MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE PORT OF HOODSPORT COMMISSION

May 13, 2009

Call to Order:  9:30am                                                                   Adjourned: 11:10am

Roll Call:                                     Commissioner Wyatt

                                                      Commissioner Benavente

                                                      Commissioner Hamlin

Staff Present:                               Rich McEachin, Exec. Director

                                                      Terry Veitz, Admin. Asst.

Public:                                          Dick Patterson, Citizen

Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.

Public Communications: Dick Patterson stated that he is a member of the Special Events Committee and is requesting permission from the Port to use the Port dock for the weigh-in point for the upcoming Salmon Derby. Commissioner Wyatt asked if the dock would be cleaned up and was assured it would be. Commissioner Benavente stated that liability insurance is required. Rich McEachin stated that the Derby representative needs to provide a copy of their insurance to the Port with a hold harmless clause. There was a consensus of Commissioners Wyatt and Hamlin to approve the request and Commissioner Benavente abstained. Dick Patterson related how saddened he was regarding the Port maintenance mans death.

Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Benavente reported the following: The RTPO meeting was canceled; attended the Skate Board Park meeting in which a dedication was done for the Squaxin Tribe related to the funding they put forth for continued operation of the Park in 2009; attended the EDC meeting and presented a County project listing; attended the Hood Canal Coordinating Council meeting in which some funding will be available for the Hoodsport sewer project; will be attending an upcoming Survivor Economic Council conference; updated the Commission on the modified events Ordinance. He stated that the Sheriff was at the last meeting and stated that he doesn’t have enough resources to provide for what is in the Ordinance. Commissioner Benavente urged the other Commissioners to put their comments regarding the Ordinance.

Commissioner Hamlin reported the following: He has received several calls from people in Lake Cushman asking that the Port provide for more boat moorage. The ED responded by saying that the current facilities are basically empty all Winter and used only in the Summer.

Commissioner Wyatt reported the following: He attended the WRIA-16 meeting in which the Nature Conservancy gave a length presentation.

Executive Director Report: Executive Director McEachin reported the following: Some trash cans have been moved and signs related to not dumping household garbage have been posted. He also posted a new sign at the Hoodsport Trail Park. He reported that the lower ramp of the dock is being used heavily by birds and suggested that wire, such as is used in the upper dock area be used, to keep the birds away.

Consent Agenda:

Minutes: Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve the April 22, 2009 minutes. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.

Vouchers: Commissioner Benavente made a motion to approve voucher 5-1, pages 1 & 2 as submitted. Commissioner Hamlin made the second, passed unanimously.

Old Business:

1. Discussion and Direction regarding Commissioners pay: Commissioner Benavente stated that he thought there needed to be clarification of per diem pay and what the Resolution really says. The Exec Dir stated that Port’s operate under RCW 53.12.260, (3) and you can do something other than per diem. Commissioner Benavente stated that the process is vague and thinks a study session would be helpful. Commissioner Wyatt stated that the short list of meetings was due to budget constraints and not all meetings can be attended. He suggested that Commissioner Benavente bring forth a list of additional meetings he feels should be attended and let the Commission discuss their merits. He suggested that a study session could be held to discuss other issues at a future date.

2. Discussion and Direction regarding cost estimates to clean up Hoodsport Trail Park:

Exec. Dir McEachin put forth an estimate from David Beers to fix the bridge at a cost of $1,150. He presented an estimate from the 4-H for improvements to the Park at a cost of $3,500 - $4,000. Commissioner Hamlin made a motion to approve $1,150 for David Beers to do the work presented in his estimate. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously. Commissioner Benavente made a motion to approve the work of the WSU 4-H Forestry Crew at $3,500 - $4,000. Commissioner Hamlin made the second, passed unanimously.

New Business:

1. Discussion and Direction regarding Union Tourism Association and Peninsula Culinary Association: Commissioner Benavente reported that these are large groups and believes the Port should be active with them and possibly connect programs together when possible. Both groups have memberships and functions and should Port be a member? Commissioner Wyatt stated that he is not opposed to looking at cost of membership to both and possible involvement. Commissioner Benavente stated that both groups are early in their formation and feels just attendance at meetings would be sufficient for the time being.

2. Discussion and Direction regarding a program to promote “Shop Local Campaign”:

Commissioner Benavente stated that the Port needs to support local business. Exec. Dir. McEachin stated that he received a pamphlet from a lady in Shelton that promotes local business. She can do 3,000 flyers for a cost of $1,500 and will place them in various locations. Eventually, businesses might be able to take over the funding themselves. Commissioner Benavente stated that there is already a pamphlet at the VIC and though not as professional looking, it is there. Further, shop local is more than one business supporting another. The flyer that the Exec Dir has was presented to the Business Association and there were no takers. Exec. Dir McEachin stated that he didn’t think the Port should be the lead agency for local business. Commissioner Wyatt stated that he believes the businesses need to come up with what they want and then present a request to the Port for assistance. Commissioner Hamlin stated that businesses need to put together something and present it to the Port.

3. Discussion and Direction regarding Mason County Ports: Commissioner Benavente mentioned the upcoming all Ports meeting. Exec. Dir McEachin stated that if they intend to have ongoing meetings, they need to address the quorum issue for each entity, otherwise each entity will have to open their own meeting and recess to the all Ports meeting and then reconvene to adjourn.

4. Discussion regarding Exec.Director attending meetings in Mason County related to Port issues: Commissioner Benavente stated that he felt the Exec. Dir. should be attending several of the County meetings, per the Commissions original discussions when the Exec. Dir was hired. Exec. Dir. McEachin stated that his contract calls for him to work 20 hours per week and he exceeds that already. He also added that most public officials want to hear from other public officials, not their staff. Exec. Dir. McEachin stated that he didn’t intend to go to additional meetings in the County, not under his current contract. Commissioner Benavente stated that other Commissioners need to bring forth items for the agenda and they Commission needs to work as a team.

Commissioner Hamlin stated that regretfully, he is submitting his resignation from the Port Commission and read his statement. Commissioner Wyatt stated that he was also resigning and both Commissioners handed their resignations to the Exec. Director.

Adjourn: Commissioner Wyatt adjourned the meeting at 11:10am

Minutes Approved: May 27, 2009