June 27, 2013 Meeting

Indianola Port District

Port Commission Special Meeting#

Board of Commissioners#

Special Meeting Minutes – June 27, 2013 (Continued)

New Business Items (continued)#

A. Review of CHE Site-Visit Letter and Background#

• A complete pile assessment on the Indianola Dock was recently completed.
• CHE was contracted to:
  • Assess the Dock using data from the POI and PND Engineers.
  • Create a plan for short-term strategies to maintain safe structural integrity and public usage.
  • Develop long-term options if maintaining the existing structure is fiscally or structurally impractical.
• Findings:
  • Most piles appear original; inshore piles are most compromised.
  • Pile caps may have been replaced previously; only exposed upper parts are compromised.
  • Stationary vertical load acceptable; lateral stability is the primary concern due to swaying risk.
• Short-term concerns:
  • Limit number of people on the dock.
  • Restrict activity promoting excessive swaying.
  • Monitor dock during unsafe weather/sea conditions.
• Long-term considerations:
  • Repair or replace compromised piles.
  • Possible complete dock replacement.
  • Cost estimates and other considerations included in CHE document.

Immediate safety issues:

• POI cannot monitor or effectively restrict usage.

• POI cannot control behavior causing excessive swaying.

• POI cannot clear dock during unsafe conditions.

• Commissioner Henderson referenced Resolution 2013-04 from June 17, 2013, contracting CHE to provide assessment and develop short-term and long-term strategies.

Open to Public Comment (Limit 3 Minutes Each)#

• Gordon Hempton: Asked if legal counsel had been consulted; confirmed by Comm. Frank (Attorney Phil Best).
• Dennis Kilpatrick: Suggested that barriers may be dangerous; recommended stating that danger is being assessed. Asked about security for July 6 fireworks.
• Bob Kinnaird: Recommended hiring a real police officer on July 6 as “cheap insurance.”
• Susan Hancock: Inquired about closure duration and repair/replacement options; Comm. Frank noted options include phased pile replacement or total dock replacement.
• Richard Linzer: Asked about meeting purpose and community involvement.
• Dick Hale: Suggested temporary closure on high-use days with volunteer security and signage; cross-bracing discussed.
• Steve Linger: Asked about float removal and meeting before Indianola Days; requested insurance reps and lawyer presence.
• Dan Butler: Asked if CHE has a division bidding for work; questioned Indianola Days closure.
• Dave Haley: Emphasized immediate closure due to swaying and long-term planning; suggested occupancy limits/signs.
• Susan Henry: Asked about getting a second opinion.
• Connie Reckord: Suggested focusing closure on high-risk dates; second opinion may help.
• Sandra Bauer: Argued “enter at own risk” insufficient; dock should remain closed until safe.
• Pam Perry: Concerned about those unable to say goodbye to the dock.
• Connie Aurand: Recommended closure, signage, and float removal; IBIC liability clarified.
• Gordon Hallgren: Questioned validity of CHE assessment without borings.
• Joe Brazeau: Commented on pile longevity.
• Cathy Larson: Advocated temporary dock closure for safety.
• Bill Henry: Suggested consulting an attorney regarding CHE letter liability.

Additional discussion points:

• Commissioners acknowledged need for more data, prioritization of repairs, and communication with the public.
• Ten-minute recess taken.

Executive Session#

• None.

Commissioner Comments and Determination#

• Comm. Henderson outlined three options:
  1. Close dock until more data is obtained.
  2. Close dock on specific high-use dates.
  3. Do nothing.
• Determined: Temporary closure of the dock to gather more information is necessary.
• Comm. Frank noted public safety risk as outlined by CHE; second opinions and methodology questions to be addressed later.
• Motion by Comm. Henderson to accept Resolution 2013-05 for dock closure; language reviewed with legal counsel.
• Motion modified to: Suspend use of dock immediately for 30 days during assessment.
• Signs and barriers to be placed at both ends of the dock and at the dock ramp entrance.

Adjournment#

• 8:45 PM

Signatures:

Commissioner Jeff Henderson

Commissioner Joan Wald

Commissioner Judith Frank

Recording Secretary

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Port of Indianola at (360) 779-8229. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the Port to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.