Port 1 acts on varied issues

At last Thursday’s Wahkiakum Port District 1 meeting, commissioners approved a resolution that will allow the sale of two abandoned vessels and discussed marina security, adding electric for a potential vendor and parking issues.

In December, certified first class letters with return receipts were sent to two individuals who had ceased moorage payments on vessels currently moored at the marina. Neither responded and according to Washington state law, the Port is allowed to sell the vessels at public auction. Port Manager Jackie Lea will advertise the sale.

Because of a recent spate of robberies, cameras will be installed at the marina.

“We want to have as much security as necessary,” Commissioner Bob Kizziar said.

“I agree,” Commissioner Larry Bonds said, “we owe it to our customers.”

A representative from a local restaurant has shown interest in setting up a concession stand at the marina and commissioners discussed a possible site that already had sewer and water but needed power. Uncertain of the vendor’s interest, the commissioners agreed to offer him a contract before moving forward with the addition of electricity.

“Why don’t we draw up a six month contract that would cover our investment if he pays his own electric?” Commissioner Gary Quigley asked. “That puts him through the springer season, the summer and the festivals.”

The other commissioners agreed. The port will contact Local Electric if the vendor agrees to the contract and wants to move forward.

The commissioners also authorized Lea to open dredging bids on March 22 and proceed at her own discretion.

The marina is busy during the spring season and the parking lot fills up quickly. Because of the need for space, the commissioners decided that people who live on their boats part of each month will be allowed one parking space. Each additional vehicle will be moved to an area designated by the port manager.

Fish buyers with their trucks and trailers will be charged by the space.

Kizziar made a motion to allow Lea to give raises of up to 10 percent to her employees in order to discourage turnover and provide employees with a living wage. Bonds shot the motion down, stating that such raises should still be approved by the commissioners. There was no second.

An 8 percent raise was approved for Lea, bringing her salary up to $52,592 per year.

“I want to make it clear that this is not going to happen every year,” Bonds said. “I think Jackie is doing a good job but I don’t want to set a precedent.”