Port of Bellingham

61. Authorize the executive director to sign a lease agreement with Federal Express Corporation that includes an infrastructure improvement contribution from McMahon Development Group of San Diego, CA? Currently, Federal Express is located in an area that does not have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate development. The result has been a joint effort between the port, McMahon Development, and Federal Express to develop the area for occupancy. The project will expand the current Federal Express facility from 9,000 square feet and nine van bays to 30,000 square feet with 24 van bays. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

62. Authorize the executive director to sign a $1,682,821 contract with Friberg Construction of Ferndale for the Mitchell Way road and utilities extension project? The project is to improve the infrastructure servicing the 26-acre air cargo site for the Federal Express facility expansion project. The McMahon Development Group is contributing $600,000 for improvements in connection with the Federal Express Corporation lease. Alpha Distributors has chosen to simultaneously have the port relocate their utilities in the area and will reimburse the port $75,000 for those costs. The result of the project is increased inventory of shovel-ready land at Bellingham International Airport and expanded cargo facilities. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

63. Authorize the executive director to sign a $98,588 contract with Puget Sound Energy to install electrical service along Mitchell Way at Bellingham International Airport? This will provide electricity to the 26-acre Federal Express expansion project. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

64. Authorize the executive director to sign a $34,500 contract with the Anvil Corporation of Bellingham to inspect construction on the Mitchell Way road project? Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

65. Authorize the executive director to sign a $51,070 contract with Geiger Engineers of Bellingham for design and construction support services on bulkhead repairs at Gate 2? The project is the repair/replacement of all four bulkheads abutting the Seaview North Boatyard. The repairs will enable Seaview North Boatyard to become operational, performing contract repairs and providing space for do-it-yourselfers. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

66. Authorize the executive director to enter into a financial relief agreement with the U.S. Government for the port’s costs in fulfilling a federal directive? The federal government (the Transportation Security Administration, a new bureau within the Department of Transportation) has compelled the port to use the services of the Whatcom County Sheriff Officers at the passenger-screening checkpoints. This agreement, effective May 10, 2002 through December 1, 2003, will reimburse the port’s cost for the officers (currently running between $714 and $816 per day.) to a maximum of $790 per day. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

67. Authorize the executive director to sign a lease with Greg Beyer and Mirela Giaconi for a café at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal? They currently own and run Sandwich Odyssey and a catering business in Bellingham. The lease is for two years. If the lease remains in good standing it can be renewed for three years. The monthly rent will be $1,000 or five percent of the gross receipts, whichever is greater. The café must be open during ferry arrivals and departures. The contract can be terminated with 30-day notice. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

68. Authorize the executive director to execute a “free space” agreement with the U.S. Government for moorage space and 500 square feet of office space at the Bellwether building for the U.S. Customs Service? The port will provide the space at “no charge.” The marina’s division will absorb the approximately $1,200 per month plus mooring facilities. As a result of the agreement, U.S. Customs will designate Squalicum Harbor/Bellwether on the Bay as a landing rights airport for seaplanes, allowing declaration of goods and other services that only customs can provide. A customs presence on the waterfront will also benefit the general boating community and tenants. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

69. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $157,857 contract with Ebenal General of Bellingham for the Strategic Asset Alliance of Spokane tenant improvements and for and other work on the Bellwether building? The bid includes $8,632 for the work to be done at night, to reduce the disturbance to other tenants. The tenant has agreed to reimburse $18,000 for the costs over the allowance, leaving the port’s costs at $147,000. Early estimates indicate, once this project and ongoing infrastructure and landscaping projects are completed, will leave $25,000 will be left in the Bellwether budget. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

70. Authorize the executive director to sign a contract with Western Washington University and the Small Business Development Center to provide the services related to the rural business outreach program/business retention and expansion program? The contract is set at $80,000 per 12-month period; initially the contract will be three years. The SBDC is unable to meet the additional demands from Whatcom County residents and outside interests, resulting from the downturn of the economy, for their services. They provide technical resources, consulting and business development services to Bellingham, Sumas and Lynden. This contract will spread Small Business Development Center services to the entire county to integrate the business retention work into other economic development efforts in the county. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

71. Sell a seized vessel and items in web houses? The Caroline as well as the continents of web houses #224, #R, and #564 were seized for nonpayment of moorage and web house charges. The sale was held on July 24, 2002. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

72. Establish new rates and charges for electricity at Blaine and Squalicum Harbor? The old rate was fixed to the cost of the port at the time and requires a new commission action for every change the power company makes to its fees. The new amendment authorizes the executive director to set the electrical rates for each marina based on the power company’s published fees. Puget Sound Energy’s rate increase of 4.6 percent, effective July 1, 2002, will increase the moorage tenants’ rate from .06888 to .07205 per KWH after the next meter reading. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

73. Transfer $250,000 into a new account to restore the Harris Avenue shipyard site? The shipyard site needs general cleanup, disposal of miscellaneous products and demolition of the old main office. The cleanup will allow the port to maintain a cash flow for the site. The money was originally budgeted for infrastructure/economic development. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.

74. Authorize the executive director to execute an agreement with the Central Sprinkler Company of Lansdale, PA? The company has initiated a voluntary replacement program for defective sprinkler heads. The port has 25 of these heads at the WoodStone Building and about 700 at the Bellwether parking garage. The company will replace them at their cost at no fiscal impact to the Port of Bellingham. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton absent.