PORT TOWNSEND — Change continues at the Port of Port Townsend as commissioners heard a first reading of proposed new rates and discussed an organizational chart with changes in senior management.

“Rates are a work in progress,” Interim Executive Director Jim Pivarnik said after the port’s business meeting Wednesday afternoon.

“We had a first reading of proposed rates and we are hoping for adoption of workyard and shipyard rates based on a CPI increase of 3.3 percent.”

The proposed rates — which can be found at https://tinyurl.com/PDN-Portproposed-rates2019— reflect the same Consumer Price Index increase for the Bellevue/Seattle/Tacoma area, staff members said. Seasonal shipyard storage with an “economic rate” valid from September through April also are under consideration.

Commissioners will consider adopting new rate cards on Nov. 28 for Boat Haven, Point Hudson, yard rates that include haul outs and storage, Herb Beck Marina in Quilcene, Union Wharf and City Dock, Jefferson County International Airport, and for such miscellaneous fees as launch ramps and dock tie-ups.

Pivarnik reported that the relationship with the marine trades continues to grow in a positive direction and there is a “synergy” in problem solving.

He said the group and the port are having ongoing meetings and discussions to work together .

“We are here for you, how do we work together” has been the tone of the conversations, he said.

Several personnel changes have occurred in the past months and Pivarnik presented a revised organization chart reflecting a reduced executive staff.

Current in-house counsel and Planning Director Eric Toews has been promoted to deputy director. Toews was named interim executive director after Sam Gibboney left the executive director post in August.

Pivarnik said Toews has been a valuable, respected member of the organization over the past nine years.

“Eric has been with the port through thick and thin, during the worst the port has ever been though,” he said.

After the resignation of Greg Englin, director of Operations and Business Development — who was named Port of Kingston executive director Nov. 1 — Pivarnik said the staff is “operating lean” and they will forgo the operations position for the near future.

“The port has operated with a four-person executive staff plus an executive assistant for the last nine years. Our administrative staff is now cut by 25 percent,” Pivarnik said.

In addition to Pivarnik and Toews, Abigail Berg is director of Finance and Administration.

Englin’s duties included business development and oversight of operations at the yard, the marinas and the airport. These jobs will be incorporated into Towes’ and Pivarnik’s duties.

Pivarnik’s focus will be on new business and leases. He said he is planning to bring in three new leases and he’s working on a resolution for the seven leases that have expired and are on a month -to-month basis.

Larry Aase, long-time employee and port maintenance manager, retired last month after 29 1/2 years. Chris Sparks has been named maintenance manager. He also will oversee security at the facilities.

“Security has been a challenging issue given the homeless and drug issue in our communities,” Pivarnik said.

“The issue has been especially difficult in the Boat Haven shower and restroom facilities that are supposed to be for moorage tenants and guests.”

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.