Meeting Documents: February 8, 2017 Regular Commission Meeting

Port of Port Townsend
1st Monthly Meeting Agenda (click for meeting packet)
Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 1:00 p.m.
Port Commission Building
333 Benedict Street, Port Townsend, WA

I. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes – January 25, 2017
Approval of Public Workshop Minutes – February 1, 2017
B. Resolution No. 659-17 – Surplus Certain Items
C. Delegation of Authority Policy
D. Approval of Warrants

IV. Public Comments (not related to Agenda)

V. Second Reading
A. Proposed Rate Schedule for Marina, RV & Ramp Rates

VI. First Reading

VII. Regular Business
A. Integrated Planning Grant
B. Clint Thompson Lease

XIII. Staff Comments

IX. Public Comments

X. Commissioner Comments

XI. Next Regular Meeting:
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Port Commission Building, 333 Benedict Street, Port Townsend, WA

XII. Executive Session
A. Potential Litigation
B. Personnel

XIII. Adjournment

MINUTES

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2 Comments

Liz Hoenig Kanieski on April 1, 2017 at 8:19 pm

Commissioners,
After all of the comments and discussions you got from people about the rates and fees, And then in the mail we received notice of the new rates with absolutely no discussion about the rate increase or why the increase was needed. I can’t understand why you wouldn’t use this as an opportunity to discuss with your tenants why you increased rates and why was important to do so. Did you think people just wouldn’t notice? Transparency involves sharing info with tenants about why you made the decision, even in the face of opposition from tenants.

Port of Port Townsend on April 5, 2017 at 7:55 am

Response from Port ED Sam Gibboney: I appreciate Ms. Hoenig Kanieski’s comment. We are committed to improving communications with our tenants. That is why the Commission approved and the Port has recently hired a new position of Communications Coordinator. This professional, who begins work on April 10th, will increase our ability to provide more information to our tenants, patrons and the public.

It is important to note that the Commission discussed the proposed rates at two separate business meeting and held a special workshop focused entirely on the subject. Approximately 40 people were in attendance at each meeting. Each Commissioner made their phone numbers available and encouraged everyone to call them with comments and questions. Both staff and the Commissioners met individually with dozens of tenants and concerned citizens.

I met with various media outlets including the two local newspapers, and I appeared on the local radio show “Tossed Salad” on KPTZ. The Port’s financial position, it’s capital needs and how rate increases are necessary for the Port’s long term sustainability have been the subject of abundant media coverage. We received many comments from throughout the community. While support for the rate increase was not universal, neither was opposition. In the end, the Commission made a prudent decision for the long term financial health of the organization.

Still, we can always do better. We will be examining and taking better advantage of opportunities to communicate with our tenants, patrons and the public. Ms. Hoenig Kanieski’s suggestion is a good one. I hope to take advantage of using mailings, be it for notices or invoices, as an opportunity to further our dialogue.

Liz Hoenig Kanieski on April 1, 2017 at 8:19 pm

Commissioners,
After all of the comments and discussions you got from people about the rates and fees, And then in the mail we received notice of the new rates with absolutely no discussion about the rate increase or why the increase was needed. I can’t understand why you wouldn’t use this as an opportunity to discuss with your tenants why you increased rates and why was important to do so. Did you think people just wouldn’t notice? Transparency involves sharing info with tenants about why you made the decision, even in the face of opposition from tenants.
Port of Port Townsend on April 5, 2017 at 7:55 am

Response from Port ED Sam Gibboney: I appreciate Ms. Hoenig Kanieski’s comment. We are committed to improving communications with our tenants. That is why the Commission approved and the Port has recently hired a new position of Communications Coordinator. This professional, who begins work on April 10th, will increase our ability to provide more information to our tenants, patrons and the public.

It is important to note that the Commission discussed the proposed rates at two separate business meeting and held a special workshop focused entirely on the subject. Approximately 40 people were in attendance at each meeting. Each Commissioner made their phone numbers available and encouraged everyone to call them with comments and questions. Both staff and the Commissioners met individually with dozens of tenants and concerned citizens.

I met with various media outlets including the two local newspapers, and I appeared on the local radio show “Tossed Salad” on KPTZ. The Port’s financial position, it’s capital needs and how rate increases are necessary for the Port’s long term sustainability have been the subject of abundant media coverage. We received many comments from throughout the community. While support for the rate increase was not universal, neither was opposition. In the end, the Commission made a prudent decision for the long term financial health of the organization.

Still, we can always do better. We will be examining and taking better advantage of opportunities to communicate with our tenants, patrons and the public. Ms. Hoenig Kanieski’s suggestion is a good one. I hope to take advantage of using mailings, be it for notices or invoices, as an opportunity to further our dialogue.