Donna Watts

The primary discussion item for this special meeting involved a report that the Port of Pasco and Tri-Cities Airport successfully hosted a Tenant Appreciation event.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the adoption of Resolution 1485 supporting compatible land use planning for future Tri-Cities Airport growth. The Commission approved an inter-local agreement with the City of Connell for the development of a new Welcome Center to support regional tourism and economic development. Lease adjustments were authorized, including amending the rental increase date for Aromatics' Warehouse 5 Bay 1 to a five-year CPI cycle, and executing a 10-year dockage agreement and lease with Packaging Corporation of America, Inc. for building #302. Action on the Tieton Gold land purchase and the Tri-City Delivery lease was tabled pending executive session discussions regarding minimum prices. The Commission reviewed the April 2018 Financial Statement and the Tenant Delinquent List. Director reports covered broadband development grants, updates on the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project funding efforts, airport enplanement statistics and airline service discussions, and the Port's successful application for Opportunity Zone designations.

Key discussions and actions included authorizing a three-month extension on a lease for Panda Holding to negotiate a long-term lease for building and operating a micro-brewery. The agenda was approved as amended, and the consent agenda was approved, which included accepting work completion for airport siding and landscaping phases. Commissioners approved the 2017-2018 insurance renewals and an increase to Life Map coverage. Funds totaling $10,141 were accepted from the Port of Whitman to co-host a 'Working River' family festival in the Tri-Cities Region in the fall of 2018. Authorization was granted to sign an agreement for Marine Terminal Cleanup well closure work, with costs covered by the Marine Terminal Reserve Account. Additionally, the award of the TSA Inline System Contract was approved, contingent upon receiving the Other Transaction Agreement from TSA. Discussions also covered the September 2017 Financial Statement, the Tenant Delinquent List, and reports from the Airport Director and Executive Director regarding airline meetings, FAA weather equipment issues, lease reviews subject to FM approval, and the status of a Water Rights purchase/sale agreement. Executed items included lease amendments for Apollo Hangar and a space decrease for Inland Empire Distribution Systems.

The special meeting addressed necessary organizational changes following the unexpected death of Commission President Ron Reimann. The primary action taken was the appointment of new commission positions, with Commissioner Ryckman appointed as the Commission President and Commissioner Klindworth appointed as the Commission Vice-President, effective immediately. Discussion regarding the commission seat vacancy, left by Commissioner Reimann, was tabled until after the Franklin County special filing period, which was anticipated to occur in mid-August.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the consent agenda items, which covered minutes from previous meetings and approval of vouchers and acceptance of completion for the Big Pasco Industrial Center W4B1 Re-Roof project. A public hearing was held to consider and adopt the proposed 2025 Port of Pasco budget. Resolutions were adopted concerning the 2025 tax levy (Resolution 1638) and the adoption of the 2025 budget (Resolution 1639). Resolution 1640 was adopted to change the date of the first December commission meeting to December 9, 2024. Action items included approving Change Order #1 for the TCA ARFF Building Fluid Applied Roofing project to prevent future ice damage and authorize a warranty. The Commission also discussed the 2025 Strategic Plan, approved the 2025-2027 Capital Budget, setting operating reserve balances, and approved the Parking Lot Management Agreement Amendment #2 with Parking Concepts Incorporated. Authorization was granted to execute a Letter of Intent for a land lease at Reimann Industrial Center. Discussion topics included a draft Commissioner job description, 2025 State Legislative Priorities, and various director reports covering facility progress and staff updates. The meeting included executive sessions to discuss minimum lease price and potential land purchase.