January 2009
Watching Government
Port of Bellingham Commission
Action Taken at November 4, 2008 Meeting
Shall the commission:
123. Authorize the executive director to sign an $81,500 contract (amendment #1) with Landau Associates of Edmonds to finalize the remedial investigation/feasibility study at the Cornwall Avenue landfill site? The Cornwall Avenue landfill is located at the foot of Cornwall Avenue. The original contract was signed at the 7/3/07 meeting, vote number 85, for $67,430. The costs will be divided between the port 12.5 percent, the state 12.5 percent and city of Bellingham 75 percent. The total contract is $148,930. Approved 3-0
124. Authorize the executive director to apply for a state grant increase (amendment #4) of $40,000 for the remedial investigation/feasibility study at the Cornwall Avenue landfill site? The total cost of the project is estimated at $200,500. This would bring the state grant total to $90,000. Approved 3-0
125. Authorize the executive director to sign a $15,028 revised contract with General Construction Company of Everett for Squalicum Harbor work? At the 9/2/08 meeting, vote number 110, General Construction was awarded a contract for pier repairs at the Bellingham shipping terminal. This revised contract is for removing and replacing two timber fender piles damaged by a boat fire at Gate 6. Rather than going out for a separate bid, this route seemed the least expensive. This revised contact brings the total to $363,028. Approved 3-0
126. Authorize the executive director to apply for a $193,000 state grant for the Harris Avenue shipyard site? At the 5/6/08 meeting, vote number 66, the commission authorized a $359,458 contract for a remedial investigation/feasibility study of uplands and aquatic lands at the Harris Avenue shipyard. The total cost of the project is estimated at $415,404. Under the Model Toxics Control Act, the port is eligible to be reimbursed for 50 percent of the cost. Approved 3-0
127. Authorize the executive director to sign a $31,735 contract with Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson of Sacramento, Calif., to conduct noise monitoring at the Bellingham airport? The goal of the project is to determine the impact that increased air traffic may be having on adjacent neighborhoods. The monitoring will include 65-, 70- and 75-day and night levels at two off-site locations. Approved 3-0
128. Authorize the executive director to sign a $26,125 contract (amendment #8) with Anchor Environmental of Seattle for phase II of the Whatcom Waterway cleanup and marina project? The Department of Ecology is requesting additional dioxin testing and the port is requesting a storm event assessment for capital costs vs. long-term maintenance costs. The original contract for $3,973,572 was approved at the 6/3/08 meeting, vote number 82. This amendment brings the total contract to $3,994,697. Approved 3-0
129. Authorize the executive director to reply to a “solicitation for offers” from the federal government for a 2010 Winter Olympics coordination center? The “solicitation for offers” is a bid for a potential lease. The coordination center would occupy 19,000 square feet of the International Trade Building at the Bellingham airport. The other 5,000 square feet of the building would be leased to others. If the building has 100 percent occupancy, annual rents are estimated at $212,760. Approved 3-0
130. Authorize the executive director to sign a $25,000 contract with Bellingham/Whatcom Technology Alliance Group to develop a professional/technical employment sector in Whatcom County? In 2007, TAG conducted a survey of technology-based businesses in Whatcom County. This contract is for a research directory that catalogues research activities and expertise of faculty and associates at WWU and local colleges, as well as private/scientific consulting firms. The 2007 directory will be undated and posted on the TAG Web site. Approved 3-0
131. Authorize the executive director to sign an unfair labor practices settlement and a memorandum of understanding with the International Association of Firefighters Local 3266? In March 2008, airport management changed work schedules for airport operations specialists from 12-hour shifts to 8-hour shifts. The IAFF filed unfair labor practice charges against the port over the matter. The documents settle the charges and set working shifts at 8 hours. Approved 3-0
Action Taken at November 18, 2008 Meeting
Shall the commission:
132. Adopt the 2009 operating/capital budget? The year 2009 begins with reserves of $19 million, anticipates revenues of $36.7 million, expenses of $36.4 million and end reserves of $19.3 million. When the county assessor provides a final property assessment, staff will prepare a modified resolution. (Resolution 1262) Approved 3-0
133. Adopt the 2009 property tax levy? The 2008 property tax levy was 33 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and the total income was estimated at $7,157,856. The 2009 property tax levy will be 32 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and the total income is estimated at $7,423,308. The revenue increase for 2009 is estimated at $216,214. When the county assessor provides a final property assessment, staff will prepare a modified resolution. (Resolution 1263) Approved 3-0
