OPEN FORUM

Commission President Wolfe invited comments from the audience.

Ed Barnes

Ed Barnes stated that he has served as the Transportation Commissioner for the State of Washington for the last 12 years. He indicated he recently read in The Columbian that this Commission took a vote and unanimously supported the Columbia River Crossing.  Commissioner Wolfe indicated the Commission supports the new bridge, but deleted the issue on rapid transit or light rail as it wants more information on how it would impact the Port. Mr. Barnes stated on March 9th, he attended a meeting where several people, including Commissioner Oliver made comments about the bridge and I-5 corridor. He added that Commissioner Oliver needs to make a decision whether or not he supports this Commission.

Commissioner Oliver thanked Mr. Barnes for his comments. He stated the Commission voted unanimously to support a replacement bridge, but has reservations about light rail. He indicated at the March 9th meeting he stated if the choice is a bridge with light rail or to do nothing, he, himself, would do nothing. He indicated his concern is with the high transit mode on the bridge. He also stated he was only speaking for himself.

Paulson stated there will be additional information made available and believes the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is not due out for several months at the earliest. He added the Port is looking to have a possible workshop with all three county ports to discuss long-term impacts.

Commissioner Wolfe asked if there will still be a vote on the preferred alternative and Executive Director Paulson stated the vote has been pushed back because the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is not out and the Task Force would like the 60-day comment period to lapse before the final vote is made.

Commissioner Wolfe stated he received some citizen comment cards asking the Commission not to make a decision until all input has been received and considered. Executive Director Paulson stated there will be additional discussions before a final recommendation will be made.

Kim Hash
Kim Hash, Director of Programs & Donor Relations with the Vancouver Historic Reserve Trust thanked the Port of Vancouver for its continued support. She also provided a brief presentation on the 2008 Celebrate Freedom program and the many activities scheduled for this year.

Seafarers Center Spring Concert
Kent Williams, Executive Director of the Fort Vancouver’s Seafarers Center reminded everyone about the 13th Annual Seafarers Center’s Benefit Concert put together by Jim Fischer and Friends at the Royal Durst Theatre on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Executive Director Paulson asked the Commission to call Action Item E-1 before the Regional Transportation Council presentation as Deputy Executive Director Coleman has another commitment and needs to leave the meeting shortly.

ACTION ITEMS

Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement to Purchase and Sell Real Property (Alcoa parcels)

Deputy Director Coleman presented the staff report, as contained in the agenda packet,
and discussed the proposal with the Commissioners. He stated Addendum No. 2 to the Purchase and Sell Agreement will accomplish the following:

• Attach the revised legal descriptions representing the real property.
• Attach the legal descriptions representing the aquatic lands.
• Formally attach the approved demolition plan.
• Formalize Exhibit D which lists the contracts to be assigned to and assumed by the Port of Vancouver.
• Formally attach Exhibit E which lists the active permits which affect the property.
• Clarify that the Port will receive a quit claim deed of any rights Alcoa has to the “Adjacent Parcel”. The Port will not indemnify Alcoa for these rights unless the Port receives insurable fee title and the Adjacent Parcel becomes subject to the terms of the Consolidated Consent Decree.

Deputy Executive Director Coleman asked the Commission for permission to remove from the attached Exhibit D the reference to the Declaration of Easements, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Shared Facilities Agreement by and between Aluminum Company of America and Vanalco, Inc. He stated this Agreement is covered in the Purchase and Sell Agreement and does not need to be listed in the attached Exhibit D.

Commissioner Wolfe inquired about the extensive list of easements and covenants marked as Exhibit G and asked if Port staff determined the impacts they have on the acquisition. Executive Deputy Director Coleman stated he and Counsel Anne Tiura reviewed the list and condensed it to the ones identified. Counsel Tiura indicated the Title Company has done a terrific job of clearing away many exceptions that did not impact the property. She indicated these have been studied and she and Port staff are comfortable with what is identified.

Commissioner Oliver asked about paragraph 7 on page 2 regarding the assumption on the aquatic lands lease and how this impacts Alcoa’s future clean up. Executive Deputy Director Coleman stated this allows the Port to terminate the leases that are assigned and amend them under the Port Management Agreement. He added Alcoa is still required to clean up all sediments to Department of Ecology’s requirements. He indicated this also prevents the Port from having any additional responsibility to the Department of Natural Resources should the property be cleaned up to a greater standard than what is required by the Department of Ecology.

Commissioner Wolfe asked what happens if the box we now know about that has TCEs gets enlarged and Executive Deputy Director Coleman stated the box we know about is larger than what the Port’s normal Port Management Agreement would be and is covered under the Consent Decree and the Purchase and Sell Agreement. Director of Environmental Services Boyden stated that the bottom line is that Alcoa is required to clean up that box to all applicable regulations, however big that box may be.

On motion by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Oliver, and unanimously carried, the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners approved Addendum No. 2 to the Agreement to Purchase and Sell Real Estate (Alcoa) as amended.

Commissioner Oliver stated during further discussion that his opposition to the acquisition of Alcoa and Evergreen is well known. He added the decision to acquire the property was made before he assumed his position on the Commission and he still has serious reservations. He also stated he will not be an obstructionist and will do his part to move the project forward to see it is cleaned up and developed.

Executive Director Paulson added this has been challenging and thanked Executive Deputy Director Coleman and other Port staff that helped bring this together. He also thanked attorneys with Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt. Commissioner Baker stated this property is such an important part of this community and she is delighted the Port will put it back to work.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business to come before the Commission.

NEW BUSINESS

Executive Director Paulson stated a request has been made by Commissioner Oliver to consider moving the June 10, 2008 meeting to June 6, 2008 as he will be out of town. He added he and Sr. Director of Marketing and Operations Smith will also be out of town. Commissioner Wolfe indicated he is available. Commissioner Baker stated she will check on availability.

OPEN FORUM CONTINUED

Regional Transportation Council
Lynda David with the Regional Transportation Council presented an overview of the Clark County Transportation Corridors Visioning Study and provided handouts for reference. She added that Port Commissioner Arch Miller was a member of the Steering Committee team and input from Port staff was also received during the study process.

Commissioner Wolfe thanked both Ms. David and Executive Director Dean Lookingbill and added that this is one of the most critical conversations in our community and the Commission appreciated their presentation and time.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Green Energy Purchase
Mary Mattix provided a brief presentation on the Port’s 2008 green energy purchase. She stated the Port partnered with Green Mountain Energy Corporation to purchase enough renewable energy credits to offset the emissions from 60% of the Port’s annual electricity use.

Ms. Mattix stated the purchase qualifies the Port to become a member of the EPA Green Power Partnership and places the Port at the leadership club level. She added the Port of Vancouver is the only port in the nation at this club level.

Executive Director Paulson stated he had an opportunity to attend the following meetings:

• The SW Washington Labor Roundtable on March 14
• On March 17 and March 18, the Port of Everett held a two-day retreat here and Port of Vancouver staff participated in some of their meetings
• Attended Commissioner Oliver’s open house on March 22
• Participated in the State Auditor’s entrance meeting on March 24

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

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

• Attended the SW Labor Roundtable on March 14
• Attended dinner with the Port of Everett on March 17
• Lunch meeting with Joe Melroy, Port of Ridgefield Commissioner
• Attended the Clark County Skills Center dinner on March 21
• Attended Commissioner Oliver’s forum on March 22

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

• Attended the forum in his District on March 22

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

• Attended Commissioner Oliver’s forum on March 22
• Attended a meeting with Port of Ridgefield Commissioner Joe Melroy
• Conducted a presentation to the Port of Everett on March 17
• Attended the Port of Vancouver’s entrance interview with the State Auditor’s office on March 24

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 10:45 a.m. to sign documents and resumed at 10:55 a.m. in a workshop on the marine and industrial marketing plan update.

WORKSHOPS

The Board of Commissioners, staff conducted a marine and industrial marketing plan update workshop from 10:55 a.m.-12:07 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, the March 25, 2008, regular meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m. by
Commission President Wolfe.