1-15-09 MANCHESTER PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30PM, MANCHESTER LIBRARY

 

 

In attendance were Committee Chair, Steve Pederson, Norma Brady, Joe and Margaret Guariz, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Ron Rada, Eric Cisney, Bob and Rash Ballard, Dawn Gogel, David Hopkins, and Bob Edwards.

Steve reported on the current status of the land acquisition effort for the Daniel’s Loop property.  The parties have reach agreement on the property.  Thankfully, further action by eminent domain will not be necessary, averting an expensive, lengthy, and contentious process.   This is good news for the community.   It was suggested that Steve and Alan Fletcher would be good candidates for an interview by the two newspapers, the Business Journal, and the Manchester website.   The news release to give an official input on the purchase, saying only what is appropriate at this time.

 

Following discussion it was determined that with the recent winter flooding, it may be time to revisit the Manchester Storm Water rulings.  This affects not only the Port facility, but businesses and private property.  It may be time to meet with the County officials to determine how we might partner with them in an effort to improve this serious problem throughout the Community. It is known that no drainage plan has been approved yet, for the Spruce House condominium proposal while almost everything else with that project has been approved.  We will follow up on this.   There may be grants available for storm water improvements.  Our grant writer will be asked to look in to what is available.

 

We discussed the need for engineering concept for the Port parking lot and new parking area, to include lighting, a safety program, sidewalks, etc. David Hopkins has agreed to look over the one design that has been submitted, then get other estimates that would include dropping 3 poles, as well as the lighting, safety, sidewalks.   The conduit on The Anchors property is located where it is available for hookup to the Port facility, if cost effective.  David noted the steps we need to take include surveying the space, then obtaining an engineer to work with us on the overall  development plan.   Steve Pederson will look in to the status of using the meter system versus non-meter system for electrical service to the facility.  

 

Additional topics that were reviewed include several that we will ask Alan Fletcher to add to the agenda for the next Port of Manchester Commissioners meeting on February 9th, 2009 6:00PM, Manchester Library.

 

AGENDA ITEM #1……set a schedule and time line immediately to insure that all planning for the new facility, etc., be resolved by June of 2010.  All work done and the facility open for business.

 

AGENDA ITEM #2…..make note that the Port Advisory Committee has made a recommendation that a tentative date of May 1, 2009 be set for establishing  the arrangements to define a plan for the start of work on the facility.   A sub-committee to be formed to work with the Port Commissioners, contractors, etc., in setting a workable schedule.   Some things that need to be identified are precisely what does that grant criteria allow us to do?  What size are the present oil/water separators in the parking lot and are they adequate to handle the new site.? Will they need to be replaced or added to?   Steve to act as the clearing house and to ask Alan if he can coordinate the plan?

 

                The following members of the group volunteered to act as members

                Sub-committee to assist with technical issues of development, 

                design, etc., providing this would be considered agreeable to  Jim

                Strode.  Those volunteering include David Hopkins, Dawn Gogel, Bud

                Larsen, Ron Rada, and Joe Guariz.

 

Dawn Gogel has volunteered to represent the Port Advisory Council, for the Manchester Advisory Committee, thank you Dawn.  She will submit her application to Commissioner Charlotte Garrido as soon as possible.

 

AGENDA ITEM #3 The next regular monthly meeting of the Port Sign Committee will be held on February 2, 2009, 5:00PM, at the Manchester Library.   John Winslow has written a Port of Manchester Governance Standards for Manchester Sign document.  It touches on ownership, maintenance, attachment of banners, general control of the sign and attachments.   Copies of the document were distributed.  Port attorney, Ron Thompson has approved the text  as it is written, subject to future changes as needed.  This group agreed the document would be submitted for approval, per Ron Thompson’s recommendations, for the next Port meeting being held on 2-09-09, 6:00PM at the Manchester Library.

 

Bob Ballard has volunteered to do a spread sheet on how much income could be generated if the Port were to bring in other non-Port precincts in South Kitsap.

We discussed the need for developing a list of what Manchester has to offer, such as the Port Boat Launch and Public Park, the Library, Post Office, businesses, etc.   A development such as this could be promoted on a door to door basis throughout the Community.  It was noted there is a need for the community residents to understand they DO live in Manchester, while many do not understand this.  Better the Port of Manchester than the Port of Bremerton.   We would need to fully explain why we need to raise money , how much are we talking about, how do we highlight Manchester’s history, how do we promote the popularity of Manchester throughout the county and other areas?  All important questions.   This concept to be taken to the 2009 Port Advisory Planning Session on Saturday the 17th.

 

Ron Rada  suggested we contact our grant writer and see if there would be any advantage to the Port of Manchester, a public facility, becoming involved with the 501c3 foundation?    Steve to discuss this with Alan Fletcher as well as our grant writer.   Informing the voters of the Ports needs could develop a stream of revenue.  It was felt there is a need to develop a slogan for Manchester.  Joe Guariz suggested “Port of Manchester – Moving Ahead”.  We will discuss this at the Saturday Port Advisory Committee meeting.    Steve Pederson will review the information provided by Kitsap County Assessor, Jim Avery.   Various means of increasing Port funds were reviewed, to bring everyone up to date.

 

Wanda reported on problems and projects that were successfully completed by this Committee for the year 2008.  They included:

                Better control of graffiti issues on Port property

                Setting a 2009 planning and brainstorming session 2-17-09

                Formation of the Port Advisory Committee & monthly meetings

                Development and building of voluntary $5 donation launch fee box

                Increasing professional assist from Water District, port issues.

                4 month Port User Survey 235 In-Kind hours, 20 volunteers

                2nd dumpster provided for the 4th of July activities.

 

Submitted 2-16-09 WL