OPEN FORUM

Commission President Wolfe invited comments from the audience.

Seafarer’s Center Spring Concert

Kent Williams, Executive Director of the Fort Vancouver’s Seafarers Center invited everyone to join him at the Center’s 13th Annual Benefit Concert at the Royal Durst Theatre on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Bob Koski

Bob Koski expressed concern about an article in the Columbian newspaper regarding Sharon Nasset and her ideas surrounding a 3rd bridge. He indicated he is troubled that Commissioner Oliver endorsed Ms. Nasset’s idea at the meeting. He added last month Commissioner Oliver voted to endorse the downstream bridge alignment and now is quoted in the newspaper as saying the only thing he will endorse is a no build option.  

Commissioner Oliver stated a careful reading of the article does not show he endorsed Sharon Nasset’s plan. He stated he supports a 3rd bridge and at the forum, he indicated he was speaking for himself only and not the Board of Commissioners. He asked that assumptions not be made that by speaking at the forum means support for Ms. Nasset’s position.

Staff Introductions

Mike Schiller, Operations Manager introduced Mike Kesler, the Port’s Security Supervisor. He stated Mike is a 25-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol and comes to the Port with a long and distinguished history of serving this community.

Director of Facilities Shuck introduced Alan Hargrave, a recently hired project manager. Monty Edberg, Engineer Manager added that Alan comes to the Port with 28-years of construction experience. He stated Alan brings value to the team with expertise in cost estimation and construction management.

ACTION ITEMS

West Vancouver Access Schedule 1 Phase A Change Order No. 2

Director of Facilities Shuck presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet,
and discussed the proposal with the Commissioners. He stated the Board of Commissioners awarded a contract to Rotschy Inc. on December 11, 2007, for $3,661,149.33. This was for the construction of Schedule 1 Phase A. He stated several items have been identified since the Notice to Proceed was issued that warrant amendment to the original Contract through Change Order. 

Engineering Manager Edberg provided an overview of the four items that warrant the Change Order. He added all four items are necessary and add value to the project.

On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Oliver, and unanimously carried, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners approved the West Vancouver Freight Access Schedule 1 Phase A Change Order 2.

Authorize a Public Works Contract with the Nutter Corporation for construction of the “Schedule 1 Phase-B Improvements” Project

Director of Facilities Shuck presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet,
and discussed the proposal with the Commissioners. He stated this is for the authorization of a public works contract with Nutter Corporation for the construction of Schedule 1 Phase B Improvements, part of the West Vancouver Freight Access Project.

Rick Cline, Port Procurement Project Manager added this is the second of three phases and is to address design changes in the T-wall, clarifications, and revisions to design drawings. He also stated this is for an extension in the bid closing day from January 14, 2008 to February 14, 2008.

On motion by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner Baker, and unanimously carried, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners authorize the Executive Director to sign a Public Works Contract for construction of the “Schedule 1 Phase-B Rail, Improvements,” with the Nutter Corporation for the amount of $7,359,315 (Includes Washington State Sales Tax).

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Port Contracts Log

Executive Director Paulson stated the Port Contracts Log is provided to the Commission on a regular basis to provide information relating to contracts the Port enters into under Executive Director authority.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLES

Following discussion with staff, on motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Oliver, and carried unanimously, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners ratified and approved payment of February 2008 Vouchers 029352 - 029802 in the amount of $3,175,181.31 and February 2008 Payroll Checks 004781 – 004802 and Direct Deposits 17641 - 17764 in the amount of $243,176.05.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Project Updates

Director of Facilities Shuck provided updates on the West Vancouver Freight Access Rail Project Schedule 1, Phase A; Parcel 8 Early Grading; and NuStar Energy Rail Project.

Sr. Director of Marketing and Operations Smith provided a brief overview of his and Executive Director Paulson’s marketing trip to Australia.

Executive Director Paulson stated he and Commissioner Wolfe were at the annual Pacific NW Waterways Association Mission to Washington lobbying event in Washington DC. He added the week was filled with meetings and went very well.

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Commissioner Baker reported she attended or participated in the following meetings:

• Attended the WPPA meeting in Olympia on February 15
• Attended a meeting with Jay Hamachek from Great Western Malting
• Attended Senator Cantwell’s press conference on February 18
• Attended Port RePort on February 21
• Met with Cindy Gibson, representative for Congressman Brian Baird
• Attended the PNWA meeting with Theresa Wagner, Senator Murray’s representative on February 26
• Attended the State of the City on February 28
• Attended Labor Roundtable on February 29
• Attended the Special meeting of the Port on March 4
• Attended the Commission of Public Lands DNR event on March 10

Commissioner Oliver reported he attended or participated in the following meetings:

• Meeting with Dean Lookingbill, Regional Transportation Council on February 15
• Attended the Port RePort on February 21
• Conducted a presentation before the East Vancouver Business Association on February 21
• Met with Jeff Hamm, C-Tran Director on February 22
• Attended the PNWA meeting with Theresa Wagner, Senator Murray’s representative on February 26
• Attended the High Capacity Transit Steering Committee meeting on February 28
• Attended the Special meeting of the Port on March 4
• Meeting with Port of Ridgefield Commissioner Roy Randel on March 5
• Meeting with County Commissioner Steve Stuart on March 6
• Attended lunch meeting with Port of Kalama Commissioner Jim Lucas on March 7

Commissioner Wolfe reported he attended or participated in the following meetings:

• Attended the CREDC Executive Committee meeting on February 14
• Attended the Green Ribbon Panel meeting on February 15
• Attended Senator Cantwell’s press conference on February 18
• Attended PNWA Pre-Mission to WA meeting on February 19
• Attended Port RePort on February 21
• Conducted a presentation for the Columbia Crest Lion’s Club on February 25
• Attended the PNWA meeting with Theresa Wagner, Senator Murray’s representative on February 26
• Attended the State of the City on February 28
• Attended the PNWA Mission to Washington from March 1 to March 6

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming events were flashed on the screen for viewers to see staff activities and events. Dates, times, locations, and contact information were also displayed.

RECESS

The regular meeting was recessed at 10:50 a.m. to sign documents and resumed at 10:55 a.m.in a workshop on bond sale.

WORKSHOPS

The Board of Commissioners, staff, Alan Dashen with Dashen Musselman conducted a bond sale overview workshop from 10:55 – 11:25 a.m.

The Board of Commissioners and staff conducted a workshop on the Alcoa pre-closing from 11:25 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.

The Board of Commissioners and staff conducted a workshop on Commission supplies and hardware from 11:40–11:46 a.m.

RECESS

The regular meeting was recessed at 11:46 a.m. and resumed into Executive Session at 12:05 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION, CONTINUED

The regular meeting was recessed back into Executive Session at 12:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing litigation and real estate matters. The executive session concluded at 12:31 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, the March 11, 2008, regular meeting was adjourned at 12:31 p.m. by
Commission President Wolfe.