Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Matthew Rainwater at 7:30am. Nathan West led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Motion to approve minutes by Jack G., second by Kevin Hoult. Motion passed.

Announcements:

Debbie announced EDC Annual Dinner award winners (City of Sequim, Hermann Brothers Logging, Olympic View Community Foundation) and Entrepreneur Workshops 3/16 and 3/28.

Pennies for Quarters fundraiser April 14/15 to build a tiny house hosted by Hartnagel.

Habitat for Humanity was given a membership certificate, accepted by Kim.

Jon Fager can create additional certificates for those who want one.

Guests:

Brad Griffith, opened Sequim community maker space to teach “ing” skills to share.

Program:  Dan Gase, Port of Port Angeles

Currently the Port has 17 vendors & the Airport Business Park, includes Barhop’s new three (3) year lease.

Airport revitalization is important for business recruitment, converting underutilized property into case flow, increasing the occupancy rate of Port properties and showing pride in ownership.

Some observations at other similar airports: yard art, playground, restaurant, good signage, walking trails, inches, viewing areas, clean appearance.

They have a multi-layered plan that includes rebranding with a name change to Airport Business Park from North Airport Industrial Park. Rite Bros. Aviation’s relocation project was a win-win.

Velocity fuselage was donated by Mel Rudin for the Port’s first yard art.

Charted sea lane is underway in the harbor which will put them on the map. Port has plans for a future seaplane docking facility. 400 people at a recent sea plane dinner reporting talking about Port Angeles and the FAA was here for a site visit.

Is lack of TSA a factor?  There is a pilot shortage; change in requirements, mandatory retirement, less military trained pilots. The Port has a “to do list” from major airlines to have in place to be ready for them to be here. They will listen to community demand before building small business facilities and will use current tenants as a lure. Westport is slated to move at the end of the year. They have a list of 400 potential tenants that fit criteria. Housing is important in attracting new businesses; there have been many new permits.

Rite Bros. currently serves the need for local travelers. Buying land can be a challenge, leasing from the Port can be beneficial for new businesses.

The FAA wants 500 operations, Port is halfway there, then the 5000′ runway can be funded. To refurbish would be $5.5M. Tier 2 airport currently provides disaster relief. Have 6300sf total runway but displaced total is less because of Lincoln Park trees. The City will allow continued topping off to protect 5000sf. Would have to have almost all trees gone to use all 6300sf. The FAA works on a 5 year plan, so would be another 5 years before they can be approached. The current runway is not in terrible shape.

Upcoming Meeting:

Mar 6:  United Way
Mar 13: Vertigo Marketing
Mar 20: Jim Buck, Cascadia Rising
Mar 27: Airborne ECS

Meeting adjourned at 8:25am.