Port 2 discusses gate at County Line

Commissioners of Port District 2 discussed issues with County Line Park patrons when they met Tuesday.

Commissioners also authorized Manager Janet Bryan to find a contractor to remove the district's navigation buoys from Grays Bay.

Five patrons of County Line Park attended the port commission meeting in the port's Skamokawa Vista Park office to object to port plans to install a gate and close the park at night.

One man said he is on call for his job and can be called out in the night. Another commented that a locked gate could prevent patrons from leaving the park in an emergency such as a fire. Others said the gate isn't needed to prevent vandalism, for there is little vandalism when there is a group of RV's at the park. They also said the locked gate could surprise a driver towing a long trailer who would find it locked, leaving the large rig partially stuck in the highway traffic lane.

Port officials had intended to use the gate to prevent vandalism and deter illicit activities such as illegal drug sales, said port commission President Brian O'Connor. However, he said, if there is no vandalism while there is a good number of RVs in the park, then the gate could remain open.

"We bought the gate and we're going to put it in," O'Connor said, "but we won't use it unless we need it."

The group also suggested the port establish a monthly rental rate such as that at the Elochoman Slough Marina.

In other business, port commissioners authorized Bryan to hire a contractor to remove the port's navigation buoys from Grays Bay.

In response to requests from Westend residents, the port installed the buoys several years ago to mark the channel from Deep River to the Columbia shipping channel. However, the port hasn't had the money, manpower or expertise to maintain the buoys, and they no longer mark the channel.

Port Attorney Tim Hanigan said that because the buoys are no longer an aid to navigation, the US Coast Guard has ordered their removal by September 1, or the Coast Guard will do the work and bill the port.

The port is advertising for a contractor, and Bryan hopes to be able to sign a contract next Thursday.