Minutes of June 5, 2007 
Budget Hearing and Regular Session
5:30 P.M. - Marina Center Boardroom

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

Absent: None

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

President Sherry Bohn opened the Budget Hearing at 5:30 p.m., stating that it would remain open for public comment and run concurrently with Regular Session.

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular session to order at 5:30 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: None.
b) Information, Communications, Announcements: None

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve Minutes of May 15, 2007 Regular Meeting
· Ratify Accounts Payable in the Amount of $5,991 to Bob Sady Painting to Clean and Paint the Interior Tollbooth Canopy
· Approve Hood River Interstate Bridge Toll Facility Improvements Change Order #10 in the amount of $1,203 for Computer Equipment Duct Work and Registers
· Approve a One-Year Lease Extension with Equal Exchange, Inc. at the Big 7 Building from June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008
· Approve a Land Lease Addendum with Maritime Services Corp. for Waterfront Property Adjacent to Nichols Boat Basin from July 1, 2007 through June 2011
· Approve Pipeline Easement Agreement with Farmers Irrigation District
· Approve Request from VMG Events for a Reduction of the Non-Exclusive Use Fees Collected at the Event Site in 2007
· Approve Resolution No. 2006-07-6 Adopting Disposition Policy for Hood River Waterfront Property
· Approve Resolution No. 2006-07-7 Authorizing Payment of Additional Compensation to Toll Collectors for Hours Worked During Toll Plaza Reconstruction

Motion: Move to approve Consent Agenda.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

4. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Airport Advisory Committee: Mike Doke, Marketing Manager commented there was full attendance at the May 23 meeting and that discussion focused on the impact the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum would have on the airport property. As a result, Doke reported that he and Executive Director Michael McElwee would schedule a meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Seattle to discuss how the Airport Master Plan's assumptions may be outdated and to determine if modifications relative to the Museum are warranted. Doke's committee meeting minutes, which are available on the Port's website www.portofhoodriver.com, noted that members John Benton and Jeremy Young did not encounter any resistance to the idea of vacating Orchard Road when the idea was discussed with several airport neighbors. McElwee stated the process would need to be discussed with the County. Commissioner Duckwall recommended that the letter and signature sheet Young had indicated he'd prepared to seek signatures of support from all addresses on Orchard Road should be taken to the FAA meeting. McElwee noted that feedback following the FAA meeting would be provided to the Commissioners.
b) Urban Renewal [Addition]: Commissioner Streich reported on his attendance at the May 24 meeting, noting the approval of the 2007-08 budget and that May 2008 is the targeted date for completion of the urban renewal project on Oak Street between 3rd and 5th Streets.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee reported that seasonal banners for the Second Street light poles would be purchased and that staff thought it was appropriate to purchase only summer banners, as that is the most active season at the waterfront. McElwee stated the banners would add vitality to the waterfront and provide a connection to downtown Hood River. Streich added that the banners are an Urban Renewal project and that the City had decided to hang banners on the sidewalk arm of the light pole and not the street side as to avoid damage from truck traffic. McElwee also commented on his approaching first year anniversary with the Port of Hood River and he would be contacting President Bohn to determine the process for his performance review. McElwee then highlighted the following areas:

§ Staff & Administration - Doke reported on the City's approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a prospective tenant at the Wasco Business Park; however, additional parking will need to be identified and staff is looking at options.
§ Waterfront Recreation - The May 19 work party to clear debris off the sandbar was a success and the Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association hopes to schedule a second work party to remove remaining log piles and a lowering of the pool will need to be coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
§ Waterfront Development - McElwee, Streich and Duckwall met RV Park Consulting LLC, and a report should be available for Commission review by the end of the month. McElwee and Hood River County Economic Development Coordinator Bill Fashing met with Senator Betsy Johnson who chairs the Transportation and Economic Development subcommittee of the Senate Ways & Means Committee. McElwee reported that funding to support Senate Bill 1027 does not appear to be available at this time but noted that he is not giving up yet on trying to secure $2 million in state funding for waterfront development infrastructure.
§ Bridge/Transportation - The toll collectors, who have worked in cramped quarters that have moved multiple times and who have endured challenging weather conditions, were acknowledged for their patience during construction of the new toll plaza. Linda Shames, Finance Manager, commented the new tollbooth is scheduled to arrive on June 11 and the contractor has indicated they would work overtime to complete the project by the end of June. Positive feedback has been received on the 3-way stop at the Exit 64 underpass placed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). McElwee commented that although the congestion problem has not been alleviated the traffic flow appears to be better, and the public outreach articles in the Port's Spring 2007 Newsletter, and the opinion article "Another Voice" in the May 26, 2007 Hood River News, have been helpful.

6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS: None.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize the Executive Director to Execute a Contract with Flowing Solutions for Preparation of a Limited Dredge Permit for the Event Site in the Amount of $2,500 Plus Approved Reimbursable Expenses: McElwee commented the permit is a placeholder in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduling queue and that Andrew Jansky of Flowing Solutions, who has been working with the Port on the Delta issues, will assist the Port in making a decision as to the best options for the Port's investment; i.e. relocating, sculpting, or removing the sand for deeper water access north of the Event Site.

Motion: Move to authorize the Executive Director to execute a contract with Flowing Solutions for preparation of a Limited Dredge Permit for the Event Site, in the amount of $2,500 plus approved reimbursable expenses.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Approve the Executive Director to Enter Into Negotiations with Tolltex for Scope and Fee Refinement for Development of Design Documents for the Toll Collection System Software: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, commented that negotiations to modify existing toll collection software to meet the needs of our Toll Plaza will need to be completed. Shames also commented that temporary booths will be located on the bypass lanes, which should be open by July 4 for ticket-only commuters, and that testing of the electronic toll collection equipment is anticipated in mid-July.

Motion: Move to authorize the Executive Director to enter into negotiations with Tolltex for scope and fee refinement of design documents for the toll collection system software.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) Authorize the Executive Director to Execute a Land Use Agreement with Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association for the Purpose of Providing Temporary Parking for Recreational Access, Subject to Changes Agreeable to Both Parties:

Motion: Move to authorize the Executive Director to execute a Land Use Agreement with the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association for the purpose of providing temporary parking for recreational access, subject to changes agreeable to both parties.
Move: Hosford
Second: Streich
Discussion: Staff commented the Port would be responsible for locking and unlocking the cable gate at the parking lot entrance through September.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

d) Authorize the Appointment of Commissioner to the Interchange Access Management Plan Stakeholder Working Group: Shames commented the primary focus of the IMAP (Interchange Access Management Plan) will be to define how the land use and transportation systems within the interchange areas of the three interchanges on I-84 that serve the city of Hood River will function over a 20-year planning horizon. Shames stated that she serves on the Project Management Team, McElwee serves on the Project Executive Team, and a Commissioner needs to be appointed to serve on the Stakeholder Working Group, which is an advisory role that will meet four times between June and November. Shames stated she believed either Bohn or Streich would be good choices as both Commissioners owned businesses in town. Streich then volunteered to serve on the IAMP Stakeholder Working Group.

Motion: Move to authorize the appointment of Commissioner Hoby Streich to the Interchange Access Management Plan Stakeholder Working Group.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Streich's questions regarding transponders were addressed by Shames and he also reported the City should hear by June 11 if they were successful in receiving Oregon State Parks grant funding for Lot 6; Hosford complimented the Second Street landscaping and commented on an Oregonian article written by Stu Watson; and Bohn commented on this week's Hood River News headlines relative to the Hood River Inn filing a Measure 37 claim as a result of the riparian setback.

It is noted for the record that the Budget Hearing was closed at 6:10 p.m. with no comment.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property at 6:10 p.m. Upon conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 6:38 p.m. The following action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

Motion: Move to authorize the expenditure of $6,000 to complete a land appraisal.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

10. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.

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Minutes of June 19, 2007
Regular Meeting
5:30 P.M. - Marina Center Boardroom

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

Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular session to order at 5:30 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: Executive Director Michael McElwee requested the addition of an Action Item regarding a lease amendment.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve minutes of June 5, 2007 Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
· Authorize lease amendment at John Weber Business Park with Jon Mix Custom Cabinets
· Approve Resolution No. 2006-07-8 adopting the 2007-2008 budget in the amount of $17,015,157

Motion: Move to approve Consent Agenda.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

4. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS: President Bohn requested an Urban Renewal budget clarification and Commissioner Streich explained the Port should be receiving a refund on its contribution since the 2006-07 projects came in under budget. Bohn then commented the Economic Development Committee did not meet in June.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee noted that Commissioner Hosford was in Richland, Washington for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association conference, which he would also be attending the remainder of the week. McElwee reported that he and Bohn had discussed the process for his annual review and the Commissioners would meet in Executive Session at the July 3 meeting to conduct his first year's performance review. McElwee requested input from the Commissioners on a draft 'Lease Negotiations & Approval Process," which is intended to establish a regimented process for staff with review by Legal Counsel and Commission approval. McElwee also informed the Commission that the Oregon Ports Group is now a part of the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) and that mandatory dues, which in large part goes to lobbyists who speak on behalf of Port districts, will be reflected as a surcharge on SDAO insurance premium invoices. McElwee then highlighted the following areas:

§ Waterfront Recreation - Linda Hull, Operations Manager, was complimented on her involvement with the brochure 'Information About the New and Changing Delta and Your Guide to Waterfront Safety,' an Eagle Scout project by Nathan McCaw of Hood River Lions Club Troop 282. Hull informed the Commission the Department of State Lands had permitted a second work party to clean up log debris piles on the sand spit for this coming Saturday and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was scheduled to lower the pool to accommodate the work party. McElwee commented that Marina expansion and electrical system improvement information should be available for the July 3 meeting.
§ Waterfront Development - A draft of Group Mackenzie's waterfront development strategies will be provided for Commission review and discussion at the July 3 meeting in anticipation of finalizing the strategies at the July 17 meeting.
§ Airport - McElwee noted that he and Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, will meet with the Federal Aviation Administration in Seattle on June 27 to discuss the need to update portions of the Airport Master Plan which may be required as a result of the development of the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.
§ Bridge - The Port, City, and County met with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on June 8 to discuss local transportation issues. McElwee reported ODOT's Exit 64 Interchange Project has become detached from other projects, which means additional lanes to handle traffic volumes and sight improvements at the overpass are not expected to be completed until the spring or summer of 2011. Linda Shames, Finance Manager, reported the new tollbooth had arrived and input from the Commission was requested on the "Breeze By" logo that will be implemented for branding recognition of the new electronic toll collection system. The Commission also reviewed a draft Q&A of Frequently Asked Questions that will be used in various outreach campaigns. Shames also suggested the Commission could hold a work session at the July 17 meeting to discuss and define policies regarding the electronic toll collection system, which is the first to be used in Oregon.

6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS: None.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Lease Amendment [Agenda Addition]: Doke reported that Shred Alert has downsized and their tenant space in the Big 7 Building is too big. The company will be relocating to the Dill Complex on Wasco Street and would like to relocate by the end of June, which means they will be opting out of their lease sooner than the 30-day notice requirement. Doke also commented that approval of this lease amendment would result in extra savings to Shred Alert since they would not be responsible for taxes if the space is vacant on July 1.

Motion: Move to approve the Termination of Lease at the Big 7 Building with Shred Alert, Inc., effective June 30, 2007.
Move: Watson
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Streich passed along a constituent's concern with the new 3-way stop at Exit 64 who asked if there was any possibility of installing a flashing light to alert drivers of the new traffic pattern. Streich was told that staff would refer the question to ODOT. Commissioner Watson commented that she had received a courtesy copy of a letter addressed to the Port regarding statements made by a tollbooth attendant. Watson was told staff would respond to the letter and discuss the incident with the attendant. Bohn asked if any thought had been given to providing the toll collectors with training on how to respond to abusive customers. McElwee commented the interaction between the multi-tasking toll collector and the customer is only a few seconds and further commented that a third person is staffing the booth at peak times to monitor traffic surges.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property at 6:10 p.m. Upon conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 6:44 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

10. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.