Minutes of April 4, 2006 Regular Session Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
5:30 P.M.

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

Absent: None

Media: None

President Sherry Bohn called the Work Session to order at 5:35 p.m. for the purpose of discussing a proposed License Agreement for wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) services. The Port is involved with the City of Hood River's 90-day trial period because small antennas would be attached to Port properties. Bohn then introduced Mary Gumm, Sprint's local Community Relations Manager; Bob Francis, Hood River City Manager, was not available to attend due to illness. Gumm explained that the City's patrol vehicles would trial the mesh roaming Wi-Fi, which is an outside application with design differences from the "traditional" point-to-point Wi-Fi used by restaurants and coffee shops. Bohn's first concern was network interference, which she knew first-hand was already occurring. Gumm responded that she had discussed Sprint's proposed trial with the local Wi-Fi providers in order to avoid interference, and commented further that Sprint's equipment was a different frequency. Gumm also commented that while she could not guarantee 100% that the trial would be problem-free she was positive that Sprint's engineers and technicians would be deployed to mitigate any problems on a case-by-case basis. Bohn also asked what happens after the 90-day trial is complete? The City's three options, according to Gumm, is to decline further use and the equipment would be removed and sent to another Sprint locality to trial; the system could be purchased by the City; or the phone company would retain ownership of the equipment which the City would "lease manage." Attorney Jerry Jaques commented that he was comfortable with the License Agreement as currently drafted but recommended that it be reviewed if the City decides to keep the service following the 90-day trial. Jaques also commented that the City Council had conditionally approved the City's License Agreement, which still needed to be reviewed and approved by City Attorney Alexandra Sosnkowski. Jaques further stated that he had not seen the City's Wi-Fi agreement. The Commission had no further questions and thanked Gumm for attending the Work Session, who was informed the License Agreement would be added to the agenda as an Action Item.

President Bohn then ended the Work Session at 5:55 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Port Commission immediately followed.

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular meeting to order at 5:55 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: The Wi-Fi License Agreement was added to the agenda as an Action Item.

2. INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS:
a) Guests: None.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion: Move to approve the minutes from the March 21, 2006 special meeting.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

5. STAFF REPORT:
· Bridge: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, reported that work is underway on the Toll Plaza Improvement Project. The Department of Environmental Quality indicated a permit would not be necessary; geo-tech test results indicate a retaining wall east of the Marina Center Building would not be necessary; and the tolling equipment bandwidth won't interfere with any Wi-Fi equipment. Shames reported that she had already attended an ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) bridge inspection workshop and was scheduled to attend an electronic tolling conference the following week in Seattle. Shames also advised the Commission that a permit had been issued to clear the gravel away from the archeological site on the Washington side of the bridge, which is the last barrier to closing out the redecking project. Shames also commented that she and Attorney Jaques had met earlier in the day with County Administrator Dave Meriwether about some county-owned property adjacent to the Port Marina Park entrance.
· Waterfront Industrial/Planning: Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, reported that improvement costs are still being identified for the Western Power Products Building and that a June 1 move-in date is being targeted by the prospective tenant. Attorney Jaques is reviewing a draft lease with the prospective tenant's attorney and commented that issues raised are negotiable and nothing appears to be deal-breakers. Jaques requested that staff verify that a legal description of the property is available. Doke stated that he would have a better idea on costs for the April 18 Commission meeting regarding items such as a new entrance façade, exterior painting or reskinning, interior cleaning and insulation.
Linda Shames reported that the City has bid documents prepared and will be advertising the waterline project next week. Shames reminded the Commission that the waterline under the freeway is an eight inch pipe, which will be replaced with a ten inch section to correspond with the connecting pipe. The uniform size is necessary to maintain water/fire flows for future waterfront development, and Shames stated she was unsure if the City would be asking the Port for supplemental contributions in addition to the $150,000 given to the City five years ago for the project.
Executive Assistant Linda Hull reported that Jon Gornick, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, provided a draft copy of the boat basin soundings that indicate there is sufficient depth, for now, for the cruise ships. The Corps will try to secure funding for the November 2008-February 2009 dredging cycle. Hull noted the current cost for dredging is $3.50 per cubic yard and that the Corps estimated the cost to dredge the channel into the cruise ship dock at $1.75 million. Gornick will report on other options to consider, including the construction of a Spit jetty as a way to protect the cruise ship channel. Prior to submitting a final report, Hull commented that Eric Hovee would present his findings on the industrial marketing survey at a Commission work session on April 18. Hull commented on the agenda action items related to the Second Street Extension Project and the Maritime leased parcel and asked if the Commission had questions. Commissioner Watson inquired about historic names, but Hull stated the North 1st Street and North 2nd Street correspond to the City's grid system; however, it was something that could be considered as streets are developed in the Master Planning process.
President Bohn met with Ned Vaivoda, now with Yost Grube Hall, to see if he had any interest in assisting the Commission with waterfront conceptual plans. Vaivoda stated that he would work up a proposal. Bohn stated that she believed Vaivoda would be realistic as to what's doable and what's affordable.
· Waterfront Recreational: A "pre-season" meeting of the Waterfront Recreation Committee has been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on April 17 to discuss items such as the instruction concessionaires, access sites and fee increases. An Event Site "host" was utilized for the first time in 2005, which staff will discuss with the committee; if the committee considers the host useful, then staff may advertise the position, with Commission approval. Hull commented the estimate to rebuild the Hook road at $55,000 and that annual maintenance would still be required, so the Waterfront Recreation Committee may discuss the possibility of charging a fee at the Hook. Commissioners Duckwall and Hosford did not disapprove of the idea but suggested a part of the fee could be set aside for ongoing improvement costs.
Laurie Borton, Marina Manager, asked to table the discussion regarding a request from a Community Education instructor for use of the floatplane dock for a youth sailing program. From an initial meeting, it was thought the program would be run the same as last year; however, the proposal received just prior to this meeting was quite different, so Borton stated that further discussions with the instructor and Community Ed would be required.
· Wasco Business Park: Doke reported that discussions are ongoing with prospective first floor tenants. Doke then presented building designs plans provided by Burck Properties, LLC and requested an agenda addition under Action Items to consider approval of the plans, as required by the Wasco Business Park Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions.
· John Weber Business Park: No discussion.
· Airport: Doke reported that he would have a mapping proposal (Exhibit A to the Airport Layout Plan identifying the residential and commercial neighborhood) as an Action Item for the April 18 meeting.
· Other: No discussion.

6. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Executive Director Search: The Commission will meet again on April 10 in Executive Session to determine the final candidates, who will then be contacted by Waldron & Company to verify their intent to be interviewed. A staff panel will interview the finalists on April 24; Attorney Jaques will take the Executive Director candidates on a tour of Port properties; and an invitation reception will be held the evening of the 24th. A panel of community members, as well as a Commission panel will then interview the candidates on April 25. President Bohn commented that City Manager Bob Francis has been contacted directly by some of the semi-finalists and Francis inquired if the Commission wanted him to return any of the calls. After discussion, Bohn stated that she would contact Francis and advise that the decision was his to make.

b) Affordable Housing/Industrial Lands Work Group Meetings: Doke attended an Affordable Housing session stating the work group discussed land banking, housing density and vertical development and that team leader Cindy Walbridge and member Richard Sassara would work up an information matrix. Doke reported the next meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 16 at the Library. Commissioner Duckwall reported that the Industrial Lands work group would meet again on April 11.

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
a) None.

8. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Declaration of Deed Restrictions/Restrictive Covenant:

Motion: Move to approve the Declaration of Deed Restrictions/Restrictive Covenant between the Port and the City of Hood River for the Maritime leased parcel.
Move: Watson
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Street Name Change Request:

Motion: Move to request a street name change from North 2nd Street to North 1st Street along the west boat basin.
Move: Hosford
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) Accounts Payable: None.

d) Wi-Fi Agreement (agenda addition):

Motion: Move to approve a License Agreement with United Telephone Company of the Northwest for the City of Hood River's 90-day trial test for Wi-Fi Mesh Network Services.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

e) Burck Properties LLC Building Design (agenda addition):

Motion: Move to approve the Burck Properties, LLC building design plans as required by the Wasco Business Park Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford

Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMISSION CALL: Commissioner Watson commented that Frommers is the latest of many magazines reporting Hood River as one of the places you'll want to move to and suggested to keep this in mind as the waterfront is being developed. Commissioner Streich requested that staff follow-up with an airport neighbor reporting a low flying aircraft close to a commercial structure. Streich also asked staff to follow-up on a report of individuals adding sand to the inner shoreline of the Hook. President Bohn noted there was a Public Hearing scheduled for the evening of April 24 regarding an amendment to the City's Transportation System Plan to add the Port's Frontage Road Crossing Feasibility Study and the Waterfront Pedestrian Pathway; however, Bohn noted the date and time conflicts with the Executive Director finalists reception. Commissioner Hosford reported that his wife was doing well and was in great spirits.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.

11. Adjourn. President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Port of Hood River Commission
Minutes of April 10, 2006 Special Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
3:30 P.M.

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff Laurie Borton; guest John Deller from Waldron & Company

Absent: From staff, Linda Hull

Media: None

President Sherry Bohn called the special meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and the Commission immediately went into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(a), Employment of Public Officers, Employees, and Agents for the purpose of selecting finalists for the Executive Director position. At the conclusion of Executive Session at 4:25 p.m., President Bohn adjourned the meeting. No action was taken.

Port of Hood River Commission
Minutes of April 18, 2006 Regular Meeting
Expo Center Conference Room
5:30 P.M.

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

Absent: Commissioner Kathy Watson

Media: None

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: A North Second Street Extension Project change order was added to the agenda as an Action Item.

2. INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS:
a) Guests: Second-year "Chamber Leaders for Tomorrow" students Audra Cody, Madison Kyger, Ariel MacMillan and Julie Stanley presented plans for a landscaping project at the Expo Building. The group presented information on the project goals, budget, and timelines, along with a conceptual drawing showing the placement of new plants, bark dust, and two snowboard benches. President Bohn asked about their maintenance plan and more detail on the benches. The students advised that future classes would be responsible for the upkeep; the bench frames were of sturdy construction so that liability shouldn't be an issue; the bases would be concreted in place to deter theft of the benches; and weatherproofing sealant would be applied to the snowboard bench seats and backrests. Commissioner Streich commented that tasteful snowboard designs needed to be kept in mind. Noting there was no common theme on benches within the Urban Renewal area downtown, or of benches along the marina walkway, the Commission did not voice any objections to the project and thanked the students for their presentation.
Eric Hovee, of E. D. Hovee & Company, Inc. discussed the draft results of the industrial market assessment and requested direction from the Commission regarding the final report, which Hovee stated he could provide by mid-May. The number one issue that surfaced from the twenty personal interviews conducted by Hovee was that expansion opportunities exist but options for suitable sites are limited. Hovee also reported that some were willing to pay a premium for prestige space, i.e., the waterfront, and that there was interest in a balance of mixed uses but the need for a clear and timely decision process was also an issue. Thirty-seven responses were received from 350 surveys mailed, which represented an 11% return and were heavily comprised from the construction and manufacturing trades. Results from the mailed survey indicated that 65% of the respondents would consider leaving the region due to the lack of industrial land (or the cost of available land that many would prefer to own rather than lease), jurisdictional regulations, affordable housing, and workforce training. Hovee did comment that employment data corresponds with interview and survey results; however, the wage growth is not keeping up with inflation factors.
Hovee then focused the waterfront discussion with the following questions for the Commission:
· Focus on industrial or consider split zones according to location? President Bohn stated the current strategy would be light industrial development (as currently zoned) from west to east. Bohn did not perceive an attempt to rezone for mixed-used would occur anytime soon.
· Land price and return on investment targets? Hovee commented that he did not get a good feel or benchmark from either the interviews or surveys, and the Port's competition for industrial lands is elsewhere in the Gorge outside of the Port district. Finance Manager Linda Shames commented that a return on investment would be difficult to pin down and that the Port typically aligns with market appraisals and is careful about not undercutting others. The Commission did concur with Hovee's statement that pricey waterfront land should result in high-quality development.
· Lease or Sell? A hybrid scenario presented by Hovee was consideration of lease only for waterfront parcels and sales of interior parcels. Bohn commented the Port's financial strategy also played into any further discussion but that there was not much land available in the county to reinvest in. Commissioner Streich commented the Port was not strapped financially because of the current bridge revenue stream and that it has always been his opinion that the Port's assets should not be sold. Shames commented that revenue streams should be kept in mind when considering the lease or sell question so that maintenance funding for amenities, such as pedestrian trails, is provided.
· Targeted, or First-Come First-Serve Approach? Commissioner Watson, who could not attend tonight's meeting due to illness, asked that President Bohn introduce the question of an RFP ("request for proposal") process in which the Port's priorities for competing uses would be clearly defined. Hovee commented that the RFP process was a viable approach that would weed out the "tire kickers" and be an indication that the Port was tying to accommodate the requests with the land that was available.
· Early build-out to facilitate other development? There was no discussion on this question.
· Rapidity of response to inquiries? Hovee commented the tradeoff to a slower, more methodical approach might equate to lost opportunities. Hovee commented interview and surveys results indicated some businesses are up against the wall and need expansion help or they may be forced to relocate. The Commission agreed the process was frustrating to both sides.
Hovee reiterated that his final report, available mid-May, could be used as the basis for shaping the RFP process. Marketing Manager Mike Doke asked if the Commission had any objections to Hovee attending the County's Industrial Lands work group meeting in May to share the final survey results. Hovee indicated the meeting date was on his calendar and he planned to attend.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bob Francis, City Manager, reported the City had signed the agreement for a 90-day trial of Sprint's Wi-Fi services, with equipment being attached to poles owned by the City, Sprint, and the Port. Equipment attached to Pacific Power and Light (PP&L) poles would provide additional coverage, however PP&L has not agreed to the attachment if the City decides to continue the service after the 90-day trial. Because of PP&L's uncertainty, the City has a 30-day termination written into the agreement, and Francis noted the clock started ticking today. Francis reported the North 1st /North 2nd Street name change was on the City Council's April 24 agenda; and a public hearing on the Lot 6 rezone, which will also incorporate the Hook and Spit rezones, will be scheduled for June. Francis inquired if Attorney Jerry Jaques had done any further work on a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for the City Police's enforcement of Port Ordinance No. 22? Jaques responded that he had not. Francis did report that Chief Ludwig indicated his officers would be stepping up summer patrols with an emphasis on business license enforcement. Francis commented that OMI engineers would have a report available the end of the month regarding solutions to the odor problems at the wastewater treatment plant. Francis mentioned the City would be required by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to do a traffic study regarding the Lot 6 Waterfront Park rezone and inquired if the Port would be interested in partnering with the City on a combined study. Without seeing a proposal from the City and with a question on the timeframe because a Master Plan is not in place, the Commission was not in a position to respond. There was also discussion questioning if ODOT would request another traffic study for a new use being proposed for the Nichols Boat Basin property, and Shames commented that staff was already scheduled to meet with ODOT regarding the Frontage Road Feasibility Project and that a traffic study related to the project would be discussed.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion: Move to approve the minutes from the April 4, 2006 work session/regular meeting.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

5. STAFF REPORT:
· Bridge: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, briefly commented on an international tolling conference she attended in Seattle and stated that a detailed written report would be provided to the Commission. The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge was mentioned at the conference as being the oldest continuous tolling facility in the United States.
· Waterfront Industrial/Planning: The City's waterline project has been noticed and bids are due May 4. The North Second Street Extension Project is slightly behind schedule, although the May 31 project deadline will be met. Shames commented that a change order related to the project was received today. The Port has requested the inclusion of the Frontage Road Project in the City's Transportation System Plan and Linda Hull, Executive Assistant, reported she would attend the City Planning Commission meeting Wednesday evening. The Port has received an Approval to Proceed with an application for fiscal year 2009-2011 funding from the ODOT Transportation Enhancement Program for the Riverfront Pedestrian Trail System. Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, reported that he would have information on the Western Power Building to discuss in Executive Session. As a follow-up to a meeting with Ned Vaivoda, with Yost Grube Hall, staff reported that Vaivoda has agreed to work with the Port to develop conceptual overlay plans for the waterfront. There was Commission consensus of staff's recommendation that Vaivoda be utilized on a time and materials basis.
· Waterfront Recreational: Commissioner Streich and Linda Shames met with engineer Stu Cato, who is also the manager for the North Second Street Extension Project, to discuss the possibility of a temporary RV site once North 2nd (to be renamed North 1st) is abandoned. Streich reported that he had also contacted an RV consultant for costs but had not yet received a response. There was Commission consensus of staff's recommendation to continue working with Cato on a time and materials basis to research the feasibility.
Laurie Borton, Marina Manager, continued the discussion tabled from the April 4 meeting regarding a request from Community Education to expand the youth sailing program conducted from the floatplane dock. The 2005 program was a single night session over a six-week period. This year the instructor has requested morning access to the floatplane dock Monday through Friday, plus Monday evening only use, during the entire six-week program. Community Education has offered to pay a concession fee because of the expanded use. Borton reported she had received input from two of the three floatplane tenants, none of which had problems provided there was always adult supervision to keep students away from the floatplanes; that adults be in boats on the water to assist students if they have problems controlling the sailboats; and that renewal of the program be contingent on no complaints this year. There was Commission consensus to approve the program and waive any concession fee.
Borton also discussed the increased requests by parents of sports teams not associated with Community Education for use of the Marina Green. Staff inquired if the Commission wanted to extend their support to these parent groups or reaffirm the policy to support only Community Education youth programs with fees waived in exchange for a Certificate of Insurance with general liability limits of $1 million with the Port named as Additional Insured. Staff referenced an e-mail from Cory Roeseler, assistant coach for grades 4, 5, and 6 youth lacrosse, in which he stated their team "can't seem to get access to the Parks and Rec fields through Community Ed for games;" and parent Ken Woodrich sent an e-mail in support of Roeseler's requested use of the Marina Green stating the team was "forced to drive to Hillsboro when a home game was rescheduled to an away game due to the lack of a field." Commissioner Duckwall commented there is an avenue for the parents to schedule fields through Community Education. It was the Commission's recommendation that staff verifies with Community Education the process of scheduling fields, but the Commission also reaffirmed the policy to permit youth teams access to the Marina Green who are operating under the Hood River County School District's Community Education program.
· Big 7: No report.
· Wasco Business Park: Attorney Jaques reported the False Summit Holdings sale had closed, and that Burck Properties, LLC due diligence period would conclude on June 28.
· John Weber Business Park: Mike Doke requested an Executive Session real estate discussion.
· Airport: A revision to the Airport Layout Plan and Exhibit A Map, reflecting the Orcutt property transaction, is one of the Accounts Payable items submitted for Commission approval. The fuel card lock system and FBO lease renewal issues have not been finalized, and Attorney Jaques responded to Commissioner Streich's question stating that Flightline Services was okay with a month-to-month lease while the process was being sorted out.
· Other: Linda Shames reminded the Commission that the Tuesday, May 9, budget committee meeting at the Expo Center conference room would begin at 5:00 p.m. and that dinner would be provided. Shames also commented that the budget would be available May 5.

6. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Executive Director Search: The schedule has been set! Staff will interview the four finalists the morning of Monday, April 24, and Attorney Jaques will be taking the candidates on a tour of Port properties. An invitation reception will be held the evening of April 24. The Commission, as well as a community panel, will interview the candidates Tuesday morning, April 25, and deliberation will commence that afternoon.

b) Industrial Lands Work Group Meeting: The group met on April 11 and Mike Doke reported they are working to identify the industries to attract to town and developing the properties that will support those industries.

c) Waterfront Recreation Committee: Commissioner Streich reported on the meeting chaired by President Bohn and attended by Linda Hull and Mike Doke from staff. Guests at the meeting also included concessionaires Mark Worth, Gorge Kiteboarding School, and Jim and Cori Bison, New Wind Kiteboarding. Streich summarized the meeting with comments that user fees at improved sites were not an issue but the perception that fees at the Spit and Hook were unwarranted, unwelcoming, and had a negative community impact. The committee discussed last year's "park host" and agreed the position should be kept, but suggested the host be better identified and do more in the way of dog control. President Bohn commented that she could not get committee support to ban dogs even though it was admittedly the biggest problem at the recreation sites. There was discussion that equipment demos and sales are occurring without Port or City licensing and that it needs to be stopped. The stepped up law enforcement patrols reported earlier in the evening by City Manager Bob Francis should help address the issue. As a follow-up to this meeting, staff will provide the committee members with a breakdown separating site costs and revenues and provide estimated costs of potential site improvements, such as permeable road surfaces and portable restrooms. Mike Doke reported that a meeting of the kiteboard schools will be scheduled for next Wednesday with discussion including the annual RFP process, designation of site assignments, and the use of clothing to identify concessionaire instructors permitted by the Port.

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
a) None.

8. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Use of Marina Green for Youth Activities: There was Commission consensus to continue the current policy to permit use of the Marina Green, with fees waived and insurance provided, by youth operating under the Hood River County School District's Community Education program.

b) Accounts Payable:

Motion: Move to approve Accounts Payable to Century West Engineering in the amount of $14,547.81 to update the Airport Layout Plan and Exhibit A; and to Kevin Cooley Architect in the amount of $14,750.00 for Marina Center design services.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) North Second Street Extension Project Change Order (agenda addition): Shames explained the change order was for the placement of barrier fabric to prevent gravel from sifting through the fine, sandy soil.

Motion: Move to approve the North Second Street Extension Project Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $2,300.00 for the placement of barrier fabric.
Move: Streich
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMISSION CALL: None.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property at 7:55 p.m. Upon conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 8:35 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

11. Adjourn. President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Port of Hood River Commission
Minutes of April 25, 2006 Special Meeting
Hood River Inn Mountainview Room
8:00 A.M.

Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; from staff Linda Hull and Linda Shames; guests Tom Waldron and Kathy Marsh from Waldron & Company. Community panel members Dave Bick and Anne Yannotti (from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.)

Absent: Attorney Jerry Jaques

Media: None

President Sherry Bohn called the special meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. and the Commission immediately went into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(a), Employment of Public Officers, Employees, and Agents, for the purpose of interviewing George Cress, Lewis Griffin, Michael McElwee, and Ron Singel for the Executive Director position. There was Commission consensus to direct Tom Waldron to verify that the candidates would accept the position, if offered. Waldron will inform the Commission prior to the May 2 regular meeting regarding any potential contract negotiations. At the conclusion of Executive Session at 3:40 p.m., President Bohn adjourned the meeting.

Waterfront Recreation Committee
Minutes
April 17, 2006

Attending: Members Steve Gates, Lori Stirn, and Ann Frodel; Commissioners Hoby Streich and Sherry Bohn; Staff Members: Mike Doke (until 3:55 pm), Linda Hull; Guests: Mark Worth (Gorge Kiteboarding School), Jim and Cori Bison (New Wind Kiteboarding)

Absent: Richard Sassara, Dennis Shypertt, Michael Schock (submitted comments), and staff Linda Shames

1) Introductions/Additions to Agenda: Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 3:10 p.m. with introductions. Linda Hull said the annual passes would be easily distinguishable per Laurie Borton, Port staff. There was some complaint last year that they were too similar.

2) Facilities: Issues - Information:
General:
Sherry asked for feedback on increasing and/or implementing new fees for 2006. Michael Schock had reported that Washington State Parks dropped its $5 user fee this year. "The legislation to remove the vehicle parking fee came about in the 2006 Legislature, in a time when the state appears to be financially healthy. In removing the fee, the Legislature provided one-time replacement funds and left the door open for State Parks to request additional replacement funds in 2007, when lawmakers have vowed to find a secure, long-term funding source for state parks." (www.parks.wa.gov/public.asp) Michael's submitted comments would be to keep fees the same, except for motorhomes and he would support an increase. He thought the Hook was still too primitive to charge for access, but suggested a donation lockbox might help defray some maintenance expenses.

Sherry explained that costs to build a road base at the Hook exceed $50,000. (Added from staff: pervious concrete costs approximately $6-10 per square foot depending upon cement costs.) The rezoning of the Spit and the Hook to Recreation/Commercial will include types of road surfaces allowed. This work will be part of future budget consideration, not this year's.

Mark Worth asked if the $2 Spit parking fee was a 1-time only fee to pay for the road improvement last summer? The committee asked for revenue figures. Linda Hull reviewed the season financial figures for the Spit that the committee reviewed in October. Revenue: $17,032; Expenses: $25,459 (included $17,894 for road which won't be an annual expense). Daily passes sold: 3,241; annual passes sold at Spit: 91; annual passes sold at Event Site: 255. Annual passes could be used at both sites. The committee asked for a waterfront recreation site-specific breakdown on the revenue/expenses. Linda Shames has to prepare that separately and will be asked to provide it for the next meeting.

Ann Frodel stated that Stevenson is creating strong competition for the watersport dollar. With no fees and a big welcome sign, perhaps that will impact Hood River. Jim Bison felt with the increase in kiteboard school concessions to $500 per month from $300, the 7 schools are contributing more and would like to see the parking fee abolished. Both Jim/Cori and Mark stated their walk-in business decreased last year with the fee in place. And they felt another effect was people felt with a fee payment, they no longer helped pick up trash. Ann thought the booth person would help educate the public on safety and control the access to the site from unaware spectators. Jim said the booth person just sits in the booth and reads books and is not educating the public. There are many families that go on the sandbar with little children and a picnic and have no clue to the danger. Sherry explained with a booth person, the Port could control the overuse of the site; she counted 72 kites in the air one weekend day and that is a safety issue for everyone.

Sherry will take back to the Commission that the committee did not think an increase in fees would be appropriate this year and would remain status quo. Steve stated that other areas want their market share of business and the Port should look at the bigger economic impact picture of the sports. Jim and Cori said the new kiteboarding community that comes to try the sport has a lot of money and Hood River should welcome that.

Signage was discussed and it was agreed that the schools should follow city sign ordinances. The concession permits will address this issue and schools need to remove all signage after the season. Mark asked if directional signs to the Spit could be placed strategically because his customers have a hard time finding the schools. He recommends the Port name the Spit road Kite Point Road. Warning signage at the Spit is adequate and warns spectators about the danger of kiteboarding. Staff will review additional signage for the area. Cori stated the schools do not want a lottery draw for their school sites. The issues specific to kiteboarding will be addressed at a meeting of all the kiteboard schools, date to be set this week by Mike.

Discussion was held regarding organized events/demos/activities from the Hook, Event Site, Spit, and Marina Beach and that they need to be registered and coordinated through the Port Office. There were several conflicts with events last season because the event sponsors were doing this activity on their own. There seems to be some misunderstanding that those accessing the sandbar from the river believe they are not on Port property; however, the Port's submerged land is extensive and has grown even larger by accretion. There was agreement from those using the sites that demos and sales are occurring at the Spit and the Event Site every day and are advertised online. Because every vendor needs to have a Port permit and a City transient merchant license, these sales are illegal. Port staff will do research and try to be more proactive in stopping this activity.

Event Site: Discussion was held regarding rental/sales concessions at the Event Site. Michael Schock wrote he is not in favor of it because it is already too busy. Steve said he felt the rental service is an amenity to the site and it's how it's done worldwide in the industry. There were no objections by those attending to continue the Event Site concessions for rentals. Linda stated that Maintenance did not want the grass used for this purpose. Ann stated the grass is still over-watered. Sherry said the Commission wants all concession trailers or vehicles moved at day's end.

The Park Host was discussed and it was agreed that the Port should keep this position. The committee felt he did a good job but that he could be better identified, possibly with a Port shirt or hat. It was recommended the Host do more in the way of dog control. Steve said that is by far the biggest problem at the Event Site: dogs running loose, barking, fighting, etc. Port staff will post the county's dog control number on the bulletin board for users to call directly to report dog problems. Theft of equipment is still being reported at the Spit and the Event Site. The Hook doesn't seem to have the problem. Do we need "Do Not Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle" signs?

Hook: See above.

Spit: Sherry asked about the RFP process for kiteboarding? Steve, Jim and Mark said it was a painful process because of its annual nature. They asked if it could be 3-5 years for long-range planning for their schools. Steve felt it was a good idea to do the same for windsurfing schools.

Marina: The fuel pump will be operating by May 1. It had more electrical problems this spring but should be fixed soon.

Cruiseship Dock: An underwater inspection will be made on the pier itself for structural integrity due to the wear and tear from the large ships. The Commission is discussing the feasibility of redeveloping the cruise dock, which would eliminate the some vessels from stopping. Others can still stop in the Marina.

The Corps of Engineers recently did a sounding in the boat basin channel and found there is shoaling from the sandbar, but still room for cruiseships to enter. The cost to dredge is $3.50 per cubic yard and is estimated at $1.75 million to dredge this small area. The Corps will review the need again for the 2008-09 projects. Port staff will have an aerial view of the delta and sandbar done this year.

Maritime Services is working along the boat basin and has leased the property for 5 years. They will be working on yacht renovation and building floating structures for houseboats.

Sherry reported that the Frontage Road feasibility study will done in response to the Exit 64 study from ODOT. The goal of Frontage Road is to take local traffic off the I-84 freeway in both directions. This project, if feasible, would dovetail with the other improvements being made to Exit 64 and the Toll Plaza.

3) Other:
Linda reported that the Port received a "go ahead" from ODOT to apply for its Transportation Enhancement Grant. It will be for infrastructure costs to develop the Riverfront Pedestrian Trail System throughout the waterfront area, including the Hook.

Committee members present and Michael Schock, via email, agreed to continue to serve. Linda will contact Dennis and Richard to see if they are still interested.

4) Next Meeting: After season, to be determined

Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.