POST MORTEM PORT MEETING 3/15/11

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Christine Armond Mason County Progressive

IN THE AFTERGLOW OF ADAGE'S EXIT

25 people gathered in the Port of Shelton Commissioners'
Chambers for the 1st meeting since the demise of ADAGE.
Public comments pertaining to Agenda items did not take
place as there were no items on the Agenda. (The open public
comment period occurred as usual at the end of the session.)

In lieu of no Agenda items, Commissioner Jack Miles suggested that
the Portside newsletter be discussed: "Why didn't it come to me for
input; where was it printed; & why was it mailed out of Albany, Oregon?"
(No answers forthcoming from Hupp, Wallitner or Dobson)

Al Frey, Port Maintenance & Environmental Manager,
talked about being in the Narita Airport for 72 hours during
the Japanese earthquake, & mentioned the "common bonding"
that took place between everyone there. He then went on
to explain the Port's emergency response planning.

John Cox: "There are 3 commissioners chosen by the voters.
If one of them is deliberately kept out of the process of governing
the Port, then it is also the will of the voters that is being disregarded.
How do you justify that?" (No answers forthcoming)

Tom Davis: "The mission of the Port is important. Has the
mission of the Port changed? If so, when did that happen?
The port is a municipality, not a business like the EDC."
(It would be looked into)

Terri Thompson: "According to an ORCAA representative,
ADAGE is trying to find another business to assume their role.
Would this business be able to buy into the lease agreement?"

Commissioner Jay Hupp: "Yes, if both parties agree.
(ADAGE & the Port of Shelton)


Executive Director John Dobson: "The ultimate decision
to terminate the lease option is up to ADAGE....As of now,
the Option to Lease Agreement is legally binding & in place."

Commissioner Tom Wallitner: "If ADAGE can't
put together that biomass plant here, nobody can!"

Pat Vandehey: "Being informed gives our community
the power to have a say in what will or will not happen."

Erik Soper requested a report on funds
brought in by the Port's airport & marina.

After Commissioner Jack Miles applauded the community's efforts
to stop ADAGE (saying he was not convinced it was just about the
economy), the meeting was recessed at 3:00 pm for Executive Session.

Photos by Christine