PORT ANGELES — Depending on how long it takes to swear in a newly elected port commissioner and find a replacement for Port Commissioner Jim McEntire, the port commission may briefly be left with only one commissioner.
That’s according to information presented at Monday’s port commission meeting.
There will be no decision on a new commissioner at the next meeting, which is Dec. 12, said Executive Director Jeff Robb.
McEntire resigned from the port commission after winning a Clallam County commission seat in November.
McEntire’s resignation is effective as of Dec. 31 or when he is sworn in as a Clallam County commissioner, whichever comes first.
Early as Dec. 21
Commissioner-elect Jim Hallett, who was elected in November to replace Commissioner George Schoenfeldt, who did not file for re-election, by law can be sworn in as early as Dec. 21 to allow him to take his seat at the beginning of the first port meeting in January, maintaining a quorum for the beginning of the new year, port attorney Dave Neupert said.
He could also be sworn in at the beginning of the first port meeting in 2012.
However, there must be a quorum in place for the meeting to convene, Neupert said.
Commissioners left the time line for Hallett’s swearing-in up in the air, with the suggestion of a brief Dec. 26 meeting for the sole purpose of having Hallett take the oath of office.
The current deadline for applications for McEntire’s position is 5 p.m. today.
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume and an application via email to hollyh@portofpa.com or at the port offices at 338 W. First St.
Applications are available at port offices or at the port’s website, www.portofpa.com.
As of Wednesday, the port had received six applications, said Holly Hairell, port human resources manager.
Finding a replacement may be a long process and may take more than one round of applications, port staff members said.
90 days
A replacement must be selected within 90 days of the vacancy, Executive Director Jeff Robb said.
Candidates must be registered voters and live within the Port of Port Angeles District 1 boundary, which is generally east of McDonald Creek to the eastern Jefferson County line.
Legal notice and accepting applications are the first steps in the process.
Candidate interviews and the final selection must take place in public session, Neupert said.
With only two commissioners, a tie is possible.
If Calhoun and Hallett are deadlocked, the Clallam County Board of County Commissioners is given the authority to select a replacement, Neupert said.
Should the commissioners fail to find a replacement within six months of the vacancy, the position is appointed by the governor, he said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.