8/22/2019 Port of Indianola Reconsidering Pier's Closure : Kitsap Sun

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Port of Indianola reconsidering pier's closure

By Tristan Baurick

Thursday, August 8, 2013

INDIANOLA The Port of Indianola is reconsidering its closure of Indianola Dock, a

popular pier that was barricaded more than a month ago over safety concerns.

In a reversal of his earlier stance, port commission chairman Jeff Henderson proposed

that the port reopen the pier and install signs warning against large gatherings, which

could lead to its collapse. His motion failed, but a special meeting has been called for

Tuesday to consider an amended version aimed at satisfying remaining concerns over

how to enforce capacity limits on the 900-foot-long pier.

Hendersons calls for reopening the pier drew applause from the nearly 100 people

gathered at Wednesday nights commission meeting. The closure has sparked protest,

petitions, vandalism, emotionally-charged port meetings and the resignation of a port

commissioner. Many Indianola residents believe the closure was an overreaction and

could pave the way for extensive repairs that will alter the piers historic character.

Hendersons proposal was blocked by the ports other commissioner, Joan Wald. The

resignation of Judith Frank from the commission last month effectively made the

commission a two-person body requiring unanimous agreement to pass resolutions.

Im shocked, Wald said after Henderson made his motion for the piers reopening.

The dock is not safe.

Henderson said the port-commissioned engineering report that initiated the closure in

late June warns only about the piers use by a large number of people and from

vigorous lateral movement, such as shaking or swaying.

He noted that the events that draw the largest crowds Independence Day and late

Julys Indianola Days have already happened.

Weve passed the time when large groups of people congregate during July, and I

honestly felt it can support its traditional recreational use, Henderson said.

He also stressed that the ports insurance provider has no concerns about reopening

the pier.

The commission voted Wednesday to initiate an $11,000 structural assessment of the

piers pilings. The pier has 180 pilings. Each replacement would cost between $3,000

and $5,000, according to Wald.

The full repair budget is likely to top $240,000 an amount the port cannot currently

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8/22/2019 Port of Indianola Reconsidering Pier's Closure : Kitsap Sun

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afford. The pier is pursuing voter approval for a tax hike, which could add about

$20,000 to the ports $40,000 budget each year. Henderson said the port will pursue

grants and will need the community to pitch in with fundraising initiatives.

Wald agrees that small numbers of people might be able to use the pier, but she is

unsure how the port can enforce rules against large gatherings.

She estimates it would cost more than $4,000 to install a locked gate and to hire asecurity guard to monitor the dock eight hours a day for the remainder of the summer.

Henderson and Wald agree hiring security would be too expensive for the port.

Several Indianola residents said community volunteers could enforce maximum

capacity rules.

I love the idea of the town fathers being active on the dock, said Emily Langlie.

Susan Cartwright suggested that the pier have 10 small flags at the docks entrance.

Each visitor would take one until none were left, indicating to newer arrivals that the

pier was at full capacity.

I think the community will be responsible and police themselves to do what is required

to get the dock open again, she said.

Wald said she might support the reopening if a detailed volunteer enforcement plan

comes forward.

Id welcome it, she said. But I d want to see a plan. Id like to see who the volunteers

are, who will man it, and at what times. If someone can come up with the who, what

and where, I d listen to that.

The Port of Indianolas special meeting is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Indianola Club

House, 19876 Indianola Road.

2013 Scripps Newspaper Group Online

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