PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners unanimously agreed during a special meeting Wednesday that Masco Maritime PA LLC should continue managing the Port Angeles Boat Haven and Boat Yard.
The three commissioners called in to the meeting to consider three proposals for management of the Boat Haven and Boat Yard.
The area formerly operated by Port Angeles Marine has been under Masco’s management since Feb. 29, after Masco assumed the last 10 months of a 10-year agent agreement between the port and Port Angeles Marine.
Commissioner Connie Beauvais said that while Masco’s proposal has the greatest out-of-pocket costs for the port, it appears it will have the greatest benefit not only for the Boat Haven but for the community as a whole.
Masco’s proposal had higher management fees for managing the marina on a monthly basis, said John Nutter, the port’s director of finance, adding it’s difficult to quantify exactly how much the higher the fees were.
The contract negotiations also include financial incentives for Masco if it is able to grow the business, he said.
Beauvais said it would increase employment, increase marketing and improve customer service.
And, she said, Masco “brings the greatest level of business experience.”
Throughout the past few months, staff has been negotiating a long-term lease with Masco as well as an interrelated agent agreement.
Proposals were submitted by Masco, Clallam Marinas LLC and Todd Ritchie.
The proposals were reviewed during a special commission meeting Friday.
On May 11, the port submitted a request for information, or RIF, seeking input from parties interested in managing the Boat Haven and Boat Yard for a contract that would begin in January.
Two responses were received: one from Masco and one from Ritchie.
After commission review, staff was directed to start negotiating with Masco.
The terms negotiated between staff and Masco include an initial 12-year agreement that includes a lease of the marine supply store and marina office, and a ground lease for fuel tanks, fuel dock and storage area, for a total of $1,810 per month.
At the conclusion of the initial 12-year term, there would be the possibility for a 10-year extension at the port’s option.
Karen Goschen, the port’s executive director, told the commissioners that selecting Masco would be the greatest benefit to the area.
“I would like to see us put in the extra effort and expense to see if we can do all we can to move the marina,” Goschen said. She said the additional costs of choosing Masco would be worth the benefit it could potentially bring the community.
She said Masco is a much larger company than the other two that offered proposals and would bring with it a different level of resources.
Commissioners said previously they wanted to move quickly to choose a proposal before a Jan. 1 deadline to remove aging underground fuel storage tanks at the Boat Haven, something that Port Angeles Marine and/or Masco are contractually obligated to do.
The five steel, single-walled underground storage tanks feed the adjacent fuel dock float, which provides gasoline, diesel and motor oil products to boats.
The fuel dock float and associated fuel storage tanks are located on the west end of the breakwater directly adjacent to the harbormaster office. Both were installed in 1973.
The single biggest driver in Commissioner Colleen McAleer’s decision to choose Masco was the potential to grow jobs and revenue in the marine trades industry in Clallam County, she said.
Another factor McAleer said she considered was the port had already spent seven months negotiating a contract with Masco. Choosing either of the other proposals would have made those negotiations pointless, she said.
“Are we going to be known as an entity that does that or be construed as an entity that doesn’t act in good faith?” she asked.
Jim Mason, president and owner of Masco Maritime PA LLC, during the meeting Friday voiced his displeasure with any delays in signing his company’s contract.
Commissioner Steve Burke said he sees that “what Masco brings to the table will benefit our community as a whole better than what the other proposals are providing.”
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
