PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
May 24, 2007

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. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Garth Eimers, Bea vonTobel, Denise Wilk, Daniel Wilk.

Approval of minutes
McCoy moved, Eimers seconded approval of the minutes of the May 10, 2007 regular meeting as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.

Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway
a. Airport Development: Continuing Discussion
Chair Becker asked to convene for an Executive Session at 7:05P.M. for a time not to exceed 15 minutes, pursuant to RCW 42.30.11, to discuss a real estate matter. The Executive Session ended at 7:10P.M., at which time the Regular Meeting was reconvened.

Public access time
Denise and Dan Wilks (Eclipse Charters) were present to inquire whether the Port of Orcas might purchase the property at Orcas Landing so that the dock(s) could become public property, thus continuing a long island tradition. The current owner assesses a fee for each vessel tying up at the dock. This penalizes especially outer island residents who come to shop, pick up or drop off people at the dock, or patronize other businesses at the landing, as well as transient boaters. Denise noted that the property was currently for sale, and was fearful that the whole area might become private property only, with no access by the public. Currently, leases and memberships are available, but these forms of access might be eliminated if the property were to become wholly private.
It was noted that the Port of Orcas had bid on the property when it was offered for sale before, and was willing to partner with SJC Public Works to provide public access.
Denise Wilks stated that if the island could raise enough funding to protect Turtleback, it could certainly do likewise to preserve another piece of local history. Asking whether the Port of Orcas could accept donations toward a possible purchase, the answer was favorable. She offered to continue a petition relative to local purchase and control of the landing and to seek funding and support from local residents.

Unfinished Business, Continued
2. Master Plan Update
Because the promised FAA delivery date of June 15 for comments from Mary Vargas was fast approaching, Eimers wondered who else might be contacted regarding both

the GPS approach and the completion of the ALP. Becker noted that the Port needed to have such ‘ammunition’ as necessary ready by that date, should information not be forthcoming.

3. Noise Abatement Brochure Update
As noted in the airport manager’s report, a draft for editing will be available at the next regular Port meeting.

4. ASI Lease
Hopkins presented a draft of the proposed letter to Aeronautical Services. Small edits were made, and the airport manager was asked to deliver a copy ready for signing by Chair Becker.

New Business
1. Request by Nickel Bros. House Moving
Chair Becker reported that earlier in the week, he had met with Jeremy Nickel, president of Nickel Bros. House Moving, regarding a request to come through the fence at the north end, transit the runway south, including the ramp area at the south end, and then through the south fence, to bring two 40’x60’ house sections to a location on Lovers Lane. The size of the building(s) precluded using North Beach Rd., as had been done with previous buildings.
During discussion, it was pointed out that engineering questions regarding permissible weight on the runway were referred to Jeff Winter, FAA, who stated that, with proper dollies, the weight could be distributed so as to negate any adverse effect. Some questions about the weight-bearing capacity of the ramp area at the south end of the field remain to be investigated.
Questions regarding opening the fence for transit appeared to be successfully answered, with the airport manager asked to relay the availability of Eric Lum to open and subsequently repair the fence to Jeremy Nickel.
Eimers moved, Edwards seconded entertaining a proposal from Nickel Bros, including a fee for access/transit to be established, and the motion was unanimously carried.

Airport Manager’s Report
The airport manager reported on
1. Around the Port
a. Job Security
b. Taxiway Light
c. Security Camera
d. Mowing #2
2. Summer Help
3. Airport as Thoroughfare
4. Orcas Landing Redux
5. Filing Deadline for Office
6. Noise Brochure

Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
Eimers moved, Hopkins seconded approval of May 2007 general fund vouchers in the amount of $611.00, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Eimers moved, Hopkins seconded approval of May 2007 capital fund vouchers in the amount of $3,864.85, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Hopkins moved, Eimers seconded approval of the May 2007 payroll in the amount of $5,095.50, and the motion was unanimously carried.

Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., June 14, 2007 in the Port conference room.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.

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Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Secretary

Prepared by

_____________________________
Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager