Minutes of February 21, 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

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: Additional Action Items included a Wasco Business Park Sale Agreement modification and Expo Building heating unit repair; and a discussion on Park parking was added to the agenda under Other Business.

2. INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS:
a) Guests: Pat Evenson-Brady, Hood River County School Superintendent, presented information on the growing student population and need for new facilities to meet the 31% growth (53 new classrooms to house 1,200 additional students) that is expected by 2015. Evenson-Brady commented on the dilemma of how to accommodate the growth. Most of the schools were built prior to WWII and are not energy efficient, and the expansion to existing buildings could result in a loss of sports fields. Acquiring new property is also difficult because of availability, price, or zoning (including Urban Growth Boundary) restrictions. A "School Siting Questionnaire" was provided and President Bohn commented the completion of the questionnaire should be taken to heart because schools are just one of many factors that could impact the decision of a new business considering Hood River.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion: Move to approve the minutes from the January 17, 2006 regular meeting and the January 30, 2006 special meeting.
Move: Hosford
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

5. STAFF REPORT:
· Bridge: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, reported that HNTB, the Port's bridge engineering firm, would attend the February 28 Frontage Road public forum to provide information on the Toll Plaza Improvement project. Shames also commented that the federal funding request would be submitted as a phased project. Shames stated additional information on the Toll Plaza project would be provided in Executive Session. Some minor "housekeeping" issues related to the 2004-05 bridge redecking project are being addressed, such as a Change Order revised solely to specify parts, so that the project can be closed.
Shames continued her staff report, commenting on the Big 7 Building roof, which is budgeted for replacement. The option of a membrane roof will be explored; however if it is not identified as a viable alternative a structural engineer's report will be obtained prior to a complete tear-off.
· Waterfront Industrial/Planning: For lobbying purposes the federal funding request for the PAW (pedestrian access way) will be submitted as the 'Waterfront Pedestrian Trail System.' Shames reported that she would attend a grant application workshop on March 3 for Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funds being made available for pathways and trails. [Later in the meeting City Manager Bob Francis inquired if the Port would be interested in partnering with the City and submitting a joint application? The Commission responded they would have a better idea after staff attended the March 3 workshop. Because the Second Street Extension Project is ahead of schedule Shames reported the contractor is working on another job that is more time sensitive. The Commissioners were again reminded of the February 28 Frontage Road forum to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sprint Waucoma Auditorium. There was Commission consensus that a news story, along with a quarter page ad, would run in the Saturday, February 25 edition of the Hood River News inviting the community to attend this informational meeting. Linda Hull, Executive Assistant, reported that repair of the boat basin seawall had been completed and that further discussion would continue in Executive Session. Hull also commented on the industrial marketing surveys that were mailed last week. Returned questionnaires will be forwarded to E.D. Hovee & Company for compilation and a report should be received by March 20.
· Waterfront Recreational: Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, reported on the results of the Kiteboard Concession RFP process stating that six schools would be returning for the 2006 season, along with one new school. Doke further commented that three proposals were non-responsive because not all of the RFP criteria were met. Doke stated the respondents would meet in April or early May to review guidelines and participate in a lottery draw to identify ground space. Community Education approached the Port with a request for use of the Marina Green for youth soccer and lacrosse practice and alerted staff that adult groups would also be contacting the Port for permission to use the Marina Green. There was Commission consensus reaffirming the policy that youth sports coordinated through Community Education would be allowed use of the Marina Green. Doke commented that bike races would be held again this year on Thursday evenings during the month of April around the roadway loop on the Waterfront. Doke, and City Manager Bob Francis, reported the City will participate in a three month trial of 'open air' Wi-Fi (free wireless high speed internet access), which will likely require access to Port buildings or properties for the attachment of Sprint's equipment. The open air Wi-Fi is not supposed to conflict with the Wi-Fi in restaurants and shops, according to Francis, who also commented that Mary Gumm, Sprint's Community Relations Manager, was talking with Gorge Networks about the trial run scheduled for April, May and June.
· Wasco Business Park: A modified sale agreement was an Action Item agenda addition; and the buyer of the remaining parcel has been given a February 28 deadline to return a signed Sale Agreement.
· John Weber Business Park: The pending Sale Agreement for Lot 3 was not delivered to the office as expected; Lot 7 is the only remaining parcel at the John Weber Business Park.
· Airport: Mike Doke commented that a building project at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield is in the first month of a 2 to 3 month review process by the Federal Aviation Administration.
· Other: Linda Shames stated that she was preparing for the March 21 Strategic Planning work session and requested budget input from the Commission.

6. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Commissioner: President Bohn reported that write-ups for the Coalition's (Port-County-City) federal lobbying priority projects were being finalized and that she would be leaving for Washington, D.C. on March 3 with bound copies. Bohn also commented that she would be devoting her weekend reviewing and ranking the Needs and Issues projects. Bohn reported that she had spoken with John Deller, Waldron & Company, who advised that 27 applications had been received to date for the Executive Director position and that Deller anticipated more applications would be received prior to the March 6 deadline. The Commissioners were reminded of the March 28 Executive Session to identify semifinal candidates. Bohn and Mike Doke briefly reported on their attendance at the Special Districts Association of Oregon annual conference and the 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award (for the park land donation) presented to the Port of Hood River at the conference will be displayed at the Expo conference room. Linda Hull volunteered to attend a March 2 public meeting regarding the added designation of an "E-Commerce Zone" to the existing Cascade Locks/Hood River Enterprise Zone. Hood River County Economic Development Coordinator Bill Fashing has requested the Commission consider supporting the E-Commerce designation by passing a Resolution at the Port's March 21 meeting. Hull stated she was uncertain whether the Port would be a sponsor or consenter but hoped for clarification at the March 2 informational meeting. Commissioners Watson and Streich reported on Affordable Housing meetings, and Commissioner Duckwall reported on an Industrial Lands meeting, both of which are workgroups spearheaded by the County and comprised of County, Port, and City officials and appointed citizen volunteers to address the shortage issues.

b) Committee: A review of the Real Estate Committee's discussion on a land lease at the boat basin was held over to Executive Session. An Accounts Payable item was first discussed by the Real Estate Committee because the tenant improvement was an unbudgeted item; and the City's request for a March 31 deadline for a rezone application of the Hook and the Spit will be discussed in further detail by Port attorney Jerry Jaques and City attorney Alexandra Sosnkowski. A proposal for use of the Marina Center Building by the Wine Growers Association was hoped to have been reviewed at the February 16 Real Estate Committee meeting but nothing has been received to date. After Commission discussion there was consensus to set February 28 as the final deadline for receipt of a proposal by the Wine Growers Association.

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
(a) Park Parking (agenda addition): The Park Development Committee (PDC) will meet with Greenworks, PC, their design consultant, on February 22 to review public comment on three conceptual plans. President Bohn reported that PDC member Mark Zanmiller had contacted her regarding on-street parking on Portway Avenue and stated the intent of tonight's Commission discussion was to provide a timely response so that the PDC did not spend money needlessly on a conceptual plan that included on-street parking if it could not be supported by the Port. Bohn requested staff input prior to tonight's meeting, and the recommendation was made that the PDC should not plan for on-street parking for their parking needs. The 44-foot width of Portway Avenue is a standard industrial street width, which does not typically allow for parking, as trucks often need the entire street to make turning radiuses. Parallel parking would compromise the street for light industrial traffic and the safety issues surrounding angle parking is considered incompatible with most traffic flows. City Manager Bob Francis was asked for his input by Commissioner Streich and responded that angle or parallel parking each have their own problems, and referred to the City and Port Intergovernmental Agreement that requires 20 on-site parking spaces within the park. Commissioner Duckwall questioned the feasibility of a one-way loop. Commissioner Watson voiced her concern with angle parking and stated it was important to advise the PDC now so they can deal with the parking issue. Watson also commented on the PDC's limited resources and that, along with the community's support, she would like to see the Port assist as much as possible. After much discussion, there was Commission consensus that all of the parking should be contained within the boundaries of Lot 6 and not impede onto Portway Avenue, and that Park parking would be considered, but not guaranteed, as the Waterfront Master Plan is developed. Bohn stated that she would convey this message to Zanmiller.

8. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Wasco Business Park or John Weber Business Park Sale Agreements: None.

b) Accounts Payable: Shames reported the Heights Glass invoice was for an unbudgeted tenant improvement in the west wing of the Port office building, and the Kevin Cooley Architect invoice was incurred to develop tenant improvement costs requested by a potential Western Power Building tenant. Shames also presented an invoice for approval that was received earlier in the day for repairing heating units at the Expo Building.

Motion: Move to approve Accounts Payable in the amount of $8,508; to Heights Glass and Glazing in the amount of $4,908, and to Kevin Cooley Architect in the amount of $3,600.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED
- - - - - - - - -

Motion: Move to approve Accounts Payable in the amount of $6,131.18 to Multnomah Heating, Inc.
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) Wasco Sale Agreement Modification (agenda addition): The Sale Agreement and Receipt for Earnest Money with Dean Cameron required modification to amend the western boundary line and the purchase price was reduced to conform to the corrected square footage. The agreement was also modified to reflect an extension of the closing date to March 31, 2006.

Motion: Move to approve an Agreement Modifying Property Description, Sale Price and Closing Date with Dean Cameron for Wasco Business Park Lot 1.
Move: Hosford
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

d) Rezone Application (agenda addition):

Motion: Move to apply to the City of Hood River by March 31, 2006 for a zone change from Light Industrial to Recreational Commercial for the Hook and the Spit.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

e) Gorge Commission Letter of Support: Mike Doke reported that a letter had been received today from the Columbia River Gorge Commission requesting the Port provide a Letter of Support for their efforts to secure grant funding for recreational projects. If there was no objection, Doke stated he would respond.

Motion: Move to authorize staff to submit a Letter of Support to the Columbia River Gorge Commission for a recreational funding grant.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMISSION CALL: Commissioner Hosford expressed his appreciation for the Get Well wishes for his wife Virginia. President Bohn acknowledged that all of the Commissioners had events affecting their personal lives and thanked them for their focus and keeping Port issues moving forward.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property. The Commission was called back into Regular Session at 7:50 p.m., and the following action was taken as a result.

Motion: Move to authorize the amended lease agreement with Maritime Services.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

11. Adjourn. President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.