Commissioners Present: Benye Weber, Marshall Bronson and Ann McDonald

Others Present: Jim Patton (Executive Director), Molly MacLeod-Roberts (Edwards & Associates), Tom Baenen (GFMG President), Donna Keeler (Master Site Plan Coordinator), Nathan Whalen (Whidbey-News-Times), Justin Burnett (Whidbey Examiner), Richard Turner (Greenbank Resident), and Coupeville Residents: Larry Ogle, Michael Diamanti, and Gary Wray.

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

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: Weber stated that the Minutes for the regular meeting of October 7 and special meeting of October 21, 2008, were available for approval and signatures.

October 7 corrections: (Weber) Page 10, WPPA: All comments regarding the seminar should be attributed to McDonald; not Weber (a total of 3 instances).

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by McDonald to approve the October 7, 2008, meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

October 21 corrections: (Weber) Page 7, 5^th paragraph, 4^th sentence: Change to read: That $6,000 is used to defray the cost of the dockhand, and possibly the handyman. Weber explained that the funds are not used to pay the harbormaster.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by McDonald to approve the October 21, 2008, meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.

Patton said he would make the necessary corrections.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Results of the Port's request for a levy increase and plan for amending the Final Budget for 2009, if appropriate: (Patton) Patton stated that the request for a levy increase was not approved by the voters. He added that of the 7,085 registered voters in the Port district, over 4,000 voted to reject the limited proposition versus approximately 1,700 who voted in favor of it. Since the 2009 budget was prepared with the assumption that the levy increase request might not pass, the Final Budget approved in October will remain unchanged, with the exception of a small adjustment that will be addressed later in the meeting.

Patton said that the Board needed to note that the editor of the Whidbey News-Times printed an erroneous headline regarding the election results. The headline read Port can't buy the Farm. Patton noted that, in fact, the Port has no alternative but to buy the Farm, since the Port must pay off the bond according to the conditional sales contract with Island County. The story itself was completely accurate, but the headline was misleading. Nathan Whalen of the Whidbey News-Times said he would mention it to his editor.

Regarding the levy proposition, Weber stated that although she was disappointed, she was not surprised by the election results. She would like to discuss potential future plans and available options under Unfinished Business later in the Agenda.

MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC INPUT: Weber opened the meeting to public input.

Richard Turner, Greenbank Resident: Turner introduced himself as owner of Blue Heron Garden Service, a small agricultural/horticultural business in Greenbank. He and three other individuals have leased land at the Greenbank Farm since 2007. Turner has a ¼ share of ½ acre, and they pay $160 per acre. He explained that his business is a for profit agricultural and horticultural business, and added that neither the Port of Coupeville nor the Greenbank Farm Management Group (GFMG) finances the business in any way. His intent is to demonstrate what can be grown at the farm and hopefully make a profit. Turner claimed he had run into continuous difficulties with the GFMG, including a recent incident on October 30^th. Upon arriving at his plot, Turner discovered that his two informational signs professionally made by the Washington State Farm Bureau had been removed. He said no notice was given - no phone call, no letter, so he assumed it must have been an act of vandalism since it was close to Halloween. He reported the incident to the police, but before the police arrived to take his statement, Turner learned that the two signs had been removed by the farm's grounds keeper under the authority of the President of the GFMG and the Farm Operations Manager, Cheryl Sagmeister. Turner said he left a telephone message with Patton shortly after the event. To date he has not received an explanation from the GFMG as to what the problem was or why the signs weren't allowed.

Turner claimed that in April, 2008 he, Matt Young, Linda Riley and Mike Seraphinoff had a meeting with Sagmeister concerning their agricultural lease and policies and procedures, during which they specifically requested the right to put up informational signs. Sagmeister gave approval for them to put up informational signage. Turner said the signs simply state Blue Heron Garden Service, Washington State Farm Bureau member. He said there is no intent to sell or advertise his business; it is merely to inform the public as to the nature of the farming operation (i.e. not a u-pick or a market garden for the farm). Turner explained that the farm graciously allows them to sell their produce at the Farmer's Market, but they do not have any financial business directly with the farm or the Port of Coupeville - they are solely for profit. He said they sell produce independently but act cooperatively as it is very expensive to hire custom machinery.

Turner said he was very disturbed that he did not receive advance notice prior to the removal of his signs. The fact that it occurred the week before the election and the Port's levy request seemed indicative to him of the mental state that occurs at the farm. Turner said he and 3 other individuals have been at the farm since 2007, and they have never received full cooperation -leases being signed late, information requests about the irrigation system not responded to, etc. Turner believes procedures need to be set forth for agricultural leaseholders. He is a member of the Agricultural Committee focus group for the Port's Master Site Plan. He said although he is interested in the farm being successful, he is getting fed up with the anti-agriculture attitude he senses.

Weber thanked Turner for speaking to the Board. Since Bronson is the Port's Greenbank Farm liaison, she asked him and Patton to look into the matter.

Larry Ogle, Coupeville Resident: Ogle stated that he had read the Port's Comprehensive Plan and requested each Commissioner to respond to his question: Is this Comprehensive Plan what you want at Greenbank Farm? Weber responded, For me, yes, the initiatives in the Comprehensive Plan are what I want for the Farm. She added that as a Board, they have approved the Plan. Ogle said he realized that, but he wanted an answer from each of them individually. Bronson said, Yes, the Board does approve of the Plan and will pursue the initiatives within the Plan's guidelines and with modifications that can be made by the various committees - yes, those are the Board's goals

Weber read aloud the following from the Comprehensive Plan, page 1, Introductory Remarks: The Port of Coupeville will be guided by this Comprehensive Plan and properly approved future amendments through the Year 2026. This Comprehensive Plan is primarily an authorization vehicle - not an official control or regulatory ordinance. It does not mandate any action or commit the Port to pursue any action. It does not constitute any final decision or action regarding the implementation of any project or initiative contained herein. Weber said she refers to that paragraph as a disclaimer, depending upon situations arising within the Port District.

Ogle said there is a Special Review District Zoning map on page 60 of the Comprehensive Plan. He said that the map indicates a 20-30 acre piece for recreation, but he also noticed that there is no camping allowed, which is a recreational activity. Weber said, That's true. Ogle asked what is allowed in the recreational area. Weber said, Trails. Bronson added, Horseback riding, bicycling, and walking.

Ogle said the Port also has about 80 acres designated as an off-leash area so dogs can defecate. Bronson didn't think the Plan said that. Ogle said that's what happens if there are dogs out there, and asked, Do they pick it up? Weber explained there are plastic bags available on posts for that.

Ogle asked if any of the land at the farm could be used for a light industrial complex. Bronson explained that right now, it can not. He added that the Master Site Plan focus groups are working right now on recommendations and implementations for what can and should be done at the farm. The groups' work should be completed in the first quarter of 2009. Until that time, the Port is on hold.

Ogle asked if the Port has their USDA Soils Report in hand. Patton said it is available at the Port office and is public information. Weber added she has it at home, too. Ogle asked if the Board is aware that most of the soils at the Greenbank Farm have been designated as not suitable for agricultural ventures. Weber said she is aware of that; however, most soils depend on what the landowner, farmer, or co-operator amends the soils with. She noted that the original soil survey at the farm was done in 1958. Subsequent changes have been attached to that survey. That attachment is available through the Whidbey Island Conservation District or the ASCS office in Mount Vernon. Weber explained the original survey was of different areas of the land at Greenbank - it was not an onsite survey of every portion, so there have been some changes. Ogle said, It is poor soil. Weber agreed, but noted that things can be done to amend and improve the soil. Ogle argued that it is not cost effective to farm poor soil, and said, I farmed 300 acres, so I know. Weber said the farm is not prime land for farming, but it is land of local importance. She added that she used to work for the Soil Conservation Service.

Weber thanked Ogle for his comments and asked if there were any additional public comments. 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 377 gallons of fuel sold in October. He explained that was ½ the amount sold in October 2007, which was ½ the amount sold in October 2006. At this time, Patton believes it would be counter-producttive to raise the mark-up price on the fuel. Current price per gallon is $2.86, compared to $3.01 per gallon in Oak Harbor. Raising fuel prices would also be a problem with the Port's best year-round customer - Penn Cove Shellfish.

DNR approval of use of marina for passenger ferry: Patton said DNR had emailed an excellent response to the Port's request to permit concessionaires to operate from the Pier. The Port is still waiting for a new moorage lease agreement and is operating under a holdover letter from DNR. He read the email into the record as follows: This email authorizes the Port of Coupeville to begin testing ferry service from the public access floats within an existing DNR public access leased area. The Port has made application for a new lease, which will allow privatized use of a portion of the area.

Patton referred the Board to the November 7, 2008 Whidbey Examiner article titled, Camano Island ferry waiting for State OK featuring a photo of Patton and Island County Commissioner, John Dean, aboard a small passenger-only ferry preparing to land on Camano. Patton subsequently emailed George Terek, the ferry proprietor, and said in his opinion, the boat used was at best, a very marginal fit for the Coupeville to Camano run. It is fine for agile passengers, but not necessarily for children, the elderly or disabled. Patton said it would be up to Dean to determine if it would be suitable for use of transporting county employees. Bronson noted that Terek has another boat that doesn't feature the beach ramp.

Patton said the Port will soon have the new DNR Moorage Agreement in hand, and it will permit concessionaires to operate from the Port's moorage facilities. Bronson noted the passenger-only ferry would also increase the Port's fuel sales, and Patton agreed.

Patton noted that the Comprehensive Plan includes the initiative of making the Port's moorage facilities compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so he is preparing to approach the state in an effort to secure a grant to do that. He will be very frank in his conversation and make it clear that the Port does not have the ability to match a grant with money.

Status of Comprehensive Plan Initiatives:

Progress on the Passenger-only Ferry: Discussed earlier in the agenda.

Progress on the Marine Education Center (MEC): For the moment, Patton said the MEC has gone about as far as it can go. The first step was taken with Washington State University (WSU) - Beachwatchers when the Port asked them to explore the kinds of exhibits that might be at a MEC. WSU conducted discussions with various local organizations and submitted their summary response letter. Lack of space for a MEC is a major difficulty, as there are already tenants in all Wharf spaces. However, renewal options on all recent leases have been made for only one year so if an endowment became possible a MEC could be established within a maximum time period of one year when a space became available. Meanwhile, WSU-Beachwatchers has taken the next step and identified a new exhibit for the breezeway regarding the accumulation of plastic debris in Puget Sound. Weber said that was discussed during the regular October meeting, and she had voiced concern about adequate space for visitors in the causeway. The Board had recommended rotation of the displays rather than adding to the existing displays. WSU-Beachwatchers should have the dimensions of the new exhibit by the end of the week.

Progress on the Greenbank Farm Conservation Easement: While Patton and Bronson were at the farm for the monthly audit of the GFMG on October 30th, they were able to meet with Pat Powell, the Executive Director of the Whidbey/Camano Land Trust (WCLT, and go through the modalities of how to execute a Conservation Easement. The Port has completed the first step by obtaining the Attorney General's opinion that the Port does have the legal authority to transfer a Conservation Easement to another municipality (i.e., the county). The next steps are: 1) arrange an inquiry with Foster Pepper's bond attorneys to determine the effect of a Conservation Easement on the bonds' value or tax-free status, and, 2) determine how the Conservation Easement would be administered once it is transferred to the county. Powell said the routine is that the county can be conservator, but not the monitor. The monitor function is typically subcontracted out to the WCLT, and the WCLT then bills for that function. Patton said there is a question as to who would pay that monitoring bill. There is a precedent for the county tapping Conservation Futures money in order to pay the cost of a monitor. Patton explained that a much more problematic cost existed - the actual writing of the Conservation Easement document itself. He had always assumed that he and Michael Stansbury of the GFMG would write the document -- and they still might. Powell put in her oar for the WCLT to write the document, because they have a great deal of experience and their conservation easement documents have always been approved. Powell said the cost would be about $20,000. Patton said that would be a show stopper for the Port, and Weber agreed it would be a deal breaker. Patton said the next step is for Bronson and him to revisit that cost and look at some of the documents the WCLT has prepared to determine if Patton and Stansbury could prepare the Conservation Easement document. At Patton's request, Powell has sent a representative document for his review.

Bronson added that Powell was very clear in saying that the Port should not enter into a Conservation Easement hastily, but wait until they decide what they want to do with the place first. Weber said that is the reason for the completion of the Master Site Plan and the recommendations that are forthcoming from the focus groups. The Port needs to know how much land, what area(s) of land and what the uses are for the land before proceeding with the Conservation Easement, and that is why the Port must first have the Master Site Plan in hand.

Weber said the election results indicate that Helen Price-Johnson will be replacing Phil Bakke as District 1 Commissioner. Because Bakke was appointed and not elected, Price-Johnson will actually take office as soon as the election is certified on November 25^th. She suggested Patton should contact Commissioner John Dean since he is the current chairman of the Island County Board of Commissioners and brief him on the Port's plans for the Conservation Easement.

Progress on the Master Site Plan: (Keeler) Master Site Plan Coordinator, Donna Keeler, reported that all four focus groups met together on October 23^rd and there were 20-25 group members that attended. Keeler said each group presented their draft recommendations and there were a lot of questions and comments throughout. At the meeting, she notified the four groups that they would be merging into one group for the final phase of the Master Site Plan, to tweak and fine tune all the recommendations. There were some overlapping recommendations from the four groups, and those will be pulled into one cohesive, working document. The Asset Inventory will be folded into that document. For each recommendation, the merged group will look into the practicality and feasibility of implementation as well as prioritization. During the final phase, Keeler will also do a zoning analysis based on the final recommendations. She said 20 individuals have volunteered to be a member of the merged group for the final phase, and their first meeting will be in early December. She will inform them when it has been scheduled. Keeler hopes to have a draft to the Board in mid- to-late February.

Status of request for agriculture lease at Greenbank Farm (Herrera & Farrow): Weber noted the request was forwarded to the focus groups at the previous Board meeting. Keeler said she needed to meet with Patton and learn what area Herrera & Farrow are interested in, and then possibly meet with Herrera and find out if they are really set on one specific area, or if they are willing to change to fit existing zoning rules. Keeler explained that if they are interested in an agriculture-zoned area, it is a much simpler process to get a lease. If they are really set on a recreation-zoned area, it would have to be reviewed by the focus group, approved by the Board, and would require a zone change and county approval. That might take one year or more.

Status of proposal for capital project at Greenbank Farm: Patton noted that the approximate size, estimated cost, and location of the new building have all been established. There are some additional things that need to be described in detail before approaching Senator Mary Margaret Haugen with the proposal. The Board has promised to present a plan that is as close to sustainable energy/energy independence as possible. Patton reiterated the Board's intent to make the project as green as possible, using low impact development techniques, ally with WSU and the Northwest Agricultural Business Center (NABC), and tie the project closely to the new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. He said still needs more pieces of the puzzle before making the presentation to Senator Haugen. He said he would keep the Board updated via email.

In light of the earlier comments from the public, Patton felt it was important to explain why the new building is being pursued. In completing the Port's Comprehensive Plan, the Board recognized that the farm has an identity crisis: Is it a farm? A park? A boutique? A failed strip mall? It has been established that, in large part, it needs to be a working farm, and the Board has tried to determine what steps are needed to accomplish that. Supporting the CSA project and making that possible was the first step the Board completed in identifying Greenbank Farm as a working farm. The second step involves planning for a multi-purpose building for things that need to be under roof at the farm such as an indoor, year-round farmer's market, a community kitchen, learning centers for agriculture and environmental protection, public restrooms and office space. If it becomes possible to get money from Olympia for the capital project, the Port will then have all the ingredients needed to establish the Greenbank Farm as a working farm and, hopefully, a profit-making farm.

Status of CSA Project: Patton reported that work is nearly complete on the CSA's requested office space in the Jim Davis house. The space required an exterior doorway to be added, and the Port was able to do that at minimal cost and the Port's Handyman, Dick Tackett, was able to do the work. The onus is on CSA for the electrical, telephone and computer hook ups for the space. Additional information on the project will be provided during the GFMG Report later in the agenda.

Status of Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) request for an easement at Greenbank Farm: Patton reported that they are still waiting for a letter from PSE amending their request for an easement so the wetlands area north of Wonn Road is omitted. The exact definition for the easement requested south of Wonn Road will depend on a visit and discussion with the PSE arborist. He expects the Port should receive the amended PSE letter prior to the regular December meeting.

Status of the Large On-site Sewage System (LOSS) maintenance contract at Greenbank Farm: Patton noted the importance of the permit from the state Department of Health (DOH) to operate the LOSS because if it were withdrawn the Port would have to shut everything down at the Farm. The LOSS that the Port inherited from Chateau Ste. Michelle must have a careful inspection and be put under a maintenance contract with a state-qualified, reliable and competent sewage system operator as soon as possible. Patton persuaded the DOH to grant a Conditional Permit for 2009 but promised to begin a careful regime of inspections and tests immediately. Patton contacted Reed Tacia, owner of Reed's Construction, and requested an immediate and thorough inspection, preliminary to soliciting competitive bids for a long-term maintenance contract. The estimated cost of that initial inspection is about $1,900. Patton said that amount could be found within the 2008 budget and recommended proceeding with the inspection. The Board agreed with Patton's recommendation.

Status of grease trap installation at café at Greenbank Farm: Patton noted that it is imperative to install a grease trap in the kitchen of the café to protect the LOSS. He contacted Harbor Plumbing and asked them to investigate the feasibility of installing a grease trap within the building rather than outside. It does appear feasible but the cost will be between $5,000 and $6,000. Patton will solicit bids from three plumbers on the Port's Small Works Roster. Once he as received those bids, he will make a recommendation to the Board. Patton said Jan Gunn, owner of the Whidbey Pies Café, requested that the work not be done until early January and preferably on a Monday and Tuesday. He recommended accepting that timeframe and the Board agreed with his recommendation.

Abandoned Sailboat update: Patton reported the Port received a check in the amount of $3,021.96 from the Department of Natural Resources' Abandoned Boat Fund. DNR reimbursed the Port for 90% of the costs associated with raising the sailboat and repairing it sufficiently for sale at auction, less the $1,330 realized from the sale.

Budget options available since levy lift failed: Weber requested this item be added to the agenda. She said the only thing she could see is if anything big comes up or anything happens, the Board will simply have to defer it until next year. Bronson suggested a possibility for making some money from organizations that wanted to use space on the wharf that was small, but not trivial. Someone had approached him with the idea of holding a 3-day art exhibit on the wharf, and Bronson said a $50 charge for an event would reasonably attract more people and provide the Port with some additional income. Weber asked where specifically, and Bronson suggested the breezeway, which has been made available for WSU-Beachwatchers and the Orca Network. They don't own the space - the Port does. Weber questioned if the exhibits currently on display would have to be removed in order to rent out the space. Bronson said he didn't know how much if any removal would be needed, but he feels it is an idea worth considering since it is theoretically a money-making area, and it would be beneficial to the Port to have more people going out to the end of the pier. Weber agreed, but cautioned they would have to work in coordination with the Mystic Sea and the Beachwatchers regarding the scheduling of their programs, etc. She thought it was do-able. McDonald also agreed, and suggested the group that wanted to hold a 3-day art exhibit should present a more detailed plan for them to consider. Weber suggested the art could be displayed on stand alone screens (like the walls of a cubicle). Bronson said he and Patton could work together and come up with some sort of proposal for renting the space. The Board agreed.

Clarification of Patton's comments: Weber noted that Nathan Whalen's article in the Whidbey News-Times on November 5, 2008, read In an interview last month, Executive Director Jim Patton had some ideas about ways to make ends meet, which included continuing to hold off on maintenance projects and suspending work on the Greenbank Farm Master Site Plan. Patton clarified that the idea was to suspend the execution of the Master Site Plan, not its completion. There is enough money in the budget this year to finish the plan, and a little money for its publication next year, but beyond that they would have to be very, very careful about taking any of the steps in the plan.

Repairs to fuel dock: Patton reported that the new steel plates for the fuel have finally been scheduled for delivery from the galvanizing plant next Thursday.

Executive Director's budget comments: Patton referred the Board to the budget graphs he had prepared showing expenditures vs. budget. As of the end of September, the expense line has been kept way below the budget curve. He noted that the Port only gets paid twice a year from the levy - when property taxes are collected at the end of April and the end of October. He explained that if a balanced budget is followed exactly, the operating reserves at the end of the year would remain unchanged from the previous year. Unless money is deliberately allocated to go into the operating reserves, then all money received is expended. The Port has had to operate in that mode for the last four years. The only way to increase next year's operating reserves is to not commit to some of the items in the budget. This year's budget shows that 2008 will end with approximately the same amount of operating reserves as the Port had at the end of 2007 - slightly over $50,000. Patton noted that $50,000 will have to last until the end of April, when the first installment of next year's levy money is collected and distributed to the Port.

Patton said it was at that juncture last year that the Board concluded we can't go on living hand to mouth and decided to seek a levy lift. He said he may have to bring a request to the Board to go back to the well again on the levy lift situation, but there is a question if the Port could even afford the cost of being on the ballot again. He pointed out that being on the November 4^th ballot cost the Port a little over $4,000 so far, and they have not yet received the County Auditor's bill. Bronson noted that, while contemplating the action, the Board would also evaluate the general receptivity of the public before marching on and the Board agreed.

Patton said it had been a learning experience. He thinks the public wants to hear from the Port that in spite of the outcome of the ballot proposition, the Port does not intend to make any rash decisions. Weber agreed. Bronson encouraged the Board to make an effort to make Greenbank Farm and the Coupeville Wharf more visible to the public, and hopefully the public will then be more supportive.

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

The office for the CSA has been set up in the Jim Davis House. Anza Muenchow, the Project Coordinator, has begun work.

The 2^nd Annual Oktoberfest was successful.

The 2008 Appeal opened on October 15^th. The $15,000 Challenge Match should stimulate donations.

On October 23^rd, a meeting of all four long-range plan workgroups was held by Donna Keeler, the plan facilitator. A number of Greenbank Farm Board members are involved.

The last Farmer's Sunday Markets were held in Barn A on the 26^th. Vendors were pleased with results of the four extended markets held inside the barn. Market Manager, Colleen Hammer, reports vendor sign-ups for the Weekend Holiday Markets in the barn beginning November 29 and 30, 2008, are fully booked with a small waiting list.

Events Manager Steve Marriott's final day was October 27^th. His youth and exuberance will be missed.

The September Financial Review for Leased and Managed Property was held with the Port representatives on October 30, 2008. The report was approved as presented.

The Greenbank Farm Board of Directors has just under $4,000 more to raise to match our $15,000 Challenge. We know we can do it!

This month we spent $1,100 to repair the Wine Shop dishwasher and $1,000 to repair the Catering Kitchen cooler cabinet compressor, so the Challenge Grant opportunity comes none too soon.

Additionally, we finally had to replace the antiquated phone system.

Baenen noted that at the end of last summer, the Board had passed the responsibility for leasing lands in the managed area at the farm to the GFMG. At that time, the several leases in place had different formats and terms. The GFMG subsequently recommended that the Port approve a standardized lease to be used for all the leased lands in the managed area. There has been no extension of leases in the interim. GFMG has approved an attorney-prepared standard lease document, and if the Port approves of and adopts that standard lease, the GFMG will then utilize it for the CSA group, the alpaca group, the Market Gardens, etc. GFMG's next step is to follow the same procedure for the subleases in the leased area.

McDonald asked if Events Manager, Steve Marriott, would be replaced, and Baenen said the GFMG is re-examining their staffing needs.

Regarding highway signage at the farm and the County's limitations for the signage, McDonald asked if it would be worthwhile to look at the issue again. She wondered if it would be worthwhile to meet with the tenants and ask what would work for them, and possibly increase or enhance what is there. She loves the new entrance sign, but wonders if it will be enough to attract the public to the shops. Baenen explained that the County Ordinance is very restrictive about signage throughout the county and not just at the farm. He noted that once the new entrance sign was designed, it took more than a year to get county approval. The ordinance allows for a billboard sheet no larger than 4 ft. by 8 ft., but they did agree to allow small signs on the two large wine barrels beside the sign as well. He noted that all the retail spaces on the main floor are leased to art galleries, and they are all working well together. Baenen pointed out that the new entrance sign represented a $20,000 investment completed through grants and individual gifts and volunteer work.

Bronson said he had noticed that there is not a sign indicating that the farm is open to the public, and suggested it should be added to attract more people. McDonald agreed, and suggested signs such as Tourist Attraction Ahead could be posted on the highway as drivers approach the Farm. Baenen said the Highway Department would only approve the small inset on the blue highway signs, and it costs about $250 per year.

Master Gardeners' request: Patton referred the Board to the letter from Judy Feldman, Acting Director of WSU-Island County Extension. Through the agreement between the Port, GFMG and the Master Gardeners, they have invested over $40,000 in plants and soil amendments since 2001, yet there is no signage to advertise that fact. Patton asked Baenen if the Master Gardeners would be included on the new sign or the adjacent barrels. Baenen pointed out that other than the farm itself, the Master Gardeners are the only operation that has a sign. There is a large sign in the Master Gardeners' display area as you turn into the Farm from Wonn Road. He also noted that the Farm's website includes a page for the Master Gardeners. It might be possible to add the Master Gardeners to one of the barrels. Baenen stated that the GFMG would do its best to give representation to everybody. Bronson said he looks at WSU-Extension as a non-paying tenant, so he doesn't believe the Port has any obligation to provide advertisement for a non-paying tenant. Baenen noted that all of the farm agreements require any signage to be in compliance with the Island County ordinance and the Greenbank Farm rules, and by far the toughest is that of the county. Patton suggested that Feldman could be included the next time he and Bronson meet Baenen for the monthly audit at the Farm. The Board agreed, and Weber suggested that Richard Turner's concerns about his signs could also be addressed at that time. The Board thanked Baenen for his report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Marine Resources Committee (MRC); Northwest Straits Commission (NWSC) and Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce (CWCOC): (Weber) MRC: Weber said she attends MRC meetings on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays of the month. She provided a summary of the Draft Minutes from the October 21^st meeting, which are on file in the Port Office. At the Educational meeting on November 4, Guest Speaker Kristin Cooley of the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) talked about the education, outreach and volunteer planning progress of the Partnership. Weber noted that PSP's Action Plan came out last week. It is very large, yet the turnaround time for comments is very quick. The MRC is therefore only looking at the Whidbey Basin Report, because, as an MRC, they are encouraged to have their comments to the NWSC by November 14. Weber said she would pass on her comments on the Action Plan to Bronson, who is the Port's representative for the PSP. She stated that she is concerned about unfunded mandates. To her, it is not realistic to have an action agenda with items that require local enforcement without enforcement dollars. She said there is also a lack of education and outreach focus in the Action Plan, and includes lack of action and lack of funding. The Action Plan is overly complex and it's not easy to read, digest or communicate to the general public. She asked Patton if he knew how long the Port has to respond, but neither Patton nor Bronson knew. Patton noted that the Port Commissioner designated as the representative for all Washington ports on the PSP Leadership Council has never responded to the Board's requests for information. Bronson suggested that they should request that representative be replaced, and Weber said, That makes sense to me. Patton pointed out that if the ports want to respond to the draft PSP Action Plan, there is no clear path for that response going forward: Do we go through the port representative on the leadership council or do we respond independently? He also noted that the timing for the period to respond is also an issue, since the Board only meets once a month. Patton said he could telephone Whidbey Basin Regional Liaison, Linda Lyshall, and ask her what the modalities are for responding to the Action Plan. The Board directed him to contact Lyshall and share their concerns. Patton noted that Steve Sakuma is on the Leadership Council and said he would like to call him as well to get Sakuma's take on how to handle the Port's responses and the Board agreed. Weber said the next business meeting of the MRC is scheduled for November 18^th at 3:30 p.m. in the Island County Commissioners' Hearing Room, and the educational meeting will be held on December 2^nd. The tentative speaker for the educational meeting will be a WSU-Beachwatcher presenting a status update on the 2008 MRC-funded eelgrass monitoring program and plans for 2009. NWSC: Weber was unable to attend the Port Angeles conference November 6-8, because she attended the Ebey's Forever Conference on November 7-8. CWCOC: Weber reported that December 6^th is Greening Day in Coupeville, sponsored by the CWCOC with many activities all along Front Street, including a parade in the evening and bazaars at various churches during the day. The CWCOC's next meeting is 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Public Affairs Committee: Weber attended their regular meeting. Ebey's Forever Conference: Weber said it was a marvelous 2-day conference that included various workshops and informational meetings. She said it was very well done and well attended. Weber said she also attended the meeting of the four Master Site Plan focus groups on October 23^rd, and she plans to attend the first meeting of the merged group in early December. Weber encouraged everyone present to attend tomorrow's water quality meeting at the Coupeville Rec Hall from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The contractor for the Coupeville reclaimed water project will be there to present his preliminary work. She plans to attend because the Port needs to be aware of what is happening in the area.

Council of Governments (COG); Economic Development Council (EDC); Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO); Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA): (McDonald). WPPA: Nothing new to report. EDC: McDonald reported that the EDC did not meet in the past month, but she is Vice President of the EDC and they have an Executive Board which will have a meeting tomorrow. The election of new officers will take place next week, and the EDC Board will also introduce new employee Bill Boring, hired to work part-time on Camano Island. RTPO: McDonald explained that Island County RTPO meets twice a year with the Skagit RTPO, and last month was that joint meeting. Approximately 30 elected officials, including Senator Mary Margaret Haugen and two of the Island County Commissioners attended the joint meeting along with members of the general public. McDonald said the joint meetings are always interesting and productive. David Mosely, Director of the Washington State Ferry System presented his report and discussed the upcoming bids for two 64-car vessels for the Port Townsend/Keystone route. The deadline for the bids was November 6^th, and RTPO was promised the bid would be awarded before Thanksgiving. A wrap-up of last month's Farmhouse Gang Workshop was presented. One of the main topics for that workshop was whether or not another layer of government should be created with the Farmhouse Gang, and it was determined that would not happen. The meeting included a lot of discussion about rail systems and trains and their increased use in the future. In December, McDonald hopes to join a group that will take the train to Portland to view that city's very successful example of pairing transit and rail. Cascadia Group of Seattle is putting it together and will pay for participants' travel. It is a one-day trip, and they will pay to fly them back as well. McDonald reported that San Juan County is in the process of forming an RTPO. They would then become a sub-region with Whatcom County. The Washington State Department of Transportation review included a handout titled, Transit Design & Construction for Skagit and Island Counties from 2001 to 2013. The handout reported that approximately $52 million was spent in Island County vs. $301 million spent in Skagit County. The Mark Clark Bridge on State Route 532 from Stanwood onto Camano Island is not included in those figures, since it is in the budget for Island and Snohomish Counties. COG: There was no COG meeting last month.

Greenbank Farm and Puget Sound Partnership (PSP): (Bronson) Bronson said the Greenbank Farm and PSP had both been well covered earlier in the meeting. He added that progress is being made at the farm, and he is continually surprised and heartened by the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers working on the committees, and the fact that they are all coming together in an agreeable group.

Weber said she wanted to thank her fellow Board members for all their volunteer hours spent attending various committee meetings without travel reimbursement.

NEW BUSINESS: There were no new business items.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS:

Final Budget for 2009: (Patton)

Patton presented Ordinance/Resolution No. 147 for the Board's approval. He explained that the levy would be increased by $3,275, which is a percentage increase of 1% from the previous year. That increase is exclusive of additional revenue from new construction, etc.

ACTION: A motion was made by Bronson and seconded by McDonald to approve and adopt Ordinance/Resolution No. 147 in compliance with RCW 84.55.120 authorizing an increase over the actual levy amount from the previous year of $3,275. The motion passed unanimously. Ordinance//Resolution No. 147 was signed by the Board of Commissioners and will go into effect immediately. The resolution will be forwarded to the Island County Treasurer and the Tax Assessor and a copy of this resolution is on file at the Port office.

Patton referred the Board to their copies of the Levy Certification, which Charles Edwards had signed as Auditing Officer for The Coupeville Port District and which will be forwarded to the Island County Treasurer and the Tax Assessor. A copy of this certification is on file at the Port office. Patton noted that the certification states that the total dollar amount to be levied is $338,200, which is the Highest Lawful Levy amount. He explained it includes the 1% increase and the estimated amount of additional levy from new construction taxes. The tax assessor recently updated that estimate, and it is now $1,600 less than previously estimated in August. He recommended the Board permit him to make an adjustment to the 2009 Budget adopted on October 7, 2008, to reflect a decrease of $1,600 for Levy Revenue.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Bronson to approve the adjustment to the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 as proposed. The motion passed unanimously.

Next Port regular public meeting: The next regular monthly meeting of the Port's Board of Commissioners will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Island County Commissioners' Hearing Room, B-102, #1 NE 6^th Street in Coupeville, WA.

Monthly Financial Status Report: MacLeod-Roberts submitted the final September 2008 financial statement.

ACTION: A motion was made by Weber and seconded by McDonald to accept the final September 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 McDonald to approve by signature the November, 2008 vouchers, numbers #867 - #886 for a total amount of $18,411.18. The motion passed unanimously.

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