Port
of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 3, 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, and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioners Don Hosford and Hoby Streich
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: Executive Director
Michael McElwee requested an addition to Reports, Presentations
and Discussion Items regarding federal funding priorities
for 2009 and that comments on the recent Hood River County
Economic Development Committee would be deferred to Reports,
Presentations and Discussion Items.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT: Jim Grady and Mark Barnes, representing the Columbia Gorge Kiteboard Association (CGKA), proposed a change to rules that would allow year-round access to the eastern, wind-break edge of the Event Site for the purpose of pumping and drying kites. CGKA is not proposing an area be set aside at the Event Site for rigging, launching or landing and requested that a special meeting of the Waterfront Recreation Committee be convened to discuss their proposal. Commissioner Bohn asked if there had been dialogue on this issue with the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association or with key people associated with the Waterfront Park and Barnes responded a discussion had not taken place on this specific issue. President Duckwall thanked Grady and Barnes for their comments and Executive Director Michael McElwee said staff would schedule a meeting of the Waterfront Recreation Committee by the end of February to discuss this single issue.
3. CONSENT AGENDA:
·
Approve Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2009 Regular Session
· Ratify Hook Improvement and Spit Improvement Ad Hoc
Committees
· Approve Contract for Work with Give Them WINGS, Inc.
for Property Services on Port Property
· Approve Appointment of Jon Davies to Budget Committee
Motion:
Move to approve Consent Agenda.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
4.
Commissioner, Committee Reports:
§ Hood River County Economic Development Committee -
Comments deferred to Reports, Presentations and Discussion
Items.
§ Urban Renewal Committee - In Commissioner Hosford's
absence, McElwee reported that he had also attended the January
29 meeting in which the primary matter discussed was the draft
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) related to funding for projects
authorized by the Urban Renewal Agency (URA). At that meeting,
the URA Board took action and approved the IGA by a 4-1 vote.
The IGA is an agenda item for Commission action.
5.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - McElwee reported the Office
Specialist position would be advertised and that Laurie Borton
had accepted the Operations Manager position. Duckwall was
thanked for him comments on the draft Governance Policy and
McElwee asked for input from the other Commissioners on the
Governance draft along with any questions or comments on the
updated Key Projects list that was provided for review. A
list of Senate and House bills for the 2009 Oregon legislative
session was provided for review and McElwee stated that he
would continue to monitor and flag any of special interest
to Oregon Ports. McElwee reported Hood River County will issue
an ESPC (energy savings performance contract) Request for
Proposal (RFP) in which a contractor will look at facilities
for potential energy savings. McElwee stated the Port may
be listed as a partner in the RFP and there would be no commitment
unless the Commission took action to engage in a contract.
§ Waterfront Development - Discussions continue with
the City regarding the Waterfront subdivision and McElwee
expects Commission action will be taken on the draft IGA at
a March meeting. Mechanical and electrical engineering inspections
of the UTS Portsite Building are continuing to determine if
there are options to invest in modest upgrades that will allow
for another couple years of the building's lifespan. Bohn
inquired about the City Planning Department 'Notice of Application'
related to the Maritime Services request to convert an existing
office area into a retail space to display Honda marina products.
Marketing Manager Mike Doke commented the commercial activity
is related to Maritime's light industrial use and there are
no known objections to the application from Boeing, a sublesee
to Maritime Services, and that Boeing's area is completely
secure from adjoining tenant space. McElwee also commented
that Maritime has not asked the Port for a Letter of Support.
The analogy offered for this application usage was Luhr Jensen
selling Little Chief Smokers at the Portway Avenue industrial
location.
6.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
§ Federal Funding Priorities (agenda addition) and Hood
River County Economic Development Committee Report (report
deferred from Commissioner, Committee Reports) - An appropriations
letter dated February 2, 2009 from Hal Hiemstra, Director
of Government Affairs with Ball Janik LLP, was provided for
discussion. Of the transportation, health and human services,
water and sewer services needs, the three projects that emerged
as priorities during a January 29 conference call with Hiemstra,
County Administrator Dave Meriwether, City Manager Bob Francis,
and McElwee are 1) an integrated health care center for Cascade
Locks; 2) pedestrian improvements at 13th and May Streets
including a pedestrian overpass in Hood River; and 3) a reverse
9-1-1 emergency communication system. There was Commission
consensus to prepare a letter in support of the 2009 federal
funding priorities. With the focus of the priorities on City
and County projects, Bohn recommended a proportionate reallocation
of the Ball Janik contract and McElwee responded that he was
working on this task.
McElwee also reported that approval of any federal stimulus
package funding would be administered by the state departments
of transportation and it was his estimate that any trickle-down
funding to Hood River County would probably not exceed $85,000
and there would possibly be local match requirements. Doke
reported on the Hood River County Economic Development Committee
meeting in which over 100 projects were listed on the Needs
& Issues Inventory for stimulus funding and that 40 projects
were 'ready to go.'
7.
ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Execution of Funding Agreement with Columbia
Gorge Windsurfing Association for Improvements to Hook Area
Launch Site: The Hook Planning Committee identified
an overall plan and specific recommendations to improve launch
sites at The Hook. Katie Crafts, Columbia Gorge Windsurfing
Association (CGWA) Executive Director, was introduced by McElwee
and invited to comment further on the project. Crafts commented
that four schools teach windsurfing inside the Hook, which
provides a safe place for beginners and families. Currently
the ramps are unsafe and unsightly and the CGWA Board authorized
a contribution of $2,500 towards grading and improvements
to seven launch ramps from the roadway to the water to make
the launch sites wider and flatter. Crafts stated that after
grading improvements have been completed, CGWA volunteers
with improve landscaping at the ramps. Crafts said the longevity
of the improvements was unknown but she guessed minimal maintenance
of additional gravel may be needed annually. McElwee reported
approximately a total of $8,000 was needed to complete the
work and the proposed Funding Agreement set out the terms
that the Port would hire the contractor and manage the construction
project that would be completed by June. McElwee reported
the Port would contribute $5,000 towards the project with
an additional $500 as a construction contingency. Bohn inquired
if, during the budgeting process, funds would need to be earmarked
for ongoing maintenance of the ramps and she suspected that
CGKA would also expect the same courtesy.
Motion:
Move to Authorize Execution of a Funding Agreement with the
Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association and Authorize Construction
Contract in an Amount Not- to-Exceed $8,000 for Improvements
to Launch Sites at The Hook.
Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
b) Authorize Execution of Contract Amendment to the Frontage Road Feasibility Study with WHPacific/HNTB for Analysis of a Split Diamond Concept: Linda Shames, Finance Manager, reported the contract amendment is at no-cost because budget dollars will be moved from the design phase to a new task that will allow for development and comparison of a split diamond concept as a Frontage Road alternative. Shames also reported the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has amended the IAMP (Interchange Access Management Plan) contract for Exits 63 and 64 to include a split diamond alternative as a traffic alternative and the ODOT amendment will also incorporate a weekday PM peak hour traffic analysis and evaluations of land use, transportation, and environmental alternatives to address future capacity, connectivity and safety needs.
Motion:
Move to Authorize Execution of Contract Amendment to the Frontage
Road Feasibility Study with WHPacific/HNTB for Analysis of
a Split Diamond Concept.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
c) Authorize Execution of Waterfront Intergovernmental Financing Agreement with City of Hood River and Hood River Urban Renewal Agency: McElwee summarized the IGA, which was reviewed by Port attorney Gil Sharp and approved by the Urban Renewal Agency Board by a 4-1 vote on January 29, by stating the IGA sets the terms for loan agreements for specific projects, primarily infrastructure in nature and expected to lead to private investment on the Waterfront and generate tax increment revenue. The IGA also lays out terms and conditions of loan agreements if either the Port or the City were to lend public funds to carry out projects. McElwee commented that agreement language would specify money loaned would be for project funds only and not for URA administration fees paid to the City.
Motion:
Move to Authorize Execution of Waterfront Intergovernmental
Financing Agreement with City of Hood Rive rand Hood River
Urban Renewal Agency. Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
d) Authorize Execution of Grant Documents with Federal Aviation Administration for North Apron Crack Sealing and Expansion Project: At the January 20 meeting, the Commission approved a contract with Century West Engineering for design and construction services for renovation and expansion to add nearly one acre of asphalt to the northern tie-down area. Doke reported this Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant will pay 95% of the costs associated with the project, from design through construction, and the Port will match the remaining 5%. The FAA grant for airport development is $273,693, and the Port's contribution would be $13,685.
Motion:
Move to Authorize Executive Director and Port Attorney to
Execute Grant Documents with Federal Aviation Administrator
in the Amount of $273,693 for North Apron Crack Sealing and
Expansion Project.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
8.
COMMISSION CALL: Duckwall inquired if an updated report on
the Waucoma Building due diligence was available. McElwee
provided a report on various tasks performed to determine
the condition of the building and verify appropriate pricing.
The Port entered into a Real Estate Sale Contract on October
20, 2008 which allowed 120 days, or until February 17, 2009,
to complete discovery tasks. Since October 2008 staff and
retained consultants completed the following tasks in accordance
with the Contract:
§ Building appraisal
§ Building inspection to include evaluation of structural,
mechanical, electrical, HVAC and roofing systems and rough
cost estimates
§ Environmental inspection including site sampling and
laboratory analysis
§ Financial analysis include cash flow modeling; and
§ Examination of building records and asset performance
history
McElwee stated it was his recommendation that negotiations,
under the terms of the Contract, be terminated. McElwee also
stated that in accordance with the Contract confidentiality
clause, further discussion would continue in Executive Session.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:30 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. The following action was taken as a result of Executive Session.
Motion:
Move to Authorize Termination of the Real Estate Contract
with United Telephone Company of the Northwest for Purchase
of the Property Located at 902 Wasco Street in Hood River;
and That Port Attorney Jerry Jaques Draft and Transmit a Letter
Stating that the Port Has Exercised its Right to Terminate
the Contract; and That Any Other Tasks Associated with Termination
of the Contract be Performed.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, and Watson
Absent: Hosford and Streich
MOTION CARRIED
10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.
Port
of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 17, 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 Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton
Absent: Commissioner Don Hosford
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: Executive Director
Michael McElwee requested the single Action Item follow immediately
after the Director's Report as he would need to attend a City
Planning Commission meeting discussing the Waterfront Light
Industrial Zone. McElwee also noted there was no need to go
into Executive Session at the conclusion of the Regular Session.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Kathy Watson requested the removal of the Tolltex Accounts Payable item for further discussion under Action Items. Attorney Jerry Jaques commented the Bargain and Sale Deed to Gary Bloom would be amended to include Bloom's spouse.
·
Approve Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2009 Regular Session
· Approve Addendum No. 1 to UTS Portsite Lease with
Joel Olsen Enterprises, LLC
· Approve Accounts Payable to OSI Optoelectronics in
the Amount of $4,270.00 and to Terra Survey in the Amount
of $3,982.50
· Approve Execution of Bargain and Sale Deed to Gary
Bloom for 0.39 Acres at John Weber Business Park
· Approve Payment to the City of Hood River in the
Amount of $11,875.84 for Plan Review of Anchor Way Engineering
Drawings
· Approve Guidelines for Public Use of Airport Administration
Building at Ken Jernstedt Airfield
Motion:
Move to approve Consent Agenda as amended.
Move: Bohn
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
4. Commissioner, Committee Reports: None.
5.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
§ Staff & Administration - McElwee reported that
he and Finance Manager Linda Shames had attended the Special
Districts Association of Oregon annual conference in Portland
February 6-8 and that much of the discussion revolved around
legislative issues. Other February meetings McElwee attended
included an Oregon Public Ports Authority meeting on the 12th
and a Pacific Northwest Waterways Association regional meeting
on the 13th. Letters for three City-County-Port
coalition projects were sent to Congressman Greg Walden in
support of the Integrated Health Facility in Cascade Locks,
a Reverse 911 Public Safety System, and a pedestrian crossing
at 13th and May Streets. McElwee noted that he would have
further conversations with City Manager Bob Francis and County
Administrator Dave Meriwether regarding the Ball Janik contract
to discuss an equitable share of the contract according to
a percentage of time spent on projects. Staff continues to
pursue building additional storage in the maintenance yard
and a conceptual plan is being reviewed.
§ Waterfront Recreation - A meeting of the Waterfront
Recreation Committee has been scheduled for February 25 to
discuss the single issue to allow kite pumping and drying
at the Event Site.
§ Waterfront Development - The Intergovernmental Agreements
for the Waterfront Subdivision and the Waterfront Urban Renewal
Project Financing have both been approved by the Hood River
City Council. Loan Agreements for several urban renewal projects
are now being drafted for discussion and approval in March.
Marketing Manager Mike Doke will do a tenant "call-down"
to find out how businesses are weathering these economic times.
McElwee requested assistance from a Commissioner for review
of the Waterfront flex building architecture services RFPs
that are due February 26 and Watson volunteered.
§ Airport - The Airport Master Plan will be taken to
the Hood River County Planning Commission in March and a meeting
of the Airport Advisory Committee will also be planned for
sometime in early March.
§ Bridge/Transportation - A meeting for the toll collectors
is scheduled for February 24. McElwee said a new toll collector
position is being considered that would split the employee's
time between the tollbooth and the office to improve collaboration
and communication. Recently, several law enforcement agency
vehicles crossing the Interstate Bridge without cash, tickets
or transponders has brought to staff's attention the need
to review the 2003 Commission policy on Fire-Life-Safety emergency
crossings.
7.
ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Execution of Public Improvement Development Agreement
with City of Hood River for Waterfront Industrial Subdivision:
Motion:
Move to Authorize Execution of Public Improvement Development
Agreement with City of Hood River for Waterfront Industrial
Subdivision.
Move: Streich
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
b) Approve Accounts Payable to Tolltex in the Amount of $7,500.00: Shames reviewed the two Accounts Payables items related to the BreezeBy electronic tolling system. The Tolltex invoice represents work being done to initiate website access by BreezeBy customers to review account information and print crossing transactions. The OSI Optoelectronics payable is for the computer that interprets loop redundancy that was not in the original contract; and Shames commented if it had been, the unit cost would have been the same. Shames stated that since the Port now has over 12 months of experience with the electronic tolling system, we now have a better idea of the redundancy that's needed. With ongoing technological changes (cars coming equipped with transponders, for example) Shames foresees system equipment and software changes will be ongoing as well.
Motion:
Move to Approve Accounts Payable to Tolltex in the Amount
of $7,500.00.
Move: Watson
Second: Streich
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Streich, and Watson
Absent: Hosford
MOTION CARRIED
6.
REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
§ Flex Building Conceptual Design - Group Mackenzie's
conceptual design for a light industrial (Flex) building on
Lot 1 of the proposed waterfront subdivision was provided
for Commission review. The work prepared by Group Mackenzie
met staff objectives of providing concept-level architectural
plans, elevations and an outline of specifications that would
be used as the basis for the design development phase; a building
design that can be constructed within a budget consistent
with local market conditions; a project that demonstrates
the type of building environment the Port hopes to achieve
on the Waterfront; and a basis for possible design guidelines
with the industrial subdivision. McElwee did comment, however,
that further consideration needs to be given to the design
and sustainability of building exteriors. McElwee stated a
design guideline policy would be brought to the Commission
for discussion and approval at a March meeting.
§ Solar Feasibility Study - Sandra Walden, Real Energy
Solutions - McElwee introduced Walden, who was retained by
the Port in July 2008 to assess the potential for installing
solar facilities on Port buildings. McElwee asked the Commission
to review the report and presentation and stated further discussion
would be part of the spring planning session in April. Walden
then reviewed the various site assessments that evaluated
power usage and solar characteristics, estimated solar power
output and associated costs and assessed various financing
mechanisms. Walden also reviewed the potential for micro-wind
projects. Commissioner Hoby Streich asked if advancements
in solar applications were good enough for marina use and
Walden responded affirmatively. Watson questioned who purchases
energy credits and Walden replied there is a self-selecting
group of investors who buy credits, and that an excess of
over-produced power can also go to low income housing. For
airport applications, Doke inquired about glare problems and
Walden said there were no known problems and that panels absorb
the light. Duckwall then thanked Walden for her presentation
and reiterated McElwee's comment that further discussion would
occur at the spring planning session.
8. COMMISSION CALL: None.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
10.
ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 6:35
p.m.
Spit
Improvement Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
February 10, 2009 Minutes
Attending:
Members Jim Grady, Cory Roeseler, Mark Barnes; Port staff
Michael McElwee and Laurie Borton.
Absent: Brent Foster
Guest: Shawn Summersett
The meeting was opened at 3:30 p.m with Chairperson Jim Grady and Michael McElwee leading the discussions.
Grady reported that he had contacted Cindy Walbridge, City of Hood River Planning Director. Walbridge was not able to attend today's meeting but hopes to be able to attend subsequent meetings and said that any questions could be emailed to her directly. Grady also reported that Bob Francis, Hood River City Manager, had verbally told Grady he fully supported any improvements to the Spit. It is unlikely that Brent Foster will be able to actively participate in Committee meetings with his appointment to the Oregon Department of Justice to oversee the state's environmental enforcement program and an alternate member needs to be identified.
McElwee introduced Shawn Summersett, a civil engineer who may be available to assist the Committee with evaluations and costs to determine if projects are realistic or simply need to be dropped due to unfeasibility. The Committee agreed to focus efforts on possible improvement projects and the following matrix was developed for ongoing review and input, not only by the Committee but by Summersett as well.
Spit
Project Outline - by project priority with comments on technical
issues, and challenges. (Cost estimates not identified.)
1 Increase Parking: Consider the "north triangle"
down from the ramp, which is above high water Need to ensure
ramp stability for vehicle traffic; restrict to 4x4 vehicles
only; even if signed, would "triangle" parking invite
vehicle access to the sandbar which is currently restricted
per Port policy; "triangle" is landfill and permitted
use is questioned; the Hood River channel continues to change
and a new aerial would be beneficial
2, 3 Road Improvements: Road surface/widening; dust
abatement There are Goal 5 limitations; the jetty was not
built as a roadway and improving and widening will require
it to be engineered and rebuilt; dust abatement options include
using washed, crushed ¾ minus and perimeter plantings
4 Toilets: Composting or sewer? Jim will contact Kevin
Price, Oregon State Parks; Laurie will clarify how often the
portables are serviced [per Joe, during the "season"
the portables are serviced M-W-F]
5 Dinghy Dock: Along the western edge Is a temporary
(seasonal) dock or float allowed?
6 Shower: Utilities for water source; gray water
7 Lawn: Perimeter planting and/or north of parking
Utilities for irrigation; maintenance
8 Kite Pumping Station: Solar, generator, or wind powered
Next Meeting: A 3:30 p.m. meeting on the second Friday in March was determined as the next meeting date to coincide with a CGKA Board Meeting the evening of March 13.
The
meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Waterfront
Recreation Committee
February 25, 2009
Attending:
Members Doug Archbald, Ann Frodel, Steve Gates, Jim Grady,
Tim Maher, Michael Schock, Lori Stirn, Commissioner Sherry
Bohn; Port staff Laurie Borton (ex-officio member).
Absent: Richard Sassara, Laney Gale, and Commissioner Hoby
Streich.
Guests: CGKA Directors Mark Barnes, Brett Kelley, Adam Monohan, and Forrest Rae.
Commissioner Sherry Bohn opened the meeting at 3:30 p.m., with members and guests introducing themselves. Bohn stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss a single issue - whether or not to allow kite pumping and drying at the Event Site year round. At the February 3, 2009 Commission meeting, Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association (CGKA) representatives requested the Commissioners to consider a policy change because they believed they had a proven history of self-policing over the last two seasons, and an emphasis was made that their proposal did not include rigging, launching or landing at the Event Site.
When
the meeting notice was distributed, committee members were
asked to notify Laurie Borton if they could not attend but
would like to enter comments into the record. Initially, Laney
Gale and Ann Frodel questioned why the issue was being discussed
as the Committee had decided in the past not to allow this
activity, due mainly for safety reasons. Lori Stirn commented
that it was a good thing to have this public process because
things do change. Stirn also thanked Steve Gates for his succinct
email about the change in policy. Gate's email, from February
20, 2009:
"Hello WRC members,
When I saw the request for this special meeting, my first response was much the same as Ann's and Laney's. After a day or two of pondering, I decided to go to the Event Site and have a look at the situation. I visit the Event Site very frequently throughout the year, monitoring my business concession there, windsurfing after work and on weekends, and yes, kiting at the sand bar. My opposition to kite uses there in the past has centered on safety and space issues, particularly the eastern cove of the beach, where lots of young kids play, out of harm's way of the windsurfers.
With that in mind, I called Jim Grady to see if he would meet me there and discuss exactly what the CGKA is requesting. I had decided to remain open to a discussion. He did, and we looked at the layout to see if there was a possibility of meeting their request. I believe that there is. My requirements are that there would be no identifiable safety issues created, that the proposed use would not interfere with the public's use of the facility, and that it wouldn't create more conflict with the existing uses. I believe that we have identified an area that meet these criteria.
There is a concrete pad in the southeast area of the lawn, with a drainage grate that is a good reference for the area I'll describe. I would propose that we allow the use requested by the CGKA, pumping and drying of kites with no lines, no landing and no launching, in an area that begins 40' north of the north edge of the sidewalk (12' north of the concrete pad) and runs north to the alders and bushes that mark the north edge of the lawn; and is bordered on the west by a line 55' to the west of, and parallel to, the fence that defines the eastern edge of the Event Site. I have stuck a stake in the ground at the south west corner of the area that I describe for those who want to take a look. Jim Grady felt that this is an area adequate to meet the request of the CGKA and I believe that it satisfies my personal and professional concerns.
Jim has made a strong commitment that the CGKA and the kite community will police their use, and make their request with the clear understanding that repeated violations of the agreed upon definitions of area and allowed uses would be grounds for rescinding the agreement.
In addition, at last night's board meeting of the CGWA, it was voted on, and approved unanimously, to support the CGKA's request, within the parameters described above.
I'm
happy to answer any questions any of you might have. -Steve-"
After meeting with Jim Grady to discuss the topic and the
area of use, Gates commented that his long-standing concern
about safety and family use had been met. Mark Barnes commented
on there being some miscommunication among the CGKA Board
because it was his opinion that the eastern tree line should
be used as the delineation point, and that people would have
enough common sense regarding co-mingling and boundaries that
the line would come and go depending on use. Gates stated
that if the tree line were used he could not support CGKA's
request because he would not be in favor of displacing more
public use area. Doug Archbald suggested an alternative -
use the Pet Pickup Bag post as the southwest corner anchor
that is between the tree line recommended by Barnes and the
stake posted by Gates as referenced in the description above.
A question was also raised if more trees could be planted
and could current trees and shrubbery be trimmed, and the
response was that the request/proposal should be submitted
to the Port.
There was lively discussion where the delineation should be, whether one sport was justified in having more space than another; if a demarcation is made, did it matter if the kites crossed the line if there were no windsurfers at the Event Site; was the Commission or Committee anti-kite; other Gorge communities seemed to be doing more for the kiting community and it was questioned if Hood River realized the economic benefit from the kiting community. Gates commented that it was not an "us versus them" situation and that the Committee and Commission was engaged to find a harmonious solution for all users and he personally did not see there being a pushback problem and that both the Port and the City were involved in efforts to expand water access for all, citing examples of permits submitted to shift sand from the Delta westward and the new Waterfront Park.
Bohn indicated the discussion among the Committee members was leading to a consensus for a provisional trial if the space and enforcement, by way of signage and/or ground markings, could be agreed upon. Bohn did specifically state that Port Maintenance and the Event Site booth attendant, who is usually a high school student, would not be the enforcers.
The following recommendation was made in the form of a motion to be taken to the next Port Commission meeting for consideration:
Motion:
Move to allow provisional year round use, with a mid-season
evaluation in early August, using the existing Pet Pickup
Bag post as the southwest anchor for the designated kite pumping
and drying area at the Event Site.
Move: Stirn
Second: Gates
Discussion: Jim Grady and Laurie Borton will determine the
appropriate sign verbiage.
Vote: AYE: Archbald, Bohn, Frodel, Gates, Grady, Maher, Schock,
and Stirn
ABSENT: Gale, Sassara, and Streich
Meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Next
Meeting: Date to be determined.
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