Jorge Celestino

The agenda for the meeting includes the selection of a contract for on-call engineering professional services. Additionally, the commission will hold an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment and determine whether to authorize the Interim Executive Director to offer the Director of Finance position to a candidate.

The Commission addressed several key items, including the approval of resolutions to cancel specific warrants and the authorization of contracts for asphalt replacement and seal coating projects at various Port locations. Additionally, the Board discussed the Crow Butte Park Master Plan, reviewed the status of various federal and state grant applications, and received updates regarding airport projects, rail infrastructure, and economic development efforts.

The commission addressed various administrative and operational matters, including the approval of Resolution 26-19 to secure matching funds for the WSDOT Aviation Grant for the Richland Airport Apron Project, and Resolution 26-21 adopting revised rules of policy and procedure. A resolution regarding land rates at the Prosser Airport was tabled for further tenant feedback. The commission authorized negotiations with AHBL for the Crow Butte Master Plan and received updates on the Richland Airport water utility committee and a comprehensive rail update regarding track status, grant-funded projects, and economic impact. Additionally, an executive session was held to discuss real estate and personnel, resulting in the authorization to hire a real estate manager.

The meeting included several business items and resolutions. Key discussions involved updates from Hanford Communities and TRIDEC, including TRIDEC's facilitation of an agreement with a new tenant, Avalanche Energy Fusion WE RX. Several resolutions were passed to formally appoint Angela Saraceno-Lyman as the Claims for Damages agent and Port Auditor, and Jorge Celestino as the Public Records Officer. Resolution 26-16 amended signers for Banner and Key Banks following a recent staff departure. The Commission authorized Lease Modification No. 1 with Barnhart Crane & Rigging Company, Inc. and approved a variance for event-oriented amenities in Vintners Village. Contract amendments totaling $82,793.00 were approved for PND Engineers, Inc., covering engineering for a corrosion protection system on the barge and necessary Critical Areas Mapping and Permitting. An Ad Hoc Committee was established to investigate the Richland Airport hangar/City of Richland water utility issues, with specific questions regarding historical agreements and ownership responsibilities. The date for the March meeting was confirmed to return to the regular pattern. During the executive session, a motion carried to pay Commissioner Scott Keller's attorney fees resulting from complaints made against him. Finally, the Commission authorized the interim Executive Director to hire for the Administrative Assistant and Capital Development Manager positions.

The regular Commission meeting agenda included several items of business, such as a welcome and update from the North American Trainers Association Formation Clinic. Key resolutions involved confirming matching funds for the WSDOT Aviation Grant related to the Richland Airport Apron Project (Resolution 26-19) and establishing land rates for Prosser Airport (Resolution 26-20). Further business included the adoption of revised Port of Benton Commission Rules of Policy and Procedure (Resolution 26-21), authorization to begin negotiations with AHBL for the Crow Butte Master Plan, and updates on the Main Apron Reconfiguration Project and the Richland Airport Water Utility Ad Hoc Committee. The meeting concluded with a planned Executive Session to discuss real estate, complaints, personnel evaluation, and potential litigation.