Sargent Oyster House work stopped for now

Port of Allyn commissioners canceled a contract to finish exterior work on the Sargent Oyster House at the Port of Allyn Waterfront Park after the contractor stopped communicating with the port.

Tremont Builders agreed to fabricate door and frames, paint the exterior, repair siding and install beveled corner boards, among other tasks, according to a contract signed in January.

Executive Director Travis Merrill said Tremont hasn’t returned phone calls in weeks.

“We’ve had no contact in three weeks,” Merrill said at the port’s regular meeting Monday.

“Ninety percent of the work is done. I’m not sure why he’s not answering his phone,” Merrill said.

Commissioner Judy Scott said she also attempted to contact Shawn Ames, Tremont’s owner, with no response.

Siding is complete, one door is left to hang, and the front sliding false door needs installation before painting happens, Merrill wrote in a report. He recommended the port have volunteers complete the work or ask local businesses for donations of time and expertise.

“We don’t have time to wait. We need to move forward with our projects,” Merrill said.

Commissioners voted unanimously to exercise the termination clause in the contract.

“All work has been paid up to date for services rendered,” Merrill wrote.

Action on Sweetwater Park

Commissioners approved a corrective action plan for submission to the Recreation and Conservation Office that will bring the Sweetwater Creek property in compliance with public access requirements.

“We’ve talked a lot about this,” Commissioner John Sheridan said.

“I’m happy to be a part of this,” he said, signing the plan.

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Director Mendy Harlow attended Monday’s meeting and signed the document on behalf of HCSEG.

Under the plan, the port and HCSEG will work to remove garbage and household waste from the site using HCSEG staff and community volunteers by July. HCSEG will get a cultural resource survey quote “to determine if ground disturbing activities will be permitted during trail building,” according to the plan. Trail work will start in July, the plan states.

There will be a gate at the property preventing vehicles from entering to restrict illegal dumping, but allowing pedestrian access.

“HCSEG will take the lead in applying for the Targeted Brownfields Assessment and any follow-up grants associated with getting the property to a remediated status to include funding for further monitoring and removal of contaminated soil,” according to the plan.

The park will be reopen to the public no later than Aug. 29, the plan states. A memorandum of agreement will also be submitted with the corrective action plan.

The memorandum, unanimously approved by commissioners at Monday’s meeting, details the objectives and obligations between the port and HCSEG. It is required for partnering in grant opportunities, according to the port.

“The POA and HCSEG agree to cooperate closely in constructing, developing, and maintaining Sweetwater Creek Waterwheel Park. HCSEG, as the lead sponsor, will actively pursue funding, donations, volunteer networks, park maintenance, care, and monitoring,” according to the document.

The port will serve as the eligible public agency for grants that HCSEG can’t receive independently, and will provide administrative support and ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws relevant to the project.

HCSEG will be the lead sponsor for fundraising, securing grant funds, organizing volunteers and obtaining necessary donations, provide ongoing park management and maintenance and ensure compliance with regulations regarding the maintenance and operations, according to the document.