By TERRYL ASLA
tasla@soundpublishing.com

KINGSTON — Port of Kingston commissioners voted unanimously April 2 to offer the port executive director position to Jim Pivarnik, deputy director of the Port of Port Townsend.

The decision was made at a special Port Commission meeting at the North Kitsap Fire and Rescue headquarters station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE.

He and two other finalists were interviewed by the commission in a special public meeting the day prior. The other finalists were Katy Brooks, director of economic development for the Port of Vancouver; and Brad Miller, director of the Port of Poulsbo.

Pivarnik, who has a commercial real estate and advertising media background, was hired by the Port of Port Townsend in 2000 as its property and facility manager, managing the port’s $150 million property portfolio in Jeffrson County and overseeing the transition of the Port Hudson Marina Resort to port control.

In 2003, he was promoted to deputy director to oversee all staff and port operation and to serve as the port’s chief operating officer. As deputy director, he manages 25 employees and oversees an annual budget of more than $6 million. His resume indicates he successfully secured more than $7 million in grants for the Port of Port Townsend to help pay for public works project such as the environmental cleanup of the boatyard, developing the infrastructure at Jefferson County International Airport, and rehabilitation of the Point Hudson breakwater.

The Kingston Port Commission authorized Patrick Jones, principal at Jones Strategic, to negotiate the contract agreement with Pivarnik. The advertised salary range is $85,000 to $105,000, depending upon experience. The port’s benefit package is full medical, dental, and vision coverage for the candidate and his immediate family; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; state Public Employment Retirement System, with a port contribution of 11.18 percent; 12 days of sick leave and 12 days of vacation each year. Relocation expenses are open for negotiation.

If Pivarnik accepts the position, he will start work in 30 days, according to Jones.

The new executive director will succeed David Malone, who resigned Oct. 23 after the port became the subject of lawsuits filed by a local business owner and a resident who allege the port engaged in preferential treatment, harassment of opponents and Public Records Act violations.

The Port of Kingston owns the Port of Kingston Marina, which has five docks with 262 moorage slips and a guest moorage dock with 49 slips; a kayak and small boat facility; fuel dock; a boat launch; and a fishing pier. The port owns the state ferry landing parking lot, and a parking lot for commuters. Recreational amenities owned by the port are Mike Wallace Park, Saltair Beach, a fishing pier, and park space near the entrance to the ferry landing.

The port’s 2016 budget predicts $1.4 million in revenue, but $3.2 million in expenses. The deficit results from the purchase of, or investment in, capital assets, among them covered moorage and property development. The port’s 2015 budget was $1.3 million in revenue and $1.1 million in expenses.

Kingston port commissioners review executive director qualifications during a special meeting April 1 at the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters station. From left, Bruce MacIntyre, Walt Elliott, Mary McClure. Photo: Terryl M. Asla / Staff