Commissioners Present: Benye Weber, Ann McDonald and Marshall Bronson

Others Present: Jim Patton (Executive Director), Molly MacLeod-Roberts (Edwards & Associates), Justin Burnett (Whidbey Examiner), Leaders of Local Organizations: Nancy Conard (Mayor, Town of Coupeville), Linda Eccles (Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce), Mary Alice Sterling (Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association), Rex Porter, (Executive Director, Island County Marine Resources Committee), Don Meehan, (Director, WSU Extension Natural Resources Stewardship Program), Sharon Hart, Executive Director, Island County Economic Development Council and 36 others as listed on attached Sign In Sheet.

Call to Order: The special meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Commissioner Weber in the Coupeville Recreation Hall, located at 901 Alexander Street, Coupeville, WA, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Purpose of the Meeting: Commissioner Weber stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the maintenance and appearance of the Coupeville Wharf and invite suggestions from local organizations and district residents for augmenting the Port's resources. This special meeting was open to the public, but comments and questions from the public were limited to this sole issue.

Introduction of Participating Leaders of Local Organizations: Weber introduced herself, her fellow Commissioners, and the other leaders seated at the table. On behalf of the Board, she welcomed the leaders and the public and thanked them all for coming to the meeting. She also introduced Executive Director, Jim Patton and the Port Clerk, Molly MacLeod-Roberts.

Brief Opening Statements by the Members of the Board of Commissioners: Bronson read aloud a prepared statement on behalf of the Board of Commissioners as follows:

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

First I wish to give thanks, as have the previous speakers, to all of you for taking your time this evening to come here to listen and to share thoughts, ideas, and hopefully future efforts in support of the Wharf.

In particular I too wish to compliment Mr. Bell for being able to galvanize his customers into being observers and appreciators of the Wharf. As a Port Commissioner, I try to make a weekly walk around and have noted areas of need repair and attention. It was fortunate, or unfortunate, that the storms of last month, one of which had sustained winds of 47 mph, were unusual in both their direction and severity. We also had freezing weather both longer and colder than normal. The result was a broken underground water line and disruption for ½ day in service. A similar disruption occurred in the sewer system with the separation of a flexible connection in the sewer line resulting in a 13-day interruption in service. A second sewer problem was because of a flushed object plugging the pump in the holding tank, a fearsome problem that plagues every toilet owner. The Port reduced the monthly rent for the days out of service. Then the two really big notable events occurred: the flyaway roofing and the separation of a section of the fuel dock. The replacement of the roofing has been on the list of needed repairs, but was felt to have two or three years of life remaining, and indeed it was strong enough that it did not all peel off. The current repair, done in 2 days, will hold while estimates are done and the costs entered into the mid-year budget adjustments.

Now a word about the fuel dock, the big money maker for the Coupeville Wharf. The Port ordered new steel collars for both docks in August and had an unsatisfactory experience with the supplier, which was not resolved until after the big storm. The new parts are here, and ready to be installed. The docks have to be careened and have all the rub rails and other wooden parts replaced. Those preparations are currently underway. I felt it necessary to address these major problems because the Port, like a homeowner, has a specified income and an almost unlimited amount of needs. At home, you can rationalize and balance the requirement of house painting with the need for new tires on the car. The big difference for the Port is that if something goes wrong, it is everyone's concern as opposed to the problem of someone's flat tire.

The Executive Director will speak about the fiscal restraints imposed by our tax base. It is evident that the Port is aware of many of the maintenance needs, such as paint and replacement of wooden siding. There are many things that are constantly being addressed and so they go unnoticed. We need eyes that can see things in real time and notify us, or the Harbormaster. We need ears that can hear what people need and are complaining about so that they can be addressed. Remember that there is just one Harbormaster (who also owns and runs a restaurant), a part-time Executive Director, and three Commissioners who meet formally once a month. We also make rounds both here in Coupeville and at the Greenbank Farm.

I, as only one of your Port Commissioners, return to Mr. Bell and his call to action, and suggest that he could take the lead in the formation for a group interested in the Wharf and its activities. (The Piling Protectors or The Wharf Rats)

I have spent seven years on the Island County Tourism Board and have seen the results of advertising ourselves and the importance of visual images. The Coupeville Wharf is a Symbol of the town, a prominent feature of the County, and a major picture in the Washington State tourism online and in print material.

We need the help of the people and business community to include the Wharf in their planning for activities that draw visitors downtown and onto the Wharf. We have a Coffee Shop, a Restaurant, and a Store over the water. That is hard to find and impossible to build now. They are worth supporting and preserving.

In my first meeting as a Port Commissioner I made the unpleasant announcement that we were in a dire financial condition. Our last plea for a new levy failed, but the needs continue to grow and it is the local supporters who will decide the future. We have the two icons of the Island - the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm, and it is our charge to protect and preserve both for the use of the public. I think with your support, it can and will be done.

Brief Overview of Port Resources and Financial Obligations: Patton provided a brief presentation on the Port's financial situation, including the history of the purchase of the Greenbank Farm and outlined the costs to maintain the Farm and the Wharf over the last ten years.. The handout provided to the public is attached to these Minutes. Patton said that when the Port purchased Greenbank Farm in 1997, they bit off more than they could chew. The only revenue the Port receives other than the levy comes from rents, moorage fees and fuel sales. The Port owns and has the responsibility for maintaining two 100-year old icons - the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm. That maintenance is very expensive, the Wharf Upgrade Project in 1997 cost $180,000, the Farm Upgrade Project from 2003-2007 totaled $293,500 and during 2005-2007 the Port spent $35,500 on wharf, marina and office repairs.

Patton provided an explanation of the Port's balanced budget process. He encouraged the public to attend the Port's annual preliminary and final budget hearings and participate in the process since it is the public's money being spent. In 2008, no one attended the public budget meetings or picked up a copy of the budget from the Port office. He pointed out that the Port's Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 sets aside $40,675 for Construction, Repair and Maintenance and noted that most of that is planned to be spent on the Coupeville Wharf - for re-shingling the roof, replacing the gutters, and repairing and painting the Wharf's wooden exterior. Patton also informed the public that the 2009 Budget is posted in the kiosk at the entrance to the Wharf.

Comments By Leaders of Local Organizations: Weber explained that the Port had sent out an invitation to tonight's meeting to various agencies and organizations. She asked the representatives present to share any comments or concerns they had regarding the Coupeville Wharf.

Mayor Nancy Conard of Coupeville said she was here in response to an email William Bell sent out regarding his concerns about the appearance and maintenance of the Wharf. She informed Bell that the Wharf was in our (the City's) sight, but not our jurisdiction. If the Port is limited in resources and not able to get everything done, she believes there are people and resources available to assist with projects that the community supports. Conard said she would be happy to help with that in any way she can.

Weber said the community within the boundaries of the Coupeville School District is a community that cares about and helps each other in times of need, and that's what this meeting is about. The Board wants to hear comments and suggestions and she encouraged all present to review the information received tonight and contact the Port office or the Commissioners with any questions.

Linda Eccles said the Chamber is very supportive of local businesses and tourism in Coupeville, and the Wharf is a very important part of Coupeville. The Chamber wants to help the Port in any way it can. Eccles said Whidbey Island has tremendous resources of volunteerism, and she thinks they can really pull together - not only within the community, but also by reaching out to some other organizations that have volunteer teams that can help. The Chamber will be as supportive as they can on this issue.

Don Meehan shared his personal perspective of Island County. He said Port District residents are very lucky - the County has 4 historic icons: the Deception Pass Bridge, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm. Two of them are Port-owned (the Wharf & the Farm), and a third (the lighthouse) is within the Port District. Meehan said there is a cultural heritage in this area that needs to be preserved. The economics of making this thing work is really up to us - the community, and he thinks the community needs to step up to the plate to make it work. He said the Farm and the Wharf are absolute jewels in our community that need to be protected and preserved.

Rex Porter added his thanks to William Bell for sending the email and starting this positive process, and thanked the Board for setting up this meeting and inviting representatives from various agencies and organizations to attend. Porter said tonight's meeting so far has presented a snapshot of the fiscal picture and he thinks most people want the movie: What are the trend lines? What are the plans? What is the vision going forward? Porter said he knows the Port has the movie in its Comprehensive Plan, and he thinks in order to go forward, more people need to know about that Plan and what's in it.

Patton explained that the Port's Comprehensive Plan 2007-2026 is posted on the Port's website and there are also a dozen or so copies available for the public at tonight's meeting if they want to take one home.

Mary Alice Sterling said that recognizing the iconic-ness of the Wharf, the Historic Waterfront association started a festival every June called Wharf Fest, during which they celebrate the Wharf and its connection with the area's farming and sailing history. Sterling thinks everyone wants the Wharf to be saved, and said she was one of the few who voted for the Port's levy. The Association knows the Port has a budget constraint and she didn't want to put a damper on the meeting, but they are concerned about the amount of focus on the Farm. They believe in and are supportive of the purchase of the Farm, but they are worried the focus on the new building there (even though it will be paid for with other funds) will generate more problems like the last new building (new water system, etc.). Sterling wondered if that new building plan should be delayed so the focus can be on the Wharf, to support and reinforce it.

Weber noticed that Sharon Hart was in the audience and invited her to speak. Hart said the things that are unique about Whidbey are the things that really do promote the economy, and both the Wharf and the Farm promote the economy, and the ICEDC is a partner with the Port and will help support it.

Commissioners' Comments:

Bronson stated that as a Port Commissioner, one of his responsibilities is to serve as liaison to the Greenbank Farm. He added that he was sorry there were no Greenbank Farm Management Group representatives in attendance tonight. Bronson stated that the Port is responsible for both the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm. He explained that the purchase of the Greenbank Farm by the County and the Port came about as a result of overwhelming public support. Port Districts are supposed to be economic generators, and the first 3 functions of the Port are related to economic development. The 4^th function is to help protect and maintain the environment. The Wharf doesn't generate many dollars - there are no steamships, no produce is exported from the Wharf, etc. The only generation of funds is the sale of some fuel and the rents collected from the few businesses out on the Wharf.

Bronson noted that 40 volunteers spent the last year planning the future of the Farm: figuring out how to divide up the Farm's activities, how to make it a profit center, a cultural center and a place of interest for Island County. The Farm is centrally located on the Island, and work is being done to develop a year-round Farmer's Market and a Community Supported Agriculture education and training center, as well as improving the recreational areas. Regarding the new building, the Port would not be paying for it, nor would they have to pay for any new water or septic systems as the current systems are fully capable of handling the new building. In order to attract more visitors and generate more income, the Farm needs additional businesses and another building. Those 40 volunteers have diligently worked on coming up with a Master Site Plan for the Farm.

Bronson said the Port has never really asked the local community to come up with a volunteer organization. There was a great volunteer effort for the Comprehensive Plan, but it ended when the Plan was completed, when it should have been just the beginning.

Weber informed the public that the Port's previous Comp Plan was adopted in 1969. She noted that when she came on board with the Port, the Port did not even have a functioning office. When the Board started looking for funding in order to do some restoration on the Wharf and office space, every agency looks at the Comp Plan and Weber said they almost laughed me out of Olympia when she presented the 1969 Comp Plan. The Port needed a new Comp Plan in order to be eligible for funds. They advertised for volunteers to work on it, and those individuals met for 14 months. There were 4 public hearings on the Comp Plan at different sites within the District. The Plan lists 13 initiatives - one is the Master Site Plan for the Greenbank Farm. The Comp Plan Committee agreed development of a Master Site Plan was a priority.

McDonald said the Port needs help with the Wharf. They are in desperate need of financial help, and the Port just recently learned that they are able to accept gifts of real and personal property and to expend in improvements and betterments such amounts as may be necessary (as authorized by RCW 53.08.110). She said the Port would absolutely welcome volunteers. McDonald said she recognized many in the audience as individuals who routinely volunteer for various causes. She underscored that the Port really needs help, and told the audience, I have a feeling you guys are the right people to start with, so thank you.

Opening of the Meeting to Comments, Questions and Suggestions By the Public:

Derek Pritchard of Greenbank said he had an observation and a question. His observation was that there was a possibility that people interested in the Farm are not represented here because the Farm is not addressed in the topic of the agenda for this meeting. The meeting is advertised as being entirely focused on the Wharf, so Pritchard said he was surprised that the meeting has spent so much time discussing the Farm issues. He asked the following question: Do the 3 Commissioners and the Executive Director embrace the principle of a community effort to support the renovation, maintenance and welfare of the Wharf? The Board and Patton all stated, Yes.

Tim McDonald of Coupeville said the Port Commissioners and Patton are doing an outstanding job and he thanked them for their hard work. He said one of the big issues is the $832,000 owed on the Bond. McDonald wondered if the Board had considered going to the Island County Commissioners and asking them to invest some of their Conservation Futures money and buy out the Farm. If the Port is going bankrupt because of the Bond, there might be relief in the Conservation Futures. Weber said she had just recently learned that the Port might be eligible for Conservation Futures money. McDonald encouraged them to approach the Island County Commissioners and pursue that money.

McDonald asked if the Port derives any income from the Greenbank Farm, and was told, Not a penny. McDonald asked if that is typical of ports, and Patton said it varies. There are 76 ports in Washington State - some create Industrial Development Districts (which Patton views as blights on the environment) and get lots of revenue from that. The core of the Greenbank Farm Management Group (GFMG) was instrumental (along with others) in saving the Farm from the developmental blight that was going to happen. GFMG also obtained $1.5 million from Olympia to build the new Barn C, and as part of that they were permitted to create a 10-year lease arrangement with the Port. The Port owns and pays the mortgage on the Farm, but during the 10-year lease, the non-profit GFMG is entitled to be the managers of the Farm. Patton noted that in two areas the GFMG provides something a for-profit contractor couldn't provide: 1) GFMG runs a very profitable Wine Shop that earns $100,000 per year, which they put back into the sustaining of the Farm (advertising, maintenance, electricity, salaries, etc.), and 2) a lot of volunteer effort, and Patton gave the renovation of the caretaker's cottage as a prime example. The Port paid just $6,000 for materials and the GFMG got 30 volunteers (including a plumbers, electricians, window framers, roofers) and updated the cottage in a single weekend and the GFMG was able to fill it with a full-time caretaker.

Patton added that the GFMG is under new management now - they've hired a new Operations Manager and they have a new President. Commissioner McDonald explained that the Port does pay the GFMG a management fee of $49,950 per year, and that essentially goes to pay the salary of the Farm's Operations Manager. Bronson reiterated that the GFMG is a non-profit organization, and noted that all their income from rents goes back into the Farm.

Weber stated that the Coupeville Wharf was her first love when she came to Whidbey Island; not the Greenbank Farm. But she added that the Greenbank Farm is also the Port's responsibility and the Board is trying to divide the money between the two and take care of the needs of both the Wharf and the Farm. She said, We just need more hands and we need more dollars.

Jan Skubi asked if the Board has plans to make and post a detailed list of what they need from volunteers for the Wharf. Weber said not yet, but that's what this meeting is all about - to generate thoughts and ideas. After reviewing the minutes from this meeting, the Board will hold a workshop to discuss the issue and determine the next steps.

Bill Brown said the Port had sent out a questionnaire soliciting ideas for other possible uses for the Wharf, such as a Marine Education Center. He asked if there are other uses they should be talking about that might generate more use and more community and volunteer support for the facility.

Weber said the idea for a Marine Education Center came through the Comp Plan Committee, and WSU Beachwatchers presented several briefings in the area to solicit recommendations and suggestions for the Center. She explained that there is no funding currently available for the project, but it remains a future possibility. Weber also noted there are current lease agreements in place between the Port and the tenants on the Wharf that must be honored.

Regarding a wider range of activities on the Wharf, Bronson said he would like to see more events scheduled for the Wharf, such as weddings and group picnics. It would be helpful to set up an Events Calendar.

Sandy Dubpernell noted that the Beachwatchers already have a group of volunteers called The Wharf Rats, so the Port wouldn't be able to use that name. The group is adding more details to the Marine Education Center, and they are currently working on creating a docent handbook. They plan on having docents at the Wharf on weekends and during the Mussel Festival, and the docents will answer all kinds of questions about activities in Coupeville. The group is also considering presenting a free lecture once a month at the Wharf with topics like environmental concerns, marine animals, etc.

Derek Pritchard suggested the Board consider the Hearts & Hammers concept. The Board could have a work party on the Wharf 3 times per year in the off-season and make it a celebration and an event. He added that Dubpernell really undersold herself when describing the docent handbook - Pritchard said, It is the most fantastic piece of resource information that Coupeville has ever had.

Don Meehan noted that both Dubpernell and Pritchard spoke about generating excitement about the Wharf and getting people to come visit the Wharf. But Meehan said people don't come just to visit the Wharf - they come to visit the Town of Coupeville, and the Beachwatchers exhibit at the Wharf has really added a lot and made a difference to local businesses. He also noted that WSU Master Gardeners' demo garden at the Farm has also provided great benefit to the community.

Larry Ogle asked about the use of volunteers and the Port's liability if a volunteer were injured or killed while working on the Wharf. Patton responded that the Port has $10 million worth of liability insurance. He added that they would not have amateurs out on the Wharf doing major repairs and painting, they would have to hire professionals, using the small works roster. Patton suggested he could compile a list of the tasks that volunteers could do.

Gary Wray said he has a siding company, and the company recently completed volunteer work on a project for the City of Oak Harbor and carried their own insurance for the workers. Patton said he would like to discuss the details further with him. Wray suggested that the Port contact the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association, because…there is a pent-up effort to volunteer. He has worked well with Habitat for Humanity, and they just don't know that the Port has a need. He thinks professionals such as painters will volunteer, but the Port will have to organize it, including feeding the volunteers.

Wray noted that the Greenbank Farm was not represented at this meeting, and said, It's almost like there are two Port Districts that are fighting with each other. He said members of the GFMG should have been in attendance. Weber noted that the Coupeville Lions Club also had a meeting tonight, and many people might be at that meeting instead. Wray stated that the fighting needs to end and the groups have to work together.

Wray said most people at the meeting seem to be focusing their attention on conservation of Whidbey Island, but the Port's main purpose is actually economic development. He said the Port is not doing anything toward job creation or generating revenue, because they don't have any funding for it. Wray said he read that the Port is going for a levy lift again in the fall, and he doesn't think it will pass. The Port will have to rely on volunteerism and fund raising. He suggested the Port should seek a smaller levy to get through 2014 (when the GFMG Agreement ends) and 2017 (when the Farm Bond is paid off).

Lewis Walker disagreed with Wray. He said the Port needs money, and he thinks if the levy is tied to the Bond issue and ends when the Bond is repaid, it might pass. Bronson explained that the Port's last levy request did include that sunset clause. Walker said the last levy did not emphasize the Coupeville Wharf though, and he thought the next one should.

Mayor Nancy Conard noted that William Bell's email expressed concern about maintenance of the Wharf - the roof, the painting, replacing the rotten wood, etc., but the Port's 2009 Budget has allocated approximately $40,000 to pay for those maintenance tasks. She didn't know if any other needs have been identified to keep the Wharf solvent, so she suggested the Board ask the public if there are any other concerns that are not being addressed and make a list of those items. Mayor Conard also suggested that by using volunteers, the Port could stretch the $40,000 much further. She explained that volunteers can be insured through the Department of Labor & Industries, and added that rather than contracting with a painting company or a roofing company, the Port could instead hire a painter or roofer to manage the volunteers. That would give the Port more bang for the buck.

Mayor Conard said when looking at the Port's 2009 Budget, if everything stays the same for the Port's finances, it looks like each year the Port would have $40,000 available to spend on improvements. She suggested the Board should identify what those improvements will be for the next five years, whether they will be at the Wharf or at the Farm. While making that list, if there are tasks that could be done by volunteers, the Board should consider how to facilitate that. Mayor Conard recommended they do the exact same thing with the request for the levy increase. She said the levy would have a better chance of passing if the Port is specific about identifying what will happen for each year.

She noted the Port has done long-term planning with its Comprehensive Plan, but without a levy increase, the Port will just need to focus on maintenance. If $40,000 per year is all the Port has to spend on maintenance between the Wharf and the Farm, Mayor Conard said the Farm has other ways to get money for Farm maintenance, but the Wharf only makes $4,000 per year on fuel sales so the money needs to come up here (to the Wharf).

Mayor Conard said she would be happy to meet with Patton and share what she knows about organizing volunteers. She concluded that maintaining the Wharf is a doable project.

Mike Diamanti noted that the last successful levy that passed was the Library levy. He believed that levy's success could be directly attributed to the efforts of the Friends of the Library. They organized a website and the campaign, provided signage, etc., and he was pretty sure they didn't spend a lot of money in the process. The Friends of the Library were able to educate everyone and get the specific information out to the public. Diamanti said with all the interest and energy generated by William Bell's email voicing his concerns about maintenance of the Wharf, the forming of a Friends of the Port or a Friends of the Wharf group would be an excellent start to forming a volunteer organization.

Russ Ernest spoke on behalf of the South Whidbey Yacht Club. Although the Club doesn't have a lot of assets other than their membership, they want to throw their hat into the ring for the volunteer aspect of the operation.

Stella Tandecki said she views the Wharf as an amazing events center, capable of being a huge revenue/money making facility if it were advertised and used as an events center. Tandecki said her understanding is that the proposed new building at the Farm will be for a year-round Farmer's Market, and was skeptical of what would be sold from November until April. Bronson explained that the building would also have a co-op commercial kitchen providing organic products for sale, in addition to providing a classroom for the Community Supported Agriculture and public meeting rooms (which are in short supply on the Island). Tandecki felt Barn A could be used, but Bronson explained that it is not the case, because Barn A is not insulated at all.

Rex Porter suggested that meetings such as this tend to have a 90-minute half-life and noted this meeting was past that timeframe. He went on to say that Bronson said he is the keeper of the Farm and asked which Commissioner is the Wharf person. He also asked about the Board's vision of what happens after this meeting - what are the logistics and how do they plan to harness the energy and ideas and communicate the needs to the public?

Weber said the Board will review the Minutes from this meeting, and suggested that the Board could then hold a workshop in order to discuss and agree on the next step, perhaps with groups around tables, etc.

Porter asked, So if I've got a dollar or a paintbrush or experience to share, should I call Patton, look for an article in the newspaper, go to the website or what? Weber said that is what the Board needs to plan on, after they've had a chance to review the Minutes and absorb all of the ideas and suggestions shared tonight.

Patton noted that the Port does have a website ( HYPERLINK "http://www.portofcoupeville.org" www.portofcoupeville.org), and all of the Minutes from the last two years are available there. He added that as this process goes forward, the website will be updated with information.

Commissioner McDonald noted that the Port does not have a liaison for the Wharf as Bronson is for the Farm, but that doesn't mean one could not be developed.

Bill Skubi said he is a big supporter of the Wharf and a big supporter of the Greenbank Farm. It seems to him there is a dynamic happening within the Port where the communities of the Farm and the Wharf are becoming insular, and he believes it's going to become a cancer as far as seeing any kind of levy pass. Skubi said as long as there is an enemy within, with one side saying I want my stuff but I don't want to pay for stuff over there. He believes there really needs to be some energy and focus on reminding everybody why we wanted the Greenbank Farm as part of the Port and into bringing the communities together.

Weber agreed and noted that the Port has done that before (people came together), but she has seen a lot of newcomers to the area that weren't here when the threat of losing the Greenbank Farm to development arose. She said there really aren't two groups - there is one Port District that includes the Farm and the Wharf and everyone should all be for the same thing: The Port owns both properties and wants to preserve and save for them for future generations and the patrons of the Port community. Skubi said, It's not a tug of war, and Weber agreed.

Albert Bowers said he believed the Greenbank Farm would be a real asset, but as it is now, It's a 600-acre elephant on our back. He said, I believe, if you look at the record, the Farm would be self-sustaining, clear and free in 1997. That was 11+ years ago, and we're still being asked to support the few jobs it creates. Bowers feels something else should be brought in there, and he believes the most beneficial thing to do would be to move the Island County Fair from Langley to the Farm. He also suggested that the Port should cut down its area and limit the District to the perimeter of Coupeville itself.

Weber noted that the residents and merchants of Langley would object to moving the Fair and there would have to be a 2/3 vote of the people of Island County to support the move.

Larry Ogle stated that at the Port's October meeting, the Board was asked, What is your Plan B if the levy doesn't pass. He claimed that Weber's response was, It will pass and since it didn't, Ogle still wants to know What is your Plan B? Weber corrected him and noted that she never said the levy would pass. She added, I had calluses on my knees praying about that levy. She went on to explain that Plan B was and continues to be to develop a balanced budget with the known existing revenues, cutting back where they can cut back. Plan B is also to get input and energy from the community to help the Port resolve the problem. Weber added that the Port ended the year with $83,000 remaining in the budget.

Ogle asked if the Board is proposing to run the levy again in November and Weber said yes, but explained that they could always rescind that decision if the ideas and suggestions from public input provide alternative solutions to the Port's financial situation.    

Ogles asked if the last levy request cost about $6,000, and Patton said the actual cost was $3,750, including the design, printing and mailing of the brochure to all of the registered voters in the Port District.

Bronson reiterated the fact that the Port cannot sell the Farm and Weber added that the Port is obligated to make full repayment of the Bond used to pay for the purchase of the Farm. Patton explained the background of the purchase of the Farm: Because Island County is a taxing authority and will always be able to get enough have money to pay back bonds, they created what is called Administrative Bonds - although the County was pressured by the people to purchase the Farm, they didn't go to the people and create a bond issue in the traditional sense to pay for it. On the same day the County made the purchase, they immediately flipped 151 acres to the Port of Coupeville (another taxing authority), and the Board of Commissioners accepted the obligation to pay $1.3 million worth of that big bond package. The Port cannot extricate itself from that obligation. Patton said when people say, Sell the farm - it is not ours to sell, at least not until 2017.

An Unidentified Individual asked, If it's not ours to sell, why are we paying for it? Patton said the Port will own the Farm outright in 2017, but the reason why the Farm was purchased was to save it from unsightly and unwanted development. Weber said that citizens of the Coupeville School District (which has the boundaries as the Port District) overwhelmingly supported the purchase of the Farm by the Port through the Island County government.

Mary Alice Sterling didn't think anyone wants to see the Wharf or the Farm sold; she said, I think we all agree we like both icons. She said they would like to see one of the other two Commissioners exert the same efforts Bronson does for the Farm toward the Wharf - to coordinate the volunteer efforts and identify what they can do. Sterling thinks people want leadership from the Board and a focused direction with the Wharf as the impetus.

Bronson felt they had received a great deal of input tonight. The Port will be expanding its website, and it would be nice to have a photo montage of the Port's properties, along with a list of projects and a place for volunteers to sign up to help with those projects.

McDonald noted that Justin Burnett of the Whidbey Examiner was present, so residents not in attendance at this meeting would still be able to learn about tonight's discussion in the newspaper.

Don Meehan suggested that Tim McDonald probably had the best idea for a solution: use of Conservation Futures funds. He encouraged the Port to publish an explanation/description of the Conservation Futures Program on the website and ask people to contact the Island County Commissioners and request the funds be used for repayment of the bond.

There were no additional comments. On behalf of the Board, Weber thanked everyone for coming.

ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Weber adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.