Port consultant to retire at 85
Published 1:00 pm Saturday, September 11, 2004
In early November, John Coyne, consultant for the Port of Coupeville, will celebrate his 85th birthday.
He said he hopes to receive an unusual birthday present — a replacement that will allow him to retire.
“I retired after 30 years in the army and I think it’s time to retire for real,” Coyne said after a Wednesday morning Port of Coupeville meeting where his retirement was announced.
Coyne has been the part-time consultant for the port since 1976 and handles the routine business affairs of the port under the guidance of the port commissioners.
Recent projects the port has been involved with includes an expansion of the dock that was completed in 2003 and negotiating a long-term lease with the Greenbank Farm Management Group that allowed the farm to receive $1.5 million is state money.
In his years as consultant, Coyne has seen the Coupeville Wharf change from a warehouse with a dilapidated walkway to a commercial outlet complete with a harbor store and art gallery.
“We’re going to learn to appreciate what John does,” said Commissioner Bruce Bryson of Coyne’s retirement.
As a part-time consultant, Coyne earned a base fee of $750 a month. With the extra hours Coyne put in he earned, on average, approximately $1,500 a month, according to Port Commissioner Ed Van Patten.
With Coyne’s intention to retire, the commissioners are starting to outline steps to replace him.
The Port is going to break up some of Coyne’s job duties.
The Port recently hired someone to write the minutes of its monthly meetings, and it recently hired an accountant. That accountant, Chuck Edwards, does similar work for the Port of South Whidbey.
Van Patten said a special meeting will be coming up where the commissioners will start sorting out a new job description and how to go about hiring Coyne’s replacement.
Van Patten said the Port will be contacting WorkSource and possibly local newspapers to advertise the position.
The Port also has to move all its files from Coyne’s home, where he currently works, to the Port office near the Coupeville Wharf.
Coyne said he doesn’t have any plans after he retires.
“I’m going to stay right where I am,” Coyne said.
