———-January 12, 2022———-
First edition of the “Hot Sheet”
The “Hot Sheet” is a brief weekly synopsis of issues and decisions before the Port of Port Townsend.
Port Commission welcomes Carol Hasse. Pam Petranek is new chair
Carol Hasse was sworn in as the new District 2 representative of the Port of Port Townsend Commission by departing Commissioner Bill Putney III. Putney helped recruit Hasse, who ran unopposed in November 2021. District 1 Commissioner Pam Petranek was elected 2022 Commission chair. Past chair Pete Hanke of District 3 is secretary. Hanke noted his pride in having a female commission majority and a female chair for the first time in the Port’s 97-year history.
Putney’s last meeting … as an elected commissioner
Bill Putney III was lauded at the Commission’s Jan. 12 Workshop. Commissioner Pete Hanke said many of the improvements to the Port in the last several years are due to Putney’s “tenacity.” Putney said he would now return to his pre-election role of deep engagement as a citizen, work that earned him the nickname of the “fourth commissioner.”
Port receives clean audit for 2020 from State Auditor’s Office
Two officials from the Washington State Auditor’s Office reported the results of both an Accountability Audit and a Financial Audit for the year 2020. In both suits, the Port was found to have complied with all standards and laws. The auditors made a point of thanking Port Finance Director Abigail Berg for her timely and diligent assistance.
Pump-out upgrades sought for all Port marinas
The Port Commission voted to seek grant funding to upgrade and expand the pump-out capabilities at all three Port marinas. The upgrade, if funded by a clean vessel program with federal funds managed by Washington State Parks, would improve the existing pump-outs and add mobile pump-outs from dock carts and a port vessel. The improvements would affect all three Port marinas. The grant, if approved, would bring $176,000 for a total upgrade project of $234,822 over three years. The grant application was promoted by Jeff Kelety, a moorage tenant who also wrote the Port’s grant.
Commission hears report on Port’s strong financial position
Port Financial Director Abigail Berg reported that ending cash balances for the Port are on a sharp upswing. Comparing Nov. 30, 2020 with Nov. 30, 2021, the ending cash balance improved from $3.38 million to $6.92 million. The Port’s total reserve fund as of the end of 2021 was $2.38 million, reported Berg.
Quilcene moorage rates held at 2021 levels
Discussions between Port officials and residents of the Quilcene continue to be productive, Executive Director Eron Berg reported. As part of those discussions, Berg asked the Commission to hold the moorage rates at the Herb Beck Marina to the 2021 rates plus the 3 percent cost-of-living increase. The Commission agreed.
Sparks is Port’s new Operations Manager
Chris Sparks, who has directed the Port’s maintenance operations, will also become the Port’s Operations Manager staring Jan. 16. Until the end of February, Sparks will work alongside retiring Operations Manager Terry Khile to ensure a smooth transition. Executive Director Eron Berg said the appointment will ensure coordination of Port operations.
Time changes discussed for some Port Commission meetings
Commissioner Pete Hanke raised the question whether some or all of the Port’s monthly evening meetings – 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday – be shifted to 1:00 p.m. meetings. (The Port’s other monthly meeting is 1:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday.) Commissioner Pam Petranek was concerned many marine trades workers can’t attend afternoon meetings during the work week. Commissioner Carol Hasse agreed and urged more public feedback before a decision is made.