PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
October 12, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room by Jack Becker, Chairman. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Bea vonTobel, Wally Gudgell.
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, Becker seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of September 28, 2006 as corrected, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Wally Gudgell was present to inquire about progress on the possible port purchase of the Lantec properties, particularly as it related to funding. Chair Becker noted that several avenues of funding had been investigated, with no firm progress made to date. Gudgell shared that an appraisal on behalf of the seller had been completed, and noted that it was near the asking price. No word had been received by meeting time of whether the appraisal asked for by the port had been completed. Gudgell suggested that a firm completion date for the appraisal be set, which typically might be 60 days.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway: Continuing Discussion
Chair Becker shared information from a visit made to Friday Harbor that day to discuss funding possibilities with Steve Simpson, Executive Director of the Port of Friday Harbor, and Business Manager Marilyn O’Connor. Among the possibilities of funding discussed was a levy authority limited to ¼ of 1% of the value of the entire district (in this case, all of Orcas Island), which could generate approximately $4.6 million, the Industrial Development Levy (a one-time option not needing voter approval, with an extension which would require voter approval) which would generate approximately $5 million over the six-year length of its life. If any funding were to be secured, the primary problem would then be one of repayment, and such repayment would need to be completed within a 25-year limit. The commissioners took all the information under advisement for further consideration at the next two meetings, after which the budget for 2007 needed to be adopted.
2. Master Plan Update: Information
The airport manager noted that during conversations with Charlie Riordan, the updated airport layout plans had been submitted to Mary Vargas, along with a request for reimbursement of funds already expended by the port to date.
3. 2007 Budget Working Session
Executive Session
Chair Becker asked to convene for an Executive Session at 8:05P.M. for a time not to exceed 15 minutes, pursuant to RCW 42.30.11, to discuss a personnel matter. The Executive session ended at 8:15P.M., at which time the Regular Meeting was reconvened.
Becker moved, Edwards seconded setting the remuneration for the airport manager for 2007 at $42,000, or $20.20/hour, and the motion was unanimously carried.
The airport manager thanked the commissioners for their positive evaluation, and for the honor and opportunity of continuing her work with them.
The commissioners discussed other individual line items on the budget, and were to bring ideas and figures for uncompleted line items to the next regular meeting.
New Business
1. Consideration of Resolution #10-12-06, an Amendment of Tariff #6
Becker moved, Hopkins seconded adoption of Resolution #10-12-06, an Amendment to Tariff #6, Ground Vehicle Parking Fees, and the motion was unanimously carried. In brief, this resolution provides for 24 hours of free vehicle parking instead of the current 72 hours. All other fees remain unchanged.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from: 1)L&I, fall newsletter; 2)WPPA, Local Shoreline Master Program; 3)WPPA, Membersletter; 4)WA Treasurer, LOCAL View fall 2006.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Water Bill
b. Gate Repairs
c. September Airplane Counter
d. Noise Complaints
e. Hangar Rumors
2. Lantec Offer
3. Executive Session Guidelines
4. Budget Adoption Timelines
5. Out of Office
The treasurer’s report was accepted without comment.
Approval of Vouchers
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded payment of September 2006 general fund vouchers in the amount of $5,385.31, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M. October 26, 2006 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30P.M.
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Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Secretary
Prepared by
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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager