Commissioners Present: Benye Weber, Bruce Bryson

Others Present: Jim Patton (Executive Director), Laura Blankenship (Port Comprehensive Plan Editor-in-Chief), Nathan Whalen (Whidbey News-Times), Amber O'Brien (Edwards & Associates), Karen Hutchinson (GFMG President), Tom Baenen (GFMG Treasurer), Richard Rhydes (architect), William Bell (KWPA Radio), George Buehler (Freeland resident).

Call to order: The regular meeting was called to order at 10:30 am by Commissioner Weber in the Island County Commissioners Hearing Room located at #1 NE 6th Street, Room B 102, Coupeville, WA.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

Weber stated that Minutes for the regular meeting of March 14, 2007and the Special meeting of March 3, 2007 (Comprehensive Plan) were available for approval and signatures.

March 3, 2007 Minutes: Weber said that Dan Sherman's name was incorrect in the Minutes; it should be 'Don' Sherman. Also, Ron Muzzal is an Oak Harbor resident and is not a Greenbank Resident.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bryson to approve the March 3, 2007 Special meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

March 14, 2007 Minutes:

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bryson to approve the March 14, 2007 Regular meeting Minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

William Bell - KWPA Radio re: Intentions for leasing the space at the Coupeville Wharf: (William Bell)

William Bell was on hand to discuss his intentions for leasing space at the Coupeville Wharf. He said that KWPA is a fully licensed radio station by the FCC. It is a low power radio station situated in Coupeville. It has been licensed since early 2000 but has languished for the past few years due to lack of business focus. The original licensee was Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) and the focus of that license was for arts and entertainment. Because of the profusion of cross radio signals on the south end of Whidbey Island, the FCC found that Coupeville was a good candidate for a low power station. KWPA has been broadcasting minimally and covering the prairie side of Coupeville moderately well. They would like to cover the water side of Coupeville as well. They are currently working with Ron Muzzal regarding the potential placement of an antenna on his property that would allow the radio station to have a full range of broadcast capability for Coupeville. They are also purchasing equipment that would allow the station to reach full broadcast capacity. They are hoping to be up and running within the next few weeks. Bell is interested in the space at the Coupeville Wharf currently vacated by Corroseal for potential use as a radio site. That site would provide opportunity for community engagement. KWPA is a non-profit organization and does not currently have money for ancillary costs such as rent and other costs associated with renting a facility. However, they plan to begin looking for community support and fundraising to help offset those costs. They do have a grant but that grant is only for the purchase of equipment and broadcast based fixed assets. The radio station has received an enormous amount of support from the South Whidbey community. They have already contributed close to $5,000 in funding to help support the local radio station. The programming opportunities for the station are enormous; they can broadcast local high school football games, public service announcements, live entertainment, various events, recorded music from local island musicians and more. Bell's idea is to transform the back portion of the Corroseal space into a radio station studio and use the front portion as a retail component for marine based sales for boaters. The retail shop revenue would help offset some of the overhead costs. Weber asked Bell if they plan to place any type of tower or antenna on the Wharf. Bell said that a small antenna would be necessary but it would be less than two feet in circumference. Bryson asked what power supply capacity would be required to support the station. Bell said that the station is a 25-watt radio station and that would require approximately 3-5 watts of power. Bryson asked if the infrastructure at the Wharf is adequate to suit the needs of the radio station. Bell said that the space was more than adequate for the radio station. He was excited that there were already three 3 DSL lines on the Wharf because one of his goals is to provide Internet based broadcasting. Bryson asked if the restroom facilities at the Wharf would be adequate for the radio station personnel. Bell said that the restroom facility would be adequate.

The Board thanked Bell for his presentation. Weber asked Bell to work with Port Executive Director, Patton, on a proposal.

MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC INPUT:

Public Comment: (George Buehler) Concern about the radio station: Buehler said, Nobody can argue that the radio station is a nice thing but it would be an absolute waste of a very unique property.

Concern regarding the Off Leash Area at the Greenbank Farm: Buehler expressed concerns with some of the changes that have occurred at the Greenbank Farm. He supports the Greenbank Farm but is not happy with the way it is currently being run. Buehler has seen changes that he does not like including the garden areas at the Farm. He thinks that they are very singular and uninviting to the public. Also, he regularly walks his dog in the off leash area at the Farm. Recently he and other dog walkers have been hearing that some of the Greenbank Farm people do not like the off leash area. He said that there are some very large garden areas that do not have any fencing around them yet people object to dogs running across the gardens. He thinks those areas should be fenced. He also pointed out that an issue recently came up concerning dog waste. He said that none of the dog owners are opposed to picking up their pet waste but thought that pet waste recepticals and bags should be provided. He is afraid that the Greenbank Farm Management Group (GFMG) will eventually ban dog walking altogether. Weber said that although she does not own a dog herself, she has watched her son's dog on occasion. When she has taken him on walks, she brings her own bags to take care of the pet waste. Buehler said that he and most people with dogs do the same.

Concerns with the GFMG: Buehler said that it was his understanding that the Port is the owner of the Greenbank Farm. However, he has spoken with several members of the GFMG and it seems that they think that they own the Farm. Weber said that the Port of Coupeville owns 151 acres at the Farm and 200 acres belong to Island County. However, the Port of Coupeville has a lease agreement and a management agreement with the GFMG to be the caretakers of the Farm for the Port. The Port pays the GFMG $45,000 per year for fulfilling that duty. Weber suggested that Buehler express his concerns to the GFMG at one of their monthly Board meetings. She also mentioned that the GFMG would be giving a report to the Port at today's meeting. Buehler suggested that when the contract with the GFMG has expired, the Port consider hiring a Port employee to perform the caretaking responsibilities at the Farm. He also suggested the possibility of adding a Recreational Vehicle park to the Greenbank Farm. Weber said that there have been many restorations, changes and improvements at the Greenbank Farm. The Port is very proud of those improvements that have taken place for the good of the community. The Board thanked Buehler for his input and comments. Hutchinson said that Mr. Buehler had never attended a GFMG monthly Board meeting or tried to contact them regarding his concerns. She would like an opportunity to speak with him about his concerns. She mentioned that Ace Hardware had recently donated galvanized trash bins that are now located in the off leash area for pet waste disposal.

CLOSURE OF PUBLIC INPUT: Weber closed the meeting to public input and invited the public to stay for the remainder of the regular meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Port Executive Director's Report: (Patton)

Boating and fueling activity: Patton said that there has been a small increase in the fueling activity at the Wharf. In the month of March $3,800 in fuel was sold and $841.00 was collected in moorage fees.

House Boat: Patton said that the Port of Coupeville is currently hosting a houseboat at its mooring floats. The houseboat was being towed from Lake Union to Victoria, Canada via Saratoga Passage and started to sink so it was towed into Penn Cove and secured to the Port's mooring floats. The Canadian tugboat left the houseboat and returned to Canada. Patton spoke with the Canadian owner of the houseboat earlier this morning regarding his plans to remove it. The owner informed Patton that he had received a cease and assist letter from the US Coast Guard. The houseboat cannot be towed until the owner obtains a marine survey and a Coast Guard approved tow plan. The owner has made arrangements with a marine surveyor, Mr. Ed Ehler, from Seattle who will be surveying the vessel and drawing up a tow plan. The owner is hoping to have a tug lined up to tow away his vessel as soon as possible. However, they will have to wait for a window of weather opportunity before it is towed. The owner has agreed to pay the Port the appropriate amount of moorage. Patton will keep the Board informed on the issue.

Dragon Boat: Patton said that the Dragon Boat Club has determined that it is too difficult to make arrangements for moving the boat from the water up onto the mooring floats. They had looked at a variety of options to accomplish that but none of them were satisfactory. They have now made arrangements with the Oak Harbor Marina and within the next few days the Dragon Boat will be towed to that location. Weber said that she enjoyed having the Dragon Boat at the Wharf and was sad to see them go.

DNR Lease for transient moorage: Patton reported that Don Olmstead, the Director for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Port management agreements had visited the Port. The Port has an excellent management agreement in place with DNR that runs from the year 1996 to 2026, however, in reviewing the management agreement in detail it was discovered that more than 22 years ago the Port of Coupeville entered into an Inter- Agency Agreement (IAA) with the DNR to permit transient moorage. Patton had never seen the IAA. Olmstead said that the IAA had lapsed on October 1, 2004. Patton and Olmstead worked to negotiate a new agreement and Olmstead will send a draft of the new IAA via e-mail, which Patton will then forward to the Board. Patton said that although the IAA had lapsed, Olmstead said that the Port has remained in compliance and could continue providing transient moorage. Patton mentioned that Olmstead would also be taking a very serious look at the various uses of the spaces on the Wharf. The Port must pay the DNR rent for any space on the Wharf that is used for non water dependant activities. The Port will not be required to pay rent for the Corroseal space until it is rented. The DNR has a very small staff so the Port is responsible for calculating the annual rent each year. Patton will keep the Board informed on the issue.

WSU Beach Watchers' display at the Coupeville Wharf: Patton said that he had attended last week's Beach Watchers meeting. They have been making good progress in getting the equipment ready for the marine display at the Wharf. They are waiting for a very low tide to hook up the underwater camera equipment underneath the Wharf. Patton said that there is a minus 3.7 tide expected on May 17, 2007. Patton pointed out that as part of the Port's in kind support to the Beach Watcher's, Port handyman Dick Tackett would perform most of the work necessary to install the camera equipment underneath the Wharf. Weber said that MRC member Ian Jeffords had volunteered to assist in any way he can.

MRC Displays: Patton has been working with Sarah Schmidt on the MRC interpretive signs that will be placed on the causeway at the Wharf. Patton and Schmidt will be attending the next Town of Coupeville Design Review Board (DRB) meeting on April 17, 2007 to obtain approval for the signage. Patton has briefed Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard and Larry Kwarsick who have both approved the same design that was approved by the Board. Kwarsick will be making the presentation on behalf of the MRC to the DRB. Patton will keep the Board informed on the issue.

Port office basement: Contractor insurance Issue: Patton said that Ken Cunningham, the contractor chosen to perform the Port Office basement repairs, found that his insurance would not cover work on public or commercial buildings. Patton received input from McDonald regarding an insurance broker on Whidbey Island who would provide the appropriate coverage. The contractor has now cancelled his old policy and will be under binder with the new insurance company by the end of the week. The new policy will permit Cunningham to work on commercial buildings, public buildings and private residences. Amended Bid: Patton provided the engineers report and the contractor's plans to Len Eserhut, the Coupeville permit official. Eserhut is extremely busy and said that if Jack Husband, the licensed engineer who gave the Port the original engineer's report on the basement, would vouch for the contractor's plans then he would give the Port a permit. Patton contacted Husband for an onsite visit to review the bid plans with Cunningham. The chemistry between Husband and Cunningham was excellent but, after three hours in the basement, Husband recommended alternative approaches to fixing the problems. Cunningham has now submitted revised drawings that he, Patton and Husband will submit to Eserhut. Patton was very satisfied with the new drawings. He said that Husband and Cunningham worked very hard to come up with ways to permantantly resolve all of the issues with the basement. There will be an increase in price from $9,000 to approximately $12,000 for the additional work. Patton is expecting an amended bid from Cunningham. Patton mentioned that Cunningham promised to do most of the work internally so there would not be a lot of machinery lying around in the Front Street entrance park.

Status of the rental space on the Wharf: The Board heard an interest in the space on the Wharf from Bell earlier in the meeting. Patton has also been working with David Day who had made an expression of interest for using the space at the Wharf for a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) at the last regular Port meeting. Patton contacted Mrs. Betty Renkor at the Department of Ecology (DOE) regarding the potential use of that space for a B&B. She indicated that the DOE would probably not support a proposal for a B&B at the Wharf. Patton shared that information with Larry Kwarsick who had been planning to speak to the DOE on behalf of Day's proposal. Patton said that Renkor planned to visit Coupeville to look at the Wharf and he would set up a meeting between her and Kwarsick and Day and himself. Meanwhile, he said, the space at the Wharf is still being advertised in the local papers.

Status of Greenbank Estuary Project: Patton said that the Greenbank Beach and Boat Club (GBBC) still did not have a reading from the GBBC members as to whether there is a consensus to support a feasibility stud. They are looking for a return on the ballot by April 14, 2007. Patton will keep the Board informed on the issue.

Schedule for Completion of the Comprehensive Plan: Patton suggested that because McDonald was on vacation this month, the Board delay adoption of the Comprehensive Plan until the May 9, 2007 regular Port meeting so that all Commissioners would be present. The Board concurred. Patton said that the Board would need to schedule a special meeting before the May 9th regular meeting to review all of the public input that has been received. Patton said that Blankenship had prepared a catalog of all of the public input that has been received. Patton asked if the Board would be available for a special meeting on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 4:00 pm at the Whidbey General Hospital Boardroom. Weber and Bryson said that they would be available that day. Patton would check with McDonald to find out her availability. Patton would also advertise the special meeting in the local newspapers. The Board did not want to allow any additional public input at the special meeting. Patton said that would be made clear in the agenda. Patton said that an April 25, 2007 special meeting would allow enough time to make any changes resulting from decisions made by the Board and have the final draft printed for adoption and signature at the May 9, 2007 regular Port meeting. Patton mentioned that Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard and Island County Commissioner Mike Shelton have both promised to submit their input to the Port by the end of this week. Schedule for Adoption of the Bylaws: Patton suggested that the adoption of Bylaws be tabled until the next regular Port meeting on May 9, 2007 so that all three Commissioners would be present. The Board concurred and tabled adoption of the Bylaws until the May 9, 2007 regular Port meeting. Weber said that it was very important that any changes made to the existing bylaws be dated. Patton said that both Port's run their meetings similarly but one difference was that the Port of South Whidbey begins each of its meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Our Board could take the opportunity while amending the bylaws to consider whether or not they would like to start doing that at our meetings.

Schedule for Adoption of the Amended 2007 Budget: Patton said that several changes in the Port's finances have occurred that were not predicted when the budget for 2007 was adopted in October, 2007. These changes are significant enough to warrant amending the budget. One of the changes is that the Port will not be receiving as much money from the levy as originally anticipated. Patton recently received the levy calculation sheet from the Island County Tax Assessor but has not yet had time to review it. He will review the document in detail and report any issues to the Board. Another change has to do with estimated fuel sales and the new fuel sales practices approved at the last regular meeting of the Board. Also, the Port provided an unbudgeted $6,000 for materials to rehabilitate the Caretaker's Cottage at Greenbank Farm to expedite getting a caretaker on the site. Patton will be working on an amended budget and will provide a draft amended budget via e-mail before the next regular Board meeting. He will present the amended budget to the Board for adoption and signature at the next regular meeting.

Greenbank Farm Management Report: (Hutchinson)

GFMG General Operations

Admin

April Board Meeting Thursday April 19th at JDH (open to the public)

Wine Shop Manager Recruitment in Process

Financials: Hutchinson said that the new accounting procedures were going very well. Bryson and Patton had reviewed the February 2007 financial statements. She mentioned that there were a few minor changes made to allocations since Bryson and Patton reviewed the financials. Hutchinson had a letter in response to the Port's March 14, 2007 letter regarding the GFMG 2007 reporting format. Hutchinson said that the Port's letter stated that Edwards and Associates has cautioned us (Port) not to accept any appendages to the actual expenses against the fee such as charges for in kind services. Hutchinson said that as a non-profit organization, in kind services are a big part of the GFMG financial accounting. She said that the GFMG letter states that they are using the AICPA standards of financial accounting and in particular standard #116, which deals with accounting for contributions received and contributions made. Hutchinson said that the GFMG monthly actual information would include in kind services and donations. It is important for the Port to see the equivalent value of the in kind services. If those services were not donated, then someone would have to pay for them. Hutchinson submitted the letter from the GFMG to the Board and said that a copy would also be mailed to the Port.

Financials

Hutchinson said that February, 2007 financial statements were submitted to the Port and had been reviewed by Bryson and Patton

Events

March 10-11 - Spring Flea Market

March 17-18, 2007 - Antique and Collectible Show

March 24, 2007 - Garden Faire

April/May - Sunday Farmers Market

April 6, 2007 - First Friday's at the Farm: Hutchinson said that as of April, 2007, there will be some sort of event held on the first Friday of every month at the Farm. Shops will also stay open late.

April 8, 2007 - Dan Karvasek Photo Shoot

April 21, 2007 - Greenbank Garden Club Plant Sale

April 28-29, 2007 - Burning Word Poetry Festival

May 5, 2007 - AAUW Student Art and Appetizer Show

May 19-20, 2007 - Almost Summer Flea Market

May 26-28, 2007 - Spring Release Wine Tour

10th Anniversary Planning is underway

Loganberry Festival Planning is in progress

Entertainment booked, sponsorships confirmed (The GFMG is very pleased that Whidbey Telecom and Whidbey Island Bank are full supporters again this year!)

Leased Areas

Volunteer Organizations:

Master Gardeners Lease is being reviewed by WSU

Tenants

Caretaker in Residence

Tammy Freil is the new Caretaker. She will be working for the GFMG doing various maintenance duties and she also works for Jan Gunn making pies.

Held alarm overview

Seeking new tenant for Tacky Ladies location

Special Presentation: (Richard Rhydes, Whidbey Island Architects)

Pro Bono Work: Rhydes asked that it be noted in the minutes that his company had arranged the permit for the replacement of windows and the maintenance for the Caretaker Cottage. The hours spent on that were pro bono to help the Greenbank Farm. The Board thanked Rhydes for the contribution.

Sign Proposal: Rhydes met with Hutchinson and Rob Hetler in February, 2007 regarding potential new signage for the Farm. There are a number of signs that identify the Greenbank Farm from the highway but the GFMG wanted him to focus on developing a concept for signage that would be the Farm's main identification at the intersection of Wonn Road and Highway 525. They also discussed erecting a structure to hold the signage that would reflect the character of the Farm. Based on that input, Rhydes prepared a signage design. Copies of the design were distributed to the Board. Rhydes said that the new sign would have two functions; part of it would be a public sign and part of it would be related to the private individuals that have businesses on the Farm. The goal is to put up a sign that identifies an entrance. This would be a two-sided sign that could be seen from both directions. They would need to haul in some fill dirt so that the sign would be elevated on a platform and much more visible to traffic. A cost estimate was attached to the design for a total amount of $15,246. Rhydes said that there is a possibility that some of that work might be donated or in kind labor.

Landscaping: Rhydes said that a Susan Lindsay-Cohen, a Landscape Architect who has been working with Hutchinson, had put together some sketches for landscaping. Her design included a pull out area near the signage to make it more convenient for travelers to pull over and take a look around. Another of her ideas was the construction of a pathway that would act as an entryway to the Farm. Her design would work in conjunction with the new signage proposed by Rhydes. Rhydes had taken an overall site plan of the Farm along with his sign design to Shelly Whitney at Island County. The County is currently reviewing the design and Whitney has indicated that she would take it to Phil Bakke for his approval. Rhydes does not foresee the Farm having any problems with obtaining permission from the County for this type of signage.

Sign Proposal and Port of Coupeville approval/involvement: Weber said that the Board would consider the proposal from Rhydes for informational purposes only. She stated that the Port would not consider any additional outlay of money until an amended budget has been adopted. Terms of the lease: Patton read aloud the paragraph in the GFMG lease regarding signage. That paragraph does not address who should pay for signs at the farm, however, Patton pointed out that paragraphs 6 and 7 of the lease clearly delineate in detail what the Port will pay for and what the GFMG will pay for. If new signs fall into the category of improvements on the premises then the expense would be solely on the GFMG rather than the Port. If new signs are infrastructure as Hutchinson sometimes described them, then their cost would fall on the Port. But, he pointed out, the list of infrastructure in the lease does not include signs. Hutchinson said that she has read the lease many times. The lease states that the GFMG may make those kinds of capital improvements. Weber said that both the GFMG lawyer and Port's lawyer approved the lease. Weber is not willing to consider any changes to the lease or create additional attorney's fees. Capital improvement: Hutchinson said that the GFMG is proposing a long-term capital improvement to the Farm. The sign described by Rhydes would be an asset and an improvement to the Farm and is something that the Port and GFMG could work together to accomplish for the benefit of the community. Weber said that the Port could make a consideration for the signage if they had the revenue to do it. It is preemptive to come before the Board with this proposal when the GFMG knows the Port's budget constraints. The Port has projects in Coupeville that still need to be accomplished. The Port Commissioners, like the GFMG, give a lot of time to the administration and running of the Port and the properties owned by the Port. Hutchinson said that she had not asked for anything at this point. Port financial limitations: Weber said that the GFMG continues to submit proposals to the Port for consideration and then makes statements that the Port and GFMG need to work together. The Port is working to make improvements that benefit the community. The Port is the agency responsible for economic development, not the GFMG However, the Port has limitations on what it can do because there is not enough money to do everything. Hutchinson said that she would like the Port to consider the proposal and let the GFMG know if it is an improvement, and whether the Port will participate financially or not. Hutchinson went on to say that as the Port is working to amend its budget, she felt that it was important for the Port to know that this is an opportunity to improve and increase the economic development opportunities at the Farm and to give the businesses a better base for moving forward. If money is found in the Port's budget, the GFMG would like to partner with the Port on the project and be able to put on the sign Port of Coupeville property so that the Port is recognized for the ownership and investments that it has made at the Farm. Weber said that the Port had already made the provision to give the GFMG $6,000 for the Caretaker Cottage repairs, which was important for security at the Farm. The Port must prioritize projects because there is not enough money in the budget to accomplish all of them. Consideration of the sign concept: Bryson liked the concept and said that there is a need for signage at the Farm. He thought that the Port should take the design and concept into consideration. Although the Port may not be able to contribute financially to the project, he believed that is was worth warranting consideration of the Board. Weber reiterated that she would consider the design as information only at this time. Hutchinson said that assuming the GFMG obtains County approval for the sign design, she would like a motion from the Board in support of the sign concept and supporting the GFMG moving forward with implementing the signage project. Bryson was in favor of approving the concept for the new signage. Weber stated that she would not vote in favor of approving the signage concept at this time and if a motion was made she would not second it. Weber said that today was the first time that she had seen the sign and landscape design and would like to have more time to review it before making any decisions. Hutchinson said that they had shared the design with Patton and Bryson a few weeks ago and hoped the Commission would have seen it prior to today's meeting. Hutchinson said that with or without funding from the Port the GFMG would like to move forward with the signage project. Bryson said that he did not see any reason why the Port would put any roadblocks in the way of the GFMG moving forward with the signage project. However, the Port cannot commit any funds to the project. Patton said that the lease states that, the plans and specifications for any proposal, alteration, addition or improvement to the premises shall be submitted to the lessor (Port). The lessor shall have 30 calendar days from receipt in which to disapprove the proposed alterations, additions or improvements. In the event that the lessor takes no action within a 30 day period, the lessee (GFMG) may at the end of such 30 calendar days proceed with the proposed alterations, additions or improvements as if the lessor had consented. That means that the Port has 30 days from today to approve or disapprove the signage proposal. If the Port takes no action in the next thirty day period then the GFMG can proceed with the project as though they had approval from the Port.

Tenants

The GFMG is working with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust to accommodate their growth and wants to extend their sublease to permit them to rent space in the Jim Davis House.

The GFMG has asked for a Letter of Approval from Island County for use of the Jim Davis House for office space.

Summary of needed improvements & estimated costs ($2,500 - $3,000)

Review wiring/ensure code compliance/determine sufficiency

Install separate heat unit, operable window

Relocate door to water heater closet

Repair door jam, re-key the main entry

Payment issue: Patton began to point out that Hutchinson characterized these improvements to the Jim Davis House as infrastructure but infrastructure is defined precisely in paragraph 6 of the lease as roads, parking areas, water and septic facilities and systems … but Hutchinson interrupted him to say that that kind of capital improvement is certainly available for the GFMG to make, but it would not necessarily have to be at the GFMG sole expense. It is a long term improvement to the Port's property. She is fully aware of the Port's budget concerns and considerations. The GFMG is going to work the best they can to meet the needs of the Land Trust. She said that the WCLT has agreed to pay for/or perform the following work:

Remove wall between office and storage room, existing built-ins

Remove/relocate old plumbing

Install new carpeting/padding, new lighting fixtures

Paint

Facilities/Repairs

Master Gardeners Lease being finalized - expects the GFMG Board to sign it at the May meeting. Will need Port to sign the lease as well.

Playground Area

Caretaker Cottage Improvements

Completed Projects

New windows, vents, flooring, paint, electrical meter, yard maintenance, and more

Delayed Projects

Attic Insulation, wall insulation, gutters, driveway repair

GFMG Contribution

Donation of 200 hours of volunteer labor (75 professional hours - value of $4,500+)

Donation of Materials - Westcott Flooring - flooring materials, Kathy Habel - paint - value of $1,500+

Expenses Paid to Date: $500

Port of Coupeville Contribution

Expenses Paid to Date: $5,564.27

Final Invoice:$461.31

Total: $6,025.58

Barn Painting April 9/10 (Port of Coupeville)

Berm with Poison Hemlock (noxious weed) has been removed

2 hours of paid tractor work

Hank's time to bury and cover with plastic per Bill Stipe's recommendation

Other Repairs on the to do list

Door to JDH and various doors to Barn A need repair

Door Handle to Lobby doors of Barn C needed

Barn B weather stripping needed

Loading Dock Cable needs fixing

Request for baby changing table in restroom

Managed Areas

General

Fencing - basic repair work complete

Fencing still in need of major overhaul

Working to Integrate proposed new signage with farm landscape

Susan Lindsay Cohen

Sign at 525 and North Bluff Road has been painted

Agricultural

New loganberry area.

Final fertilization complete

New Loganberry starts ready for planting

Market garden area

Field preparation complete

Initial Crops planted and planned for this seasons Sunday Market and Loganberry Festival booths (including Loganberry products)

Alf Christiansen land request

Mowing

Recreation

Off-leash dog area - community group of volunteers working with Farm Operations Manager to set guidelines and incorporate fetch regulations as it relates to the Farm

New signs installed near market garden clarifying rules

New flags ready to be installed on hillside to mark start of off-leash area

Trash can available for disposing of pet waste, earth friendly

Trail mowing in progress

Picnic Tables are out for the season

Comments on the GFMG report:

Patton said that the chemistry between Port Handyman, Dick Tackett, who is painting Barn A and GFMG Handyman, Hank Vyrostek, is excellent. Dick Tackett needed a place to lock up his painting equipment and Hank offered a place in the tractor barn.

Special recognition for Hetler: Patton said that he and Hutchinson had discussed giving Rob Hetler some sort of special recognition for all of his help with the Caretaker Cottage repairs. Hetler acted as the ring master and spent an enormous amount of time at the Cottage during the repairs. Patton suggested that a letter signed by the Board and the GFMG be presented to Hetler in appreciation of all of his hard work on that project. Hutchinson said that she would draft the letter.

Signage proposal: Bryson said that he would like to apologize to the GFMG and Weber that he had not disbursed the signage proposal after it was given to him. Weber accepted his apology. Weber said that the GFMG signage estimate was for $7-10,000 but the signage proposal from Rhydes was for over $15,246. Hutchinson said that GFMG numbers were estimates and today was the first time she had seen the figures from Rhydes. Bryson pointed out that Rhydes figure did not include donations and in kind labor, which could potentially reduce the estimate. Weber asked that Patton make copies all of the information that was submitted by the GFMG for McDonald's file.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: The commissioners will provide relevant reports as appropriate for attachment to these Minutes.

Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and Penn Cove Water Festival: (Weber)

Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and Greenbank Farm Liaison: (Bryson)

Council of Governments (COG), Economic Development Council (EDC), WPPA Legislative Committee), and RTPO: (McDonald - on vacation)

NEW BUSINESS: WPPA Spring Seminar: The Board agreed that it was important for someone to attend the WPPA Spring Seminar. Weber said that she was interested in attending the seminar. Patton said that it would be helpful if the commissioner attending the seminar brought copies of the Port's new Comprehensive Plan. Bryson said that if Weber could not attend the seminar, he would consider attending.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS:

Next Port regular meeting: The next regular monthly meeting of the Port's Board of Commissioners will be held on Wednesday May 9, 2007 at the Island County Commissioners' Hearing Room.

Monthly Financial Status Report: (O'Brien) O'Brien submitted the final February, 2007 and preliminary March, 2007 financial statements.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bryson to accept the final February, 2007 financial statement as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Current Vouchers: O'Brien submitted vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW 42.24.080. She also submitted expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bryson and seconded by Weber to approve by signature the April, 2007 vouchers numbers #362 - 395 for a total amount of $29,810.06. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board, Weber adjourned the meeting at 12:40 pm.