Port of Orcas
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 12, 2007

Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Orcas Fire District conference room by Jack Becker, Chairman. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Garth Eimers, Bea vonTobel, Beverly Franklet, Paul Losleben, Steve Garrison, Geoff Schussler, Jake Boyd, Laura Gibbons, Michael Budnick, Darrel Suthergreen, James Hamilton, Gary Abood, Sharon Kivisto, Rog Magner, Tom Tilson, Pete Brady, Kaj Enderlein, Dwight Guss, Kathi Ciskowski, Edward Enderlein, Robin Watson, Barbara LaBrash.

Chair Becker thanked those in attendance for coming, and noted that the impetus for this first of several public input meetings was in response to a need by the commissioners to solicit input from Orcas Island residents regarding the possible development of the so-called ‘Larson property’ at the intersection of North Beach and Mt. Baker Rds, and bounded on the other sides by Schoen Lane and Enderlein property.

Becker stated that the commissioners had prepared a presentation relating to Port-perceived needs and the possibilities for solving those needs, and invited questions as they arose by the audience. Becker began the presentation by introducing the other commissioners and staff, and then summarized facts and statistics about the airport operations and tenants. He noted the asset of the undeveloped property and stated that past airport master plans had projected several development possibilities. To date, development was deemed unnecessary, but the combined terminal constraints and GPS requirements had produced different ideas. Noting that both the availability of land for development and its associated cost within the Eastsound subarea, Becker stated that now was the time to start planning for the future needs of the airport. He indicated that the two major topics to be explored were the timing of the completion of any project(s) and the funding of such projects. Becker closed the presentation by asking those who were interested in serving on such an advisory/planning committee to contact the Port office. Becker then opened the floor to questions.

LaBrash stated that a major concern was that the Orcas Island Airport remain the friendly old-time airport it currently is, and not strive to resemble Friday Harbor.

Guss expressed concern regarding proposed new locations, offering suggestions on how present buildings might be moved or added-to to accommodate projected expansion. He also wondered how the funding for these improvements would be handled.

LaBrash noted that perhaps a survey of community members might be helpful in soliciting input and suggestions.
Garrison was curious about the revenue stream anticipated which could offset some bonding dollars.

Tilson noted that the Port of Port Angeles was presently developing vacant airport property in hopes of attracting business and industry to their area.

Abood wished to know what the primary ‘driver’ for the planning was, and questioned whether the GPS approach or the concept of economic development was primary. He also wondered whether waivers for the present buildings might be obtained from the FAA.

Franklet offered that if the circling GPS approach were the final goal, no changes would have to be made in the building locations.

Hamilton stated that if the terminal were expanded 20’ east, the problem would be solved, although Rod’s hangar might still be too close.

Abood noted that since parking provides 10% of the revenue stream, it was an important issue. He then asked whether any plans would be subject to ballot approval, with emphasis on the funding aspect.

Budnick raised some concerns regarding those pilots whose south-bound departing patterns take them over the village of Eastsound, and wondered whether signage at the north end might help eliminate that problem. He also noted that there may be increased noise concerns if the improvements generated additional traffic.

The airport manager replied that there have actually been fewer commercial flights since 2001, but that those fewer flights have carried more passengers/departure as the years have moved forward.

Enderlein (T) stated that he did not wish the airport to become another Friday Harbor.

Abood reiterated his concern that any approvals would be ballot-based.

Becker noted that the latest master plan, completed in 1994, was being updated with a new airport layout plan, which was required as a result of the GPS application. He also stated that operations projections published in the 1994 plan have not materialized.

Tilson asked whether the community wished scheduled air service, and that Kenmore, which moves slowly when creating markets, wished the service at Eastsound to be economically viable, but that their commitment needed a matching commitment on the part of the community.

LaBrash, harking back to the survey suggestion, wanted to know what questions the port wished to have answers to, and reiterated her comment about not becoming another Friday Harbor.

Ciskowski noted that although it’s easy to get to town from the airport here, in Bellingham it’s a different story as no direct service to downtown or the university is available. This airport allows people easy access to town, which helps support the economy.

Schussler wondered whether the commissioners wanted to convene a group to help with the planning.

Enderlein (K) noted the open space and view corridor which was maintained from their property adjoining the airport. He also expressed concern about possible night-time flights, and wished the port to consider noise as a side-effect of increased flights.

Magner stated that the airport should follow, not precede growth on the island. He also suggested that perhaps his hangar might provide enough space for the entire terminal, and noted that camera surveillance might help deter future vandalism.

Tilson suggested that perhaps Kenmore might provide relevant questions for consideration should the port decide to survey the community.

Budnick reiterated his concern that any changes made have the least amount of impact on Eastsound and the surrounding land.

Kivisto stated that sometimes surveys give an opposite-than-expected result, and offered that if the questions were asked in such a way as to weight the answers toward stopping all growth, it would not be the best way to meet the needs of the port.

Abood stated that if neither the GPS approach nor economic development were the drivers of the proposed changes, the figures provided on enplanements and operations do not show a demand for movement of the terminal. He noted that the port appears to operate on a cycle of spurt and slowdown, but that he saw no current demand for any improvements. He added that he would like to hear from other community members about these proposed plans.

LaBrash wondered what percentage of the population actually used the airport.

Becker stated that any future plans would have to meet community needs, and that a vote (especially on financing) might be needed. But a voter must select between two choices or the vote is meaningless and what those two choices are has not been determined.

Tilson wondered how the demand might be sampled.

Hamilton wondered about how other indeterminants might be determined.

Abood stated again that the demand was not present for changes or improvements.

Hearing no further comments, and noting that this was the first of several meetings, Becker adjourned the meeting at 9:20P.M.

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Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Secretary

Prepared by

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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager