July 24, 2003
Call to order and confirmation of a quorum
The meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. in the Port conference room by Frank Cantwell, Chairman. A quorum was present. Attending were: Frank Cantwell, Steve Hopkins, Al Edwards, Gary Abood, Ulanah McCoy, Bea vonTobel, Jack Becker, Robin Becker, Tony Edwards, Dwight Guss.
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, McCoy seconded approval of the minutes of the July 10, 2003 regular meeting as presented, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Dwight Guss, chairman of the 2003 fly-in, presented a letter to the Commissioners asking permission to hold the 20th annual event during the weekend of August 1, 2 and 3.
Abood moved, McCoy seconded approval for holding the fly-in on August 1-3, 2003, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Tony Edwards, former Port Commissioner, was present and inquired about the length of time, as reported by the Islands' Sounder, between when lights might have been out and when they were noticed to be out and replaced. It was noted that night inspections were at approximate weekly intervals.
Edwards also inquired about FOD patrols, and noted their importance in maintaining a safe airport. He also inquired about the maintenance of the diesel generator and its battery, and was informed that it was regularly inspected and maintained.
Unfinished Business
1. Port of Orcas Capital Projects for 2003: status report
Chairman Cantwell noted that bids had been opened on July 23, 2003, and were now being scrutinized by David Williams for accuracy, completeness and compliance with DBE requirements. Additional information was scheduled to be presented prior to the August 10, 2003 regular meeting, at which time the Commissioners would be voting on the award of the bid.
Discussion turned to the inclusion or exclusion of the lighted hold signs. Commissioners volunteered varying opinions on this subject, ranging from possible light pollution (Abood), to proven safety factors (Guss, Cantwell), to one more requirement from the FAA (McCoy).
The Commissioners await an answer to a letter written to Jeff Winter, FAA, regarding this matter, in which the Port asked to have the hold signs excluded from the AIP.
2. Pending Litigation: status report
The Commissioners have not received any information from Jeff Winter regarding a letter written to inquire whether the FAA would reimburse at a 90% level an aircraft gate to allow Dan Stevens access to the runway. The AM was asked to check on this matter.
3. Airport Overlay District: status report
Three Commissioners were present along with the AM at the public hearing held by the SJC Planning Commission on July 18 in Eastsound.
Commissioners presented individual opinions on the proposed airport overlay changes:
Hopkins: it was a rehash of prior knowledge. No current pilots spoke to either side of the issue. Most arguments were emotional in nature. The issue seems to be one of not limiting development.
Abood: the Port was remiss in not studying the issue, and has relied on statistical arguments proposed by the SJC Planning Department to endorse the overlay. This is essential an anti-growth issue and not a land use issue.
Edwards: units of high concentration are already present. There is no need for cradle-to- grave watchdog status. However, if there was a lower level of use in those areas, there would be fewer noise complaints and more protection. Service/light industrial use might be a better answer.
McCoy: the issue is not just about the people out there, but how the airport can live in harmony with people and especially those in zone 3. The issue of available water might preclude much more development.
No action was taken.
4. 2003 State and Federal Audit---status report
A preliminary, non-public document had been received and a reply issued. Issues raised in the preliminary document included possible conflict of interest issues. A final document with any findings is scheduled to be received at a later date.
New Business
1. Severing of agreement between Island Hospital and Orcas Island Medical Center
Chairman Cantwell noted that with the changes anticipated, it might mean more air transport between the island and medical centers off-island.
Communications and Airport Manager's Report
There were no communications to report.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. New tower on Mt. Constitution b. CTAF frequency
c. Audit invoice d. Employment Security invoice
e. Parnell drainage f. Cascade Flyers
g. Aircraft counter
2. Capital Projects Update
3. Airport Overlay Update
4. Washington airport FAA data report
Items were either informational in nature or discussed during appropriate times during the meeting.
Approval of Payroll for July 2003
Abood moved, Edwards seconded approval of the payroll for July 2003 in the amount of $3,868.51, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M. on August 14, 2003 in the airport conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Minutes prepared by
Bea vonTobel, Operations Assistant
July 10, 2003 Port of Orcas meeting minutes
|
