Chairman Frank Benavente, Commissioner Dick Patterson, Commissioner