Port of Hood River Commission
Meeting Minutes of June 23, 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, Don Hosford and Kathy Watson; Attorney Jerry Jaques; from staff, Michael McElwee, Linda Shames, Mike Doke, and Laurie Borton; guest, Commissioner-elect Jon Davies

Absent: Commissioner Hoby Streich

Media: None

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Fred Duckwall called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
a) Modifications, Additions to Agenda: Executive Director Michael McElwee requested an airport-related discussion of "Through-the-Fence" agreements under Reports, Presentations and Discussion Items; and Attorney Jerry Jaques cited ORS 192.660(2)(f) Exempt Records and ORS 192.660(2)(h) Litigation for additional discussion during Executive Session.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: Linda Maddox commented on the newly constructed Riverfront Trail saying that even though it was not as wide as she'd hoped for the trail was wonderful and beyond expectations and she thanked the Port for adding to the community's vision. Maddox also offered her thanks to the Port for the action item on this meeting's agenda that would acknowledge the waterfront property donated by the Port to the City had been developed as a public park.

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Sherry Bohn requested the amendment to the Executive Director's employment contract be moved to Action Items for discussion. Hearing no objects to the modification, Duckwall announced the Consent Agenda was set.

· Approve Minutes of June 9, 2009 Regular Session Meeting
· Approve Three-Year Lease Renewals at Marina Office Building for Locus Interactive and Columbia Acupuncture
· Approve Accounts Payable in the Amount of $1,482.27 to Thiel Landscaping for Riverfront Trail Construction Management
· Approve Contract with Steve Richter of Gorge Nursery for Marina Center Landscaping in an Amount Not to Exceed $15,940

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

4. Commissioner, Committee Reports:
· Urban Renewal - With Commissioner Streich's absence, this report was deferred to another meeting.

5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: McElwee highlighted the following areas:
· Schedule - A single meeting in July will be held on the 21st unless there is need to call a Special Meeting.
· Staff & Administration - The May elections have been certified, with Commissioners Duckwall and Kathy Watson re-elected for four-year terms; and Jon Davies will be sworn in at the July 21 meeting for the Port District Position No. 2 being vacated by Commissioner Don Hosford. McElwee noted the unexpected death of Brad Dezurik who had served on the Port's budget committee.
· Waterfront Recreation - The Spit closure from July 3 to noon on July 5 for the fireworks show will be publicly noted (newsletter and newsprint, radio, website, and CKGA forum); the Riverfront Trail is close to completion; and McElwee reported he had talked with the Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association and there was consensus that no change was needed at this time regarding the provisional use of the eastern portion of the Event Site where kite pumping, drying and carrying inflated kites is currently allowed. Kiters had requested a larger area at the Event Site to rig lines but this was no longer necessary because the sandbar was more exposed with lowering water levels.
· Waterfront Development - McElwee commented that he anticipated final design guidelines will be brought to the Commission for action at the July 21 meeting.
· Bridge/Transportation - Finance Manager Linda Shames will attend a multi-agency meeting discussing the traffic impacts in Hood River that resulted from the June 18 closure of I-84 due to a fire west of Cascade Locks. Toll collectors have the discretion to waive tolls, which were done at various times for approximately 1500 crossings during the traffic rerouting. An impression still exists that the bridge is a factor in traffic backups but the toll plaza is not the pinch point. The Commission was also reminded that maintenance staff is not certified to assist with traffic control.

6. REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
· Recognition of Commissioner Hosford's Service to the Port District - Don Hosford, who is stepping down as Port Commissioner after serving the district for twelve years, was personally thanked by McElwee for his advice and counsel, and McElwee told Hosford how much he had appreciated working with him. On behalf of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA), Hosford was presented with a letter from Executive Director Glenn Vanselow along with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Duckwall then presented Hosford with a framed photograph of the Cardinal Glass groundbreaking in Odell on August 23, 2003. Hosford, who served as Port Commission president at the time, was pictured with Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Cardinal IG plant Manager David Windsor.
· Bridge Painting: Spot painting of the lower core of the 19 spans has been estimated at $300,000 to $400,000 per span. Paint rehabilitation is the only structural item that results in a low score on the bridge inspection reports and HNTB, the Port's bridge engineers, have critically examined the structure and believe the life of the paint system could be significantly extended by prepping and painting specific critical areas. A Request for Qualifications will be let the first quarter of 2010 by which time it might be known if funds become available through the economic stimulus package or SAFETEA-LU funding (the 2010-2016 transportation funding reauthorization). The bridge painting project has been listed as a top priority of the local Port-City-County coalition and letters of support have been submitted for reauthorization funding. McElwee stated there is no level of endangerment whatsoever in postponing the paint rehabilitation project until next year. Shames also commented that painting the spans below the bridge deck could occur simultaneously with the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOTs) Exit 64 construction next spring but that the painting project itself won't have traffic impacts.
· Through-the-Fence Agreement: In late April 2009 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed all federally funded airports that no direct residential access should be allowed, unless authorized by approved specific conditions, or non-primary entitlement funding may be withdrawn. In addition to airfield safety concerns, the FAA believes these users benefit from, but don't help pay for, project costs that increase property values. Three properties adjacent to the airfield on the north have through-the-fence rights that were recorded in 1995 and run with the land (Terry Brandt-WAAAM). Additionally, there are three properties that access the airfield from the south. A draft policy was provided for discussion purposes and the draft will be taken to the Airport Advisory Committee for input that outlines no future residential through-the-fence agreements would be approved for direct airport access; future commercial activities may allow through-the-fence agreements but only under specific conditions; Ordinance 22 would be modified and the Circuit Court would be notified of those ordinance provisions to establish a process to prosecute violators; and a fence would be constructed along the south side of the airfield adjacent to existing residential homes with gates at existing residential hangars to remain locked and inaccessible unless and until a commercial use meeting standards accepted by the Port.

7. ACTION ITEMS:
a) Authorize Execution of Amendment to the Waterfront Park Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Hood River Dated May 6, 2005 Acknowledging Property Has Been Developed as a Public Park: The Commission approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for Improvements to Port Subdivision in April 2009 that contained a clause to agree to amend the May 2005 IGA regarding the Waterfront Park to allow construction of parking on Portway Avenue to satisfy the requirement for on site parking for motor vehicles and bike racks. This amendment also acknowledges the Park has been developed, maintained and used as a public park and recognizes the substantial completion of all the listed facilities in the 2005 IGA. McElwee commented that looking ahead, there is a perpetual condition to maintain the property as a park and the property cannot be sold. Commissioner Bohn stated that she did not believe any document(s) addressed maintenance.

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Amendment to the Waterfront Park Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Hood River Dated May 6, 2005 Acknowledging Property Has Been Developed as a Public Park.
Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

b) Authorize Payment of $18,180 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Described in the PAS Grant Agreement Dated August 7, 2007 to Complete the Hood River Delta Study: The final phase of the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) grant will analyze issues in and around the Nichols Boat Basin to include habitat value, feasibility and cost of dredging to provide access and better water flow - and the impacts of no action. An evaluation of environmental clearances needed for potential modification of the Nichols Basin will also be evaluated. To initiate this last phase of the project, the Port will need to contribute its final payment of $18,180 and document in-kind work that has been provided, including water quality testing, aerial photography, historic research and staff time.

Motion: Move to Authorize Payment of $18,180 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Described in the PAS Grant Agreement Dated August 7, 2007 to Complete the Hood River Delta Study.
Move: Hosford
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

c) Authorize Execution of Personal Services Contract with Ball Janik, LLP for Lobbying Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $84,000 Plus Reasonable Reimbursable Expenses: McElwee commented the contract had been changed, as directed by the Commission, to consider a fee allocation based on time spent for each coalition member plus a base rate paid toward the monthly retainer. The Port will continue to pay the full amount with reimbursement from the City and County.

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Personal Services Contract with Ball Janik, LLP for Lobbying Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $84,000 Plus Reasonable Reimbursable Expenses Contingent Upon Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Port, the City of Hood River and Hood River County.
Move: Bohn
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

d) Authorize Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Hood River and Hood River County Related to Administration and Funding of a Personal Services Contract with Ball Janik, LLP:

Motion: Move to Authorize Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Hood River and Hood River County Related to Administration and Funding of a Personal Services Contract with Ball Janik, LLP.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

e) Approve Resolution No. 2008-09-6 Adopting the 2009-2010 Budget in the Amount of $19,529,934:

Motion: Move to Approve Resolution No. 2008-09-6 Adopting the 2009-2010 Budget in the Amount of $19,529,934.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

f) Authorize Amendment to Personal Services Contract with Stu Cato of Slca Consulting Engineers for Riverside Drive Engineering Services Not to Exceed $5,975: Engineered drawings for Riverside Drive improvements was authorized by the Commission in December 2008 in anticipation that federal stimulus funds would be available to construct the project. Although Cato has completed engineering plans and specifications to the 95% level, costs have exceeded the approved amount of $34,500 because pavement depth was incorrectly assumed to be adequate for an overlay and substantial re-engineering and personal attention was required to resolve the grading at the Hood River Distillers loading dock. McElwee noted the Riverside Drive improvement project is on hold pending determination of funding from EDA, which will be made in late summer. If the project is selected, it has been estimated that an additional $10,500 and four weeks would be needed to prepare the project for bidding.
During discussion a transposition error was noted but could not be confirmed during the meeting whether the difference was $5,957 or $5,975 as stated in the Action Item title.

Motion: Move to Authorize Amendment to Personal Services Contract with Stu Cato of Slca Consulting Engineers for Riverside Drive Engineering Services Not to Exceed $6,000.
Move: Watson
Second: Bohn
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

g) Approve Amendment to Executive Director's Employment Agreement Dated June 17, 2008 (from Consent Agenda): Bohn stated she was concerned about the request to carry over eight days of vacation time accrued during the 2008/2009 contract year for use during the 2009/2010 contract year because it created a potential payment liability if the Employment Agreement were to be terminated and, just as significant, it is important that vacations are taken. McElwee commented that he did not intend or expect to make a habit of carrying vacation days into the next contract year; that this request was a one shot deal; and the past year had been a tough transition year with staffing.

Motion: Move to Approve Amendment to Executive Director's Employment Agreement Dated June 17, 2008.
Move: Watson
Second: Hosford
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

8. COMMISSION CALL: Bohn requested the Real Estate Broker contract approved by the Commission at the June 9 meeting be brought back to the agenda for further discussion with regard to handling existing leases and clarification when a broker other than Current Commercial brings a deal to the Port. Commissioner Hosford congratulated Duckwall and Watson on their re-elections and congratulated Commissioner-elect Davies; and wished the entire Commission the best of luck! Duckwall congratulated Hosford on his retirement from twelve years of public service.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Commission was called into Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. under ORS 192.660(2)(e) Real Estate; ORS 192.660(2)(f) Exempt Records and ORS 192.660(2)(h) Litigation. The Commission was called back into Regular Session at 6:53 p.m. The following action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

Motion: Move to Authorize Matt Cockrell to Make a Settlement Offer to Insurance Companies as Proposed, and to Negotiate with Insurance Companies Regarding Airport/DEQ Matters.
Move: Bohn
Second: Watson
Vote: Aye: Bohn, Duckwall, Hosford, and Watson
Absent: Streich
MOTION CARRIED

10. ADJOURN: President Duckwall adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.

---

 

Port of Hood River Airport Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2009 Committee Meeting
Ken Jernstedt Airfield FBO Building
10 A.M.

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

PRESENT: Committee members Chair Jeremy Young, Dayle Harris, Gennaro Avolio, John Benton, Port Commissioner-member Fred Duckwall, FBO Johnny Young, Port Executive Director Michael McElwee and Port Marketing Manager Mike Doke. Guests: Daren McCafferty and Bob Merz, Hanel Development; Tim and Colleen O'Donnell, airport neighbors; Port Maintenance Supervisor Joe Pounders; and Scott Keillor, Columbia Planning and Design.

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

SUMMER 2009 AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Two capital projects are scheduled this summer at Ken Jernstedt Airfield - grass runway construction and north apron crack sealing, Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) adjustment and wind cone relocation.
Mike Doke introduced Daren McCafferty of Hanel Development, which will complete the fill and excavation for the grass runway. Bob Merz joined McCafferty. Hanel Development will haul base material from Odell to the airport, and utilize airport topsoil to complete the project. Port of Hood River maintenance will install an underground irrigation system, followed by planting grass.
Doke noted the topsoil would come from the area directly north of the northern taxiway, a location pilots sometime use to land in existing grass. John Benton suggested using material near the AWOS instead, an ideal strongly supported by committee members. McCafferty said this would work. If needed, additional topsoil can be relocated from the airport's northern border off Orchard Road. Joe Pounders said the irrigation's tap would be from a southern Jeanette Road service. Gennaro Avolio asked when the irrigation would be installed, and Pounders replied following Hanel Development's work. Pop-up sprinkler heads will be used. Avolio asked if the asphalt runway would remain open during construction. Johnny Young noted Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) would be broadcast if there were potential conflicts. Johnny also expressed concern with heavy construction equipment crossing the northern taxiway, and McCafferty noted he would restrict crossings to approximately 100-foot sections.
McCafferty stated work is scheduled to begin July 13 and should be completed by early August, adding survey stakes must be in place before he can start. Scott Keillor asked if all required permits have been obtained, and Doke responded he has discussed the project with county public works, county building and county planning and no county permits are needed.
There was consensus to avoid use of the completed runway until 2010 so that it can properly compact.
Also scheduled this summer is a north apron crack sealing project, an AWOS wind gauge adjustment and a wind cone relocation from the south side of Runway 25 to the north side of the northern taxiway. There was much discussion regarding the wind cone's final location. Doke mentioned three different locations near the AWOS were explored by engineers and once was selected. Committee members agreed the wind cone would be more accurate if it were placed on the south side of the runway, and Doke responded he would work with the project engineer to find the best location.
The construction schedule is pending until Federal Aviation Administration releases project funds, but work will not be schedule during special events, like the Sept. 11-13 Hood River Fly-In.

FUTURE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Doke noted there Airport Improvement Funds of more than $300,000 is available for the next airport capital project, and another $150,000 is anticipated in October 2010. He asked the committee if the Port should proceed with a plan to expand the north apron, a project that includes a wetlands delineation, or if funds should be targeted toward a runway eastward shift and Orchard Road vacation as a result of May 18 Hood River County Board of Commissioners' adoption of the Airport Master Plan. There was unanimous consensus that the runway shift and road vacation are the priority projects.
As a result, the north apron expansion project was put on hold.

MASTER PLAN/ORCHARD ROAD VACATON UPDATE
As noted, the airport master plan in May was approved for adoption into Hood River County's comprehensive plan. Doke provided an update on the projects, stating that county public works has recommended funding and a construction schedule be identified before requesting the street vacation. Jeremy Young noted the county planning director suggested the Port pursue the project immediately. Keillor suggested preliminary work could be completed prior to November, when FAA plans to notify the Port when runway shift/road vacation funding will be available. Doke said he would contact both county departments to coordinate this.

FLY-IN UPDATE
Jeremy Young provided an update on the 2009 Hood River Fly-In, scheduled for the second weekend of September. Young said more than 400 aircraft are expected, and host Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum will rely on more airport use than it has in the past few years. A hay wagon will carry visitors between the south side of the airport and WAAAM. All aircraft rides will be staged on the airport's south side. The FBO will rent a fuel truck. Young also anticipates requests for camping. An area north of the northern tiedowns was identified for camping, and a request will be taken to the July 21 Port Commission meeting if needed.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Johnny Young suggested that the Port leave a weed-whacker at the airport so that the FBO can assist with weed issues. Michael McElwee supported the suggestion, and the Port will discuss this with its maintenance department. Jeremy Young inquired about exterior lighting on the maintenance hangar and on the northern apron. Doke responded he would discuss these with maintenance staff. The sinkhole near Runway 25 is a persistent problem and Johnny Young suggested any excess material from grass runway construction could be used to fill the hole.

NOISE ABATMENT POLICY
Dayle Harris recommended notices be placed with the FBO and on runway-adjacent signage to remind pilots of the air traffic pattern. Too many planes are flying loud engines over residences when they leave the air pattern, he noted. All agreed to work to improve the situation.

THROUGH-THE-FENCE AGREEMENTS
McElwee distributed a draft version of a through-the-fence policy intended for properties south of the airport. These agreements would only be available to pilots who have a commercial aviation interests, like flight training. Jeremy Young, who lives south of the airport and may be eligible to receive a through-the-fence agreement, noted the primary issues are safety and fairness. Anyone executing such agreement with the Port must pay a fair fee equivalent to on-airport tiedown fees, and safe access onto the airfield must be determined.
McElwee noted the policy was developed at the direction of FAA. Benton added that should be included in the policy so that it modification is possible should FAA development new through-the-fence directives. McElwee plans to send the policy to FAA by June 26.
Avolio distributed information regarding a lawsuit stemming from FAA's through-the-fence enforcement action at Driggs, Idaho.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be set for 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16, when grass runway construction will be in its first week.

---

	Give your feedback on this article