PORT OF MANCHESTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MONTHLY MEETING, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 5:30PM MANCHESTER LIBRARY

 

Attending today's meeting were Commissioner Steve Pederson, Norma Brady, Bud Larsen, Margaret Guariz, David Hopkins, Dawn Gogel, Eric Cisney, Wanda Larsen and special guest Jack Flannick of Puget Sound Energy "Intolight".

 

Jack Flannick from Puget Sound Energy "Intolight", reviewed options, procedures, costs, services tendered, as regards upgrading lighting for the Port launch parking area, etc.  He has previously worked with David Hopkins of The Anchors in setting up the lower level and current code lighting they will be using .   PSE works directly with DOT to be sure all bases are covered on both the local and state levels.   Each light is accounted for on a standard 42,000 hours of light at 150 watts, for a resulting cost of approximately $12 to $13 per month.   Service is guaranteed on an on call basis for service within 72 hours.   Every 5 years all of the ballasts need to be replaced. 

 

Their services and materials are at the prevailing rate on unit pricing.   The cost of each pole would be $3,000.00 for the fixture itself, installation, etc.   That price would not include trenching.    What needs to be done is identify what the Port wants done along with a site prep and drawings.    This would include number of  poles needed, locations, trench sites, etc.     Pricing for the project would be submitted  for approval and billing would take place following installation.   Once a plan is approved it could be completed in 90 days and would include removal of poles already in place.

 

PSE owns and maintains the installation.    Their fee for financing a 15 year contract is at 11%.   Mr. Flannick would be available for additional questions at anytime.   Thanks to David Hopkins for contacting PSE and putting together the information needed for this project.   David will work directly with Mr. Flannick to determine the actual number of poles needed to provide regulation approved lighting for the parking lot.  Flannick described the requirements as being a higher level of illumination that is pointed downward, rather than up with additional safety requirements to meet code.  

 

The Advisory Committee requests that the parking lot lighting issue be listed as an agenda item for the next meeting of the Port of Manchester, on October 13th, 6:00PM at the Manchester Library (ACTION #1).

 

We discussed two parking space lines that have been painted out on The Anchors property.   It was not done by The Anchors and was not done by the Port of Manchester.   Anyone knowing the answer to this matter is requested to contact Alan Fletcher.

 

David asked for a decision on replacing the curbing that was removed during the building of the storm water swale.    This group has already looked at the area and it appears that replacing the extruded curbing  to include rebar is essential.   This would involve a 160' extruded curbing at a cost of $920.00.

Steve and David to submit a proposal to the Commissioners at the next Port meeting on scheduled for

10-13-08. (ACTION #2).

 

The bollards and rope railing to be used in the library/port parking lot was discussed.  Dan Fallstrom is looking in to the purchase of used poles that would meet utility grade standards.   PSE may also be a source of poles, David to check on this.   The cost of poles for bollards and rope for the parking lot as compared to the cost of metal or concrete poles is a considerable savings.

 

Timing is of the essence as regards both lighting and parking lot railings.  We previously discussed the possibility of a long term minimal cost property lease between The Anchors and the Port of Manchester to include the Homeowners Association of The Anchors assuming the cost for water control, electricity, land scaping,  etc., for the swale area, garden areas, etc. between The Anchors and the library parking lot .  The Advisory Committee is supportive  of this concept and requests inclusion of the request for the 10-13-08 Port meeting.   (ACTION #3).

 

Pictures of the proposed sign for Colchester/Mile Hill were discussed.  Art Dalton of Dalton Signs has provided a very attractive sign.     Joan Winslow of the Committee Chair for this project.   It was mentioned that the sign states only generic listings and that using "DINING" and "FOOD & BEVERAGE" was redundant.  It was suggested that dining be removed and "GROCERY" be added.    The Anchors expects to have it's grocery open by the end of the year.    The recommendation of the Advisory Committee is to persue the permit for the sign immediately.   Cost of the sign is expected to be around $3,000.00.   It was felt that the Port of Manchester should be asked to pay for 51% of the sign to maintain control of banners that will be used to announce Manchester events.   The remaining cost to be generated through group or individual Community donations.  (ACTION #4).,

 

Norma Brady and Eric Cisney reported new information on restoration of the boat launch area slope that is located between the North and South piers.    Ray Pardo has submitted an excellent drawing  that would feature a walkway to the beach next to the North pier for kayak users, seating areas, plantings, etc.  Paul Gilligan and committee have looked in to the cost of ecology blocks with finished surfaces and traffic areas for walking.   We are aware that a request could be submitted before October 15th to the Downtown Rotary Club, to sponsor such a project.   The feeling being it is up to the Port to make the request if funds are to be generated for such a project.  (ACTION #5).

 

Steve brought the group up to date on the status of the 3 grants that the Port of Manchester has submitted to Olympia.    Alan Fletcher, Commissioner Strode and grant writer Kathleen expect a letter on where we are with the proposals within 30 days.   Meetings in Olympia have been very time consuming and the efforts made to be heard, are appreciated greatly.   We should know a more definite success ratio within 45 days.    The final hearing on the parking grant will be held on 10-8-08 in Olympia and will deal with the immediacy of obtaining a proposed piece of property while it is still available, and sight specifics for what could result in 13 or more additional parking spaces.

 

SPECIAL REQUEST:     The Community needs to write personal or business letters of support on their own letterhead (or type in information).  The letters to express Community support for what the Port of Manchester is trying to accomplish.   Letters must be written by the end of September  and directed to Alan Fletcher afletcher@manchesterwater.org.    Letters should be addressed "To Whom It May Concern".

We requests group mailing requests from the Friends of The Library, The Manchester Community Council, The Manchester Community Assn., The MCP&PSG, and all interested parties.   The timing is essential to the success of the final grant proposal on 10-08-08.  Simply mention projects the Port has become actively involved with, mention the recent 4 successful Port of Manchester User Survey's.   Your response can be a big help at this time.

 

Comments from Port users relating to the public restroom were reviewed.   Numerous visitors for the 9-13-08 survey were very verbal about the unsanitary and offensive odor when using the restroom.   In addition the toilet was badly plugged causing even more problems.   Eric Cisney and Steve Pederson were the hero guys that Saturday, they found the plunger and after about 20 minutes were able to get water moving through the system again.  The Advisory Committee recommends consideration be given to closing the restroom for repairs for the winter months when there is not as much activity.  Eric, Bud and Steve will clean out the small storage room as soon as possible.  Bud to get a key for Steve ASAP.  It is recommended a porta-potty be installed for the winter months, with once a week service for a 4 month period.  Prior to determining how to improve the flush system, it is necessary to have a professional door person come in and repair the metal door FRAME for the entryway.    The hinges are fine, the frame is not, and the door cannot close properly.  Then when someone pulls it shut for privacy they are in danger of being locked in.

It was also suggested that a look be taken at the frequency of dumpster service, reducing it to once a week service on Tuesdays.  In the meantime consideration must be given to increasing the number of cleanups on the restroom.    Perhaps once a week emptying of the outdoor garbage containers on  Tuesday could also be considered.   (ACTION #6).

 

Off season services, etc. need some hard questions when the budget  for 2009 is evaluated.

 

There will be no meeting of the Committee during the month of December.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT:          In January 2009, the Advisory Committee will hold a special planning session on a Saturday (date to be announced) 9AM to Noon at the Manchester Library.   The meeting is for the purpose of a free for all discussion of what the Committee can do for the Port in 2009, as well as what the Port wants to do in 2009.   

 

The noxious weed problem near the tide line at the boat launch has been attended to.  Japanese Knotweed is a difficult one to eliminate, so it will take awhile.   The leaves are already turning brown since the inoculation and they will receive another treatment soon. 

 

Wanda Larsen