PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
June 8, 2006
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, Eric and Laurie Johnson, Fred Munder.
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, Eimers seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 25, 2006, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Eric and Laurie Johnson and Fred Munder were present to follow up on the last regular meeting, at which the commissioners had expressed interest in the purchase of one parcel (TPN2711240100), and had been informed about the possibility of additional land bordering the northwest side of the airport.
Information provided by Jeff Winter, FAA, revealed that the FAA would be interested in helping fund the purchase of the aforementioned parcel during FY 2007, but that AIP funding would be unavailable for additional land to the west. Discussion then turned to the next steps needed to bring the purchase to fruition. The discussion centered on appraisal, at which time Eric Johnson noted that an earlier appraisal was now incomplete, in light of additional information now available but not considered during the earlier appraisal. As seller’s agent, Munder stated that he would work closely with his client to provide the best information and advice so that both parties could come to an agreement.
The airport manager was asked to question Jeff Winter regarding the possible positive safety implications of the additional west-side purchase, which would enable a full-length taxiway west of the runway.
Johnson then asked whether the commissioners had considered the preliminary approval for his proposed access point from TPN2711240100. Becker moved, Eimers seconded giving preliminary approval for the access point from TPN2711240100 as presented by David Williams of W&H Pacific, and the motion was unanimously carried.
In conclusion, Johnson and Munder said they would begin work to set a price for the parcel under consideration for purchase by the port. The commissioners agreed to begin to work through the process outlined by the FAA to purchase the parcel.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway: Continuing Discussion
The application for the 2006 Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program had been received, with a deadline of June 16. The airport manager had inquired whether the port’s stormwater plans had been listed as an item in the officially adopted county overall economic development plan via Richard Civille, but had received no answer. No action was planned on this application.
2. Master Plan Update: Information
An e-mail from Jeff Winter earlier in the day informed the commissioners that the Orcas Island airport has been “chosen to receive a ‘free’ 405 survey for evaluation for an LPV approach procedure to Runway 16. The survey work would take place this summer and the approach procedure would be completed in 2007.” This was great news. The airport manager has already forwarded the e-mail to commercial carriers and others, including local pilots, all who have been instrumental in getting the approach into the hopper for completion.
Additionally, Charlie Riordan had apprised the airport manager that the possibility of beta-testing an airplane counter is being pursued. This would necessitate a high-speed internet connection. No action will be taken until more information is available.
3. Access Agreement: Continuing Discussion
On recommendation of Chairman Becker, the airport manager has been asked to revise Tariff #7 (General Aviation Operations: Tariff Schedule) to reflect language changing the title to “Private Property User Fees, General Aviation Use”, and to delete language referring to a valid access agreement, substituting instead language noting abiding by the Port of Orcas Minimum Standards. The resolution will be presented for adoption at the next regular meeting.
New Business
1. Rental of Hangar #5
Jake Boyd, owner of hangar #5, has asked for approval to rent his hangar. The commissioners had no objection to this request, and the airport manager will share this approval with the owner.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications
1) WPPA: May newsletter; 2)WSDOT/A: Air Transportation Study status and meetings; 3)WPPA: Port Directors Only Seminar; 4)Jeff Winter/FAA: e-mail re Lantec² land purchases; 5)SJC Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program: application packet; 6)WGEP: letter re insurance rate information; 7)DCTED: letter re conference in Ellensburg.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Cut and Kill
b. Fencing
c. Tarmac Work
2. Summer Help
3. WPPA Port Directors Only Seminar
4. EPRC Meeting
5. 2007 Project Funding
6. Small Raft?
7. Airplane Counter
8. North Outfall Repair
9. Water Leak in Terminal
10. Walla Walla Reminder
All items were informational in nature. Item #9 will be discussed at the next regular meeting, as all information was not presented at this meeting.
The treasurer’s report was accepted without comment. The year-to-date transmittals were presented, and accepted without comment.
Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
McCoy moved, Eimers seconded approval of May 2006 general fund vouchers in the amount of $4,285.41, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for June 22, 2006 at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.
Prepared by
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Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Secretary Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager