PORT OF HOOD RIVER MEETING MINUTES
Port of Hood River Commission
Expo Center Conference Room, 7:00 P.M.
Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques (arriving at 8:25 p.m.); from staff, David Harlan, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton
Absent: None
Media: None
1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Executive Director David Harlan reported that Attorney Jerry Jaques would be late as he was presenting testimony at a County Commission meeting.
a) Introductions: Jennifer Donnelly, Bob Francis, Chris Gann, and Linda Maddox introduced themselves to the Commission and staff and were welcomed to the meeting.
b) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Commissioners: Commissioner Streich requested discussion items under Commissioner Information regarding the City of Hood River parking structure and the current lease with Luhr Jensen & Sons, Inc. Executive Director David Harlan requested an Action Item addition regarding Goal 5.
2.
Election of 2005-2006 Officers:
Motion: Move to re-appoint Sherry
Bohn as Commission President.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Discussion: Commissioner Duckwall
then recommended the reappointment
of the Commissioners to the
current positions (President-Bohn;
Vice President-Duckwall; Secretary-Hosford;
Treasurer-Streich). Hearing
no objection, Duckwall amended
his motion.
Amended Motion: Move to re-elect
the current slate of officers
for 2005-2006.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
a) Committee Appointments: President Bohn commented that committee appointments would be announced at the July 19 meeting.
3.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion:
Move to approve the June 21,
2005 regular session meeting
minutes.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
5.
INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS:
a) Guests: None
b)
Executive Director's Report:
· Bridge Update: A final
report on the Exit 64 East Hood
River Interchange Study has
been issued by the Oregon Department
of Transportation (ODOT) and
Executive Director Harlan commented
that the report is available
on ODOT's website. The report
identifies the Port's proposed
frontage road running parallel
and to the north of I-84 as
the preferred option for taking
local trips off the freeway
as opposed to significantly
more expensive alternatives
that greatly increase traffic
backups at Button Junction.
The report is projecting a 50%
increase in traffic by the year
2025, and Commission Hosford
commented that increased traffic
was also discussed at the Pacific
Northwest Waterways Association
conference he recently attended.
Harlan cautioned that an ODOT
endorsement doesn't necessarily
correlate to a financial obligation
from the agency.
· Waterfront Industrial/Planning:
Harlan reported on the initial
meeting between KPFF Consulting
Engineers and the City regarding
the Second Street Extension
Project. Before the project
can be bid, a follow-up meeting
will have to be scheduled for
final review of the plans that
require some minor tweaking
and incorporating the City's
storm water maintenance system
into the design.
The Port met the Chamber's June
30 deadline request to modify
their lease agreement to reflect
the conference room as being
part of the Visitors Center,
thus exempting the room from
the County's tax rolls.
Harlan reported that a summary
report of the Department of
Land Conservation and Development's
assessment of the problems associated
with the Waterfront rezoning
process should be available
by the end of the month. Harlan
commented that the Portland
State University consultant
completed approximately 20 interviews.
While nothing official has been
received, Harlan stated he understood
Oregon State Park funding had
been granted to applicants who
had been on the radar much longer
than the Lot 6 Park Development
Committee. Harlan also commented
that Port attorney Jerry Jaques
and City attorney Alexandra
Sosnkowski had been discussing
conditions that the City would
impose before the Lot 6 partition
could be finalized; such as
Local Improvement District (LID)
funding would apply only to
Parcel 2, which does not yet
exist, and that it would be
binding on successors.
· Waterfront Recreational:
A formal response [attached]
to the City's May 18 letter
alleging violations of permitted
uses at the Spit and the Hook
and violations of the City's
Goal 5 ordinance at the Spit
was mailed to the City Manager
on July 1. Harlan reported that
he hoped to meet again with
Bob Francis after July 12 to
clarify several issues before
moving forward with a rezoning
application. Commissioner Hosford
asked how long it would take
before the road maintenance
costs were recovered and suggested
that it would be appropriate
to consider bumping up the user
fees at the Spit next year.
Harlan provided the Commission
a draft copy of the Port's testimony
regarding the City's proposed
ESEE (economic, social, environmental
and energy) amendments to Goal
5 Ordinance 1854. President
Bohn will be representing the
Port at the July 6 City Planning
Commission public hearing. Jennifer
Donnelly, Senior Planner with
the City of Hood River Planning
Department, requested to review
a copy of the letter stating
she would be better prepared
to answer the Commissioners
questions about the changes
being proposed by the City that
would add greater or more specific
setback protections involving
the Port's Spit, Hook, boat
basin, and Marina properties.
President Bohn informed Donnelly
that a copy of the draft would
be provided after the Commission
had had an opportunity to review
the document.
Harlan reported that a windsurfer
avoiding a daily user fee at
the Event Site damaged a fence
at Luhr Jensen & Sons and
that a police report had been
filed. Harlan informed the Commission
that the pump at the fuel dock
is inoperable at the present
time but that discussions are
underway with a party interested
in operating the fuel concession
at the marina. The Port is working
with the Gorge Technology Alliance
in marketing the former Mid-Columbia
Marina building and that "For
Lease" signs will be placed
on the building.
· Wasco Business Park:
The occupancy date for the Wasco
Business Park building has been
moved from August 1 to mid August;
Harlan said Humanities Software
is aware of, and okay with,
the revised schedule. Additional
change orders will be considered
later in the agenda during Action
Items.
· John Weber Business
Park: Harlan reported that real
estate discussions would take
place during Executive Session.
· Airport: Harlan reported
that real estate discussions
would take place during Executive
Session.
· Other: Harlan reported
that discussions at the Pacific
Northwest Waterways Association
conference he and Commissioner
Hosford attended focused on
dams, permitting, and funding
challenges. Hosford commented
on a study presented by the
Oregon Economic & Community
Development Department (OECDD)
that also indicates traffic
will increase over the next
5 to 10 years and that a cooperative,
regional effort to address the
effects of the increased truck
traffic will be more effective
than individual state efforts.
The Commission was asked to
review the Public Contracting
resolutions that would be on
the July 19 meeting agenda as
Action Items and to contact
staff if they had any questions.
Harlan commented on a housing
study commissioned by Hood River
County and his review of the
draft document indicates a much
greater need for owner-units
and renter-units if the casino
is built in Cascade Locks. The
Commission was reminded of the
governance work session scheduled
for July 11 at the Hood River
Inn's Mountain View Room, beginning
at 8:30 a.m.
Bob Francis was recognized by
President Bohn and requested
that a copy of the Port's draft
response to the ESEE hearing
be given to Jennifer Donnelly
in order that she be prepared
to discuss the Port's concerns
once Attorney Jaques arrived
at the meeting. President Bohn
and Director Harlan granted
Francis's request.
c) Commissioner, Committee Reports:
· Commissioner Streich
commented a study is underway
to find a solution to the parking
problems downtown and asked
if the Commission would want
to consider a joint effort with
the City? Streich believes this
would be a win-win situation
and feels the Port should take
a proactive stand by sending
a letter to the City signed
by the Executive Director. Streich
also stated that a partnership
would be a great Return on Investment
(ROI) opportunity for the Port
as well as a positive public
relations effort. Commissioner
Watson stated she would like
to have a role in the successful
solution to the parking problem,
and Commissioner Hosford stated
he did not have a problem in
showing an interest. President
Bohn also indicated that it
would not hurt to show our support;
however, Commissioner Duckwall
asked how the Port's involvement
fit into our priority of job
creation for our own industrial
sites, stating further that
an employee on the waterfront
would not use a downtown parking
structure. Commissioner Streich
responded to Duckwall's comment
by saying the job creation is
within our Port district.
· Commissioner Streich
then commented that a constituent
had approached him with a concern
about contaminants at the Luhr
Jensen & Sons, Inc. waterfront
manufacturing location. As the
landowner and leaseholder, Streich
questioned the Port's responsibility
to the Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) if there are cleanup
costs?
Executive Director Harlan requested
the downtown parking and Luhr
Jensen issues be addressed in
the form of a motion under Action
Items so there was a clear understanding
of the direction the Commission
was requesting of staff.
· President Bohn voiced her concern to City Manager Bob Francis about the traffic problems associated with the Downtown Business Association's "First Friday" event on July 1. Bohn commented that both resident and tourist frustrations were compounded by the volumes of summer traffic downtown and at Exit 64, the start of a holiday weekend, Thomas the Tank Engine visitors, and First Friday street closures downtown.
Before proceeding onto the Goal 5 ESEE amendments discussion, President Bohn recessed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. to await the arrival of Attorney Jaques, who was still at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Upon Commission consensus, the meeting reconvened at 8:12 p.m. to continue with Action Items.
6. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Humanities Change Orders:
Motion:
Move to approve Change Order
numbers 21, 24, 25 and 26 for
the Wasco Business Park building
in the total amount of $8,488.15.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
b) Chamber of Commerce Lease Ratification:
Motion:
Move to ratify the Lease Amendment
dated June 30, 2005 with the
Hood River County Chamber of
Commerce for leased space at
the Expo Center.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
c) Accounts Payable:
Motion:
Move to approve Accounts Payable
in the amount of $3,153.58 for
travel expense reimbursement
to Commissioner Bohn.
Move: Hosford
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
d) City of Hood River Parking Structure:
Motion:
Move to direct staff to draft
a letter of interest and co-partner
on a parking structure with
the City of Hood River.
Move: Streich
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
e) Luhr Jensen & Sons, Inc. Lease:
Motion:
Move to direct staff to investigate
the lease with Luhr Jensen &
Sons, Inc. regarding the Port's
obligation of contaminant cleanup,
if there is any, pursuant to
a constituent request.
Move: Streich
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
f)
Ordinance 1854 - ESEE Amendments:
Commissioner Watson inquired
what prompted the City to propose
amendments to their Goal 5 ordinance?
Jennifer Donnelly, City of Hood
River Senior Planner, commented
that the City Planning Commission
was directed by the City Council
to review the "reaches"
out of respect for concerns
of the public after voters in
the City approved last November's
referendum. While that initiative
was subsequently ruled to be
illegal, the City wanted to
"respect the will of the
voters," Donnelly stated.
Commissioner Hosford emphasized
that the referendum Donnelly
referenced was not a Port-wide
vote. Commissioner Streich asked
Donnelly if an Open Space zoning
would allow kiting, which she
confirmed but stated that Open
Space, which is similar to Recreational
zoning, is more protective.
Commissioner Duckwall then argued
that the Spit visually looks
Recreational and not open space.
Commissioner Watson asked Donnelly
if an Open Space zone allowed
for park land, which Donnelly
confirmed was allowed. President
Bohn stated the Port's intent
was to request a rezone of the
Spit and the Hook to correspond
with the Event Site zone, which
is Recreational/Commercial.
Donnelly stated the Port had
two opportunities to present
its comments - at the July 6
Planning Commission meeting
and the July 25 City Council
meeting. President Bohn will
attend the July 6 meeting to
present testimony on behalf
of the Port of Hood River that
coincides with the concerns
outlined in the draft letter
that will be finalized and presented
to City of Hood River Senior
Planner Jennifer Donnelly:
1) 25-foot setback along the
inner edge of the Marina (75-foot
setback proposed);
2) "Bankfull stage"
setback requirements should
be referenced as per Oregon
Administrative Rules relating
to riparian areas ("top
of bank" now referenced);
3) Maintenance of existing or
permitted roads and existing
or permitted parking areas language
modification ("maintenance
of existing roads" is referenced
currently in Chapter 17.22);
4) Dedication of right of ways
language needs to be restored
(reference dropped from Chapter
17.22);
5) Requesting clarification
of item 4 ("core"
and "physical barrier")
referenced on the last page
of the proposed revised Goal
5 policies; and
6) Applications for rezoning
the Spit and the Hook will be
submitted as Recreational/Commercial,
as already discussed with the
City Manager and City Attorney
(City has made reference to
a rezone as Open Space).
Motion:
Move to approve the substance
of the draft letter as the basis
for the Port's testimony before
the City Planning Commission's
July 6 hearing on Ordinance
1854 - ESEE Amendments.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford,
Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: A request was made by President Bohn of City Manager Bob Francis to keep the Port informed regarding the potential relocation of a cell tower from the back of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to a more visible location. Bohn stated her concern was not with the tower itself, but with the "ugly" building associated with the tower.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property at 8:30 p.m. Upon conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 9:40 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.
8. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Minutes
of July 19, 2005 Regular Session
Meeting
Port of Hood River Commission
Expo Center Conference Room,
7:00 P.M.
Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, David Harlan, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, and Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioners Fred Duckwall, and Don Hosford; from staff, Linda Shames
Media: None
1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Bohn reviewed the meeting agenda with Commissioners Streich and Watson stating that Action Items would be covered, and the Director's Report and Goal 5 work session would be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 26, with all Commissioners in attendance.
a)
Introductions: Andy Ball, Jim
Schlemmer, Linda Maddox, Denny
Kendig and Anne Yannotti introduced
themselves and were welcomed
to the meeting by President
Bohn.
.
b) Modifications, Additions
to Agenda by Commissioners:
None.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT: FBO operators Anne Yannotti and Denny Kendig of Flightline Services provided the Commission with a letter of request for financial support [attached] for the September 16-17, 2005 "Hood River Airport Days." Kendig reported the annual fly-in alternates between the Hood River and The Dalles airports. Yannotti commented that organizations that use, and depend on, the Ken Jernstedt Airfield have been invited to participate. Kendig and Yannotti requested a $1,000 donation to help pay for fueling, equipment rental, publicity and mailings and commented that any money not used would be refunded. Commissioner Watson inquired if the donation was a budgeted item to which Executive Director David Harlan responded that it included under marketing. President Bohn asked if the Port would be listed as a fly-in sponsor and Yannotti stated that the Port and Port logo would be included on the poster. President Bohn stated that a decision would be made under Action Items on the agenda and thanked Kendig and Yannotti for coming to the meeting.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion:
Move to approve the meeting
minutes of the July 5, 2005
regular session.
Move: Streich
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Streich, and
Watson
Absent: Duckwall, and Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
5. ACTION ITEMS:
b) Fly-in Funding Request:
Motion:
Move to approve Flightline Services
request for a $1,000 donation
to help with expenses for the
September 16-17, 2005 "Hood
River Airport Days."
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Streich, and
Watson
Absent: Duckwall, and Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
a) Public Contracting Resolution Nos. 2005-06-1 and 2005-06-2: Executive Director Harlan commented the revised state Public Contracting Code took effect March 1, 2005 and staff had been working with Attorney Jerry Jaques to draft a policy for the Port. Jaques commented the policy allows for flexibility yet is still consistent with the state's code. Jaques answered questions from the Commission and commented the Commission had the discretion to modify the policy.
Motion:
Move to approve Resolution No.
2005-06-1 adopting Public Contracting
Rules and Rules of Procedure
for Public Contracting; and
Resolution No. 2005-06-2 establishing
Procedural Rules for Personal
Services Contracts.
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Approved: Aye: Bohn, Streich,
and Watson
Absent: Duckwall, and Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
c) Fuel Dock Project: Because
local and guest boaters have
been without a convenient fueling
station since the first of June,
Executive Director Harlan stated
it would be in the public's
best interest to declare the
pump replacement project as
a contract required by emergency
circumstances, which is allowed
under the newly adopted public
contracting rules. Harlan also
commented that the Oregon State
Marine Board had confirmed that
costs expended for the pump
and installation would go towards
the Port's match for the fuel
dock upgrade grant request.
There was Commission consensus
that a new pump, rather than
a refurbished pump, should be
purchased. Harlan also reported
that fuel concession discussions
are continuing and he hoped
to have an agreement in place
by the time the new fuel pump
was installed.
Motion:
Move to replace the marina fuel
pump for a not-to-exceed amount
of $10,000, and, to declare
an emergency in the best interest
of the public.
Move: Streich
Second: Watson
Approved: Aye: Bohn, Streich,
and Watson
Absent: Duckwall, and Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
d) Accounts Payable:
Motion:
Move to approve Accounts Payable
in the total amount of $12,700
for annual professional membership
dues to Pacific Northwest Waterways
Association (PNWA), and Oregon
Ports Group.
Move: Streich
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Streich, and
Watson
Absent: Duckwall, and Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Bohn stated a Goal 5 work session would be scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2005 with the full Commission present to prepare further testimony for the August 8 City Council hearing on the City's proposed ESEE amendments to Ordinance 1854. Written testimony had already been presented to the Planning Commission at a July 6 meeting, which Bohn attended. Bohn commented the Executive Director's Report would also be included on the June 26 agenda.
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
8. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Minutes
of July 26, 2005 Port of Hood
River Commission Special Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
6:30 P.M.
Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, David Harlan, Mike Doke, Linda Shames, Linda Hull, and Laurie Borton; guests Joe Sheirbon, John Benton, and Linda Maddox.
Absent: None
Media: RaeLynn Ricarte, Hood River News
President Bohn called the Special Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. for the purpose of discussing a motion made at the July 5 meeting regarding a parking structure partnership with the City of Hood River, and continuing discussions with respect to the City's proposed Goal 5 ESEE (economic, social, environmental and energy) amendments.
1.
Parking Structure. Executive
Director David Harlan stated
the Port had limitations in
direct funding of a parking
structure and provided the Commission
with comments from Attorney
Jerry Jaques that referenced
provisions under ORS 777.113
that indicated the Port may
"provide research or technical
assistance for the planning,
promotion or implementation
of commercial, industrial or
economic development projects
upon request by any public body
within the boundaries of the
Port." President Bohn recapped
a July 25 Real Estate Committee
discussion of the parking structure
stating it was the intent of
the Commission's motion to support
the study and partner with the
City but not necessarily fund
the project. Commissioner Streich,
who initiated the discussion
and subsequent motion "to
direct staff to draft a letter
of interest and co-partner on
a parking structure with the
City of Hood River," stated
he is always looking for investment
opportunities and his intent
was to make the City aware,
in the form of a generic letter,
that the Port was interested
and supportive of their study.
Commissioner Watson commented
that while the Port may not
always participate directly
it was her opinion that the
Port should assist if projects
impact or effect the Port's
ability to attract new businesses
to the community. Commissioner
Hosford reiterated his vote
to take a look at the project.
Commissioner Duckwall restated
his position in favor of a generic
letter of support adding that
at a later date the Port could
choose to assist the City in
their effort to secure funding
for a downtown parking structure.
It was the consensus of the Commission that the Port should submit a generic letter of support to the City of Hood River's study of a downtown parking structure and offer assistance as allowed by statute.
2.
Goal 5. Executive Director Harlan
reported the August 8 City Council
meeting will hear recommendations
resulting from the City Planning
Commission's July 6 hearing
on "a blanket 100-foot
setback on all reaches with
encroachment for specific uses
in the last 25 feet, subject
to a Conditional Use Permit,"
as well as requesting the Council
consider "a new open space
zone be created for potential
rezoning of the Hook and Spit
that
will prohibit permanent structures
other than restrooms, allow
transient vending, and enhance
pedestrian access." Harlan
did comment that he anticipated
receiving correspondence from
City Manager Bob Francis indicating
the City's August 1 deadline
to apply for a rezone has been
postponed.
Harlan expressed his concern
that the Planning Commission's
recommendation would toss out
the entire purpose and intent
of the ESEE analysis. In the
best interest of the Port, in
July 2004 (reference July 6,
2004 regular meeting minutes),
the Port agreed to become involved
with the City's Goal 5 inventory
in hopes of moving the draft
waterfront zoning ordinance
process forward. President Bohn
commented on the public's perception
that the Port "bought the
results" but Harlan jokingly
responded that the outcome should
have been more favorable concluding
that only two out of fourteen
reaches required little or no
riparian protection for the
Port's $43,000. Harlan stated
he was also concerned that the
Planning Commission may seek
to bar the frontage road concept
of taking local trips off I-84,
which would have a negative
impact on public safety and
raised other questions since
the City Council provided a
letter of support for preliminary
engineering and design for the
Frontage Road Crossing Project.
Harlan acknowledged that others
might not share his assessment
but stated he believes the City
planning process is broken.
Given that Waterfront Zoning
Ordinance 1851, which did not
require riparian protection,
was shelved it now appears the
Planning Commission is seeking
to impose some aspects of 1851
by other means. Given City Planning
staff's recommendation essentially
amounted to abandoning the ESEE
agreement, and a rezone recommendation
for the Hook and Spit prior
to maintenance work being done
by the Port, Harlan additionally
cited Planning Commission minutes
(April 13, 2005) and mandates
from City staff (City letter
dated May 18, 2005) as examples
for his assessment that planning
staff was more concerned with
control than protection. Harlan
and Attorney Jerry Jaques commented
they believed recent dealings
with the City manager and counsel
have been good and that mutual
agreement had been reached but
issues they thought were off
the table are now back. President
Bohn commented on her surprise
that the testimony she presented
at the July 6 Planning Commission
hearing was not included in
their draft minutes. Bohn also
stated she believed the Port
and City had come to terms with
"bankfull stage" and
rezoning the Spit and Hook to
Recreational/Commercial and
was surprised that those two
issues were reopened for discussion.
Bohn stated that she had talked
with current and prospective
property owners in the affected
areas who used "takings"
language in their conversations.
Bohn emphasized it should not
be necessary for the Port to
go that route.
Commissioner Duckwall stressed
the City and Port had an agreement
based on a technical analysis
and there was absolutely no
reason for the Port to change
its stand on Goal 5. Duckwall
further stated that the City
should not rely on the bully
pulpit of a city-only electoral
vote. Commissioner Hosford strongly
agreed with Duckwall and commented
that the silent majority was
tired of the vocal minority.
Hosford recommended that City
Council be encouraged to maintain
its stand on Goal 5 as approved
by the Oregon Department of
Land, Conservation and Development
(DLCD). Executive Director Harlan
added that the City should not
discount the margin of victory
in the recent Commissioner election.
Harlan also stated it was his
belief that it didn't matter
if it was the opinion of the
Planning Commission or Planning
staff, attention should not
be paid to an illegal referendum
(Ballot Measure 14-22).
Commissioner
Watson believed it would not
serve any purpose to place blame
on City staff and that the Commission
should communicate directly
with the City Council. Watson
stated she was told that the
Planning Commission's uncertainty
was due to not understanding
where the Port was going once
Waterfront Zoning Ordinance
1851 was shelved. Watson stated
the Port's testimony at the
August 8 City Council meeting
should include Strategic Plan
statements related to view corridor
protections and building height
restrictions, and that the Council
be urged not to make changes
in a vacuum environment and
allow the Port time to Master
Plan the waterfront.
Harlan stated that while he
accepted Watson's comment not
to focus on staff, he still
believed a control issue existed
that was inappropriate and was
supported by the receipt of
an apology letter from the City
Manager regarding a Planning
staffer's comments. Harlan commented
that the Port and City have
had good working relationships
but stated that he was frustrated
because the Port does not seem
to get anything in return and
cited the Barman property purchase,
which the City urged the Port
to buy and the Lot 6 park land
donation, which has not been
the only donation made to the
City, as examples. Harlan stated
he felt that keeping the current
industrial zone was not enough,
and the Lot 6 donation has not
brought peace. President Bohn
casually stated a 100-foot setback
across the entire waterfront
would make an even bigger park.
Commissioner Watson said it
would be a mistake to talk about
the park as a bargaining chip
and did not want a discussion
with the City regarding reversion,
stating further that the Port's
return was an increased value
to the community. Commissioner
Duckwall commented the entire
process has not been give and
take and pointed out there have
been no compromises on the part
of the City. Watson again urged
to refrain from this dialogue
and stated the Port should ask
for time to develop a Master
Plan. Duckwall stated he believed
it has been inappropriate for
the City to challenge the Port's
credibility and that it was
only reasonable for the Port
to take a stand on what was
earlier agreed to.
After requesting clarification
concerning setbacks in specific
reaches and mitigation, Commissioner
Streich stated it was his opinion
that he did not agree with the
Planning Commission's Goal 5
amendment recommendations.
There was unanimous consensus
of the Commission that the Port
should challenge the recommendations
of the Planning Commission.
President Bohn summarized that
the August 8 City Council testimony
should build on the presentation
made to the Planning Commission
to include issues such as the
Port's preservation and visionary
history and the current protections
written into the Strategic Plan.
Commissioner Watson reiterated
her suggestion of requesting
that the City postpone a decision
on the ESEE amendments until
the Port had an opportunity
to draft a Master Plan for development
of the waterfront.
President Bohn then recognized Joe Sheirbon. Sheirbon introduced himself as a longtime valley resident who also owns property inside the city limits, and serves as a member of the Port budget committee. Sheirbon stated that he was frustrated because no action has been taken, and he realized there hadn't been much cooperation from the City, who seems to keep moving the goal line, which be believed was unfair. Sheirbon stated it was time to "draw a line in the sand," which he acknowledged some people may perceive as being counterproductive, but Sheirbon firmly believed it needed to be done.
At 7:13 p.m., President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property; and 192.660(2)(f) Exempt Documents.
The Commission was called back into Special Session at 8:06 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.
President Bohn announced that the first regular meeting in August would be canceled and the next regular meeting would be scheduled for August 16, 2005.
President Bohn then adjourned the special meeting at 8:07 p.m.
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