PORT OF SUNNYSIDE
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING
Held January 04/06, 2010
The January 4, 2010 Study Session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Matson. The January 6, 2010 Business Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by President Matson. Both meetings were held at the Port of Sunnyside Administration Office at 520 S. 7th St., Sunnyside,
WA.
Commissioners and Staff present at the Study Session & Business Meeting:
Jeff Matson, Arnold Martin, Jim Grubenhoff; Commissioners;
Amber Hansen, Executive Director;
Jay Hester, Property, Development & Project Manager;
Vernita Coffey, Administrative Assistant;(attended Study Session) and
Steve Winfree, Legal Counsel
List of guests available on request.
The Study Session began with the swearing in of Jim Grubenhoff as a Commissioner for the Port of Sunnyside by Mr. Winfree.
Open Meetings Act: Mr. Winfree noted that the commissioners have had historical
business relationships which are not prohibited by the Open Meetings Act, but which should be
stated on the minutes as a public declaration. Commissioners Martin and Matson have done business with Commissioner Grubenhoff’s business: Harold’s Repair & Rental, LLC. Similarly, commissioners Matson and Grubenhoff have had an accountant-client relationship for many years. The business relationships will be continued, and the Commissioners acknowledge the business of the Port will only be conducted at open meetings and will not be discussed at their personal business meetings.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Amber Hansen presented a written report and the following items were discussed;(written report available upon request).
Ms. Hansen and Ms. Carter indicated that they would like to make a change to the payables operation by issuing payables on two specific days of the month. The check lists would be available at the next regularly scheduled meeting for signing. There was discussion about how it would improve efficiency and consistency of the monthly duties. Further discussion was tabled until a later date.
Ms. Hansen provided an update on the Wetland Habitat project and her conversations with The Corps of Engineers regarding a Project Partnership Agreement. Chris Behrens, Planner for Corps Engineers, is seeking funding approval through the Corps Administration process to move this project to the next step, which is final design and construction.
Ms. Hansen stated that she has submitted Commissioner Grubenhoff’s form to the City to be the Port’s representative on the newly formed Airport Committee. This should be approved at the next City Council Meeting.
PROPERTY, DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT MANAGER: Jay Hester presented a written report
and the following items were discussed;(written report available upon request).
Mr. Hester reported on the progress of the de-watering facility. The building is under
construction and scales installed. Photos of the progress were included with his memo.
Mr. Hester stated that the piping of JD 33.4 has begun. Yakima County has temporally closed Duffy Road for the first phase of this project.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Ms. Hansen indicated that the commissioners needed to sign signature cards for Banner Bank.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS:
Commissioner Matson suggested moving the Business Meeting time to 5:15 during the winter months through the first Business Meeting in March.
Commissioner Martin commented that he hoped we have a good year and that the economy improves.
Commissioner Grubenhoff stated that he is happy to be here and ready to go to work.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
ACTION ITEMS: Action items were taken on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, (unless otherwise noted).
The consent agenda includes the minutes of the Port Meetings held on December 07/09, 2009. Payables in the amount of $267,326.60 payable on Jan. 6, 2010 and payroll in the amount of $1,359.40 for issue on January 6, 2010, payroll in the amount of $20,767.74 for issue on January 5, 2010 and payroll in the amount of $19,499.67 for issue on December 18, 2009, totaling $308,953.41. Commissioner Grubenhoff recused himself from check #15384. Commissioner Grubenhoff moved to approve, Commissioner Martin seconded, motion carried.
Accept the Initial Offer of Financial Aid from CERB for funding the Midvale Industrial Rail Park in the amount of $275,000.00 and authorize Amber to sign behalf of the Port. Commissioner Martin moved to accept, Commissioner Grubenhoff seconded, motion carried.
NOTICE ITEMS:
Sunnyside Industrial Development Corp meeting with the City Council is January 11, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Law and Justice Center.
NWFPA Expo is slated for January 17-20, 2010 in Portland.
YCDA Extra Special New Vision Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday - January 21, 2010 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. and the Business Meeting was adjourned at 5:28.m., peace and harmony prevailing.