The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum County Port District 1 Board of Commissioners met last Thursday to discuss the Johnson House, County Line Park and a few other matters.

The port received bids for window replacement and the roof for the Johnson House, and after some discussion, commissioners decided they wanted some more time to think about the matter.

“It could be fixed up and habitable,” Commissioner Brett Deaton said, “but how much?

“I’m on the fence with Brett on this one,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said. “I see the upside, but I think it’s going to take more money than I’m comfortable with up front.”

“Let’s address this at the next meeting,” Anderson said.

Port Manager Jackie Lea said that she had been approached by Jeff Smith, the manager for Port 2, about whether Port 1 would consider taking over County Line Park. She said that he was hoping to turn his focus to Puget Island and the Grays River area.

Anderson said he had concerns about the water filtration at the park, but he was otherwise interested. Deaton agreed.

According to the manager’s report, an individual from the Department of Natural Resources has been checking boat registrations. Everyone with an Oregon registration has received a letter notifying them that they can only moor in Washington for 60 days, and if they stay longer than that, they will have to register the boat in Washington and pay the use tax. Lea noted that unhappy owners have been threatening to remove their boats from the marina.

The owner of an RV left the vehicle at an RV site in November without a reservation. The owner has been in contact with staff, stating that he will return to remove it, but so far, despite owing more than $1,000, there has been no sign of him.

This led to a discussion about developing an abandoned vehicle or towing policy. Nothing was decided.

Commissioner Scott Anderson said he would be willing to act as the Port 1 representative at Council of Governments “for a little bit.”

The concession stand has been rented and will be a hair salon.

The port had a net decrease of $8,898.52 for the month of January.