Port of Bellingham Commission

Compiled by Andrew S. McBride

Action Taken at March 1, 2016 Meeting

Shall the commission:
48. Authorize the executive director to sign a cost-sharing partnership with Whatcom County for licensed Pictometry Imagery and software? At the 9/3/2013 meeting, vote #133, the port entered into an agreement with Whatcom County to provide high quality aerial photogrammetric images. Whatcom County officials propose a similar interlocal agreement for 2016. The total cost to the the port is $8,000. (5720/Consent Agenda C) Approved 3-0

49. Authorize the executive director to sign a $37,450 contract (amendment #12) with Berger/ABAM of Federal Way for condition assessment and load rating for the Harris Avenue pier replacement project? The scope of work includes providing additional consultant support for reassessing the condition of the existing Harris Avenue shipyard timber pier, updating the pier load rating analysis and two design charrettes. Completing temporary repairs in 2016 to restore most or all of the pier’s original load capacity and frees the port to pursue alternatives during 2017-2018, depending on availability of MTCT funding. This amendment brings the total authorized amount to $1,366,057. (5721/Consent Agenda B) Approved 3-0

50. Authorize the executive director to sign a $27,372 contract (amendment #1) with Cities Digital of Hudson, WI for the maintenance of electronic records management software? At the 3/3/2015 meeting, vote #37, the commission approved a $75,318 contract with Cities Digital for the installation and implementation of Laserfiche. The electronic records management software wil be used for managing electronic records and building business processes for better routing of records. Software maintenance will be needed each year. This amendment brings the total contact amount to $102,690. (5722/Consent Agenda E) Approved 3-0

51. Authorize the executive director to sign an agreement (amendment #3) with the Port of Tacoma for assistance in obtaining federal permits for new and existing projects? At the 2/21/2012 meeting, vote #25, the commission authorized the initial agreement with the Port of Tacoma. Amendment #3 allows the port to participate in the Port of Tacoma’s agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service in which they provide staffing resources to assist with and facilitate the acquisition of federal permits and extends the term to 3/11/2018. The Port of Tacoma’s hourly billing rate has increased to $106.00. Total spent to date is approximately $30,000, leaving a commission-approved budget balance of $45,000. (5723/Consent Agenda F) Approved 3-0

52. Authorize the executive director to sign a $135,000 contract with Traction Creative of Vancouver, B.C., for marketing and advertising of the Bellingham airport? Staff recommends that the commission approve an additional $50,000 for airport advertising and promotion, bringing the budgeted amount to $150,000. The contract with Traction Creative is for an amount not to exceed $135,000. The remaining $15,000 has been committed to the port’s efforts in promoting the airport through discount parking coupons, on its website, and through social media. (5724/Action Item 1) Approved 3-0

53. Authorize the executive director to sign a $652,903 contract (amendment #42) with Anchor QEA of Seattle for phase 1 of the Whatcom Waterway cleanup project? Scope of work includes project management, construction management support services, agency and stakeholder coordination, and continued stormwater discharge permit support services for the upland area of the former GP site. This amendment brings the total authorized amount to $11,905,186. (5725/Action Item 2) Approved 3-0

54. Authorize the executive director to sign a $117,138 contract with Ashton Engineering of Bellingham to provide consulting services for the I & J Street float and Squalicum boat launch modifications? The I & J Street float project explores, designs, permits, and provides 30 percent design of a new-in-water facility. This float will be used by All American Marine as a fit-up float for newly-produced boats. I & J Street Float modifications are expected to cost $54,800. The Squalicum boat launch modifications include evaluation of soils and planks, relocation of the northern float further to the north, and permitting for in-water work. The modifications are expected to cost $62,338. A contingency fee of $11,862 brings the total contract to $129,000. (5726/Action Item 3) Approved 3-0

55. Award 2016 Small City Economic Development Fund grants totaling $75,000 for Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, and Sumas? The port started the small city grant program in 2004. The city of Blaine will receive $20,000 for a community needs assessment. The city of Ferndale will receive $20,000 for engineering work to support construction of an extension of Thornton Road over a railway to connect to I-5. The city of Lynden will receive $20,000 to revitalize and renew the historic business district. The city of Sumas will receive $15,000 for city utility circuit/fuse coordination analysis. The applicants are to provide a total of $145,000 in matching funds: Blaine, $30,000; Ferndale, $80,000; Lynden, $20,000; and Sumas, $15,000. (5727/Action Item 5) Approved 3-0

56. Authorize the refinancing of general obligation bonds not to exceed $5,500,000? At the 12/6/2005 meeting, vote #120, the commission authorized the sale of $5 million in bonds to finance improvements the Squalicum and Blaine marinas; Bellingham airport; the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal, bus and train station; the planning and development of a new marina in the former G-P treatment lagoon and infrastructure improvements such as breakwaters, promenades and riprap. Interest rates for municipal bonds are currently low enough to provide savings from the current refunding of the port’s general obligation bond issue series 2006. The port will realize expected cash flow savings of over $600,000 over the next ten years. 5716/Action Item 4 (Resolution 1351) Approved 3-0

Action Taken at March 15, 2016 Meeting

Shall the commission:
57. Approve a commercial lease with Bellhaven Yacht Sales and Charters for premises at the Marina Square Building? Bellhaven is interested in consolidating and expanding its current lease holdings into a larger space. Currently, Bellhaven leases 1,000 square feet at the Marina Square Building and 162 square feet at the Squalicum Esplanade. The new lease is for 2,000 square feet in the Marina Square Building. The term will begin 5/1/2016 and expires on 4/30/2021, with one consecutive five-year renewal term. While this lease does not meet rental revenue standards it has been negotiated in the interest of retaining a long-term port tenant. Base rent to the port over the five-year period will be $105,393. (5751/Action Item 2) Approved 3-0

58. Authorize the executive director to sign a $176,553 contract (amendment #2) with Reid Middleton of Everett to provide engineering services for marine structural repairs within Blaine Harbor? Scope of work includes preparation of bid and permit-ready plans and specifications for immediate repairs to the north and south piers, Gate 3 utility hangars, and the Sawtooth dock; design and permit the Gate 1 landing float, two sewer pump-out stations, and permanent repairs to the north and south piers; survey, research, and recommended coating and cathodic protection systems for the breakwater structures. This amendment brings the total contract to $338,759. (5752/Action Item 3) Approved 3-0