Minutes of November 7, 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, Michael McElwee, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Kathy Watson

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular session meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: Finance Manager Linda Shames requested an additional Action Item regarding electrical upgrades related to the Toll Facility Improvement Project. Attorney Jerry Jaques requested the Settlement Agreement with Garin Buckles/Champion Manufacturing be added to the agenda as an Action Item ratification.

2. INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS-ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Bohn issued a cautionary reminder that side conversations make it difficult for minutes to be taken.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT: Josh Sceva, introduced himself as the Hood River Yacht Club's newly appointed "Port Captain" and it would be his role to attend Port Commission meetings to learn about marina-related issues. Sceva then introduced Andy Mack, who has worked with the Port the past two summers through the Community Education youth sailing program. Sceva stated that Mack would be attending the November 21 Commission meeting in his place. Sceva also mentioned there were sub-committees and that he would contact the Port office to arrange a meeting to discuss Yacht Club issues.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the October 3, 2006 (work/regular session) and the October 24, 2006 (special session) meeting minutes.
Move: Streich
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

5. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Industrial Lands Committee: Commissioner Duckwall reported the committee would meet again on November 28.
b) Committee Vacancies (new item): Executive Assistant Linda Hull reported there was one vacant position each on the Community Relations and the Waterfront Recreation committees that would be advertised on the Port's website and noticed in the Hood River News legal ads.

6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: After brief comments on his written report, Executive Director Michael McElwee reported that a pre-application conference had taken place today at the City regarding a conditional use permit that would allow Next Door, Inc.'s joint use of the Jantzen Building now occupied by the Covenant Christian Community Church. The Port, as a neighboring property owner, did not participate in the pre-application process and President Bohn commented there was Commission consensus to remain neutral and wait to see how the process unfolds. President Bohn also commented on the transportation project story in the November 8 Hood River News saying that she thought the public would find it interesting that the Oregon Department of Transportation's preferred option for renovation of the Interstate 84 Exit 64 Interchange included three stoplight signals leading to the tollbooth.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Executive Director to execute a personal services contract with Group Mackenzie for planning and development services associated with the Hood River Waterfront: McElwee noted that Group Mackenzie would act as lead advisor in a well-rounded team of players who he felt confident would provide real, specific, and immediately measurable work.

Motion: Move to authorize Executive Director to execute a personal services contract with Group Mackenzie for planning and development services associated with the Hood River Waterfront in a not-to-exceed amount of $48,000 and in a form approved by the Commission's legal counsel.
Move: Hosford
Second: Duckwall

Discussion: Commissioner Streich commented that he had met earlier in the day with McElwee to discuss how Group Mackenzie varied from prior consulting firms and he was satisfied with this direction. President Bohn asked for verification on the "waterfront strategy working group" mentioned under Task 2. McElwee responded the item had been added at his request and that he envisioned the group as a sounding board that still needed to be defined and formalized.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Authorize Executive Director to execute a personal services contract with Ast Commercial Real Estate for real estate consulting and marketing services associated with Port Properties: McElwee commented that he believed it was important to have the advice and counsel of a commercial real estate advisor as part of the waterfront development team and emphasized this action item was not a brokerage agreement and that the services would be used only as needed.

Motion: Move to authorize Executive Director to execute a personal services contract with Ast Commercial Real Estate for real estate consulting and marketing services associated with the Port properties in a not-to-exceed amount of $18,000 after review and approval by legal counsel.

Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford

Discussion: President Bohn commented there might "ruffled feathers" to smooth once the word gets out to local realtors. McElwee responded that Ast Commercial Real Estate has a specific set of qualifications regarding light industrial and commercial whereas the local realtors focus on residential.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) Authorize staff to negotiate an agreement with Mr. Terry Brandt to allow public access on the airport entrance road for purposes of providing access to a planned vintage aircraft museum: Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, reported that a solution had been reached with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the grant funds used to construct the entrance road stating that the Port may exclusively vacate a section of the road transferring those funds to another project. Another issue of ingress/egress to airport property would be resolved by writing the agreement so as not to set precedence for other airport neighbors that may request direct airfield access from their property in the future. Doke stated the Airport Advisory Committee would meet next week to discuss Brandt's request for public road access. Commissioner Hosford stated that he was excited about Brandt's museum, and Commissioner Streich commented the museum is the type of business you want next to an airport. McElwee commented the authorization was for the purpose of negotiating an agreement, which would be brought back to the Commission for approval, adding that he thought the museum would be a public benefit.

Motion: Move to authorize staff to negotiate an agreement with Mr. Terry Brandt to allow public access on the airport entrance road for purposes of providing access to a planned Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.

Move: Streich
Second: Hosford

Discussion: Commissioner Streich suggested the agreement could be contingent upon completion of the museum.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

d) Approve Communications Work Plan: McElwee commented the Plan was essentially the same as discussed at the October 24 special meeting, with the addition of a reference to February 2003 Community Relations Committee Plan; and deleting scholarship references, which are not allowed by Oregon statute.

Motion: Move to approve the Communications Work Plan.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

e) Approve Contract Change Order associated with the Toll Facility Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $3,852: Finance Manager Linda Shames commented that Finance Committee members Duckwall and Streich had reviewed the change order for the purchase and installation of seven streetlight poles in order for the work to proceed on schedule, so the Commission was actually ratifying the Change Order.

Motion: Move to ratify the Finance Committee's approval of the Contract Change Order associated with the Toll Facility Improvement Project in a not-to-exceed amount of $3,852 for purchase and installation of seven streetlight poles.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

f) Accounts Payable: None

g) Approve Contract Change Order associated with the Toll Facility Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $8,380 (agenda addition): As a direct result of the Toll Facility project, Shames commented two of the three elements to this Change Order involved electrical service upgrades to the Marina Center Building but the upgrade would have more benefit to the Port Administrative and Maintenance Shop which was relocating to the building. A third change requested by the Port is the consolidation of the bridge lighting and toll facility electrical needs into one pedestal and transformer, which means a relocation from the Marina Park "grassy knoll" entrance. Shames reported the service relocation during the Toll Facility project would be more cost effective now than later when the Oregon Department of Transportation begins their Exit 64 project.

Motion: Move to approve the three additional changes to the Toll Facility construction project in a not-to-exceed amount of $8,480 for electrical upgrades to the Marina Center building and relocation of an electrical pedestal and transformer from the Marina Park entrance.
Move: Hosford
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

h) Approve Settlement Agreement (agenda addition): Attorney Jerry Jaques stated that Commission ratification was required for the Settlement Agreement reached with Garin Buckles of Champion Manufacturing, a former John Weber Business Park tenant. The agreement negotiated on the outstanding debt was an up-front payment of $10,000 and a $15,000 promissory note with payment conditions of the full debt amount should a default occur.

Motion: Move to ratify the Garin Buckles/Champion Manufacturing Settlement Agreement.
Move: Hosford
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Due to today's flooding problems, Commission Duckwall commented that Mt. Hood Railroad would be looking for funding sources to replace a section of track lost above the old Dee Mill. President Bohn asked who would be responsible for removal of the logs and debris that was piling up along the waterfront. Linda Hull, Executive Assistant, commented that a scheduled stop at the Cruise Ship Dock diverted to Cascade Locks and that she would be contacting Jon Gornick, the Port's liaison with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. President Bohn also announced the November 9 public forum on the Expo Building re-use assessment, commenting that she would not be available to attend; Commissioner Hosford stated that he also was unavailable to attend. Hull stated that staff was handling the forum and it was not necessary for Commissioners to attend.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None

10. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.

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Airport Advisory Committee
Minutes
November 16, 2006

Attendees: Committee members Hoby Streich, Fred Duckwall, Anne Yannotti, Greg Sandercock, Ed Drew and John Benton. Guests: Denny Kindig, Terry Brandt and Jeremy Young. Port Staff: Executive Director Michael McElwee and Marketing Manager Mike Doke.

The meeting started at 10 a.m.

Welcome
Executive Director Michael McElwee was introduced to the Airport Advisory Committee. McElwee said he wanted to become more familiar with the committee's role and airport issues. He mentioned the airport has tremendous potential.

Recent Airport Projects
Past airport capital improvement projects were discussed. The Port has acquired a 10-acre parcel east of the airport, exhausting its FAA grant funds, which have begun accumulating at $150,000 annually each October.

Future Airport Projects
Future projects include an updated runway lighting system. Greg Sandercock stressed the need for perimeter fencing. He and Anne Yannotti noted the need for better signage. Mike Doke said he would contact FAA regarding signage. There was also discussion about moving the FBO building to the airport's north side. Doke said he would contact the airport's engineer, Century West, to discuss this project. Yannotti noted the need for new hangars outweighs the need for a new FBO building.

Terry Brandt said there is too much residential development surrounding the airport. He encouraged through-the-fence agreements so that pilots can live adjacent to the airport and access the runway. Benton said hangar/condos would be a good idea.

Brandt reported on his Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, which he plans to open in August 2007. The museum is a non-profit venture and should be a major attraction. It will house restored airplanes and automobiles that date back to before World War II. Because of this attraction, the airport should experience an increase in aviation traffic, especially on the weekend, Brandt said. The Port needs to improve its tie-downs to prepare for this use, he added. The museum's grand opening will occur during the September 7-9 Fly-In.

Other
Committee members said the wind gauge on the Automated Weather Observation System is too short. Doke said he would have the AWOS technician provide an opinion. Brandt said there is a need for a recognized grass runway. Doke said he would explore this with FAA. There was general discussion regarding shifting the runway to the east. John Benton said that would require abandoning Orchard Road as a through-route. Traffic is too fast on that road, he added.

Sandercock said the floatplane dock at the Port's marina has a reputation for unfriendliness. Doke mentioned there is no transient dock for floatplanes. Jeremy Young said Brandt's museum would generate more demand for floatplane space.

Doke asked how often the Airport Advisory Committee should meet. The group agreed to meet quarterly. Since current Airport Advisory Committee terms have expired, Doke said they'd be advertised and committee members would be selected prior to the next committee meeting, tentatively slated in February. Those Airport Advisory Committee members present indicated they'd be interested in continuing to serve on the committee. Ed Drew asked what the committee's role was. McElwee replied that the advisory group makes recommendations for Port staff and the Port Commission.

McElwee summarized the meeting by noting projects Port staff would explore. These include reviewing the capital improvement plan, reviewing maintenance items, exploring the feasibility of moving the FBO building, exploring the feasibility of adding more hangars, evaluating the Airport Development Zone, reviewing off-airport ingress and reviewing the Airport Master Plan. These areas will be discussed at the first Airport Advisory Committee meeting of 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

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Minutes of November 21, 2006 Regular/Work 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, Michael McElwee, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, Linda Shames, and Laurie Borton

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Sherry Bohn called the regular session meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and stated in order to accommodate the scheduled guests the Work Session discussion on the Expo Center Staff Report would begin upon the conclusion of the Regular Session.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: Executive Director Michael McElwee stated that he had spoken with guest Jack Mills who agreed to defer his report on the Mt. Hood Railroad's flood damage until McElwee presented his Director's Report.

2. INFORMATION-COMMUNICATIONS-ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dean Cameron, who purchased Wasco Business Park Lot 1, presented design plans that will be submitted to the City next week and commented that designs on a second building have begun. The first building contains 7,000 square foot and will accommodate up to four tenants in the flex-space. Cameron commented that he found the CC&R's (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) to be limiting, uncreative and architecturally unappealing and presented photo examples of typical and upscale buildings. Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, stated that Cameron's plans had been reviewed and he believed the project satisfied the Development Standards and intended to give approval, as required, within 14 days of submission. Commissioner Watson recommended staff review the CC&R's to ensure they are clear and not misleading.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT: Sue Ryan, Hood River News, apologized to the Commission for the misleading photo caption on the front page of the November 22 edition; and commented that the use of a tape recorder was on the advice of her physician because of problems with arthritis.
Elliott Daggett, a Hood River Valley High School senior, introduced himself to the Commissioners as the Port's intern. Daggett, who began his internship in late September under the supervision of Marketing Manager Mike Doke, will focus on community outreach and public administration. The Commissioners welcomed Daggett to the Port of Hood River. President Bohn also recognized Daggett as a co-participant of the Ford Foundation Leadership program.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion: Move to approve the November 7, 2006 regular session meeting minutes.
Move: Hosford
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

5. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Airport Advisory Committee: The committee met on November 16 and minutes from that meeting will be available at the December 5 Commission meeting. Doke reported the next meeting would be scheduled for February 2007. Hull also commented that a vacancy on the Airport Advisory Committee would be noticed.

6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee noted he would be attending the quarterly Oregon Ports Group meeting in Salem on November 30. The deadline to apply for the vacancies on the Waterfront Recreation and Community Relations committees closes November 28 and to date no applications have been received. The Waterfront Recreation Committee will meet at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27. Staff has negotiated a six-month lease for the western end of the former Homeshield Building, which will allow Maritime Services to construct floating docks in an enclosed space. Staff will meet again with Maritime Services on November 22 to continue a plan of action for a crane that Maritime hopes to use on occasion to place the finished docks in the Columbia River. If the City requires a conditional use permit, a public hearing would be scheduled for January 2007; otherwise, trucking would be an option Maritime could consider. The FBO agreement may be available for Commission action at the December 5 meeting. Linda Shames, Finance Manager, reported the Toll Facility Improvement Project is on schedule, although tonight's closure for guardrail work had to be rescheduled for Monday, December 4 due to a delay in receipt of materials; Shames also reported Wildish, the general contractor, is now working on plans for a temporary toll booth, which will be used until the end of May 2007.
McElwee began his report on the flood damage by first thanking Commissioner Streich for the scenic flight. Three aerial photographs were presented and it was reported that the sediment buildup and flow of the Hood River into the Columbia looks different today than two weeks ago and the landscape will continue to change throughout the winter and into next spring. McElwee commented the Port, county, irrigation districts and Mt. Hood Railroad have begun damage assessments and will be meeting with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) next week. Effects of the flooding will continue to be assessed and reported back to the Commission.
Jack Mills, president of the Mt. Hood Railroad (MHRR), thanked the Commission for its letter of support [attached]. The economic impact to the County from MHRR is between $6 to 7 million annually ranging from employment to freight and passenger services. Mills presented preliminary cost estimates in excess of $1 million for repairs associated with the flood damage. Mills squelched bankruptcy rumors and stated the Railroad would be pursuing grant funding for repair costs. McElwee stated that he would like to work with Attorney Jaques and possibly other outside counsel to identify options that might be available to assist MHRR, which received Commission consensus.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Approve contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants to provide conceptual site development and wetland mitigation services in an amount not to exceed $10,000: Doke reported that staff is currently working with SWCA Environmental Consultants to review three industrial parcels. This scope of work and budget focuses on one of the three parcels and will provide a wetland mitigation strategy that will move the parcel closer to state industrial site certification. Doke commented that perhaps the cost of this project might be negotiated as part of the purchase if pursued by the Commission. McElwee clarified this scope is a new contract with SWCA rather than a change order and noted the work is an aspect of due diligence for this potential property purchase.

Motion: Move to approve the contract with SCWA Environmental Consultants to provide conceptual site development and wetland mitigation services in a not-to-exceed amount of $10,000.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Accounts Payable: Shames noted the three tax bills represented were only those invoices requiring Commission approval as the amounts exceeded $5,000.

Motion: Move to approve Accounts Payable in the amount of $36,665.83 to Hood River County for tax assessments of the Wasco, Big 7, and UTS Portsite properties.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Commissioner Streich reported that he had spoken with a Cascade Locks Port Commissioner and the idea of a port/city/county dinner meeting was entertained. Staff will pursue the meeting and draft agenda.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None

10. ADJOURN: President Bohn recessed the meeting at 6:24 p.m. and called for a short break before opening the Work Session discussion on the Expo Center Building.

President Bohn reconvened the meeting at 6:31 p.m. to open the discussion on the Hood River Expo Center Economic Impact and Re-Use Potential.

President Bohn began the discussion by thanking Executive Director Michael McElwee and Executive Assistant Linda Hull for an excellent Staff Report. Bohn also thanked Dr. Charles "Chuck" Bugge for facilitating the user, stakeholder, and public meetings. McElwee then reviewed the assignment as he understood it and summarized the report results. McElwee remarked that although he was a relative newcomer to the Port he had familiarized himself with past history and he was well aware of the emotional issues, one being the Expo Center as the current home of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center; and another issue being the preferred location in the community and unique building size to support Harvest Fest, the antique show, and Hispanic events. McElwee posed the question of whether or not it was the Port's role to continue incurring a net operating loss in order to support the events by providing space when the building could be better utilized. Commissioners Watson and Duckwall responded in part that the Port should act only as a facilitator in recommending other sites.
Dr. Bugge commented on the meetings he had facilitated and stated that while there was no one most favorable opinion, the Port should not delay in taking action because the community needed a decision.
McElwee noted that for the past several years the citizen budget committee has recommended taking steps to change the ongoing annual financial deficit and it was now time for a decision to be made on the future use of the Expo Center. With information from the technical, utilization, and economic impact analyses along with public input, McElwee recommended an adaptive re-use of the Expo Center Building.
President Bohn stated that she agreed with the staff recommendation and that a re-use of the Expo fed back into the Strategic Plan and was an opportunity for the Port to take action by making a statement on starting the waterfront development. Commissioner Duckwall stated he believed the staff recommendation stands at this point and the public opinion that has been given, or may be given at the December 5 meeting, would not change the report. Duckwall also stated that he did not have a problem making the Expo available for events in 2007 but that work on adaptive modifications should not be precluded by scheduled events. Commissioner Hosford stated he also agreed with the staff recommendation and thought the idea of using tents for Harvest Fest should warrant further study. Commissioner Streich recommended that staff sit down with City Planning Director Cindy Walbridge and City Attorney Alexandra Sosnkowski to discuss zoning issues. Attorney Jaques commented that both Walbridge and Sosnkowski had indicated to him that they recognize the current light industrial zone is outdated. Commissioner Watson asked for clarification of the re-use recommendation concerning the six-month timeframe to determine whether a commercial use is feasible and inquired if McElwee meant the time would be used to find the right anchor tenant? McElwee concurred with Watson. Following discussion of the staff recommendation, there was Commission consensus to support the staff report.
President Bohn then recommended that staff begin drafting a Resolution for the Expo Center regarding the adaptive re-use that would affirm the building would be open for events in 2007, the Port would be a partner in relocating events, and a minimum set of standards would be set when considering an anchor tenant, i.e. preservation and/or creation of jobs within the community, or that heavy truck traffic may be a detriment to future development. Commissioner Duckwall agreed that a Resolution would close the issue and allow the Commission to move forward. Following discussion, there was Commission consensus to move forward with a Resolution for consideration at its December 5 meeting.

The Work Session concluded at 7:25 p.m. and President Bohn adjourned the meeting.

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Waterfront Recreation Committee
Minutes
November 27, 2006

Attending: Members Steve Gates, Lori Stirn, Michael Schock, and Ann Frodel; Commissioners Hoby Streich and Sherry Bohn; Staff Members: Michael McElwee, Linda Hull; Others: Linda Maddox; Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

Absent: Richard Sassara (submitted comments), Mike Doke, staff

1) Introductions/Additions to Agenda: Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 3:10 p.m. Linda Hull said Executive Director Michael McElwee would be late and to start discussion without him.

2) Facilities: Issues - Information:
General: Discussion regarding the flooding event was tabled until Michael McElwee arrived. The committee discussed fees for the Event Site and Spit. They agreed that a weekly pass would be tourist-friendly and recommended the Port institute this pass for 2007. They would like to see the number of passes sold last season before raising the daily fee from $4. Staff will prepare a recommendation regarding fees to take back to the Commission for further discussion.

Linda told the committee the Lions Club is providing two bilingual swim beach warning signs for next season as a community service - after the drowning incident this past season. Lori mentioned she would check into the free life jacket program that is used on the Deschutes to see if it would be appropriate here.

Linda explained that the food concessions are scarce on the waterfront because the vendors cannot make a profit and do not return. It was suggested that the Port have pop/water vending machines by the restrooms. Hoby will check with his vendors for more information.

Event Site: The Event Site Host's issues were discussed. The committee recognized the main problem is lack of enforcement of the Port's rules and ordinances regarding parking, dogs and site times of operation. The Host's function should be a positive one and that person should not be put in the position of enforcing rules. They said the Host does a great job with lost and found items. Michael M. said he had a situation last season of people arguing about "what is dusk" if the site closes at dusk. Lori stated the Event Site could be open until 10:00 P.M. from Memorial weekend through Labor Day weekend, if dusk cannot be defined. Linda said the Port was considering keeping the booth open until 8:00 P.M. and that would eliminate some of the issues. The Port is also installing a drop down arm to eliminate those not stopping. Michael S. thought hiring a security/enforcer person to enforce the rules would be one solution to the dog and parking problems. The committee recommended that Michael M. talk with Chief Bruce Ludwig regarding the enforcement issues.

The continuing dog problem was discussed. Should dogs be banned from the Event Site and/or how does the Port enforce the leash rule? Linda said that Pet Camp is an option and brochures are handed out to dog owners. The county's dog control officer only responds to dog abuse (tied up with no water/food, around a vehicle tire, etc.), but not to dogs off leash. The county has authority to cite dog owners on Port property for violating a Port ordinance; however, to date this has not been done.

The committee discussed the windsurfing concession rental area. It was agreed that the rentals provide a needed service to tourists and that it should be located outside the parking area. Staff will meet with the concessionaires and Joe Pounders, Maintenance Foreman, to determine where the best spot would be for both the vendors and Port maintenance needs.

Hook: Richard's question on upgrading the portable toilets was discussed. Staff will check into larger units ($75/mo + pumping). Vault and composting toilets were discussed as an option. Lori said the Parks has a vault-type at the Skatepark and it cost $30,000 for two. Michael M. told the committee that CGWA is proposing to build a permanent-type changing room at the Hook and he is currently working with City Planner Cindy Walbridge on any zoning issues. Because Diane Barkhimer is resigning as executive director, Michael will wait until the new person is hired to work together on this project. Richard's questions regarding phones: there is no land phone access here but it was noted most people have cell phones today so it isn't necessary.

Spit: Lori told the committee that there were six kiteboard RFPs submitted which were scored by the evaluation committee; the top five were selected. Because of a technical glitch with email, the sixth applicant was allowed to resubmit an amended RFP by Michael M. The result was that six total kiteboard schools will be offered concession permits for 2007-2009. Sherry remarked that the concessions will not be allowed to operate unless they provide proof of current instructor certification and training. The goal is still to have no more than five schools.

Marina: Linda said the Commission approved moving up the timeline to add another dock in the Marina during Strategic Planning. There are currently over 50 on a waiting list for slips. Discussion followed regarding raising fees for out-of-district tenants. Ann felt in-district people pay property tax to the Port and should have lower rates. Steve said that based on the demand for slips, the Commission might consider a differentiated fee structure for moorage. Staff will propose a recommendation to the Commission for this action.

Cruiseship Dock/Boat Basin:

Michael M. gave the committee an update on the flooding situation around the Spit and Boat Basin. Currently the shoaling has grown and it now blocks the entrance to the Boat Basin and the cruisedock, which affects Maritime Services, the cruise business, and the proposed development at the south end. He said he is gathering information from various experts on the ever-changing situation and alternatives. The Corps of Engineers recently stopped by and said it would be $4 to $5 per cubic yard to dredge and that there is no funding for this work based on the low economic impact; their priority is for safety and commerce. The Port is submitting a preliminary damage assessment with the state and federal emergency agencies for $1 million (dredging, extending dike). Michael M. said the Port will work with the Corps to coordinate the pool elevations this spring to see if that can clear out any of the debris.

Steve said the debris and silt buildup will have an impact on the Event Site's east end for windsurfing. Sherry said that the recreation industry should be at the table for discussions on solutions. It was noted that there is no separation between the kiteboarding area and windsurfing area with the delta configuration.

3) Other:
Michael S. asked if the website could be updated to be more relevant to recreational interests? Michael M. said the Port was redesigning the website to include this information and to make it more relevant. It will include the ability to do money transactions and interactivity with the public.

4) Next Meeting: March: to be determined.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.