PORT OF SUNNYSIDE
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING
Held April 22,2009
The April 22, 2009 Study Session/Business Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Woodworth. The meeting was 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:
St. Clair Woodworth, Jeff Matson, Arnold Martin, Commissioners;
Amber Hansen, Executive Director;
Jay Hester, Property, Development & Project Manager;
Robert Farrell, Engineer;
Gary Holwegner, Sprayfield Manager;
Travis Jansen, Maintenance Manager;
Vernita Coffey, Administrative Assistant; and
Steve Winfree, Legal Counsel;
List of guests available on request.
PORT ENGINEER: Robert Farrell presented a written report and the following items were discussed; (written report available upon request).
Mr. Farrell reported that Mr. Larry Dawes of Biology, Soil and Water, Inc. was on site March 24th to perform a survey of baseline conditions of the wetland in Field G. His recommendation is to not attempt to redelineate the boundaries of the wetland.
Mr. Farrell included with his report copies of the 2008 Industrial User Survey and Wasteload Assessment. These documents are required by permit to be submitted to the DOE each year.
SPRAYFIELD MANAGER: Gary Holwegner presented a written report and the following items were discussed; (written report available upon request).
Mr. Holwegner stated new automated valves in field F-S have been installed and tested. The remainder ot the sprayfield system has also been tested and is operable using the manual overrides on the automated valves. Next on the schedule is trenching and installing the wire and control panel.
Mr. Holwegner indicated that there are two power poles in Field H that he would like to have removed to allow clean up and planting of crop. This would make it more appealing for future sale and development. He has spoken with Benton REA and Pacific Power & Light regarding transfer of power and removal costs. At this time one resident is served by PP&L and we would need to inquire with them to see if they would be willing to switch to Benton REA.
MAINTENANCE MANAGER: Travis Jansen presented a written report and the following items were discussed; (written report available upon request).
Mr. Jansen reported on the progress of the irrigation systems and landscaping projects. They have had a few minor repairs on rentals to deal with due to the wind storms.
STAFF COMMENTS: Mr. Hester reported on the City Planning Commission meeting that he attended on Tuesday night. At issue is the airport overlay zoning potentially being too restrictive for the different properties. He believes it is the City Planning Commission’s responsibility to look at each overlay zone individually with an in depth analysis. It was suggested holding one meeting per zone and publically notifying those interested.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS: Commissioner Matson thanked Jay for attending the Sunnyside City Council and Planning Commission meetings on behalf of the Port.
Commissioner Woodworth reported that he had met with Dustin Kinley from the State Auditor’s office for the entrance conference for the Port’s 2008 audit.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Jim Grubenhoff, Harold’s Repair & Rental, complimented the Port on their efforts for the benefit of the City of Sunnyside and surrounding community. He stated that it wasn’t until he started to attend the Port meetings that he learned about some of the projects that the Port is involved in and their positive impact on economic development. He offered a big BRAVO to the Port Commissioners and staff for all of their hard work.
ACTION ITEMS: Action items were taken on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 (unless otherwise noted).
The consent agenda includes minutes of the Port Meetings held on April 06/08, 2009. Accounts payable checks in the amount of $222,160.61 for issue on April 22, 2009 and payroll in the amount of $21,803.04 for issue on April 20, 2009 totaling $243,963.65. Commissioner Matson moved to approve, Commissioner Martin seconded, motion carried.
Ratify Amber’s decision to work with the group of property owners to challenge the stormwater assessment and approve her decision to hire Mr. Carmody for legal guidance on this issue. Commissioner Martin moved to approve, Commissioner Matson seconded, motion carried.
NOTICE ITEMS:
Port of Benton Grand Opening of Wine O’clock in the Prosser Vintner’s Village, 548 Cabernet Court on May 1st at 11 a.m.
WPPA 2009 Spring Meeting at Red Lion Hotel, Pasco on May 13-14.
PNWA 75th Annual Mid-Year meeting at Campbell’s Resort at Lake Chelan on June 29-July 1, 2009.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Executive Session was called during the Study Session/Business Meeting by President Woodworth at 8:01 p.m. to discuss real estate as allowed under RCW 42.30.110 Subsection C. Session was expected to last 15 minutes. Session was extended an additional 5 minutes at 8:16 p.m. by President Woodworth. Session closed at 8:21 p.m. with no action required.
ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session/Business Meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m., peace and harmony prevailing.