Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County Port commissioners fielded several topics at their Oct. 6 meeting.
First off, commissioners John Love, Tom Kammerzell and Kristine Meyer asked for added time to review a process for people who want to get on the agenda to discuss an issue – and in the process revised a mechanism for how the port staff works with commissioners.
“This will tell people a timeline to work around,” said Joe Poire, executive director. “I appreciate the clarity.”
At the commissioners’ next meeting, public comment policy will be read again in amended format.
Commissioners were introduced to Dodd Snodgrass, the new city administrator for Colfax. A veteran of 15 years for the Port of Bellingham in economic development, Snodgrass is originally from Lewiston.
He talked about economic development for Colfax.
“Retail sales is challenging, and getting more challenging,” said Snodgrass.
On another front on last week’s agenda, the Port commissioners discussed the viability of time spent advising other ports on broadband internet.
After legislation passed in 2000 allowed Ports and public utility districts to build telecommunications infrastructure, the Port of Whitman invested in broadband operations. Since then, other Ports have called at times asking questions about it.
“The volume of people interested in talking to us has expanded,” Poire told the Gazette later. “Where the world’s going with broadband is becoming so important.”
The issue at hand is how much time to have Poire and staff spend on it.
“Mission Creep is concerning. I’m concerned about the time commitment and where this seems to be heading,” Commissioner Kammerzell said. He noted the port gets compensated for assisting other ports, but other projects have to be done.
“I think the return to the port, if looking strictly at dollars, is gonna be more than adequate, and allow us to finish telecom work within our county,” Love said.
“What did those hours represent in terms of proportionality?” Commissioner Meyer asked.
Poire gave his answer.
“That’s something that you guys are gonna have to deeply weigh,” he said. “I think you really need to weigh the longer term. Should we just turn off the spigot today? Ports don’t do that to other ports. I’m now convinced they’d like to write a check.”
He concluded.
“There’s no question if you’re not doing that, you’re doing something else,” he said.
“I think the (agreement) has proven fruitful,” said Meyer.
“The final words I have: it’s a tough decision, and it’s yours,” Poire said.
Meyer spoke in favor of extending the deal through another 90-day period.
“I don’t see it happening,” Kammerzell said.
“We’ve put ourselves in a precarious spot in order to maintain what we promised we would,” Kammerzell added. “Are we put in a position not unlike at the Washington/Idaho border?”
Commissioner Love asked what he meant.
“I didn’t want to say Hawkins,” Kammerzell said.
“What we’re looking at, potential, is not going to cost very much to do,” Love said.
“I am receptive to that as an attraction in a diversification in portfolio,” said Meyer. “I’m in support of a short-term commitment that takes us into February.”
“I just see it differently,” Kammerzell said.
“We’re not at a point where I think we need to take action,” Love said.
After further discussion the commissioners decided to table the matter and revisit it at their next strategic planning meeting, Oct. 23.
The Port meeting broke for lunch after a report from Love on Clarkston’s Riverfest and a succession plan for concessionaires at Boyer Park.
Terry and Leo Haas will be leaving in December.
Poire noted it was the fifth time for a concessionaire during his tenure at the Port beginning in 1996.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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