Port of Bellingham

44. Annul the Safe Transportation Systems account? The lease was terminated on August 31, 2001. The delinquent amount ($7,631) less a credit for the state leasehold taxes ($695) makes for a total write-off of $6,936 and will be recorded as a bad expense. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton excused.

45. Authorize the executive director to execute an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County Public Utility District (PUD) for the sharing of telecommunications infrastructure? Commissioners Douglas Smith and Scott Walker voiced concerns about the financial viability of the PUD’s efforts in fiber optics. This lead to a proviso being added to the contract that the long-term viability of the port’s current broadband communications effort will not be compromised. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton excused.

46. Authorize the executive director to sign a $276,267 contract with American Building Maintenance of Everett to provide janitorial services over the next year? The port is extending the contract rather than putting it up for bid due to the favorable efforts (many were above and beyond the limitations of the current contract) dealing with vandalism. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton excused.

47. Renew and modify the lease with Yorkston Oil Company of Bellingham? The lease is for five years and rents shall remain the same at $12,559 annually with 3 percent increases in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The modification will add four five-year renewal options and an agreement that Yorkston will remove all unwanted equipment and personal property at any end of their stay as port tenants. Approved 2-0, Ginny Benton excused.

48. Certify the July 24 auction of seized vessels and storage items? A total of six vessels (Caliente, Silver Sea, Fjord Dancer, Farwell, Morning Light, Confidence) as well as the contents of web house #114 were seized for nonpayment of moorage and storage fees. A total of $11,843 is owed the port. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

49. Accept a $1,668,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for airport projects? This grant covers the relocation of taxiway B, upgrading the electrical system to bring it up to current standards, construction of a new taxiway and a tie-down area for eighteen single-engine planes. The grant will pay for 90 percent of the work. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

50. Award a $1,751,120 contact to Strider Construction of Bellingham for airport projects? The projects include the relocation of taxiway B, an electrical upgrade, a new taxiway and tie-down area. The contact includes 10 percent contingency fee of $158,556. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

51. Authorize the executive director to modify the lease with Alpha Distributors of Bellingham? Alpha will pay a one-time payment of $65,000 to help fund the airport’s new tie-down area for single engine planes. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

52. Authorize the executive director to accept $910,294 in state funding for the cleanup and redevelopment of the Gate 2 boatyard? The state has determined that cleanup of the former Weldcraft site is necessary under the Model Toxic Control Act. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

53. Authorize the executive director to sign a contract with the state Department of Ecology for their supervision of the work at the Gate 2 boatyard? Ecology will oversee the cleanup of contaminated sediment at the former Weldcraft site and a study to ensure that the cleanup was successful. The port agrees to pay $30,000 for ecology’s employees. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

54. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $2,733,175 contract with American Construction Company of Bellingham for the redevelopment of the Gate 2 boatyard? The company will install a new pier at the former Weldcraft site, do bulkhead repairs, etc. The contact includes 10 percent contingency fee of $248,470. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

55. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $139,500 contract with Landau Associates of Edmonds for the cleanup of the Gate 2 boatyard? Half the cost at the former Weldcraft site deals with the monitoring of the dredging, testing of the area after the dredging and habitat monitoring. The second half is a technical review of the paperwork before submitting reports to governmental agencies. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

56. Authorize the executive director to enter into a $62,070 amended contract with Geiger Engineers of Bellingham for the Gate 2 boatyard? The original $47,070 contract for bulkhead repairs (August 2002, vote 65) did not include work on the 150-ton travel lift pier (used to lift large boats out of the water) or the complete replacement of the existing timber on sections A and B of the bulkhead. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

57. Authorize the executive director to execute an agreement with the state Department of Natural Resources for the creation of a Marine Habitat Bench? It will allow the port to use dredging materials to create a two-acre shallow water habitat outside the Squalicum Harbor breakwater. This will mitigate the loss of habitat at the Weldcraft site. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker excused.

58. Terminate the original lease with Mount Baker Products of Bellingham (plywood plant) and modify the interim lease? The company agreed in early 2002 to make several improvements to their facilities. Upon completion of the improvements, such as the boiler replacement, the interim lease would become long term. The company has made good progress but has not completed two items (relocation of the propane tank away from the shoreline and paving a portion of the driveway at the water side of the facility). Because of permit problems the company has requested more time to complete the improvements. The port has agreed to the request. Approved 2-0, Scott Walker absent.