Port of Grapeview bids farewell to two commissioners

Several people interested in open seats

Kirk Boxleitner | Dec 30, 20210

The Port of Grapeview’s final regular meeting of the year Dec. 21 was an evening of farewells.

District 2 Commissioner Glenn Carlson read aloud from his letter of resignation, which takes effect Jan. 18, that referenced several accomplishments over the past nine years, from rebuilding the boat ramp to adding a dock, gangway and restroom, for which he credited “the help of able colleagues.”

“I’ve got many wonderful memories of fine friends and working relationships developed over these past years,” Carlson said. “There were many times that were agonizing and heart-wrenching, but in the end, the job was accomplished. I know the new board will be in good hands, and I look forward to sitting back and watching its development. My plan is to continue to support the port in a voluntary capacity.”

After thanking Carlson, Port of Grapeview District 3 Commissioner Jean Farmer and Carlson thanked outgoing District 1 Commissioner Jim Madden. The Dec. 21 meeting was Madden’s last.

“I know you’re still working, so it was quite a commitment for you to do what you did,” Farmer told Madden. “You did a great job.”

“I was very gratified when you stepped up in ably taking over John Anderson’s position in the Mason-Benson community area,” Carlson told Madden.

Madden thanked his fellow commissioners before telling them, “My only regret is that I couldn’t find the time to continue my service for the ports. I do plan on being available to the port commissioners in the future, as called upon.”

As soon as Carlson retires, which he expects will be near the end of next year, “I plan on engaging with the port again in some capacity.”

Carlson gave an update on applications for the two open board positions.

“We did advertise for two positions, Madden’s and mine, but the only two who made any kind of overtures to us were the same two folks who had requested to be on the board from a few months ago,” Carlson said.

Moving onto the port’s property sale, Carlson reported he and Farmer had followed up with several phone calls and requests for information on the piece of property the port plans to sell.

“We received eight requests for information, and have responded to those eight,” Carlson said. “We should have enough information available, after the first of the year, to move ahead with looking at offers, purchase and sale agreements, and so forth. Each person who requested information from us has been contacted, but we’re not ready yet.”

Port of Grapeview Managing Official Amanda Montgomery reported to the port commissioners that the balance of the port’s Kitsap loan was $287,811.02, its Industrial Development District tax revenues for the year as of the start of December was $60,581.73 and its total kiosk gross revenue for the year was $12,542.77.

Montgomery noted that Mike Blaisdell had submitted his resume and declared his intention to apply for the District 2 Commission seat for next year, before Bob Pastore noted that professional engineer Arthur Whitson of Mason Lake also wants to be a port commissioner.