Port gets two applications for Boyer concessionaire

Port of Whitman County Manager Joe Poire reported to the commissioners Sept. 19 that two applications were received for the Boyer Park and Marina concessionaire and one response for the airport maintenance contract.

Poire said he met with both applicants for the concessionaire and reviewed the proposals.

“Both are good, but time is of the essence,” he told commissioners.

Dave Peterson, who took over as Boyer Park concessionaire in the winter of 1997, announced in June that he is retiring at the end of the year.

The park has 12 campsites that can be used year-round, with 32 full hookup sites and the remaining 16 as partial hookups.

The motel has four rooms, but the main draw of the motel is the full suite with a deck overlooking the marina.

In 1998 a clubhouse that adjoins the restaurant was built and later enclosed.

Poire told commissioners that he would like to bring a contract to the next meeting on Oct. 10. If commissioners approve the contract, the new concessionaire could begin working with Peterson to become acquainted with park operations.

Poire also told commissioners that he had one response for the airport maintenance and operations contract from Fender Aviation, which has the current contract. That company has been doing the work since the port took over the airport from the county. The contract comes up every five years with an annual payment on the present contract at $22,000.

The contract includes mowing and watering the grounds, keeping the property clean, weeding, inspecting the airport, maintaining runway lights and system, complying with FAA regulations, maintaining records of daily flights, take-offs and landings, as well as several more services.

Fender offered $26,500 annually for the contract for four years with a three-year option. The commissioners accepted the contract.