LANGLEY — Port of South Whidbey officials have finalized their latest offer for buying the small boat harbor from the city of Langley.
Fingers are crossed that this time, the city council won’t be able to say no.
“Hopefully, moderates on both sides — plus a little common sense — will prevail,” said Port Commissioner Geoff Tapert.
The revised agreement was delivered to city officials late Tuesday, according to port manager Ed Field.
The details of the deal: On Jan. 1, 2009 the port will take over the marina, paying the city $20,000 annually for two years. Until then, the projected net revenue the harbor generates — approximately $20,000 per year — will be used for services directly related to harbor operations, waterfront activities and maintenance.
The city council will address the offer at its next meeting on March 21.
Originally, the city had asked for a five-year deal worth $100,000.
But the port balked. Officials said the marina needed a major infusion of money for repairs, and said the cost of potential improvements was so great the port shouldn’t be expected to pay to take over the property.
Following a long, protracted discussion at a special meeting on March 5, port commissioners decided to compromise.
“We certainly hope this revised plan is palatable to the city,” Tapert said.
The transfer includes upland parcels of public property near the marina, the tidelands, marina structures and aquatic leases with the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The port is also offering to pay all closing costs.
The deal, spelled out in an inter-government contract called an interlocal agreement, sets specific obligations for both sides, including:
• The city will complete the boat ramp reconstruction project to the satisfaction of the port prior to the transfer of the property;
• The port and city will revisit and amend the 2004 Harbor Master Plan;
• The port will immediately start the permitting process and engineering for proposed harbor improvements;
• The engineering work will include survey and site investigations;
• Both the city and the port will try to attract passenger ferries and small cruise vessels to Langley;
• The port will actively seek to provide better access for pedestrians and non-motorized water craft such as kayaks;
• The city will agree to adopt regulations either prohibiting or limiting the use of jet skis and float planes within Langley;
• And the port will improve the harbor with the same quality and attention shown to other recent projects, such as Clinton Beach park.
Finally, both parties agree to make a good faith effort to have the agreement signed by June 30, 2007.
Port officials said they plan to make costly changes to the small boat harbor.
“We are prepared to make a substantial investment in operations, management, maintenance and improved facilities over the next five years which will cost over $1 million in phased capital improvements,” Tapert said.
“We are committing to future improvements that will provide substantial benefits to Langley and everyone on South Whidbey Island,” Commissioner Rolf Seitle said.
Port commissioners will discuss the offer and get an update on the Bremerton breakwater purchase during a meeting at 7:30 tonight at the Freeland Library.
Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.
