Port of Columbia commissioners discuss wagons and budget

DAYTON – A regular meeting of the Port of Columbia was held using Zoom at 3:30 pm, October 13, 2021, with Commissioner Brown moderating.

The Commissioners discussed several administrative issues, including a line-by-line discussion of the draft budget for 2022. The meeting then went into a 45-minute executive session to discuss an employment contract.

Port Director, Jennie Dickinson, announced that The Blues Crew, a volunteer group associated with the Blue Mountain Land Trust, would start work to improve and widen the Rock Hill trail. The Blues Crew recommended not using gravel where an improvement of the trail surface is needed. Dickenson said that she would obtain wood chips from Trees Inc for the trail surface.

Lyons Ferry Marina reported that they had a very good summer and hope that next year’s season will also be good. To increase use at some less popular sites, rentals of conestoga wagons are being considered. Conestoga Wagons are being used nationwide to offer glamping to RV park guests.

Blue Mountain Station reported that the recent Harvest Festival was successful. Three students from Dayton High School volunteered to help at the event.

Dickinson said the port had modified the grant for the broadband project to expand the coverage area to include more of east Dayton.

Finally, the Commission interviewed two candidates to fill the vacant District 2 position, Genie Crowe and Jesse Yost. Bruce Hiebert, who submitted a letter of interest, removed himself from consideration before the meeting. The candidates were interviewed publicly and then the board went into executive session for the second time. When the public meeting resumed, the commissioners announced the selection of Genie Crowe for the District 2 position based on her experience. Crowe was sworn in by Dickinson, making her the Port’s first female commissioner.

The meeting adjourned at about 5:56 pm. The next meeting was scheduled for 6 pm, November 10, 2021. The meeting will also be held on Zoom.