1ST ANNUAL PORT OF MANCHESTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE GOALS & PLANNING SESSION

1-17-09

9:00AM to Noon, Manchester Library.  In attendance were Committee Chair, Steve Pederson, John Winslow, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Dawn Gogle, Norma Brady, Joe and Margaret Guariz, Ron Rada, Eric Cisney, and Bob Edwards.

There was a brief discussion on the Daniel’s Loop Acquisition Status.  The same information we discussed on Thursday evening was reviewed for the benefit of those not in attendance on Thursday.  The parties have reached agreement on the property.   Thus, no further action on eminent domain will be necessary.   John Winslow to develop a press release to submit to Steve Pederson and Alan Fletcher. This information to be adopted as soon as possible.

Steve handed out a copy of the 2009 tax district formula showing income of $92,267.    We discussed the 25% owed by the Port as matching funds, for the recent RCO grant of almost $600,000.    This means will have to provide matching funds of approximately $180,000.00.  We also discussed obtaining a line of credit, which is being handled by Commissioner Jim Strode.   Funding will have to be generated quickly.  The financial issue is where we are today.   The $92,000 figure pencils out to .13 cents per thousand and includes the Res/Ord passed for increase above IPD  of 1.000.  The total amount allowed on any levy lid life .45.   It was agreed that the Commissioners could ask for an increase to .30 cent per thousand , without going to the voters.  This would average $5.00 per month on an average Manchester residence and could pay off the $180,000 line of credit in two years.  The levy would be in place for a period of 6 years, subject to renewal, a vote of the people, or retirement after that time period.  Another means of funding is the in-kind contributions of time and services of Manchester volunteers.  In 2008 there was 235 hours donated by 20 volunteers.

We next discussed developing an economic development zone determined by the Port Commissioners only, whereby a vote of the public is not required.  More importantly was a lengthy review of developing a 5 to 10 year vision statement to educate the population with strong foundation to think larger for Manchester.   John Winslow has developed mission statements in the past that have been very successful.  He agreed to prepare a document for the Commissioners, subject to any changes they might deem necessary, to be  included as an ACTION item for the next Port of Manchester Commissioners meeting on Feb. 9, 2009.   It was asked if the Water District could include a few lines about upcoming informational meetings, in their monthly statements.   Also requested, will be announcements and coverage of public meetings, in the Manchester website.

The Commissioners to conduct a series of Public Hearings relative to the possible development of an Economic Development Zone within the Community,   at their regular meetings on the second Tuesdays of March, April, May and June.  The hearings will be to take public input on funding for the land purchase and the potential for future land acquisition.  At each of the public hearings, the power points presentation used in acquiring the RCO grant, will be shown for the public’s information.

 There is a great deal of interest in developing a community center.  With informative town meetings to survey and define actions, it is important to get the word out to everyone in the Port of Manchester boundary’s.  Equally important is including as many citizens as possible in the upcoming planning for now and the future.   Economic development is one of primary purposes of the Port of Manchester.    There was a lot of interest in better defining the Port Of Manchester boundary lines, to help develop a single page or tri-fold brochure for members of the committee to distribute at meetings, or on one to one contacts with members of the community.  The brochure to include boundary lines, historical information, etc.   The 4 public hearing meetings will be held at the Library when possible, or at Manchester Elementry grade school.    Alan Fletcher has recommendations for sign- in sheets for the public testimony meetings.  This committee will provide sign-in assistance.

Joe Guariz brought up the idea of developing a Port of Manchester “logo” for future use in promoting community efforts.  Following discussion, it was agreed the group would ask the Port Commissioners for their support of a “logo” that says PORT OF MANCHESTER – MOVING FORWARD.

Today’s 3 hour meeting also included numerous goals and suggestions for the 2009 period.     First, Bud Larsen, Steve Pederson, Eric Cisney. Joe Guariz, Ron Rada, and others will paint the yellow bullrail on the North float.  This will take place at the end of March, date to be announced.  Prior to this project, repairs need to be done to the North float, which is listing to one side and has a number of the wooden planks that need to be repaired or replaced.

Dawn Gogel to look in to obtaining a decorative bench for the area right by the steps up to the restroom at the boat launch.  Skateboarders are again jumping the stairs down on to the pavement.  Dawn knows of benches with a back that are installed to be non-removable.  This could nip this problem in the bud.   Dawn also suggested it might be beneficial is we have  t-shirts for those who wish t buy them while working on promoting the improvements to the boat launch and park sites.  They could also be used for upcoming special events such as the plant sale and the annual Salmon bake.    They could be on sale at The Anchors store and the Manchester Library.  Dawn to come back next month with designs and costs for approval.

At the same time that the yellow bullrail is painted we expect to enlarge the group to have enough helpers to clean out the storage area in back of the restroom.  We also plan to have workers at the slope between the North and South floats.  This will be a stop gap measure to include a number of plantings from the Library grounds, Norma Brady’s, etc.   We will need some dirt hauled in since the ground is hard as a rock.  As little disturbance as possible will be the rule.  Thus the end of March work party will probably be an all day event, volunteers are welcome.   Norma has also ordered a number of natural plants that work well in the kind of ground the slope has.  The majority do not require watering either.  

We discussed security cameras to deter late night disturbances at the port parking lot and in the park.   The sub- committee working with Commissioner Strode will research if cameras could be worked in along with the low level lighting in the grant money that has been awarded.

Steve Pederson to check again on animal sanitation bags, and report back.

The group asks that the Port Commissioners designate 3 or 4 spots in the Library parking lot for overnight parking of boats and trailers.   A cost of $10 to be considered per night.   Wanda to ask Ron Thompson what liability there

would be.   Fees could be paid at the Library, or in a deposit box.  There are many people who love to go over to Blake Island and spend several days.  This would be a perfect opportunity to generate funding for maintenance, utilities, etc.

The Sub-Committee to work with Strode on all aspects of the parking project, and assist wherever possible.   To also determine exactly what projects can be included in the site improvements, and what cannot, then report back to the Advisory committee.

We will hold a walk-around the projected construction site at the May meeting of the Port of Manchester, thus showing the population exactly what is underway and what is being planned.    Throughout the project the sub-committee will maintain complete transparency.    (Following today’s meeting Dawn, Joe, Ballard, Bud, and Steve viewed the area on Main Street from Denniston Lane to the Pomeroy Park entrance to look at options for a pedestrian sidewalk, and parking spaces for park patrons.   Dawn will be representing the group for the Manchester Community Advisory Committee and will bring this topic up with our South Kitsap commissioner).

Wanda to contact Ron Thompson regarding liability regarding required life jackets on the waters by State and Federal agencies.   Would a sign on each float saying “life jackets required” suffice, or should we consider an honorary station with a few life jackets for use and return on at least the fish float?

The question came up again as to whether it would be possible to move the beautiful wood carved sign located near the Park Entrance, up to the side of the exit lane from the parking lot, for more visibility and enjoyment of the community members.  It can hardly be seen where it is located, and some of the verbiage is outdated.   The new updated sign located beside next to the North float, has the accurate verbiage.

One of the most important issues was concern over the Port’s historical records not being stored in a repository of local origin.   It was felt not only the monthly meetings and financial information, but all records should be in a secured location.  Steve to determine if the water district would have space to hold current and historical information for the Port.    Port Attorney Ron Thompson has stored this information for many years and that is greatly appreciated by everyone.  It was just felt it would be helpful to have it near and available to the public.    It was suggested a special committee could be formed to research the records and determine if any updating is needed.

The group adjourned feeling they had addressed most of the “wish list” items on today’s agenda.  Members of the committee are enthusiastic and ready to step forward to help Manchester Move Forward.    A very special THANK YOU to Norma Brady, Bob Edwards, and Margaret Guariz for all the GOODIES!

Submitted by:   WL