PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
May 27, 2004
Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room by Ulanah McCoy, Chairman. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Frank Cantwell, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Bea vonTobel, Paul Vierthaler, Steve Pearson, David Williams, Lorelei Mesic.
Approval of minutes
Cantwell moved, Hopkins seconded approval of the minutes of May 13, 2004 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
David Williams and Lorelei Mesic of W&H Pacific were present to illustrate and explain the memo of 5/25/04 regarding the proposed taxiway A2 (a connector taxiway from the Lantec property). Williams noted that this was a revision of the original plan, and that all engineering now met FAA standards for taxiway construction. The plan also adds a 40'x508.4' easement to the Port for possible future southward extension of the taxiway to meet the present taxiway. The Commissioners agreed to the concept, and added the following: inclusion of the easement language in a document to be prepared by Lantec, Inc; definition of the aircraft gate location; responsibility of Lantec, Inc., to maintain the taxiway to the western edge of the runway; inclusion of FAA-approved lights and signage.
Unfinished Business
1. Port of Orcas Capital Projects for 2003: status report Much of this information was contained in the airport manager's report. Cantwell moved, Becker seconded acceptance of D&S Electrical Contractors work as complete, and the motion was unanimously carried. Cantwell expressed concern about the continued lack of action on the GPS approach, even after a letter to the NW Mountain FSS office head. The airport manager had received the name of one additional official to contact, and was asked to correspond with him urging a timely completion of this last portion of the 2003 improvements.
2. Pending Litigation: status report No report
3. Driveway Access Proposal: discussion/action
Steve Pearson was present to give additional information about his proposal for driveway access, bioswale construction and parking on an area not to exceed 75'x200' of Port property south of the RPZ.
McCoy noted that in conversations with Jeff Winter, an easement would not be acceptable, but a lease might be. Winter opined that a driveway and a bioswale could be constructed, but the presence of parked vehicles would constitute a hazard to aviation. McCoy suggested that in order for the Commissioners to make a decision, more information would be needed, and suggested that engineering be completed and that the fair market value of the property be determined so that a lease document could be drawn up should the Commissioners agree to the proposal. Pearson agreed to complete these items, and to return to the Commissioners with the information.
New Business
1. San Juan Islands Port Conference Report: Steve Hopkins
Hopkins, citing the Journal article of 5/19/04, noted that this was a valuable meeting to attend, and reiterated information from the article. He also mentioned that, although each Port district was quite different from the others, there were similarities of concern, chief of which was the latest Eyman initiative proposal, which would reduce property tax by 25% each year.
2. Westside Taxiway Improvements
Paul Vierthaler presented a bid from Island Excavating to widen the west taxiway by 2' on the eastern edge to accommodate wider-wheelbase aircraft, and to feather off the edge to a less severe drop. After discussion, Becker moved, Edwards seconded acceptance of the Island Excavating bid in the amount of $1,445.00 to complete the work, and the motion was unanimously carried. Cantwell was absent for this vote.
3. Cantwell Job Change
McCoy shared with the other Commissioners a pending change of job for Commissioner Cantwell, noting that he would still maintain his residency on the island, but would commute from the Seattle area to commission meetings.
Airport Manager's Report
Communications were received from: 1)Orcas Pathways Committee, newsletter May 2004; 2)Airport Business, May 2004 article; 3)SJC Auditor, memo 5/20/04 re internal promotions. All items were informational in nature.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Construction Update
b. West Taxiway Infill
c. Port Mowing
d. Generator Warning Light/Signal
e. Taxiway Light Breakage
f. Gate Hardware
g. Memorial Day
2. Joint Port Commission Meeting
3. Operations Assistant Position
4. Eastsound County Dock
Most items were informational in nature. Item #4 was slated to be discussed at a future meeting pending additional information.
Approval of Payroll
Hopkins moved, Becker seconded approval of the May 2004 payroll in the amount of $3,256.46, and the motion was unanimously carried. Cantwell was absent for this vote.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., June 10, 2004 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30P.M.
Minutes prepared by Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager