Port of Vancouver USA- Meeting Minutes

Commission President Baker invited comments from the audience regarding any matter not listed on the agenda.

Jale Hansen asked what the Commissioners are planning to do about improving traffic congestion in the community. They responded to her that she should contact Thayer Rorabaugh, the City's Transportation Department, about long-range transportation planning in the city.

Executive Director Paulson commented on an article appearing in the Saturday, February 25, 2006, edition of The Columbian which implied that the US Army Corps of Engineers was encouraging the Port of Vancouver USA to develop Parcels 4 and 5, instead of Parcel 3, at Columbia Gateway. He assured the Commission that developing Parcels 4 and 5, instead of Parcel 3, is not the Port's intent and that development of Parcel 3 is moving forward in an appropriate manner. Mr. Paulson said that the unexpected Corps of Engineers letter, reported in the newspaper article, was written by an employee who is no longer with the Corps.

ACTION ITEMS

Authorization of Agreement with the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) for "Economic Development Services"

Executive Director Larry Paulson presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet, and discussed the proposal with the Commissioners. He explained that the agreement is between the Port of Vancouver USA and the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC). He said that its purpose is to establish the duties and responsibilities of CREDC as it performs economic development services for the Port, including economic development marketing; business recruitment; business expansion services; and, economic development research. He further said that under the terms of the agreement, CREDC will use its capabilities to promote and enhance economic development and employment opportunities for the Port and will jointly market the facilities and capabilities of the Port to new and existing businesses.

Mr. Paulson said that the agreement is for the period January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006, and the cost to provide this service is $27,000. He added that the FY 2006 Budget includes $25,000 for CREDC membership service.

CREDC President Bart Philips also discussed the proposal with the commissioners.

On motion by Commissioner Wolfe, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to sign the agreement between the Port of Vancouver USA and the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) for "Economic Development Services."

Authorization of Change Order #15 to a Personal Service Contract with Parametrix, Inc. for "ASI-TCE Clean-Up"

Environmental Services Director Patty Boyden presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet, and discussed the proposal with the commissioners. She reported that the Port executed a contract with Parametrix, Inc., in December 1997 to address trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination at the former Swan Manufacturing Company site, former Building #2220. She added that in October 1998 the Port entered into an Agreed Order with the Washington Department of Ecology to conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) of the contamination site.

Ms. Boyden further stated that excavation of contaminated soils was completed in 1999. She said that investigations to determine the site-wide extent of contamination and evaluate groundwater clean-up technology at the source area were conducted and revealed two other confirmed sources of contamination: the Cadet Manufacturing Company (Cadet) and the former ST Services facility. Ms. Boyden said that under the terms of the settlement agreement between the Port and Cadet Manufacturing Company, the Port assumes ownership of the Cadet facility and completes the clean-up of contamination at the Cadet and Swan sites. She added that the objective of Change Order #15 is to support the Port's obligations as defined in the Agreed Order and manage the environmental obligations associated with the Cadet site. Ms. Boyden said that Change Order #15 increases the contract by $2,310,221 for a new total contract amount not to exceed $8,874,943 and the FY 2006 budget includes $2,900,000 for the TCE clean-up.

Richard Roche and Terry Belunes, from Parametrix, presented a PowerPoint presentation relative to the environmental clean-up project.

On motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Wolfe, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to sign Change Order #15 for $2,310,221 to the Personal Service Contract with Parametrix, Inc. for "ASI-TCE Clean-Up" for a new total contract amount not to exceed $8,874,943.

Authorization to Solicit for "Miscellaneous Site Work - Bulk Storage Facility"

Facilities Director Curtis Shuck presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet, and discussed the proposal with the commissioners. He stated that the Port has experienced increased cargo volumes for commodities requiring covered storage and that increasing trend is expected to continue. He said that as a result, adding additional covered storage space supports the Port's Strategic Plan and ensures the Port maintains its leadership position as the preferred facility for Columbia River general cargo throughput. He explained that (1) on February 14, 2006, the Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the Kinder Morgan Management Agreement that increased its Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG) for additional mineral bulk export volumes over a six year period; (2) on February 14, 2006, the Board of Commissioners approved a Public Works contract with Triad Mechanical, Inc. in the amount of $913,051.52 to furnish and install a 72,000 square foot fabric covered structure to accommodate the increase of guaranteed export mineral bulks. He added that this request was for authorization to conduct a public works solicitation for miscellaneous site work associated with expanding the Kinder Morgan bulk mineral storage facility located at Terminal 2 and the proposal included excavation, grading, drainage/stormwater improvements, foundation installation, paving, striping, signage and electrical work.

Mr. Shuck also said that the solicitation for miscellaneous site work included an additive alternate option to relocate the existing modular building and perform associated site work for that relocation, at an estimated cost of $250,000, and the additive alternate option would be exercised at the sole discretion of the Port depending upon the budget. Mr. Shuck said that the estimated combined cost for the bulk facility upgrade project was estimated at $1,900,000, including Washington sales tax and contingency, and the Port is only committed to the $2,000,000 that it has identified in the FY 2006 Capital Budget for this project.

On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to solicit competitive proposals for "Miscellaneous Site Work - Bulk Storage Facility" at Terminal 2.

Commissioner Miller thanked Mr. Shuck for his memo clarifying this project.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF REPORTS

Executive Director Paulson explained that Sr. Marketing and Operations Director Alastair Smith was leaving the meeting early, due to flight plans for a business trip to Texas, and asked Mr. Smith to report on his recent marketing trip.

Mr. Smith reported on the annual trip that he and Jerry Klein, representing MTC, made to Australia and New Zealand. He said that the trip was successful and all clients appeared pleased to see them and had no complaints regarding operations at the Port

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Request to Defer IDD Levy Decision for One Year

At the request of Executive Director Paulson, motion by made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Wolfe, and carried unanimously, that the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners defer consideration of an IDD Levy until March 2007

NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business discussed at this meeting.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF REPORTS, CONTINUED

Executive Director Paulson reported on the following events:

Meeting with Jim Jacks, Governor Gregoire's Office (02/14);
Meeting with Port Commissioner Nancy Baker and Cowlitz County Commissioner Kathleen Johnson (02/16);
Meeting with Commissioner Baker (02/21);
Lincoln Neighborhood Association Meeting (02/22); and,
CREDC Quarterly Luncheon (02/23).

Public Affairs Director Addison Jacobs reported on the Clark County Transportation Alliance Day event that she and Commissioner Miller attended in Olympia on February 15, 2006. Commissioner Miller commended Ms. Jacobs for the way she represented the Port at that event, and he added that she is highly respected in the community and at state-wide events for the way she represents the Port.

Facilities Director Curtis Shuck reported on the State of the County Event, which he attended along with Commissioner Baker, Commissioner Wolfe, Addison Jacobs, Katy Brooks, Sue Groth and Marie Day on February 17, 2006.

Executive Director Paulson announced that he, Commissioner Baker and Ms. Jacobs were scheduled to attend the PNWA "Mission to Washington" during the week March 6 through 10. He added that he would miss the regular Commission meeting of March 14 since he would be visiting grandchildren in Michigan after the trip to Washington, DC.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Commissioner Wolfe reported that he attended a Central Labor Council Roundtable meeting, where he met Boe Ellis, from IUOE Local 701; the State of the County Event; the CREDC quarterly luncheon event; and had an opportunity to meet with Kalama Port Commissioner Fred Swanstrom.

Commissioner Baker relayed that she had attended a regular meeting of the Lincoln Neighborhood Association; a meeting of the Transportation Skills Panel; and several meetings with Executive Director Paulson since the last regular meeting of the Commission.

In response to accolades from Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Wolfe regarding her speech at the Port RePort, Commissioner Baker thanked staff members who assisted her during her preparations for the event.

Commissioner Miller announced that, along with Bart Phillips, he attended a meeting of the Higher Education Working Group, which was hosted by the Puget Sound Regional Council. He explained that the main focus of the group is to obtain more state funding for higher education in Washington. He pointed out that he and Mr. Phillips do not support one of the Group's goals, which is limiting all state research funds to University of Washington and Washington State Pullman. Commissioner Miller said that he and Mr. Phillips would like to see WSU Vancouver become a research facility.

Commissioner Miller also reported on his participation in the Clark County Transportation Alliance Day event in Olympia; a meeting of the Project Sponsors Council of the Columbia River Crossing Project; an executive session of the Port Board of Commissioners; and, a transportation-related meeting with Clark County Commissioner Betty Sue Morris.

Commissioner Miller invited all present to attend a monthly speaker series - "Lunch with the Challengers" - that he has scheduled at The Club at the Historic Reserve. He said that Dave Christensen, speaking on "Builder of Dreams," was scheduled to be the first speaker on March 2, 2006, at The Red Cross Building. He added that the April event would include representatives from the three wineries located in Clark County.

WORKSHOP

The Board of Commissioners and staff conducted a workshop on the Port's electronic access program from 11:40 a.m. until 12:02 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, the February 28, 2006, regular meeting was recessed at 12:02 p.m. by Commission President Baker.