Minutes of May 1, 2007 Strategic Planning Work Session
5:30 P.M. - Expo Center Conference Room

Waterfront Recreation Committee
Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2007
Expo Center Conference Room
4:00 P.M.

Attending: Members Steve Gates, Lori Stirn, Laney Gale, Doug Archbald, Richard Sassara, Ann Frodel; Commissioners Sherry Bohn and Hoby Streich; Absent: Michael Schock; Staff Members: Michael McElwee, Linda Hull; Others: Katie Crafts, CGWA, Jim Grady, Adam Monahan: CGKA; Mark Worth.

Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. and stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issue of kite pumping and drying at the Event Site for this season; this is the final issue to be resolved before adoption of the Delta Management Plan (DMP). The Commission requested the Waterfront Recreation Committee discuss the pros and cons of this issue and make a recommendation regarding this activity. The Commission will accept this recommendation as policy with staff concurrence. Sherry reiterated that the current policy is for no kiteboarding activity at the Event Site, including rigging of any kind. To allow pumping/drying would mean a Commission policy change.

Michael McElwee stated the DMP was a good plan and reflects the best interest of everyone. He also said he is not a windsurfer or a kiteboarder and he is trying to understand how the two sports can be accommodated in close proximity. Sherry said before she signed off on the DMP it should be very clear and specify exactly what is allowed and where.

Steve Gates said the committee did talk about pumping at its other meetings earlier in the year and the conclusion was that there would be no rigging, including pumping. Sherry said because there is no signage at the site specifically stating "no pumping" that people are taking the extra mile. Because it is preseason and the crowds aren't here, there has been no strict enforcement of this rule. Michael said what has changed is that the sites are now almost connected at lower water levels and the kiters can park at the Event Site to carry gear over to the sandbar, instead of accessing at the Spit. Michael also noticed that the kiteboard people were parking in the lot correctly but that the windsurfers were parking in the red Fire Lane tow zone. Michael felt that early in the season when it isn't busy, it would be pretty hard to trespass someone and thought perhaps there could be options for non-busy times. Enforcement is one difficult issue for the Port and most of this will have to be self-policed. The tow zone will be strictly enforced this year.

Jim Grady stated that humans naturally take a mile when given an inch and that the participants do not want the responsibility of self-policing. He felt if you allow pumping on the grass it will lead to launching. Jim said the CGKA met the evening before and asked that the Port consider allowing 10% of the east end of the Event Site for kite pumping and drying; they believe it will encourage self-policing. Lori Stirn asked if it would require fencing, because if you had 40 kites pumping and drying it would take up considerable more space than 10%. Ann Frodel said it isn't busy now but in a month there will be huge crowds. She polled various kiters and windsurfers and concluded that self-policing will not work either. It is too busy and safety would be a big concern. Richard Sassara stated he was concerned that self-policing wouldn't work on non-locals especially.

Michael said at the Commission meeting Pepi said kids are in the east end with families and that kiters would carry inflated kites through them; he was also concerned that some kites have lines hanging from them and if a little child was hit by an inflated kite would it be a safety hazard? Steve Gates said an inflated kite is not a beach ball and that families with little kids do hang out in that protected cove area on the east end and it is heavily used. It is not an easy decision and although it is not a huge problem now because it isn't busy, it will become one.

Mark Worth said if 10% of the Event Site was given to kiters that the kite community would protect it adding that the Port never does anything for kiters but take their money. Hoby Streich said that is not true and he can look at the accounting for the site at any time. Steve said the issue is purely one of safety and that because of the Delta the Event Site is the only place on the waterfront for little kids now; to allow kites in the area would create a new conflict. Ann agreed and felt walking through with the gear wouldn't be a problem, but not inflated. She said the important thing is that the safety rules were for all users. Sherry said the Port recognizes that kiting is growing here and it is actively addressing the needs of that group. Katie Crafts said if kiting is allowed at the Event Site there should be no fence that would underscore an "us" vs. "them" attitude. Sherry said she researched other sites and there is no combined areas for the two sports that she could find in the U.S.

Jim asked how it would be enforced. Would there be a warning first? The kiters are unhappy about giving up 600' of sandbar to a Safe Zone. (The yellow pylon is actually 500' from the Event Site beach.) Richard stated the committee isn't addressing enforcement issues, only if inflated kites should be allowed on the grass at the Event Site.

Steve said perhaps the Port could consider a timeline from a safety perspective; he felt banning the sport is not good for the area or the local economy. He believes there are times of the year that safety conflicts should be minimized but that perhaps September 15 to May 15 could be a time to allow the shared use at this site.

Michael said for this season there would probably have to be a verbal warning and then if not compliant the Port might have to call the City Police to issue a trespass citation.

Laney Gale said the Delta, the Event Site and the waterfront as a whole is a gift to many people and many different users and safety of all people should be the main concern. Doug Archbald stated he felt it should be more restrictive to begin with and see what the experience will be for long-term.

Michael stated we are meeting today because the Port recognizes that kiting is an important sport. Steve added that hours have gone into this DMP and the Safe Zone by all parties and the Port has been positive in the coordination of it.

The committee had consensus that they support the current Port policy of no kiteboarding activity at the Event Site and that signage should be placed immediately at the site, which would state specifically, "no rigging, pumping, drying, launching, landing."

Adam Monahan, CGKA Communications staff, asked if the policy could be reviewed at the end of the season to allow for off-season use of the Event Site. Sherry said the committee could meet this summer to see how the Delta Management Plan was going, if it was being respected, and would consider an off-season use for next year.

Steve said that the City's waterfront park will have a very family-friendly area and this situation is a good opportunity for the Event Site users to support that effort. Michael said the DMP would be revised to include specific language about Event Site kite use prohibition. Language will also be added to review the policy in August 2007 with consideration for potential non-seasonal use of the Event Site for kite pumping and drying.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Next Meeting: August 2007
Prepared by Linda Hull

Port of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2007 Regular Session
Marina Center Conference Room
5:30 P.M.

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL until approved by the Port Commission at the next regular meeting.

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

Absent: Commissioner Kathy Watson, Finance Manager Linda Shames

Media: None

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Bohn called the regular session to order at 5:32 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda by Staff: Executive Director Michael McElwee requested the addition of an Action Item regarding the relocation of light poles on the Hood River Interstate Bridge.
b) Information, Communications, Announcements: None.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: Moorage tenant Charlie Hudson and his friend Glen Hurn were introduced by Marina Manager Laurie Borton. Hurn is considering running for a Port of Klickitat Commission position and stated he is attending various meetings to get a broader perspective on public agencies.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve minutes of April 18, 2007 budget committee meeting and May 1, 2007 regular meeting
· Approve Accounts Payable in the total amount of $21,494.20 to Coburn Electric for installation of data and phone communications in the Marina Center Building ($11,594.20) and to Terra Surveying to complete survey and right-of-way information related to the Frontage Road Feasibility Study ($9,900)

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

4. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS: At the May 1 regular meeting, the Commission deferred the issue of whether or not to allow kite pumping and drying at the Event Site to the Waterfront Recreation Committee. The Committee met on May 7 and consensus was reached supporting the current Port policy of no kiteboarding activity at the Event Site unless reserved for exclusive use. The Committee also recommended that signage should be placed immediately which would state specifically, "no pumping, rigging, launching, landing or drying." Executive Director Michael McElwee noted that Port Ordinance No. 22 had been expanded to define that kiteboarding is not allowed at the Event Site unless permitted by the Port for an exclusive-use event, and that kiteboarding is defined as pumping/drying kites, carrying inflated kites, rigging or attaching lines, launching and landing.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee welcomed the Commissioners and guests to the first meeting in the new Boardroom at the Marina Center Building. Staff moved into the new quarters at 1000 E. Port Marina Drive on May 9 and McElwee credited Tom Broadwater of JWC Construction, Port Finance Manager Linda Shames and Port Maintenance Supervisor Joe Pounders for managing the building improvement project. McElwee highlighted the following areas:

§ Bridge - the Burgess & Niple fracture critical inspection has been completed and preliminary reports are positive and indicate the bridge is in good shape. The new tollbooth is expected to arrive early June and the temporary tollbooth has been moved north of the existing canopy to allow for more traffic queuing. Staff has prepared an outreach program designed to educate the public through the use of newspaper advertising and brochure and card racks on changes that will come about with the automated lanes. McElwee also noted that he and City Manager Bob Francis will co-author a newspaper guest editorial on the Exit 64 traffic congestion. McElwee informed the Commission he had attended a Washington State Transportation Commission meeting in which a new Columbia River bridge crossing was an agenda item. Although the Port had not been directly invited to participate in the meeting, McElwee did attend and testified on the SR35 crossing, as did Bingen Mayor Brian Prigle and Dale Robbins, Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council.
§ Waterfront Recreation - The Hood River Waterfront Access Zone signs have been placed at the Event Site, Hook, Spit, and Marina Beach. A work party to clear debris off the sandbar is scheduled for Saturday, May 19. Linda Hull, Operations Manager, reported that the Division of State Lands had issued a "Right of Entry" permit and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would lower the pool as much as could be done to accommodate the volunteers who would be using manual labor, chain saws, and approved motorized vehicles to clear dangerous debris that will be cut into smaller pieces and burned, which has been approved by the Hood River Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. Bohn complimented Hull for her work with the various recreational and governmental groups which have resulted in good public relations for the Port. McElwee also noted the alternate windsurfing launch site at the Port/Luhr Jensen property being proposed by the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA) has not been finalized but he hopes to have a signed copy for the June 5 meeting. Due to formatting changes, Hull noted that production of the daily, weekly, and annual parking passes has been delayed so the Event Site and Spit booths will not be staffed until Memorial Weekend.
§ Waterfront Development - Senate Bill 1027 has passed the state's Finance and Revenue Committee and will now go to the Senate Ways and Means subcommittee. McElwee commented that he would meet with State Senator Betsy Johnson and gave the Commission a heads-up that he may be calling upon one of them to go to Salem in support of the Port's request to secure $2 million in state funding for waterfront development infrastructure. McElwee reported there was good discussion on the waterfront development implementation strategies presented by Group Mackenzie at a public May 9 evening meeting attended by approximately 15 people. McElwee noted that he planned to have further meetings with Cindy Walbridge for City Planning support. Commissioner Duckwall inquired if any progress had been made with the City on updating the waterfront's Light Industrial zone. McElwee responded that zoning is part of Group Mackenzie's work, which is still about a month off. An Executive Summary of CH2M Hill's 'Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Survey, Data Analysis, and Odor Mitigation Prioritization' was provided. Streich inquired if the City had asked for any assistance in mitigating the odor problem and Bohn commented that she had been informed by City Manager Bob Francis that he would bring neighboring property owners together to discuss the problem. Streich volunteered to participate in a meeting with staff and the City. Bohn also commented that Francis had mentioned the possibility of the Port locating a recreational vehicle park on the waterfront parcel by the wastewater treatment plant off N. 8th Street and Portway Avenue. McElwee reported the Port's recreational vehicle consultant, RV Park Consulting LLC, would be available to meet after May 24th. Duckwall and Streich volunteered to participate in that meeting.
§ Airport - An Airport Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for May 23. An updated Airport Master Plan may be required as a result of the development of the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum. Bohn asked if the property could handle the added traffic. Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, responded that air traffic may be substantial so additional tie-downs may need to be considered. Doke also commented that Terry Brandt has on-site parking (vehicle and aircraft) on his museum property. Commissioner Streich commented Hood River's Ken Jernstedt Airfield might become a destination airport, which is a good thing.

6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS: None.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Approve the Local Agency Agreement No. 23922 with Oregon Department of Transportation and Authorize Commission President, Secretary and Legal Counsel to Execute Five Copies: Attorney Jerry Jaques commented on the requirement that the agreement, relative to the Frontage Road Crossing Feasibility Study, was to be executed while the Commission was in session. Staff recommended the five copies be executed just prior to the Commission being called into Executive Session.

Motion: Move to approve Local Agency Agreement No. 23922 with Oregon Department of Transportation and Authorize the Commission President, Secretary and Legal Counsel to Execute Five Copies.
Move: Hosford
Second: Duckwall
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Move to Approve the Wildish Standard Paving Co. Proposal for Relocation of Light Poles on the Hood River Interstate Bridge [Agenda Addition]: McElwee noted this time-sensitive proposal had been reviewed by HNTB, the Port's bridge engineering firm. Although the proposal was slightly higher than the Port expected, there would be mobilization cost savings by using Wildish Standard Paving Co. while they continue to work on the Toll Plaza Improvement Project. McElwee noted that existing poles and light fixtures, except for three, would be modified; i.e. cantilevered. The Port had initially considered this project as a separate contract after October 15 but if approved all but three poles could be completed by June 22.

Motion: Move to approve the Wildish Standard Paving Co. Proposal in an Amount Not to Exceed $105,850 for the Relocation of Fifteen Existing Light Pole Bases and Purchasing and Replacing Three New Light Poles for the Hood River Interstate Bridge.
Move: Duckwall
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Streich
Absent: Watson
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Staff was thanked for the new facility and a job well done, and McElwee responded to the Commissioners' comments by complimenting Hull, Borton, and Accounting Clerk Melissa Child for their work in getting the office settled. Bohn said she would be on vacation beginning May 16 and returning June 3 - "Aloha!"

It is noted for the record that while still in Regular Session the Commission President, Secretary, and Legal Counsel signed five copies of Local Agency Agreement No. 23922 with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bohn called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property at 6:07 p.m. Upon conclusion of Executive Session, the Commission was called back into Regular Session at 7:01 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

10. ADJOURN: President Bohn adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.

Airport Advisory Committee
May 23, 2007

PRESENT: Committee members Ed Drew, Dick Clarke, Dayle Harris, Bill Veatch, Jeremy Young, Gennaro Avolio, John Benton, Port Commissioner Fred Duckwall, Port Commissioner Hoby Streich, FBOs Anne Yannotti and Denny Kindig, Port Executive Director Michael McElwee and Port Marketing Manager Mike Doke.

AIRPORT MASTER PLAN
Port Executive Director Michael McElwee noted that substantial changes to the airport have occurred since the adoption of the updated Airport Master Plan. Many of these changes are happening as a result of the opening of the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum on private property directly north of the airfield. At the previous Airport Advisory Committee meeting held in March, the committee recommended that the Port take the Airport Master Plan through the county adoption process. As a result of that request, the Port met with county planning staff and the planner/engineer who developed the updated Airport Master Plan. Because of the substantial changes, Port staff suggested a meeting with Federal Aviation Administration officials in Seattle to discuss how the Master Plan's assumptions may be outdated and to determine if a new update is warranted. By consensus, the committee agreed with this approach.
The issues to discuss with FAA staff include a grass landing strip, museum development, an emerging emphasis on antique planes, through-the-fence agreements, residential uses that may include airparks and relocation of the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) building. Reviewing a project from the existing Master Plan update - vacation of Orchard Road east of Runway 25 - would also be discussed.
With the committee's support, Port staff plans on discussing the FAA meeting with the Port Commission at its first meeting in June.
John Benton noted that he's spoken with several airport neighbors who live along Orchard Road, and none had expressed concerns with vacating the road. Jeremy Young has also discussed possible vacation with airport neighbors and reported he did not encounter any resistance to the idea. Jeremy has prepared a letter and signature sheet and indicated his desire to seek signatures of support from all addresses on Orchard Road. Port staff will discuss the idea of initiating street vacation with the Commission at an upcoming meeting.
Ed Drew added that extra airplane traffic what will be generated by the new museum creates a safety concern that warrants moving the FBO building to the north side of the runway. This would reduce the number of people or vehicles that would cross the runway area that is between the FBO building and the museum.

AIRPORT FENCING PROJECT
A $150,500 fencing project has been discussed for later in 2007. The committee felt work on this project should wait until the FAA meeting. It was suggested that this project could be broken into two phases with high priority gate areas being accomplished first with the second phase dependent on the street vacation issue.

AIRPORT SECURITY
Committee members stressed the importance of new "No Trespassing" signs, and said signage could be as strong of a deterrent as new fencing.

FLOATPLANE DOCK
Jeremy Young said the Port's floatplane dock should see substantial use by pilots visiting the new museum. He encouraged the Port to keep the dock available.

2007 FLY-IN
Jeremy Young reported that all local hotels are already booked because of interest in the museum's early-September grand opening that will coincide with the annual Fly-In. He added the only concern is providing enough port-a-potties, and asked anyone with suggestions to contact him.

AIRPORT IRRIGATION
John Benton asked about the status of the airport irrigation project, strongly suggesting improvements sought by the irrigation district are not necessary. Port staff said they would get an update from the maintenance staff regarding the project's status. Benton agreed to attend a meeting with Farmers Irrigation and Port staff to discuss the matter and seek resolution.

AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR
Mike Doke asked for nominations for committee chair, a position that will help develop meeting agendas and run the meeting. Dayle Harris nominated Jeremy Young, who won unanimous approval.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will occur after the Port has met with FAA.