PORT TOWNSEND — With lawyers and Port Commissioner Dave Thompson in his corner, evicted shipyard business owner John “Mike” Hogan could continue operating in the Port of Port Townsend’s shipyard after all.
Following lawsuit threats from Hogan’s lawyers, the Port commissioners in a 3-0 vote Monday directed their staff to work with Hogan to negotiate an agreement that would allow him to work again in the yard.
During a special meeting attended by several marine trades operators, the commissioners stipulated that the owner of Oceanview Marine Services must post a $10,000 bond with the Port, and abide by state and federal environmental regulations and the city noise ordinance.
Any violation of the agreement would result in forfeiture of the bond and permanent eviction of Hogan’s full-service marine shipyard operation, the Port commissioners stipulated.
‘Seen the light’
“I think Mr. Hogan has seen the light and I don’t think Mr. Hogan is going to break any containment rules or make any loud noises after midnight,” said Thompson, himself a marine trades businessman who proposed bonding Hogan to ensure that he would meet Port requirements.
“I think the channels of communication have been more or less opened between Mr. Hogan and the Port staff,” Thompson said after the Port commissioners’ action.
Port officials said they repeatedly gave verbal warnings to Hogan, who they said was failing to properly contain sandblasting materials as required under environmental regulations, and was working past the 10 p.m. curfew in violation of the city noise ordinance.
After coming to loggerheads with Hogan, the Port evicted his business effective at midnight Saturday, which left 11 employees without jobs, said Hogan.
