June 2003
Watching Government
Port of Bellingham
Compiled by Earl Dennis
Action Taken at the May 6, 2003 Meeting
35. Declare certain medical equipment as surplus and donate it to the Bellingham Technical College? The equipment was purchased in 1992 for airport technicians to respond to aid calls and is no longer needed. The Technical College has said they could use the equipment to training purposes. Approved 3-0
36. Amend the Federal Aviation Administration lease for navigational equipment at the Bellingham International Airport? The landing equipment at the end of Runway 16 had to be modified because of the runway relocation project. These have been completed and now the lease descriptions must be modified to reflect these changes. Approved 3-0
37. Charge the public $10 per hour for Internet use? Internet computers were installed at Squalicum and Blaine Harbor offices so the public can check e-mail and other Internet items. Staff recommended the $10 fee and that it be prorated by the minute with a 15 minute minimum; Kinko’s charges $12 per hour. The service costs the port $75.90 a month. Approved 3-0
38. Establishing moorage rates at all port marine facilities to coincide with moorage rates set for Blaine and Squalicum Harbors? Resolution 1034 and Resolution 1163 amended the moorage rate formula for the harbors but failed to include other port facilities. Resolution 1034 and Resolution 1063 will fix this error. The monthly moorage fees at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal will increase 24 cents per foot to $4.71 as of May 1, 2003. Approved 3-0
39. Modify the leases with the Inside Passage gift shop and the Bayside Café? The lease modifications cover their entire contractual year. The monthly rent for the Inside Passage at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal will be reduced by $201 to $771 plus six percent of all annual sales over $120,000. The monthly rent of the Bayside Café at the Harbor Center building will be reduced by $454 to $4,542. Approved 3-0
40. Modify the lease with Bellwether Financial Services? Defects in the construction of the Bellwether building have caused disruptions to the business’s operation. The port has agreed to compensate the business with a one-time rental credit $4,056. Approved 3-0
41. Modify the promotional hosting policy? State auditors thought that the current definitions were insufficient. The modification clearly defines promotional hosting and makes a clearer distinction between business and meeting expenses, promotional hosting, and travel? (Resolution 989C) Approved 7-0
42. Authorize agreements with the Lummi Nation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support a juvenile chinook study? The $50,000 study will include both fresh and saltwater efforts in Bellingham Bay and along the coastline. The study will aid in efforts aimed at salmon restoration by creating a clearer picture of the habitat and habits of juvenile chinook, as well as chum, coho and hatchery fish. Approved 3-0
43. Enter into a deed agreement with City of Bellingham for water and sewer mains and sewer pump station along Mitchell Way? As with previous port construction (December 2002, page 13, vote 103) at the Bellingham airport, these improvements are being deeded over to the city so that it becomes the city’s responsibility for maintenance and operation. Approved 3-0
