Port of Tracyton makes headway

Although no quorum was present at Thursday’s meeting, Port of Tracyton constituents had plenty to say about their non-functioning government.

Roger Page submitted a letter to newly appointed port commissioner Gary Keenan requesting Port Commissioner Walt Fitzpatrick, who was not at the May 8 and June 12 meetings, be relieved of his duties because he has allegedly missed two consecutive meetings.

According to the Port of Tracyton by-laws, non-attendance at meetings for 60 days, unless excused by the commission will result in a vacancy.

That letter, which was entered into the meeting minutes, will be mailed to Kitsap County commissioners for their consideration.

Fitzpatrick, who represents District 3, maintains he has canceled all remaining port commission meetings for the rest of the year and that port law does not recognize Keenan as a commissioner.

He refuses to meet with Keenan and refuses media requests to speak on the record regarding the port.

Central Kitsap Commissioner Patty Lent said in a phone interview Wednesday, that Fitzpatrick couldn’t have canceled the meetings because he himself did not have a quorum to do so.

The port’s by-laws state the board’s chairman can cancel meetings and does not mention a quorum requirement. Fitzpatrick has declared himself chairman.

She also said the county commissioners are prepared to appoint a third commissioner after the state mandated 90-day period has ended, if Keenan and Fitzpatrick do not appoint someone. That deadline is Aug. 2.

But residents hope they won’t have to wait that long to get the port commission rolling again.

“By the same rules of order he has put his own post in jeopardy,” said Tracyton resident Pat Wright.

Earlier this week Fitzpatrick’s criminal complaint against Kitsap County officials was forwarded to the Jefferson County prosecutor Juelie Dalzell for review.

About half a dozen people attended the meeting, which was held in the Tracyton Community Library.

“We need to focus on the business at hand and not worry about beating people up, resident Tim Knapp said.

Keenan, who tape recorded the meeting, also presented a letter from county commissioners naming him to the board and his oath of office.

He also had a $300 bill from the library for 2002 rental fees that were not paid by the port.

“The parliamentary wheels are broken and we’ve got to build them back up,” Keenan said.

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