Port 2 fires manager, okays fees

Wahkiakum Port District No. 2 commissioners held the rates and fees hearing for public comment on February 16 and approved the rates and fees for 2010 as well as dealing with port and park operations.

Cape Horn resident Richard Erickson, who identified himself as a board member of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce and Lower Columbia Economic Development Council (LCEDC) and a local business owner, attended the meeting to commend the port commissioners for their hard work.

“Port No. 1 and Port No. 2 are so important to our economic development and things that the EDC and the chamber of commerce work on. Ports are the only public agencies whose primary mission is to promote economic development,” said Erickson.

Board chair Brian O’Conner responded, “As a port, we’d all be really welcome to do whatever we can to help fill the campground, that’s for sure.”

Manager Steve McClain reported that the commissioners should have received his performance improvement reports via email and reported that a local rock and asphalt company has expressed interest in purchasing sand from the port and that the company was testing the sand to see if it met their specifications. It’s a possibility that they may need up to 13,000 cubic yards, said McClain. The company would rehabilitate the grounds to prevent the creation of a pit.

“There’s no objection by the state to us selling the sand?” asked Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen, McClain affirmed her statement.

If the purchase moves forward, it would be later this spring but before Memorial Day weekend, said McClain.

He has received notification from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) that the agency has received grant funding to purchase property in the Grays Bay area, possibly including the acquisition of the Oneida boat ramp. The port had provided a letter of support for the grant application.

McClain brought to the board the idea of offering reduced group camping rates for a local kayak business. Gilbertsen mentioned other local businesses might be interested in partnering with the port for mutual benefit. No action was taken, but the board discussed potential requirements.

McClain updated the commissioners on the status of the Svensen Park restrooms. Water, septic, and electric are ready and all permits are in order, he said, but construction is not complete. McClain reported that he had gathered a list of volunteers to work on the restroom and is ready to bring them together for a planning session.

Gilbertsen proposed putting in a temporary portable restroom in anticipation of the upcoming fishing season.

David Goodroe, LCEDC director, asked to present an alternative proposal, a prefabricated concrete restroom with a higher cost but longer lifespan. Because it is prefab, setup time would be minimal after it is delivered. Goodroe suggested talking to Wahkiakum County commissioners about using money from the county’s capital facilities restricted fund to partner with the port district in meeting the increased cost.

Erickson was the only member of the public to attend the public comment hearing about the proposed rates and fees for 2010, but did not offer comment. The board approved the proposed rates and fees.