PORT OF SUNNYSIDE & BUSINESS MEETING
Held May 18/20,2009
The May 18, 2009 Study Session was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by President Woodworth. The May 20, 2009 Business Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Woodworth. The 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:
St. Clair Woodworth, Jeff Matson, Arnold Martin, Commissioners;
Amber Hansen, Executive Director;
Robert Farrell, Port Engineer;
Jay Hester, Property, Development & Project Manager; (attended Business Meeting)
Gary Holwegner, Sprayfield Manager;(attended Study Session)
Travis Jansen, Maintenance Manager;(attended Study Session)
Vernita Coffey, Administrative Assistant;(attended Study Session); 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 provided the current status of the Engineering Report describing the approved scope of work that is divided into a total of eight tasks. He will present Tasks 1-4 and 6 in the draft engineering report/AKART analysis due September 30, 2009. Task 5 will be included with Tasks 7 and 8 in the final engineering report due February 28, 2010.
SPRAYFIELD MANAGER:Gary Holwegner presented a written report and the following items were discussed; (written report available upon request).
Mr. Holwegner requested permission to make needed changes in some of the sprayfield practices. The first being to harvest the alfalfa only four times a year. Through research he has discovered that continued harvesting of alfalfa before maturity starves the root and crown from replenishment of carbohydrates and sugars needed to push the new shoots for the next cutting, resulting in slower shoot growth. This causes less nitrate uptake, lower yield and ultimately weaker plants. Secondly, he would like the option to bale rather than green chop a portion of the second and third cuttings. Commissioners expressed their confidence in his ability and thoroughness.
Mr. Holwegner indicated that the interview process has been completed and the sprayfield maintenance position filled. He is pleased with the choice and that the individual is qualified, enthusiastic and began work on May 18, 2009. He noted that we had several good candidates to choose from.
Mr. Holwegner reported that the first harvest has been completed in fields E-1 and
E-2. He also mentioned that soybean seed has been purchased. The fields are being prepared for planting and weather permitting he anticipates the fields planted by May 21.
MAINTENANCE MANAGER: Travis Jansen presented a written report and the following items were discussed; (written report available upon request).
Mr. Jansen stated that the irrigation system on the Edison project is in and working. He and Ray have been busy putting some finishing touches on the landscape and all will be looking good for the June 5th event.
Mr. Jansen reported that he has been invited to attend the Regional Stormwater Group on behalf of the Port. This group was formed to comply with the Dept. of Ecology Stormwater permit and works under an Inter Local Agreement between the entities of Yakima, Yakima County, Union Gap, and Sunnyside.
STAFF COMMENTS: Ms. Hansen distributed posters advertising the upcoming Sun & Shine
Car Show during Sunshine Days, Saturday Sept. 19, 2009.
Mr. Hester reviewed the City of Sunnyside Planning Commission meeting regarding the airport overlay. This commission is diligently working on discovering the actual densities of the overlay zones. Discussions continue to cover whether or not they want to accept the required 1000' setback on zone 5 (area parallel to runway and immediately adjacent) of the airport overlay.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS: Commissioner Woodworth reported on the WPPA Spring
Meeting that was held at the Red Lion in Pasco. He indicated that he was able to visit with a number of attendees.
Commissioner Martin stated that at the WPPA Spring Meeting, he found the luncheon speaker on economics very interesting.
Commissioner Matson complimented the staff on how good the E. Edison property is looking.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
ACTION ITEMS:Action items were taken on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (unless otherwise noted).
The consent agenda includes minutes of the Port Meetings held on May 06/08, 2009 and Accounts payable checks in the amount of $284,234.58 for issue on May 20, 2009 and payroll in the amount of $19,701.16 for issue on May 5, 2009 totaling $303,935.74. Commissioner Matson moved to approve, Commissioner Martin seconded, motion carried.
Motion to reject all bids on leveling Field H as allowed in RCW 53.08.130, and direct staff to clarify project parameters and rebid. There is significant diversity between the 3 bids which seems to indicate a lack of clarity in the request for bid. Commissioner Martin moved to approve motion, Commissioner Matson, seconded, motion carried.
NOTICE ITEMS: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Executive Session was called during the Study Session by President Woodworth at 8:26 p.m. to discuss real estate as allowed under RCW 42.30.110 Subsection C. Session was expected to last 15 minutes. Session closed at 8:41 p.m. with no action required.
Executive Session was called during the Business Meeting by President Woodworth at 7:01 p.m. to discuss real estate as allowed under RCW 42.30.110 Subsection C. Session was expected to last 30 minutes. Session was extended an additional 20 minutes by President Woodworth at 7:31 p.m. Session was extended an additional 10 minutes by President Woodworth at 7:51 p.m. Session closed at 8:01 p.m. no action required.
ADJOURNMENT: The Study Session was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. and the Business Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m., peace and harmony prevailing.