MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE PORT OF HOODSPORT COMMISSION

August 12, 2008

Call to Order   9:30am                                                                    Adjourned: 10:20am

Roll Call:                                Commissioner Benavente

                                                 Commissioner Carlberg

Staff Present:                         Rich McEachin, Executive Director

                                                 Terry Veitz, Admin. Assistant

Public:                                     Mike Petz, Citizen

                                                 Terry Brazil, Lake Cushman Maintenance Board

Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Carlberg made a motion to approve the August 12, 2009 agenda. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.

Commissioner Reports:

Commissioner Carlberg reported the following: Attended the dedication of the Hoodsport Trail Park and complimented Commissioner Benavente and Executive Director McEachin on the good job they did putting it all together. He stated that he counted 14 student workers who were very excited about the Park and 5 adult leaders. He stated he was happy to see one County Commissioner present along with many other representatives of agencies such as the US Forest Service, County Parks Dept. and others. He attended the WRIA-16 meeting and their main issue was to decide how to spend $100,000 on 6 projects. He doesn’t see how any of the projects will benefit the Port of Hoodsport. The WRIA-16 Board dedicated $50,000 to the service water quality program and the remaining $50,000 will be set aside until they further review the remaining 5 projects. He will attend the next two WRIA-16 meetings and follow what they do.

Commissioner Benavente reported the following: Attended the Hoodsport Trail Park opening and stated how nice it was to see so many interested people attend. He reported that the County Parks have a potential of losing $83,000 out of their budget. The closure of all Parks between October and January is being entertained by the County Commission. The issue was not approved at the last meeting, but is still pending. They are looking at solutions to keeping the parks open by using volunteers and possibly establishing boat launch fees. He will attend the Historical Preservation meeting and the EDC meeting with Norm Dick’s in the coming weeks.

Executive Director Report: Executive Director McEachin reported the following: He gave the EAB updated information regarding the Port restroom project. He issued the June financials to the Commissioners and stated that the budget is holding solid, but propane expense is over budget due to last winter. Commissioner Benavente stated that it shows $77,000 for engineering with a balance of $70,000. He asked if they could use that money. Executive Director McEachin stated that they need to pay the remaining costs of the feasibility study. Commissioner Benavente asked if there was any further information regarding the study. Executive Director McEachin stated that he received some information and would send it to him. Commissioner Benavente asked what part of the budget park maintenance comes out of and the Executive Director stated that it comes out of professional services just like the Executive Director, Admin. Assistant, and Maintenance person.

Consent Agenda:

Vouchers: Commissioner Carlberg made a motion to approve the August 12, 2009 vouchers, pages 1, 2, and 3. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.

Minutes: Commissioner Carlberg made a motion to approve the minutes for July 22, 2009. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously. Commissioner Carlberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special meeting on August 7, 2009. Commissioner Benavente made the second, passed unanimously.

Old Business:

1. Information and discussion regarding obtaining final inspection for the new docks:

Executive Director McEachin explained that per the Fire Dept., the Port must extend the stand pipes to the dock. He has gone out to bid to find someone that can do this type of work, but it is very hard to find someone. Commissioner Benavente stated that they need a high pressured hose. Executive Director McEachin stated that he will continue to work on it and bring something back to the Commission. Commissioner Benavente asked why this requirement is there now and not prior to the new docks. Executive Director McEachin stated that the requirement came once the old docks were replaced. He added that a new permit will also be necessary. Commissioner Benavente stated that he was told originally that the new docks would not have an impact so he doesn’t understand what is happening now. He suggested that maybe the contractor could be liable. He stated that the docks were done under an emergency permit. He stated that he will review the paperwork and assess things. He suggested that maybe an exception can be made. Commissioner Benavente stated that the Executive Director should proceed with bids at this point, as long as funding is not committed. He suggested that the Executive Director look at the Alderbrook and Union docks to see if they have stand pipes. The Executive Director agreed that he would look at both docks. Commissioner Benavente suggested that the contractor, Marine Floats, be contacted and see if they can be of assistance.

New Business:

1. Discussion and Direction regarding the development of an operations and maintenance process for the new Hoodsport Community Trail Park: Executive Director McEachin stated that it is necessary to have someone open and close the Park each day and they have a volunteer doing that right now. The Maintenance man can handle the trash pick up, adding sanitizer, T.P. and cleaning up the parking lot. We need signs for no smoking and no bikes. Commissioner Benavente stated that he thinks that the no smoking in Parks is already a County Ordinance, but that should be checked. He further stated that garbage downtown, particularly on weekends is an ongoing issue. He feels an update to the maintenance contract might be in order to cover trash pick up at peek times, weekends, and holidays. Executive Director McEachin stated that he feels they need to find a local person for the maintenance duties. He added that the Port can get a dumpster put by the porta potty’s. Terry Brazil stated that they have a man doing their trash pick up in Lake Cushman and possibly he would help with the Trail Park too. Executive Director McEachin stated that possibly an interlocal agreement with Lake Cushman could be done. Commissioner Carlberg stated that maybe Carl would be interested and he will check with him. Commissioner Benavente stated that the $25.00 per hour for the Port Maintenance man is due to him being a contractor and State license requirements. He also suggested looking at hiring without a liability insurance requirements. Executive Director McEachin stated that L & I is not required with a contracted person. He stated that he will go over the Port maintenance requirements when someone local is found. He added that he anticipates coming to the Commission with a Maintenance manual for the Trail Park and will continue to look on-line to see what other entities  might have. Commissioner Benavente stated that volunteers such as the Boy Scouts would be good for this issue. He added that the County has a contract with a person for opening and closing the Parks which makes a more firm commitment and believes the Port should do that as well. Commissioner Carlberg asked if the idea is to keep the Trail Park open all year. Commissioner Benavente stated that yes, people are using it, though in the Winter months it will be hard to get to the upper area. Commissioner Carlberg stated that he will make sure the school principal gets all the information regarding the new Trail Park.

Executive Session:  None

Adjourn; At 10:20am, Commissioner Benavente adjourned the meeting.

Minutes Approved: August 26, 2009