Mike Spring takes oath as newest Port of Columbia Commissioner

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Board of Commissioners witnessed the swearing in of newly elected commissioner Mike Spring; reviewed personnel policy; and discussed new workforce development and housing project during the January 10 meeting.

Newly elected Port Commissioner Mike Spring was sworn into his position and elected as the new Port Commissioner Secretary. He also requested he be the new Task Force Board representative. Previously this position was held by Port Director Jennie Dickinson. The request was approved with the stipulation and knowledge that Commissioner Spring is there to represent the Port and not his own business. Port Manager Jennie Dickinson will continue to attend meetings and support the commissioner while he transitions into the position.

The commissioners reviewed the personnel policy and voted to update it to be clear that employees who work 70 hours per month or more must participate in PERS also known as Public Employees Retirement System benefits. Commissioner Spring also requested that commissioners can participate in the Ports healthcare system. The insurance company said it was allowed, but asked that it is at the commissioners' own expense, which was also approved.

In addition, the commissioners discussed the policy about inventory and asked if anyone physically checks the storage units to verify what items the port owns, where they are stored, and the latest date they were seen. This would provide accountability to the policy.

The Port also adopted the resolution 2024-01, Delegation of Authority. This resolution is readopted every year. It formally delegates some administrative authority to the Director.

In other business, Dickinson presented the commissioners with a project they are starting to brainstorm; Workforce development and housing. The panel discussed what part the Port could potentially play to support businesses in Dayton finding reliable workers, and how the housing issue creates a hardship for this concern. Workforce Development was the third most important issue that was voted for during the workforce development meeting. Dickinson stressed that the goal would be to keep workers here in Dayton and not traveling to Walla Walla for better opportunities. Dickinson and her office team plan to survey business focusing on the greatest needs by businesses.

Gerry Kaiser, a Dayton resident, asked the commissioners to put off selling any portion of the railroad prior to the federal government deciding about removing the dams. "It will directly affect the value of that asset," he said. Port Commissioner Seth Bryan responded to this request by stating that he had recently read that this would be put off indefinitely. "Until they can currently replace all the services that the dams provide, they cannot legally remove the dams." A member via zoom, Dave Haney supported Kaiser's statement saying "I think there is a very good chance the government will remove the dams. There is a path for it that does not need congress's approval."