The port commission learns from executive director Jack Crider that a draft audit from CPA John Carlson will be presented at a special meeting to be scheduled for either Tuesday or Wednesday next week. The audit reportedly shows the port improving its financial situation. The final product likely to be approved by the port commission at the regular meeting in August. And a nod from commissioner Floyd Holcom to finance manager and financial officer Colleen Browne for her hard work on providing reports. Commissioner Holcom expresses disappointment that the draft audit wasn’t ready for Tuesday’s meeting. Executive director Jack Crider notes it’s taken six months for accountant John Carlson to supply the audit. Crider says the “ink is still wet.”
An air passenger service selection committee consisting of commission president Larry Pfund and commissioner Floyd Holcom will review qualifications of two airlines seeking to bring air carrier service to the regional airport in Warrenton. The contenders are Cape Air of Massachusetts and Air Azul out of Florida. Executive director Jack Crider says it should be easy to evaluate the companies using a form provided by the City of Newport. Both Astoria and Newport received $3.6-million in Connect Oregon II grant money to start up air passenger service along the coast to Portland.
Subject to attorneys’ final approval, the Port of Astoria commission authorizes executive director Jack Crider to sign a three year lease with Bornstein’s Seafoods to provide parking north of the existing plant at pier one for the proposed interpretive center or fish factory. Bornstein’s will pay the port $1,200 per month and be eligible for seven three-year extensions if the fish factory proves itself. A three percent increase per year for inflation is also figured into the lease payments.
The Port of Astoria will invest $28,000 into a bare bones renovation of the Chinook building adjacent to the Red Lion Inn. Tiki Charters and other tenants plan to relocate there. And the building will provide space for port staff to access the marina for maintenance purposes, although the marina office will likely remain within the Taggart marina building at pier one. Commissioner Floyd Holcom raised the question of moving the marina office back to the Chinook Building. But, the Taggart building offers closer proximity to the relocated fuel docks, so the marina office per se will likely stay at pier one.
Larry Pfund is the new commission president at the Port of Astoria. The annual rotation of officers now places Bill Hunsinger as vice president. Secretary is Kathy Sanders. Treasurer is Floyd Holcom. And assistant secretary/treasurer is outgoing commission president Dan Hess.
