– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – January 27, 2022 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Executive Director Eron Berg presents 2022 Port goals
At the Jan. 26 regular meeting of the Port of Port Townsend, Executive Director Eron Berg summarized 2022 goals that he has understood from previous Commission discussions. They include: The update of the Port strategic plan; evaluation of the winter season discount traditionally offered for the Boat Yard; lease policy related to selection of tenants and priority use for certain properties; a communications plan and strategies to maximize engagement; and further discussion of work yard expansion to the west of the Boat Haven.
Commissioners Hasse, Hanke, Petranek express their agenda wishes for 2022
- Carol Hasse wants the Port to be a leader toward a goal of net zero emissions by 2050; also fixing the Point Hudson jetty; and participating in improving the local picture for affordable housing and local farming.
- Pete Hanke noted the excellent improvement in the Port’s financial picture and sought continued focus on economic development in all parts of the county. He added that the Port’s 330-ton heavy haul out may need to be upgraded.
- Pam Petranek said she seeks improvements in Port customer service; a new look at Port access and parking in partnership with the City of Port Townsend; and a new look at the Point Hudson preservation plan.
“Busier than ever” time for Port staff, projects
At the Jan. 26 Port Commission meeting, both staff and commissioners noted the Port has many key personnel changes and a loaded agenda of projects. “There is a lot of change, structurally and organizationally, at the Port,” said Deputy Director Eric Toews. Among those changes: Longtime Maintenance Manager Chris Sparks has been promoted to Operations Manager which puts him in charge of both Operations and Maintenance. Terry Khile, the current Operations Manager, retires shortly after 34 years with the Port. Kristian Ferrero is the new Harbormaster. This week, Kimberlie Webber arrived on site as the new Environmental Specialist and is being trained by the departing Terry Taylor. Steve Springer is the new security guard. Sean Smith has been named the Yard Lead, and Dave Johnson has been named the Maintenance Lead. Three customer service representatives are also being promoted.
Delegation of authority to Executive Director Berg
Every year the Port of Port Townsend Commission hands certain responsibilities to its staff through a resolution delegating some decisions to Executive Director Eron Berg. One of those delegated decisions is negotiating short-term leases (one year or less) with business tenants. Commissioner Pam Petranek sought to have Commission review of short-term leases after the first year. Commissioner Pete Hanke sought to bring such leases under Commission review only if they extended beyond five years. As a compromise, the Commission voted for Commissioner Carol Hasse’s proposal for oversight triggered by extensions of over three years.
New equipment has arrived; more coming
The Port’s stronger finances are allowing it to replace aging equipment, reported Port Finance Manager Abigail Berg. Three new pickup trucks have arrived and are being outfitted for Port duty, she said. Five new computers are being networked for Customer Service Reps. A new Travelift is expected to arrive the first week of February – some assembly required! Looking ahead, Commissioner Pete Hanke expressed a concern that the current 300-ton Travelift is nearing the end of its useful life, and steps must be taken to sustain the Port’s ability to work with vessels over 75 tons.
Port receives $50,000 state grant to plan Boat Yard’s western expansion
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) announced Jan. 20 it has awarded the Port a $50,000 grant to do conceptual engineering design and environmental impact analysis of a possible expansion to the west of the Port’s Boat Yard. The project is in its initial study steps.
The “Hot Sheet” is an update of actions and issues before the Port Staff and Port Commission.