ILWACO – Ilwaco Fire Chief Tom Williams was in attendance at Monday’s Ilwaco Port Commissioners meeting to propose that the Ilwaco Fire Department acquire port property for space to build the new fire hall.

The charred remnants of the fire hall sit on a 200-foot by 75-foot lot, which Williams says was sufficient for the department prior to using larger vehicles. The department is now looking at moving their location to a 150-foot by 200-foot piece of port property between Pearl and Myrtle streets.

According to Williams, other considered spaces were the P.U.D. property, the city park area at the east end of Ilwaco, the area next to the downtown print shop and the old city shop space near Black Lake.

“I understand the fire department’s problem,” said Commissioner Dave Nichols, who, along with other commissioners, felt the space may take needed space away from the port during busy seasons. “And I might accept their request as a last resort … If there’s no other place to put it, I’d be looking at it. It’s something we’re going to have to think about. We understand your problem and we touch on that problem a lot already. All options are open.”

“We’d like to have more time to discuss it,” agreed Commissioner Dick Siefert.

Port Manager Jim Neva noted that Northwest Auto Sports will be holding a motocross event near the “P” float Saturday Feb. 24 and Sunday Feb. 25. Northwest Auto Sports will be donating some of their proceeds to the Ilwaco Fire Department.

With the tall ships event scheduled to start May 22, commissioners voted to give $2,800 to partially fund the expected $6,000 budget. In addition to the $2,800, the port also plans to contribute by providing free slips for event participants, free event tents, and other necessities.

In his operations report, Neva reported tenant and building inspector issues, a possible gear shed to be put on port property, a future discussion on airport storm drainage problems, and spill response training for port and other city officials.