The Bellingham Port Commission will meet for what they call a “Special” meeting tomorrow to discuss the 2013 port budget. In addition to being held with only two days notice, the meeting will not be held at the usual port hearing room but at an obscure location: the Fairhaven Park pavilion building. It's the little one-room meeting shack in the southside Bellingham park at 107 Chuckanut Drive.
The meeting notice is dated June 26 but was only noticed today. Apparently - to slide into a comfortable cynical perspective - the commission had no advance notice they would be working on their 2013 budget during 2012. It surely is not because they do not want the public to attend and listen.
Thursday, June 28, 8:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m.
Fairhaven Park Pavilion, 107 Chuckanut Drive
Apparently, there will be a presentation - followed by discussion. We expect to ask for a copy plus an audio of the full meeting and post them both here on NWCitizen. But nothing beats being there to watch. Unfortunately, we are all citizen journalists who have to work. Anyone available to report on this?
Comments by Readers
Tip Johnson
Jun 27, 2012Especially strange since they would have needed to book the place weeks ago. Probably just an oversight! ;-)
David Camp
Jun 27, 2012No doubt part of the Port’s outreach to the South side unemployed. If it were anything important, they would have given appropriate notice.
Anne-Marie Faiola
Jun 28, 2012That is weird. The optics don’t look great - though they are well within their legal authority to just give 1 or 2 days notice. I wonder why the new place?
Doug Starcher
Jun 28, 2012Did anyone attend?
John Servais
Jun 29, 2012Yes, I was there from 8:30 until about 10. Was only member of the public and when I left it was only port staff and commissioners. No other reporters. Have started an article I hope to finish over the weekend and post.
Michael McAuley
Jul 02, 2012Mike Granat attended the entire day of discussion, he may be willing to weigh in as a member of the public.