Port of Orcas
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
June 24, 2004
Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room by Ulanah McCoy, Chairman. A quorum was present. Attending were: Ulanah McCoy, Steve Hopkins, Frank Cantwell, Al Edwards, Jack Becker, Bea vonTobel, Edward C. LeCocq, Jr., John Evans.
Approval of minutes
Becker moved, Edwards seconded approval of the minutes of June 10, 2004 as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
John Evans, BOCC, was in attendance to present information and answer questions about the possibility of transferring operation of docks at Eastsound, West Sound and Orcas to the Port of Orcas. Evans noted that each of these facilities currently operates at a negative cash flow, but that all are maintained as required by law to provide for access to the island and for access to the ferry by residents of outlying islands. He stressed that there are both economic and transportation reasons why the Port might wish to consider taking the responsibilities of these docks, along with the services provided to the citizens of San Juan County.
Each of the three sites presents different scenarios for operation, he noted. The Eastsound dock has limited expansion opportunity because of eelgrass, and therefore would probably not produce any income. The West Sound site might be upgraded and the marina expanded, which could produce income in the future. Access and surrounding property concerns could be issues. The Orcas site also contains a fuel dock, and could become a partnership among SJCPW, the current property owner and the Port.
Because there is currently no barge access to the north shore, Evans mentioned the possibility of partnering with owners of Brandt's Landing to develop such a facility there, although the tide-dependent access might pose problems.
Evans noted that he felt SJC would support expansion of current marinas v. new construction of same, and urged the Commissioners to consider the broader public needs in its discussions. Because of its taxing ability, and the fact that Port districts are not required to be self-sufficient or profitable, he felt that the investigation of these facilities should be included in further discussions among the Commissioners, and suggested that perhaps holding a public meeting to get a sense of the community at large might be one way to help gather outside input.
Unfinished Business
1. Port of Orcas Capital Projects for 2003: status report
Much of this information was contained in the airport manager's report. Because of concern over lack of action on the GPS approach, the airport manager was asked for a reply to a letter written to Jeff Winter during the week of June 14th before proceeding to a higher level.
2. Pending Litigation: status report
No report.
New Business
1. Souang Short Plat---TPN 271413016
After reviewing documents illustrating this proposal, which lays within the Orcas Airport Overlay, the Commissioners had no objections to this proposal; no action was taken.
Airport Manager's Report
Communications were received from: 1)WPPA, MembersLetter, June 2004; 2)Airport Business, June 2004.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Construction Update
b. Port Mowing
2. Operations Assistant
3. Eastsound County Dock
4. Audit
5. Crack Sealing
6. Expansion of Orcas Athletic Center
7. Young Eagles Day
Items #1, 3 and 6 were discussed earlier in the meeting. Items #2, 4 and 7 were informational in nature. Edwards contributed to information on item #5, in that he had been in contact with Jerry Todd at the Orcas division of SJCPW, who said that they would be qualified to seal cracks, and noted that they might be interested in putting forth a quote for services. The airport manager was asked to continue investigation in this area.
Approval of Payroll
McCoy moved, Cantwell seconded approval of the June 2004 payroll in the amount of $4,366.40, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., July 15, 2004 in the Port conference room. This is a change of date, and will be the only Port meeting during July.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager
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