Port District 2 plans construction

Commissioners of Port District 2 planned summer construction and worked on administrative documents at their May 19 monthly meeting.

Commissioners Brian O'Conner, Kayrene Gilbertsen and Carlton Appelo gave approval to a plan still in development to install a park model unit for a new office and to undertake a major remodel of the park's older restrooms.

Marketing Director Karen Bertroch presented a rough estimate for the work, topping out at $115,870. Project funds, Bertroch said, would be $10,000 port money, a $10,000 federal grant, and a $100,000 loan.

Bertroch said she has sent out 540 surveys to park customers and has received 120 returns. Overall, patrons say they are very happy with the park. Their biggest concerns are the old restrooms, which they call dank and dingy, and the system for making reservations.

"We're doing the right things in improving the office and restrooms," she said.

Bertroch also presented a draft policy manual and said the commission needs to finish a job description for the manager.

"We cannot make any list of expectations for him without a job description and contract," she said.

The commission said they would schedule workshop meetings in the next few weeks to work on the policy manual and related documents.

Port Attorney Jennifer Hanigan said Washington State Auditors have completed their audit of the port books and told her they will have a finding that needs to be remedied. The commission will meet again this month to complete a response to that finding.