PLVC Minutes Book for 2007 - Pl-wa.org

Minutes approved
JUNE 7, 2007 PLVC GENERAL MEETING
The meeting was convened at 3:00 p.m. Present: Bill Browne, Gene Carmody, Don Clarke, Tony Durham,
Adele Govert, Suzanne Graber, Mea Graham, Tom McCay, Larry Nobles, Frank Siler.
Absent: Allen Panasuk, Lani McCarry, Vaughn Bradshaw
L. Nobles called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and ensured that there was a quorum. Approximately
25 persons were in attendance.
Guest Speaker: Ian McFall, Executive Director, Economic Development Council described a new Council
approach based on local demographics (46% are retirees, the average income is 30% below the state
average, there is a declining enrolment in the rural schools, and the average home price is unaffordable
to the average wage earner all causing emigration of the younger workers). He views the role of the EDC
as three-fold: to create desirable economic growth, provide one-stop support for the region’s
businesses, and to provide a “voice” of local industry with regard to state and county regulations. With a
focus on existing local industries, they wish to determine obstacles to growth, help remove unnecessary
regulatory obstacles, and create a five-year plan for future development of local businesses. The EDC
hopes to help growth in both vertical and horizontal expansion, obtain state and federal funding for
regional programs that provide an infrastructure for key regional industries. There are five target local
industries in Jefferson County: technology, marine trades, aquaculture and agriculture, tourism and
hospitality, and light manufacturing. The major obstacles to growth perceived here are the lack of
markets, adequately trained workforce, facilities, infrastructure (e.g. high speed internet is still not
available throughout the region), regulations and capital. He described what the EDC is actively doing
that is different from previous EDC entities: the board now has key industry representatives (not elected
or appointed individuals), funding is done through membership fees and service fees, paid staff and
volunteers. The projects are regional in scope with clear benefits to Jefferson County, and the focus is to
be project-oriented (e.g. funding, training classes and the leadership skills being manifested are
entrepreneurial, focused on results and driven by members). The EDC accomplishments thus far are: all
business people on the board, an increase in membership (80%) and the EDC has been self-sustaining
for the past 6 months. There is now a rate schedule for membership. The EDC has become a business
now rather than a government agency. For further information, contact: director @edcjc.com 360-385-
6767 2200 Sims Way, Port Townsend.
MSP to approve the minutes of the May 3 general meeting. (All ayes)
These will be posted on the website by Monday, June 11.
Community Reports
Jefferson County Administrator – John Fischbach announced that Peter Buck has been chosen as the
mediator in the Port Ludlow Mediation / Hearing Examiner case on appeal and that the following ground
rules have been established:
1. No attorneys unless they are themselves appellants will be permitted.
2. Fees of $15000 will be split three ways – PLA, Jefferson County and the appellants as a group.
3. The County will be responsible for coordinating the logistics and the process.
4. There is a need to agree on “stakeholders”; i.e. who will be invited to the table.
2007 PLVC Minute Book Page 50 of 93