Monday, November 10, 2025
The Port of Olympia Commission delayed a vote on whether to approve additional funding for the firm designing the port’s new headquarters.
An amended contract for Thomas Architecture Studios, the port's on-call architectural firm, was on the commission's agenda at a meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.
The firm is under contract through December 2027, with terms allowing the port to use its services up to $500,000.
Port Public Works Program Manager James Sommer said staff was requesting an additional $100,000.
Much of the requested money would go toward the design of the headquarters, while $20,000 would be left for other on-call work.
The amendment was placed on the commission’s consent agenda, meaning it would have been approved along with other items without discussion.
Commissioner Amy Evans Harding motioned to remove the item from consent agenda before the meeting started.
Commissioner Jasmine Vasavada agreed, saying it was important to discuss the contractual commitments for architectural services.
When the contract amendment was up for discussion, the commissioners used the time to question the nature of on-call contracts, as well as to emphasize that they want a say on matters dealing with signfiicant projects, such as the new headquarters.
Vasavada asked if the port or any other institutions have policies that limit the kind of project an on-call contractor could take.
Sommer said the port has no such policy, but it was something staff could explore. He said the only limitation would be grant funded projects, which cannot utilize a previously solicited contract.
Evans Harding acknowledged the commission previously advised staff to use the consent calendar, but said the amendment of the firm’s contract would be an appropriate example of something they would want to give feedback on.
“I think part of the reason Thomas Architecture is successful is because they do a great job of reflecting back what the intention of the governing bodies are,” Evans Harding said.
“I think it's more so about us internally ensuring that what we're communicating to them is in alignment so that we're all on the same page.”
Vasavada also touched on the same issue, saying the project has proceeded without input from the commissioners.
“Although they did consult with staff and do all kinds of things, I feel like it went away from the commission in terms of seeking our input,” Vasavada said.
“I don't like the way this project was managed, because it is special. It's not a typical engineering project. And it feels like, because we went to the on-call architect, it sort of disappeared into the standardized project path.”
No action was taken during the meeting. Sommer said he will return to the commission with information on the design costs.
Commissioners also requested information on the past projects that Thomas Architecture has done for the port as part of its on-call contract.
The new headquarters is going to be located at the former Dancing Goats building on Market Street near the marine terminal gate.
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Boatyarddog
We need to find out who ecactly is putting Agenda items in Catagories before they are approved. This should jave never been on tje consent calender without prior Votes to do so.
Tuesday, November 4 Report this
Boatyarddog
As well, these mismanagement issues is what gives the General public an uneasy, untrusting attitude toward this Port, they Cover Up "mistakes" and wait unti they are caught doing something improper or even worse... then deny it.
Tuesday, November 4 Report this
Boatyarddog
I'd ask that question of Sommers Directly. He is the Gen. Project Manager. I'm Glad to see at least 1 Commissioner is watching
Tuesday, November 4 Report this
Snevets
"We have the money to design the trash cans." ~ Zohran Mamdani
Wednesday, November 5 Report this