Port approves applying for a CERB loan

DAYTON– The Port of Columbia Board of Commissioners (PORT) approved applying for a CERB loan to build a facility for a potential new business, Mainstream Malt, at the meeting March 13. In addition, the public addressed concerns over the Port Commissioners' recent decision to change the status of the Executive Director's contract from a contracted position to non-contracted.

The board unanimously approved the request to apply for the CERB loan package. The application would be submitted by the deadline of March 18. It was estimated by Director Jennie Dickinson that the application would be approved sometime in May. The facility is conservatively estimated to be completed sometime between late 2025 to mid-2026. Total estimated cost for the project is approximately 15 million dollars.

Using a CERB loan or Community Economic Revitalization Board loan package in which the Port would apply for funds up to five million dollars to build the facility for Mainstem Malt. Dickinson stated "We would apply for the five-million-dollar package. Funding would pay for water, sewer, roads, power extensions, and the new approximately 11,000 square foot craft malt facility." The money must be matched by Mainstem Malt, meaning they must contribute at least that much to a project. The Port would own the building and lease it to Mainstem Malt.

The package includes an offer of 1.25-million-dollar grant and 3.75-million-dollar, 20-year, 2% interest loan, with a three-year deferral. Dickinson stated that based on the current numbers of debts and assets of the Port. She believes, in a worst-case scenario, the Port can afford to pay the load if there was no business or renter in the building, and that the risk to the Port is low.

"I think [we] should also acknowledge that the Port did offer to do this feasibility study with you and that my knowledge of CERB has made a difference, would you not agree?" Newman did agree with that statement and that the port has made clear progress on the re-localization of food economies and agricultural economies via Blue Mountain Station with a history of investment.

Mainstem Malt is a company whose mission is to build innovative malt supply chains in support of family farms, rural communities, and landscape-scale conservation. CEO Phil Newman presented details about his company, what they do in the industry, their success stories, and their plans for the Dayton facility.

Dayton and quality of crops were a large draw to locate here, and believes they will be able to recruit a local skilled workforce from the area. "Personally, I think it's some of the most beautiful farmland, that when people see where the grain comes from, where we have taken brewers and distillers to the field, it's hard to compete. There is nothing like it."

Public comment from approximately 20 people, Zoom attendees and an overflowing room of community members began at the beginning of the meeting. Several people chose to address concerns over the Port Commissioners' decision regarding Director Jennie Dickinson's contract as well and comments by Commissioner Seth Bryan made about her performance in February.

David McKinley addressed concerns about Seth Bryan as an elected official and thought his actions in the February meeting were unprofessional and it was his opinion that he owed both Dickinson and Commissioner Mike Spring an apology.

McKinley then questioned if Bryan and Port Commissioner Jonny Watts could represent the county effectively, or just their political affiliation. "I believe you and Jonny Watts are members of the Columbia County Conservatives (CCC)," McKinley said. "I have to ask myself if you and Jonny are able to represent the whole county, or just the political agenda of the CCC," said McKinley. "Seth, you have stated and I quote, 'I will absolutely vote no on any and every measure that will increase my taxes by any amount.'" McKinley went on to say, "I think that is a very short-sighted position to take. And, you have referred to Dayton as a corrupt and dirty little town."

"You scolded the voters of Columbia County for passing the two school levies recently," McKinley said. "And you signed the petition to close our only public library. And, I can go on, but my point is you have revealed your true character and I am asking you to resign immediately."

These statements were echoed by others in the room and on Zoom, as was behaviors in the room following comment.

Dayton resident Pete Paolino stated that he believed that the discussion was bringing a lot of negativities to the room while they were trying to bring in economic development; and that he believed a contract for the director was unnecessary. "In real life I don't believe anyone else in here has a contract to work, I work and I don't have a contract to work. It's a right-to-work state. I don't see the problem." He continues, "this community is divided and it shouldn't be. People should work together. You can bring a lot of comments on who did what but I don't see anyone trying to fix it. Telling someone you want their resignation doesn't fix this problem."

Former Port Commissioner Gene Warren commented he wasn't aware that the director even had a contract and said "It is your decision to do it. These guys got elected. The negativity that is coming here from both sides of this is absolutely ridiculous and serves nothing to get us back on the right track...I came here to talk about something positive that the commissioners are looking at."

Commissioner Mike Spring stated "I heard the comments this evening from the public and I am worried you put us in legal jeopardy." He stated that he believed that Seth [Bryan] may have violated RCW 42.23.070 and 42.23.050 and violated the Port policy on bullying. "I have some remedies, some were suggested earlier, but our Port attorney also offered her services to come and do some training. I would like to see that we can possibly go into an executive session and get some training."

Phil Newman, the CEO of Mainstem Malt, expressed great concern on bringing his business here under such conflicted and adversarial conditions. "It is pretty terrifying to be a business looking to establish someplace and see the level of conflict that was coming out of the community that we want to establish in," said Newman. "But I also want to say it was really encouraging to see how the room rallied around the interest in our project and how it can be a force of greater good and cohesion." He is hopeful that everyone can learn to work together.

As rebuttal, Commissioner Seth Bryan addressed Port Commissioner Spring that he was not opposed to meeting with the attorney for a board training, adding "I did not bring information that we discussed in executive session or any confidential information into the public, nor do I believe that I was bullying, harassing, or creating a hostile work environment. My concerns were my own, I brought them up, and I stand by my statements. As far as any of you who think I should resign for what I said, it's not going to happen. You are stuck with me. I am here and I am not going anywhere."