6-18-09 PORT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30PM, MANCHESTER LIBRARY
PAC
Chairman, Steve Pedersen, was unable to attend today’s meeting, due to business
out of town. Wanda Larsen called the meeting to order with the following
PAC members attending, Bob Edwards, John Winslow, Bud Larsen, Dawn Gogel, Paul Gilligan, Eric Cisney,
Margaret Guariz, and Norma Brady.
It
was noted that a recent publication featured various “BEST” places in Kitsap
County “Best Romantic Spot” in Kitsap County, featured 3rd place
winter as MANCHESTER WATERFRONT/DOCK! How about that for news?
Our
primary discussion for the evening was the potential for Annexation of 3 areas
that could adjoin the current Port of Manchester boundaries. These areas
include precincts 222 (Woodridge), precinct 246 (Locker); and precinct 247 (Ebbert) to the area encompassing the Port of Manchester as
provided in the annexation laws (RCW Chapter 53.04). Copy of a
petition text was reviewed at length. The advantage of annexation
of these areas would bring in excess of $60,000.00 per year to the Port of
Manchester. Various maps were studied, as well as legal requirements, etc.
The concept of annexation was well received and considered worth looking in
to. There was concern expressed over the ability to put together
such an overall comprehensive plan, to take to the public, within the short
time available before the 2009 November election. The cutoff date for the
November election is August 11, with August 1, for compiling the necessary
petition signatures. It was also noted that the idea had been discussed with
various local groups, who were unable to come up with a strong volunteer leader
to spearhead such an intense activity. What with the many normal summer
activities going on in Manchester, vacations, etc., it was felt there would be
a serious problem in coming up with enough volunteer workers to go out and obtain
the necessary signatures to qualify for each of the
precincts. The Port Advisory Committee unanimously recommends to
the Port Commissioners that annexation be delayed at this time and reconsidered
for the next election following a strong leadership campaign that would come
together well in advance of the election with the assistance of several
interested local organizations. The
campaign to then make every effort to educate the public to the benefits of the
annexation through economic development. It is important for
everyone to know that the Commissioners themselves cannot solicit petition signatures, it must be done by an effective volunteer group.
An
equally important subject was the Levy Lid Lift we have been working on.
The PAC recommends to the Commissioners that they do not wait until after the
election to file for the Levy Lid Lift through an IDD classification. The
PAC feels the filing needs to be done immediately to effect funding for 2010
and beyond.
A
personal letter from a Friend of The Manchester Library was read. Her
letter expressed appreciation for the magnificent Manchester Sign recently
installed at the corner of Mile Hill and Colchester. It was
interesting that at a recent meeting attended by Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, she also expressed appreciation of the sign and
noted there had been no complaints about putting a sign up. All of us are
very proud of the success there has been in obtaining in excess of $6,000 in
donations from agencies, businesses, and private citizens to fund the
sign. A form that identifies those who contributed to the
sign was prepared by Ray Pardo, the idea being to
submit it to the Port Commissioners for their signatures and thanks. The form to be framed and posted at the Library and copies of the form
to be sent to each of the contributors in appreciation of their community
involvement.
John
Winslow reported on upcoming voluntary boat inspections to be conducted by Bob
Anderson of the U.S. Coast Guard Power Squadron, at a date to be
announced. This is strictly voluntary for boaters, no tickets
are issued, or anything like that, it just gives
boaters a chance to learn what safety equipment they really are supposed to
have aboard their vessels. The inspections take place prior to launching, or alongside the dock and take approximately 10
minutes. Thank you John for putting this together.
Paul
Gilligan reported on a User Fee Issue-White Paper that he and wife Janis are
preparing to submit to the Commissioners. To date they have
contacted various other Port’s as to charges for
parking, launching, etc. They have had positive input from a number of
sources, including a parking lot firm that services many facilities that charge
a fee. Issues being considered include authorization from a
Commission meeting, Approach, Background, Value of Using Boat Launch, Market
Rate for Using Boat Launches – Fees, Methods of collection and Enforcement, Port of Manchester Classification, Use of Boat
Launch, Fee Projections, Method of Collection, Administration Cost, Impact to
Port of Manchester, Recommendation, Figures, Appendices. The
purpose of charging boaters to park or launch at the Port facility is to
provide a self supporting service. With
costs of maintenance and utilities rapidly increasing it is necessary for the
facility to be cost effective.
Everyone
was reminded of the Friends of The Library Annual Father’s Day Salmon Bake
being held this Sunday, June 21st at the library parking
lot. This is an event that a majority of the citizens of
Manchester step forward and help put on this activity that supports the
Manchester Library maintenance and upkeep. Plan to be there and stop by
our Information Booth to pickup a copy of the new
Port of Manchester brochure, it is very well done and tells the story of what
the Port of Manchester is. Also Friends and Safety brochures will be
available.
The
Port Commissioners approved the PAC report submitted at the last Port meeting
on 6-8-09. The report outlined the first year of June 2008 to June 2009
of the Port Advisory Committee. We were proud to submit 18 achievements
and actions during the year. This will be an annual report to the
Commissioners.
Dawn
Gogle is designing Manchester T-shirts that will be
available for sale at the Anchors Market. She will be taking orders for
the shirts at the Salmon Bake. She reported that they have received
numerous requests from customers for some kind of Manchester
memorabilia. There has also been a request for a marked
walkway between the library parking lot and The Anchors facility. People
are walking through landscaping. Dawn is working with David Hopkins on
this, and the PAC advised that we will work towards obtaining volunteers to
help with the placement of paving stones, striping, etc., as needed.
A
Port of Manchester newsletter is still pending.
The
loud boat issues reported at the past several meetings seem to be
improving. The owner of the boat was met with, by Terrance Simons,
Miracle Mile Block Watch captain, and a sheriff’s deputy and advised of his
responsibilities. Eric Cisney reported that the
boat owner has recently made a change in the exhaust system that curves the
pressure in to the water, this has greatly improved on
the noise level. Keep up the good work guys.
We
will be looking for volunteers for July 5th, very early morning to clean up the
4th of July fireworks leftovers. Steve Pedersen has graciously
assumed the chair for this project. It will not take very long,
there will be extra dumpsters available, and with a good turnout the problem
can be taken care of. We will be asking for signups at various
meetings. The Port Commissioners have approved payment of $300.00
for this volunteer effort to hold a special free Manchester Community
Celebration and appreciation day on Saturday, August 29th.
The event will include hot dogs, chips and beverage to everyone attending the
event. Also included will be a wonderful fiddlers
event courtesy of the Manchester Library. Chairing this event will be the
Manchester Community Association. Mark your calendar and plan to be
there. This is an opportunity to meet your neighbors and have fun!
Our
next meeting will be held on July 16th, 5:30PM, at the Manchester
Library.
Submitted
by: Wanda Larsen