Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Bill McCallum

Action Taken at May 7, 2019 Meeting

Shall the commission:
56. Authorize the executive director to sign the 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 106? Wage increases are 3.0 percent in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The projected base salary cost to the port is $587,351 in 2019, $621,042 in 2020 and $653,964 in 2021. The estimated salary is based on full staffing and does not include overtime. (8503/Consent Agenda B) Approved 3-0

57. Establish a 401(a) Social Security replacement plan for airport rescue and fire fighter employees? At the 4/17/2018 meeting, vote #63, the commission authorized eligible employees to vote on participating in Social Security. They voted to decline participating in Society Security. The Social Security employer match of 6.2 percent will be made to the 401 (a) account. Resolution 1383 (8504/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0

58. Transfer $100,000 from site preparation to public safety to fund additional work on existing Waterfront District buildings? The funds will secure buildings that will become accessible to the public once the city of Bellingham opens Granary Avenue and Laurel Street. (8505/Consent Agenda D) Approved 3-0

59. Authorize the executive director to apply for a state grant for reimbursement of costs associated with the disposal of an abandoned motor vessel? The owner was contacted but did not take take responsibility for the capsized vessel. The total estimated cost including contractor and staff time, is estimated at $10,000. The state will reimburse the port for 90 percent of disposal costs. (8506/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0

60. Approve a lease with Fairhaven Workstudios LLC (amendment #3) for property north of the Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park? At the 12/6/2016 meetings, vote #205, the commission approved a lease for 1.5 acres of undeveloped property for office and live/work studios, subject to city of Bellingham approval. The lease was amended at the 2/6/2018 meeting, vote #25. Geotechnical concerns have reduced the number of buildings from three to two. This amendment expires on 12/31/2019. (8507/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0

61. Refund revenue bonds not to exceed $26 million? Revenue bond series 2010B were primarily used to fund the airport terminal expansion project. Municipal bond interest rates are currently low enough to save the port between $2.2 and 2.6 million over the next 10 years. At the 11/2/2010 meeting, vote #151, the commission authorized the issuance of $43,470,000 in revenue bonds. Of that amount, $30,250,000 was projected to be used for the airport expansion project. The first phase of the terminal project was to be expanded from 27,000 square feet to 47,000 square feet and phase two by another 43,000 square feet. The debt service payment was estimated to be $3,600,000 per year and be covered by airport and marine moorage revenue. At the 7/21/2015 meeting, #100, the port received a $4,792,517 federal grant for the airport terminal expansion project. Resolution 1381 (8501/Action Item #1) Approved 3-0

Action Taken at May 21, 2019 Meeting

Shall the commission:
62. Authorize the executive director to sign a $85,000 contract with Landau Associates of Edmonds for environmental and engineering support services at the Sea K Fish site in Blaine? The site is in the marine industrial area of Blaine Harbor. The port has owned the property since the mid-1940s and the state of Washington owns the adjacent aquatic lands. Underground storage tanks, petroleum distribution and fish processing have contributed contamination of the site. Landau will review reports related to environmental conditions. A field investigation of the site will evaluate the extent of petroleum contamination. Soil and groundwater samples will collected at six sites using a direct-push drill rig. Samples will also be collected at six intertidal areas. The information will be compiled into a report. A contingency fee of $8,500 brings the total contract to $93,500. (8523/Action Item 1) Approved 3-0

63. Authorize the executive director to spend $85,487 to purchase portable LED light towers from Herc Rentals of Bellingham? The towers will improve lighting at the shipping terminal, decrease energy consumption and rental costs. (8525/Consent Agenda B) Approved 3-0

64. Authorize the executive director to sign an agreement (amendment #1) for remedial investigation, funding and litigation with Yorkston Oil Company, Thomas Yorkston, Exxon Mobil and Chevron U.S.A.? The agreement was initially approved by the commission at the 12/7/2010 meeting, vote #178. The port has owned property at 2801 Roeder Avenue since 1931, and leased the site to: Petroleum Navigation Company (1931 to 1945), Whatcom Petroleum Company (1931 to 1936), Signal Oil Company/Standard Oil of Exxon Company USA (1975 to 1977) and Yorkston Oil Company (1977 to April 2019), California (1937 to 1967) and Humble Oil and Refining Company (1975 to 1977). Environmental investigations have confirmed hydrocarbons in the soil and groundwater at concentrations that require action under the Model Toxics Control Act. The next phase consists of completion of site characterization and remedial analysis and is estimated to cost $218,350. (8526/ Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0

65. Approve a permit for Pacific Coastal Ventures d/b/a Alaska Wild Fish and Chips of Blaine to operate a food truck in the Blaine Harbor parking lot? The commission approved permits for seven parking stalls at the 6/16/2017 meeting, vote #64, and the 5/15/2018 meeting, vote #73. The truck will operate five days a week in the Gate 3 parking lot. It will fill a need that was created by the closure of the Harbor Cafe. The port will receive $430 per month for the permit, power, garbage and water usage. (8527/Consent Agenda D) Approved 3-0

66. Authorize the executive director to sign a $38,301 contract with RMC Architects of Bellingham for restroom design and permitting services? New restrooms will be constructed in the F Street warehouse. A contingency fee of $7,699 brings the total contract to $46,000. (8528/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0

67. Authorize the executive director to sign an amendment to the waiver of landlord’s lien agreement with Washington Federal National Association? Before Puglia Engineering shut down, it had a $60,000 a month lease for a drydock. Under this agreement, Washington Federal will pay 80 percent of the monthly rent until the dry-dock is sold.

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