Port considers future of marina storage units

After reorganizing the board, Wahkiakum County Port 1 commissioners got down to business last Thursday.

Bob Kizziar, who stepped into the role as president, praised Brett Deaton for his service in the position in 2018. Scott Anderson became vice-president.

Port Manager Jackie Lea suggested that the board reconsider the storage units on port property.

"We make about $26,000 a year on the storage units," she said, acknowledging that there was a waiting list.

"It's a good income," Deaton said, "steady."

"It's also some prime property," Anderson countered.

Several ideas were discussed, including relocating the structure to the rock pit, or turning it into more attractive store fronts, but the board came to no conclusions. Instead they suggested that Lea continue considering options and allow the public an opportunity to contact the port office with any concepts they might have.

Anyone with ideas for the storage units or interest in having a business at the port is encouraged to contact their office.

Dredging is nearly completed, according to the manager's report, and talk turned to leasing the dredge.

"It's a package," Deaton said. "The dredge, the boats, everything. I'm afraid if we didn't send them the boats, they would end up towing [the dredge] with who knows what. It is a difficult little piece of equipment to move, but that tug, it does anything it wants with it."

"Our crew would have to go with it, because they know it," Anderson added.

Kizziar suggested that they move forward with a description of the package, as well as costs, so they might be ready when an interested party approached the port to lease the dredge.

Commissioners approved a resolution for a new monthly RV policy which states that stays are limited to 60 days and could be terminated at any time by the port. The policy stipu-

lates that RVs must be fully functioning, in good condition, and no more than 20 years old, unless the manager decides to waive the age requirement. There are expectations for

occupants, involving conduct, maintenance of space, pets, insurance coverage and more.

The commissioners expressed potential interest in the Johnson House property if the county decides to sell it, okayed a request to update the restrooms below the port office, and approved the staff's plan to apply for a new spill trailer grant through the Department of Ecology.