Council approves marine survey contract to renew DeKalb Pier DNR lease

The Port Orchard City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a professional services agreement with KPFF Inc. for a DeKalb Pier marine survey required to reauthorize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) aquatic land lease.

Why it matters: The DNR-required survey must supply a legal description, boundary details, acreage and documentation matching improvements to the pier; the existing survey was deemed inadequate for the DNR and auditor requirements. The lease expired in 2024 and the survey is needed to correct the record.

City presenter Mr. Ryan told council the work is required by DNR and that the city’s previous survey did not meet the agency’s marine-survey standards. Miss Archer, who worked with DNR on the file, explained it took time to identify a surveyor willing to perform the complex marine work. Councilmembers expressed frustration that the requirement arose now but acknowledged the state’s process requires the new documentation.

Motion and vote: Councilmember Deener moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement with KPFF Inc.; Councilmember Warden seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Fiscal note: Staff said the contract is a not-to-exceed amount and that actual costs will likely be lower than the cap; the city’s general fund will cover the local portion of project costs. Council members thanked staff for the fiscal impact analysis included in the packet.

Next steps: KPFF will perform the marine survey and staff will use the results to complete DNR lease reauthorization work. Council directed staff to proceed with the agreement and noted the lease term is lengthy though the exact duration will be provided in follow-up documentation.