Mark A. Brown

The Commission discussed several agenda items including the appointment of members to the Commercial Fishing User Group and Budget Committee. Presentations were made regarding a seafood holding system. New business addressed the acceptance of the 2024-2025 audit, approval of an audit action plan, certification of an Army Corps cost share, and the adoption of a volunteer handbook. Staff reports were delivered by the Executive Director and various department heads.

The agenda for the hybrid meeting included an Oath of Office, Election of Officers, and Public Comment periods. Key items discussed under the Consent Calendar involved the approval of Minutes from January 27 and February 12, Financial Reports, and Accounts Paid. Old Business centered on the approval of easements with Trofimchik near Embarcadero and Rondys near Terminal, as well as authorization to apply for grants. New Business included consideration of a Spencer Parking Ticket Appeal and the approval of Resolution 2026-01 regarding the Fiscal Manual and policy updates. Staff and Commissioner reports were also presented, concluding with planning for future considerations.

The primary discussion item addressed under New Business involved the interview of Commission Applicants, specifically Mr. Osborne and Ms. Anderson. Following the interviews, the Commission voted via ballot, resulting in Mr. Osborne receiving three votes. A motion was subsequently passed to appoint Larry Osborne to Position No. 4 as a Commissioner for the Port of Newport.

The meeting included a scheduled discussion on the Rates and Fee Schedule Update, which was tabled. Significant discussion centered on the Port Dock 7 Project, including temporary moorage planning for commercial and recreational vessels during construction, dredging needs for South Beach and J Dock, and concerns regarding derelict vessels. There was extensive deliberation regarding managing water leaks on Dock 7, the associated high water costs, and the potential implementation of individual water meters for spigots across the port. Furthermore, a Public Meetings Law Training session was conducted.

Key discussions during the meeting included a modification to the agenda to move the DSL Waterway Lease item to Old Business. Public comment procedures were clarified, noting that online submissions do not require reading by staff. The consent calendar was approved excluding the aforementioned lease item. In Old Business, extensive discussion occurred regarding the 45751 DSL Waterway Lease, detailing ownership of submerged and submersible lands, lease pricing structures, and permitted uses at various Port properties, resulting in approval for the Executive Director to execute the Amended and Restated Submerged and Submersible Land Lease Agreement with DSL. New Business focused on the approval of an updated Fiber Optics Agreement for the Administrative Office and RV Park, adjusting the monthly cost and bandwidth capacity. Staff reports included a suggestion for the Commission to hold a work session prior to budget formulation to discuss potential revenue creation strategies. Commissioner reports included recognition of Commissioner Lackey's final meeting.