The Port of Orcas commissioners met on Sept. 11 to entertain a proposal from the Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD), begin work on planning the 2009 Budget and to discuss the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Compliance Check of Sept. 10.

Ed Sutton of the ESWD reviewed with the commissioners an offer from the district to lease land on the port property for several years to be used for installation of a screw press, a component of ESWD’s water treatment facilities. The rental would terminate when ESWD could obtain land suitable for expansion of their facilities. Further information on terms, rates and the exact area will be researched before the commissioners vote on the proposal.

Airport Manager Bea vonTobel presented initial planning information on the 2009 Budget. The budget will be approved at the port’s Nov. 1 meeting. Chair Garth Eimers asked all the commissioners to review the budget line-by-line in anticipation of the next meeting on Sept. 25.

vonTobel reported that on Sept. 10, the FAA visited the port for the purpose of a Compliance Check, which is required periodically as part of the administration’s Airport Improvement Program. The program, which provides grants to airports for construction, equipment purchase, and similar capital improvements, requires periodic review by FAA staff. Commissioner Steve Hopkins remarked that the FAA representatives were pleased and surprised to note that all the checklist items from their previous compliance check had been completed by the Port of Orcas.

The commissioners went into Executive Session to discuss a real estate matter pertaining to Federal Express before the meeting concluded. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the port conference room.