Megan Channell

Key discussions during the regular session involved public comments concerning pending transactions, defamation from a previous memo, maintained access to the dinghy dock during future development, and the method for collecting public input regarding the Sternwheeler. Action items focused on approving a resolution to authorize two administrative positions—one temporary to backfill maternity leaves and one full-time role for increased workload in front office and bridge operations. The Commission also approved staff participation in the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority's Action Plan Committee, requesting the inclusion of the Roundabout and 1st St. realignment. Finally, the Commission conducted the first reading by title only of Ordinance No. 30, which regulates conduct on Port Property, incorporating proposed clarifications regarding fishing prohibitions and the specification of "motorized vehicles."

The meeting included public commentary addressing concerns regarding safety and environmental impacts from larger vessels entering the Marina, as well as the cost of the Airport Terminal Building Project. The Consent Agenda was approved, excluding a resolution related to the Terminal Project which was moved to Action Items. Informational reports covered the Monthly Financial Report, with clarification sought on easement reimbursements and Personal Employees Retirement System buy downs, and the filing of the 2025 Annual Report. Discussions focused on Marina Survey results, particularly concerns related to the Sternwheeler cruise ship docking, and the process for soliciting developer interest for Marina East and West properties. Director reports addressed correspondence, grant updates, and progress on an insurance claim settlement. Action items included the approval of resolutions adopting an organizational restructure and authorizing a budget adjustment, approval of the Chubb Bridge Insurance Policy for 2026, authorization for the release of the RFP for the 2026-2032 Strategic Business Plan Update, approval of a resolution authorizing the Waterfront Roads Infrastructure Project cost update and grant support request, and approval of the EDA Grant Application for the Terminal Project, with Commissioner Bieker disclosing potential future conflicts of interest regarding the building construction.

The meeting included administrative updates and public comment. Staff introduced an additional consent agenda item concerning the authorization of closing documents for the 200 WCO Court property, requiring a specific title company resolution. A representative from Gorge Junior Sailing expressed concerns regarding safety and environmental issues related to a sternwheeler in the marina. Key discussions involved Commissioner Thomas questioning the dollar amount of a consent agenda item, which was corrected to $4,930.50. A significant portion of the session focused on the Request for Development Interest (RFDI) for the Marina East and West sites, aimed at assessing market viability and development options to generate revenue, as these properties currently result in losses for the Port. Additionally, the Port received an annual update from Rudy Kelner, a tenant operating a beer production business, who detailed the company's growth to become the second-largest independent producer in Oregon and its plans for a $2 million, 5,200 square foot expansion on the existing Howard site to accommodate canning and packaging operations.

The Board meeting commenced with administrative adjustments to the agenda, specifically removing a consent item for further review. Public comment included one written statement regarding marina security. Key discussions focused on the lots located at Odell Lower Mills, specifically determining the acreage to be obligated for the bridge project (estimated at nine to ten acres) and confirming the port's stance on retaining one or more lots for future port development versus proceeding with sales. The status of the wetland mitigation project on Lot 902 was reviewed. There was also a discussion about utilizing potential lots for a bridge laydown area, though some commissioners suggested this was off-topic and should be addressed by the bridge management contract, noting logistical challenges with the existing roadway access. The commission considered granting short-term extensions to current tenants whose leases were expiring soon, pending a final decision on whether to sell the parcels or retain them for port development, which the commission agreed to discuss further in the Spring Planning session in April.

Key discussions included a modification to the agenda regarding a grant amount correction for consent item H, where the total grant was clarified to be $14,000, not just the federal share of $1,800. Action item 7D was deleted from the agenda. The Executive Director provided a report mentioning outreach for an upcoming deck replacement project and discussed the ongoing Chief Financial Officer (CFO) selection process, emphasizing the need for staff involvement to ensure an approachable candidate. The Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) recommended filling two openings with individuals possessing business and development backgrounds: Andreas VonFlotow and Matt Swyhart. The Bi-State Working Group reached an agreement with HNTB regarding a project, although a rate structure issue concerning overhead charges required reducing the project manager's hours for the first year to maintain the budget, with a plan to revisit scope or funding later. The Board also approved a budget transfer resolution for fiscal year 2021-2022 and adopted the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, including the associated tax rate. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and recommended approval for the renewal of three government affairs/lobbying contracts, noting successes in federal and state legislative engagement, particularly concerning transportation funding efforts in Washington and Oregon. Future focus includes strategic planning for Oregon funding and coordinating meetings with Representative Blumenauer.