March 2004
Watching Government
Port of Bellingham
Compiled by Earl Dennis
Action Taken at January 14, 2004 Meeting
Shall the commission:
1. Delegate certain powers to the executive director through January 31, 2005? The executive director is authorized to execute certain leases and contracts without immediate commission approval with a value of $10,000 or less, sign contracts for rentals, and other day-to-day operations of the port. (Resolution 1106E) Approved 3-0
2. Reappoint the chief financial officer as the official responsible for informing the public of the port’s intent to sell tax-exempt bonds? The appointment expires on January 31, 2005. This resolution applies to infrastructure projects. (Resolution 1183A) Approved 3-0
3. Reappoint John Carter as auditor for fiscal 2004? State law requires the port to have an auditor to monitor its expenditures, compliance with state law and port policies, controls on all uninvested funds, and report directly to the commission. Approved 3-0
4. Approve the election of officers and dates of regular port commission meeting? The officers will be Scott Walker-president, Doug Smith-vice president, and Jim Jorgensen-secretary. Meetings will be held at 1801 Roeder Avenue on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 3 p.m. Approved 3-0
5. Approve nominations to committees1? Assignments are for commissioners and staff. Approved 3-0
6. Appoint the Industrial Development Corporation2 officers and establish dates and times of meetings for 2004? The officers will be Scott Walker-president, Doug Smith-vice president, and Jim Jorgensen-secretary. Meetings will be held as needed and occur in conjunction with port commission meetings. Approved 3-0
7. Adopt a fee and cancellation schedule for meeting rooms during 2004 and 2005? The rates and policies cover two years, because the port frequently makes reservations more than a year in advance. The port currently handles over 600 meetings a year with an estimated attendance of 60,000. The cancellation policy has been changed to decrease cancellations by increasing the required notice time for refunds. The estimated revenue for 2004 is $155,664, expenses of $180,156 and a loss of $38,142. Approved 3-0
8. Revise boat display space at Blaine and Squalicum Harbors? This revision will allow boat dealers to display boats at Blaine Harbor, as is currently done at Squalicum Harbor, and create activity for under-utilized spaces. The monthly tariff rate per space will be $10 at both harbors. The most optimistic income estimate is $8,000 per year. Approved 3-0
9. Approve the Bellingham International Airport tariff schedule for 2004? The current rate was established September 1999. After a survey of Washington state airports, Bellingham was found to be above the median, and a number of changes were recommended. The changes will result in estimated revenue of $5,000 while keeping the cost of the airport competitive enough to entice an additional airline to come to Bellingham. Approved 3-0
10. Adopt the rental revenue standards for fiscal year 2004? The port must make an annual review, comparison and adjustment of its rental rates to those of the general market place. No changes are being made at this time. Approved 3-0
1. Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Corporation—Scott Walker, Doug Smith and Jim Darling (executive director)
Whatcom Council of Governments—Jim Jorgensen and John Hergensheimer (lead project engineer)
Washington Public Ports Association—Doug Smith and Jim Jorgensen
Association of Pacific Ports—Scott Walker
Puget Sound Ports Group— Jim Darling (executive director)
Public Art Advisory Team—Scott Walker, Bill Hager and Carol Williams (horticulturalist)
2. To help develop a specific industry strategy for Whatcom County the port formed the Industrial Development Corporation.
Action Taken at January 20, 2004 Meeting
Shall the commission
11. Authorize the executive director to sign a $1 million agreement with the state for funding of the Wood Stone Corporation project? The agreement with the state Community Economic Revitalization Board is for an $850,000 loan and a $150,000 grant. The loan includes a five-year payment deferral, and 1 percent is the annual rate. The Wood Stone Corporation manufactures wood-fired and gas ovens (for restaurants) at the Bellingham airport. (Resolution 1179) Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.
12. Provide the state with proof of the port’s $3,564,935 commitment for the Wood Stone Corporation project? This resolution will provide proof of secured project funds for the grant and a loan listed in vote 11. (Resolution 1182) Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.
13. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $500,000 loan from Whatcom County to help fund the Wood Stone Corporation project? The loan is from the Economic Development Investment Program for 15 years at 1.5 percent. The annual payment will be $37,472. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.
14. Transfer the lease for warehouse space from Aqua Clean Ships to Wise Enterprises of Bellingham? Wise Enterprises, a residential developer, is buying the building at the Bellingham International Airport from Aqua, as part of its expansion. Wise will use the building for storing and assembling building materials. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.
Action Taken at February 3, 2004 Meeting
Shall the commission:
15. Authorize the executive director to apply for a state grant to help fund the Marine Park project? The request is for $50,000, with an option for an additional $50,000. The Marine Park beach access and habitat restoration project will remove all manmade material and build a coble stone beachhead with a sand area behind it so that the water will be more accessible. (Resolution 1186) Approved 3-0
16. Modify the port’s petty cash fund? The accounting office fund will increase by $200, the airport decreased by $100, and the port wide fund increase by $300. (Resolution 1187) Approved 3-0
17. Authorize the sale of two vessels seized for the nonpayment of moorage fees? The Round Gold, a 55-foot commercial open workboat, owes $4,600 and the John Parker, a 26-foot sailboat, owes $1,536. The auction is set for February 26, 2004. Approved 3-0
18. Authorize the executive director to enter into a second amended contract with Geiger Engineers of Bellingham for the Gate 2 boatyard? The original contract for $51,070 (7/2/02, vote 65) was for bulkhead repairs, the first amended contract for $11,000 (7/1/03, vote 56) was for work on the pier and replacing timbers. The second amendment is for $7,500 to review shop drawings that require engineers; another review for welding procedures is anticipated; design specifications and an anchoring system certification will also be needed. Approved 3-0
Shall the commission:
19. Authorize the executive director to modify the lease agreement with the city of Bellingham for a pair of single mode fiber? This lease is for the fiber running from the Harbor Center Building to the Fibercloud Data Center in the Nelson Building, until December 31, 2004. The port generates $90 monthly from this lease. Approved 3-0
20. Allow Scott and Mary Walker Enterprises to transfer its Squalicum Harbor lease to Dan and Patricia James? The Walkers are selling Seawind Canvas and Sail to the Jameses. The Scott Walker in this matter is not the port commissioner Scott Walker. Approved 3-0
21. Authorize the executive director to pay $71,042 to Whatcom County for the port’s share of the 2003 election costs? The county auditor determined that the port owed 33.5 percent of the primary election costs ($47,208) and 12 percent of the general election costs ($23,834). Approved 3-0
22. Authorize the executive director to renew a contract with Fire District 8 for their services at the Bellingham International Airport? The contract covers fire protection, emergency medical services and crash support. The three-year agreement starts January 1, 2004 and is automatically renewable. The contract will increase from $12,000 per year to $25,000. Approved 3-0
23. Modify the license with the U.S. Government for expenses associated with x-ray machines? The Transportation Security Administration is requesting three changes in the agreement that clarifies how the port will be reimbursed for space, utilities and janitorial expenses associated with the x-ray machine at the Bellingham International Airport. The port currently receives $508 per month. Approved 3-0
24. Authorize the executive director to sign an $84,409 contract with Cayman Construction of Bow for improvements to the Transportation Security Administration’s offices at Bellingham International Airport? The improvement costs will be added to the monthly rent and paid back over 10 months starting in January 2004. Approved 3-0
25. Modify the agreement with Whatcom County on phase 2 of the Blaine Harbor pilot project? The port will pay an additional $1,500 and the county $20,000 to determine the impact of bird populations on water quality in the harbor. Monitoring shows high levels of fecal coliform in the harbor. The port has been successful in cleaning up several major sources of contamination in the harbor and the state Department of Health may remove part of its shellfish harvesting prohibition. Approved 3-0. §
