Port Of Newport

The document compiles minutes from several meetings spanning December 2025 to January 2026. Key discussions included actions related to the bankruptcy of Oregon Brewing Company, including retaining Shannon Martinez as bankruptcy counsel and discussions around Port property protection and potential tax liabilities. The Commission also addressed public comments concerning economic conditions, log exports, and the response to the Rogue closure. Business items approved included budget modifications (Resolution 2025-06), an annual increase to the NOAA lease agreement, and authorizing the Executive Director to sign an engagement letter for bankruptcy counsel. A significant emergency action was taken to authorize contracting with Ballard Marine Construction for the removal of the sunken fishing vessel Eclipse, with potential reimbursement expected from the derelict vessel program.

The meeting, which was hybrid, featured a Public Meetings Law Training session. Key discussions focused on the Port Dock 7 Project Update, including dredging plans, security fencing, access control, and accommodations for different vessel sizes, with staff noting the project is moving toward the construction phase targeted for 2027. Another major topic involved the update to the Rates and Fee Schedule. There was also an extensive discussion regarding delinquent moorage, uninsured vessels, and derelict vessels, covering issues of owner notification, disposal costs, and the need for better state-level laws and funding advocacy to support the Port's infrastructure needs.

The document contains records for multiple meetings and financial reports spanning October and November 2025. Key discussion topics from the November 18, 2025, regular meeting included a Public Hearing and approval consideration for Ordinance 2025-01 concerning changes to the Port Facilities Code, approval of an amendment to a Federal Cost Share Agreement for the PD7 Project, termination of a lease with Rogue, approval of a new lease with Matheson Marine, approval of Resolution 2025-04 regarding Interfund Transfers, and approval of Resolution 2025-05 adopting an AI Policy. Additionally, the selection of a contract for the Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Project was on the agenda. Minutes from a Special Meeting held on October 23, 2025, detailed the simultaneous approval of the termination of the Rogue Lease and a new lease agreement with West Coast Seafood, LLC, for a portion of the distillery lease building, involving considerations for odor control and seafood processing capacity. The October 28, 2025, Commission Minutes covered the approval of the consent calendar, a presentation by Elite Dynamics regarding their reservation and services system, and the public hearing for Ordinance 2025-01. The document also includes financial statements for various funds ending October 31, 2025, and a list of accounts paid in October 2025, referencing August 2025 transactions.

The meeting included a Budget Hearing and an immediately following Regular Meeting. The primary focus of the Budget Hearing was the presentation and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget, with a staff report detailing no recommended changes to the budget approved by the Budget Committee. Key agenda items for the subsequent Regular Meeting included the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget (Resolution No. 2024-06), approval of Consent Calendar items such as previous minutes (March 19 and April 11) and Financial Reports, consideration of Old Business regarding the approval of Goals and Objectives and an update to the Capital Improvement List, and approval of an update to the Health and Safety Policy. Staff reports covered the Executive Director's overview and specific reports from Directors of Finance and Business Services and Operations. Capital improvement discussions were detailed across multiple funds, including specific projects for Administration, Commercial Marina (e.g., crane replacement, roof repairs), International Terminal (e.g., RORO dock repair, equipment replacement), and Facilities Maintenance (e.g., fishing pier improvements, WIFI upgrade).

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including a public hearing and subsequent approval of Ordinance 2025-01 concerning changes to the Port Facilities Code. The Commission also approved an amendment to the Federal Cost Share Agreement for the PD7 Project, authorizing a retroactive increase in the Port's contribution by $15K. New business included the approval of a termination with Rogue and a new lease with Matheson Marine, the adoption of Resolution 2025-04 regarding Interfund Transfers, and the adoption of Resolution 2025-05 establishing an AI Policy. Furthermore, the Commission authorized contracting with the Port of Toledo for the removal and disposal of up to 17 abandoned and derelict vessels, not to exceed $365,000. Staff reports covered the status of Rogue's former facility, current slip occupancy rates, and a significant amount of past due customer accounts.