Port of Allyn discusses problem vessel, dock repair, pay

A derelict vessel has been at the Port of Allyn and the owner owes $816 in moorage fees as of Sept. 20, according to Executive Director Travis Merrill's report presented at a special meeting Sept. 25.

Since then, the owner has made "small payments," but has not paid off the debt, Merrill told the Herald.

Vessel WN 1504 SA has phone numbers and email addresses "clearly listed on the vessel," Merrill wrote in his report, so the port was able to make contact.

Merrill said he left messages throughout September until the owner's voice mailbox was full.

Under the state's derelict vessel program, the Port of Allyn can legally take possession of the boat Oct. 2.

"I'm not going to take his boat if he pays," Merrill said.

The port is keeping track of all staff time spent and expenses incurred so it can apply for reimbursement under the program, according to Merrill.

Merrill's report also detailed emergency pier repair that started recently.

"Repair work has begun to shore up the floats and pier in the Allyn waterfront marine facility. The support beam is now installed to keep the observation deck from dipping any further from the loss of the support pillar," the report states.

Galvanized bolts are being replaced with stainless steel anchor bolts that will last much longer, according to the report.

The dock repairs will also address sea lion damage.

The port is looking at proposals for cages around power pedestals and the pump out station, the report states.

"The combination of stainless steel power pedestals and stout aluminum caging will provide ample protection from sea lion future damage," Merrill wrote.

At the Sept. 9 regular meeting, commissioners discussed increasing Merrill's salary to $80,000. At the Sept. 25 meeting, commissioners adjusted the 2025 preliminary budget to reflect his raise and the budget was updated on the port website Sept. 26.