Port of Orcas
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 24, 2005
Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room by Jack Becker, Chairman pro tem. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Bea vonTobel, Edward A. LeCocq, Jr., Malcolm Goodfellow, Audrey Wells, Bob Waunch, Don Gerard, Dwight Guss, Craig Webster, Audrey Wells, Garth Eimers.
Approval of minutes
Edwards moved, McCoy seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 10, 2005 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Don Gerard, an abutting property owner, was present to inquire whether the port could offer support in his request of a review of his pre-application site plan and approval for construction of a single-family, residential structure to be located on TPN 271124001(directly NW of port property). The proposed residence would be located in zone 5 of the Orcas Island Airport Overlay District, and also included in the 7:1FAA airspace zone.
After discussion, Commissioners Becker and Edwards offered their individual support in favor of a review, primarily due to the fact that the proposed structure was outside the landing pattern to runway 16. The commissioners suggested that Gerard contact Francine Shaw at SJCCDP and Terry Gillespie at EPRC for additional information and support. Becker and Edwards offered to draft a letter in support for such a structure for presentation to the commission at a later meeting. The airport manager was asked to obtain the latest overlay map for reference by the commissioners, and Gerard was to contact John Linde to see what steps might be taken for remediation.
Malcolm Goodfellow, member of the Eastsound Hangar Condominium Assn., was present to request additional language be added to the lease which would allow for 'moderate and reasonable storage of non-hazardous miscellaneous personal property and belongings of a hangar owner and/or aircraft sub-lessee may be stored within the hangar.' Citing similar language present in the Lopez hangar association lease, Goodfellow stated that this would allow him and other owners to store such items in a legal fashion. The airport manager was asked to submit the language for drafting to Port Counsel, with formal action slated at a later meeting.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway: Continuing Discussion
Chairman pro tem Becker announced that arrangements had been made for a special public meeting to be held on Sunday, March 6, 2005, from 1:30-4:00P.M., with a preliminary agenda proposed by the Orcas Research Group, which was distributed to the members.
After discussion, the commissioners agreed to send a press release regarding this meeting to the Islands' Sounder for publication in the March 2, 2005 edition.
Commissioner McCoy shared a letter from Dick Griot, outlining some of the views he had collected regarding the future of general aviation, and asking the commission to include those factors in their decision-making process.
New Business
1. Introduction of Candidates Wishing to Fill Remaining Term of Commissioner Cantwell Becker asked the four present to introduce themselves, give a summary of their interest in and qualifications to fill Cantwell's term. Audrey Wells, Ed LeCocq, Jr., Craig Webster and Garth Eimers shared the information requested, including some of their future visions for the airport and the port district as a whole.
Executive Session Chairman pro tem Becker asked to convene for an Executive Session at 8:30P.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 8:42P.M. at which time the Regular Meeting was reconvened.
Becker moved, McCoy seconded appointing Garth Eimers to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Frank Cantwell, effective with the regular meeting of March 10, 2005 and ending December 31, 2005, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Becker and the other commissioners welcomed Eimers to his new position, and thanked the other candidates for their interest in applying for this position, noting that their qualifications and passion made the choice difficult. Becker noted that a press release to the Islands' Sounder would be completed for the next publication date.
Airport Manager's Report
Communications were received from:
1. WPPA: newsletter for February 2005 and Legislative Reports;
2. BWR: Scope of Service, cost estimate, timeline for ALP;
3. SJC Auditor: highest allowable levy, tax calculations, 2005 tax levies, 2005 tax distribution;
4. SJ Islander: article 2/23 re Port of Friday Harbor master plan;
5. Islands' Sounder, letter 2/23 from Dorothy Austin re airport noise.
The Airport Manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Lights, one
b. Lights, two
c. Sign theft
d. Mowing time
2. ALP and Report Information
3. Malcolm Goodfellow Question
All items were informational in nature. The commissioners took the ALP information under advisement, preferring to wait for information from Mary Vargas of the FAA, before taking any action.
Approval of Payroll McCoy moved, Edwards seconded approval of the February 2005 payroll in the amount of $4,018.10, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment A special meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 1:30P.M., March 6, 2004 in the Port conference room.
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00 P.M., March 10, 2004 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Minutes prepared by Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager