Port of Allyn approves access to safe deposit box

Port of Allyn commissioners removed former Executive Director Lary Coppola and former Interim Executive Director LeAnn Dennis, who are deceased, and former commissioner Scott Cooper from the safe deposit box contract with Kitsap Bank at a special meeting Feb. 16.

“So we can get this resolved soon, by the advice of the bank,” Commissioner Judy Scott said.

Commissioner John Sheridan will inspect the contents of the box, accompanied by Mason County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin.

Scott said they will “discover what’s in there,” make a record of it and then close the account.

“You will share with the public what is in there?” Ken VanBuskirk asked during the public comments.

“Absolutely,” Sheridan replied.

VanBuskirk also wondered why Neatherlin was accompanying Sheridan.

“I think it would be more reasonable to have your executive director do it,” he said.

Commissioners did not say why Neatherlin was helping close the account instead of Executive Director Travis Merrill.

Neatherlin said he had been attending Port of Allyn meetings at the Mason County commissioners meeting Feb. 13.

“I’ve attended quite a few meetings for the Port of Allyn, both regular meetings and special meetings, but also behind the scenes. I’ve been meeting together trying to help them work through some of the issues that have occurred, especially with their budget,” Neatherlin said.

Dennis died Dec. 25. She was appointed in October to replace Coppola, who died Sept. 30.

Commissioner Ted Jackson resigned Jan. 19 and the port is taking applications for the District 2 position through Feb. 29.