Meeting Minutes

President John Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:30am.  Kaj led the flag salute.  Guests included Debra Pitts, Walt Tichenor and Steve Berman.  The quote of the day was from Meniscus, a Confucian philosopher who lived from 372-289bc.  Adoption of the minutes was moved by Don Perry and seconded by Jack Glaubert.

Announcements:  Kaj, George, Phil and Maggie all reported on different parts of the Commissioners meeting.

Next Meeting will feature:  Doc Reiss, a local realtor who will talk about the local real estate market.

Program

Andrew introduced Alan Cook, Vice President of Icicle Seafood, a Seattle based company.  Alan said the company is one of five in the state and has been in the area for 30 years, has ten employees and produces over five million pounds of fish per year and spends $1.1 million locally on supplies and equipment.  He said the pens will be moved to make room for the US Navy Pier project.  Two of the largest vessels are 250′ long and 40′ wide which means they would be cutting into 20% of Icicle’s lease area.  The six knot waves could cause a collision of vessels and the pens.  Alan said a land based business would require many more permits and double the price of the fish.  The new location is away from critical habitat, eel grass, rock fish and since it is less than ten fathoms, will be away from the Puget Sound Pilot Zone.

New cages that are rectangular instead of round will be able to hold more fish.  A feeding barge will mean that food does not have to be delivered as often.  The food is made of fish and poultry byproducts and canola oil.  No hormones are added.  Care is taken that the fish do not escape.  Atlantic fish are usually not a threat to local fish.

Q & A Period

Tribal interests, fish processing plants, mitigation and Naval deadlines.

Meet adjourned at 8:30am.