PORT TOWNSEND — Following a heat wave of opposition, Port of Port Townsend commissioners voted Wednesday to continue discussion on proposed rules and regulations aimed at independent marine trades contractors.
Several of those at an emotion-packed public hearing spoke out against a proposed $1 million liability insurance requirement for independent contractors.
Many said such insurance would likely cost $2,000 a year and threaten to put smaller-scale marine trades operators out of business.
Some balked at the port’s proposal to require business licenses through the city of Port Townsend.
After more than 50 involved in the marine trades crowded into the port commissioners chambers at Hudson Point, the commissioners moved the hearing to the port’s Marina Room nearby.
The port commissioners also directed port staff to form an advisory group through the Port Townsend Marine Trades Association that would assist the port in refining rules and regulations perceived as heavy-handed or unfair.
Response to threat
Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said the new rules and regulations were partly the result of the port being threatened with a lawsuit after staff evicted independent shipyard contractor John “Mike” Hogan, who owned the Ocean View Marine Services, earlier this year.
Crockett described the latest draft of regulations as “pretty minimal” in impact.
They require a $25 city business license, city collection of business and operations taxes from those who gross more than $20,000 and a $1 million liability insurance policy.
Crockett stressed that the regulations would not apply to businesses with port leases.
“If you have your own building on port property . . . again this does not apply to you.”
