January
Art of Community, represented by Kristin Godkin and CJ Wrench, presented the Big Art Program to the Port Commission, which authorized renewal of program sponsorship. New installations were coordinated in April. The Port purchased “N’Chi Wanapum” by Foster Kalama for permanent display at the Nichols Basin trail plaza later in the year.
Port intern Jose Santillan, a senior and HRVHS, concluded his primary project, evaluating the feasibility of placing solar panels on the Port’s shop building, and summarized it in a presentation to the Port Commission.
FEBRUARY
A new Airport Access Agreement for agriculture businesses was approved that allows continued access through the airport for neighboring agriculture operations only. Access by others was terminated when a section of Orchard Road was vacated.
The Port extended its contract with HRT Security Patrol Services to provide surveillance, monitoring and some enforcement services during overnight hours at six waterfront locations after the initial short-term contract provided valuable, effective services.
The Port Commission received a final report from Walker | Macy for the Public Infrastructure Framework Plan for Lot 1. The effort provided a full assessment of infrastructure needs for a potential collaboration with the Hood River Urban Renewal Agency.
Rich Gobeille of Stantec presented a sketch-level Traffic and Revenue Analysis to the Port Commission for the Hood River – White Salmon Bridge replacement project.
MARCH
BreezeBy Terms and Conditions were updated for single monthly replenishment based on three-month average use. The new policy means customers experience fewer charges to bank cards.
Architect Liz Olberding presented three-dimensional sketches to the Port Commission for Event Site and Marina restroom upgrades.
A contract with HRK Engineering & Field Services LLC was approved by the Port Commission for the design of the Lower Mill access drive for three southern lots.
Port facilities crew regraded the Marina Beach, replacing sand that had shifted from the retaining wall.
APRIL
A Spring Planning Work Session identified specific budget impacts as well as discussions on Port financial trends, a Lot 1 Market Analysis, a Development Strategy for Port buildings’ lease structure, the future of BreezeBy, and long-term bridge replacement efforts.
On-site work occurred for two significant bridge projects. The Skew System Upgrade required single-lane closures, while replacement of the Span Drive Motor necessitated night-time full closures.
Because a wetland mitigation site for comparable Lower Mill wetland mitigation was not available, the Port paid an In-Lieu Permit Fee of $132,219 (an amount equal to the cost to mitigate) into a Department of State Lands (DSL) account for Hood River County.
MAY
Groat Brothers completed grading at the airport, including the Orchard Road connection, and hydroseeding.
HDR staff performed an inspection of the reinforced concrete deck on the Washington and Oregon approach spans of the Hood River – White Salmon Bridge. The inspection evaluated the deck to detect delamination and concrete core samples for chloride testing.
A total of 560 pre-season Event Site passes were sold online before the May 23rd deadline, for a total revenue of $57,900.
Port staff received positive comments from Waterfront Trail users about new dog clean-up signs installed on the waterfront.
JUNE
A land use agreement with Columbia Area Transit was approved for a temporary bus shelter at the Barman property location on the Hood River waterfront to support fixed-route bus service locally and for daily services to Portland.
The Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget was adopted by the Port Commission with a total budget of $42 million after a May approval of the amended budget and the Port’s annual tax levy renewal of $0.0332 per $1,000 assessed valuation of all taxable properties in the district.
Maintenance Director John Mann recognized retiring employee Rob Arnold, known as “Ambassador Guido” in the waterfront recreation and Marina communities, for his “immaculate work” over the past 7.5 years.
Tyler Mann began his summer internship with the Port on June 10 to assist CFO Fred Kowell in identifying opportunities to expand BreezeBy electronic tolling to new markets.
Intern Jose Santillan began his summer internship to look at the electrical system and proposed placement and purchase of a backup system for the Port building and shop.
Landscaping and irrigation upgrades were completed at the Wasco Building by FLI landscaping, and a contract was approved for the Big 7 building re-roofing project.
Commissioner Brian Shortt retired from the Port Commission having served from July 2011 to June 2019 and as Commission President for two years. Executive Director Michael McElwee praised Shortt for his extensive experience, especially deep knowledge of Marina management and operations, and supportiveness of staff. The Commission proclaimed June 2 of each calendar year to be known as Commissioner Brian Shortt Day at the Port.
JULY
The Port implemented a new leasing methodology for the organization as a framework for leasing and management of Port-owned buildings over the next three years. The strategies are intended to keep up with market rates, evaluate conditions and amenities, and recover operating costs.
New Port Commissioner Kristi Chapman was sworn in along with re-elected Commissioner Hoby Streich. John Everitt was elected Port Commission President, Ben Sheppard Vice President, David Meriwether Secretary, and Kristi Chapman Treasurer.
Sharon and John Chow returned as Event Site hosts for the summer, their 5th year as hosts.
New stone and concrete benches were installed around the Marina Basin footpath.
Scheduled large events at the waterfront in July included: Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, Gorge Downwind Paddle Champs, pFriem Waterfront Concert series, World Class Academy Jr. Slider Jam, and Slider Project Hood Kite Jam.
AUGUST
The Port executed a lease with Cloud Cap Technology to occupy the entire Wasco building.
Five environmental technical reports were reported to be complete for the bridge replacement project, with 10 remaining technical reports in the works.
An airport improvement grant was agreed upon for FAA reimbursable projects in the amount of $360,734 for environmental assessment work at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield.
SEPTEMBER
The Hood River Fly-In was held September 15-18. The first day was marred by a single-aircraft accident that killed two pilots, including long-time WAAAM volunteer and pilot, Ben Davidson.
A contract was executed with Beam Excavating for Lower Mill grading and paving project, not to exceed $440,000.
The Port Commission convened for a special work session focusing on real estate with the purpose of considering Port goals and its vision for real estate development, including direction for immediate and near-term development opportunities.
A detailed progress report was giving by Kevin Greenwood to the Port Commission on the bridge replacement project. The report outlined tasks that were on target schedule, summaries or services performed, pending decisions or tasks, and all billed expenses.
Jose Santillan presented his report on his summer internship, evaluating the port office complex electrical back up power supply for the bridge tollbooth, Port office and maintenance building, recommending installation of an additional generator.
Summer Intern Jonathan Jones reported on his project for the Port which evaluated the riparian vegetation around Nichols Basin and recommended restoration projects. Jones led a restoration project removing invasive species at Frog Beach.
Bell Design was selected by the City of Hood River to carry out final engineering for replacement of the waterfront storm sewer line, to be constructed in 2020.
OCTOBER
The Port Commission approved an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) with the Port of Cascade Locks for use of the BreezeBy electrical tolling system.
More bridge deck welding was performed in late October, requiring single lane closures with flaggers.
Representatives from Otak (the Port’s NEPA advisor) and WSP (the Port’s project manager) attended the Port Commission meeting to present an update on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) process.
Waterfront Manager Daryl Stafford presented the 2019 Annual Waterfront Report that included summary of usage, site improvements, events and recreational trends on Port-owned areas.
The Port Commission discussed an approach and timeline for updating its Strategic Business Plan that would direct Port activities and operations for the next several years.
Another high-resolution image of the Sandbar/Delta area was ordered during low-water conditions brought about by the temporary Bonneville Dam closure.
NOVEMBER
The Port Commission held its Fall Planning work session, where 10-year financial models were shared, and the Port’s 2020-2026 Strategic Business Plan process was launched, with a work session facilitated by consultant Terry Moore to consider “drivers of change” as a first step in the process. Kevin Greenwood, Port project manager for bridge replacement efforts, reported to the Commission that the NEPA project is on schedule, with detailed technical reports, biological assessment, and cultural resource and recreational documents, some in review.
The Port Commission authorized the purchase of a second diesel generator in order to maintain operations at the Port office / shop complex during power outages.
DECEMBER
Local business men and women approached the Port Commission about creating a remembrance at Nichols Basin to honor local watersports pioneer Steve Gates who passed away in November. The Port contracted with Walker | Macy Landscape architects to provide initial concepts.
Port staff explained License Plate Recognition (LPR) services to the Port Commission for input on a process for “run-throughs” at the Hood River – White Salmon Bridge. LPR systems would interface with Oregon DMV and Washington State Dept. of Licensing for the billing of unpaid bridge tolls. Other state license information would be provided by a third-party vendor.
