PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
July 24, 2008
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, McCoy seconded approval of the corrected minutes of June 26, 2008, and the motion was unanimously carried.
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded approval of the minutes of the July 10, 2008 regular meeting as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Jeff Hanson was present to receive comments re the lease agreement for a portion of the so-called Larson property to be leased by the port as a temporary site for an off-leash dog area. Also discussed was the implication of permanence raised by the article in the Islands’ Sounder.
Ed Sutton (ESW) was present to note upcoming work and the desirability of cooperation with the port in the matter of their sewer outfall and the port’s stormwater outfall, which are co-located on the north shore. Ed also noted that the district is looking for land on which to expand their operations, which will be needed within the next 5 years when they reach concurrency (80% capacity). The district is searching for 2+ acres, and discussion included present hangar space to the east of the present plant, and an across-the-runway arrangement (based on land purchase). Commissioner Thurman offered to keep in contact with ESW/Sutton regarding possibilities.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway
The airport manager reported on the conversation relayed by Charlie Riordan (BWR) between himself and Bob LaPlante (FAA), in which the GPS approach to Eastsound was merely an addendum to the main conversation, and ‘did not constitute a teleconference at which a port representative was present’, according to the account from Diane Fuller (FAA) given to Cheryl Little (Cong. Rick Larson’s office). The commissioners will discuss further options at future meetings.
2. Helipad Renovation: Consideration of Phase II
After discussion, Hopkins moved, Thurman seconded acceptance of the revised bid for phase II, and asked the airport manager to relay this information to Sound Construction. The motion was unanimously carried.
3. Off-Leash Dog Facility: Lease/Agreement
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded acceptance of the proposed document with the addition of a 90-day termination notification, and the motion was unanimously carried. The airport manager will communicate this addition to Jeff Hanson.
New Business
1. Transportation Summit Agenda
The commissioners noted that their original question, dealing with a ‘goals’ document, had not yet been received, although the proposed agenda for the meeting was in hand. Commissioners Eimers and Thurman have agreed to attend the meeting on September 15th.
2. Consideration of FY2009 AIP Funds Available
Responding to Paul Johnson’s request re AIP funding, the commissioners asked the airport manager to communicate that the port was working on stormwater solutions, but had no time frame or expense request at the moment.
3. Semiahmoo Commissioners Conference---Report
Chair Eimers reported that one of the most valuable portions of the conference was the sharing of ‘visioning’ and financial planning concepts from other ports, and suggested that perhaps the port should take a look at incorporating those after the budgeting process for 2009 had been completed. He also noted that lease ROI (return on investment) figures be examined annually, so as to mesh with state audits in which those concepts were examined. Eimers added that the port needed to talk about issues pertinent to the port be discussed with county officials so that the needs and desires of all parties were working toward common goals.
Hopkins added that he had been impressed with the powers that port districts have, and was especially impressed with the legal aspects that port districts get involved in. The tour of lands under control of the Port of Bellingham and their attendant problems were especially enlightening.
4. Lantec Property Discussion Report
Commissioner Thurman reported that he had met with Mindy Kayl regarding possible cooperative purchase of the Lantec property, and they had assembled a collections of agencies which might work together to purchase the property. Among those were SJCPW, Eastsound Sewer&Water, Eastsound Water Users Assn., SJC Land Bank. Thurman and Kayl will meet again in September to further their discussion.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from: 1)Sound Construction; 2)Paul Johnson (FAA); 3)SJEDC (transportation summit); 4)Permit Resources (Kaleidoscope expansion); 5)WSDOT/A (long-term study); 6)Huppentahl photos; 7)ESWD (north outfall); 8)SJ Islander (article re Orcas Landing); 9)Jeff Hanson (off-leash area)
All items were taken care of earlier in the meeting, or were informational in nature.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Gate Nonclosures
b. SW Fence Trimming
2. Helipad Info
3. Insurance
4. Fly-In Update
5. Give Blood
6. Out of Office
7. Report From Commissioners re Conference
All items were informational in nature.
Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded approval of July 2008 general fund vouchers in the amount of $11,734.00, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Hopkins moved, McCoy seconded approval of the July 2008 payroll in the amount of $6,248.82, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., August 14, 2008 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.
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Ulanah McCoy, Commissioner and Secretary
Prepared by
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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager