Meeting Agendas and Minutes
« Back to Agendas and Minutes
Commission Meeting Minutes
May 10th, 2010
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
May 10, 2010
9:30 a.m.
PRESENT:
George Schoenfeldt, President Dave Hagiwara, Dir Trade & Dev.
Jim McEntire, Vice-President Holly Hairell, Human Resources Mgr.
John Calhoun, Secretary Doug Sandau, Airport/Marina Mgr.
Jeff Robb, Executive Director Dave Neupert, Port Attorney
William James, Director of Finance
CALL TO ORDER – OPEN SESSION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
TIME SPECIFIC
A. 9:45 a.m. – Rayonier Property Zoning and Industrial Uses -
Nathan West, City of Port Angeles
I. VOUCHERS
Commissioner McEntire stated he examined the vouchers, found them to be accurate and in order and made the motion for approval of vouchers REV #003135 through #003146, vouchers AP #029184 through #029314 and vouchers PR #010299 through #010379 for a total of $317,678.11. Commissioner Calhoun seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
II. MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 2010 COMMISSION MEETING
Commissioner McEntire stated he reviewed the April 26, 2010 Commission Meeting Minutes, found them to be accurate and moved to accept them as written. Commissioner Schoenfeldt seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
III. EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION
Robbie Mantooth, Port Angeles resident, addressed the Commission and said she noticed Rayonier Property Zoning and Industrial Uses was an agenda item and she is grateful that Nathan West is working on this project. She commented that she believes Ennis Creek is a unique treasure and is a special stream that comes from the snow fields of Mt. Angeles, it is within walking distance of downtown and is considered to have great potential by salmon recovery planners. She commented that the Lower Elwha Tribe has put enormous investment into the Creek restoration and that they are getting ready to release a conceptual plan. Mrs. Mantooth asked the Commissioners and other people that have influence to get behind and try to make the first step. Commissioner Schoenfeldt said that he appreciates her effort and thanked her for her input. Commissioner Calhoun commented that all agree that Ennis Creek restoration is a key element of the Rayonier property and the Port is fully in support of that. He mentioned he is also heavily involved with stream restoration with his work at the Olympic Natural Resource Center and that he believes the Ennis Creek restoration is a great opportunity. Mrs. Mantooth thanked the Commissioners for their support.
IV. COMPLETION OF RECORDS
The Master Policy Report is attached for information as directed by the Commission.
Responding to Commissioner Schoenfeldt’s inquiry about the $31,201.64 work contract with Sunchasers, Inc., Executive Director Robb indicated it is for Terminal 1 piling inspection under the warehouse and includes caps and stringers. The project is in the budget. Director Robb reported there is also an inspection occurring at the East Boat Haven and part of that includes bathymetry around Terminals 5 and 7 facilities. The last inspection occurred approximately 10 years ago. Dave Hagiwara, Director of Trade and Development noted that for a 50 year old dock, it is holding up well and is a tribute to the previous methods of treating timber piling.
V. PLANNING
A. Rayonier Property Zoning and Industrial Uses: 9:45 a.m. – Nathan West
Nathan West, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Port Angeles explained he is here today to provide information relative to new land use techniques and opportunities and that his presentation does not relate specifically to the Rayonier site but that some things may be applied. A Power Point presentation was included as he provided an overview of promoting large employment centers, innovative land use development and mixed use. There is a transition in land use planning that is a reinvention of the way industrial development is perceived and includes innovation of land use tools which promote flexibility to the developer and promotes large employment centers that can result in no impact scenarios versus the standard expected industrial impacts. He indicated that industrial can be and has been used in scenarios of mixed use environments with no impact to either residential or commercial uses that may surround it. An historical land use planning law with traditional zoning was cited in a case named Euclid vs Ambler in Ohio, a situation where industrial development was encroaching on a small village. They were looking for ways to regulate so as to insure that industrial encroachment did not overtake the town and the predominate concern was with public health safety and welfare and the perception that industrial use may create nuisances.
Mr. West explained some of the tools that have been developing over the last 20-30 years which include form-based code, planned unit development techniques, design and performance based standards and work/live scenarios which have become very popular. Examples were shown as he described each category for their flexibility of variety of uses and creating neighborhoods where you can both live and work. Other tools involve landscaping for buffering, building facades, low impact development and building orientation. In summary, Mr. West stated that industry does not equal expected industrial byproducts and that Port Angeles has an opportunity to reinvent industrial expectations with multiple tools to mitigate potential impacts.
The Commissioners individually expressed appreciation for the great report. Commissioner Schoenfeldt commented that it helped him understand the blend of creating viable jobs for Port Angeles which provides a chance to do something that can be beneficial for generations to come.
Commissioner McEntire indicated that private capital does not go where economic uncertainty exists and so we need to reduce the amount of uncertainty. He indicated that zoning and land use is a key component and reiterated his focus remains in getting family wage jobs.
Commissioner Calhoun stressed that he hopes Nathan continues with a robust public outreach with these planning concepts of mixed uses and modifications of traditional industrial viewpoints. He indicated that as far as the Rayonier site is concerned industrial development does not necessarily mean what we think it means and we want to preserve those rights. Commissioner Calhoun feels he doesn’t think we will get there unless there is a real coordinated effort between the interested parties and he would be enthusiastic about doing something extraordinary with that site. He expressed the desire to create jobs without industrial pollution and he inquired if Mr. West could suggest new language or terminology used to describe more broad visions than what the Port and others have been expressing to promote community education that would get everyone over adversarial aspects. Mr. West responded that he would be happy to do that.
X. ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (taken out of order)
Commissioner Schoenfeldt noted that Diane Schostak and Mary Brelsford of the North Olympic Visitor Bureau were in attendance and invited them to briefly report on the Holland America cruise ship, Zuiderdam, that docked at Terminal 1 last Friday. They coordinated a community level joint effort for approximately three months. She indicated that the passengers felt this was a great town and that everyone is so friendly. Mr. Brelsford explained two bus trips which included a cultural loop to ONP Visitor Center, Peninsula College, Fine Arts Center, the Carnegie, and returning to the ship. The shopping loop included Jim’s Pharmacy, Frannies, downtown and back to the dock. There was also a shuttle to Swains and trips to the Elwha Casino. Ms. Brelsford explained that ship pre-arranged tours included Hurricane Ridge and a winery tour. They hope to work with Holland America because they cannot presale and so passengers do not learn of activities until they get off the ship. Ms. Schostak indicated a debriefing meeting will be held tomorrow to go over some things that can be done better for the Saturday ship. Commissioner Schoenfeldt commented that overall things seemed to go well and it was much better organized than previous cruise ship stops. He noted that Port Maintenance and Staff did a great job and especially commended Marine Terminals Manager Mike Nimmo for his work in purchasing the gangway which worked out very well. Commissioner McEntire indicated that the more activities that can be offered and prearranged, the more likely we will be thought of as a regular cruise ship stop.
V. PLANNING
B. Contract Authorization Black Ball Ferry Terminal Improvements
Dave Hagiwara, Director of Trade and Development, reported the Black Ball Ferry Terminal Improvement was identified as a high priority project in the Port’s 2010 capital budget and also listed in the 2010 Work Plan. Black Ball has been a long time Port tenant and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. They have a major financial and employment impact locally as well as regionally. Mr. Hagiwara pointed out this will probably be a three separate phase project: west pier reconstruction, east pier reconstruction, and building and street/entrance improvements. A project layout map was provided and is on file in the Port Administration Office. The entire project cost is estimated at approximately $9 million with a possible 5-year timeframe for completion. This also included private Black Ball investment of about $2 million. Mr. Hagiwara emphasized the initial focus and most critical component is the West pier reconstruction estimated at $4 million and the Port is seeking Federal appropriations to help fund this initial phase. Environmentally, permits are required from the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Ecology and the City of Port Angeles and will take 10 or 12 months to possibly 18 months to obtain.
As allowed under RCW 39.80, the Port advertised for engineering services in which five responses were received and, in conjunction with Black Ball Transport, the Port selected the firm of MC˛. The work scope has been reviewed and MC˛ has submitted a proposal for services in the amount of $168,744.00. In addition, two subcontractors, M.W. Hillman Consulting and Sea Run Consulting, have been obtained in the amounts of $15,000.00 and $28,000.00 respectively. Hillman Consulting will provide means and methods to obtain the most cost effective and efficient means of construction while Sea Run Consulting will assist in the permitting and regulatory aspects. These latter two contracts are within the approval authority of the Executive Director under the master policy. Because of the long lead time for this project, it may have to be accomplished in two construction windows and there is a possibility of additional costs due to geotechnical drilling uncertainties. The total proposal for design, engineering and permitting costs is $211,744.00 and Mr. Hagiwara requested Commission approval for Executive Director authority to enter into an agreement with MC˛ for engineering services in the amount of $168,744.00, subject to some minor adjustments and to ratify the inclusion of Sea Run and Hillman Consulting at part of the project. He noted the budget allocated $300,000.00 for this project. Discussion followed and the Commissioners concurred that they were fully in support of this project. Commissioner Schoenfeldt commented that so far this year, we have been over and under budget in all the right places. He mentioned that Black Ball is extremely vital to the community and region and this is a perfect opportunity for the Port and private industry to move forward together. Commissioner McEntire observed that this exemplifies the good work we are doing as a port with partners including the private Black Ball Transport and also conceptually tied with the City’s Waterfront Harbor Walk project to redo the waterfront on either side of the ferry terminal. Secondly, he noted that Senator Patty Murray chairs the Transportation and HUD subcommittee on the Senate side and that she supports our appropriation request. Commissioner Calhoun added that he is fully in support and reiterated this is the kind of work the Port does and does it well.
Commissioner McEntire made the motion to authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with MC˛ for engineering services in the amount of $168,744.00 and ratify the actions for inclusion of M.W. Hillman Consulting and Sea Run Consulting as a part of the overall project for a grand total of $211,744.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Calhoun and passed unanimously.
VI. MARINAS
A. East Boat Ramp Status
Executive Director Robb reported Sun Chasers, a diving company, was hired to look underneath T1 and East Boat Haven launch ramp. The launch ramp is an anomaly in that it is a pile-supported structure with a concrete slab on top. The inspection found the piling in fairly good order, but structural components of some pile caps and stringers were deficient. They recommended temporarily closing the ramp until a full evaluation is done by structural engineers and we are going to proceed with a structural review. It is challenging because it is a cast in place structure that was built over pile. Director Robb advised we are going to evaluate to take corrective action and he expects it will be fairly costly. The decision will have to be made to apply that value possibly at the west boat ramp. That decision will be put forward to the Commission within the next month and will be part of the Capital Budget for next year. He pointed out that grant opportunities were investigated and that the Recreation and Conservation Office did have a grant opening for large vessels but this project did not fit the model. Director Robb stated this requires permitting due to the fact it is in-water work. Commissioner Schoenfeldt mentioned that in all the years using the launch ramp, he did not realize it was supported by piling. He said he favors looking at the cost factor of repairing and also having the west boat ramp evaluated for protection because it is the best location particularly in the winter. Director Robb indicated that Public Works Manager Jerry Demetriff will be working with a local firm to put together a proposal.
B. Marina Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
Executive Director Robb explained that at a previous Commission meeting a discussion took place on possibly having a marina ad hoc advisory committee. The committee would consist of 15 positions and it was advertised in the local newspaper and emails were sent to Tribes, Tourism and Chamber of Commerce. As of April 30, seven applications were received and Director Robb provided packets to each of the Commissioners identifying the seven applicants. Most of the applicants were recreational boaters and the challenge is in getting citizens at large to participate. Discussion followed and the Commissioners concurred in their disappointment that not enough citizens at large or the Tribes were interested in an advisory committee. The Commission suggested holding a series of workshops or public meetings for input on the marina rates process and that staff report back at the May 24 meeting with a plan. They suggested one meeting each in Forks, Sequim and Port Angeles. Commissioner Calhoun reiterated the purpose is to inform the Commission so they are exposed to all viewpoints and aspects before making informed decisions and the purpose is not to have rates dictated to them.
Commissioner Schoenfeldt invited comments from the public. Ray Thomas, Carlsborg resident and John Wayne Marina slip holder, spoke and said he was disappointed with the lack of public interest. He stated he personally made contact with some members of the Port Angeles Boat Haven, Sequim Bay Yacht Club, the Power Squadron and local marine businesses. Mr. Thomas said he likes the idea of having an outreach option so as to develop trust and to build partnerships. Commissioner Calhoun commented that all public processes are alike in that Commissioners etc., get paid to do the work and citizens expect them to make the decisions and then they show up at the end to put in their comments. He reiterated the Commissioners and staff are available individually for anyone that wants to have contact. This may be done by email, phone or in person.
Jean Heessels-Petit, Sequim Bay Yacht Club Commodore, commented that she did make an effort to get interested parties from their group. She does know two of the recreational boater applicants, but she does not know how to get other community members interested. Ms. Heessels-petit emphasized that she appreciates that the Commission is looking for input from boaters and the suggestion of using those who have applied is valuable. Recalling the last public session at the JWM, she commented that public sessions are not pretty and that if something can be done to avoid that, it would be great. Executive Director Robb affirmed that he has direction from the Commission and staff will return with a defined framework. He agreed that one or two road trips would be very beneficial.
VII. AIRPORTS
A. Small Community Air Service Grant Marketing Position
Contract
Doug Sandau, Airport/Marinas Manager, reiterated that we were the benefactors of the Small Community Air Service Grant of which the key component is marketing. He said it is integral in having a very strong and progressive community outreach program which will take a fair amount of time with real focus. Mr. Sandau indicated that a marketing firm is essential and three firms with good qualifications responded to the request for proposals. The applicant interviews occurred with the Port, the City and Kenmore Air. InsideOut Solutions was the unanimous choice and they will be under contract with the Port under the supervision of both the Port and Kenmore Air. Staff recommendation is to authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with InsideOut Solutions for market consulting services. Discussion followed and the Commissioners concurred it is vital to have an airline out of Port Angeles.
Commissioner McEntire made the motion to authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with InsideOut Solutions for Market Consulting Services in the amount of $120,000.00 as provided under DOT-OST-2009-0149 Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant. Commissioner Calhoun seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Accounting Position Update
Bill James, Director of Finance and Administration reported that Flora Westfall, a long-term employee in the accounting department is retiring at the end of June. Sixty-five applications were received for that position and that list was shortened to 14. After review by staff, the number has been reduced to 4 or 5 applicants and Mr. James indicated he is hopeful the interview process will be completed by the end of this week. Commissioner Schoenfeldt said that it is good that we received so many good applicants. Commissioner Calhoun commented that the Port is recognized in the community as a desirable place to work and the number of applications are indicative of that.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS SESSION
There were no public comments.
X. ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Commissioner Schoenfeldt indicated that at least two of the three Commissioners would be attending the WPPA Spring Conference at Lake Chelan and he would find out for sure this afternoon if he is able to attend. Regarding the overflow parking situation mentioned earlier, Commissioner Schoenfeldt and he asked if there would be any way to have any RV parking that would generate some revenue. Discussion followed and Director Robb indicated this is a good example of opportunity, but that we would need to take a look at City Ordinances and also check ramifications of competing business interest.
Commissioner McEntire briefly commented on the recent Logging Conference in Victoria BC. He feels the Logging Conference went very well and he also had the opportunity to attend a Maritime Security Conference conducted by the Canadian Navy the day before the Logging Conference. Commissioner McEntire indicated he was particularly interested in the discussions of differing viewpoints regarding climate change policy, energy policy and forest products industry. It became clear to him there is a fair degree of disagreement about the implications of climate change science and the interpretation of some data, especially as relating to historical temperature even from the Middle Ages. The policy path forward is not clear on what science tells us. He said it was an enlightening conference and the implications for state policy initiatives require us to achieve a 15% component of power by alternate means, one of which is biomass. Commissioner McEntire noted we will have to come to grips with what we really want and difficult decisions lie ahead in devising steps in unlocking the economic potential our alternative energy manufacturing sector in the Pacific Northwest (tidal, wind and biomass).
XI. NEXT MEETING – MAY 24, 2010
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Commissioners will now move into executive session to consider three property items, one litigation item and one item of personnel. These items are discussed in executive session in accordance with title 42.30.110 of the Revised Code of Washington. Commissioner Schoenfeldt estimated that the executive session will conclude within one hour and that no action will be taken.
XIII. ADJOURN
Commissioner Schoenfeldt reconvened the regular meeting and then adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
PORT OF PORT ANGELES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
____________________________
George H. Schoenfeldt, President
__________________________
John M. Calhoun, Secretary
« Back to Agendas and Minutes
|
