Port 2 questions agency benefits, membership fees

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 will hold a special meeting today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. at the Skamokawa Vista Park office to discuss refurbishing restrooms at County Line Park.

Port Attorney Tim Hanigan said bids came in over budget. Commissioners may decide to reject the bids and issue a new call; they may change the scope of the project, or they may seek further funding to pay for the work.

A contractor has already done some road work, created space for three new tent sites and removed an old storage building, Vista Park Manager Janet Bryan reported when the Port 2 board of commissioners met December 17. Workers also had to repair a pipe that was broken in the freezing weather at the beginning of December.

In other business at the December 17 meeting, port commissioners discussed benefits of belonging to two organizations and steps needed for dredging the mouth of Skamokawa Creek.

Commissioners questioned the benefits and costs of belonging to the Columbia/Pacific Research, Conservation and Economic Development District (RCEED) and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce, and Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen said she would consult with staff of both agencies and report at the port commission's January 21 meeting.

The RCEED has asked for an increase in dues from $100 to $500 per year, Gilbertsen said, which she called "a giant leap."

Commissioners Brian O'Connor and Lori Scott agreed.

"I would ask if they would take $250," Gilbertsen said, adding she would contact district officers.

The RCEED is working on a rural economic development plan that would include the district, Gilbertsen added.

Gilbertsen also commented that the port district has little to show for 2013 support from the Chamber of Commerce.

The district pays $1,250 in dues, and the Chamber has done nothing specific for the port, she said.

Attorney Hanigan commented that Chamber staff might say that the Chamber has promoted events that have benefitted Vista Park.

"I think we should contact the Chamber and say we want to discuss our contract," Gilbertsen said.

Gilbertsen also commented that the port needs to obtain soundings of the waters in the mouth of Skamokawa Creek in order to proceed with efforts to get the area dredged.