Port of Orcas
Minutes of the Special
March 6, 2005
Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 1:30pm. In attendance were Steve Hopkins, Ulanah McCoy, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Greg Hertel (Port of Friday Harbor), Beth Anderson (OPALCO), Steve Garrison (Orcas Research Group), Richard Civille (San Juan Economic Development Council)
New Business
Beth Anderson explained OPALCO fiber optic cable system. Discussion included the history, technology, location, hardware and philosophy of operation. Details were provided of the financial arrangement between OPALCO and the Port of Friday Harbor to provide fiber optic cable access, called an "anchor," for the central area of the town of Friday Harbor.
The cable run through the town is outside OPALCO's regular business and therefore something the Board of Directors would not authorize unless a way to make it risk free for the coop was found. The potential economic development aspects of the project made it a candidate for funding from the county's share of the state Public Facilities Infrastructure Financing Fund.
However, since OPALCO is a member owned cooperative, it is not eligible for economic development grants. The Port, as a public entity, is. They applied for the grant money and subcontracted with OPALCO for the installation. The Port retains ownership of 4 fibers for their own use and granted OPALCO a non-revocable right of access and control of the remaining fibers. Now that the system is in place several county offices, San Juan District schools, libraries and businesses are connected or in the process of getting connected.
OPALCO has recently signed a deal with the Washington State Dept. of Transportation to utilize the fiber optic cable for connecting each of the island ferry terminals to the main Seattle offices to meet their plans for enhanced security and ticketing. To that end, the Dept of Transportation has already contracted with Black Rock Communications to connect the Anacortes end of the fiber optic cable to the main fiber optic trunk that goes from Bellingham to Seattle.
Once complete, all users of the fiber optic cable will be able to access the internet without use of a telephone or DSL connection. The fiber optic connection is estimated to be 10 to 20 times faster then a DSL connection. The Computer Place (Interisland.Net) is already connected to the system and will be ready to sell ISP service using the fiber optic lines as soon as the Anacortes connection is complete.
The same potential for economic development exists in Eastsound, especially when the internet connection is complete. Richard Civille suggested that POO apply for a grant to study the feasibility and site engineering for a Eastsound "anchor." The commissioners present agreed to discuss this at the next regular meeting. Application for this must be completed quickly if this item is to be included in this year's WA-CERT process for prioritizing public projects.
Greg Hertel discussed what a Port District should do for the community as envisioned by the Port of Friday Harbor. These were 1. Provide utilities (parking, access, communications, water and sewer), 2. Provide locations (raw and/or developed land for lease, buildings and businesses). Greg discussed sources of funding beginning with taxes, bonds and operating revenue. He also discussed the "Request for Proposal" process they use to find developers/businesses to use for specific properties and/or facilities. Their basic philosophy is that they are there to serve islanders. They do not actively attempt to attract new business from elsewhere.
Also discussed was the process the Port of Friday Harbor is using to revise their Airport Master Plan. Beginning with a broad outline of the goals of the Port, establishing an Advisory Committee and using an outside consultant to determine the final form of the plan to conform with FAA standards. Though consisting of only 3 steps, the process is expected to take all year to finish.
Steve Garrison offered ORG's services to locate people to help with planning, advisory committees and other forms of brain storming. He also reiterated ORG's belief that PoO should plan specifically for engaging in activities and utilizing the property the port owns for economic development. They believe they can find an investor develop the Larson property whenever we are ready.
The meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.
Minutes prepared by Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager
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