Port 2 to inherit Park & Rec office

Port District No. 2 should soon inherit the office it has used for decades and which belongs to the Skamokawa Park and Recreation District.

The only remaining Park and Recreation Commissioner, James (Sunrise) Fletcher on Tuesday told Port 2 commissioners he had set up a meeting next Wednesday, 7 p.m., in the park office to dissolve the park and recreation district and transfer its assets to the port district.

The district was formed at the same time the port district formed, he said, specifically to host and operate the Skamokawa Library, as the port district felt a library was outside of its scope of operations.

The district obtained a small building, which became the library and port office. The library has closed, and the port has been renting the space. People long ago lost interest in having the district, Fletcher said.

"In terms of the building, who uses it," he asked. "You do! Let's call it what it is--yours."

Fletcher said he has been working with the county prosecuting attorney to dissolve the district and transfer the property.

Financial matters have hastened the transfer. The district has fallen behind in its payments to the Skamokawa Sewer and Water District. The port has been saving the warrants it prepared as rent for the office, and Port Manager Bob Robinson said they should cover the delinquent payments.

The sewer and water district had asked the port commission in November for a reduction in the rate it pays for the land at Skamokawa Vista Park which is used as a drainfield for the town sewer system.

After discussing the matter Tuesday, port commissioners took no action on the request.

"What I want is lower rates for everybody on the sewer line in town," said commission Chair Brian O'Connor. "If we're going to give a substantial discount, how much are they going to lower everybody's bill."

The lease agreement expires at the end of this year.

Consultant Bill Chamberlain reported he has completed the project of refurbishing the port's well and water system, which had fallen into disrepair.

The building covering the well and 3,500 gallon holding tank has been repaired, and he has installed a system of pressure tanks to keep the system charged.

The system will be brought online as soon as weather allows, he said.

The port is calling for bids for removing alder trees which are deemed unsafe, O'Connor said.

Bids will be opened January 3 and awarded January 5.

O'Connor reminded the commission that an alder went down in a storm last winter and hit an RV.