Port of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2008 Fall Strategic Planning Work Session
Marina Center Boardroom
12:00 Noon

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 Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Hoby Streich; from staff, Linda Hull

Media: None

Following a lunch break, President Fred Duckwall called the fall strategic planning work session to order at 12:20 p.m.

I. Meeting Overview: Executive Director Michael McElwee presented a brief overview of the work session by commenting discussions would focus on strategic planning levels rather than the financial detail of property, or cost center, categories. McElwee asked the Commission to think about the economic risks and their level of comfort in projects to be undertaken and that discussions today would help in drafting the budget process in spring 2009.

McElwee noted some examples of how operations is currently being impacted, such as the current economic downturn; the potential purchase of the Waucoma Building, which may impact decisions related to Waterfront development; and the medical retirement of Operations Manager Linda Hull. McElwee also commented that while many major capital projects have been completed for the bridge, painting still needs to be done.

II. Summary of Port Finances: For comparison and trending purposes, Finance Manager Linda Shames provided an unaudited three-year view of income, expenses, and balance sheets for the financial statement periods ending for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 fiscal years. Shames summarized the following property categories:

Bridge - A decrease in overall revenue has been attributed to the reduction in interest income in the reserve balance which was depleted with the last construction project; and Shames noted the restricted fund required by bond covenants cannot be spent. A per-span cost of $250,000 has been identified for cleaning and painting the bridge sub-structure only, and the company that will provide this service has not been identified. Grant dollars are difficult to find for deferred maintenance on the bridge; the Port believes upkeep will continue for at least the next 20 years, and although it may be politically distasteful, raising the cash price to a $1 toll may need to be considered. November 15 will mark the first anniversary of the BreezeBy system and approximately 35 to 40% of the users have converted to electronic tolling from ticket or cash crossings. The Commission then discussed ways to encourage more BreezeBy use by advertising in travel or windsurfing and kiteboarding publications, for example.

Leased Properties - Expanded leases in the former Port office building, the Expo Center, Wasco Building, Kearny Western Power Products Building, and former Port maintenance shop have resulted in increased revenues, which in turn relate directly to an increase in utilities and taxes. Shames expected this trend to continue in 2008-09.

Undeveloped Property - A change in income is related to the Frontage Road Project contribution by federal grant dollars; and expenses are associated with the Frontage Road, Waterfront subdivision, and the Urban Renewal District.

Recreation - A revenue decrease was reflected with the change of the Expo Center from a recreation classification to a leased property and with a change in booking the concession school fees from monthly to an annual payment at the beginning of the season. Cruise ship traffic was down; parking receipts were almost identical to the previous year; and small changes in special events did not affect the overall percentage contribution.

Marina - Expenses remained constant over prior years and the effect of having only annual tenants reflected a slight decrease in overall revenue because monthly tenants pay a higher moorage lease rate. The Wait Lists were dramatically reduced in September with a required $100 non-refundable administrative fee that is not applied to moorage; and it is unknown if the current economic downturn will have an impact on 2009 renewals.

Airport - Revenues are reflective of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for hangar rates along with an increased building tenant lease rate. Overall maintenance expenses were less than the prior year; however, Shames did note a Port contribution of $103,200 toward the Windmaster Sewer Project for ten hookups, two of what are existing hookups plus eight additional.

Expo Center - The building transitioned from an event booking venue to a leased based asset; and expenses were less because of the prior year's professional services associated with a potential purchase and conversion.

General Government - The Ball Janik contact for lobbyist services account for 11% of the Port's expenditures, which is a cost associated with being a public body. It now appears the County has more projects on the horizon so a more equitable distribution of the Ball Janik contract that will be renewed in January was discussed. Suggestions offered by the Commission included a three-way cost split of the contract, the Port swapping its distribution with the County, or a floating figure reflected by the hours incurred by Ball Janik.

Shames then commented on the Port's current debt obligation. The last payment on the 15-year bridge bonds will be made in 2019 and the debt service is just over $700,000. Shames said that all net operating revenue, and not just the bridge, needs to be 1.3 times the debt service. Shames noted a provision written into the bond covenant allows the Port to sell property if it's not more than 5% of the revenue stream.

With reference to financing alternatives, the following funding types could be considered: bonds; Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) flex leases; Port revolving loan funds; Special Public Works Infrastructure funds (SPWIF) which are generally 50% grants and 50% loans; and mortgages.

Shames completed her summary of Port finances by reviewing the capital projects that have been completed: the toll plaza project is essentially complete; Wasco tenant improvements and parking lot; the Expo Building has been painted; the Marina Center has a new parking lot and the building has a new roof; an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant has been awarded for the Riverfront Trail; the Picnic Shelter has a new roof; a new security gate has been installed at the Marina; and airport paving, striping, and tie down projects have been
completed. Projects yet to be completed include the Marina dock expansion, the grass runway at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield; and an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City for Waterfront improvements.

III. Project Area Discussion: McElwee and the Commission then discussed Key Issues, Recent Actions, and Next Steps by functional areas.

Industrial Properties - Most of the Port's industrial properties are reaching maximum occupancy; however, UTS Portsite is at 60% occupancy because the second floor isn't suited for manufacturing. Parking at the Big 7 Building continues to be an issue. A building site is available at the airport; however, development guidelines require any ground lease to be aviation-related. McElwee commented that a future project may include a three-way funding agreement with the City and County to hire a consultant to evaluate the Exit 62 property, from the Wal-Mart property on Country Club Road east to the boundary of the Mid-Columbia Marine & Motor Sports building.

Waterfront Development - The Exit 63 IAMP (Interchange Area Management Plan) remains on a slow track with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the time being; and the Port is not actively pursuing development plans at this time for Lot 1 since the emphasis on planning efforts are targeted for the interior property between Portway Avenue and Riverside Drive. McElwee presented boards illustrating conceptual designs for buildings that could include mezzanine space that is exempt from ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements as long as this space is not a public building or accessed by the public. McElwee said building construction costs for the Port may be 20 to 30% higher because of prevailing wage requirements rather than the land being sold to a developer; the offset would be better financing available to the Port than to the private developer. McElwee said a key question was consideration of a new flex building for development in 2009 and there was Commission consensus that this was important.

McElwee asked for clarification regarding the feasibility of a temporary recreational vehicle (RV) site on the Waterfront. Staff had not taken any further steps to pursue the issue. There was Commission consensus that nothing more needed to be done because a payback on the infrastructure development would not be ensured with a temporary RV site.

Waterfront Recreation - The maintenance staff was given credit by McElwee for their help with Harvest Fest. Consensus was it worked under tents at the Event Site but its future is unclear because Lot 1 may not always be available for parking, and the Fire Department had concerns about the traffic backups on I-84. The Port has not yet received an executed copy of the funding grant from the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation so construction on the Trail Project is on hold. Access to the Hook and Spit continue to be challenging; it needs to be remembered that these accesses were not built as roads and a roadbed would need to be created in order for the access to be improved upon, and the costs associated with City code requirements would be expensive.

Marina - The Marina Expansion project is still in the permit process at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so construction likely cannot proceed until November 2009 at the earliest. The Waterfront Recreation Committee would like to see improvements made to lengthen the boat ramp, with grant funding possibly available from the Oregon State Marine Board. The Committee continues to express an interest for a boat lift; however, the lift would not benefit the general public so OSMB grants would not fund this type of project, which may not be
feasible due to space limitations. The floatplane dock is currently underutilized by three annual tenants and usage of this dock will be revisited with the Airport Advisory Committee, many who believe this option should remain available to pilots.

Bridge/Transportation Operations - There was no further discussion, other than Shames reported the pedestrian footbridge inspection had been completed. A final report has not been received but staff was notified the footbridge was in good condition and there are plans for deck replacement in 2009.

Airport - McElwee commented on the glider concession permit stating there have been challenges with 'out of scope' activities and with incidents and complaints filed by other persons. A Freedom of Information request has been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration for further background information since the permit is up for renewal at the end of the calendar year. Marketing Manager Mike Doke commented that one Request for Proposal had been received for the Fixed Based Operations management and that the RFP had not been through a review committee yet and there was also the question of hiring an airport manager instead. Doke also reported that a traffic analysis may be required by the County Planning Commission for the Airport Master Plan (AMP) and that staff and the AMP consultant are negotiating this requirement with the County. Doke said the County Planning Commission had concerns about vacating a portion of Orchard Road and the implications that the Planning Commission endorsed the vacation.

Miscellaneous Issues - Management is reviewing staffing levels and how responsibilities might be realigned. The addition of family medical coverage for non-exempt employees is also being considered. The Port has a strong partnership with the City and County that will be maintained. McElwee did comment that the Port's role in economic development issues county-wide would likely broaden since the County's Economic Development Administrator's role is becoming more focused on renewable and less focused on business recruitment. McElwee also reported an update of the Port's strategic plan would be brought back to the Commission at a later date.

IV. Capital Projects Review: McElwee lead a discussion on a summary rollup sheet and capital projects sheet from the draft Strategic Planning Financial Model. McElwee reiterated this financial model was an important tool in basing decisions on what and how much could be done. Based on assumptions, McElwee said he was confident the Port had the capital and reserves to carry out projects and that the Waucoma Building would be added to the model to see if it works. McElwee asked for, and received Commission confirmation, that he was on the right track with the Strategic Planning Financial Model.

V. Other Items: There was no further discussion.

VI. Adjourn: President Duckwall adjourned the Fall Strategic Planning Work Session at 3:35 p.m. The Commission reconvened at 3:40 p.m. for the Regular Session meeting.

---

Port of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2008 Regular Session
Marina Center Boardroom
3:40 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 Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Hoby Streich; from staff, Linda Hull

Media: None

1. CALL TO ORDER: Following a five minute break from the fall strategic planning work session, President Fred Duckwall called the regular session to order at 3:40 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: An Accounts Payable item for Hood River County property taxes exceeding $5,000 was added to the Agenda as an Action Item.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:
· Approve Minutes of October 7, 2008 Regular Meeting
· Approve Minutes of October 17, 2008 Special Meeting
· Approve Accounts Payable to C.M. & W.O. Sheppard, Inc. in the Amount of $7,270; and to Pathfinder Development Group, Inc. in the Amounts of $850 and $475

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

4. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee reported a stimulus package in advancing in Congress that may focus on infrastructure projects with funding to the states distributed by the Department of Transportation. McElwee commented staff may come back to the Commission at a later date with a recommendation for construction in the fall of 2009 for Portway Avenue or Riverside Drive.

5. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Hood River County Property Taxes Exceeding $5,000 Requiring Commission Approval (agenda addition):

Motion: Move to Approve Property Taxes Payable to Hood River County in the Total Amount of $88,163.15.
Move: Bohn
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

6. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 3:45 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 4:02 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

7. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 4:02 p.m.

---

Port of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2008 Regular Session
Marina Center Boardroom
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, Hoby Streich, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton

Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford; from staff, Linda Hull

Media: None

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Fred Duckwall called the regular session to order at 5:31 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Executive Director Michael McElwee announced there was a modification related to the Airport Master Plan action item.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Sherry Bohn requested the item related to the Hook Planning Project be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion under Action Items.

· Approve Minutes of November 4, 2008 Strategic Planning Work Session
· Approve Minutes of November 4, 2008 Regular Session
· Approve Accounts Payable to Jeannette M. Launer, Attorney in the Amount of $7,110; to Jaques, Sharp, Sherrerd, Fitzsimons & Ostrye in the Amount of $7,232; to Steven M. Siegel in the Amount of $5,520.40; and to Jerry Hautamaki in the Amount of $14,104.48 for a Grand Total of $44,966.88

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

4. Commissioner, Committee Reports:
§ Waterfront Recreation Committee Meeting - The October 20 meeting, which served as a recap of the 2008 recreational season, was summarized by Bohn. Event Site discussions about banning dogs and the utilization of a Camp Host did not result in any recommendations to be brought to the Commission. The Committee also discussed improvements to the Hook and the Spit. McElwee commented that minutes had been finalized for distribution and posting to the Port's website www.portofhoodriver.com.
§ Airport Advisory Committee Meeting - Mike Doke, Marketing Manager, provided a progress report on the Airport Master Plan next steps required as a result of the Plan presented to the Hood River County Planning Commission on October 22. A "White Paper" will be developed advocating vacation of Orchard Road at the east end of the airport property including the impacts this vacation may have on the north/south Tucker Road intersections and Windmaster Corner. Doke also reported the Committee earmarked the annual $15,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant funds to expand the northern tie-downs as the Capital Improvement project for the calendar year 2009. Doke further reported terms are now being negotiated with Scott Gifford who submitted the only proposal for the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. Doke expected the contract would be brought to a December Commission meeting for action. Doke said as Gifford's aircraft mechanic business grows the monthly FBO stipend may eventually be reduced.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - McElwee thanked the Commission for their commitment of time and energy at the November 4 fall planning work session. The vacant custodial position has been filled by Scott Lindsey, who was one of 105 applicants and spoken very highly of. McElwee reported he would meet with County Administrator Dave Meriwether in December regarding the financial distribution of the Ball Janik contract that will be renewed in January.
§ Waterfront Recreation - Following a conversation earlier in the day with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, McElwee reported there may be a small chance the C Dock expansion project could be bid before the fish window closes in March.
§ Waterfront Development - A presentation on the development strategy was presented to the Hood River City Planning Commission in early November and McElwee reported there were a number of good questions and generally good support for the Port's overall approach and specific work tasks underway. McElwee also stated that City Attorney Alexandra Sosnkowski was preparing initial drafts for Intergovernmental Agreements (City-Port-Urban Renewal Agency) related to overall financing of various projects and specific financing for sewer plant improvements. McElwee anticipated drafts would be available for Commission review at the December 2 meeting.
§ Airport - In addition to discussions already covered under Commission and Committee Reports, McElwee commented that a methodical and disciplined approach would be taken to review the glider concession permit which expires on December 31. Commissioner Hoby Streich volunteered to assist McElwee with this review.
§ Bridge/Transportation - A Washington Regional Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for December 8 in Goldendale. The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge is an agenda item and staff will attend this meeting.

6. REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
§ Frontage Road Feasibility Study Update - The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) would like to study the merits of a Split Diamond option which has resulted in an approximate three-month hold on forward movement of the Frontage Road Feasibility Study. ODOT's budget cannot bear the costs of a Split Diamond study and the Port has asked to assist with the analysis using the engineering team assembled to do the Frontage Road study. The Port's Frontage Road consultant, W&H Pacific, provided an estimate of $120,000 to complete the additional work. The Port received federal appropriations of $900,000 for the Frontage Road Feasibility Study and Finance Manager Linda Shames reported that approximately $353,000 has been paid to W&H Pacific thus far. Shames indicated the remaining balance would be far short of building a Frontage Road bridge across the Hood River; the funds could be used for an Environmental Impact Statement but the study would likely be outdated by the time a bridge would be built; or the balance of the federal grant could be used to assist ODOT in funding a Split Diamond study. Commissioner Kathy Watson commented that her recollection of the Frontage Road presentation was that commuters wouldn't use the Frontage Road and she questioned if the Port should consider using the balance of the grant funds for something more useful, such as assisting with the Split Diamond study if it would help solve the traffic backup problems. Bohn said it was her understanding that a Split Diamond would have significant impacts because people coming from the area of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge would have to travel to Exit 62 to access downtown, and people in town would have to use the Button Bridge route to access I-84 eastbound and/or the toll bridge area. Shames said there is agreement that traffic is a problem between Exits 63 and 64 but that there is no consensus on which option solves the problem. Duckwall suggested it made sense to him to complete the Frontage Road Study, including the Split Diamond study, so that whatever option made the most sense the process would be transparent to the Port's constituency.
The Commission's recommendation to staff was a completion of the Frontage Road Feasibility; to partner with ODOT on a Split Diamond study that ODOT would also have to contribute funding for; and to negotiate with ODOT on Exit 63 connection points.
§ Real Estate Marketing - The purpose of the proposed real estate marketing tasks are to increase focus on activities in order to identify prospects to purchase or lease Port property and to accelerate private investment on the waterfront. Watson suggested an additional component to address free media national coverage explaining that editorials rather than paid advertising timed with the development of a flex building on the waterfront would tell the Port's story why the waterfront should be "the" place for business relocations. The Commission was asked to provide staff with further suggestions or comments.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Execution of Contract with Slca Consulting for Civil Engineering Services Associated with Riverside Drive in an Amount Not to Exceed $95,600: McElwee requested a proposal from civil engineer Stu Cato for the purpose of discussing with the Commission the merits of proceeding with the engineering of Riverside Drive in advance of a potential stimulus package that could provide federal or state funding to complete the work in 2009 or 2010. The purpose of the stimulus package is to provide employment opportunities associated with construction jobs. McElwee stated completed engineering plans could advance the improvement project for consideration of stimulus package funding.
McElwee told the Commission it was his opinion to defer the motion and he would stay in close contact with Ball Janik lobbyist Hal Hiemstra for updates on the stimulus emergence in early 2009. Bohn asked McElwee if Cato would consider a 'break point' in the scope of work proposal so that initially a certain portion of the work is completed at a reduced cost to place the Port ahead of the curve for project consideration if a stimulus package is approved.
No action was taken to authorize execution of a contract with Slca Consulting for civil engineering services associated with Riverside Drive in an amount not to exceed $95,600.

b) Authorize Execution of Contract with Columbia Graphics to Construct Monument Signage in an Amount Not to Exceed $19,143: Earlier in the year the Commission approved Pagework's design for monument signs intended to help brand Port buildings, including the Kearney Western Power Products and Expo buildings on the waterfront and the Wasco Building. Quotes were received from Columbia Graphics and Maritime Services; a third quote was attempted but unsuccessful. Doke reported the quote is for the construction of three signs and that Port maintenance staff would install the signage.

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Contract With Columbia Graphics to Construct Monument Signage in an Amount Not to Exceed $19,143.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Discussion: Staff was directed to bring ideas back to the Commission for a naming theme unrelated to building occupants.
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

c) Authorize Execution of Contract with DKS Associates for Orchard Road Traffic Study Associated with the Airport Master Plan in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,900 [agenda modification]: Doke commented the initial Action Item called for consideration of Columbia Planning + Design's (CPD) Change Order No. 2 in an amount not to exceed $12,580. The traffic study to be completed by DKS Associates, LLC was listed as a subconsultant to CPD. Doke said an amendment to the contract with CPD will still need to be brought to the Commission for additional services related to the Airport Master Plan adoption, such as further zone and noise research and a 'White Paper' advocating the Orchard Road vacation.

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Contract With DKS Associates for Orchard Road Traffic Study Associated with the Airport Master Plan in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,900.
Move: Streich
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

d) Authorize Execution of Contract with Tamara Thiel, ASLA for Design Services Associated With the Hook Planning Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $3,000 [Consent Agenda modification]: Bohn said she requested this item be pulled from the Consent Agenda because she felt further discussion was warranted. Bohn said improvements to the Hook are being driven by the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association and a Hook Subcommittee has also resulted from the Waterfront Recreation Committee. Bohn felt it was important that input was being sought from other users. McElwee responded that he had been attending meetings, and that City codes and requirements are being addressed by City Manager Bob Francis who sits on the subcommittee and an outreach to fishermen and birders are also being sought by subcommittee members.

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Contract with Tamara Thiel, ASLA for Design Services Associated with the Hook Planning Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $3,000.
Move: Bohn
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: None.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:36 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 6:50 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

---

Airport Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2008 - 10:00 AM
Ken Jernstedt FBO

PRESENT: Committee members Chair Jeremy Young, Dayle Harris, Gennaro Avolio, Bill Vetch, John Benton, FBO Denny Kindig, Port Executive Director Michael McElwee and Port Marketing Manager Mike Doke. Guests: Scott Gifford, NostalgAire.

INTRODUCTIONS
Chair Jeremy Young called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Mike Doke provided an update of the Oct. 22 Hood River County Planning Commission work session, which was the first opportunity for that body to consider the document in a public meeting. Doke noted information from the Sept. 25 airport master plan open house was distributed with the agenda for this Airport Advisory Committee meeting.
Doke noted the planning commission work session went well, but identified tasks that need to be completed. The master plan's Airport Layout Plan will be updated to remove instrument approach language in favor of the current visual approach status, but the county commission does not want to look at the master plan a second time until that work is completed.
Some new projects were identified at the county planning commission work session, including a $6,900 traffic study. The Port is currently considering an expanded scope of work for Columbia Planning and Design, which is leading the master plan review. The Port and county officials will review that new scope at a meeting Friday, Nov. 14.
The Port will notify Airport Advisory Committee members when the next county planning commission work session is scheduled.

AIRPORT MANAGEMENT CHANGE
Doke noted the Oct. 23 deadline to submit proposals for a new airport Fixed Base Operator arrived with one proposal received. It came from Scott Gifford of NostalgAire, who operates an aviation mechanic business. Gifford was in attendance at the meeting. He said he plans to maintain the same services as present FBO, Flightline Services. He would like to add jet fuel and more scenic flights. John Benton asked if there was enough mechanic business in the area. Scott replied there was, when Hood River and planes based at other regional airports were considered.

TIEDOWN UPDATE
Jeremy Young said it appears Port maintenance still needs to work on recently installed airplane tiedown on the airport's northern tiedown area. Concrete on the top of the tiedowns is elevated above the surrounding asphalt, and some of the tiedown chain is embedded in this concrete. Port maintenance will be contacted.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Doke reported that he followed up on the recommendation from the previous advisory committee meeting to develop plans to enhance and expand the airport's northern tiedown area. Century West Engineering has submitted a $365,531 proposal for design, bid and construction management ($43,290 for design, $47,291 for bidding and construction management) and $274,950 for construction. The project can be phased so that it optimizes FAA annual grants of $150,000.
Committee members debated the merit of asphalt vs. grass tiedowns, citing the expense of the asphalt. Doke noted design work must be underway in early 2009 so that construction could begin prior to September that year, when $150,000 in grant funds would expire. The committee eventually supported asphalt tiedowns.
Benton followed with a discussion of improving the area on the airport's north side and the area east of the "C" T-hangars for occasional camping needed by pilots and firefighters.

SECURITY LIGHTING, SIGNS
Young requested that bulbs be replace in existing exterior light sockets across the airport, and suggested a new light on the northeast corner of the northern tiedown area.
He noted "low-airplane" signage is needed along Orchard Road east of the runway. Doke said he would contact Port maintenance and county public works on both issues.

GRASS RUNWAY
Committee members received engineers' drawings for a new grass runway, and the Port is working to secure materials from the contractor involved in the Windmaster sewer project, Doke reported.

WINDMASTER SEWER PROJECT UPDATE
Doke reported that the project continues, and a completion date has not been confirmed. The Port will pass along any new information it gathers.

NEXT MEETING
No meeting date was set.