March 2003
Watching Government
Port of Bellingham
Compiled by Earl Dennis
Action Taken at February 4, 2003 Meeting
12. Amendment the harbor rules and regulations? The port’s increase of charter vessels to 12 percent of the total moorage has changed the marina demographics and necessitates changes to equitably assign available births on a first come first served basis. Approved 3-0
13. Authorize the executive director to sign a five-year contract with Qwest Communications for Internet access and other telecommunication services for the port and port customers? The monthly rate will be $1,395. The monthly cost to the port will be $300 less than it would be if the port ran an equivalent service. Approved 3-0
14. Authorized the executive director to make lease modifications with Blue Willis, Bergsma Galleries, and ZaZen Salon for space in the Bellwether by the Bay building? A reduction in discretionary spending over the last 18 months along with the higher rents and newness of the building has hit these businesses hard. Their rates will be decreased for one year starting February 1, 2003 from $1.56 per square foot/per month to $1.10 to help them through their financial woes. Approved 3-0
15. Execute an option agreement with Westsun LLC* of Bellingham? It allows Westsun to finish its environmental, financial and project feasibility efforts before building and running a multi-unit commercial building on 1.5 acres of port property in Fairhaven. The option agreement prevents the port from renting the 1.5 acres to anyone else from March 1, 2003 until December 31, 2003. Westsun is responsible for all infrastructure, improvements and open space requirements. Approved 3-0
16. Modify the lease with All American Marine (December 2002, vote 96) in Fairhaven to allow a delay in their occupying the premises? The roof on the fabrication building is in worse shape than the port had originally thought and must be totally replaced, necessitating a delay in occupancy until it has been fixed. Rents will start May 1, 2003 or within 30 days of written notice of completion of roof repairs.
Approved 3-0
17. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $92,514 contract with Esary Roofing of Burlington for a new roof on the All American Marine fabrication building? (See previous vote.) Esary Roofing was the lowest of five bidders. Approved 3-0
18. Modify the lease agreement with the Federal Express Corporation (August 2002, vote 61) at the Bellingham International Airport? The current lease sets the rent rate structure for 15 years. The modification will set the rent structure for years 16 through 30 and provide for consumer price index adjustments every five years, not to exceed 15 percent for any given five year period. Approved 3-0
*(Ken Hertz is president of Westsun LLC. He was mayor of Bellingham from 1975 until 1982.)
