Whatcom County North
Rotary
May 17, 2007
MEETING TO ORDER: President Ken called the meeting to order at 12:30 and Gary Tomsic gave the invocation.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Nancy Tieman clearly, succinctly and with excellent volume announced the Guests and Visiting Rotarians. Out of Town Guests included George Tsakumis from Vancouver. From Bellingham Bay we welcomed Stephanie Sadler. From Bellingham Rotary we welcomed Ron Vekved and from Sunrise Rotary we welcomed Lydia Bennett.
GUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Randy Carr introduced his guest Matt Dorsch and Kathy Vander Giessen introduced her guest Josh Sandstrat.
BIRTHDAYS: Kathy Vander Giessen and Ed Brown celebrate Birthdays this month. Happy Birthday Kathy and Ed!!!!!
RETURNING ROTARIANS: Chuck Tull returned from a trip to Kalispell, Montana and Tim Villhauer returned from his company Headquarters somewhere in the USA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken announced that the Installation Dinner is set for the evening of June 28th. He also reminded us that the meeting of July 5th will be cancelled. Rome Sarwas offered thanks for the support of the Roy Orbison Group and the Whalers concert which is set for June 23rd. If you would like to help sponsor this (or loan $ for start-up fees) you may write checks to Whatcom County Rotary Foundation and you need to get the money in a.s.a.p. The tickets will be sold through Mt. Baker Theater, every Thursday from now thru June 21st. President Ken announced the District Conference from May 31 to June 3. Bill Grace has distributed Flyers for the Car Club Event this Sunday at the Ski to Sea. I believe the Event is held at Boulevard Park. Randy Carr wants a head count of those folks who would be interested in attending a UW Alumni Association Event to be held in Bellingham on June 14th. I didn't get the name of the event.
HAPPY BUCKS: Tim Carpenter because he's busier now than when he worked for a living. He's so busy he has no time for golf. Rose Abbaspour for attending the Mariner's game last Sunday and they won! Bill Grace for the great weather and his upcoming "car show" at Boulevard Park. Rome Sarwas for the Bellingham Herald getting part of a story correct (again I didn't get what the story was) and his realization that "free press" only applies if you own a newspaper. Dick Nolan for the good weather and his good fortune to own a convertible. Randy Carr was happy to see Josh and for his guest Matt attending today's meeting and agreeing to join his dental practice one day a week. Tim Villhauer because he has found a dentist who will see him on Saturday to which Randy replied "you've got to be kidding". Scott Wallace was happy to see a number of Crimson Shirts. Chuck Tull was happy for his recent trip to Montana and his son graduating from college (?) but deciding to stay in Montana for another year and seeing his daughter. John Aubert was happy to be here and being able to drive again. Bob Bowman was also happy to be here.
FINEMASTER: Scott Wallace fined Dave Engels $5 for not having to wear a tie in his new job. Gary Cordrey was fined for not knowing where Dave was now working. Anyone from Water District #7 was fined because they should be happy they have water. All stock owners were fined because they should be happy the Dow is reaching record highs. All livestock owners, specifically Pete and Ken were fined because of the new Animal Control Contract and finding out that lowest is not always best. All dog owners were fined because they need to learn to use leashes when they walk their dogs on trails. Leah Macaleer was fined a buck because her cell phone went off during last weeks meeting. All Bellingham voters were fined a buck because the City is paying $40k to find a new Finance Director. All Lynden residents were fined for sending their manure to Ferndale. All Blaine residents were fined because of all the new development in the area and the new tax revenue it will bring into the Cities Coffers. Randy Carr was fined because St. Joe's has a speaker bureau. Marlene Sexton was fined for calling Jerry Landcastle Dick. Dave Engels stepped up and paid the fine because he edited the Northwind and was really the one who was confused about who was Jerry and who was Dick. Maureen McCarthy was fined because the WTA is enjoying increased ridership. Tim Carpenter was asked if his fines had reached $5 to which he responded "yes" it has now. Kathy Vander Giessen was fined for being the last one in today.
BANNERS: None today
PROGRAM: Greg Thulin introduced today's speaker, Lydia Bennett, the Port of Bellingham Director of Real Estate. Lydia discussed the Bellingham redevelopment plan for the newly acquired Georgia Pacific property. Her "presentation" was a "myth buster". Myth #1: the Port is one of the largest government entities in the county. In fact they are the smallest with 84 FTE's. They have a budget of $25MM. Myth #2: the Bellingham Airport is as big as SeaTac. No! The Bellingham Airport runs through 567,464 passengers per year, which is equivalent to one week's worth of passenger's at SeaTac. Myth #3: the Port's property tax pays for all Port expenses. The Marina breaks even. Real estate is valued a FMV. R/E proceeds underwrite the airport and marina terminal costs. Myth #4: Port assumed all of GP's environmental costs. The Port's total obligation is $43MM. GP pays anything over that. Myth #5: the new proposed Marina is for big out of city yachts. In fact 81% will be from Whatcom County. The highest demand slips are those in the 40' to 50' range. Lowest demand is the 30' range. Myth #6: Port will make a "ton" of money off the GP property. No! Of the 220 acres, 40 will be allocated to habitat, 64 to parks, 10 to the City, 17 private, 3 to the Port and 86 upland to develop. Myth #7: WWU is going to use most of the site and they don't pay taxes. They will in fact take about 4% to 6% and pay market rate. What's new? Environmental Impact Statement is in process. Master plan development is in process. Followed by the Implementation Agreement.
Drawing: I missed the drawing but I didn't hear any raucous celebration so I assume nobody drew the Ace.
Editor: David Engels