Minutes of April 1, 2003 Port of Hood River Commission Work Session/Regular Meeting
   Expo Center Conference Room
   5:30 P.M.
   

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford (leaving at 8:15 p.m.), Bill Lyons, and Hoby Streich; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, David Harlan, Mike Doke, Linda Hull (arriving at 5:45 p.m.), and Laurie Borton

Absent: From Staff, Linda Shames

Media: None

President Bill Lyons called the work session to order at 5:35 p.m.

1. Waterfront Meeting with City: Executive Director David Harlan and the Commission discussed the strategy for the joint Port/City Council meeting that is scheduled at City Council Chambers on April 7, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is at the request of the City Council to "get them up to speed" on the Waterfront project since the last public presentation in November 2001. Harlan stated he would be meeting with the City of Hood River's planning director and manager on April 2 to discuss the waterfront zone and the City's list of remaining issues with regards to the proposed Waterfront Zone and related issues, and that the Commission would be provided a summary of the discussion as preparation for the April 7 meeting. Harlan provided a draft document to the Commission for discussion at a later meeting regarding the advantages and disadvantages of a Request for Proposals (RFP) process versus direct negotiation with developers on the waterfront, and the components involved in issuing a RFP for waterfront development.

2. Ordinance Regulating Conduct on Port Property: Executive Director Harlan reported that attorney Jerry Jaques met with staff to discuss the Port of Cascade Locks ordinance regulating various activities. Jaques wrote the Port of Cascade Locks ordinance, which will be the basis for the Port of Hood River's ordinance. Staff has reviewed the ordinance for revisions pertaining to the Port of Hood River and the Commissioners will provide their input. Further discussion will take place at the April 15, 2003 Commission meeting.

President Lyons closed the work session at 7:01 p.m. and opened the regular session at 7:10 p.m.

1. INTRODUCTIONS: Matt Kosmata, Maui Meyer, Linda Maddox, and Brian Robb were present at the meeting.

2. MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS TO AGENDA BY COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Bohn requested a discussion on public relations efforts, which was added to the agenda under item 5b Reports-Other.

3. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Linda Maddox aired her concerns regarding the marina initiative referenced in the March 18 strategic planning work session and development on the waterfront, e.g. which lot would be used for a park, building heights and setbacks, and discussions on the sale of property. Attorney Jerry Jaques clarified that Maddox's reference to an Ordinance or Resolution on the books prohibiting the sale of property north of I-84 was incorrect.

Brian Robb stated he concurred with most of Maddox's comments and added the Commission needed to be concerned with public communication and to elicit input and support from the public.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the minutes of the March 18, 2003 special meeting.
Move: Hosford
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Lyons, and Streich
MOTION CARRIED

5. REPORTS:

a) Executive Director: Executive Director Harlan provided brief updates on information previously provided to the Commission. Harlan further commented on his plans to make site visits to properties developed by the Waterfront Request for Qualifications respondents. President Lyons suggested that other Commissioners might want to participate in the visits. Attorney Jerry Jaques reminded the Commission if a quorum was present at the site visits that discussions were to be limited and decisions could not be made. Harlan reported on a recent inquiry from a Cardinal Glass supplier who has expressed possible interest in a short-term lease of the Western Power Building. Harlan provided the Commission with a memo from Linda Shames, who was unable to attend the meeting, regarding the need to appoint two new members to the Budget Committee. Shames memo recommended that a current budget committee member whose term expires this year be reappointed as requested by the member. Five applicants have expressed an interest in the Budget Committee. Further discussion on budget committee appointments continued under New Business. Harlan provided another memo to the Commission from Shames regarding companies that could be contacted regarding our toll system. HNTB, the Port's bridge engineering firm, has agreed to act as a consultant in the process. Shames estimated the consultation fees to be between $500 to $1,000, which is a budgeted expense and does not require Commission approval.

b) Other: Commissioner Bohn commented on her concern of the misinformed comments returned to the Port office regarding the Bridge Closure Survey. Although information is updated on the Port's website (www.portofhoodriver.com) and the Port is a regular monthly guest on the KIHR Radio Talk Show, Bohn expressed there was a need to provide information to both Oregon and Washington residents and suggested Commissioner-written or staff-written "Viewpoint" articles for the Hood River News or a Port newsletter. Executive Director Harlan commented the focus of Mike Doke's job had not allowed time for work on another Port Newsletter and that it would be appropriate to consider an outside consultant, under a personal services contract, to work on Port newsletters.

6. ITEMS FROM WORK SESSION:

a) Waterfront Meeting with City: At the request of the City Council, a joint meeting to discuss the waterfront development has been scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2003. Executive Director Harlan will provide the Commission with further detail on the meeting's agenda following his preliminary meeting with City Planning Director Cindy Walbridge and City Administrator Lynn Guenther on April 2.

b) Ordinance Regulating Conduct on Port Property: President Lyons requested the Commissioners review the suggested amendments to the Port of Cascade Locks ordinance and provide their input to staff. The Ordinance will be discussed again at the April 15 Commission meeting. Attorney Jaques stated an Ordinance must be published, and read at two meetings, before taking effect.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a) Bridge Redecking Project Closures: Executive Director Harlan stated the Oregon Department of Transportation, who is preparing documents for a bid date of September 11, 2003, needed a decision on the timing and duration of bridge closures during the redecking project. Harlan stated that decision would also be necessary for the Port to keep on track to start the project this fall, especially if steel fabrication timelines require up to a six month lead time. Comments from the Bridge Closure Survey favored a continuous versus seasonal project with closure hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The Commission discussed, but did not reach a consensus, on the survey comments requesting mid-shift openings, but Harlan did state, however, that contract provisions would provide an ability to lay down ramps for emergency vehicles only. There was Commission consensus that the bridge redecking project should be a continuous project with 8-hour closures, if possible, to be negotiated with the contractor.

Motion: Move to authorize a bridge closure during the redecking project of 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night between September 15 and April 30, and a closure of 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night between May 1 and September 14 subject to review and negotiation with the contractor.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich

Commissioner Bohn stated the need for this information to be made available to the public, especially the commuters and affected employers. Linda Hull, Administrative Assistant, stated that answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" on the Bridge Closure Survey have been prepared for use in communicating to the public. Bohn also stated the motion should be amended to address holidays and mid-shift openings.

Motion: Move to authorize a bridge closure during the redecking project of 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night between September 15 and April 30, and a closure of 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday night through Thursday night between May 1 and September 14 subject to review and negotiation with the contractor. No closures would occur on Christmas, Thanksgiving and other public holidays and that mid-shift openings may occur if feasible in terms of both safety and cost-effectiveness.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Lyons, and Streich
MOTION CARRIED

Commissioner Don Hosford left the meeting at 8:15 p.m. in order to make a scheduled airline flight departing later that evening from Portland International Airport.

b) River Walk RFP: Mike Doke reviewed the River Walk project to date, stating that the current State grant expires June 30, 2003, and recommended available funds be used to continue expansion of the walkway east from the DMV building to the Port Office building and continue to the Bridge. Doke reported that grant monies would still be available for landscaping the River Walk, including benches, once the asphalt work was complete, which he estimated would cost between $15,000 to $20,000.00.

Motion: Move to authorize staff to prepare a Request for Proposal for additional asphalt work expanding the Marina Park River Walk.
Move: Streich
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

c) Kittelson & Associates: Executive Director Harlan reported the traffic impact analysis prepared by Kittelson & Associates for the Barman property near the I-84/2nd Street interchange required additional work to identify future impacts on the interchange. These additional services, as required by the Oregon Department of Transportation, resulted in an increased budget for the project.

Motion: Move to increase the Kittelson & Associates, Inc. budget from $1,000 to $1,500 for traffic engineering services for the I-84/2nd Street Interchange.
Move: Streich
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

d) Accounts Payable: None.

e) Budget Committee Appointment: There was Commission consensus to go along with the proposal from Linda Shames, accounting manager, to hold budget meetings as follows-May 1 or 2, hand out the budget to Commission and Budget Committee; May 6, read Budget Message at Commission meeting; May 7, hold an evening dinner budget meeting; and if necessary, hold additional budget meetings the week of May 12-16. The Commission agreed to the reappointment of current budget committee member Joe Sheirbon to another term, but requested that the five people applying for the two vacancies on the budget committee be invited to the April 15 Commission meeting work session to give a 5-minute presentation on why they would like to serve on the budget committee. A decision on the two appointments would then be made during regular session.

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Lyons called the Commission into Executive Session at 8:33 p.m. under ORS 192,660(1)(e) Real Estate, ORS 192.660(1)(h) Litigation; and ORS 192.660(1)(i) Personnel.

At the conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into regular session at 9:25 p.m. No action was taken as a result of the Executive Session.

9. NEXT MEETING DATE: The Commission will hold a joint special session meeting with the Hood River City Council on Monday, April 7, 2003 at City Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Waterfront development. The next regular meeting of the Port of Hood River Commission will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at the Expo Center Conference Room.

President Lyons adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

Minutes of April 7, 2003 Port of Hood River Commission Special Meeting
City Council Chambers - Historic City Hall
6:00 P.M.

Present: Port Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Bill Lyons, and Hoby Streich; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from Port staff, David Harlan, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

City Councilors Paul Cummings, Chuck Haynie, Andrea Klaas, Carrie Nelson, Linda Rouches, and Paul Thompson; from City Staff Lynn Guenther, Cindy Walbridge, Steve Everroad, and Jean Hadley; Student Councilors Henry Burton and Jodie Gates

Absent: Port Commissioner Don Hosford; City Councilor Scott Reynier

Media: RaeLynn Gill, Hood River News

Mayor Paul Cummings called the City Council special meeting to order at 6:04 p.m., welcoming the Port of Hood River Commission and staff. Cummings announced to the audience that the purpose of the meeting was a work session between the Council and Port to discuss issues related to the proposed mixed-use zoning ordinance for the Hood River Waterfront. Cummings stated that public input would not be taken but that there would be ample opportunities at later dates for public comment at the planning commission and city council levels. Cummings stated that two representatives from the Port of Hood River and three Council representatives had met from time to time to discuss common ground and that the Waterfront project was moving forward. Cummings then asked for questions from the audience regarding the procedures for the evening's meeting; no questions were asked. Cummings then turned the meeting over to Port Commission President Bill Lyons.

President Bill Lyons called the Port of Hood River Commission work session to order at 6:05 p.m. reiterating the purpose of the meeting as stated by Mayor Cummings.

Brief Overview: Port of Hood River Executive Director David Harlan presented an overview of the Conceptual Waterfront Plan as it has evolved since the last public meeting in November 2001, explaining the features that remained essentially unchanged were Lots 1, 3, and 5; and the Riverfront Trail. Changes included the purchase of the Barman property; locating the proposed waterfront park on Lot 7, adjacent to The Hook entrance; and lodging and other uses proposed on Lot 6. Harlan explained that the park location change resulted from the shutdown of the Cooper Industries operations at the Western Power Products Building. Harlan commented that a Request for Qualifications for waterfront development had resulted in six interviews conducted in February. Although the Port is moving forward on zone, guidelines, and CC&R documents, Harlan commented the Port had gained significant insight from the interviews regarding the likelihood of a developer writing their own guidelines and CC&R's as part of the developer's Master Plan process. Harlan informed the Council the decision point for the Port now is to let a Request for Proposal, or bypass the RFP process and negotiate with one or more of the responding teams. Harlan finished his overview presentation by stating the Port will continue working with City staff to finalize the Waterfront Zone.

Zone/Design Guidelines Discussion: City Planner Cindy Walbridge walked the Council and Commission through document inconsistencies she had identified between the proposed Waterfront Zone and the Port's draft Design Guidelines. Consensus was reached to include Guideline maps in the Zone document; Zone language pertaining to the main auto entrance language for non-residential uses on Lot 6 will be clarified to state that most of the parking will be to the south or west, with a landscaping standard included; and a conflict in building location on a lot will require only a language change regarding setbacks. The discussion continued clarifying the maximum building frontage setbacks on Lot 1 of 20 feet; an allowable building height in excess of 50 feet for special architectural structures such as towers and cupolas; and an addition to the Zone allowing building encroachments into the setback areas such as balconies, bay windows, and front entry vestibules, for example. The Council and Port also consented that language would be added to the Waterfront Zone that the zone would apply to the Port and subsequent properties; waterfront setback graphics would be added; and that the Zone would more clearly define a lodging facility as having to include a food service component.

Walbridge stated it was her opinion the inconsistencies between the City's Waterfront Zone and the Port's Design Guidelines would be resolved soon and that the timeline for a public process on the Zone would be May or June of this year.

Other Issues: Walbridge and Harlan updated the Council and Commission on the traffic study that would be a requirement of the rezone application for review by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Also discussed was the continuing role of the Port's Architectural Site Review Committee (ASRC) in reviewing future applications and development proposals under the language of the zone; the Port and City's continued collaboration on public presentations and process; and the reiteration that changes to the Waterfront Conceptual Plan have been driven by the shared goals of bringing quality mixed-use development to the waterfront in the interest of maximizing tax returns to the City and generating adequate returns to the Port so it can attract further funding assistance and pursue other important economic development projects. Harlan and Walbridge also commented on meeting the needs of a private industrial landowner who has requested that their business be buffered from future development; the inclusion of provisions in the Zone for future public-use roads under the ownership of the Port; and clarifying that "continental food service" is not adequate for lodging facilities.

Funding Issues: City Manager Lynn Guenther commented that City staff is prepared to discuss every funding option available to determine how to pay for what the City and Port want regarding development of a park and other public amenities on the Hood River Waterfront, and suggested that an Intergovernmental Agreement is the next step. Guenther stated the development would take trust on the part of the City, the Port, and the citizens as well. Steve Everroad, city finance director, discussed a general obligation bond, revenue bonds, or tax increment financing as funding options, and that one function of the IGA would be to determine the funding mechanism(s) and associated timelines that would allow both the City and Port to get what everyone wants. Guenther addressed the odor problem at the wastewater treatment plant, stating that $140,000 is needed to reduce the odor (he does not believe the odor will be totally eliminated) and Guenther questioned if the problem should be addressed in the Intergovernmental Agreement or possibly developer partnership. Harlan reported the Western Power Products Building still has a useful life and that any short-term revenue may help accomplish some of the goals associated with the Waterfront development. Harlan stated that current, and potential future lessees are aware of the short-term use of the Western Power Building on Lot 7 and the Port would attempt to accommodate tenant relocations to other industrial sites, such as the lower Hanel mill, Wasco Business Park, Lot 5 or other properties down the road.

In summary, the City and Port will continue to finalize the Waterfront Zone in anticipation of initiating the public process on rezoning the Waterfront in May or June. The Port will hold further discussions to determine whether an RFP or negotiation process is best for moving ahead with waterfront development. The Waterfront Task Force will draft an Intergovernmental Agreement and discuss funding options. The City and Port consented to future joint meetings.

Mayor Cummings thanked the Port Commissioners and staff, the City Councilors and staff for their attendance and presentations at the joint waterfront work session. Cummings also thanked the approximate thirty audience members for their attendance.

Mayor Cummings adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:40 p.m. Commission President Lyons then adjourned the Port Commission work session at 7:40 p.m.

Minutes of April 15, 2003 Port of Hood River Commission Work Session/Regular Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
5:30 P.M.

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Bill Lyons, and Hoby Streich; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, David Harlan, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford

Media: None

President Bill Lyons called the work session to order at 5:38 p.m.

1. Waterfront Development RFPs or Negotiations: For the benefit of the approximate twelve audience members in attendance at the work session, President Lyons presented a summary of the development options being considered for the Waterfront. Lyons stated the Commission's goal was to achieve an economical, high quality development with optimized returns, and recommended that the Real Estate Committee could start by developing a "term sheet" for further Commission discussion. Executive Director David Harlan provided an update on the rezone process, and also commented on visits he had made to mixed-use sites developed by respondents to the Port's waterfront Request for Qualifications. Harlan stated a summary would be provided to the Real Estate Committee once the site visits were complete.

2. Strategic Plan Revisions: The Commission and staff examined Action Item revisions to the Strategic Plan as discussed during the March annual strategic planning work session. The work session resulted in the Commission and staff consenting on changes to be made and project priorities. Commissioners Bohn and Streich agreed that the zoning process and bridge redecking project tied for their first place priority, followed by a resolution of the Integrated Technology Center (ITC) project, followed by development of the Wasco Business Park. Commissioner Duckwall recommended integrating the ITC into the master plan development for the entire waterfront project; and President Lyons stated a priority should include a communications/public relations outreach program.

President Lyons closed the work session at 6:58 p.m. and opened the regular session at 7:08 p.m.

1. BUDGET COMMITTEE APPLICANT INTERVIEWS: President Lyons stated that the Budget Committee is comprised of five lay members, along with all of the Commissioners. At the April 1, 2003 Commission meeting, current budget committee member Joe Sheirbon, whose term expired March 1, 2003, was reappointed to another three year term. The five applicants applying for the two vacancies were Kathy Watson, North Cheatham, Mike Benedict, Scott Johnson, and Richard Sassara. Each applicant stated why he or she wanted to serve on the budget committee and commented on the background, skills, and experience they would bring to the committee. Immediately following the interviews, the Commission made their selection; however, the motion to confirm the appointments was held over to New Business on the agenda. Mike Benedict received votes from Commissioners Hoby Streich, Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, and Bill Lyons. Kathy Watson received votes from Commissioners Hoby Streich, Fred Duckwall, and Bill Lyons. Richard Sassara received the vote of Commissioner Sherry Bohn. All of the applicants were thanked for their interest and participation in the selection process. President Lyons stated there were opportunities to become involved with the Port and urged the applicants who were not chosen to contact staff for more information.

2. INTRODUCTIONS: In addition to the five budget committee applicants, other members of the audience included Linda Maddox, Maui Meyer, Steve Gates, Susan Froehlich, Ann Frodel, Barb Hughes, Jane Parker, Patricia Gates, Brian Carlstrom, Matt Kosmata, Pasquale Barone, and Diane Barkhimer. (Others were present but their names could not be deciphered on the audiotape and they did not sign up to speak at the meeting.)

3. MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS TO AGENDA BY COMMISSIONERS: None.

4. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Susan Froehlich, a member of the River Walk Committee, commented that the current walking path does not accommodate three people walking abreast and that a wider walkway would be more user friendly; she stated that linking the waterfront and marina by a connecting walkway would be a good start to the Waterfront Development in the event plans are delayed once more. Froehlich recommended a 75-foot setback for development along the waterfront, and suggested that a percentage of the room tax should be used for maintenance.

Brian Carlstrom questioned the need for more hotel rooms on the waterfront; the placement of a park on Lot 7 instead of Lot 6; that wind shadows may be created by excessive building heights; and commented that he felt there was not much continuity or accountability from the Port regarding existing, and former, buildings on the waterfront. Carlstrom also asked what happened to the structure of Port committees.

Barb Hughes, former City Council member, asked about previous waterfront plans that called for lodging on Lot 1, which had a better connection to the downtown area; suggested that a building on Lot 6 makes Lot 5 less desirable; suggested the road infrastructure could be reconfigured; and commented on graduated building heights with taller buildings to the south end of the waterfront property.

Steve Gates, former Planning Commissioner and City Councilor, advocated moving forward on the waterfront development but cautioned that long-term consequences should be considered and recommended looking at the creation of a continuous, versus disjointed, green space. Gates said a lot of work had been done by consultants and stated that previous plans should be looked at, and asked the Commission to listen to public input.

Diane Barkhimer, Executive Director of the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association, stated a continuous walkway from the marina to the waterfront would make it look like something positive was happening with the Waterfront.

Jane Parker commented, as a realtor, that people are coming to Hood River because where they came from was being destroyed. Parker offered examples of public green space in other locations and said the Hood River Waterfront should be saved.

Pasquale Barone stated the green space should not be encumbered; otherwise the property south of Portway Avenue would become less desirable and would, therefore, result in a lower economic return.

Matt Kosmata stated he was not in favor of tall buildings on Portway, rumored to be 2 ½ times taller than the 31-foot tall Expo Building, and that he agreed with Hughes comment about stepping the building heights. Kosmata also referred to meeting minutes stating he felt comments from the public should be in more detail, and that he disagreed with verbiage used in the April 1 minutes stating that a point of clarification should have been referenced as a statement of an opposite viewpoint.

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2003 work session/regular session meeting, and the April 7, 2003 special meeting.
Move: Streich
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

6. REPORTS:

a) Executive Director: Executive Director Harlan reported on a quote of $14,000 for improvements to the Spit roadway and that without user fees being imposed an improvement was not justified. Harlan also commented that because staff would not be on site at the Spit to collect user fees the regulation of activities would be limited. Harlan reported a site visit to the Western Power Building had occurred that morning and that the prospective tenant was agreeable to short-term usage of the building. Harlan said language changes to the Waterfront Zone are continuing and that he expects to meet with City Planner Cindy Walbridge in the next two weeks; Harlan also reported on the tentative approval of state Community Incentive Funds for the Second Street project. Harlan briefly summarized some developer site visits he had completed and that more visits were scheduled. Maritime Trust, who had entered into an agreement with the Port of Everett for the mixed-use redevelopment of a portion of their waterfront, and who has been looking at various port properties in the Columbia Gorge area, has scheduled a visit for April 22-23. Harlan stated he would be on vacation during the Maritime visit and that Mike Doke would be representing Port staff in the visit and suggested that Commissioner Streich be involved since Streich had recently visited the Port of Everett. Harlan commented that a representative from Key Development, who is purchasing the Columbia Building, had a meeting with DaKine and that the lease agreement is close to being finalized. DaKine will be acquiring the space of Art Larsen Architecture who should be moved out of his office in the Columbia Building and relocating to the Port Office Building west end by April 25. Harlan reported that Erik Andersson, Regional Development Officer for the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, has been discussing Immediate Opportunity Funding with the Port and City of Hood River for street infrastructure and traffic light funding, which would require matching funds from the Port and City. Columbia Gorge Community College has expressed renewed interest in the UTS Portsite building for class space for the September 2003 school year. Harlan reported the College wants to meet in early May with the Port, and that City Manager Lynn Guenther would also be involved in the meeting because of the wastewater treatment plant's odor problem. Harlan informed the Commission of an April 25 deadline on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for continuation of the River Walk walkway from the DMV Building east to the Interstate Bridge and a portion east of the Marina Park.

b) Other: Mike Doke, economic development and marketing assistant, reported on the Federal Aviation Association Conference that he and Commissioner Streich attended in SeaTac, Washington. Doke and Commissioner Streich also visited with Port of Everett Executive Director John Mohr relative to an agreement with Maritime Trust for the mixed-use redevelopment of a portion of Everett's waterfront.

7. ITEMS FROM WORK SESSION:

a) Waterfront RFP or Negotiation: The Commission consented to direct staff to prepare a term sheet, for initial review by the Real Estate Committee, capturing the factors involved and the goals to be achieved in considering whether the development of the waterfront should be accomplished through a Request for Proposals or negotiation process.

b) Strategic Plan Revisions: The Commission consented to the changes as discussed during the work session. The Strategic Plan will be brought back to the Commission for approval at the May 6 regular meeting.

8. NEW BUSINESS:

a) Budget Committee Appointments:

Motion: Move to confirm the Budget Committee appointments of Mike Benedict, replacing Hoby Streich and whose term will expire March 1, 2005; and Kathy Watson, replacing Phil Jensen and whose term will expire March 1, 2006.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

Before the next New Business item was addressed, audience members asked if their comments would be addressed tonight by the Commission. The President and Commissioners stated the comments were welcomed and would be taken into account at the appropriate time. The Commission addressed further questions and comments from the audience regarding the rezoning, master plan, and developer selection processes.

b) Ordinance Regulating Conduct on Port Property: The Commission had further questions regarding the proposed draft ordinance prior to implementation as the Port of Hood River's Ordinance No. 22. The Commission will address the Ordinance during regular session at the May 6, 2003 meeting, which will include an emergency clause allowing the Port to expedite passage and accelerate the date when the Ordinance takes effect.

c) 2003 Event Site Fees: Executive Director Harlan recommended two options for the Commission's consideration regarding Event Site RV parking fees. In the past, the daily fee was higher if the vehicle was oversized; however there was no price difference if a season pass was purchased. Harlan recommended an oversized vehicle (exceeding 22 feet) be charged a higher seasonal rate; or, the season pass could be discontinued and a higher daily rate be paid. Commissioner Bohn stated her discomfort with either option, and Commissioner Streich recommended tabling the item until the May 6 meeting to allow him time to look at the Event Site parking layout. After allowing public comment on the topic, President Lyons appointed Commissioner Bohn to chair an ad hoc committee to discuss recreational vehicle parking fees at the Event Site for the 2003 season.

d) Port Community Relations Program: Mike Doke presented a proposal recommending that Pageworks be hired to produce a Port newsletter and suggested the newsletter could focus on the waterfront and bridge redecking projects. Because Pageworks is uniquely qualified as having been involved with the Port's community relations and newsletter projects throughout the 1990s, and because the contract would be written for Professional Services, the Request for Proposal process was not required. Commissioner Bohn commented that, in addition to a Port newsletter, she would like to see more press releases communicating information to both Oregon and Washington residents. Linda Shames, accounting manager, commented that Waterfront funds for public relations are included in the current fiscal year budget.

Motion: Move to allocate $5,477.00 for the publication and distribution, no later than June 30, 2003, of a newsletter which will be produced by Pageworks.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

e) Accounts Payable:

Motion: Move to ratify the Accounts Payable amount of $12,415.73 for invoices associated with the Port Office Building west end remodel.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.

10. NEXT MEETING DATE: The next regular meeting of the Port of Hood River Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at the Expo Center Conference Room at which time the Budget Message will be read. A meeting of the Budget Committee will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at the Expo Center Conference Room beginning at 5:00 p.m.

President Lyons adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.