Port District 2 OK's electrical expansion at Vista Park beach

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 on Tuesday approved expansion of electrical connections, removal of some trees, and purchase of small computers for commissioners.

Commissioners authorized Manager Janet Bryan to call for bids on extending RV electrical connections to camping sites along Skamokawa Vista Park beach.

"I think we are in agreement that this would be a plus for the park," said Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen.

Commissioners also authorized Bryan to look for a contractor on the port's small works roster of pre-qualified contractors to remove old cottonwood trees at County Line Park.

One old tree had fallen in bad weather earlier this year Gilbertsen said, and the other old trees are a potential hazard.

Commissioners discussed what they had learned about bidding at a recent conference for officials from small port districts.

Commissioner Lori Scott said one speaker spoke about creating a list of at least five criteria for bid calls. This would help the port make sure it was getting qualified contractors to bid on projects.

Attorney Tim Hanigan commented that the process works well for big projects but would likely be more costly than it would be worth for small projects.

Commissioner Brian O'Connor, a contractor, said the port needs to be thorough in developing project specifications and calls for bids.

"I agree 100 percent," Hanigan said. "That would be the best way."

Scott also said speakers recommended governmental entities such as the port supply small computing devices such as laptops or Chrome Books to commissioners and set up official email accounts for them. That keeps their personal email communication separate from official communication which is subject to disclosure under state public records law.

Commissioners authorized Bryan to purchase small devices for the three commissioners so they could follow the recommendation.

The board closed the meeting with an executive session to evaluate personnel. No action was taken after the session.