The second round of negotiations over the sale of Langley’s city marina to the Port of South Whidbey this week, and city officials said they support the port’s goal of expanding and improving the marina.

Langley leaders also said they will get behind the port’s efforts to bring floating docks to the city’s small boat harbor, but said it would be tough to meet the port’s 60-day timeline for wrapping up the marina sale.

Earlier last week, port officials said they were thinking about reselling the four breakwater pontoons they had bought from Bremerton for $290,000 because of uncertainty over the marina sale.

City and port officials said they agreed on a number of points during the second round of talks. Expansion of the marina, for example, will include permanent and transient moorage. Langley will also support the port’s efforts to attract passenger ferries, fuel service and small cruise ships that don’t carry more than 50 passengers. Both sides also want to provide safe access for kayaks and small sailboats, but the city does not want float planes or jet skis because they’re noisy.

“Things are going very well,” Port Commissioner Rolf Seitle said after the Jan. 9 meeting. “We made it through most of the subjects that needed to be covered. There are a few sticking points, but on the majority of issues there was agreement.”

The city’s representative, Paul Samuelson, also highlighted the progress that had been made.

“I believe we went a long way to establish a relationship of trust and mutual respect upon which an agreement can be built,” he said in a prepared statement issued jointly issued by the port and city after the meeting.

During the second round of negotiations, negotiators reviewed current properties, improvements and leases related to the proposed turnover.

Seitle noted that acquisition will allow the port to begin the long-planned overhaul of the boat launch ramp, renovation of Phil Simon Park and other improvements.

Still unknown at this point: the purchase price. City leaders said they must get “fair value” for the sale and transfer of the marina to the port, and be able to meet a “reasonableness” test that will satisfy the state Auditor’s Office.

Commissioners said the port must carefully consider the possible need for debt financing in the future, especially considering long-term cost issues such as personnel, operations, maintenance and repairs.

“Some members of the city council feel compensation is required, but it’s vital we ensure the port has enough funds so we don’t negatively affect the positive things we hope to accomplish,” Seitle said.

Eventually, both entities will sign an interlocal agreement creating a permanent advisory body that will help plan future marina improvements.

While progress was made this week, not everything was resolved during Tuesday’s meeting. Parking remains a real concern, as does the requirement for expanded police services.

And there was some disappointing news from the meeting, as well. The state has told Langley that work on the boat launch and Phil Simon Park below the ordinary high water mark won’t be allowed between Jan. 1 and March 1 and March 15 through June 1 because aquatic resources must be protected. Construction will now be delayed until June.

Negotiators on the marina sale will return to the table again on Feb. 13. Samuelson said the discussion will focus mainly on the role of the “harbor advisory committee” and how to establish a “fair value” that is amenable to both sides.

“We feel we want to proceed with the talks and bring them to a successful conclusion,” Seitle said. “It is a work in progress.”

The next port meeting is 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14 at the Freeland Library.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.