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2-18-10
PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING 5:30PM, MANCHESTER LIBRARY The
following individuals attended the meeting, Steve Pedersen – Chairman, Norma
Brady, Margaret & Joe Guariz, Eric Cisney, Daniel Fallstrom, Bill Malmquist,
Bud & Wanda Larsen, and Dave Kimble. Steve noted tonight’s meeting
was to be considered a formal meeting, with two Commissioners in
attendance. The signup sheet was passed around.
We discussed the VFW Memorial Garden (formerly AMVETS) located in the
southeast corner of the Library parking lot. The VFW officials have
been advised it will be necessary for them to come to the Port Commissioners
for a formal hearing representing their group ASAP. There is concern as
to what the formal plan is for the 14’ X 4’ Memorial Wall, for which they are
advertising the sale of 300 bricks. All permitting needs to be in
place, as well as the formal plan and design, in addition to the approval of
the Port of Manchester Commissioners, before any work can be considered for
that spot. Maintenance and repairs would also have to be given a major
consideration, Carol Campbell, on her own has maintained the sight for many
years, with assistance from other members of the Friends of the Library.
There are also right of way issues to be considered. Steve
announced a special study session to be held on Friday the 19th,
4:45PM at the Manchester Water District for the purpose of reviewing
potential refinancing of the current bonding as well as retiring the parking
lot matching funds. A specialist from Cashmere Valley Bank will be on
hand to outline funding possibilities. Also attending will be John Bloomenthal of Martin/Nelson & Company with
information pertaining to cost effective bonding. Dan
Fallstrom reported on recent information that relates to gas tax
appropriations that are not meeting projected funding. Dan has been
attending a number of meetings in Olympia that relate to certain interests of
the Port of Manchester, and is keeping the PAC advised. Next
Thursday, the 25th at 1:00PM, there will be a Shoreline Hearing
held at the South end of the Port property. This area has taken a
severe beating in past months from high tides, rain, and excessive erosion.
We urge everyone who is interested in finding a way to preserve
the docks, dock approaches, beach, etc., to
make a point of attending this meeting. It is important to
determine what can be done to preserve what we have while being in compliance
with Federal, State, and County rulings. The group will walk the
shoreline with Shoreline representatives to
hopefully arrive at workable options. Dave Kimble showed a number
of pictures of how he was able to preserve his property through the use on
only one 30’long, 3’ diameter log anchored
securely and backed by drain rock. The log is still securely in place
after a number of years and erosion has been diverted. What is
needed for the erosion at the South float is a method to halt erosion at the
bulkhead. The entire repair could be done in stages. David
suggested that we might be able to interest the County in helping out with
County road crew help to install 3 large logs along the waterfront where the
damage is occurring. Steve noted that we have identified the erosion
needs and need to get our minds about a way stop it. With help from the
County, State, or Federal we should be able to do something effective by the
end of the year. It was noted we might be able to get assistance
from the Kayak groups in helping us improve the facility for launching of the
kayak’s. What is of prime importance is
feel out the experts on Thursday’s walk, LISTEN to what they have to tell us
and try to work with them in every way possible. In addition
there are two issues, #1……do we want to do anything? #2 can we get something done for environmental impact? Eric
reported on the Port Work Party scheduled for Saturday, the 20th.
The purpose of the work party is to move concrete blocks from the Daniels
Loop project over to the Library. All volunteers will be
welcome. Eric is bringing donuts, so let us try and get as much done as
we can. Steve
announced that the Port Landscaper has retired and a replacement will be needed. If you know anyone who might
be interested, have them talk to Alan, or one
of the Commissioners. Alan will be writing up a detailed outline of
just what the job entails, so there is no doubt as to what work is required
to maintain the facility, and what needs to be done on an on-going seasonal
basis. We
are still looking at an April 1 startup date for charging launch fees of
$5.00 each launch, or $50.00 a year for Manchester residents, and $100 a year
for out of the Manchester area launching. The Water District will
administer the program, the fee box and new Kiosk
are in place at the entrance to the North pier. Next month’s PAC
meeting on 3-18-10 will be devoted to organizing the “boat launch”
program. We will need volunteers to hand out information,
etc. It will also help if you explain the launch fee
program to your friends and neighbors in your day to day contacts. Alan
Fletcher is preparing news announcements, a large banner, posting of news
information at various locations, etc. Wanda
to contact Arlene Brennan in regards to developing a PAC letterhead to use
for formal letters of appreciation, etc. The letterhead to show a
picture of the small decorative sign at the launch site, “Port Advisory
Committee” and the mailing address for the Port of Manchester, and telephone
number. The
Friends of The Manchester Library have submitted a request regarding “hold
harmless for special events” for all the annual Friends events that are held
on the Port’s properties. The form can be renewed each year. David
Kimble indicated an interest in taking on the PAC representative
position on the MCAC group. This is to replace Dawn Gogel who had to resign recently. After discussion
it was agreed that the PAC endorse David as their delegate. It
was agreed that the PAC hold off until at least 2011 on investigating a path
forward relating to the possible regulation of anchoring large commercial
ships off the shore near Manchester. Due to numerous other projects
going on at this time it was felt there simply was not enough volunteer time
to conduct a worthwhile study that could involve the need for major funding. The
2nd Annual Manchester Celebration for August 14th was
discussed. Last Year the money received from the Port of
Manchester for the 5th of July cleanup of the Port, after the 4th
of July fireworks, paid for the event. It has been determined
that in addition to funds generated by the cleanup, it would be helpful to
charge $1 for hot dogs, for better quality of the product. It was felt
that ALL groups should be involved in both the cleanup and the
Celebration. Steve will talk with Carrilu
Thompson about developing a plan to include everyone in both projects.
This year it is possible a tour of the Manchester Fuel Depot will be offered and would be a major attraction for the
afternoon, also have vendors on site to add more interest.
Additional information to follow. Submitted
by: Wanda Larsen PAC Member |