Port 1 discusses construction, fees

Commissioners of Wahkiakum County Port District 1 met June 11 at their regularly scheduled meeting to act on a variety of matters.

Port Manager Jackie Lea reported that revenue from rentals of the port’s vacation cabins has improved over last year.

“We’re already at 49 percent collected,” Lea said, "compared to the same period in 2008."

Two yurts are soon to be installed at camping sites near the marina’s fueling station. Port employees will work with Blix Construction to build platforms for the yurts before they are scheduled for pickup on June 18. The commissioners approved setting a fee of $36 a night for rental of a yurt.

During the public comment period, Town of Cathlamet Mayor Richard Swart spoke about the town council’s interest in partnering with the port district on a possible road improvement project to Third Street. The council is considering funding priorities for the future, Swart said, and the stretch of Third Street between Una Avenue and the Elochoman Marina parking lot is in need of repair. The council has received an estimate from the County Public Works department of $10,000 to apply chip sealant to the road.

Commission chair Brett Deaton responded that the commissioners would “keep the project in mind and discuss it. That road needs to be addressed.”

Commissioners approved a motion for Lea to begin preparation for a sale of surplus sections of dock currently owned by the port. Lea reported that she had spoken with County Building and Planning Department Manager Charles Beyer and learned that purchase of the surplus sections would need to be restricted to parties with an existing shoreline permit for a dock.

After considering a quote to add an additional 128 feet of dock plus two movable finger docks to the marina’s “F” Dock, the board approved moving forward with the project. “Now is a good time. If we wait, the cost will be considerably higher,” said Comissioner LeRoy Burns. Construction on the project will not begin until after November 1, when in-water construction restrictions meant to protect juvenile anadromous fish are lifted.

Commissioners discussed setting fees for digital public record requests but decided to return to the matter at a later meeting.

A survey of other ports in the state showed that many have not created a formal policy for digital records, said Port attorney Tim Hanigan.

Deaton noted that the newly-formed Cathlamet Yacht Club’s Memorial Day barbecue had 76 attendees.