Port 2 commissioners set rental rates

Commissioners of Port District 2 on Tuesday adopted rates for renting their new building, held an executive session to consider qualifications for hiring a new manager, and discussed siting of broadband equipment at Skamokawa Vista Park.

The district has purchased the former Skamokawa United Methodist Church building adjacent to Vista Park and has been refurbishing it for use by the public.

Commissioners had surveyed rental rates charged by other organizations, such as Johnson Park in Rosburg. After discussion they agreed to rent the facility for $200, plus $100 cleaning deposit, for 24 hours or $25 for shorter two hour gatherings.

Wahkiakum West Telephone's General Manager Ken Johnson outlined the company's plan to bring broadband internet access the central and eastern parts of the county. Company crews will install fiber optic cable along SR 4 roughly from Ingalls Road to the Cowlitz County line and then head up Skamokawa's East and Middle valleys when they've found enough customers to have payback on capital, as Johnson put it.

The company would like to place a pole with equipment on the Vista Park property; it would not only serve company customers, but it would also improve wifi reception in the park, Johnson said.

Commissioners authorized Interim Manager Terina Davis and Attorney Tim Hanigan to negotiate terms with Wahkiakum West for action at the commission's May meeting.

Commissioners held an executive session to consider applications for port manager. When the board reconvened, they approved a 15% raise for the interim manager and decided to interview a candidate for the port manager position.

Davis has been interim manager since January, when former Manager Jeff Smith resigned.