Port 1 considers brewery site lease

Drop Anchor Brewery representatives left a Port District No. 1 meeting on April 11 without a signed lease, but with assurances that the port was committed to working out an agreement with the brewery.

Andy Lea, Richard Erickson, and Steve Sharp attended the meeting to represent Drop Anchor Brewery.

Port Attorney Tim Hanigan said that he and Sharp as the brewery representative had come to an agreement on a lease. He recommended the commissioners authorize Port Manager Jackie Lea to sign the lease.

Commissioner Larry Bonds, speaking over phone from his winter home in Arizona, questioned if a matter that was to be discussed in executive session at the end of the meeting might affect the decision.

Hanigan acknowledged that it might.

“I think we better pursue this other thing, at least get a yes or a no, and then we can go ahead and sign the lease. Two or three days can’t make a big difference,” said Bonds.

The commissioners then held a short executive session to discuss property acquisition.

When the meeting reconvened in open session, Hanigan explained “we had some issues that came up that we need to resolve on the port side. We want to make sure that it’s very clear to you that we are moving forward and will find a place for you in the marina on the port property. I don’t want you to worry, but it’s going to be a week before we can sign the lease.

“At this point in time, there’s nothing we can say further than that.”

“What happens next?” Sharp asked Hanigan.

“We will know our side by next Friday, so we will hopefully be letting you know by Monday.” Hanigan responded.

The commissioners approved a motion for Jackie Lea to sign the lease “at the appropriate time.”

“We’re still shooting for a Labor Day opening,” said Erickson.