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Matt Herres, new Port commissioner, appointed

POMEROY–Matt Herres was appointed and sworn in as the new Port of Garfield Commissioner at the September 15, 2020, meeting. The appointment fills the seat vacated by Cody Bye.

A second candidate, Terry Brandon, had withdrawn his application.

The Port commissioners signed Inter Local Agreements with the County which allows them to have two dedicated strands of fiber to the fairgrounds at no charge. The County has also signed the necessary contracts to begin the process of requesting bids for the construction of the broadband system to the fairgrounds.

ZeroDb, the new construction contractors for the broadband system, has signed contracts with the Port, are bonded, and have started work. They expect to have the project completed by the first week of December, 2020.

The contractors will soon be providing the Port with dates each section of fiber is expected to be finished, so customers can get hooked up for service with internet service providers. Those potential dates should be available by the next Port meeting on October 6, said Port Director Diana Ruchert.

As reported at the meeting on September 1, 2020, Streamline Industrial was interested in leasing part of a building at the Port complex. However, they no longer need the extra space at this time.

The Port Commissioners approved the surplus of a 1954 International tractor by sealed bid, for minimum bids of $500. It is a four-cylinder, gas engine, and has good tires. It was disclosed that the engine does have a knock in it.

The Commissioners also approved the sponsorship of local school sports teams by contributing to seasonal ads in the East Washingtonian, up to $255.

The next board meeting of the Port of Garfield Commissioners will be October 6, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., at the Port Offices.