Chairperson Lorraine Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Commissioner Robert Doug Stevens, Commissioner Jon Byerly and Port Manager Christine Phalen were in attendance.

This Special meeting was called to discuss our Comprehensive Plan, Mission Statement and to award the bid for the Landscaping project.

Guests present: Ken Jarstad, Dave Haugen, Mervyn Clements, Deanna Saylor, and Barbara Burgess.

First order of business was the awarding of the Landscaping contract conducted by Commissioner Doug Stevens.

Commissioner Stevens discussed the three bids received. The 3 bids were:

South Shore Construction          $9,100.00
Donald KirVan Landscaping         $9,265.00
Randall Landscaping                 $10,235.00

These bids did not include the sales tax.

Commissioner Stevens said the project would include restructuring the Berm in front of building, grading the parking area, and extending the road around the back of the Port building.

Commissioner Byerly questioned the need to remove all the trees out to the drain field. Commissioner Stevens stated there was a drop off the drain field and no can drive out in that area of the property. A tour of the area was conducted at this point in the meeting. It was felt that some of the trees at the back of the parking lot should be saved if possible. Commissioner Stevens will be the contact with the contractor on this project.

Commissioner Stevens stated that although the KirVan bid was not the lowest he made a motion to accept KirVan bid. Motion was seconded. Motion Carried.

Chairperson Kelly stated that the picnic tables needed to be returned to the Port Campground for the camping season. Port Manager Phalen was waiting to hear from the Karate Club to see if they were able to move the tables. The Commissioners requested that Port Manager Phalen handle this project.

Chairpersons Kelly turned the meeting over to commissioner Byerly to facilitate the meeting for the Comprehensive Plan and the Manke Land Plan.

Commissioner Byerly stated the objectives of this Special Meeting are to review the current Comprehensive Plan and Mission Statement to see if an update is order. The ultimate goal would be to expand on the Philosophy that includes short term and long-term strategies.

The number one item on the list should be to review the Port of Dewatto Campground located at 1001 NE Dewatto-Holly road. This campground lies on the shore near the Dewatto River. The Port purchased this parcel of land in 1986. The Port leases the land, from Manke Timber, surrounding the one-acre owned by the Port.

Commissioner Byerly discussed the Port of Tahuya’s new comprehensive Plan as an example of how a Port could expand on a plan. He stated that Tahuya hired a Consultant who conducted survey to determine the ideas for this plan. This plan was very detailed and covered very large areas. Commissioner Byerly stated that it might not be necessary to go to this great detail in doing the Port of Dewatto plan.

Ports are regulated by RCW Title 53, which covers the laws involved with Port Authority and limitations. There is information on the Ports role which is expanded in the RCW. This should be the guiding principal for developing a Comprehensive Plan. This plan is the primary mission of the Port for economic development. The Port is a municipal corporation of the state, as Port District we have a purpose. In Dewatto growth management and shoreline management are limited, however, we need to be facilitating and encouraging economic development in other ways. Some areas for review are:

1. Buy, lease or rent properties
2. Develop land for industrial and/or commercial needs.
3. Construct other parks or campgrounds.
4. Develop viewing areas
5. Promote tourism

All these are possible with funding from taxes, revenue bonds, rental fees, grants, gifts and other revenue.

Four other areas that should be reviewed with an eye to trying to secure a planning grant are:

1. Upgrading and expanding Port of Dewatto Campground.
2. Review the Shoreline Management Act to determine what development can be considered on Dewatto Bay.
3. Study the properties that maybe available for purchase,
4. lease or gifting to the Port.
5. Investigate the properties under DNR control within the Port boundaries.

Commissioner Byerly as Facilitator presented an Evaluation Matrix to identify the growth potential for the Port and the priority levels of each suggestion. This information is available in a report developed from the Special Meeting.

Commissioner Byerly with pursues the lease with Manke while the Commission continues to work on the update of the Comprehensive Plan.

A second Special Planning Meeting was set for April 22, 2003 at 7:00PM.

The Regular Port Meeting is scheduled for May 6, 2003 at 7:00PM.

The Special Meeting was adjourned at 9:00PM.

________________________________         ______________________________
Lorraine Kelly, Chairperson                     Robert (Doug) Stevens, Commissioner

_______________________________         _______________________________
Jon Byerly, Commissioner                      Christine F. Phalen, Port Manager/Sec.