Friday Harbor Port District
Port Commission
October 8, 2003
Meeting Minutes
These are the minutes of the Wednesday, October 8, 2003 regular meeting of the Friday Harbor Port Commission.
Port Commissioners attending were Greg Hertel, Mike Ahrenius and Brian Calvert.
Staff attending were Port Director Steve Simpson, Auditor Marilyn O’Connor, Airport Operations Manager Pat Mayo, Maintenance Supervisor Bob Freeauf and Harbormasters Tami Hayes and Ed Barrett.
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm.
1. Approve the minutes of the previous meeting: Brian Calvert moved to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2003 meeting, Greg Hertel seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Citizen comments/requests: Tanbark Marine request for damages. The Port Commission noted that access was occasionally delayed but not denied to Port businesses and this type of construction is a normal and expected part of community life, although admittedly it is an inconvenience. The Port Commission declined to pay damages for any inconvenience caused by the construction of the Turnaround Project.
3. Committee reports and facility maintenance reports: Bob Freeauf gave the Port Commission a report on general maintenance and projects under way. He reported that Gary Alspaugh has been doing an excellent job as shop foreman. He reported that the maintenance team has discovered a way to refloat the main float using recycled foam placed in the failing floatation tanks.
Steve Simpson reported that the Small Community Air Service Grant has come through and that Commissioner Mike Ahrenius, Steve Simpson and Marilyn O’Connor met to compose a letter to the community to let folks know about it. Commissioner Ahrenius reported that a meeting will take place before the next Port Commission meeting.
4. Consent agenda: Signatures were applied to the Hangers Unlimited lease with Gary Bolster. The commercial moorage agreement with Western Prince was transferred from Van Leuven to Reiff. An agreement with the Economic Development Council was signed.
5. Commission Action Issues:
A. Airport DBE Program for FAA projects: Director Simpson reported that the Port will be required to have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for this year’s FAA grant projects because of the size of this year’s grants. Reid Middleton, the Port’s existing contractor for the fencing grant, can do the work. Mike Ahrenius moved to authorize a change order for Reid Middleton to develop Disadvantaged Business Enterprises goals; Greg Hertel seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
B. Approve call for bids: Director Simpson reported that the engineering and contract documents are complete for the fencing project and are ready to go out to bid. Greg Hertel moved to call for bids on the Airport Fence Improvement Project; Mike Ahrenius seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
C. Broadband fiber optic backbone project: After some discussion led by Richard Civille Brian Calvert moved to sign a letter of agreement with the EDC to create a scope of work and manage the contracts with OPALCO using State CTED funding. Mike Ahrenius seconded and the motion which then passed unanimously.
D. Resolution #03-014 regarding Interlocal Agreement with Town of Friday Harbor for Fireboat: There was a discussion with Chief Lowe regarding changing the fireboat run card’s mission statement to read “respond primarily to fire in the marina and town”. Greg Hertel moved to sign Resolution #03-014; Mike Ahrenius seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
E. Resolution #03-013 regarding assignment of Commercial Moorage slip: Tami Hayes led a discussion regarding the transfer of an empty commercial slip, M-19. A member of the public informed the Port Commission that Scamper Charters’ business plan may be more complex than staff was aware. The Port Commission asked for more information. No action was taken.
5. Commission Discussion Items:
A. Discussion of security requirements to maintain pocket cruise ship and passenger ferry business: Staff has attended a USCG class for Facility Security related to 33CFR 105 which will be law next year. It is unclear at this time whether we will be affected by this law. If so, huge expenditures will be required for security equipment and worker hours. The requirements involve vessels traveling internationally.
B. Front Street Project Ribbon Cutting: Marilyn O’Connor reported that the ribbon cutting event will take place either at Fairweather Park or the San Juan Island Yacht Club, depending on the weather. The event will be held at 12:00 noon on October 20.
C. Promotional Hosting Policy: Marilyn O’Connor presented an update to the Port Commission on where we are with promotional programs such as the fifth night free, music in the park and Canadian discount weekends. She pointed out that we are close to the legal limit for this type business if the fifth night of guest moorage program is considered promotional hosting. However, if the fifth night free program is considered a discount rather than promotion it may be continued if it proves viable. The Commission and staff discussed ways the guest moorage promotion could be made more effective.
D. Discussion of Guest Moorage Promotion Program: Discussion, see above.
Greg Hertel moved to pay vouchers #C30068-C30070 in the amount of $1,625.55 and #G30395-G30425 in the amount of $81,394.32. Mike Ahrenius seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
6. Public Hearings: None.
7. Staff Reports:
Auditor Marilyn O’Connor reviewed the Front Street Turnaround Project and reported that it is time to schedule budget workshops.
Airport Operations Manager Pat Mayo recapped the highlights from the last WAMA meeting and reported that we are still in line for the TLS approach aid project.
Harbormaster/Marina Report: Tami Hayes reported that we have quite a number of empty slips and she is working hard to market them. Ed Barrett reported that staff is now working on engineering and permitting for floating restrooms. He also reported that the Main Pier Repair project will be bid in February with a September work window.
Port Director Steve Simpson reported that he has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for planning and design projects such as the floating restroom project. He also reported on the ‘Navigating our Future’ project which is in concert with Spring Street School. After discussion, Commissioners Hertel and Ahrenius decided they would attend at least part of the event and asked staff to make a reservation for them. The Port Commission will hold a “5th Wednesday Meeting” on October 29. He also reported that we have received thanks from Islands Oil Spill Association for all the support they’ve gotten over the years.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm.
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