Commissioners Present: Benye Weber, Ann McDonald and Marshall Bronson

Others Present: Jim Patton (Executive Director), Molly MacLeod-Roberts (Edwards & Associates), Nathan Whalen (Whidbey News-Times), Tom Baenen (GFMG President), Michael Stansbury (GFMG Treasurer), Donna Keeler (Master Site Plan Coordinator), Linda Shafer (Coupeville Resident), and Rich Turner (Greenbank Resident).

Call to Order: The regular meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Commissioner Weber in Room 116 of the Island County Administration Building located at #1 NE 7^th Street, Coupeville, WA, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

Weber stated that the Minutes for the regular meeting of April 9, 2008, were available for approval and signatures.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to approve the April 9, 2008, regular meeting Minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Request for permission to lease a portion of the Harbor Master's Office for KWPA Radio (William Bell): Patton said Bell sent his apologies for not being here, but he asked the Board to consider his written proposal previously submitted. Bell's Local Grown retail space has been very successful and he has essentially maxed out the Space D rental space. KWPA Radio plans to install their transceiver, but there is not enough space available in Space D for that equipment. Patton explained the Harbor Master's Office consists of approximately 112 square feet of space, and the Harbor Master uses only 30-40 square feet. There is also a grease trap from the restaurant in the office, and the restaurant owner has to go in and clean it on a routine basis. The office is really only used for storing tools, a filing cabinet and the credit card machine. The rest of the space has been unused for years. Bell proposes utilizing 72 square feet of the office, and Patton proposes that if the Board agrees to rent Bell that space the rent should be based on the same price per square foot as Bell currently pays for Space D. Patton suggested Bell/KWPA could purchase and install a metal cage to separate their space and protect their equipment.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to authorize KWPA's rental of the available space in the Harbor Master's office at the same rate per square foot as that of Space D, with the proviso that if a protective metal screen is required it must be provided by the tenant.

Bronson said if all the Port's facilities could all be as successful as Bell's Local Grown coffee shop, the Port would be much more appreciated in the community. It is also bringing a lot of people out to the end of the pier. He thinks the radio station will also be successful, and the proposed lease would utilize a space that is currently under-utilized. Weber said Bell has done a great job and his shop encourages the community and boaters to visit the pier. She said Bell's proposal to lease the additional space is a fabulous idea. Weber asked when KWPA anticipated installation, and Patton said possibly within two weeks.

The motion passed unanimously.

MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC INPUT: Weber opened the meeting to public input. No one 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 that $10,000 worth of fuel was sold in May; however, that broke out to fewer gallons than the Port sold in previous years for less money. That is a result of the high cost of fuel. He reminded the Board that they had approved the policy of not buying any fuel beyond the known demand, and he reported that as of this morning, the tanks are basically empty. The Harbor Master is checking with the Port's best customer, Penn Cove Shellfish, to find out when and how much fuel they will need. Patton said he will need to determine how much fuel to buy by the end of today in order to have it delivered tomorrow, but it won't be very much because with today's high fuel prices, the Port cannot afford to have unsold inventory. Current prices are $4.40 per gallon for gas and $4.30 per gallon for diesel. Even after adding the Port's $0.40 to each gallon, the Port still comes in significantly lower than the cost of $4.91 per gallon at Oak Harbor's marina.

Bronson asked Patton what empty means. Patton explained the tank pumps automatically shut off so they don't lose suction at 129 gallons in the tank. Bronson noted that Father's Day weekend was coming up, and to serve the needs of boaters they should have at least 200 gallons in the tanks. McDonald asked how many gallons would be sold in a good weekend. Patton said he didn't know exactly, but for safety's sake he recommended the purchase of no more than 600 gallons of diesel and 300-400 gallons of unleaded fuel for the upcoming weekend.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to follow the Executive Director's recommendation for fuel purchase. The motion passed unanimously.

Claim and proposed disposition of sailboat, Soul Mate: Patton reported that as of Monday, the Port owns the sailboat. The Port followed all of the required procedures, including the very expensive portion of the state procedure of advertising the notice of intent to claim the vessel. The cost of advertising in the Seattle paper (that city was the registered owner's last place of residence) was $518, and the cost of advertising in the South Whidbey Record and the Whidbey News-Times was $270. The total for raising the boat was $1,921, and the labor for the clean up of the boat over several days totaled $908. Other costs included are the fee for the survey of the two outboard motors (determined to be unsalvageable by Mariners Haven in Oak Harbor) and the dumping fee of $37 for the 500 lbs. of water-saturated trash, old clothing and small electrical tools removed from the boat. Patton provided the Board with a complete inventory of all the sailboat-related costs-to-date.

Patton said the question is, Now that we own it, what do we do with it? He sees 3 options: 1) The Port can dispose of the boat at no cost by having an Anacortes boat salvager remove it. 2) The Port could auction it off, and a silent auction might be the best way. The auction could be advertised in the newspaper requesting sealed bids and with the boat going to the highest bidder. 3) The Port could sell the sailboat. In order to do sell it, the mast would first need to be re-stepped. Ian Jeffords has volunteered to re-weld the aluminum stanchion that supports the mast, and another volunteer has said he would then re-step the mast. Unfortunately, when the sailboat sank, it sank on its stern and bent the rudder completely over and after it was removed a blacksmith determined that it could not be straightened out. The blacksmith did instruct the Port to hold onto the rudder though, because if the boat is sold or auctioned off, the new owner will need the old rudder in order to pattern a replacement.

Weber asked about the state agency that helps with recovery, and Patton said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in charge of abandoned boats, and they have an Abandoned Boat Fund. The Port is eligible to apply for reimbursement of 90% of the costs associated with the abandoned boat. Patton said the Port's total cost is now $3,958.04, and the Port can ask for 90% of that back - it's just a matter of completing the three-page application.

Weber asked if any of the volunteers or others who have looked at or worked on the sailboat have an estimate as to its worth, and Patton said they do not. She suggested advertising it and seeing if a local sailing group would be interested in it. Bronson said if the Port went with the first option of salvaging the boat, they would end up with a cost of $400 (10% of the total spent), but if the Port went with the second option and set a minimum bid price of $700 and therefore recover their costs. Patton noted that if they actually made money on the sale, any excess beyond costs would need to be returned to the state's Abandoned Boat Fund.

Weber asked if there is any time limit involved, and Patton said there was not. He added that the only issue on timing is that the sailboat is taking up 28 feet of moorage space.

Bronson recommended that the Port try advertising the sailboat for a month with a minimum bid, and if there is no response then the salvager can take it.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to advertise in the local newspapers the silent auction of Soul Mate with a minimum bid to be determined by the Executive Director for a period of one month. The motion passed unanimously.

Letter of Appreciation to Bob Becker: Patton explained that they would never have been able to raise the sailboat without Becker's voluntary assistance. He provided his own inflatable air bags free of charge and they worked like a charm. Patton submitted the letter of appreciation he had prepared, and McDonald read it aloud for the record. A copy is attached to these Minutes.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to sign and send the Letter of Appreciation to Bob Becker as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

Status of Comprehensive Plan initiatives:

Progress on the Passenger-Only Ferry Initiative: Patton noted the Port had already had dialogues with the owner of Victoria Express, the Washington State Parks people at Cama Beach on Camano Island, and the Port of South Whidbey. Now that the Mukilteo train connection and intermodal service has started, there is real potential for moving people up and down the inland waterways between the islands. One of the key issues is whether Island County will provide some type of subsidy to help with the start-up costs. Island County Commissioners Bakke and Dean have already agreed in principle to do that, so the question now is how much money. Patton said he has researched how much the County currently spends moving its people back and forth from Whidbey and Camano on the road. He said it turns out the County doesn't know and they've never really known. Mike Morton of the County recommended that it be brought to Commissioner Dean's attention, so the staff could be directed to generate the information. Patton said he met with Commissioner Dean, who said he would be happy to do that. He will keep the Board informed.

Weber asked if the Port of South Whidbey has a place for a passenger only ferry to dock, and Patton said they don't right now, but their plan for their marina calls for a good landing for vessels of more than 50' in length, and the one Victoria Express proposes using is 44' in length.

Progress on the Marine Education Center (MEC) briefings: Patton said Washington State University (WSU)-Beachwatchers briefings to the community are coming to a close. The final briefing will be held tomorrow morning with the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce. The last part of the effort before they write it all up will be a more general discussion among the Beachwatchers themselves. They will then prepare a response to the Board's letter. Weber said she understands that the Beachwatchers have had at least one person at each briefing taking notes, and they will present those notes and recommendations to the Board.

Progress on the Greenbank Farm Conservation Easement: Patton invited Michael Stansbury to speak. Stansbury said he was behind in putting together the request for the Attorney General's (AG) opinion as to whether the Port has the authority to grant a Conservation Easement. He said it would probably be another 3-4 weeks before a product would be ready for Patton to review. Stansbury thought it should then be thoroughly reviewed by a lawyer who practices municipal law, and then the Board would need to decide on how to make the approach for submitting the request for opinion.

Weber said people are still asking about the progress and added that, We're six months and holding. She has already contacted some legislators, and they could make the approach to the AG's office on the Board's behalf. She explained that the Board is trying to avoid payment of a legal fee, and if the AG can give the needed opinion in response to a request from a legislator there wouldn't be any legal fees. Weber said she wished it could be done quicker than another 3-4 weeks, and asked Patton if he could prepare some kind of brief to give the legislators. Patton suggested he could prepare a draft brief and then go over it with Stansbury. He said a phone call to the AG's office would probably provide them with information as to proper legal format.

Stansbury identified his role as a resource that can help with the framework, but, although he is a lawyer, he has retired from active practice and he is not skilled in this area of the law.

Bronson asked if the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) could provide legal counsel and advice as part of the Port's membership. Patton agreed that might be an inexpensive alternative to the Port's attorney. He said he would contact WPPA and get their recommendations once he and Stansbury have reviewed the draft.

Progress on the Master Site Plan: (Donna Keeler): Keeler reported that the focus groups continue to meet monthly and noted that Bronson and Patton have attended almost every meeting. She informed the Board that there would not be any meetings held in August. Keeler said the plan is to have a draft of an outline in November for the Board's review, and a final draft for public review sometime in January/February. The Commercial group has the biggest load as they are trying to prepare a proposal for the State Legislature for the Capital Facilities Grant Program by October 31^st. The Commercial group hopes to have that to the Board for review sometime in September.

Bronson noted that all the groups seem to be converging and centering on what the essential elements are that people want to see at Greenbank Farm. He has been pleasantly surprised at the diligence and thoughtfulness of the focus group members.

Weber explained she has not attended the meetings because she doesn't want her opinions or thoughts to influence the focus group meetings. Patton explained that Bronson and he have been scrupulous about not voting on issues at the meetings. They are there simply as facilitators. Keeler said it has been helpful to have Bronson, Patton and members of the Greenbank Farm Management Group to help answer questions and clarify roles. Weber thanked Keeler.

Port finances: Patton explained that after today's vouchers are paid, the Port will have approximately $77,000 left in the bank and will finally be able to invest again. He said the trick is to not spend any more of that than is absolutely necessary, since no additional significant property tax revenue would come until October. Patton noted that the GFMG has been very careful to not use any of the $12,500 the Port budgeted for improving office accommodations at the farm.

Schedule for the levy lift request: Patton said he would have a draft Resolution of the levy lift request for the Board at the regular July meeting. Once it is signed, it will be submitted and filed for the November 4^th ballot and Patton noted that the Port will then have to pay for its share of the election costs. Weber said they would need to consider preparing presentations and brochures. Patton said the Kiwanis Club has asked him to speak at their August meeting in Langley. By then he will have the beginnings of a PowerPoint presentation and it is good opportunity to start things off. Weber agreed and added that they need to contact local groups and organizations in Central Whidbey to get on their agendas before their fall programs are all booked. Bronson said the Central Whidbey Lions Club had also contacted him regarding a possible presentation.

Subleases at Greenbank Farm: Patton summarized the issue of an apparent discrepancy in subleases as follows: In 2005, the GFMG proposed and the Port approved a policy of providing business protection to the sublessees on the farm by virtue of an exclusivity clause in their subleases. In the case of the Artworks Gallery, they have the exclusive right to display and sell handcrafted artwork indoors, without regard to who created the artwork, with the exception of the incidental display and sale of an artist's own work who leases the studio space next to the Jim Davis House (Rob Schouten). A new sublease agreement was recently signed by Schouten and the GFMG and it allowed Schouten to move into the space in Barn C previously occupied by Two Tacky Ladies. That sublease states the following: The tenant shall use the premises as a studio and produce his own handcrafted artwork and for incidental display and sale of other artist's artwork. Patton said that could be construed as contrary to the exclusivity clause in the Artwork Gallery's sublease.

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

After one (1) year, a building permit has finally been issued from Island County for the new Sign along Highway 525 and Wonn Road. This of course is our main entry to the Farm. Preliminary work on the site has started. We hope the sign will be completed before the 2008 Loganberry Festival. Much of the materials and labor are being donated which can affect the timing of the project.

As reported last month, a relocation of the Farm Office to the Loft area of Barn A is now in the design/permit stage. An architect has not been selected but we hope to have one on board before the end of June. The Port has agreed it makes better sense to use their $12,500.00 contribution toward an office remodel/relocation rather than repairing the present office space. The current office space has very narrow and inadequate ingress/egress as well as being disruptive to the business of the Café. Repairing the current space could further interrupt the Café's business.

Tom Baenen and Michael Stansbury met with the members of the Artworks Gallery Artists on the 12^th of May. A number of lease matters were discussed, among them the exclusivity clause. The Artist Group will be preparing a list of concerns they would like to see addressed and further discussed. A second meeting with Laurel Davis, Artworks President, and Michael Stansbury has taken place. Work on resolutions of problem areas and concerns affecting all the retail tenants and the GFMG Board of Directors are moving forward.

The GFMG Board of Directors has been given the responsibility by the Port of Coupeville for leasing the agricultural areas of the farm located within the area covered by the Management Agreement. Rental received from those Leases will go to the GFMG Board of Directors. The principle areas are: The alpaca pasture, the Market Garden, the Pea Patch Gardens and the former Christianson Seed Company organic plot. The Alpaca Lease is being offered for renewal at present rent. The Market Garden operators will receive a 4-year tenancy agreement. Pea Patch Garden plots will continue on the same basis. Search is underway for a tenant for the 8.9 acres of Christianson organic lands. In order to keep this plot from becoming weed-infested, a seeding of a cover crop, perhaps clover, barley or buckwheat, is being explored. A 50 foot strip on the south edge of the plot is being seeded by Michael Seraphinoff, with pumpkins for use at farm October events and sale at the Markets.

Sunday Markets are setting records in spite of the cool, damp weather. New vendors are joining past regulars. Produce raised in the Market Garden at the farm is a big hit. Colleen Hammer, the new Market Manager, is doing a fine job.

Work on the '08 Loganberry Festival is in full swing. The poster artwork has been selected. Posters and frequent advertising should be visible by mid-June.

To allow adequate time for completion of the installation of Quick Books 2008 and a new Chart of Accounts, the review of April Port's fee accounting did not take place until June 6^th. Commissioner Bronson and Port Executive Director Patton approved the Report.

Sublease Issue: Baenen said as noted in the report, he and Stansbury met with the Artworks Gallery Board, and Stansbury subsequently met with Artworks Gallery President, Laurel Davis, to review some preliminary information. Baenen explained the GFMG is in the process of a complete review of the signage policy as well as the subleases with all of the retail tenants. He said after 3 years of operation and retail leasing and business experience, now is a prudent time to review all of the issues. Baenen said the GFMG is moving in positive steps to resolve all the issues and concerns. Stansbury said the GFMG hopes to have the issue resolved by the next regular Port meeting in July.

Weber said she had asked Patton to hold off on sending a letter to the GFMG as he'd been instructed to do at the Port's regular May meeting. She wanted the GFMG and Artworks Gallery to have time to reach a friendly resolution of the matter. Stansbury said his meetings and conversations with Davis have been very open and friendly and the GFMG is being proactive. He is hopeful it will be settled in the next couple of weeks.

Weber requested that Baenen send all future monthly GFMG reports directly to the Commissioners rather than sending it only to Patton, who must then forward it to the Commissioners. Baenen agreed he would send the report to everyone simultaneously.

Greenbank Farm Liaison: (Bronson) Bronson reported that the farm is in need of a plow, a harrow and a disc. They have two tractors - a massive Ferguson 35 and a Kubota M6300T. He hoped some island farmer would like to provide the farm with those items and suggested the reporters present could mention it in their newspapers. Bronson said there are a lot of neon signs (Open) at the farm, and it is his understanding there is a specific rule of no neon signs allowed. He said there are also a lot of sandwich boards and that should be cleaned up. Bronson said he continues to enjoy his role as liaison to the GFMG.

NEW BUSINESS:

Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) and Sustainable Connections: Patton referred the Board to Maryon Atwood's letter regarding the Whidbey Island Food Network Project. Atwood asked the Board to send a letter of support for NABC's proposal to the Wallace Center at Winrock International. Patton explained the Wallace Center is acting as the agent for the United States Department of Agriculture in administering grants. He drafted the letter and the Port Clerk read it into the record. A copy is attached to these Minutes.

Bronson said NABC's proposal sounded like an exciting first step to move forward. He said it does not detract from the Port's long-range plan of the farm; it will complement it.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by McDonald to officially support the NABC's grant proposal by signing the letter as drafted and submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Marine Resources Committee (MRC), Northwest Straits Commission (NWSC) and Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce (CWCOC): (Weber) MRC: Weber reported that MRC's May 20^th meeting was a field trip to Cornet Bay. She provided MRC's Notes from the event for attachment to these minutes. NWSC: Nothing new to report. CWCOC: Weber said the next meeting of the CWCOC would be the following morning. Graham Johnson of WSU-Beachwatchers, along with Patton, would be presenting a briefing on the Marine Education Center. Weber said it is important for the Board to clarify to the public that the MEC is in progress - it is not ready to go. It is out for public review, and it is a recommended initiative from the Port's Comprehensive Plan. Weber reported that she had worked with the CWCOC on the Memorial Day Parade, and it was well done and well received, with a lot of visitors in attendance. Penn Cove Water Festival: Weber said it was very successful with a huge turnout. The Front Street Merchants and those shop owners on the Wharf all did well. She was pleased to be a working member of the Festival's board as a representative of the Port. Patton said he had heard a lot of positive comments about the paddle and the display case at the Wharf, and asked Baenen to let Rob Hetler know that.

Council of Governments (COG): (McDonald) McDonald said for the last few months, the COG has primarily been dealing with the application from Freeland for a sewer system. Freeland is looking at .09 funds and although everyone agrees they would like to see Freeland move forward, the issue has been how to give them the funds. In addition to up front money, Freeland initially wanted to receive $300,000 per year from the fund for 20 years. She doesn't think anyone on the COG wanted to do that, although they do support the project. McDonald pointed out that the Port of Coupeville would most likely be seeking some .09 funds for the passenger-only ferry between Coupeville and Camano Island. Someone on the COG said those funds were for infrastructure and creating jobs and McDonald responded if a pier at a wharf isn't infrastructure, she didn't know what is. Regarding creating jobs, McDonald said the Port didn't know how many jobs would be created because they are not that far along, but at least one full time job would be created. She said the COG members nodded their heads in agreement.

Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO): (McDonald) McDonald said RTPO is not talking about much that is new. RTPO continues to discuss Sharp's Corner, but that project is not scheduled to start for years. RTPO did select a design for the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way signs.

Economic Development Council (EDC): (McDonald) McDonald reported that the EDC's annual meeting was held last month and new officers were elected. Washington State's Secretary of Transportation, Paula Hammond, made a presentation. It was extremely well attended. Weber provided Patton with a copy of an Application for Rural County Economic Development Funds, which Patton said he would make available in the Port office. At the EDC meeting, Weber also picked up information regarding projected Rural County Sales Tax Awards and gave that to Patton.

Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA): (McDonald) McDonald said WPPA did not meet last month, but reported that Pat Jones is retiring from WPPA and moving to Camano Island. She said Jones has done a very good job and she thinks it would be nice for the Port to send him a note. Bronson suggested sending Jones a letter congratulating him on his retirement and welcoming him to Island County. The Board agreed and Patton said he would draft the letter for all three Commisioners to sign. Patton said Jones' successor, Eric Johnson, has already been very helpful with advice on legal matters for the Port and he is the perfect choice for Jones' replacement.

Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), Shoreline Management Program (SMP), Greenbank Farm Liaison and Scenic Byway Committee (SBC): (Bronson) PSP: Bronson asked to be the Port's representative for PSP, starting with its next meeting on June 24^th. The Board agreed, and Weber appointed Bronson as the Port's representative. Weber noted that on June 10^th the Board had attended a special joint meeting with the Port of South Whidbey, to listen to a briefing by PSP Whidbey Basin Liaison, Linda Lyshall, on their process and progress for developing draft priority actions. During the meeting, Weber voiced her concern that the representative of the port districts on PSP's Ecosystem Coordination Board has not provided any information on the meetings, in spite of her requests. She suggested a letter be sent to that representative (Port Angeles Commissioner John Calhoun) requesting he send notes from the meetings and agendas for the meetings. At the June 10^th meeting, it was suggested that Calhoun could notify the WPPA and meeting notes could be published in their newsletter. Patton said he would draft the letter and prepare it for Bronson's signature, since Bronson has been appointed as the Port's PSP representative. SMP: Nothing new to report. Greenbank Farm Liaison: Bronson noted that Patton, Weber and he had attended presentations on rain gardens and permeable concrete surfaces. Bronson said the information gained from the presentations would be a valuable asset as far as the large apron in front of the pier and future projects at the farm. Patton reported that they spoke with Stacy Smith, Natural Resource Planner at the Whidbey Island Conservation District about the Master Site Plan for Greenbank Farm. They explained to Smith that the Port is committed to using as much low impact development (LID) technology as possible. Smith said she would be happy to visit Greenbank Farm and give pointers as to potential rain garden locations and where permeable concrete could be used. Patton said he would schedule a meeting with Keeler and Smith, as well as farm manager Cheryl Sagmeister. Weber said the MRC partly sponsored the two LID workshops. SBC: Nothing new to report.

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, July 9, 2008, in the Island County Administration Building, Room 116, located at #1 NE 7^th Street, in Coupeville, WA.

Monthly Financial Status Report: MacLeod-Roberts submitted the final April 2008 financial statement and the 2007 Annual Report to the State Auditor's Office. Patton referred the Board to the email he sent regarding the preparation of preliminary monthly financial statements. He explained that they are virtually useless because they are done prior to receipt of the Island County Treasurer's Report, which contains the monthly levy revenue information. He asked the Board to consider a motion directing Edwards & Associates to no longer produce preliminary financial statements.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to accept the final April 2008 financial statement as submitted and to no longer require preliminary financial statements. 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 June 2008 vouchers, numbers #743 - #762 for a total amount of $20,540.81. The motion passed unanimously.

Invitation to Commissioners' Seminar, July 20-22 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA: Weber said she had received the invitation and was surprised to see she was on the committee for the Port of Coupeville. She explained that she had responded to their survey and made recommendations for the seminar, and they included those on their agenda. Weber feels she should attend, but it is very expensive. She said she was willing to help pay for it herself as far as travel and part of the enrollment. Bronson said when finances are tight for the Port he can see Commissioners picking up the costs for travel and lodging, but the official fee should be paid for by the Port. Patton said that has been the custom of the Board to date. Weber said she would pay for the travel and the room and the Port could pay the registration fee.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to pay for Weber's attendance at the Commissioners' Seminar at Semiahmoo Resort. The motion passed unanimously.

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