Minutes of April 6, 2004 Port of Hood River Commission Regular Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
7:00 P.M.

At 5:37 p.m. Vice President Sherry Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(1)(e) Real Property. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session, which closed at 6:35 p.m. The Commission was then called into a work session at 6:40 p.m.

1. GOAL 5: Bob Francis, Hood River City Administrator, was invited to comment on the status of the City's Goal 5 determination. Francis reported two options had been prepared by his staff that would be presented at the April 12 City Council meeting. Francis offered to attend the Port Commission meeting on April 20 to present the direction Council gives City staff. Francis did state that his staff may have spoken in haste when stating a standard approach would be taken on the waterfront riparian habitat inventory, that the safe harbor approach is easier to accomplish and less costly. Commissioner Lyons said his understanding from the beginning of the study was that north of I-84 would be under the standard approach and the rest of the city would probably be under the safe harbor approach.

Richard Leonard, the Port's mapping and Goal 5 consultant, reviewed the differences in a standard and safe harbor approach of the riparian habitat inventory process, and explained how the 75 foot setback is measured from the top of the rip rap high water mark. Leonard also stated standards would be applied differently under each approach. Safe harbor would not allow for any permanent alterations except for water-dependent or water-related uses. By a map illustration, Leonard pointed out the majority of the waterfront is fill and therefore should not fall within the fish habitat or wetlands resource areas requiring protection under Goal 5. Leonard did state, however, that some areas at the Hook and close to the water by the Museum may be considered riparian habitat. If the City determines a safe harbor approach will be taken for all of the Port's property along the waterfront and marina, a 75 foot setback to protect the riparian corridor boundary would be required, unless the City authorizes a local variance provision reducing up to 50% of the 75 foot setback, and as long as Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) provisions are satisfied. Leonard offered the example that the Port administration office is within the 75-foot boundary and a safe harbor approach could impose limitations on new construction or remodel projects. If the City determines the more flexible standard approach should be taken, then the Port may need to dedicate some resources to inventorying riparian conditions along the waterfront and provide other assistance to the City helping it to address Goal 5 requirements.

Commissioner Duckwall asked Leonard what approach would be best for the Port. Leonard reiterated that the waterfront land is fill lined with riprap that does not provide any significant riparian habitat and would be better suited to the standard approach allowing for more flexibility in evaluating parcels. Leonard stated the safe harbor standard would be appropriate for city property south of I-84.

The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has set a June 30 deadline for the City to complete the riparian inventory. The complex issues surrounding Goal 5 designations and implications may still not be mutually understood by the City and Port. Bob Francis commented that DLCD's Ann Beier committed to
helping the City meet the June 30 deadline, and Francis suggested that process could be assisted if the Port's consultant was to talk with the City's consultant. The Commission did not object to Francis's suggestion.

Vice President Bohn closed the work session at 7:05 p.m., and called the regular session to order at 7:05 p.m.

1. INTRODUCTIONS: Audience members Linda Maddox, Peggy Lalor, and Bob Francis introduced themselves. Susan Froehlich arrived later in the meeting.

2. MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS TO AGENDA BY COMMISSIONERS: Executive Director David Harlan requested a discussion on recreational fees under New Business and Commissioner Streich requested that fishing at the marina entrance be discussed under Reports-Other.

3. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Peggy Lalor, Gorge Games founder, updated the Commissioners on the grass roots efforts to re-launch the Games, which are tentatively scheduled for July 10-18, 2004. Lalor provided background information for the Commissioners' review (attached to the official record of these minutes) and requested a Letter of Support from the Port relative to the economic and marketing benefits generated by the Gorge Games. Lalor indicated dates appear to work with the Port's, and Lalor said dates would be firmed up in the next two weeks. Commissioner Streich, who had attended two previous community meetings, asked Lalor for a clarification of her non-profit status comment and what it would entitle her? Lalor stated she did not see herself as getting paid, and the non-profit status would allow a tax benefit to donors.

Lalor's request for a Letter of Support from the Port Commission was added to the agenda under New Business.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2004 regular session meeting, and the March 25, 2004 special meeting.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich

Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons (March 16 meeting minutes), and Streich
Abstain: Lyons (March 25 meeting minutes)
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

5. REPORTS

a) Executive Director:
· Strategic Planning Session: Executive Director David Harlan commented that revisions to the Strategic Plan would be discussed further under Items from Work Session. Harlan stated that the Commission did not spend a lot of time wordsmithing the document at its March 25 Planning Session and that revisions involved mostly date changes. Harlan reported a revised investment policy is still under review by Attorney Jerry Jaques.
· Bridge Redecking Project: Harlan reported that construction is moving along and the staging area is beginning to expand with the delivery of materials. Mike Doke mentioned that two hundred feet north of the fenced staging area would remain open for Port and event use. Christie Constructors; Ed Hoyle, HNTB's on-site bridge construction project manager; and Port staff will participate in two forums that have been scheduled at the Hood River County Library meeting room the evening of April 14 and noontime on April 15 to address public questions. Harlan reported the House Transportation Reauthorization Bill has earmarked money for the SR35 crossing's environmental impact statement; therefore, the Port does not need to act on a letter of support requested by the SR35 group. With talk of a new crossing in a timeframe earlier than anticipated Harlan reported that HNTB, the Port's bridge engineering firm, is working on a demolition cost analysis and a proposed estimate for construction of a new bridge by the Port.
· Community College Update: The Hood River Electric Cooperative has provided the Port with a proposed agreement for extending fiber to the Big 7 Building. The bid opening for third floor tenant improvements is scheduled for May 4 and once the contract is awarded construction must be completed within 42 days. Linda Shames, accounting manager, noted that a special meeting might need to be scheduled to award the contract.
· Wasco Business Park Update: A letter was submitted to the City of Hood River objecting to the proposed street name of Bob's Way for the loop from Wasco Street to Wasco Court and recommended the name of Watson Loop. The Port is in receipt of the Kittelson & Associates traffic signal analysis, which is being reviewed by the City. The report indicates that the northbound left turn traffic at the Rand Road/Cascade Avenue intersection is driving the need for a traffic light and not traffic that would be generated from the Wasco Business Park development. Humanities Software is in receipt of a Memorandum of Understanding, and Harlan reported that bid documents for turnkey construction of a building should go out mid-May, with a mid-June contract award in order to complete as much of the building as possible before inclement weather hits. Harlan also reported the Real Estate Committee would need to meet at the end of next week to discuss other interest in the property.
· Waterfront Update: Harlan reported the City is working on a revised waterfront zone; Bob Francis stated a draft would be provided as soon as it becomes available. In addition to discussions with the City relative to the zone revisions, Harlan said Lot 6 and Goal 9 Intergovernmental Agreements discussions are needed. Letters have been issued to nine firms asking for their qualifications and input relative to market analyses; and Harlan reported there would be further discussion under New Business modifying Richard Leonard's scope in association with the work he's doing on Goal 5.
· Airport Update: The Real Estate Committee will be meeting the end of next week to review land acquisition appraisals. Mike Doke reported a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee would be scheduled later this month, and that he and Commissioner Streich would attend a Federal Aviation Administration conference in Seattle on April 19-21.
· Indian Creek Trail: Harlan and Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation director Lori Stirn have discussed the Port's intention to either donate, or grant an easement, to Parks & Rec for its Indian Creek Trail Project. Stirn indicated she would take this to her board, and Harlan commented he would have a discussion with attorney Jerry
Jaques about the best way to approach this surplus property. There was Commission consensus to take action at tonight's meeting and an action item was added to the agenda under New Business.
· Oregon Public Ports Association (OPPA)/Oregon Ports Group (OPG) Update: Harlan reported on the proposed restructure of a single organization for lobbying statewide port issues. Because the Port of The Dalles has not been an active member, Harlan commented on the possibility of an Intergovernmental Agreement between The Dalles and Hood River Ports for representation as an Oregon Ports Group member. Harlan asked the Commissioners to contact him if they had any comments or questions.
· Real Estate Committee: A meeting of the Committee will be scheduled for the end of next week.

b) Other -
· Fishing at the Marina Entrance: Commissioner Streich reported that he had been approached about the conflict between bank fishing off the marina jetty and boaters crossing fishing lines and asked if the Port had any regulations to address the situation. Harlan commented the mechanism exists to amend Port Ordinance No. 22. Staff was directed to research the issue.

6. ITEMS FROM WORK SESSION:

a) Strategic Plan Revisions: There was Commission consensus to table this item for discussion during a work session at the April 20 meeting.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a) Airport Land Lease: Mike Doke commented that the standard land lease agreement had been revised and now includes verbiage requiring the lessee to submit plans for Port review and approval relative, but not limited to, building construction materials, design and color, location of improvements, and compatibility with existing structures and airport operation.

Motion: Move to approve the Ken Jernstedt Airfield Land Lease Agreement between Randy Acree and the Port of Hood River and authorize that the Commission President sign the document.
Move: Lyons
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

b) HNTB Proposal-Toll Collection System: Linda Shames recommended the Commission consider approving a professional services and fee estimate contract for the expertise of Jerry Hautamaki, HNTB Senior Toll Systems Engineer, in the selection and negotiation of a toll collection system. Shames stated the system is in this year's budget and the expense for Hautamaki's professional services should not trigger a budget amendment. Initially the toll collection equipment would be manual but Shames indicated the same equipment could be automated within one to two years and have the flexibility, for example, to adjust tolls at peak hours.

Motion: Move to authorize staff to enter into a Professional Services fee estimate contract with HNTB, in an amount not to exceed $29,469.50, for the selection and negotiation of a toll collection replacement system.
Move: Lyons
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

c) Wasco Utility Easements: Because the utility easements and legal descriptions reference "Wasco Loop" and the Commission has formally objected to the City's proposal of "Bob's Way," there was Commission consensus to table this item until the street name has been determined.

d) Richard Leonard Scope Modification: Commissioner Bohn commented that she did not see much difference in this modification from what had previously been presented.

Motion: Move to increase the Richard Leonard personal services contract by $18,000 to cover additional tasks as appropriate.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich

Discussion: Commissioner Lyons recommended additional tasks should be at the direction of the Executive Director, which Commissioner Bohn agreed with.

Motion: Move to increase the Richard Leonard personal services contract by $18,000 to cover additional tasks as appropriate and at the direction of the Executive Director.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

e) Approval of Accounts Payable: None.

f) Event Site Recreational Fees: Prior to tonight's meeting, Executive Director Harlan reminded the Commission of an endorsement from the Waterfront Recreation Committee to increase daily fees at the Event Site and impose user fees for the Hook and the Spit. Harlan stated lead-time would be required of staff in order to build additional booths, hire additional seasonal staff, and getting passes printed. As committee chair, Commissioner Bohn stated she had made some quick phone calls to other committee members and she did not get a consensus on the proposed fees. Bohn reported the committee would meet on April 14 and requested that the Commission not take action at this time.

g) Gorge Games Letter of Support: Staff was directed to write a Letter of Support for the Gorge Games to include items of interest to the Port.

h) Indian Creek Trail Property:

Motion: Move to donate the surplus Port property along the Indian Creek Trail to Hood River Valley Park & Recreation.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Lyons
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.

9. NEXT MEETING DATE: The next regular meeting of the Port of Hood River Commission will be held on April 20, 2004 at the Expo Center Conference Room.

Vice President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

Minutes of April 20, 2004 Port of Hood River Commission Work Session/Regular Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
6:30 P.M.

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Bill Lyons, and Hoby Streich; Attorney Jerry Jaques; Consultants Richard Hill, David Blum, Richard Leonard; from staff, David Harlan, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Hosford; from staff, Mike Doke

Media: RaeLynn Ricarte, Hood River News (regular session)

Vice President Sherry Bohn called the Commission into work session at 6:35 p.m.

1. Strategic Plan Revisions: The Commission and staff reviewed draft revisions to the strategic plan, which reflected discussions from the March 25 planning session. The revisions considered verbiage changes, date clarifications, and the addition of new language taken from the Community Relations Plan.

Vice President Bohn closed the work session at 7:01 p.m., and called the regular session to order at 7:02 p.m.

1. INTRODUCTIONS: Introductions were made by Bob Francis, Hood River City Manager; RaeLynn Ricarte, Hood River News; Port consultants Dick Hill, David Blum, and Richard Leonard; Linda Maddox, and Brian Robb.

2. MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS TO AGENDA BY COMMISSIONERS: Executive Director David Harlan requested a discussion on Goal 5 riparian inventory professional services under New Business.

3. UNSCHEDULED ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC: None.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the April 6, 2004 work session/regular session meeting minutes.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Lyons
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

5. REPORTS

a) Executive Director:
· Bridge Redecking: Executive Director David Harlan reported on the two public forums in which staff and contractors outnumbered attendees, but the meetings were considered successful because one person's commuting dilemma appeared to have been resolved. Harlan reported that it was not known how, or if, the Port would be affected since the contractor had not acquired all of the steel for the project, and steel prices had doubled in the last six months. The storage shed adjacent to the Toll House will need to be moved to accommodate the contractors once nighttime closures begin, and there was Commission consensus that the shed will be removed at no cost to Christie Constructors, and that Christie will not be required to replace the shed once the project has been completed. Harlan reported that he expected revisions would be made to the Columbia River Gorge Commission's Final Draft Revisions to the Management Plan relative to design and aesthetic guidelines proposed by the Gorge Commission for a new Columbia River bridge.
· Waterfront Update: Dates for public hearings regarding the adoption of revised waterfront rezone Ordinance No. 1851 have been noticed by the City Planning Commission (May 5) and City Council (May 24). Bob Francis, Hood River City Manager, responded to Commissioner Bohn's question by stating the hearings and testimony process starts completely over. Executive Director Harlan anticipated receiving a copy of the draft mixed-use zone later in the week, which staff would distribute to the Commissioners. Harlan also reported on a Goal 5 riparian inventory meeting earlier that afternoon and further discussion would take place under New Business. Harlan reported the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) would not hold to the June 30 inventory deadline as long progress was being shown. Francis also commented that the riparian habitat corridors inventory would not affect the Ordinance 1851 process.
· Big 7/College Update: The Hood River Electric Cooperative's proposed agreement with the Port for extending fiber to the Big 7 Building is currently under review by attorney Jerry Jaques. The mandatory walk-through for the Third Floor Tenant Improvements is set for April 21 and bids will be opened May 4.
· Wasco Business Park Update: Executive Director Harlan stated that Humanities Software is ready to execute the Memorandum of Understanding, and that Cannery LLC (Key Development) is agreeable to a lease extension until building construction is completed in March or April 2005. The Post Office sale is still pending.
· Waterfront Industrial: Columbia Area Transit (CAT) is still interested in Wasco Business Park property, but they are also looking at the UTS Portsite for bus storage and possible office space. Homeshield's business continues to expand, and they have requested an outside storage facility at their current location.
· Airport: Executive Director Harlan reported that Mike Doke, economic development and marketing assistant, was attending a Federal Aviation Administration conference in Seattle (Commissioner Streich also attended a portion of the meeting) and would be discussing a land acquisition with the FAA in relation to the airport layout master plan.
· Windmaster Corner Town Hall: Staff attended a preliminary meeting hosted by the Hood River County Planning Department for the development of Windmaster Corner. The meeting provided an overview of the zoning process, discussed community boundaries and zoning options, and solicited comments and answered questions from property owners and residents. Executive Director Harlan stated the Port would continue to be involved in the process.
· Indian Creek Trail: A letter has been sent to Lori Stirn and Art Carroll requesting that their Board consider the Port Commission's motion to donate the surplus property along the Indian Creek Trail to Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation. If Parks & Rec accepts the donation proposal, the necessary paperwork will be completed.

b) Other -
· Waterfront Recreation Committee: Commissioner Bohn reported on the recent meeting in which committee members discussed user fees (none charged at the Hook or the Spit, but increase the daily fee at the Event Site); increasing kiteboard school concession fees (referred to staff for consideration); moving kiteboard schools to the marina (no action taken at this time); donating the Hook to the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (no action taken); and the feasibility of a higher fee structure for out-of-district moorage tenants (no action taken).
· Real Estate Committee: Commissioner Lyons reported the committee had met recently to discuss airport land appraisals, other interest in the Wasco Business Park, a financial analysis on industrial property, and continued work on a development agreement with William Smith Properties, Inc.

6. ITEMS FROM WORK SESSION:

a) Strategic Plan Revisions: The work session discussions on the Strategic Plan
revisions will be finalized by Staff and brought back to the Commission for approval at the May 4 meeting.

b) Goal 5: Action on Goal 5 was added to the agenda under New Business for consideration of a Professional Services contract.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

a) 2002-2003 Audit: Commissioner Lyons reported that staff had previously reviewed the 2002-2003 audit with the Financial Committee. Linda Shames, accounting manager, commented further on the "contributed capital" and asset depreciation for grant dollars.

Motion: Move to approve the audit for the year ending June 30, 2003.
Move: Lyons
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

b) Wasco Utility Easements: Linda Shames commented that it is the property's legal description on the underground utility, and underground storm sewer easements that will be recorded, even though the documents reference Wasco Loop. Once the street name is finalized (Watson Loop is the anticipated choice), the City will amend the recording.

Motion: Move to authorize the Commission President and Secretary to sign the utility easements for Watson Loop.
Move: Lyons
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

c) Event Site Fees: The suggestion by the Waterfront Recreation Committee was to raise the 2004 daily fees at the Event Site are for vehicles not exceeding 22 feet in length.

Motion: Move to increase the 2004 Event Site daily fee from $3 to $4.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Lyons
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

d) Approval of Accounts Payable: None.

e) Professional Services - Goal 5 Inventory: Port staff and consultants met earlier that afternoon with City staff and consultants, and with Ann Beier of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and reached agreement on how to proceed with completion of the riparian corridor inventory. A biologist with Vigil-Agrimis, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in water and natural resources planning, analysis, and design, could start work this week and provide information to the City within two weeks. Beier indicated there could be slippage in the June 30 deadline if it is shown that progress is being made on the inventory.

Motion: Move to authorize staff to enter into a Professional Services contract with Vigil-Agrimis, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $6,000, to complete a Goal 5 inventory of the Port's waterfront property.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Lyons, and Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Vice President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. under ORS 192.660(1)(e) Real Property. At the conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 8:50 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

9. NEXT MEETING DATE: The next regular meeting of the Port of Hood River Commission will be held on May 4, 2004 at the Expo Center Conference Room.

Vice President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

Committee Meeting Minutes

Waterfront Recreation Committee
Minutes
April 14, 2004

Attending: Members Steve Gates, Richard Sassara, Michael Schock, Dennis Shypertt, Lori Stirn, Ann Frodel and Commissioners Hoby Streich and Sherry Bohn. Staff Members: Dave Harlan, Mike Doke, and Linda Hull

1) Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 3:05 p.m. with introductions.

2) Financial Overview: Dave Harlan stated, as he did at the last meeting, that the committee's role is to help staff resolve waterfront recreational issues that periodically arise as part of its function and is a creature of Port policy as laid out in its Strategic Plan. The financial management goal in the Strategic Plan is to have all assets be financially self-supporting, decreasing subsidization from bridge revenues.

Waterfront planning has been an ongoing and lengthy process over a 20-year period. Therefore, the lack of a developed revenue stream from the waterfront properties has extended the reliance on bridge revenues to pay for the recreational areas on Port land. The Port's tax base ($.033/$1,000) is very minimal and less than $40,000 per year is collected.

In looking over the investment, income and expense sheets, for example, Harlan pointed out that from a manager's perspective the $1.3 million investment for the Event site/Cruise Dock that lost over $44,000 for FY2003 is not a good picture. The marina and park have an investment of $3.8 million and lost over $98,000 last year.

Ann Frodel asked why depreciation is included as an expense because it is not an out-of-pocket expense? Expenses include depreciation, which is a set IRS formula, to account for the reserves needed to replace and repair the assets. (If your revenue does not cover depreciation you can never replace or repair the asset at the end of the allotted depreciated time. The Port's Strategic Plan requires the Port to hold enough funds in reserve to cover depreciation expense.) Increasing costs last year, the Port added two new restrooms with no offset in revenue or development opportunity.

Frodel stated if you take out depreciation and wages expenses, the properties would be profitable. Wages are proportioned to the estimated time spent with grounds and administration and are year-round expenses, not just four months in the summer, according to Harlan.

Complicating the fiscal picture at this time is the fact that the bridge replacement project may be reality within 20 years or less. So the Port is charged with planning now to make each property self-supporting.

3) Facilities: Issues and Fees

Event Site: The committee's recommendation last fall to increase the Event Site daily fee to $4 and institute fees at the Hood and the Spit was tabled by the Commission until after today's meeting. Bohn said the Commission supported the Event Site increase but were hesitant to charge at the other two places for access without more improvements. Frodel thought people would pay to have better dust abatement and more portable toilets. Michael Schock said with such a small tax base he wondered if there was a consideration to join public and private entities to maintain the free sites. Harlan said most recreational sites in cities are subsidized by property or motel room taxes.

Lori Stirn said in Ashland, for example, 1% of food and beverage income goes toward parks and recreation. Hood River Parks & Recreation has development fees to create parks but it doesn't cover operations and maintenance, and neither does the tax base.

Stirn said that CGWA and Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation use the Hook for their joint community education windsurfing classes. She wondered if CGWA would lease the Hook and maintain it with volunteer help? Sassara wondered if the student fees should include a user fee to the Port?

Gates said he thinks his company, Big Winds, pays a base fee + 4% of gross revenue each year for its school, and perhaps the kiteboarding school concession fees should be raised now that there is so much pressure on the Spit and Hook for schools. Gates felt the businesses making money by using Port amenities should pay their fair share, including Big Winds. Port staff will review the kiteboarding rates this year, according to Mike Doke, and they may be raised. (Windsurfing schools pay 4½% of gross receipts for teaching and rental activities on Port property, providing evidence of its gross revenues immediately following the season. They pay three $800 installments. If more than 4½% has been paid to the Port, the Port will rebate overpayment, but in no event will a school pay less than $1,500 regardless of its gross receipts. Kiteboarding schools paid $200 per month flat fee in 2002 and 2003. All schools must provide liability insurance naming the Port as additional insured.)

Because the teaching is done 90% at the Hook and 10% at the Event Site, the committee felt that the concession revenue should be accounted for in those areas, not the Marina Park, which is unusable for windsurfing at the current time. This would help the bottom line on the return on investment.

Frodel asked if the kiteboarding schools could be on the Marina Beach closest to the Spit and that the Spit itself be used for non-teaching? Harlan stated the biggest concern is for safety of those at the swim beach in the marina. Kiteboarding is a very space-intensive sport and very hazardous.

Discussion was held regarding how to police the sites if entry to all sites was by permit only? Harlan said the city is the enforcer of the Port's ordinances within the city limits.

Gates made a motion to increase the daily fee at the Event Site from $3 to $4 provided the annual fee stays the same. No increase to overlength vehicles. Richard Sassara seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Hoby Streich mentioned that monitoring the Hook and Spit would be very labor intensive. Gates felt that the increased revenue was not worth the ill will it would generate. Streich said the Commission would welcome any new ideas for revenue. Schock asked if there was a kiteboarding association? Would that group and CGWA voluntarily maintain the Hook and the Spit to help reduce expenses.

Bohn reiterated that the consensus of the committee today was not charge fees at the Hook or the Spit, but increase kiteboarding school concession fees to help offset costs; and to revisit the expense/revenue allocations to the waterfront properties to account for where the concessions were actually taking place.

Cruise Ship Dock: Harlan said the Port's cruise dock received a public facilities waiver from the Coast Guard, which means less costs and work. The effects of 9/11 and the stock market are still being felt in the cruise industry; however, this year's stops are similar to last year's so it may be stabilizing. The dock itself is inadequate to handle the newest and largest vessel, Empress of the North, which is 360' long. Both that vessel and the Queen of the West would prefer a dock parallel to the river, because of the difficulty getting in on windy days. Dennis Shypertt asked about the local fire department boarding for training. Harlan said there is a new portable structure that can do the training in The Dalles and he will get the information to Shypertt. Port staff has talked with local fire department personnel regarding this.

Shypertt also asked if a floating dock could be built in front of Luhr Jensen where the current dolphins are located? Harlan said that is something to explore with the developer of the waterfront to incorporate into the planning process. Harlan estimates it would cost about $1 million to replace and extend the current dock.

Marina Park: Discussion was held regarding increasing fees to out of district moorage tenants, giving a break for annual payments. Harlan said our rates are low compared to the Portland area, in particular. The Marina Beach has the shoaling problem and to fix it will require creating a breakwater area which involves a long and difficult permitting process, costs to dredge and move the material, and may only last until the next slide on Highway 35 from the glacier. Harlan will do some research on the dredging costs from comparable projects around the state.

The Marina Planning Committee will address the feasibility of paying for improvements through increased revenue options, including buildings that can be leased as in the original plan for the area.

Kiteboarding from the Marina Beach was again discussed. Would you charge all users of the Marina Park? How can you separate the areas? How can you stop the kites from encroaching on the swimmers? Schock wondered why the Port is even doing parks anyway? Harlan said Ports are authorized by Oregon statute to develop recreation facilities as part of their many diverse activities, in conjunction with economic development. Harlan said the city will probably be asking their voters to pay for the next one on the waterfront as part of the waterfront development.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

4) Next Meeting: to be determined at a later date

Airport Advisory Committee
Minutes
April 27, 2004

Attending: Members Richard Clarke, Ed Drew, Dwayne Troxel and Felix Tomlinson; Port Commissioner/Member Fred Duckwall; FBO Anne Yannotti; and Port Staff Mike Doke. Guests: Josette Griffiths, Hood River County Planning; Denny Kindig, FBO; Paul Linck, FBO.

Committee chair Mike Doke called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m., stating the main purpose was to review the draft Airport Layout Plan created through the Master Plan Update process.

Mike Doke reported that he and Port Commissioner/Airport Advisory Committee member Hoby Streich attended the mid-April Federal Aviation Administration conference at SeaTac, Wash., and took the opportunity to have the draft Airport Layout Plan (ALP) reviewed by the Port's FAA contacts, including Airport Development Officer Dave Roberts and Bill Watson. Both FAA officials agreed with the ALP's approach at airport development.

Doke asked for a reaffirmation of moving the airport toward a larger B-II classification; the airport currently is B-I. The committee wanted to pursue opportunities to expand the airfield in the future, should the option be available, and supported B-II classification.

Motion: Dwayne Troxel made the motion to move toward a B-II classification and to support property acquisitions with willing sellers to support that.
Motion passed 4-0.

Doke said the ALP and the 20-year Master Plan update would emphasize property acquisition with willing sellers in the first few years. He updated the advisory committee regarding potential negotiations with Forrest Orcutt, who owns a 10-acre orchard with home southeast of the runway, across Orchard Road. He noted that grant money is available to proceed with this purchase. Doke sought the committee's direction on proceeding with this possible acquisition. The advisory committee supported negotiating for the property.

Other potential land acquisitions include property owned by Terry Brandt, which is located west (behind Twin Peaks Restaurant) and north of the airfield, and possible purchase of Twin Peaks. Doke mentioned he has left messages with Mr. Brandt to determine his plans, and that the Port has had a brief discussion with the owner of Twin Peaks. Both of those negotiations are in very preliminary stages.

Advisory committee members discussed the runway, its possible shift to the east (across Orchard Road) and a potential extension. The draft ALP legend mentions expanding the 3,040-foot runway to 4,000 feet, but there is no illustration of a 4,000-foot runway, members observed.

Anne Yannotti asked about a proposed building restriction area on the airport's south end, noting new T-hangars may be appropriate along Airport Way. The committee agreed. Committee members stressed the need for new T-hangars, and the airport's south side is a viable option in case land north of the airport is not secured.

Dwayne Troxel noted the new Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS) may need a repeater antenna in a higher location than the airport site, and suggested the Hood River Mountain area on the valley's east side. Doke said he would run this suggestion past the AWOS engineering firm, Century West.

The committee wanted a clear development plan and was against "hodgepodge" development. Ed Drew asked how decisions were made to allow construction of private hangars north of the runway and west of two T-hangars. Doke explained two pilots approached the Port in the late 1990s to develop a series of private hangars there but later pulled back on their plans. As a result, the Port opened the property to other private hangar development. Currently, just one spot remains. Any development occurs with an eye toward airport development, and the Port tries to carefully weigh private development plans against future airport needs - the Port does not want to see private development blocking access to future T-hangar locations, for instance.

Members noted "box" hangars proposed on the airport's north side, by the proposed new FBO building. They want clarification on how many planes these hangars can serve and whether they would be required if T-hangars made better sense. Doke said he would discuss this with Master Plan drafters Century West.

Clarification is needed on these issues, too: Ingress/egress from Orchard Road if a runway shift occurs; potential property acquisitions on the airport's southeast corner where several homes are located; a need for a road west of Runway 7 to allow on-airport traffic movement; and locating the Wind Tee on the runway's north side, with a wind sock near the end of Runway 25. Anne Yannotti suggested a fencing plan should be developed, as well.

Josette Griffiths encouraged the Port to share the ALP with County Engineer Don Wiley and Michael Ray of Oregon Department of Transportation. Vacating Orchard Road may create traffic concerns for the county and state agencies, she explained. There was also discussion about allowing a reconfigured Orchard Road within the Runway Protection Zone. The group agreed that any changes to Orchard Road are likely many years away but the Port should complete any necessary reviews to 1) guard against potential problems of the realignment/road vacation and 2) be prepare in case the issue comes up during the county's review of the updated Master Plan.

These are the outstanding issues the Airport Advisory Committee would like addressed by a final ALP draft: An ALP illustration of a potential 4,000-foot runway, Orchard Road ingress/egress, an on-airfield road for access west of Runway 7, Wind Tee and Wind Sock locations and the possibility of including a fencing plan.

In other matters, Anne Yannotti wanted to discuss snow removal and grass mowing. The area experienced a tough winter storm in January, with snow blocking T-hangar access for a long period. T-hangar snow removal is a low priority for Port staff because of other pressing tasks, including keeping Hood River Interstate Bridge and the waterfront open. Denny Kindig suggested charging T-hangar tenants a small annual fee to develop a fund to hire a snow-removal contractor. The committee supported that idea and Doke said he would explore possibility. Anne expressed concern about grass mowing. Doke said he would bring Maintenance Supervisor Joe Pounders to a meeting with Anne in the near future to discuss the issue. Anne would also like to see fence repair east of Runway 25, a port-a-potty north of the runway and a review of irrigation district water rights status.

The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.