Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Kevin at 7:30am. New US Citizen, Laura Ahlburg led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Jack G. moved and Matthew R seconded acceptance of minutes for August 29. Motion carried.

Jack G. moved and Dan G. seconded acceptance of minutes for September 19. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Kevin said membership certificates are available and anyone wanting one now can ask him, otherwise certificates will be presented at a meeting later in the year.

Kaj reported on Chamber meeting and the transportation tax. He said the tax would NOT include Railroad Avenue or downtown alleys.

George B. said bikes are still needed for those who cannot afford them. Donated labor will fix the bikes.

Steve B. said the North Olympic Technology Alliance will be meeting on Oct. 5 from 3-5pm.

Program

Today’s meeting featured Michael Cobb and Colleen McAleer, Candidates for the District 1 Port of Port Angeles Commissioner.

Both presented biographical and business histories and told what they thought they had to offer for the position.

Michael Cobb said he has been a business person all his life, was a University of Washington graduate in Finance and did a stint during the Vietnam War – in Iceland – where he served as a Finance Officer. There he handled and was liable for a large budget. He thinks his banking background, in Oregon and Washington, and his experience in selling and buying international manufacturing products will help him. Michael said one big thing in his life is to give back to the community.

Colleen McAleer, a US Army pilot, a Desert Storm Vet, a Property Manager and now a Port Commissioner thinks all help bring the experience and philosophy the job requires. She is President of the Washington Business Alliance and has helped not only move the Alliance’s headquarters Port Angeles but through it has brought in over $7 million to Clallam County. She is looking at the social problems that have arisen because of the ack of jobs – especially good paying jobs Her current position as Port Commissioner has seen the hiring of the Executive Director, work sessions, awards for hiring practices and security to the Port.

Q & A:

Q:  Airline Service?
CM:  Pilot shortage, price of tickets, use of Paine Field by Alaska and United Airlines.
MC: Would be great for those doing business here and out of the area! Concerned about ticket price and 75% load needed.

Q:  CRTC Financing?
CM: They have not asked for any more money and Port has not offered any more.
MC: Looking for a positive future.

Q:  CRTC. County residents are shareholders. Why isn’t here more disclosure information available to the public?
MC: Monies are coming from Federal, State and County so agrees that disclosure is needed. The rent holiday is up in 2018.
CM: Much of the money is from the State and Opportunity Fund. The building is owned by County so could be re-leased at any time. She feels that detailed accounting has been given but the press has not covered those meetings. All future meetings will be advertised. Grant money has meant 10 new jobs.

Q: EDCs role in economic development in County vs. Port’s role?
CM: Port has only one-half position for development. In the past there were 8 business lines and they focused only on themselves. EDC philosophy is now one of presenting synergistic relationships with the County. Port has given between $15,0000 and $30,000 to support EC work on growth of workforce and tourism.
MC: Port should do more to get businesses to move here and to strive to improve the quality of life. He would like to see more promotion of recreational boating and improvement of the waterfront. He will see that more grant writing is done in conjunction with the EDC.

Q: Future of the harbor?
MC: More waterfront access for barges should be considered.
CM: Port has bent $12,000 to help cleanup harbor. Would like to see topside repair, log export and wash down facilities. More cannot be done until there is a maritime trades expert on the staff. Timber advisory committee is giving advice now. A barge facility would have to pay for itself, have enough volume, maybe refrigeration and a dedicated facility. KPly cleanup and a wash down facility would be an attraction. The wash down facility does not have to be on the water line.

Q: Is Port selling property to make money?
CM: Would do only if situation would be in the best interest of the public, like with the Landing. John Wayne Marina brings in 100 jobs and $2 million, while PA Boat Haven brings in 800 jobs and $22 million, John Wayne is recreational – the “jewel of the County” but there are no plans to sell even though the Wayne family is looking to sell surrounding property.
MC: Marina are important and one part of that is the parking which can greatly enhance their use. John Wayne is the only access to Sequim Bay.

Q: Is there any possibility of a boat manufacturing industry on the PA waterfront?
CM: PA Boat Haven has 65% occupancy rate since recreational fishing and boating are on the decine.
MC: Make PA Boat Haven more attractive by getting rid of dirt from the log yard. Sailing out of the harbor is not easy.

Closing:

CM: Port is redeveloping Boat Haven area with stormwater system and with paving. She looks forward to an improved economy for those in low income brackets. Feels she has passion and compassion for kids and for the community.

MC: Thanks all for their thoughtful questions. Wants to enhance family wage jobs. Feels he had a good understanding of business finance and management and would spend resources widely.

Upcoming Meeting:

Oct 3:  City Council Candidates – Oppelt and French

Meeting adjourned at 8:45am.