Minutes of November 7, 2007 
Strategic Planning work Session
12:00 P.M. - Marina Center Boardroom

These minutes are not official until approved by the Port Commission at the next regular meeting.

Present: Commissioners Fred Duckwall, Sherry Bohn Don Hosford, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Mike Doke, Linda Hull, and Linda Shames; Guest Hood River County Economic Development Coordinator Bill Fashing

Absent: Laurie Borton, Staff

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

President Fred Duckwall called the Special Meeting for Strategic Planning to order at 12:20 p.m., stating the Regular Meeting of the Commission will immediately follow this work session.

1) Meeting Overview. Executive Director Michael McElwee asked that today's work session focus on long-term planning and to offer feedback and guidance for plans, progress and next steps on four key issues. He commented the waterfront continues to be an area of uncertainty; it is not development-ready, it needs legal descriptions completed and more work on obtaining infrastructure and ownership information.

§ Key Issues:
Long-Term Financial Planning. McElwee stated the long-term strategic planning involves assumptions about acquisitions and real estate investments. One assumption is that the Port needs to replace bridge income at some point in the future. How does the Port plan for that at the same time it must plan for keeping the current bridge safe and operational? McElwee has begun preparation of a strategic financing planning model that will help identify and test a list of strategic choices and their consequences.

Waterfront Development Momentum. The DaKine decision had a big impact on the Port planning for redevelopment of the waterfront. The Port needs to consider other options for the Expo Center Building, and reaffirm or modify its strategy for development on this site.

Bridge Replacement Issues & Strategy. The Washington State Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is continuing to promote additional spending on environmental studies for the replacement of the Hood River Interstate Bridge. The Port has to plan for long-term maintenance of the asset while participating in the planning for bridge replacement.

Economic Development "Next Steps". McElwee stated the Port's current properties are fully occupied. The waterfront is not ready for completion; however, the Port should be ready to acquire any property that is shovel-ready, if financially feasible. The Port's efforts in economic development are severely reduced without available properties to market. McElwee stated there would be more discussion in Executive Session on real estate matters at the end of the regular meeting.

2) Financial Overview.

§ Capital Projects Status. Linda Shames, Finance Manager, updated the Commission on the following projects: BreezeBy, the electronic tolling system, will be completed with final documentation and implementation by the end of December. The project will come in under the $3.68 million budgeted figure. The Wasco Office Building's tenant improvement project will be completed by December 15, 2007. The Marina Center Building was painted this month. The waterfront infrastructure improvements will move ahead if the Port receives a Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration grant. A potential new building on the waterfront is in the capital budget for 2007-08.
§ Usage of Port Facilities. Shames discussed the 2006-07 financial data, indicating the Return on Investment (ROI) includes deprecation. Investments of real estate can be broken out further if grants were used in acquisition or if no cash was used (example: Western Power Building). Commissioner Watson asked if the professional services paid for the DaKine deal could benefit another prospect? McElwee said it could, depending upon the company. However, McElwee said this brings up another issue on tracking the Port's ROI for investments. Is this ROI methodology accurate? Why would John Weber Business Park Building be 100% occupied but show a negative ROI? Should lease agreements be reviewed for 2007-08 to look at other economic indicators other than ROI?
§ Revenue & Expense Summary. Shames handed out the unaudited Financial Statements just recently compiled. She stated that the balance sheet shows what cash is available to leverage into projects. The only debt is for the bridge bonds, approximately $700,000 annually. Commissioner Streich asked staff to include financial information in the packet so that he can review it prior to the meeting. Shames reviewed the asset cost center information. Commissioner Bohn asked if the $8 million would be able to be used for future planning projects? Shames stated while the spring planning looks ahead at capital budget items, the purpose of fall planning is looking back over the prior year at asset performance and how to make it better for next year. Are we financially healthy? What are the uncollectible debts? Are the funds safe and secure? Bohn asked could we acquire, develop and improve the infrastructure with what we have today? Shames reiterated that spring planning would be an exercise in prioritizing projects for the next budget, but there is money in the current budget for capital projects at this time. Watson stated the ROI model needs work with different parameters for measurement that include and would achieve the Port's mission statement. McElwee stated he believes a more practical measurement is cash on cash methodology and to keep investments separate. Shames said although the Port follows GAAP requirements for depreciation, etc., that the strategic plan was modified several years ago to include the ROI standard and it can be changed. McElwee affirmed that ROI is not defined in the Port's strategic plan and that investors look at ROI differently than a Port district because the assumptions are different for an economic development agency. The Port's ROI could be zero and be a successful strategy. Shames said that cash flow is most important, but that the community assets (waterfront recreation, marina, park) need to be covered. There was consensus by the Commission that the Port will shift its policy to incorporate a new definition of ROI in its strategic plan.
ü Bridge Traffic: Shames said there is a continuing increase in bridge traffic, but income did not increase at the same rate due to more discount tickets purchased. Traffic appears to be equal northbound and southbound daily. Shames commended staff Laurie Borton and Melissa Child for their work and patience with customer service on the BreezeBy accounts. BreezeBy is scheduled to go "live" on November 15, 2007.
ü Recreation: Shames informed the Commission that the Event Site income increased by $14,000 in 2007, due in part to more annual passes sold, possibly due to the $1 increase in the daily fee and more use by the Kiteboarding community. Staff commented it seemed busier than prior years, however, the parking lot counts are similar to 2006. More people are parking in the outer edges and do not pay, Bohn said, and the Commission needs to address the parking issue in its waterfront redevelopment planning.

3) Discussion.

A. Income Properties. McElwee informed the Commission that all Port properties are leased at 100% except for UTS Portsite, which does not have suitability to lease. In looking at the Port's role in economic development, it has nothing to offer right now. He believes the Port needs to think about changing this picture by acquiring or building properties that we could, in turn, advertise and market for local business retention and new businesses. Currently in the city, the Waucoma Center Building is on the market, and is a possibility for redevelopment. The waterfront includes bare land, but it is not shovel-ready. The Port is waiting for legal descriptions to subdivide it, and ODOT's Interchange Access Management Plan (IAMP) process to be completed for Exits 63 and 64 and which may impact development. Streich asked Bill Fashing to explain the county's focus for economic development. Fashing replied the primary areas are valued-added agriculture, outdoor gear and apparel and technology businesses; however, the workforce training and housing are two issues that need to be addressed. Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, stated that Mid Columbia Economic Development Department also identifies these areas as clusters for the region. Streich asked Fashing how the Port could help with these issues. Fashing responded that there is a market for speculative buildings because businesses are looking for an existing building before bare land; they also prefer to purchase the building and not lease space. McElwee's recommendation to the Commission is to develop or acquire shovel-ready properties before becoming aggressive in advertising or recruitment. Duckwall stated the Port should embrace the Group Mackenzie implementation strategies and codify them in the strategic plan.

B. Waterfront Development. McElwee stated there are options for the Expo Center even though the DaKine withdrawal was a disappointment. The design prepared for DaKine is user-friendly for other companies. Watson asked if it could be a place to move UTS Portside tenants while the Port tears it down and builds new space on that property. McElwee told the Commission that Full Sail has an interest in the Expo Center for an interim use as warehouse and offices because they have outgrown their Columbia Street facility. McElwee said the IAMP is based on zoning and trip counts so the Port will continue to work with ODOT and the city on this issue. The Port is also working with the city on modifying the Light Industrial zone that will allow for the new industries of technology not just on the waterfront but throughout the city. Bohn stated she doesn't want to see the Port lose the momentum of redeveloping the waterfront. Streich asked Fashing if the Hood River Juice Company is still feasible; Fashing stated they are trying to make it work. McElwee said a Tax Increment Financing model would include all waterfront properties and that the city and the Port are currently analyzing the feasibility of implementation. The Port is also pursuing subdivision of the waterfront and dedication of Portway and 2nd Street, although Attorney Jaques stated Portway may have already been dedicated in the 1970s; he is working with the city attorney to clarify that issue. The IAMP analysis could impact how traffic uses the site, including the Riverside Drive access. McElwee stated that Eric Carlson, Terra Surveying, has done excellent work for the Port to survey the property boundaries and rights-of-way along the freeway, and has given McElwee information that he can use in negotiating with ODOT for adjustments.

C. Bridge Operations. McElwee informed the Commission that the bridge needs two important maintenance items implemented this year. The bearing repairs project estimated at $71,000 will repair 36 rocker bearings. At the same time, the ODOT bridge crew will clean the debris off the structure. The painting project will focus on the joints; the bridge will be spot-painted from the south end to the north end over a time period of three years. McElwee said he has attended the bi-state RTC meetings to discuss planning for a bridge replacement and recognizes that while the Port needs to anticipate the replacement of the bridge within a 20-year horizon, its primary obligation is to operate and maintain the bridge safely. Currently, the bridge replacement is a local concern and not on the radar for ODOT or WSDOT. Bohn suggested a local coalition group could bring more attention to the matter by approaching the state and federal government representatives. McElwee will be attending the next RTC meeting (November 29) to address questions regarding economic impacts of the bridge and to identify the specific steps and relationships necessary to initiate the replacement planning effort and asked for Commission feedback prior to that meeting.

McElwee said the staff preparations for the electronic tolling have been extraordinary and commended Shames for her oversight of the project. It was noted that the BreezeBy and Good to Go on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge would be interactive in approximately one month.

D. Airport. McElwee reported the Airport Master Plan is being prepared for review and adoption and would support the activities and operations of the Museum at the site. McElwee would like to work on a plan for future airport management. The Fixed Base Operator (FBO) agreement expires at the end of 2008. McElwee plans to create a new business model and implement it with a revised management plan prior to requesting proposals for an FBO concession.

E. Economic Development. McElwee stated the job and payroll information collected on Port tenants demonstrates that the Port's impact on the economy is significant ($6.5 million estimated annual wages). The buildings are almost fully occupied. The county's Industrial Lands Report identified every property available, its value and hurdles to development. McElwee was stunned at how little opportunity there is in the local market for development. The Port supports and works well with the county's economic development agency; however, the Port could be more active in recruitment, both for existing local business and outside companies. He will continue to work with Bill Fashing on this issue. McElwee stated increased opportunities for business growth and expansion could come through acquisition of rental properties, new speculative development, build-to-suit or property sales. Without the ability to place prospects in adequate facilities, the Port's ability to participate successfully in business recruitment and other economic development efforts is severely diminished.

4) Summary/Wrap Up. McElwee expressed this opportunity to brainstorm was helpful and would come back to the Commission with any specific issues or opportunities. The Commission reaffirmed the waterfront development strategy. McElwee will proceed to 1) develop new ways to measure the Port's ROI; 2) continue to resolve property ownership and light industrial zoning issues; 3) develop an airport business model; and 4) initiate application for subdividing the waterfront. Duckwall asked McElwee to develop a timetable to track the progress of these endeavors. Bohn stated her concerns about splitting the resources from waterfront development to acquisition opportunities. She encouraged the Commission and staff to stay focused on waterfront development implementation to maintain its momentum.

The work session ended at 3:10 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Commission immediately followed.

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Minutes of November 7, 2007
Regular Meeting
3:15 P.M. - Marina Center Boardroom

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

Absent: Laurie Borton, Staff

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Duckwall called the regular session to order at 3:15 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Executive Director Michael McElwee requested the addition of an Action Item to approve a contract amendment for additional services from HNTB to complete the documentation and implementation of the electronic toll collection system, BreezeBy.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve minutes of October 23, 2007 regular meeting.
· Approve personnel action to authorize a .5 FTE increase in maintenance staff.

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

4. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
§ Waterfront Recreation Committee report was tabled until next meeting.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Schedule - McElwee will attend the November 29 meeting of the Washington State Regional Transportation Committee (RTC).
§ Waterfront Recreation - A successful meeting of the Waterfront Recreation Committee to review the 2007 season was held November 1st. Another meeting of the committee will be held to discuss the Marina expansion plan. The US Army Corps of Engineers study will be kicked off tomorrow, November 8, in Portland. A request for a memorial tree to be planted at the Event Site was discussed and consensus was that it would be acceptable. McElwee stated the Oregonian article regarding resculpting of the existing sand adjacent to the Event Site was inaccurate. McElwee informed the Commission that a wind-measuring device called DaJibe was mounted on the Expo Center to generate test data for two months.

6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
· None.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a. Approve Contract Amendment with HNTB Corporation for Additional Services to Complete the Electronic Toll Collection System in an Amount Not to Exceed
$65,799.00: Linda Shames explained that the final installation and documentation of the new electronic tolling system took more time than average because of the high volume of logging trucks and motorcycles, which makes our system very unique but difficult to implement. Commissioner Watson asked if there were any service agreements in place for the equipment. Shames said that all the systems have warranties, but she will check on an hourly rate for any followup work required after full implementation.

Motion: Move to approve contract amendment with HNTB Corporation for Additional Services to Complete the Electronic Toll Collection System in amount not to exceed $65,799.00.
Move: Hosford
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Duckwall, Hosford, Bohn, and Watson
Nay: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Commissioner Streich asked if the Port had a cell phone use policy for tollhouse attendants. He did not appreciate driving through the toll plaza and having the attendant talking on a cell phone and not tell him "thank you". Shames responded that the temporary booth people had cell phones in order to communicate with the toll plaza, but there is no cell phone use policy specifically for the tollhouse attendants. Streich then asked why the last meeting and this meeting were not being tape-recorded? He would like to be able to listen to the tapes if he misses a meeting so that he can hear tone of voices. Linda Hull responded that the tape recorder malfunctioned at the last meeting and should be available for the next meeting. Streich then asked why the UTS Portsite yard had yet to be cleaned up, as it was an embarrassment to him as a Commissioner to see all the junk still in it after requesting cleanup several months ago. McElwee said all parties have been contacted who have equipment in the yard. Streich then asked that all material for Action Items be in the packet that is sent out the week before the meeting so that he can have time to look at any financial information, and that is the reason he voted against the HNTB amended contract. McElwee said he would review these administrative issues with staff before the next meeting. Commissioner Watson said the History Museum kickoff was successful and that there may be a possibility of having the Gorge Grown Food group locate in that space. McElwee stated he has met with Ann Kramer regarding the needs of Gorge Grown Food.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 3:50 p.m. President Duckwall called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property. The Commission was called back into Regular Session at 4:45 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

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Minutes of November 20, 2007 Regular Session
Marina Center Boardroom
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

Absent: None

Media: Sue Ryan, Hood River News

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Fred Duckwall called the regular session to order at 5:30 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Commissioner Hoby Streich stated that he would be presenting an Urban Renewal Report under Agenda item number 4.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve minutes of November 7, 2007 strategic planning work session and regular session meetings
· Approve contract amendment with HNTB in the amount of $6,902 to prepare painting recommendations
· Approve one-year lease renewal with Gary Efferding and Micro-Composites at the John Weber Business Park
· Approve an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $71,250 for repair of bridge bearings
· Approve contract with Terra Surveying in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to provide services associated with a proposed subdivision of Port waterfront properties

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

4. COMMISSIONER, COMMITTEE REPORTS:
§ Waterfront Recreation - Commissioner Sherry Bohn and Operations Manager Linda Hull presented the Committee's recommendation for allowing kiteboard access from the Event Site during the shoulder season from October 1 through April 30 for discussion as current policy prohibits access unless the Event Site has been exclusively reserved. Further discussion followed under Action Items. Bohn also mentioned there was considerable discussion about the Moorage Waiting Lists and whether the Port should change its policy to prioritize Port District or Gorge region residents over others from outside the area. Bohn stated this topic will need to come back to the Commission for further discussion at some point.
§ Urban Renewal (agenda addition) - Commissioner Streich reported that monument signs will be placed in the downtown corridor directing visitors to businesses. A $3,000 match by the City will cover the total cost of $6,000. Streich also reported the construction on Oak Street between 3rd and 5th Streets is on schedule to begin February 2008.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Michael McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - In the spirit of Thanksgiving, McElwee thanked Linda Shames for her oversight of the BreezeBy system and the tollbooth staff, Melissa Child, and Laurie Borton for their attention to customer service in the electronic tolling conversion; the maintenance staff was also recognized for their continued hard work even though the "tourist season" has ended. McElwee reported on a preliminary meeting that would bring the Gorge Games back to Hood River in July 2008. McElwee provided the Commission with a Key List of Projects identified by cost center, lead and supporting staff. The Commissioners found the project list to be very informative and requested the inclusion of a targeted completion date.
§ Waterfront Recreation - As an informational item only, the Commission was informed that moorage tenants would be notified of a 3.4% rate adjustment for 2008 based on the cost of living increase the State of Oregon uses for its inflation index. Staff is working with Port attorney Jerry Jaques to revise language in the agreement to allow for carryover each year unless termination is desired by either the tenant or the Port. McElwee also reported he had met with the Oregon Department of State Lands regarding grading of the sandbar.
§ Waterfront Development - A meeting with the US Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the Delta assessment study was held on November 8 and a follow-up meeting involving the Hood River Watershed will be scheduled in early December. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has recommended delaying the Exit 63 Interchange Area Management Plan; the delay, however, will not impact ODOT's bid process and reconstruction timelines at Exit 64. McElwee also noted he had met with the City last week regarding various development issues, and with Halus Power Systems regarding the placement of an anemometer. The Port is continuing to explore ideas for solar potential of Port buildings beyond the waterfront as a commitment to renewable energies.
§ Airport - T-hangar tenants will also be notified of the 3.4% rate increase for 2008 and rental agreements will also carryover until terminated.
§ Bridge/Transportation - The electronic tolling BreezeBy system went "live" November 15 and over 800 accounts have been established and 1500 transponders have been issued.

6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
§ Waterfront Urban Renewal District Feasibility Overview - Elaine Howard Consulting, LLC: Howard explained the financing tools of urban renewal that help facilitate and/or offset development costs, and that tax increment financing establishes a baseline upon which incremental increases are assessed and distributed through the urban renewal agency, which in the case of the Waterfront, would be the City of Hood River. Howard will also provide an overview to the City Council on November 26. McElwee will also attend to provide a list of projects the Port believes is necessary to pursue within the waterfront urban renewal district - infrastructure upgrades to Portway Avenue and Riverside Drive, solving odor problems at the wastewater treatment plant, and connecting trail improvements. Jaques commented the current Downtown Urban Renewal District is a direct outcome of the Port's Diamond Complex Project and although initial downtown improvement projects were front-funded by the Port, those funds were repaid by the District. If the City Council approves to move forward it was Howard's opinion that the current Urban Renewal District board, which has two Port representatives, would oversee the waterfront projects. Howard also commented that, if approved, the process to create the new district could take between 4 to 10 months due to public notice and meeting requirements. It was Howard's opinion that the tax role date of October 1 should be targeted for establishment of the district.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a. Approve Policy Regarding Launching of Kiteboards from the Event Site During the Shoulder Season: Hull and Bohn commented the kiteboarding community had worked hard to become an active, self-policing group that had organized numerous clean-ups to ensure the safety of the recreation. In recognition of their efforts they recommended approval of allowing launching from the Event Site during the shoulder season of October through April.

Motion: Move to approve off-season kiteboard access to allow launching from the Event Site from October 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008.
Move: Bohn
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

b) Approve Revised Event Fee Schedule: Hull commented the Commission had not reviewed event fees since 2004 and that based on past experiences and the amount of time involved in managing and coordinating events adjustments should be considered. Staff suggested the current policy of differentiating between commercial, non-commercial or nonprofit should instead be based on event size, with anything over 100 participants designated as a large event and, therefore, must be an exclusive use. Those events take up a significant amount of property and staff time to manage. The following recommendations were proposed:

Event Site, Spit, Hook, Boat Basin - increase exclusive use to $750 and base non-exclusive fees on the number of participants; i.e., $75/day for groups up to 50 and $125/day for groups up to 100.

Marina Park - exclusive use required for groups over 100, otherwise the rates would remain status quo; i.e., $75/day for groups up to 50 and $125/day for groups up to 100 participants.

Marina Green - exclusive use required for groups over 100, otherwise the rates would remain status quo; i.e., $75/day for groups up to 50 and $125/day for groups up to 100 participants. The fee for Parking Only, however, would increase to $200/day (from $175).

Exclusive Use of All Properties - Per day increase to $750 (from $600) and multiple-day event fees negotiable.

Move In/Move Out for All Properties - $100/day.

Picnic Shelter - Staff recommended eliminating reserved use along with the fee based on group size. There was Commission consensus that the Marina Park Picnic Shelter was nice property and that users should be allowed the opportunity to reserve the site for a nominal, non-refundable fee to be determined by staff.

Motion: Move to approve the revised event fee schedule, as amended to allow reservations at the Marina Park Picnic Shelter with fees to be determined by Staff.
Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

c) Approve Contract with MFIA, Inc. to Provide Electrical Engineering Services for the Marina in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,800 Plus Reimbursable Expenses: McElwee commented the draft Marina Planning Study concludes the electrical system serving the existing marina is deficient and that prior to any expansion, repairs and upgrades need to be defined, including cost estimates. A proposal for electrical engineering services including scope identification, schematic design, product specifications and estimated costs has been provided by the consulting firm MFIA, Inc.

Motion: Move to approve a contract with MFIA, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $6,800 plus reimbursable expenses to prepare electrical engineering services for the Marina.
Move: Hosford
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, Streich, and Watson
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Hosford inquired about the Commissioner portraits. Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, responded the portraits will be included in the upcoming Annual Report and that quotes for framing and matting are being obtained for the portraits which will be displayed in the lobby. Streich commented that the pictorial airport sign at 13th & Oak Streets is upside down and that simply flipping the sign would indicate the wrong direction. Staff will contact ODOT about the sign.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:45 p.m. President Duckwall called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property. The Commission was called back into Regular Session at 7:16 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.

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Waterfront Recreation Committee
Minutes
November 1, 2007

Attending: Members Steve Gates, Lori Stirn, Michael Schock, Laney Gale, Doug Archbald, Richard Sassara, Ann Frodel; Commissioner Sherry Bohn; Staff Members: Michael McElwee, Linda Hull, and Mike Doke; Guests: Katie Crafts, CGWA; Josh Sceva, Hood River Yacht Club

1. Guest Introductions/Additions to the Agenda: Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 3:05 p.m. After introductions, a discussion on an Event Site memorial tree was added to the Event Site agenda.

2. Delta Update: Michael McElwee stated the Port's appreciation for the attendees of this meeting. The Delta event, which occurred almost a year ago, is continuing to be analyzed regarding its impacts on recreation. The Waterfront Access Zone appeared to be effective in separating the windsurf/kiteboard sports and the sites seemed busier than ever before. Ann Frodel stated she felt it was difficult to enforce on the water. Steve Gates added there were several "show offs" but that peer pressure by the kiteboard community helped to decrease the violators as the season progressed. All agreed that self-policing was the key to the enforcement and safety. Gates thought that next year would be even more effective because people will be used to the plan. Frodel asked if the yellow buoy could be placed higher so it would float in high water. Linda Hull will check with Bruce Peterson and Deputy Anderson on that. Bohn felt like the yellow buoy was an important symbol for awareness of the congested zone. CGKA's contribution to clean up the Delta and make it safer for all users was commended. Their members were also instrumental in the self-enforcement of the rules regarding the demarcation zone and all users appreciated those efforts.

McElwee wanted the committee to understand that there is difference in opinion and values with regards to the Delta uses. As the Delta matures, trees will come and other ecological changes that the fish and wildlife and riverkeeper people will be watching. Not every group supports the heavy recreational use of the waterfront. The Port will continue to work with State Lands to manage the area. Michael Schock asked if the recreation community should be concerned about it being shut down at some point? McElwee doubted that, but just wanted everyone to be aware of the other interests. Bohn stated she felt as the Delta changes over time, other groups will become more active to protect those interests.

McElwee said the Port monitored the water quality in the Nichols basin all summer and that there are no issues with the water quality there. He also updated the committee on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Study to examine the long-term impacts of the Delta on the Hood River waterfront from the standpoint of navigation, recreation and habitat. This effort should be completed in 8-10 months. The Corps, Port and Naito Development are all contributing funds to this $200,000 Planning Assistance Study that the Port initiated as a way to look ahead and plan for impacts to future activities there.

McElwee discussed the proposed Delta removal and fill project for which application has been made jointly to the Corps and State Lands. It would shift sand below the Ordinary High Water mark from the Delta over to the Event Site beach and in front of the Luhr Jensen building at the same elevation, creating more windsurf launch area to the west now that the Delta has formed on the east end of the Event Site. It needs a biological assessment and a sediment evaluation and the budget will dictate if the project can be done. Costs estimates are from $3.5/cubic yard (dry) to $8/cy wet. McElwee previously briefed the CGWA on the project and the organization is supportive of it. It was asked if the dolphins will be removed. McElwee said SDS is the only user of these Port-owned dolphins and they have agreed not to use them during the summer season. Frodel felt the fill of the western edge is a long-range solution to expanding access. Richard Sassara asked if the Delta will fill back in over time. McElwee said it probably would depend upon the flows from the Hood River and Mt. Hood.

3. Event Site: McElwee stated it felt like the parking lot was busier this year than last and revenue was up with more people buying annual passes. Linda Hull will also provide the Spit parking numbers to the committee. Frodel asked if additional parking was planned anywhere. She felt more personnel is needed to monitor the parking lot because on very busy days when the lot closed, there were still open spaces. She also felt the temporary spaces should be made into permanent parking spots on busy days and short-term parking should be on the street. Frodel also felt Port personnel or the host should be in the parking lot directing people where to park and enforcing the RV spaces.

There was consensus that surveying the customers of the Event Site for dog and other issues would be valuable to obtain feedback for policy decisions. There were several dog bites this year at both the Event Site and the Spit.

Off-season kiteboard use at the Event Site was discussed. The committee's consensus was to allow kiteboard access from the Event Site during from October 1 through April 30. Bohn will take that recommendation back to the Commission for a policy discussion. CGKA's request to use the east end of the Event Site for rigging kites before launching at the sandbar was tabled until the spring meeting because the removal and fill project may not be accomplished.

McElwee said a long-time windsurfer from Washington died recently and his friends would like to plant a tree in his memory at the Event Site. Lori Stirn said she would provide examples of memorial policies to the Port for guidance as to size and limitations, etc.

4. 2008 Issues & Recommendations: Various issues were discussed.
§ Frodel asked if the Port could charge a launch fee (honor system) at the public boat ramp. Staff will look into the Oregon State Marine Board grant limitations on fees.
§ Linda Hull told the committee the Port is submitting an application to the Oregon Parks & Recreation Trail Grant program to provide funding for Phase 1 of the Riverfront Pedestrian Trail System that would connect each end of the City's Waterfront Park to the Event Site and the Hook, approximately 1,400 linear feet. Lori Stirn said she would also check into any SDC funds that might be available for this project.
§ A kiteboard school requested consideration of an inflation station at the Event Site. It was suggested that the schools might obtain a generator or use solar power at the Spit instead, especially since the decision has not been made to allow kite pumping at the Event Site in the future.
§ McElwee said the Port will be upgrading the landscaping and the picnic tables at the Event Site this winter/spring. Frodel said the grass is always too wet and wondered if it could be overseeded by drought-resistant grass the city is using in the park that would not require so much water. She said Steve Stampfli was her contact for it.
§ The citizen complaint about the restroom doors being left open for ventilation purposes and violating her privacy was discussed. Staff will look into solutions, possibly more fans inside, to resolve the issue.
§ The placement of the kickers at the sandbar was discussed. Staff will work with the State Marine Board, schools and CGKA to find a better spot for placement due to safety concerns.
§ CGKA/CGWA flyer/signage regarding self-rescue, hazards, barges, "kite at your own risk", etc., was discussed. It was suggested that the daily passes have the warnings on the back, but that staff should work with the two groups during the off-season for correct wording on any public information.
§ Marina Issues: McElwee said the Port is working on a plan for expanding the Marina this year and the proposal will go before the Commission for a decision in the near future. Additional slips could be added to the existing piers already in the water with expansion of the other docks to follow. This work could add approximately 80 new slips. Currently there are approximately 150 on the waiting list. It was asked again if the Port should change its policy to prioritize Port District or Gorge region residents over others from out of the area. Lori Stirn said staff should check with Special Districts to see if it can discriminate in this manner. Laney Gale asked about dry storage plans and if a hoist was being considered. McElwee said the Port is looking at that aspect in this plan. Doug Archbald stated that dry storage availability needs a hoist and that it is important to sailboats in particular because they are so hard to trailer with the large keels. McElwee said he would meet with the Yacht Club to get additional input for any recommendations regarding this issue. The old Port maintenance yard may be a potential dry storage space, as well as a small portion of the Port's current yard.

Gale asked if the Marina issues could be first on the agenda at the future meetings so that more discussion and input can be received from all committee members before they leave early. Bohn and McElwee agreed that the Marina should receive more attention from the committee in the future, and possibly a meeting where only the Marina expansion is discussed.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Next Meeting: Date to be determined.