“Alphabet soupDiscussions about the Greenbank Farm contain several confusing abbreviations. Here’s an explanation.GFMG: Greenbank Farm Management Group.CDT: Community Development Team LLC.LLC: Mentors LLC, a private investment company.WHiPS: Whidbey History Preservation Society.The Port of Coupeville commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 14 to award a one-year management contract to Greenbank Farm Management Group, allowing it to continue operating the Greenbank Farm. The Port commissioners’ task at the meeting was to decide finally between two proposals for management and operation of Greenbank Farm, putting an end to the months of debate. Community Development Team LLC, in conjunction with Whidbey History Preservation Society, provided the unsuccessful, competing proposal. Speaking for GFMG, interim director Laura Blankenship agreed that both organizations had the same interests and plans for the betterment of the farm. Blankenship said, however, that the Port commissioners’ decision came down to deciding whether or not a for-profit entity (CDT) should manage the farm.Commissioner Don Sherman asked whether the port could be assured there would not be the GFMG board turnover and burnout that had occurred in the past. I don’t anticipate any problems in getting board members who are competent, said GFMG acting president Charles Knutila. Knutila said the board will be expanded from its current seven members to 10 to 12, and that each board member will have a particular area of responsibility and a committee. Blankenship added that two new people had approached her about being on the board. Under the new agreement, which will take effect March 1, the GFMG will receive $40,000 from the Port of Coupeville as a management fee for the rest of 2001. The $10,000 requested by GFMG for the management fee for January and February is to be renegotiated. In addition, the GFMG will enter into a lease agreement with the Port for the main barn, Jim Davis House and associated common areas.GFMG now has the green light to move forward in its operation of the farm. The problem for us was that we first proposed a change in the lease agreement in September,Knutila said, adding that the delay caused by the need for the Port to consider CDT’s proposal was a little frustrating. Knutila said a special meeting of the GFMG board will probably be held as early as the following week to address several small issues immediately, and that the business of fund-raising and grant writing is already under way.The calendar of events at Greenbank Farm is filled up, according to Knutila, who added, We’ll be trying to work a little smarter and make sure resources are used more efficiently. He said he has been analyzing and researching ways to infuse fresh ideas into the operation.Capital improvements to the facilities will be the responsibility of the Port, Knutila added. Upgrades to the water and sewer systems would begin rather quickly, and roof repairs and electrical upgrades would occur in the short to intermediate term. The third barn needs maaidtated.Commissioner Sherman, in a telephone interview after the meeting, said he made the motion to approve the agreement with GFMG due to several factors. Franc (Sawatzki) has lots of good ideas, Sherman said of the CDT proposal. I was afraid we’d have to close the farm if things didn’t work out perfectly with CDT, referring to the need for CDT to set up WHiPS as a not-for-profit entity and to secure its own liquor license to continue to sell wine. Port Commission President Mike Canfield agreed with Sherman, adding that he was concerned about the term of the lease for which CDT was asking. I don’t think 10 years plus 10 (more for renewal) is appropriate, Canfield said. He explained that such a long-term lease would create periods when the Port would be unable to exercise its authority over the farm.Sawatzki expressed no disappointment. Things worked out wonderfully, he said. This wasn’t a we-win, you-lose situation. He said the Port’s decision-making process over the last six months has sparked new interest in the Greenbank Farm.(GFMG) represents more of the idea of the community, although Franc Sawatzki has lots of good ideas, Canfield said. Hopefully the two can work together in the future. “