Julianna Marler

The meeting commenced with opening remarks confirming no executive session was held and that the proceedings were recorded and offered in a hybrid format. Key action items involved the unanimous adoption of the 2026 preliminary budget. The Board also unanimously approved two lease amendments: the Fifth Amendment to the Lease with Subaru of America, Inc., and the Fourth Amendment to the Lease with Glen Dimplex Americas Company. Furthermore, the Board authorized the CEO to execute professional services contracts totaling $700,000.00 for on-call construction material testing and inspection services, distributed among Terracon Consultants, Inc., Carison Testing, Inc., and Columbia West Engineering, Inc. The CEO presented an update on the port's new website, detailing improvements in accessibility, security, design, and user experience.

The Board of Commissioners Meeting agenda included several action items for 2026, specifically the Election of Officers and organizational assignments. The meeting also covered Unfinished Business, specifically PORT CONTRACTS LOGS, and New Business, including Accounts Payable review. A significant portion of the meeting involved the CEO Report, detailing Environmental Project Updates across areas such as Sustainability, Air & Climate (including the Climate Action Plan), Habitat Management, Water Quality, Cleanups, and Permitting. The agenda concluded with Commissioners Reports.

The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from previous special and regular sessions held in November 2025. Key discussions included the introduction of the annual Holiday Card. The CEO Community Fund Program update featured the Ke Kukui Foundation and the 4 Days of Aloha festival, noting its economic impact and scheduled dates for 2026. Students from WSU Vancouver presented 'Ti Time Stream,' an augmented reality experience developed for the Terminal 1 public walkway. During the Open Forum, members of the public expressed concerns regarding a proposed warehouse complex, requesting greater transparency, community meetings, public comment periods, and consideration of sustainability measures. Action items involved approving Resolution 7-2025 adopting the Investment Policy, approving Resolution 8-2025 authorizing the sale and conveyance of Port property, authorizing a Change Order for Building 3103 Renovations, awarding a Public Works Contract for 2025 Berth Repairs, and establishing the 2026 CEO compensation package. The commission also reviewed port contracts logs and ratified the payment of November 2025 vouchers and payroll liabilities. Project updates covered ongoing work at multiple berths and buildings. Commissioner Reports included acknowledgments of various external meetings and recognition of Commissioner Burkman's final meeting.

The special meeting convened as an executive session to review the performance of a public employee, as permitted under RCW42.30.110(1)(g). The session was announced to conclude no later than 2:00 p.m. and no final action was to be taken during that time. The meeting was reopened to the public at 2:00 p.m. and subsequently adjourned.

The Board meeting included an update on the port Community Fund Program, featuring a presentation from the Vancouver GoFest Celebration organizers regarding its strong economic impact and attendance figures. A public hearing was held for the proposed 2026 Final Budget, where no public comments were received. Key actions included the approval of Resolution 5-2025 authorizing an increase in the regular tax levy and Resolution 6-2025 adopting the 2026 Final Budget of $117,190,334. Furthermore, the Board authorized the CEO to execute a contract with RSM US LLP for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation services not to exceed $3,317,222.50. The Board also approved the Second Amendment to Lease with Vancouver Bulk Terminal LLC. Updates were provided on ongoing port projects, including Trail Segments 4 & 5, Berth 13 & 14 Improvement Project, Berth 7 Rehabilitation and Maintenance, and Terminal I Dock Replacement. The payment of October 2025 Vouchers, Direct Deposits, and Electronic Payments totaling $6,778,770.78 was ratified and approved.