New commissioner Blackman 'eager' to get started

WILSON CREEK - The newly elected commissioners at the Port of Wilson Creek were sworn in at the first meeting of the new year last week.

Town Clerk Susan James administered the oath of office to Ron Lesser, who was re-elected to the port district in November, and Roger Blackman, who was elected in November, replacing Gary Ribail.

During the meeting, commissioners learned a heavy steel lid on the electrical and pump

building needs to be replaced for safety reasons with a new aluminum lid. The old lid is heavy, floating free and a hazard. The commissioners approved a motion to replace the lid with materials not to exceed $350.

The commissioners also discussed 1,200 feet of fence needing to be placed on the property line. Materials would amount to about $1,500 and signs for the Wilson Creek Airport will be ordered.

Blackman said via telephone the commissioners decided who would hold the positions of chairman, secretary and auditor. Lesser is chairman, Commissioner Sheldon Ralston is secretary and Blackman is auditor.

He thought the meeting went well, and noted he is "eager" to get started.

Blackman said his main goal is to be able to provide infrastructure.

"Right now we don't have much to offer until we get the infrastructure in, electricity and all that sort of stuff done," he said. "That's the first thing on the board, I think, to get the basics in and get something started."

The meeting was held in the Wilson Creek Town Hall for the first time. The port meetings will be held in that location from now on.