December 2007
Watching Government
Port of Bellingham
Compiled by Marcia Guderian
Action Taken at September 18, 2007 Meeting
Shall the commission:
108. Authorize the executive director to enter into an agreement with the federal government for the installation of two explosive detection scanners? The scanners will be used at the Bellingham airport to inspect checked baggage. Currently, the baggage is checked manually. The two machines will quadruple the number of bags that can be checked per hour. The federal government will own and maintain the equipment. Approved 3-0
109. Authorize the executive director to sign an agreement with Meridian-Pacific LLC of Bellingham for implementation of the cleanup plan for the Whatcom Waterway site? Under the agreement, Meridian-Pacific will provide access to the cleanup areas on their property. Meridian-Pacific will not be charged for cleanup costs. Approved 3-0
110. Authorize the commission president to sign a consent decree with the state of Washington for implementation of the cleanup plan for the Whatcom Waterway site? The cost for the design and cleanup of the Whatcom Waterway site, including the wastewater treatment lagooon, is currently estimated at $72 million. The cleanup includes the removal of more than 500,000 cubic yards of contaminated sludge and sediment, capping it in some areas and the long-term monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup. Approved 3-0
Action Taken at October 2, 2007 Meeting
Shall the commission:
111. Allow BP (British Petroleum) West Coast Products to issue up to $61 million in tax-free bonds to construct solid waste and sewage control facilities at the company’s Cherry Point refinery? (Public hearing held) This is the seventh time1 the Industrial Development Corporation board of directors has authorized Atlantic Richard and British Petroleum to issue tax-free bonds. This vote brings the total authorized amount to $280 million. (Industrial Development Corporation Resolution 65) Approved 2-0-1, Scott Walker abstained.
112. Support Industrial Development Corporation Resolution 65 allowing BP West Coast Products to sell up to $61 million in tax-free bonds? This is the seventh time1 Atlantic Richard and British Petroleum have been authorized to issue tax-free bonds to construct solid waste and sewage control facilities at the company’s Cherry Point refinery. It brings the total authorized amount to $280 million. (Resolution 1247) Approved 3-0
113. Authorize the executive director to renew the port’s insurance coverage? The $525,999 property and liability insurance package (10/1/07 through 9/30/08) will be with Alliant Insurance Services of Newport Beach, Calif. The premiums for 2007-2008 are approximately 2 percent or $11,242 lower than the same 2006-2007 coverage. Approved 3-0
114. Authorize the executive director to sign a $11,000 contract (amendment #1) with Hunnicutts, Inc. of Bellingham for the painting of multiple facilities? This amendment applies to the interior painting of Harbor Mall suites 17-25. The original contract for $53,000 was approved at the 3/6/07 meeting, vote number 34; this amendment brings the total contract to $64,000. Approved 3-0
115. Authorize the executive director to amend an application (amendment #1) for state grants to cleanup the Whatcom Waterway site? The port is eligible for state grants covering approximately 48 percent of the Whatcom Waterway cleanup costs. At the 5/1/07 meeting, vote number 66, the commission authorized the executive director to apply for state grants based on an estimated cleanup cost of $65,625,085. The new estimated cleanup cost is $72,223,587 increasing grant eligibility from $32,309 684 to $34,933,842. Approved 3-0
116. Authorize the executive director to sign a $142,530 contract (amendment #3) with W & H Pacific of Bothell for design and construction upgrades at the Bellingham airport? The original contract for $346,445 was approved at the 7/5/06 meeting, vote number 81; amendment #1 was for $34,000 and amendment #2 for $235,698 was approved at the 7/3/07 meeting, vote number 87. This amendment deletes $153,094 in tasks from amendment #2 and adds design and construction of new hardstands, design and construction of runway repairs and jet blast analysis. This amendment brings the total contract to $605,579. The federal government will reimburse the port for 95 percent of the project. Approved 3-0
117. Approve a 21-month lease with Western Washington University for office space at 625 Cornwall Avenue? The lease runs from 10/1/07 through 6/30/09, the rent is $1,958 per month for a total of $41,242. Space limitations on the main campus is the main reason for the move; Huxley College, the College of Science and Technology, Woodring College of Education, Fairhaven College and the office of vice president of external affairs will occupy approximately 27 percent of the former port administration building. Approved 3-0
Action Taken at October 16, 2007 Meeting
Shall the commission:
118. Increase the financial compensation for commissioners from $500 to $700 per month? The commissioners also receive a $90 per diem allowance. At the 12/13/05 meeting, vote number 131, the commission raised their compensation from $200 to $500 per month starting on 1/1/06. This increase will go into effect at the beginning of the commissioners next terms. For district one and district two that is 1/1/10 and for district three it is 1/1/08. (Resolution 1248) Approved 3-0
119. Authorize the executive director to sign a $19,113 contract (amendment #1) with Tiger Construction of Everson to perform minor remodel work at the airport terminal building? The original contract (Wood Stone improvement project) for $772,558 and a contingency fee of $65,224 was awarded on 7/27/06. See the 6/6/06 meeting, vote number 70, for background on the Wood Stone project. Tiger Construction will remodel office space behind the back wall of the ticket area in order to accommodate the new baggage scanners that the federal government owns and will maintain. For additional information on the scanners, see the 9/18/07 meeting, vote number 108. This contract includes a 20 percent contingency fee for a total of $22,935. Approved 3-0
120. Approve a lease with Tera and Ryan Lorimer (doing business as Sorella’s) for use of property located at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal? Sorella’s will offer baked goods, sandwiches, fish and chips, soups, salads, espresso and catering services. After the first three months, Sorella’s will pay rent of $700 per month, triple net, state leasehold tax, plus the costs of interior remodeling and fixtures. The rent will be $200 less during the winter quarter, and the lease may be renewed for three consecutive two-year periods. Approved 3-0
