Commissioners Present: Benye Weber and Marshall Bronson

Others Present: Jim Patton (Executive Director), Molly MacLeod-Roberts (Edwards & Associates), Nathan Whalen (Whidbey News-Times), Tom Baenen (GFMG President), Donna Keeler (Master Site Plan Coordinator), Sharon Hart (Executive Director, Island County Economic Development Council), Coupeville Residents: Linda Shafer, Harry Nevard, Long Bechard, Wendy Patton, and Bob McNeill, Oak Harbor Residents: Jerry Jones and Barry Wenaas, and Rich Turner (Greenbank Resident).

Call to Order: The regular meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Commissioner Weber in the Island County Commissioners' Hearing Room located at #1 NE 6^th Street, Room B-102, Coupeville, WA, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to modify the Agenda order so Policies, item 1. under the Port Executive Director's Report, would be moved to New Business, and New Business would be moved to directly follow the Port Executive Director's Report. The motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

Weber stated that the Minutes for the regular meeting of March 12, 2008, and April 9, 2008 were available for approval and signatures, but since Weber was not present at the April 9th meeting and Commissioner McDonald is not present today, approval of the April 9th Minutes was postponed until the next regular meeting per parliamentary procedure.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to approve the March 12, 2008, regular meeting Minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

Bronson noted a typo on the April 9^th meeting Minutes in the last paragraph of the 1^st page: it should read Native Plant Stewards; not Native Plan Stewards.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Request for permission to assume restaurant lease (Bob McNeil, realtor for Jester Blues restaurant owners): Harry Nevard said McNeil was on his way to the meeting but had not yet arrived. Weber stated they would continue with the regular agenda until his arrival.

MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC INPUT: Weber opened the meeting to public input. Linda Shafer introduced herself as a member of Artworks Gallery at Greenbank Farm. She made no other comment. No one else wished to speak and Weber closed the meeting to public input and returned to the public meeting

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Port Executive Director's Report: (Patton)

Boating and fueling activities: Patton reported April's fuel sales in the amount of $6,090 were surprisingly about the same as sales in April 2007, when fuel prices were almost half of the current prices. Most of the fuel sales were to the Mystic Sea and to Ian Jeffords of the Penn Cove Mussel Farm. The Mystic Sea will be leaving tonight or tomorrow since whale watching season has ended, so the two Mystic Sea signs will be removed from the fence. Patton said April's moorage of about $1,000 was also up from last year's $751. He noted that the raised sailboat is not being charged moorage yet. Inspection and repairs to buoy tackles: Patton reported that all of the buoys have been repaired and are ready for the summer season. Signs have been posted on the buoys with the following information: 1) Boaters moor to the buoys at their own risk, 2) maximum vessel length for buoy moorage is 32 feet, and 3) Buoys are identified as the property of the Port of Coupeville. Raising and proposed disposition of sailboat, Soul Mate: Patton reported that the cost to date for raising the sailboat, inspecting its two outboard motors (determined to be beyond salvage), and removing and disposing of over 500 lbs. of trash from the boat is $2,099. He referred the Board to their copy of the Notification of Intent to Claim. He explained a copy is posted on the sailboat and on the Department of Natural Resources' website. A copy was also mailed to the last known address of the registered owner, but it was returned as undeliverable, just as the original notification that the boat had sunk came back. Patton explained that the clock is ticking and after June 8, 2008, the Port of Coupeville can take custody of the boat unless someone with a valid claim comes forward before then. The Board will have plenty of time to determine what to do with it at that point, i.e. sale or auction, etc. Weber noted that Patton had suggested advertising the Notice in the greater Seattle newspapers. He said under Washington State law, the Port must advertise the Notification of Intent to Claim no earlier than May 19^th and no later than May 29th Although the Port is only required to file the Notice in the local newspaper, Patton recommends filing it in the Seattle Times as well, since the last known address of the registered owner is in Seattle. The Board agreed that was the right approach.

Status of Local Grown coffee shop on Wharf: Patton reported William Bell had opened the coffee shop and he is there 7 days a week. There was standing room only when Patton visited the coffee shop yesterday. Weber said Local Grown was a great addition to the Wharf.

Status of Comprehensive Plan initiatives:

Progress on the Marine Education Center (MEC): Patton said he had accompanied Don Meehan and Graham Johnson of WSU-Beachwatchers yesterday to the Coupeville Middle School, where they met with science teacher Liz Sherman, who provided some great feedback. Sherman would most like to see a virtual classroom at the MEC, and provided details as to what that might entail. She tasked the Port and WSU-Beachwatchers with finding appropriate docents, and noted that any individual working with minors would need to undergo a Washington State Patrol background check first. Patton said the next briefing on the MEC would be June 12, 2008, with the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce. After the final briefing, Meehan and Johnson will collate all the input gathered from the briefings. It is their intention to present the Board with a letter in early July with their opinion as to what should be done based on all the information gathered from the community at the briefings. Weber clarified that the briefings are for the purpose of gathering information from community stakeholders. No decisions have been made regarding the MEC, and the Board wants the community to be honest and straightforward in making recommendations and suggestions for the MEC.

Progress on the Greenbank Farm Conservation Easement: Patton said Michael Stansbury has drafted the brief to the State Attorney General requesting an opinion as to whether or not any port district can surrender any of its property and development rights under the law. The Board was enjoined to take that action by the State Auditor as well as Island County Commissioner Phil Bakke. Patton said he would go over the draft with Stansbury on Monday, May 19^th.

Progress on the Master Site Plan: (Donna Keeler): Keeler said the focus groups have been meeting monthly and will continue to do so until the end of the year, with the exception of the month of August. The groups have completed obtaining information from listening to speakers and are currently putting their ideas, concepts and themes in lists that will then be prioritized. Keeler noted the schedule had changed to meet the State Legislature's deadline for the Capital Facilities Grant opportunity. They are working with the focus groups to get a priority list done as quickly as possible so that one or two projects can be identified and applications for funding under that grant can be submitted. Weber asked which group was involved, and Keeler said the main group was the Commercial focus group but they are running it by all the groups to get their input as well. Keeler said the further they go in the process, the more cross-over between the groups is found. She said there would be a point soon when all the groups will need to meet with each other to share their ideas. Keeler said it is exciting that some themes are coming across on all four groups, such as low impact development, education, and use of the Farm as a community center. Weber said she was very pleased with the interaction of the members at the meetings she had attended. She thanked Keeler and said that she was doing a good job. Bronson said it will be very interesting when all the groups get together.

Port finances: Patton referred the Board to the email he sent last week suggesting that the Board would probably need to cut back on budgeted expenses for this year. Based on the preliminary April Financial Statement, it appears the only substantial budget item that can be cut back is in Construction & Maintenance. He noted that the 2008 budgeted amount for Construction & Maintenance of the Port office and the Wharf was $20,930, and the 2008 budgeted amount for Construction & Maintenance of the Greenbank Farm was $12,500. Patton said he and Bronson had recently walked around and inspected the Wharf and the Port office building. Patton noted that the steel plates and hoops that bind the fuel pier to the Wharf have deteriorated to a remarkable extent. He has asked a Mt. Vernon company to provide an estimate to replace at least two of the four sets of plates and hoops. During their inspection, Bronson demonstrated that he could easily stick his small pocket knife into any part of the west wall of the Wharf building, so it is not just a question of repainting the building but also replacing at least some of the wood. Although he hasn't asked for any estimates, Patton said his gut feeling is that it would cost well beyond the $20,000 budgeted. He explained that he is not asking the Board for a decision today; he just wanted to apprise the Board of the state of deferred maintenance. Patton said he would forward the Mount Vernon company's estimate for the fuel pier via email as soon as he receives it.

Patton said that rebuilding/restoring the Port's operating reserve is essential. He said the final April financial statement will show $83,000 collected from the levy, and the Board would need to save enough of that to get through the summer months when almost no levy money will be coming in. The only obvious area that can be cut is that of Construction & Maintenance. Weber noted that the painting of the Wharf was also postponed the previous year, so this would be the 2^nd year in a row. Bronson said the maintenance on the building could be deferred one more year because it is still sound, but the maintenance of the fuel pier cannot be deferred any longer. Weber agreed.

Policies re: Subleases at Greenbank Farm:

Adherence to exclusivity protection for subtenants: Patton noted that the Board had been rather informally apprised that one of the rental spaces in Barn C that has been vacant for quite some time has recently been rented to Rob Schouten. Schouten is an artist and intends to sell artwork there. Patton said he had received two telephone calls from two members of the Artwork Gallery at the Greenbank Farm. They pointed out that their sublease includes an exclusivity clause, meaning they have the exclusive right to pursue their line of business in those shops in Barn C. They feel the exclusivity clause of business protection may have been breached by renting a space in Barn C to an artist who plans to sell the works of artists other than himself. Patton noted that Greenbank Farm Management Group's (GFMG) President, Tom Baenen, and GFMG Treasurer, Michael Stansbury, were apprised of the issue by Bronson and Patton during the monthly audit of the fee paid to the GFMG last week and said they promised to work on it and be prepared to speak about it today.

Greenbank Farm Management Report: (Baenen) GFMG President Tom Baenen was on hand to answer any questions the Board had regarding the April Report he previously submitted via email and which is included in these Minutes as follows:

A presentation on Greenbank Farm's operational income and expenses was made by Michael Stansbury, Cheryl Sagmeister and Tom Baenen to the Port Master Site Plan Commercial Workgroup of the strategic planning process. A somewhat more in-depth Report will be made to the Port Commission later.

A presentation of Susan Lindsay Cohen's conceptual plan for the Greenbank Farm was made to the four (4) Port Master Site Plan Workgroups (Commercial, Agricultural, Recreational, and Natural Resources). Susan stressed this is only one of many possible planning concepts. The presentation stimulated a good deal of discussion. It made those present aware of the many facets involved in a strategic plan for the Farm.

Rob Schouten will open a Gallery in the vacant retail space in Barn C the first Friday of May. He has one (1) year remaining on his present lease of the small building next to the Jim Davis House. He intends to hold onto it for now. His tenancy of the retail space in Barn C is for six (6) months with an option to lease for one (1) year after the trial period. As of May 1, all retail and office space at the Farm is rented.

Market Garden contractors are requesting a longer than one (1) year term lease. The cost of building up the soil is a big consideration. GFMG will turn their request over to the Port. The Port has received notices that the Seed Company Lease will not be renewed and the Alpaca operators want a new long-term Lease.

Sunday Markets in the Barn have been well received. Markets will move outside May 4. The new flags and layout will be a help.

We hope to have the new Quick Books program fully operational by the end of May. This accounting improvement together with the Point of Sale computer in the Wine Shop and eTapestry database management program are big assists (and assets) in operational and fund raising activities. We are now faced with a huge need to replace the antiquated phone system.

A review of the possibility of relocating the office to the loft area of Barn A was conducted. All findings are positive and a search has begun for architectural services in order to apply for a building permit.

Cheryl Sagmeister will be on maternity leave for about 6 weeks. Our staff, the Board and Farm tenants are all excited for Cheryl and Greg. A great crew: Art, Steve, Hank, Julie, Colleen and many volunteers are keeping Farm business on course.

Review of Management Fee Accounting for March and year-to-date was held with Port Executive Director Patton and Commissioner Bronson. Report was approved.

Regarding the issue of Rob Schouten's rental of space in Barn C, Baenen noted that Schouten has been a tenant at the Farm for a long time. The space had been vacant for over a year, and Schouten wants to broaden his own activities to display his artwork and possibly do some teaching or other things. He wanted an interim basis and was granted a six-month tenancy basis, with him paying the expense to redo the space. Schouten wants to see if it is a better location than his current small studio space next to the Jim Davis House. He is retaining the lease on that space.

Baenen explained that Schouten had worked on the Barn C space throughout April and opened on May 1^st. During that time, the GFMG was aware of the concerns raised by the Artworks Gallery, and it was Baenen's understanding that this is a temporary arrangement and would not create a problem, but having that space vacant for over a year certainly didn't help any of the merchants in the area. Baenen said he believed the Farm's manager, who is now on maternity leave, did speak with some members of the Artworks Gallery about the issue during April, but he doesn't know what was said. After the Port office received the phone calls, Baenen and Stansbury immediately contacted the President of Artworks Gallery. They subsequently attended Artworks' regular meeting on Monday to discuss the exclusivity clause, and at this point the GFMG is waiting for Artworks response to the discussion. Bronson asked if the exclusivity is only for that building (Barn C). Patton explained that it stretches beyond Barn C; it also applies to the commercial kitchen arrangement. The same exclusivity clause is included in Jan Gunn's sublease, and the Barn C subleases of the antique store and the former tenant, Two Tacky Ladies Bronson pointed out that Schouten has been an existing tenant for quite some time, so his moving from one space to another within the Farm shouldn't matter. Patton said the issue is that according to information from the GFMG, Schouten intends to not only sell his own work as he has done in his other Farm location, but he also wants to display work from an Artist of the Month in his additional location in Barn C. Baenen said that is Artworks Gallery's concern and he noted that there are a lot of gray areas in this. He said GFMG made calls but experienced difficulty determining who specifically could speak for Artworks Gallery, and that is why they met with the group on Monday.

Bronson asked who is filling in as the day-to-day manager while Sagmeister is on maternity leave. Baenen explained the wine shop manager is there each day, and Baenen is there almost every day, along with the events manager, Steve Marriott. Weber asked if that is the direct line of command and Baenen explained that direct calls to the Farm Manager's line are picked up every morning and routed accordingly for response. Weber asked if they have decision-making authority for requests made, and Baenen said they have always had that, depending on what the request is. Weber said there must be some duties that Sagmeister performed that neither the wine shop manager nor the events manager could make a decision on, and Baenen explained that is why he is there almost every day and he is on call when he is not at the Farm.

Baenen reported that Sagmeister and her newborn son are both doing well.

Weber voiced concern regarding the subleases and noted that although the agenda referred to inconsistent authority of the GFMG to grant and manage the subleases, as far as she is concerned, it is out of compliance. Patton said he didn't want to merge the two issues of inconsistent authority of GFMG to grant subleases and the exclusivity issue. Regarding the exclusivity issue, Patton said that the idea of giving exclusivity business protection to each of the sub lessees came from the GFMG Board, and the Port of Coupeville's Board of Commissioners approved that policy in 2005. If the GFMG determines they no longer want that policy, all they have to do is come to the Port's Board and request that the policy be rescinded, and then the Board will make a determination. Weber said she just wanted to make sure that was the only thing that needed to happen and thanked Patton for his clarification. The Board thanked Baenen for his report.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Request for permission to assume restaurant lease (Bob McNeil, realtor for Jester Blues restaurant owners): On behalf of Jamie Landreneau, who is traveling to the area, Sharon Hart of the Island County Economic Development Council provided handouts that are attached to these Minutes. Hart explained that the Board had requested that the EDC perform a review of Landreneau's business plan for the restaurant Jester Blues. Landreneau seeks to assume the lease and purchase Long's Café on the Wharf. Hart introduced Landreneau's representatives as Bob McNeil and Barry Wenaas, and pointed out that Long Bechard and her representative were also present today.

Bronson asked Hart about the $4.00 per hour for Wait Staff listed on Jester Blues' Summary, and asked if it is allowed. Hart said it was not; he would have to pay minimum wage. Landreneau will adjust the numbers accordingly for the State of Washington. Bronson said Jester Blues will bring at least 4 new jobs, and Hart agreed it would.

Barry Wenaas explained that she was a partner of and had worked side by side with Landreneau for many, many years. She explained Landreneau is starting out in a conservative sense because of concerns regarding the area's economics and the ferry system. He does not want to do any major remodeling until the winter, but he wants to build and make it an ongoing attraction and a destination place. Patton asked Wenaas if Landreneau has read the lease he wants to assume and if he found the terms of that lease acceptable and Wenaas said: yes. Patton said if the Board agrees that Landreneau can assume the lease, he would prepare a lease assumption document to be signed by Landreneau, Bechard and Weber. He pointed out the lease will expire on June 30, 2010, and Landreneau would be liable for the rent until that date. Wenaas agreed that was understood. Patton also stated that a $350 security deposit would be required, and the lease could be renewed for a period of one year under mutually agreed terms and conditions. Patton invited Bechard to come forward, and Bechard said she would like to reassign the lease to Landreneau and she thought he could do well. Weber thanked Wenaas and Bechard.

Bronson said he thought the restaurant Jester Blues would be a great addition to Coupeville.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by Weber to approve the transfer of lease between Long Bechard of Long's Café and Jamie Landreneau of Jester Blues. The motion passed unanimously.

Patton said he would prepare the necessary paperwork for Monday, when Landreneau is expected to arrive in Coupeville. Wenaas added that Landreneau wants to use local seafood and get produce from local farms for serving in his restaurant.

NEW BUSINESS:

Inconsistent authority of GFMG to grant and manage subleases: Patton explained that the two documents that define the relationship between the Port of Coupeville and the GFMG are the Lease Agreement, which applies to the Leased Premises (essentially the commercial buildings) and the Management Services Agreement (MSA) which covers all the rest of the land that the Port owns at the Farm (identified as the Managed Properties). Those two documents, both signed on April 1, 2004, and both with a term of ten years, describe different authorities for the GFMG in regard to subleasing property. Patton read aloud from paragraph 11 of the Lease Agreement, The Lessee (GFMG) shall be entitled to sublet one or more portions of the premises to third parties on terms and conditions established by the Lessee at its sole discretion, provided that any sublease or any other agreement for the use or occupancy of any portion of the premises having a term in excess of twelve months, or which term will extend beyond March 31, 2014, shall require the prior written consent of the Lessor. Patton said the MSA, on the other hand, contains only one reference to the GFMG leasing anything. Paragraph 14, Limitation of Authority, subparagraph e., says that they …do not have the authority to sell or lease any managed property, except upon approval of the Port and in accordance with the Port's leasing and rental guidelines. Patton noted that the MSA doesn't address the issue of in excess of twelve months or anything beyond the expiration of the document. However, he said the inference is clear that with the Port's approval and in accordance with the Port's leasing and rental guidelines, the GFMG could sublease land within the Managed Properties in the same way that they do in the Leased Premises. In order to straighten things out, Patton drafted a Memorandum of Agreement between the Port and the GFMG, and he vetted it with Baenen and Stansbury of the GFMG. They had no problem with the Memorandum. MacLeod-Roberts then read the Memorandum into the record, and a copy is attached to these Minutes.

Patton said the Lease Agreement included the discussion of who would control the Seed Crop Lease and the Grazing Lease. This discussion should actually have been included in the MSA since those leases apply to land that is within the MSA and not land within the Lease Agreement. Patton noted that the Seed Company has not renewed their lease, so the issue of who controls that lease is now moot. The Grazing Lease (for alpacas) terminates on June 30, 2008, and the alpaca owners would like to renew it. If the Port and the GFMG sign the proposed Memorandum of Agreement that will essentially void the discussion in the Lease Agreement as to who manages the Grazing Lease. The management for that land within the Managed Properties would naturally fall under the purview of the GFMG. Patton noted that, as an incentive for their good stewardship, GFMG is entitled by the Lease Agreement to collect the rents from subleases in the Leased Premises (subject to applicable leasehold taxes) and this incentive would extend to rents from leases in the Managed Properties. He explained, however, that leasehold taxes apply to the commercial properties at the Farm but they do not apply to grazing land and crops. If both sides agree to the Memorandum of Agreement, the Board will leave it up to the GFMG to negotiate the renewal of the Grazing Lease, and GFMG will accrue the rent from that property. GFMG will also continue to manage and be responsible for and collect rent from any lease of the former Seed Company area, the P-Patch and the Market Garden which are all within the Managed Properties

Weber agreed that it makes sense to clear up the issue. Baenen wished to clarify that subleases apply only to the leased properties because the GFMG is the lessee of those, but there are no subleases for any of the managed properties.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to approve and adopt the Memorandum of Agreement between the Port of Coupeville and the Greenbank Farm Management Group. The motion passed unanimously.

Weber and Baenen signed the Memorandum of Agreement dated 14^th day of May, 2008, as President of Port of Coupeville and Greenbank Farm Management Group, respectively.

Adherence to exclusivity protection for subtenants: Weber said she was still concerned about the exclusivity issue because the Artworks co-op group has a signed lease that gives them exclusivity protection. She thinks giving Schouten the opportunity to sell the works of other artists in the same building is out of compliance with the Artworks Gallery's existing lease. Weber thought the Board should formerly notify the GFMG of that. Bronson said that he thinks that GFMG is talking with Artworks Gallery and it can be amicably worked out without taking any specific action, but her concern is noted. Patton offered to prepare a letter expressing that concern. Weber said a couple of Artworks Gallery members had telephoned her to voice their dissatisfaction, and she knows it's her responsibility to notify the Board and the Executive Director that she has a concern. She thinks the GFMG should be notified that she has that concern. Bronson said he would go along with that. Patton was directed to send a letter to the GFMG noting the Board's concern, and to say the Board is looking forward to a solution when the GFMG meets with Artworks Gallery. Baenen said they had already met last Monday, which was the Gallery's first opportunity to do so. He said it was a very fine discussion and a number of other issues were also raised that the GFMG is also addressing.

Proposed pay increase for dockhand: Patton highly praised the work of Wyatt Johns as the Port's dockhand, and noted that he has worked for the Port for 18 months. After Johns had finished helping with the clean up of the sailboat, he told Patton that a local golf course had offered him a caddy job at $10.00 per hour. Harbormaster Long Bechard has made the recommendation that the Port offer Johns a pay increase from minimum wage of $8.07 to $10.00 per hour, and Patton concurs with her recommendation. Johns has indicated he would be delighted to keep working for the Port; he just needs more money for college. Weber stated that Johns was most deserving - he is a dedicated, good worker who is experienced and the Port needs to keep him.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to offer Johns an increase in pay to $10.00 per hour.

Bronson asked what the projected amount would be for the dockhand's pay over the summer. Patton said he has not done an analysis of the total impact over the summer, but Johns' pay has been around $600-$700 per month. He said he would email the Board an analysis of the cost implication based on last summer's hours on Monday. Weber noted that Johns had done additional work last year, and that work was deducted from Bechard's scheduled work. Patton agreed and added that 1/3 of Bechard's work was offloaded onto the dockhand, and since Bechard's pay rate was $22.50 and Johns was only $8.07, it had made a big difference. Bronson agreed the Port had saved quite a bit and he thought they could afford to give the dockhand the recommended raise.

The motion passed unanimously.

Weber thanked Patton and asked him to let Johns know the Board is pleased to have him continue working for the Port.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Marine Resources Committee (MRC), Northwest Straits Commission (NWSC) and Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce (CWCOC): MRC: (Weber) Weber said she had attended two MRC meetings in April and one in May. She reported that Brian Nichols was appointed to the MRC by the Island County Commissioners. MRC has adjusted and made recommendations regarding some contract issues where MRC has placed money. There were contracts extended to Whidbey Island Conservation District (WICD). One is an eelgrass project and another is a low impact development (LID). Beachwatchers of Island County have made a proposal for an Eelgrass Monitoring Project - a partnership between the Beachwatchers, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Friday Harbor Laboratories, and the University of Washington. The project's cost is $23,739 and has been approved. Weber explained those were paid for with monies that MRC had applied for and received for funding projects. Patton said he had attended the LID demonstration/workshop, and was introduced to Stacy Smith, the Natural Resources Planner for WICD. Smith has agreed to speak with the Master Site Plan focus groups and to facilitate the transition into LID planning. Weber said the MRC's next educational meeting is May 20^th, and a site survey of the Cornet Bay/Deception Pass State Park project has been tentatively scheduled for that meeting. NWSC: Weber said the NWSC has allocated $2,000 from its budget for the Pigeon Guillemot Breeding Survey.

Council of Governments (COG): (McDonald) Weber explained that both she and McDonald had attended the COG meeting in April in Oak Harbor. She reported that the COG is still considering Freeland's request for sewer infrastructure funds. The application has been before the COG Board for two months, and it is expected that a decision will be made at the May 28^th meeting. Weber has asked Ingrid Smith of the Island County Commissioners' office to forward any minutes or notifications from the COG.

Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO): Weber reported there were 65 people attending the meeting at Skagit Valley College in Oak Harbor. She said there were people from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), federal transportation representatives, county commissioners from five counties, and Washington State legislators. Weber said she had not been aware that this meeting actually happens until now, so she informed the person in charge that the Port should be invited to all future meetings. The agenda included discussion of the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry issue. They also talked about federal legislation and monies allocated to the Mt. Baker area project. Martha Rose, Executive Director of Island Transit, was there and they talked about the partnership between Island Transit and Skagit Transit, and the availability now for passengers from Whidbey Island being able to travel all the way to Whatcom County. Weber asked that notices of RTPO meetings be sent directly to her so if McDonald is unable to attend the Port might still be able to send a representative to the meeting because it is important for the Port to be informed of transportation issues (especially as related to ferries and federal grant applications).

CWCOC: Weber did not attend the meeting last week when Mayor Nancy Conard gave the State of the Town address. Weber has been reading the information Conard provided from that meeting. Graham Johnson will provide a presentation regarding the Marine Education Center at next month's meeting.

Penn Cove Water Festival: Weber reminded all present that the Festival takes place on Saturday, May 17^th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the Coupeville Waterfront. She said she had been attending Festival meetings once a week to help coordinate all the activities. Patton noted that the very attractive paddle display case that Rob Hetler made has been put up in the breezeway on the wharf. He added that the Mystic Sea would be gone by the start of the Festival, so that area would be clear. He added that the raised sailboat could be moved to a buoy if the Board desired. Weber said the main concern would be if it conflicted with the racecourse, but the Coast Guard would address that as needed. Bronson suggested bringing the sailboat around the other side of the dock where it is shallower, and Patton said he would do that.

Greenbank Farm Liaison: (Bronson) Bronson said it is truly a pleasure to be at the Farm and working with the committees. He said the members have enthusiasm and a great variety of views, but everyone wants to see the Greenbank Farm as a center of activity on Whidbey Island, and as a transportation hub. The current objective is to prioritize and list the long-term projects. Weber added that she was really impressed with the four focus groups. They are listening to each other and sharing ideas, and she felt that was very important.

Scenic Byway Committee (SBC): (Bronson) Bronson explained SBC is a new committee, and the Scenic Byway is part of the Cascade Loop. He said there is some discussion that it could become a Scenic Byway on the national level. Bronson said Greenbank Farm and Coupeville could be primary points of activity in the Loop. He is on the SBC and he will keep the Board advised as to what is happening with the committee. Weber said she read something in the newspaper about the SBC, and Bronson explained those articles related to the placing of large Welcome to Whidbey Scenic Isle Way signs at three entry points (Clinton, Keystone and Fidalgo Island/Deception Pass).

Economic Development Council (EDC) and Washington Public Ports Association Legislative Committee (WPPA): (McDonald) Since McDonald was absent, there was no report from either EDC or WPPA. Weber noted the next meeting of the EDC will be Monday, May 21^st. It will be a luncheon at the Coupeville Rec Hall, and Paula Hammond, Director of WSDOT, will be the guest speaker.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS:

Next Port regular meeting: The next regular monthly meeting of the Port's Board of Commissioners will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, in the Island County Administration Building, Room 116, located at #1 NE 7^th Street, in Coupeville, WA.

Invitation to owners of historic buildings: Weber said the Port had received an invitation for a gathering of historic building owners in the area at the Coupeville Rec Hall on May 15^th from 7-9 pm. The meeting is sponsored by the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve Board and the Town of Coupeville. Information will be provided regarding Secretary of Interior standards for the treatment of historic properties, as well as tax incentives that are available for rehabilitation projects. Bronson indicated he would attend the meeting. He asked if the Port has any designations of historic buildings, and Weber said it does not. Bronson said he would pursue that, because the pier should be listed as well as some buildings at the Greenbank Farm.

Monthly Financial Status Report: MacLeod-Roberts submitted the final March 2008 financial statement and preliminary April 2008 financial statement.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by Weber to accept the final March 2008 financial statement as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Current Vouchers: MacLeod-Roberts 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 Bronson and seconded by Weber to approve by signature the May 2008 vouchers, numbers #713 - #721 for a total amount of $32,922.33. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board, Weber adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.