Port 1 commissioners discuss many issues

Commissioners of Port District No. 1 discussed the Washington Public Port District Omnibus Mutual Aid Interlocal agreement, the closing of Bottoms Up Espresso at the marina and the relocation of the RV sewer dump at last Thursday’s meeting.

According to Port 1 counsel Tim Hanigan, ports located in the Seattle area have created a master mutual aid agreement that allows ports to borrow equipment from each other and assist each other in times of need.

“For instance,” Port Manager Jackie Lea said, “if we had a major emergency down here and Kalama had cranes or whatever and they were in the interlocal mutual aid agreement, they would give us that equipment and probably send operators and help us get back to where we need to be to get back in operation.

“The agreement also has a section on billable hours,” Lea continued, “so insurance could pay back Kalama for loaning us equipment, so to speak. If they don’t charge us, then insurance won’t step in and repay.”

The commissioners agreed that a port their size could only benefit from signing the agreement, but decided to table a motion until the next meeting to give them time to read the document.

Denise Holt, the owner of Bottoms Up Espresso, has decided to close up shop at the marina as of August 31 due to a drop in sales. In a letter, Holt offered to sell her building to the port for $6,000. She asked the commissioners if they would consider decreasing her rent for the final two months of occupancy.

The port was not interested in purchasing the property, but agreed to charge her winter rates for the last two months.

“I say we should be nice people,” Commissioner Larry Bonds said. “She’s already lost enough money.”

An engineer's drawing is needed to move forward with the relocation of the RV sewer dump but the project has been delayed with contractors out of town or otherwise engaged. One contractor was contacted but, according to Lea, showed little interest in providing a drawing for the project.

“Gray and Osborne, the town’s engineer is requiring us to have a drawing,” Lea said.

After much discussion, the commissioners agreed that they needed a drawing but were unsure how to move forward.

Lea informed the commissioners that several bicyclists passing through had requested sheltered camping sites. She also shared that Port 2 had expressed interest in purchasing one of Port 1’s vehicles. After talking it over, the commissioners elected not to sell the vehicle.