Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am.  Karen Goschen led the flag salute.

Guests: Karen Goschen, Lowell Reed, Alan Coleman, Steve Burke, Greg McGary, Doc Reiss, Rich Erickson and Judith Morris.

John presented Stephanie Noblin, Clallam Public Eye, a goodbye card and gift.  He thanked her for all her work for PABA and for the community.  She and her husband are moving to Oklahoma City.

Minutes:

Edna Petersen moved and Sam Phillips seconded acceptance of minutes for July 12 meeting. Motion carried.

Harry Bell, Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, presented a draft letter to the Olympic Peninsula Collaborative about concerns for more representation.  Jack Glaubert moved and Sam Phillips seconded acceptance of the letter being written and send on behalf of PABA.  Motion carried.

Announcements:

• City Council Meeting tonight.
• Andrew May’s Corn Roast.  Please come to help eat 1,001 ears of corn and 34 pizzas, etc.
• Debbie Spinks and Matthew Rainwater, who will be on KONP, talked about their efforts for “Pennies For Quarters”.  The project hopes to provide transitional housing and counseling for veterans.

Program

Andrew said the Port of Port Angeles is the largest cog on the Peninsula for new jobs and direction.  He introduced the days’ speaker, new Port of Port Angeles Executive Director, Karen Goschen, who summarized her qualifications and interests for the position.  She was raised in a small farming town in Illinois, so picked Sequim because of its size.  Her background as a CFO and consultant for profit and non-profit businesses and interests in animals, violence and children made her decide she would like to try the Port position.  She feels she can bring passion, tolerance and direction to the job. Karen sees the Port as being business friendly, creative and an entity that wants to return financially to the community.

AIRLINE:  Two possible airlines are being considered.  The first is the one that filed for bankruptcy last year but is coming out of it now.  The second one is going through reorganization, so it will be 2-3 months before anything is known, and 6-9 months before anything happens.  The Port of Seattle is still willing to waive landing fees and provide terminal access.  A recent grant of $200,000 will be used to help attract an airline.

She plans to work with the Port Commissioners and has already established Monday as Port Day.  She will work with them to set priorities, take comments and work to agree on conflicting views.

Q & A Period

Why does some of our Property Tax go to the Port which is supposed to be a self-sustaining entity?  Why is the small boat docking area empty?  When will there be a fishing season again?  –  Property tax monies are used for capital structures.  Business can apply for part of $65,000 grant.  Port has no control over setting of the fishing season.

What is going on “on the waterfront”?  –  Port is working with the EDC, KPLY property and Marine Trade Park Plan.  It is now concentrating on a wash down facility that could be used by more than one business.

Why did the Composite Recycle Center not let out a financial or business plan?  Several in the audience questioned the lack of such a document since more financial investors require one?  –  The Port and Company did not want to let out information they are not supposed to share such as patents and licenses.  Karen said she would check with them about being a little more open on matrix and funding.

Where is the Port on the Lincoln tree problem?  – A new airport plan is needed even though the old one is not that old.  Controversy and risks arise because of potential lawsuits.  The FAA looks at it as runway vs. trees and since there has been a lack of public support in removing the trees, it has to stick with limited runway length and number of seats in a plane.

Can EDC and Port work together to grow and/or bring in business?  – EDC and Port meet monthly to discuss the businesses here and possible new ones.  There are no existing  businesses that could use the 100,00 square foot building that Westport will soon be vacating.

Would the new airline be able to clear customs and security in Port Angeles?  –  TSA is not now interested in having personnel in Port Angeles to handle the small numbers coming in.  Port will continue to work with the Port of Seattle of possibility of use of a van once passengers get to Seattle.

Upcoming Speaker

Next weeks’ speaker is County Commissioner Bill Peach.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.