PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
July 8, 2010
Approval of minutes
Wells moved, Hopkins seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 10, 2010 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Representatives from NWSF and Kenmore were present to ask the commissioners about a reconfiguration of counter/terminal space to meet their needs. Todd Banks noted there continued to be confusion about the shared counter space with NWSF, and that their partnership with Alaska Airlines needed their area to be more visible. He was especially concerned about the number of travelers who use Kenmore, and wished that the terminal space needed was indicative of the enplanement numbers. HE noted that at Friday Harbor, their visibility and numbers were much better, and hoped that they could bring Eastsound to that same level of use.
Mark Schoening noted that NWSF had recently gained commuter status, and that a presence was important to have. He also noted that NWSF had taken over the original Rugby lease and extended it through several years.
Tom Tilson added that he had brought with him the Kenmore support letter for the planned GPS approach, and that with its publication, noted that Kenmore would expend substantial financial investment in avionics that would allow them to serve Eastsound with more regularity during IFR weather.
Dwight Guss inquired about mowing around the condominium hangars, which was past due. The port is responsible for the mowing, and a contract mowing of the entire airport and clear zone had been called earlier in the week. That mowing should be completed by mid-week, and will hopefully last through the weekend of the fly-in.
Tuck Wilson was present to inquire about progress toward rewriting the leases for those hangars which expire in 2015, and stated that progress had been made toward appraisal and accompanying information so that it could be accomplished. He complimented the port on its good faith efforts to complete this work.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway
a. GPS Update
After discussion, Thurman moved, Hopkins seconded allotting $5,000.00 in expenses to allow Mike Adams and Matt King to work on Phase I of their proposal to develop an improved instrument approach/departure procedure, and the motion was unanimously carried.
The airport manager was asked to ask the port attorney to prepare a public works contract for Adams and King for approval at the next regular meeting.
2. Through-the-Fence Matter---update
Edwards moved, Wells seconded dropping the invoiced fee to Ferris deedholders, and do nothing about the ongoing through-the-fence matter with the FAA.
Thurman reported on his meeting Wednesday with FAA officials Carol Soumi, Karen Miles, Joelle Briggs and Deepa Parashar. Part of the discussion involved examples of how other airports had complied with the FAA’s mandate on TTF access. Thun Field was an example where access had been extinguished through buyout and access fees established for others.
Thurman took with him the list of contributions the abutters had made over the years, along with actual dollar amounts they had contributed directly to the port through tax levy, and letters from opinions from previous port attorneys and a letter from the abutter’s attorney.
One of the statements from the FAA was an attempt to achieve parity per parcel via contribution, as well as a solution for parcels which housed multiple aircraft. The FAA seemed willing to use volunteer labor contributions for the last 6 years, along with land donations to arrive at an equitable solution.
Cathy Vierthaler noted at any fee degraded their deed, and that there had been no discussion with the abutters regarding the two documents (contributions list and letter from their attorney) they had submitted.
Thurman added that perhaps a declaratory judgment was another possibility for settling the matter, and thus avoiding large legal fees.
During discussion, Edwards amended his motion to state that there was to be a moratorium on the fee for Tariff #7 until clarification in writing was obtained from the FAA. Wells seconded the amendment, and the amendment was unanimously carried. A vote on the amended motion was unanimously carried.
The airport manager was asked to send a letter to all those invoiced informing them of this decision.
3. Griot Matter----update/discussion
Thurman reported that the FAA was on board with the concept of the proposed swap. Commissioner Wells volunteered to write a letter of intent of Mr. Griot.
4. Eastsound Sewer & Water Matter---update
The airport manager reported that the engineering and construction was held up by permitting issues, even though ESW considered it an emergency repair.
New Business
1. Fly-In Update
The fly-in date of July 30-August 1 was reconfirmed. It was noted that the antique car rally would not occur because of a change in the date.
2. FAA AIP Funding Scenarios
The commissioners had received the funding summary from WHP, and after discussion, Wells moved, Thurman seconded seeking an independent estimate from Reid Middleton to move the project forward, and the motion was unanimously carried.
3. Mowing
Thurman suggested that perhaps the next year’s budget should contain more money for mowing.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from:
1. Cathy Vierthaler: e-mail with attach 6/22
2. Buck Law Group: letter 6/24
3. WHP: info re AIP funding and possibilities for use of dollars
4. Port of Port Angeles: spring 2010 newsletter
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Grooming
b. Fly-In Notes
2. GPS Info
3. AIP Funds
4. Terminal Sharing Info
All items were informational in nature or dealt with earlier in the meeting.
The treasurer’s report and annual summary were received with no comment.
Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
Thurman moved, Hopkins seconded payment of general fund vouchers for June 2010 in the amount of $17,056.16, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Thurman moved, Hopkins seconded payment of additional general fund vouchers for June 2010 in the amount of $312.62, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Hopkins moved, Wells seconded approval for payment of the June 2010 payroll in the amount of $5,528.63, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., August 5, 2010 in the Port conference room. This meeting is a week earlier than the scheduled second week of August.
Chair Thurman would like to discuss meeting times at that meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40P.M.
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Steve Hopkins, Commissioner and Secretary
Prepared by
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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager