MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING OF THE PORT OF HOODSPORT COMMISSION
July 8, 2015
Call to Order:
9:00am
Adjourned: 10:50am
Meeting Held at: Hoodsport Port Commission Office 24113 N US Hwy 101 #A Hoodsport, WA
Roll Call: Commissioner Brazil – Commission chair
Commissioner O’Laughlin
Commissioner Petz
Staff Present: K. Wyatt, Port Operations Manager
B. Osborne, Director of Maintenance
Public: Ken Sides – Kimber Construction
Jan Morris – Hardware Distillery
Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner O’Laughlin made a motion to approve the 7-8-15 meeting agenda, Commissioner Petz seconded, unanimously approved.
Minutes:
Commissioner Petz made a motion to approve the regular port commission minutes of June 17, 2015. Commissioner O’Laughlin seconded, unanimously approved.
Vouchers:
Commissioner Petz made a motion to approve the following Vouchers for payment. June 2015 1of1 totaling $8,412.47 & Commissioners 2nd ¼ payroll $1,349.94. Commissioner O’Laughlin seconded, unanimously approved. See attached itemized Voucher details.
Public Communication:
Ken Sides, Kimber Construction was asked for his opinion on what needs to be done to support the existing marina dock to prevent the slips from listing. The interior floats are 12 inches and the plugs were not put in initially. He suggests using 16 – 20 inch floats and to build a perimeter around the entire dock to prevent them from floating away in the event of a major storm. The middle is sinking and the edges are lifting, the boards will need to be pulled up to check the support system on the main walkway. There is a wearing anchor shackle that needs to be replaced at the ramp.
Jan Morris, owner of the Hardware Distillery asked the Port Commissioners if the Port could install sidewalks, paint a pedestrian sidewalk on the Department of Transportation easement or buy property in downtown Hoodsport for public parking. She expressed her concern for the public safety when driving or walking along the business corridor in downtown Hoodsport. Jan pointed out that the weeds were growing further into the street restricting the public from parking or walking on the West side of the highway. Commissioner O’Laughlin said he would talk to D.O.T. and have them trim the weeds back and, that legally, the businesses along the highway are supposed to use the easement as parallel parking only, if enforced by the Dept. of Transportation. The Port of Hoodsport had a meeting 2 years ago with the Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol regarding public safety and traffic control. The Port suggested modified speed zones, electronic speed enforcement, 2 hour parking signs and blinking crosswalk signs. The D.O.T. responded with having to do a ‘study’ before any changes could occur. The Port was able to install crosswalk flags at the crosswalks. Jan suggested the Port find more public parking in downtown Hoodsport. Commissioner Brazil said the Port has explored every possible property option that has come available and because of variables it was cost prohibitive, therefore the Port so far has been unable to purchase commercial property for additional public parking. Commissioner O’ Laughlin offered to set up a special meeting with County Commissioner Tim Sheldon and the Department of Transportation if Jan was able to get at least 6 business owners to commit to a meeting so they could express their concerns regarding traffic and public safety. It was suggested by Commissioner O’Laughlin that the business owners speak with Jerry Esser, Owner of the ‘Landing building’ regarding additional public parking behind his building. Jan spoke to former Port Commissioner, Frank Benevente who told her to look at the Comprehensive Plan study which she requested. Jan also expressed concern for lack of the towns’ people’s cooperation, to form an Events committee and Business association. Commissioner Brazil explained there have been both committees and associations in the past which have since disbanded; he also stated that it will take a business owner to step up to form the business association, it is not within the parameters of the Ports charter to hold events or to form committees however the Port is in full support of them. Commissioner Brazil said it could be beneficial if events were held at different times during the year to bring tourism to Hoodsport. He asked Jan how her business did during the 4th of July weekend and she said it was excellent. Commissioner O’ Laughlin suggested the newer business owners in town rally to form new committees and associations. Commissioner Brazil went on to say the Port of Hoodsport operates on a very limited budget and that the majority of the budget goes in to maintaining the Ports existing properties and public amenities. Commissioner Brazil said the Port would be in full support of budgeting for public and traffic safety during a fireworks event just like in the previous years during Celebrate Hoodsport.
Commissioner Reports:
Commissioner Brazil reported he drove through town on the 4th of July and it was relatively calm and quiet, only a small bag of trash was collected unlike in previous years where it took a pick up to load all of the trash.
Port Maintenance Reports:
Hoodsport Marina & Waterfront Park: B. Osborne reported that the sign making machine was not functioning correctly which stopped his progress on the trail signs.
Public Restrooms: B. Osborne reported heavy usage at the restrooms, toilet paper and hand soap was out almost daily.
Hoodsport Trail Park: B. Osborne is pricing Bollards to be installed at the entrance of the new parking area. The surveillance camera will need a secure cable before installing and signs will be posted at the trail park.
Port Operations Manager Report:
K. Wyatt spoke to some of the business owners regarding activity on the 4th of July and although there weren’t fireworks this year, business was great and there were no incidents. K. Wyatt spoke to the Connie Rae, the WSDOT representative for the pre construction conference and set up a meeting with her and the supervisor. The Public restrooms septic tank was pumped and the report suggested the Port have a special clean out of the vault, the Commissioners asked for more information from the septic company. Streamline Earthworks asked to speak to Commissioner O’Laughlin regarding the additional parking area at the Hoodsport Trail park. K. Wyatt is searching for Grant money to help the Port with maintenance and repair to the marina dock and the infrastructure for additional parking and a vault toilet at the Hoodsport trail park. She spoke to the Recreation and conservation office regarding their capital budget including state and federal funds for boating facilities, boating infrastructure and recreational trail park programs. Applications are taken in even numbered years and funded in the odd number years. A grant manager will be calling with more information for making an application next year.
Budget: Review of Port of Hoodsport Financial Statement for June was not yet available from Mason County.
Old Business:
It has been determined that Disc Golf is permitted within the guidelines and parameters of the WA State Parks Program of Utilization designed for the Hoodsport Trail Park as part of what is regarded as the highest & best use for public enjoyment at the Hoodsport Trail Park. Disc Golf is a popular sport with low impact on the environment would not impact current usage of the trail park and will create additional hiking opportunities. This sport will bring tourism, local jobs and revenue to the Hoodsport area.
New Business: None
Next Meetings: Next Regular Port Commission meeting is Thursday July 16, 2015 at 9am.
Adjourn: Commissioner Brazil made a motion to adjourn the Regular Port meeting, Commissioner Petz seconded, unanimously approved, meeting adjourned at 10:50 am.
2015 Regular Port Commission Meetings are scheduled as follows:
Wednesdays at 9a.m. July 16(THURSDAY), August 12, August 19
________________________ _______________________ _____________________
Commissioner O’Laughlin Commissioner Petz Commissioner Brazil