1-15-08 MCP&PSG COFFEE & DISCUSSION 6:45AM MANCHESTER FAMILY INN

In attendance were Ron and Joyce Rada, Cpl. Bob Millard, Joe and Margaret Guariz, Bob Edwards, Paul Gilligan, Joe Blazevich, Bud and Wanda Larsen, Peggy Warren, and guest Alan Fletcher General Mgr.. Manchester Water District.    A report on the 1-14-08 Port of Manchester Commissioners meeting was made by Joe Guariz and Bud Larsen.  The meeting involved the installation of two new Commissioners, Steve Pederson and Dan Fallstrom.    Items discussed included bid's received for daily maintenance of the Port restroom and surrounding area.  A bid for $350.00 per month winter service and $550.00 per month summer service was accepted.

Commissioner Jim Strode announced the receipt of an invoice regarding the recent ramp repairs.   The invoice was discussed.  Bud Larsen and Joe Guariz reported they had inspected the extension to the ramp during a 2:00AM low tide and had approved it to Fisheries.  Strode reported that he would make payment on the invoice immediately.  2 metal signs 2X3" have been completed for posting in two locations at the Boat and Launch and Pomeroy Park.  Bud had the signs with him this morning and showed them to the group.  Everyone was in agreement that they were a marked improvement for safety purposes at both locations.   They have space for an email number and a telephone number which the Port presently does not have.  Bud showed pictures of the two locations selected and approved by the Port Commissioners.   Margaret Guariz offered to help Bud install the signs when they are ready to be placed with or without Plexiglas coverings Commissioner Pederson is looking in to more prominent directional signs in to Manchester, so interested people can locate our Port facilities.    The concept of volunteers monitoring the park and launch area at problem times was reviewed.   With the number of interested community organizations, we should be able to come up with a scheduling format to involve a number of citizens to assume responsibility for certain hours of a certain day, check out the launch and park areas, note and problems and if necessary call 911 to report serious violations.  With a little work it can help us all.

The main topic of conversation at the Port meeting was related to obtaining a GRANT WRITER for the Port.   This is a service the majority of our Manchester service groups are interested in for now, and far in to the future.  Wanda was asked to publicize and promote the next Port meeting, for all citizens who are interested.  The grant writer will attend the next Port of Manchester on February 11th, 7:00PM at the Manchester Library.  This is an opportunity to learn all about grant writing and what we might be able to expect, costs for services, etc.    The grantwriter is Kathleen Byrne-Berrantes of Grant-Solutions.    The Port is interested in what role they could play in community expansion for the future.  As you all know we have the MCC, MCA, Friends of the Library, our group and others who are interested in a Village community center and/or Library expansion, etc.   You are urged to mark your calendar right NOW and plan to attend this important meeting.  Refreshments will be served courtesy of Steve Pederson.    We will be handing out signup sheets at the upcoming meetings of the MCC, MCA, FRIENDS, MCP&PSG, so please sign up and give us some idea of how many citizens to expect.   The possibility of a Port Citizen's Group was well received and discussed at length.

We discussed our meeting with Jim Rogers Transportation Planner for KPW that was held last week.  Jim has responded with answers to many of the concerns that were expressed at the meeting, as regards safety in the community traffic flow, additional parking the Port area, two potential sidewalk or shoulder widening projects were also dis-   cussed.    As to traffic blocking Denniston Lane during fishing season, Jim determined that unfortunately since this is a private road there is no law prohibiting this.  Thus, any striping or signing would not be enforceable.  However, if a vehicle is parking and blocking Denniston then it becomes a law enforcement issue.    Jim has been very helpful in addressing the groups concerns on safety issues.

Our special guest Alan Fletcher outlined his background and his position as general manager of the Manchester Water District.   At the suggestion of the Port of Manchester commissioners we approached Alan on the possibility of  providing telephone service and website monitoring for a fee, for the Port of Manchester.   Alan presently and just recently is doing the monthly bookwork, writing of checks, etc. for a fee, for the Port and it has worked very well.     Alan had no problem with the concept of adding telephone and email service, nor could he see a conflict of interest.   A concern was expressed that a separate number would be needed to separate Port activities, Alan stated that they have many options on their telephone service to identify where an inquiry needs to be directed, on just the one number and message.    Another idea that was noted at the Port meeting, was with a website it opens up countless communication possibilities for important information that is distributed and received.  It also gives all the local organizations the ability to keep in touch with each other, as well as eliminate that old reinventing of the wheel.   An EXAMPLE, a website can be the eyes and ears for the Port on many issues, such as the Friends of The Library use their eyes and ears to promote the annual Father's Day Salmon Bake, it can promote people involvement as well as community involve-  ment.

Alan is a well informed and dedicated manager for the Manchester Water District.  He is anxious to work together will local groups through interaction and positive thinking.  In future, we will attempt to program key local agency's to attend our meetings on a 6 month basis or more frequently if possible.  This would include Water District, Fire Dept., Sheriff's Office, Public Works, Health Services, 911, etc.   Port Commissioner Steve Pederson has been scheduled to meet with us on January 29th 6:45AM Manchester Family Inn.     Soon, Mary Cathern Edwards, representing emergency readiness will join us for a program on Building & Strengthening Disaster Readiness among Neighbors.

Submitted by:    Wanda Larsen