PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 12, 2009
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, Thurman seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 8, 2009 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Bob Forker was present to inquire about renting the so-called ‘north shack’ to brew locally-produced beer. Forker stated that the current rent was too high to presently afford and asked whether a downward adjustment could be made. He would be using the port’s water membership and a small amount of electricity to keep the process ‘brewing’. The commissioners took his request under advisement to discuss later in the meeting.
Jeff Hanson and Leslie Liddle (support) were present to respond to the letter from the FAA requesting immediate termination of the lease for the off-leash dog area and removal of all installed items, so as to comply with FAA grant assurances. Jeff read a letter from their board which outlined support of the off-leash area. Commissioner McCoy added a number of points based on her observations of the FAA concerns and community input/use of the property. The commissioners postponed further discussion until later in the meeting. Jeff and Leslie thanked the commissioners for listening.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway
The airport manager reported that the planning/engineering grant for runway/taxiway improvements had been signed by Port Counsel Hancock and the port representative, and forwarded to the FAA. WHPacific will now proceed on the scope of work.
The north stormwater outfall area has been surveyed, with emphasis on easements and boundaries. That information will be sent to WHPacific to design the solution for that outfall.
The east outfall snout has been ordered, and we await receipt and installation.
New Business
1. Commissioner Thurman announced that he would be absent for the next two meetings due to travel, but that he might be able to participate telephonically in the April meeting.
2. Off-Leash Dog Area Discussion
McCoy shared her list of points for use in a reply to the FAA. Thurman noted that the whole letter ‘was all about time’. Eimers stated that none of the points addressed safety, a primary FAA concern, and that he would meet with the airport manager to draft a reply for the commissioners to consider at the next regular meeting. Hopkins added that he considered the tone of the letter offensive and derogatory, and noted the misrepresentations stated about possible permanent use. He stated that the port had a legally enforceable lease, and that all parties understood the parameters.
Edwards said that the relationship with the port and the lessees was most agreeable, and that it promoted good community relations.
3. SJC Marine Resources Ad Request
Although not present, an e-mail from Jim Slocomb was read, requesting help with funding the SJCMR ad, which appears in the state fishing regulations. After discussion, McCoy moved, Edwards seconded contributing $300.00 for the ad. McCoy, Hopkins yea; Edwards, Eimers nay; Thurman abstain. Motion failed.
4. WPPA Port Day at Legislature and Inter-Island Port Joint Meeting
The airport manager relayed a conversation with Marilyn O’Connor, Port of Friday Harbor which asked whether the Port of Orcas wished to participate in Port Day at the WA Legislature in March. There was no support for participation. Regarding the inter-island port meeting, the commissioners agreed that it was valuable to meet with other port districts, and were amenable to working out details for later in the spring.
5. Rental of North Shack
After discussion, the Eimers moved, Hopkins seconded offering the shack for rent in three-month periods, with rent increasing from $50.00 to $100.00 to $150.00 by period, with a deposit requested, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from 1)WPPA; 2)SJC Assessor; 3)FAA/Diana Hancock; 4)David Williams; 5)TSA; 6)FAA; 7)WSDOT/A.
The airport manager reported on
1. Around the Port
a. Machines Services
b. Gates Serviced
c. North End Survey Work
2. Visitors to Meeting
3. Annual/Monthly Summaries
4. Annual AWOS Service/Certification
5. Out of Office
The report was received with comments about possible errors in the enplanement data noted.
Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
Thurman moved, McCoy seconded approval for payment of January 2009 general fund vouchers in the amount of $5,701.19, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Thurman moved, Hopkins seconded approval for payment of December 2008 general fund vouchers in the amount of $113.09, and the motion was unanimously carried.
McCoy moved, Thurman seconded approval for payment of February 2009 capital fund vouchers in the amount of $269.25, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Hopkins moved, McCoy seconded approval for payment of January 2009 payroll in the amount of $4,493.82, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., March 12, 2009 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20P.M.
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Ulanah McCoy, Commissioner and Secretary
Prepared by
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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager