Port of Bellingham

Shall the commission:

33. Recognize William C. Taylor for his community service as chairman of the board of the Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council? Mr. Taylor is recognized for the substantial amount of time he spent away from his job in order to serve as chairman of the board. His perseverance and understanding of the complex issues facing the local economy was essential in guiding the development council’s reorganization. (Resolution 1188) Approved 3-0

34. Recognize the Wilder Construction Company for their community service in support of the Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council? The company allowed their chief financial officer William Taylor to spend a significant amount of company time working on the reorganization, and they also encouraged other businesses to contribute to the development council by donating $15,000 above their membership dues. (Resolution 1189) Approved 3-0

Shall the commission:

35. Authorize the sale of two vessels and the contents of two web lockers seized for non-payments of moorage and storage fees? The Buck N Tide, a 17-foot open skiff, owes $835 and the Sea Venture, a 27-foot pleasure cruiser, owes $1,217. The auction was held on April 22, 2004. Approved 3-0

36. Authorize the executive director to sign an interlocal agreement with the Whatcom County Council of Governments for a legislative specialist? The council of governments hires an Olympia lobbyist to obtain state funding for local transportation projects. Members of the council participate on a percentage basis ($7,301 for the port) in addition to their membership dues. Approved 3-0

37. Authorize the executive director to declare fueling supplies and equipment surplus? The equipment was purchased from Alpha Aviation in October 2001 when the port took over refueling operations. Bellingham Aviation Services and Bellingham Aero Aviation Services replaced the port’s refueling venture (11/4/03, votes 93 and 94) on 1/1/04. Bellingham Aviation will buy specific items for $8,516. The remaining items will be sold or disposed of. Approved 3-0

38. Authorize the executive director to donate unused fire- fighting protective gear to Firefighters Crossing Borders? This is a nonprofit organization that redistributes protective gear in developing countries where substandard American equipment is better than their existing equipment. The breathing equipment that no longer meets Washington state standards will be destroyed to prevent liability problems. Approved 3-0

39. Authorize the executive director to sign a $188,202 contract with the Whatcom Security Agency? The contract will increase hourly wages and benefits for security guards by 3 percent. The contact ends on March 31, 2005. Approved 3-0

40. Authorize the executive director to sign a $220,000 contract with PRR, Inc. of Seattle for consulting services on phase four of the Waterfront Futures Project? PRR, Inc. will produce recommendations on the best ways to develop property and businesses along the waterfront. Representatives of the Waterfront Futures Group, city of Bellingham and port staff used the “request for qualifications” process to select PRR. Approved 3-0

41. Authorize the executive director to accept a $135,000 grant from the federal government for security at the Bell-ingham Cruise Terminal? The grant is for access control (key cards, camera identification, etc.) and a video surveillance system to monitor remote parts of the terminal 24-hours a day. The port will provide $15,000 in matching money. Approved 3-0

42. Authorize the executive director to sign an agreement with Whatcom County Department of Emergency Management to develop a hazard mitigation plan? The port, county and the major cities are creating a single plan for the entire county to deal with earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions or terrorist attacks. Approved 3-0

43. Authorize the executive director to accept a $150,000 state grant to encourage public involvement in the Belling-ham Bay Demonstration Pilot project? The grant from the state Department of Ecology will fund a full-time community liaison position through 6/30/05. Approved 3-0

44. Authorize the executive director to sign a $63,635 contract with Geiger Engineers of Bellingham for structural investigation, permitting and design of a replacement bulkhead? This project is more costly than a standard replacement because a building and pier supports are in close proximity to the bulkhead’s supports, requiring installation without damaging the building or pier. This contract represents about 22 percent of the total anticipated expenses. Approved 3-0