2-19-09 PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING 5:30PM, MANCHESTER LIBRARY

Attending today’s meeting were Norma Brady, Steve Pederson, Bud & Wanda Larsen, Eric Cisney, Ron Rada, Joe & Margaret Guariz, Dawn Gogel, and John Middaugh (1^st meeting).   

The first ACTION item was an update on the suggested time line for the Daniel’s Loop property acquisition and building plan.   No definite dates can be set at this time, due to delays involving archeological, environmental,  and cultural factors, as well as tribal considerations.   It is estimated that it could be as long as a year before the project is ready to go.    The special committee, David Hopkins, Dawn Gogel, Ron Rada, Bud Larsen, Joe Guariz, Eric Cisney, and John Winslow has been established to work directly with Commissioner Jim Strode to expedite the project, plans to meet with Commissioner Strode as soon as possible after his return, to go over research matters that could be underway now in preparation for the actual project start.    A press release has been approved for publication pending the signing of the contract for the Daniel’s Loop property.

Chair, Steve Pederson reported that the permit for the Manchester Community Sign at Mile Hill and Colchester is still pending.  We have contact information now, and Alan Fletcher will be meeting with Mr. Oost  to obtain the permit quickly.   We have the 3” rope to wrap the poles, courtesy of Bob Cairns at the Manchester Fuel Depot.     We also have access to the poles (2-10’ & 2-7’) and hope to have them donated as a tax write off for the donor.

Once the permit is in place, the sign can be completed and in place in about 4 to 6 weeks.   Pledge forms are being handed out at Community meetings and given to Manchester businesses.   We have already received a good portion of the necessary funds for the sign and for maintenance of the sign.  The next Sign Committee scheduled for March 2^nd will be re-scheduled when we have more definite information on the permit.

We discussed the Sign Governance Standards that were approved at the February 9^th Port of Manchester meeting.   Port Attorney Ron Thompson, has also approved the text for the standards.

A permanent depository for the Port Records going back to 1914 was the next discussion item.   These records include historical data, tax records, receipts,  Ron Thompson has housed the records for many years, and his brother had them prior to that time.  Ron was agreeable to the idea of the records being kept in Manchester.   The Water District has indicated they would be able to take care of records storage. It was suggested that a group of volunteers could be assigned to go over the records to alphabetize them by date, etc.

The announcement of the John Park property being assigned to the prime lender for the property was reviewed.   It was agreed that a letter would be forwarded to the prime lender asking that he consider making the property a donation to the Port of Manchester, as a tax write-off.   With the housing market as it is at this time, and apparently no interested builder, this is not an unreasonable request.  Nothing gained, nothing lost.

The “Port Mission/Vision/Values Statement” that was proposed to the Commissioners on 2-9-09 was approved by the two Commissioners that were in attendance.   A final decision to be made at the 3-9-09 meeting of the Port Commissioners when all Commissioners will be present.

We will be seeking information as to who gave permission for the large materials carrier ship recently seen in the waters between the boat launch area and Blake Island.   Is the U. S. Coast Guard aware of any violations?  It has been there on at least 3 occasions and there has been considerable concern about the noise 24 hours a day, spillage of materials during transfer from the carrier to large barges, etc.   We will be looking at not only who gave the permit, but what is Maritime law on this type of business activity,  who is receiving payment for the activity, etc.    Steve Pederson to contact Olympia, Bud Larsen to contact WA Ports Assn. , DNR and John Maddaugh will make contact with other Ports.

The main topic of tonight’s meeting was how to go about educating the public on the need to raise funds to meet the requirements of the Port’s 25% obligation to the property acquisition grant of $577,000.00.   Members of the group favored the Port Commissioners raising the levy from the current rate  of .13 to at  least .25, or enough income to keep afloat and continue moving forward.   There was a lot of concern about being accused of doing what Bremerton did, and this is the purpose of a full educational plan for the citizens.   The Port of Manchester has not requested above the minimum on levy’s in the past, when they could have.   It was felt that taking the levy lid lift to the voters at this time, after Bremerton, would not be beneficial.    With a .25 base, the Port would be able to maintain, as well as grow.   The primary purpose of a “Port” being economic development.

An education start could be the question “Do you know you are in the Port of Manchester?”  It is amazing how many residences that are a just a few blocks away from the downtown area do not know they live in Manchester.  We are also looking at a postal zip code change for Manchester, instead of the Port Orchard  zip code.    Ron Rada is working on a “Port of Manchester” tri-fold , similar to the one he designed for the Friends of The Library, to include the basic history of Manchester up to now, it will show Port boundary’s, as well as Manchester boundary’s.    We need to let the populace know what is now in the works as well as what the Community hopes to have in the future.

At the upcoming Port of Manchester Commissioners meetings on March 9^th, Manchester Library 6:00PM, April 13^th, Manchester Elementary School 6:00PM, May 11^th, Manchester Library 6:00PM, and June 8^th, Manchester Library 6:00PM.   The Commissioners will allow public hearings to inform the citizens of Manchester about the “Economic Development Zone”.  Serious consideration is being given to door to door contacts with the citizenry, to hand out a Port of Manchester brochure and see how the citizens feel about future prospects.  We will have an information booth with promotional and educational literature at the Plant Sale.  Further information will be publicized very shortly.

The slogan suggestion for “Port of Manchester – Moving Forward”, was discussed and tabled until further input from the full slate of Commissioners.

Ron Rada and Bud Larsen reported on a meeting with Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, this week.  Those in attendance in addition to Ron and Bud were John Winslow and Carrilu Thompson.  They were able to bring the Commissioner up to date on Manchester today, and issues that need improvement or upgrading.     A letter will also be sent to our officials in Olympia, with a request for their assistance in obtaining stimulus money for Manchester.

Joe Guariz suggested looking in to the possibility of obtaining permission for free weekend parking for boats and trailers from the owners of the Fox building, and from the Manchester Medical Clinic.   This would be during the summer when parking is at a premium.  Parking to be allowed after the office closes at the clinic on Friday, and all vehicles to be removed by 8:00AM on Monday.   Another one of those ideas that just might work and worth taking a look at.

We are hoping to have a press release out on the fee donations box at the launch site ASAP.   This will be discussed at the March Port meeting.  It was recommended that funds income from the voluntary donation box, be dedicated to a special rainy day fund generated by launch users.

It was announced that The Anchors Market will open on Saturday.  (FYI….we stopped by the Market on Saturday and were one of the first customers.  It is very well put together, excellent marketing features, the prices are good, and it is well stocked.   Even fresh Morning Star Bakery pastries daily.)

Everyone signed up for the March 28^th Port of Manchester Work Party day.  Starting at 8:00AM and work until it’s done.   We will be looking for lots of participation on this.  Some of the jobs include painting the yellow bull rail, finish cleanup on the restroom storage area, Pomeroy Park cleanup, and the BIGGIE is beautification of the slope between the two launch piers.   All are asked to bring their tools, wheelbarrows, etc.    Commissioner Fallstrom was able to obtain county approval for the beautification, Commissioner Strode will be providing 5 to 7 yards of good dirt and the use of his small backhoe.   Norma, Carol, Commissioner Pederson, Joe ,  and Bud will help coordinate the various jobs.   Signup sheets will be available at the MCC meeting on the 23^rd and the Friends meeting on the 24^th.  We will also post sheets at the Post Office and the Library.  This is a chance to make the launch area and the park really shine for Spring.

Wanda Larsen