Construction to resume on Port's broadband system

POMEROY–The Port of Garfield commissioners approved a $64,458.92 payment to M&L Construction at the May 19 meeting, and with authorization to resume construction on the broadband system which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 shut down. Diana Ruchert, Port Director stated work can start anytime with the projected completion deadline in October.

An interlocal agreement with NoaNet for Network Operations Center (NOC) services was also approved and signed at this meeting. A NOC is a place from which administrators supervise, monitor, and maintain a telecommunications network, typical for large network service providers. NoaNet will charge the Port $85 per month for these services.

Columbia Pulp has indicated that they are interested in signing another 12-month lease with the Port. However, due to the COVID-19 shut down, they have requested to keep the lease low, possibly with the same terms as before. Currently, the facility is being used to store equipment, and the electrical use has been minimal. After discussion, the commissioners authorized Ruchert to offer a lease rate of $3,000 per month, and expect to make a final decision at the next meeting.

Under Phase 2 of the Governor’s “Safe Start” plan, the Port may now conduct face-to-face public meetings, but is still under recommendation to continue offering telephone communication to the public. The Port offices will remain closed to the public until the county has been approved for Phase 3.

Port Commissioner Cody Bye has informed the board that he will be moving out of Pomeroy in July, and will be submitting his letter of resignation from the board at some point before that time. The Port will need to appoint a replacement to fill that position within 60 days of his official resignation. The appointee will need to run for election in 2022 to continue in the position.

The next meeting of the Port of Garfield Board of Commissioners will be June 16, 2020, at 6;30 p.m., held at the Port’s main office.