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 February 27, 2007
CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC MEETING
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Commissioner Miller announced that Commissioner Wolfe was unable to attend this meeting due to illness. On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners excused Commissioner Wolfe from this meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners approved the minutes of the February 5, 2007, special commission meeting as published. February 7, 2007, Special Commission Meeting On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners approved the minutes of the February 7, 2007, special commission meeting as published. February 13, 2007, Regular Commission Meeting On motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner
Baker, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA
Board of Commissioners approved the minutes of the February
13, 2007, regular commission meeting as published. OPEN FORUM Ron Morrison from the Ft. Vancouver Seafarers Center had several comments and a question as a follow up to the Ft. Vancouver Seafarers Center workshop held at the Port two weeks ago. He said the workshop included a review of the Seafarers Center’s 40 year history and also a discussion on the past partnership between the Center and the Port. He pointed out a number of community leaders attended the workshop to show their support of the Seafarers Center including Mr. Lynch who urged the Port to look for ways to financially support the Seafarers Center. Mr. Morrison asked if the Commissioners would make a declarative statement of support for the Seafarers Center. He explained a resolution of support for the record would clarify the Center’s status with Port staff and could provide direction in searching out ways to provided financial help. Commissioner Miller stated Port staff would put together a resolution of support for the Seafarers Center. He explained the Port has always supported the Seafarers Center however it is not able to legally give financial support to the Center. He said the Port’s attorney and the State Auditor’s office recently confirmed it is against the law for Port funds to be used to support the Seafarers Center. He pointed out there is a bill that has been submitted to the legislature as an addendum to an existing law that would amend the language to allow Port districts to provide financial support including charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations whose principal if not exclusive function is to provide support services to commercial seafarers while their ships are in Port. He explained if the bill makes it through the legislature and the Governor signs it, it will become law sixty days after being signed by the Governor. He said once the legislature changes the language it also has to be approved by the Attorney General. Executive Director Paulson explained the Attorney General would have to decide if the statute change is sufficient to get around the constitutional prohibition of a gift to a nonprofit corporation by a Port District. Mr. Morrison asked the Commission if they would support the proposed bill. Commissioner Miller and Executive Director Paulson said the Port would take no action on the bill and is taking a neutral stance on the issue. Commissioner Miller explained if the law does change, then the Commission would be forced to make a decision, but in the meantime Port staff would draft a resolution of support for the Seafarers Center. Andy Kangas from CB Richard Ellis gave a brief statement of support for the Port’s proposed acquisition of the Alcoa / Evergreen property. He explained the community is in dire need of land that provides jobs and said he has turned away countless users because there is not enough land available and ready to be sold or leased.
There was no action items discussed at this meeting.
Executive Director Paulson announced he would be attending the Columbia River Crossing meeting at 4:00 p.m. He said he was granted authorization to support the three proposed crossing alternatives being recommended by the Columbia River Crossing Task Force at the last Commission meeting. He explained increasing controversy and discussion has taken place recently concerning the possibility of adding a fourth option that would include keeping the existing bridges. Executive Director Paulson pointed out that flexibility on the vote may be necessary due to these discussions and asked the Commission if the staff recommended alternatives remain the direction the Commission would like him to take. Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Baker agreed this would be the best position. Commissioner Miller pointed out Commissioner Wolfe is unable
to travel and would not be available to attend the customary
PNWA Mission to Washington D.C. beginning March 4. Commissioner
Baker agreed to attend the lobbying effort for the Port
in Commissioner Wolfe’s absence.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF REPORTS Transportation Access
Community Involvement
Legislative and Associations
Upcoming
COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Baker reported she attended the State of the County on February 16 and the CREDC Quarterly Luncheon on February 22. She said she also attended the Port RePort Breakfast, reception for General Pace and the Marshall Lecture on February 21. In addition she stated she took several phone calls from citizens who had comments and questions regarding the Port. Commissioner Miller reported he attended the
Association of Pacific Ports Mid-Year Conference held in Long Beach,
CA on February 15 & 16. He said he also attended the Port RePort
Breakfast, reception for General Pace and the Marshall Lecture on
February 21. RECESS WORKSHOP
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