Minutes
of April 7, 2009 Port of Hood River Commission
Spring Planning Work Session
Marina Center Boardroom 12:00 PM
THESE
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL, as they have not been approved by
the Port Commission.
Present: Commissioners Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Hoby Streich and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Mike Doke, Linda Shames and Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford
Media: None
Following lunch, President Fred Duckwall called the spring planning work session to order at 12:22 p.m.
1. Work Session Objectives: Executive Director Michael McElwee thanked the Commission for their time commitment for the work session, which is a precursor to staff's budget process leading to the Budget Committee meeting. Today's discussion of finances and trends will provide direction to staff on work priorities, identify capital projects, and give direction for the FY 2009/2010 budget.
2. Key Issues: This next fiscal year will be a transition from planning to implementation. Although the Commission has talked about decreasing the Port's dependency on bridge revenues, McElwee questioned if that was realistic given the economic downturn with the business climate and that neither the Oregon nor Washington Departments of Transportation are likely to entertain construction of a stated-owned bridge replacing the current crossing. Maintaining the bridge's viability over the next twenty-years has been a benchmark referred to by the Commission for many years and a "rolling" 20-year benchmark will still be appropriate. In looking ahead to the next five-year period beginning FY 2009/2010, McElwee said that budget preparation and organizational planning will remain focused on financing Waterfront projects, bridge painting, recreational site upgrades, renewable energy opportunities and planning for the Waterfront area east of North 2nd and Nichols boat basin.
3. Financial Summary: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, stated the Port had not felt the recession yet in any of its numbers and that currently the Port was within 2% of the budgeted revenue. Shames reported rents are on target overall, building occupancy is 69% as compared to 72% at this same time last year and that tenant diversity is good. A number of leases will be expiring in the new fiscal year, which could be a risk but one that she's not expecting. One unanticipated expenditure category for the Port was related to Waucoma Building due diligence. Staff has been collaborating with consultant Steven Siegel on a financial model to be used for planning purposes to evaluate conceptual and theoretical outcomes. Shames briefly highlighted other areas:
§ Bridge: Traffic and revenue for the first quarter of 2009 is par with last year and 33% of the commuters are using BreezeBy. MOWAT Construction will be providing an estimate for bridge painting (spans and lower framework) and Shames has estimated $100,000 per span (19 spans total), with two spans painted per year. Shames also noted that a fracture critical inspection, which is required every two years, will be completed by ODOT in May, and a span lock repair will need to be scheduled. An option the Commission may want to consider at some point is raising the cash price of bridge crossings, which could generate an additional $400,000 in revenues each year; while another option is a toll differential for peak travel times. While the Commission has indicated a goal of reducing reliance on bridge revenues, bond covenants and maintenance costs are still required.
§ Tenant Buildings: Occupancy is down in the Diamond Industrial-Big 7 Building. Gorge College has relocated to new quarters on the Heights and Northwest Graphic Works will relocate the business into his home. Slingshot Sports is the most recent building tenant. The upstairs office at the former Port Office Building is currently available for lease. The parking lot and tenant improvements were completed at the Wasco Building.
§ Waterfront Complex Development-Industrial: Advertisement for construction of Anchor Way expects to be bid this month and grant dollars will carry over to the new fiscal year; and design is underway for a Flex building (whose placeholder name is the Halyard Building) at the intersection of Portway Avenue and North 8th Street.
§ Waterfront Recreation/Marina and Park: Parking receipts were down in 2008 and it is unclear if the new Waterfront Park or the Luhr Jensen sites had an impact. The Riverfront Trail will be bid by the end of the month and completion is expected by mid-June. The marina is at 100% occupancy and all tenants are annual. The Waiting Lists were reduced with the policy of requiring a $100 administration fee. Cruise ships are not scheduled until fall.
§ Airport: The FBO is under new management at the same rate of the former fixed base operator. The Master Plan project was budgeted at $14,500 but expenses are currently at $45,000, and Shames noted the Port will receive a $10,000 reimbursement from the County. Tie-downs upgrades have been completed and the north apron project is eligible for FAA funding next fiscal year.
Commissioner Watson inquired if the Port kept track of full time employees in buildings owned by others but located on current or former Port property as she thought this would be useful information to the Port in its economic development role.
Shames and McElwee then lead a discussion on the financial planning model reviewing key assumptions for near- and long-term planning decisions.
4. Discussion of Asset Classes: Properties were discussed for consideration of various issues such as planning needs, changes in management policy, capital projects, and maintenance costs. Watson inquired if any assumptions had been made on the useful life of a building before it becomes a tear-down? Shames cited the Port Office Building as an example, which was originally designed for a specific use and its current configuration is not conducive to all tenant occupancies. Regarding the Port's mission of economic development, Bohn asked about the benefits of building a commercial building. McElwee's responded that benefits included cash flow, diversification, creating an interest in surrounding properties, and a decrease on bridge dependency. Asset class highlights included the following:
§ Bridge: Ongoing professional services will continue to be required for the BreezeBy electronic toll system for technology change updates; the Frontage Road Feasibility Study is back on track and a 'go/no go' decision point will be made in July.
§ Tenant Buildings: Occupancy is flat and may decline due to the economy. There was Commission consensus that improvements (Big 7 loading dock was provided as an example) should be staff, not Commission, recommendations.
§ Waterfront Complex Development-Industrial: Money will be allocated to create legal lots on Lot 1 east of North 2nd Street as a precursor to market research and analysis. An outreach meeting to update the public on waterfront development will be scheduled for early to mid-May. The City's waterline project will be back before the Commission for payment of additional funds to the City of Hood River.
§ Waterfront Recreation/Marina and Park: Ramp improvements have been completed at the Hook but the Commission was asked about their appetite for expenditures. Road and restroom improvements are repeatedly requested. McElwee reported the Marina biological assessment related to the "C" dock expansion had been accepted and will hopefully lead to permit approval.
§ Airport: Public testimony on the Airport Master Plan will be heard at the April 22 County Planning Commission meeting. Duckwall commented on his expectation the process will move forward to the County Commissioners for approval and lead to the process of vacating Orchard Road.
§ Light Industrial Land Acquisition: The Port has good reserves set aside should an opportunity present itself.
5. Other Topic Areas: The Port and partners must enhance economic development efforts and provide additional leadership to seek job-creating businesses and retain existing businesses. To help define these efforts, a meeting has been scheduled with County Administrator Dave Meriwether and Hood River Economic Development Coordinator Bill Fashing. McElwee proposed a team, represented by the Port, County, City and County planners, and a real estate broker should meet regularly to enhance coordination and communication on waterfront properties. One piece of this team could be a Business Recruitment Specialist retained by the Port at an annual salary of $12,000 plus a closed-deal bonus, and McElwee noted discussions regarding this position would continue. Renewal energy opportunities were the next topic area of discussion. McElwee commented he was hard pressed to find opportunities in retro-fitting existing Port buildings that would be financially prudent; however any opportunity that presents itself should be considered to demonstrate the Port's commitment to renewable energy. Even with tax credits, grants and incentives, the Commission will need to decide on the level of risk they will be willing to incur; i.e. building longevity may have an effect on full cost recovery. A result of the analysis completed by Real Energy Solutions listed the Western Power Building, the former Port office Building, and hangars and ground-mounted solar on vacant portions at the Airport as potential candidates for renewal energy opportunities. Of these potential options, Commissioners Watson and Duckwall felt the Western Power Building was most 'doable' while Commissioner Streich felt renewal energy opportunities should focus on the Waterfront interior core. Streich commented the City is just beginning discussions about solar opportunities at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which he thought would be a good candidate because that facility won't be relocated and Commissioner Bohn suggested the Port have a discussion with the City about this option with a potential partnership on Port property west of the treatment plant. McElwee concluded by stating he did not expect any decisions today and that discussions would be ongoing.
President
Duckwall ended the work session at 3:05 p.m. The Regular Meeting
of the Port Commission immediately followed after a short
recess.
Port
of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2009 Regular Session
Marina Center Boardroom
3:00 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
Media: None
1.
CALL TO ORDER: At the conclusion of the spring planning work
session, President Fred Duckwall called the regular session
to order at 3:10 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Executive Director
Michael McElwee clarified the Action Item agenda for architectural
design services was correctly stated for the amount of $176,000
plus reasonable reimbursable expenses. A supporting memo had
identified a different amount. Duckwall then asked for Public
Comment and none was heard.
2. CONSENT AGENDA:
·
Approve Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2009 Regular Session
· Adopt Resolution No. 2008-09-3 Revising Port of Hood
River Governance Policy
· Adopt Resolution No. 2008-09-4 Revising Regulations
Governing Conduct at the Event Site
· Approve FBO Residential Trailer Agreement
· Approve Accounts Payable to Terra Surveying in the
Amount of $1,000 for Halyard Building Topographic Survey
Motion:
Move to approve Consent Agenda.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
3.
Commissioner, Committee Reports:
§ Urban Renewal Committee - Commissioner Streich reported
the Intergovernmental Agreements (project financing, sewer
plant upgrade, Portway Avenue improvements and Anchor Way
improvements) had been approved by the committee, contingent
upon City approval.
4.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - The Budget Committee meeting
date of April 30 has been set. Staff had received a fee waiver
request from the Association of Wind Sport Industries (AWSI)
for a trade show at the Event Site in September and a formal
request is expected from the Chamber of Commerce for use of
the Event Site in October for Harvest Fest. There was Commission
consensus to add the AWSI request to the agenda as an Action
Item. Four local real estate brokers responded to the Request
for Proposals for Broker Services. Streich volunteered to
assist McElwee in reviewing the proposals.
§ Airport - Public testimony on the Airport Master Plan
will be heard at the Hood River County Planning Commission
meeting on April 22, and Marketing Manager Mike Doke reported
the Airport Advisory Committee would meet on April 17 in preparation
for the County Planning Commission meeting. Streich commended
Doke for a job well done at the March 25 County Planning Commission
work session and said he was impressed with the number of
Airport Advisory Committee members who attended the work session.
§ Bridge/Transportation - McElwee reported he would be
meeting with two members from the Valley Residents' Committee
to discuss options for free transport of bicyclists across
the Interstate Bridge. The Committee is attempting to identify
sites close to the Oregon and Washington approaches where
a commuter can voluntarily pull off to transport a bicyclist
across the bridge. Safety standards and land constraints will
make this a challenging project and liability issues also
need to be addressed.
5. REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
§ Policy Regarding Cost Waiver for Replacement of Bridge
Transponders - McElwee commented that David Poucher, the mayor
of White Salmon, had requested the Port reconsider its policy
of charging for transponders (once the first three have been
issued at no charge) in cases of windshields needing to be
replaced or when vehicles are replaced. McElwee asked the
Commission for input, and said that Poucher may address the
Commission personally depending on the outcome. Commissioner
Watson said the Policy should remain as written, and there
was concurrence from the other Commissioners.
6. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Execution of Personal Services Contract with Richard Brown Architects for Architectural Design of the Halyard Building in an Amount Not to Exceed $176,000 Plus Reasonable Reimbursable Expenses Contingent Upon Legal Counsel review and Approval:
Motion:
Move to Authorize Execution of Personal Services Contract
with Richard Brown Architects for Architectural Design of
the Halyard Building in an Amount Not to Exceed $176,000 Plus
Reasonable Reimbursable Expenses Contingent Upon Legal Counsel
Review and Approval.
Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Discussion: Attorney Jerry Jaques commented an AIA Contract
would be prepared rather than a Personal Services Contract.
Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
b) Adopt Resolution No. 2008-09-5 Revising Policy for Non-Revenue Bridge Crossings: McElwee commented the policy revision now addresses use of transponders associated with the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system and that crossings related directly to business purposes but that may not necessarily be in response to an emergency situation would also quality for non-revenue crossings. Watson asked how 'police' would be defined, giving Fish & Wildlife or Intertribal Fisheries as examples of agencies not traditionally thought of as a police department but whose officers have police powers. Streich said that revenue
would not be the issue in his opinion but that enforcement
of the policy could be tough for the toll collectors. The
Commission agreed that policy revision needed to be reviewed
with all the booth staff and if crossings came into question
the toll collector should not question the crossing and simply
take the driver's name and agency contact information.
Motion:
Move to Adopt Resolution No. 2008-09-5 Revising Policy for
Non-Revenue Bridge Crossings.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Nay: Streich
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
c) Event Site Fee Waiver Request for Association of Wind Sport Industries Trade Show:
Motion:
Move to Approve Event Site Fee Waiver for Association of Wind
Sport Industries Trade Show in September With the Port of
Hood River Listed as a Sponsor.
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
8. COMMISSION CALL: None.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 3:37 p.m., President Duckwall called the Commission into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Property, and ORS 192.660(2)(h) Litigation. The Commission was called back into Regular Session at 3:55 p.m. No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.
10.
ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 3:55
p.m.
Port
of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2009 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 Gil Sharp; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford; Attorney Jerry Jaques
Media: None
1.
CALL TO ORDER: President Fred Duckwall called the regular
session to order at 5:30 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Mellissa Halseth, who
will assume the duties of the Office Specialist position starting
May 4, was introduced to the Commission by Operations Manager
Laurie Borton. Greetings to the Commission from Linda Hull
were passed along by Duckwall. Executive Director Michael
McElwee reported that Commissioner Hosford had been released
from the hospital and was recuperating at home but that he
would not be available for the next several Commission meetings.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Hoby Streich requested the minutes be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
·
Approve Aerial Ortho-Photography of the Delta for $3,250
· Approve Geotechnical Analysis and Testing of the
Halyard Building Site Not to Exceed $10,500 Plus Reasonable
Reimbursable Expenses
· Authorize Preparation of Grant by Real Energy Solutions
in the Amount of $1,300
· Approve Accounts Payable to Kevin Cooley Architecture
in the Amount of $2,174.39 for UTS Building Analysis
Motion:
Move to approve Consent Agenda, as amended.
Move: Bohn
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
3.
Commissioner, Committee Reports:
§ Airport Advisory Committee - Marketing Manager Mike
Doke presented a verbal report on the April 17 meeting which
focused on the upcoming Hood River County Planning Commission
hearing on the Airport Master Plan scheduled for April 22
at 7:00 p.m. Doke also commented the old mobile home across
from the FBO building had been removed and the new manufactured
home would be delivered by the end of the month.
4.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - The Budget Committee is
scheduled to meet April 30. McElwee reported he would participate
in a City/County working committee to evaluate the co-location
of administrative offices. Commissioner Streich volunteered
to participate as a fill-in if McElwee was unable to attend
any meetings. McElwee also reported he would prepare a timeline
for his upcoming review and contract discussions and that
he would work closely with the Personnel Committee, comprised
of the President and Vice President, in coordinating this
task.
The Executive Director also informed the Commission of the
possible need to establish a donation request policy. McElwee
also asked the Commission to contact staff if there were questions
regarding the Projects List dated 04/21/09.
§ Recreation - Riverfront Trail bids are due April 29.
§ Waterfront Development - The City has informed the
Port of the requirement to install sidewalks along the North/South
section of Anchor Way. This new commitment may adversely affect
the Waterfront Industrial Street Funding Agreement entered
into with Hood River Distillers and Hood River Juice Company
in August 2008. McElwee stated he was working with the property
owners and City staff to resolve this issue. Commissioner
Bohn asked if the sidewalk issue wasn't dealt with early on,
meaning none would be required on an industrial street with
truck traffic. McElwee responded this new development could
not have been predicted until final plans were submitted for
review. A report was provided for Commission informational
purposes only on the conceptual rehabilitation cost of $1,180,335
for UTS Building upgrades. McElwee reported discussions continue
with the City regarding zoning modifications.
§ Airport - The Commission was informed of complaints
related to helicopter rides offered on Blossom Fest Weekend.
This was not a permitted activity associated with the Ken
Jernstedt Airfield and questions were referred to the Western
Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.
§ Bridge/Transportation - A press release has been issued
informing users that the pedestrian footbridge crossing the
Hood River will be closed for deck replacement April 20-30.
Letters of support will be requested for bridge painting with
an appropriation under the SAFETEA-LU Transportation Reauthorization.
5.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
§ Hood River Waterline Project - Bob Francis, City of
Hood River Administrator: Francis provided background history
on the Waterline Project, which dates back to 2001. An EPA
grant was award for the project for waterline improvements
within the City, the Port Waterfront area, and out to Windmaster
Corner in the County, and the City was chosen as the grant
administrator. Early in the process some transposition and
record keeping errors occurred and Francis reported he has
been working with Port Finance Manager Linda Shames to determine
the exact amount still owed by the Port, which will come to
the Commission for action at a future meeting.
§ Corps of Engineers Delta Analysis Progress Report:
McElwee deferred discussion of the Delta Analysis to the May
5 meeting.
§ Tenant Business Survey: Doke reported staff is in continual
contact with tenants during this economic recession to stay
ahead of the curve regarding lease needs. Doke said many are
reluctant to provide specific information and/or employment
levels, but he stated that those tenants associated with government
contracts are doing well and are anticipating growth needs;
while other tenants may just be holding their own and not
doing as strongly as hoped.
6. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Approve Concession/Land Lease Permit with Frog Water Café: McElwee reported that concessionaire Christa Scheer has looked at the terms, which have also been reviewed by legal counsel. Scheer was in the audience to answer Commissioner questions. Scheer did say she was considering a name change to the Sandbar Café, and commented that most of her appliances will be operated by propane. Scheer hopes to be open for business on the lower cruise ship dock by June 10.
Motion:
Move to Approve Concession/Land Lease Permit with Frog Water
Café (aka Sandbar Café).
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
b) Approve Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2009 Regular Session: Streich commented that his request to pull the minutes from the Consent Agenda was to clarify his vote was in opposition of the policy revising non-revenue bridge crossings (Resolution No. 200-09-5).
Motion:
Move to Approve Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2009 Regular Session,
as corrected.
Move: Streich
Second: Bohn
Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
8. COMMISSION CALL: Streich thanked staff for providing a podium for the Marina Center Boardroom.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Port
of Hood River Budget Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Marina Center Boardroom 5:00 PM
In
Attendance
Commissioners: Sherry Bohn, Fred Duckwall, Hoby Streich, Kathy
Watson
Budget Committee: Mike Benedict, Jon Davies, Jerry Keith,
Glenna Mahurin, Jerry Tausend
Staff: Michael McElwee, Mike Doke, Linda Shames, Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford; Attorney Jerry Jaques
Media: None
1. Call to Order: President Fred Duckwall called the budget meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
2. Election of Officers: Jerry Keith was nominated for Chairperson. The motion to elect Keith was passed unanimously. There was no nomination for Secretary. Laurie Borton volunteered to record meeting minutes.
3. Budget Message: Executive Director and Budget Officer Michael McElwee discussed the Budget Message and issues of the proposed Budget, which is complemented by a financial model with a 10-year projection that allows for an evaluation of long-term implications of budget year decisions. McElwee highlighted that the Port is at a turning point where years of planning will proceed to development and construction of the first Waterfront flex building this fall. This 'go/no go' decision will be made by the Commission in August. With the current economic downturn, there is risk and uncertainty. McElwee told the Budget Committee a favorable decision will be the Port's mini version of a stimulus package, and while the Port cannot dictate to whom construction is awarded he believes the bid will likely draw several local contractors. BreezeBy electronic tolling on the Bridge is working efficiently and has been well received. The next major capital project to extend the useful life of the toll bridge is painting the lower girders, which has been estimated at $5 million. The Port is seeking federal transportation reauthorization funds to augment Bridge funds. Acquisition of light industrial lands, of which there is a limited inventory, remains a priority and budget reserves have been earmarked. Renewable energy opportunities have been evaluated with the conclusion to direct efforts, when feasible, at solar projects. Recent improvements to recreation sites have included ramp improvements at The Hook. Road improvements at The Hook and The Spit are ongoing requests by users but significant resources will be required to re-construct these access points as actual roads. Expansion of C Dock South is contingent upon U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval, which the Port anticipates. All tenants will participate in expansion costs by increased lease fees, and prospective tenants on the Wait List will be asked for monetary commitments prior to expansion. Public testimony on the Airport Master Plan has already been taken at a County Planning Commission meeting and now moves forward to the County Commission meeting on May 18. The Port continues to receive Federal Aviation Administration funding for improvement projects. On a final note, McElwee commented a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) raise has been built into the budget for hourly employees but a determination will be made later regarding exempt employees. Staff then addressed questions from the Budget Committee and Commissioners. Keith recessed the meeting at 5:30 p.m. for a dinner break, and the meeting resumed at 5:50 p.m.
4.
Budget Deliberations: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, discussed
the various worksheets prepared for review and discussion
and stated there was a requirement to show the previous two
year's budget, the current budget, and actual year-to-date.
In preparation for the FY 2009-2010 budget, Shames noted the
following assumptions and/or placeholders had been made that
had not already been discussed:
§ Personnel - Consideration had been given to increasing
the health deductible to $1,000 since costs had increased
by 8.9%.
§
Building Assets - Placeholder tenant improvements have been
included in the budget for the Big 7, Marina Center, and Wasco
Buildings; landscaping improvements for Western Power Building;
and a demolition assumption in 2011 for the UTS Building.
Shames noted a 9% utility increase; and tenants of record
as of July 1 are assessed property taxes based on the percentage
of building occupancy. Tenants such as DMW, MCCOG, and the
Visitors Center are tax exempt. Not all buildings are fully
occupied but the Port is unaware if any tenants have plans
not to renew. McElwee commented it is believed the Chamber,
whose transitional lease from the Expo to the former Port
Office Building that ratchets upon the fourth year, will come
back to the Port in this, the second year of their lease,
to ask for a rate negotiation and a commitment cap will need
to be determined. Professional services for inspections to
identify building longevities have been built into the proposed
budget.
§ Bridge - It was previously thought 2 spans per year
would be painted; it is now hoped that 3 to 4 spans per year
can be completed to reduce the cost of project staging. Shames
commented on the sufficiency ratings that result from an inspection
every two years. The structure is safe and viable as seen
in a high rating for steel and bridge members; a medium rating
on paint, but plans are underway that will address this condition;
and the sufficiently rating of 2 is low only because of factors
such as the bridge being narrow, there is no pedestrian or
bicycle access, and it is not close to alternate routes. Insurance
on the bridge covers loss of revenue for one year; acts of
terrorism, however, are excluded from the bridge coverage.
§ Waterfront Industrial - Intergovernmental Agreements
with the City of Hood River and with the Hood River Urban
Renewal Agency account for line item loan amounts of $350,000
for wastewater treatment plant improvements; $75,000 for Riverside
Drive improvements; and $100,000 for Anchor Way. Discussions
are continuing with the City for a more favorable rezone.
§ Airport - The north apron expansion, which is eligible
for FAA funding, is the next major improvement project reflected
in the proposed budget. An insurance company reimbursement
for Department of Environmental Quality clean-up costs associated
with aerial spray applicators is possible.
§ Marina/Waterfront Recreation - The Riverfront Trail
project has been bid and completion of a paved trail connecting
the Event Site and The Hook to the waterfront park should
be completed by mid-June. Shames noted the Port annually receives
$6,000 from the Oregon State Marine Board for the boat launch
from a facility grant and no other funds are derived from
use of the launch (although transient overnight moorage fees
are paid by users on a 'good faith' basis).
Shames reviewed the general, revenue, and the bridge repair and replacement funds, noting the following highlights. Shames also noted the Port's Governance Policy required 15% of the operating revenues to be set aside for reserves.
§
General Fund - Residents within the Port district are assessed
3 cents per thousand which results in tax receipts of $51,950.
§ Bridge Fund - The deck replacement project came in
under budget and the balance of funds were used for the electronic
toll collection system project. Shames noted that bridge revenue
bonds will be fully paid in 2018.
§ Revenue Fund - Interest income is direct deposited
to the State Pool and a plan would need to be established
for approval if the Port went outside the State Pool. Shames
commented the Port's funds were safe and she felt the risk
was minimal and that there weren't many options elsewhere.
Once the budget has been approved by the Committee, the Commission can make changes of less than 10%, and that lateral shifts from line item to line item are allowed. If there is no need for the Budget Committee to reconvene, the Budget Hearing will be held simultaneously with the June 2 Port Commission meeting.
5. Action Items:
Motion: Move to approve the FY 2009-2010 Budget as presented
during deliberations.
Move: Tausend
Second: Benedict
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: Move to approve a property tax levy at the rate of
.0332 for the Port of Hood River for the FY 2009-2010 period.
Move: Benedict
Second: Tausend
Vote: Unanimous
6. Adjourn: Budget Chair Jerry Keith adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
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