Port commission prepares for farmers market

The January Wahkiakum County Port 1 meeting began last Thursday with a reorganization of the board. Commissioner Brett Deaton was made Chairperson and Commissioner Bob Kizziar was selected to be Vice Chair.

Bill Fashing, executive director of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, was in attendance. He invited the commissioners to support the organization financially and by serving on the board.

The commissioners wanted to take more time to consider the matter. Fashing said he would return for the February meeting.

In other business, the commissioners authorized the sale of an abandoned RV and set the rate for vendors at the farmer’s market hosted by the port at $10 a booth or table.

“It will get them in the door,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said.

The market is scheduled to open on May 25.

A company that said they would be involved in the coming bridge project requested a staging area at the port from April 2018 until possibly sometime in 2020. Commissioners and staff discussed options.

According to the manager’s report, dredging has moved from the channel into the marina. The dredge has broken down a few times, and they had to replace the pump casing and an impeller.

Improvements and repairs continue around the port. Shower floors have been painted. Yurt doors will be installed this month and a contractor is building bunk beds. They plan to order some heaters, mattresses, new tables, and chairs.