PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
September 14, 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 Steve Hopkins, Chairman pro tem. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Garth Eimers, Bea vonTobel, Barbara LaBrash, Robin Watson, Wally Gudgell.
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, Edwards seconded approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 24, 2006 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Commissioner Becker arrived and conducted the remainder of the meeting.
In order to accommodate the public present, Unfinished Business item #5 was moved to this position. Its discussion will be recorded in the regular order of Unfinished Business.
Public access time
Wally Gudgell presented the commissioners with a packet of information regarding the offering of Seaview Airpark (owned by Lantec, Inc.) for possible purchase by the Port of Orcas. Gudgell noted that Eric Johnson (Lantec owner) had become frustrated with the hurdles presented in the development of these properties, and had decided to sell all four parcels. Since the commissioners had already made overtures to purchase parcel #1, it was discovered that there might be other reasons why the addition of the other three parcels would be of interest to the Port. The Port had inquired about the purchase of all four parcels when they originally came on the market, but were stymied by a lack of funding availability by the FAA, and the FAA’s insistence that the Larson property be developed before future land purchases would be considered. After discussion of the possibility of purchase, the commissioners were in consensus that information regarding the possibility of purchase be pursued immediately, and asked the airport manager to contact the FAA regarding funding. Gudgell left information regarding the parcels with the commissioners for their consideration.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway: Continuing Discussion
Discussion regarding this item has been included in the next item of business.
2. Master Plan Update: Information
The letter from BWR regarding the proposed GPS approach was included in the packets, and was discussed. Chair Becker and Commissioner Eimers volunteered to attend a meeting with BWR Airport Planner Riordan and the airport manager, to be scheduled on September 27th or 28th, to discuss any other concerns the FAA might have regarding this proposed approach. Discussion also occurred on the status of the ALP, since its depiction would take into account possibilities of development of the Larson property.
3. Kenmore Air Counter Space: Update
This information was included in the airport manager’s report. Mention was also made of how lease contract(s) might be constructed when the December 31, 2006 expiry date occurs.
4. 2007 Budget Work
A discussion of line items which might be considered to be revised upward was held, and suggestions for capital projects were noted (i.e., helipad improvements, a possible Enderlein property swap, development of the Larson property, stormwater issues). The airport manager will provide some estimates of both general and capital projects funds items for consideration at the next regular meeting.
5. EAA Request for Further Fly-In Clarification
Barbara LaBrash and Robin Watson were present to pursue the clarification of the role of both the Port and the EAA during the fly-in, especially regarding use of space by other individuals or groups who might wish to have a presence at the fly-in. The EAA chapter will develop guidelines to be shared with the Port, so that all are ‘on the same page’. The Port will allow use of some spaces in the north auto lot to accommodate those who might need space.
6. Stevens Matter: Reopening
An e-mail from Port Counsel was read, noting that a notice of appearance with the court had been filed, and that WGEP had been notified. More information would be available after WGEP had given input.
7. Lantec Purchase: Contract(s) for Consideration
This item was eliminated from discussion as a result of the Gudgell presentation earlier in the meeting.
New Business
None
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from: 1)Charlie Riordan, BWR: letter re GPS status update; 2)EWUA: letter re annual meeting; 3)Matt Zybas, SJCPW: e-mail exchanges re stormwater utility and plans; 4)WPPA: announcement re annual Small Ports Seminar; 5)Diana Hancock: e-mail re Stevens matter.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Landing Accident
b. Crack Sealing/Runway Centerline Striping
c. Dylan Finished
d. Airplane Counter
e. Knapweed Eradication
2. Rugby/Northwest Sky Ferry/Kenmore Agreement
All items were informational in nature or discussed earlier in the meeting.
The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented, as was the Y-T-D transmittal summary.
Approval of Vouchers
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded approval of September 2006 general fund vouchers in the amount of $24,127.49, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., September 28, 2006 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35P.M.
____________________________________
Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Secretary
Prepared by
_____________________________
Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager