With two recusals on selecting the new hoists space operator lease, commissioners chose Ocean Gold to assume control of the vital hoists, following the exit of Pacific Seafood, last December. Fathom Seafoods was the alternate bidder. Commissioners Dan Schmidt and John Evans joined Chairman Gerhard Weber in voting AYE in supporting applicant Ocean Gold, after barely meeting minimum quorum requirements.Ocean Gold unexpectedly offered ice house operations during its presentation, and to do so within six months of lease signing.The importance of selecting a hoist operator is vital, according to Harbormaster Mike Rademaker. “The hoist is a heavy duty lifting system that moves Seafood catches from the boats to the docks. The hoist function not only enables critical offloading infrastructure but strengthens the Harbor District’s financial position. The new market lease rate is $3,000 per hoist, per month, and doubles the previous rate. The two Harbor hoists will generate $72,000 annually. The Harbor will also receive an estimated $20,000 per year in poundage fees from Ocean Gold. #placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');That’s a lot of gold. The partnership aligns with our broader mission to support commercial fishing industry.”The opening of the ice plant within a half year will significantly reduce operating costs by eliminating the need for long distance ice sourcing. The necessity of greater capability to harvest abundant shrimp resources.Commissioner Dan Schmidt praised the new relationship with Ocean Gold. “Though both applicants were highly qualified, I voted for Ocean Gold for two reasons:• The returning of ice plant operations benefits fishermen, the Harbor District and consumers. • Ocean Gold’s desire to restore Harbor status as a premier facility for off loading and processing shrimp.Schmidt stated the vessel to fresh fish market, the process of “efishment” supply is greatly improved.Commissioner Evans echoed his support for Ocean Gold. “Ocean Gold has a strong track record of growth, a robust trucking division and extensive experience in cold storage. The ability to move enormous amounts of product volume will greatly benefit our fishing fleet; and their knowledge of the ice plant will hopefully prove to be invaluable to the CCHD. As we move forward, we will keep an eye on the terms of this agreement and adjust in the future as needed.Chairman Weber was also delighted with the new partnership with Ocean Gold. Though disappointed Commissioners Rick Shepherd and Annie Nehman wisely recused themselves due to a perceived conflict of interest as both are commercial anglers, Chair Weber praised the new lease, adding vital revenue to the District. Ocean Gold will be utilizing the services of Eric Neff, who has a long, respected history of commercial fishing operations. Weber recognized Ocean Gold as thinking “out of the box.” The expedient action to have the ice plant operating within six months, helps the Harbor District and commercial fleet save out of pocket expenses and benefits all the partners. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });