Port of Hood River welcomes new commissioner, appoints new board president

Heather Gehring, who attended the meeting virtually, was elected president of the board at the recommendation of Commissioner Ben Sheppard, and approved unanimously by the other board members. Second-year Commissioner Tor Bieker will serve as vice president. Former President Kristi Chapman will be the new secretary and Commissioner Kathryn Thomas was elected as the treasurer.

Following a brief financial budget update, the commissioners determined committee assignments. Commissioners Thomas and Beiker will sit on the Airport Advisory Committee and the port’s internal bridge committee that considers bridge repairs, deals with load issues and reviews engineering reports. Bieker was also appointed to represent the port on the Oregon Airport Manager’s Association. Gehring and Thomas were appointed to the port’s internal finance committee and, because she was elected president, Gehring will serve as liaison on the Oregon Public Port’s Association (OPPA). Chapman was appointed to the port’s internal property committee, along with the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hood River committee.

Port Executive Director Kevin Greenwood said staff are preparing for an upcoming bridge inspection, and have instructed HDR engineers to complete a spot check and determine any miscellaneous repairs. Bridge inspections are expected to begin July 28 and Greenwood said they do not anticipate the inspections will cause traffic delays (see schedule at columbiagorgenews.com).

The board then held a hearing for the 1994 Ordinance restricting development around the marina basin. Commissioners discussed repealing the ordinance, but eventually opted to amend the language that will allow re-development at the site of the old Chamber and DMV buildings, protect recreational resources and allow the bridge replacement project to continue planning using the preferred landing location. Several residents submitted written and in-person testimony against the port’s proposed amendment. Commissioners adopted the motion and approved Ordinance No. 29, and a signed and notarized copy of the ordinance will be filed with the county, going into effect Aug. 15.

In other news, the port and the City of Hood River have agreed on terms for two storm water easements — one temporary easement for construction purposes and another permanent easement for the infrastructure — behind the port’s Big 7 building. The city wants to begin construction this summer and has plans for additional easements from the port for a sanitary sewer pump station and line extension. Per the meeting agenda, the Big 7 building “is in need of additional parking and the city has agreed to help with the installation of parking in this area.”

The city will pay design costs up to 60% and give the port $10,000 for the right of the permanent easement with the intent that this would cover ongoing maintenance of the parking lot. The Big 7 building is approaching 80% capacity.