BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY – October 24, 2007
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
8:00 A.M. : Chairman Miller, presiding
Commissioners Present: Richard S. Claire; Ralph A. Garcia, Jr.; Secretary Larry R. Aikins; Vice Chairman, Richard A. Dodge; and, Chairman Lewis D. Miller
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Executive Director, Michael J. Giari; Special Counsel to Port, Francois X. Sorba; Director of Finance & Administration, Cynthia D. Hampton; Manager of Economic Development, Steve Wright; Manager of Operations, Donald K. Snaman; Assistant Manager of Operations, Eric Napralla; Executive Assistant, Rita F. Artist
Commissioner Dodge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion to Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 26, 2007 was made by Commissioner Garcia and Seconded by Commissioner Aikins. Commissioner Dodge abstained. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners present at the September 26 meeting.
III. CLAIMS:
A Motion to Approve Claims was made by Commissioner Aikins and it was seconded by Commissioner Dodge. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners present.
IV. RESOLUTION
A. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FORMER LBT DEMOLITION AND SITE REMEDIATION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BONDS ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT WITH CLEVELAND WRECKING COMPANY
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Executive Director Giari explained that Don Snaman had prepared a comprehensive report and cost spreadsheet for this item. The job is now complete with the exception of
a proposal for a scope of work by URS to clean up off-site contamination where the pipelines from Wharf 5 enter the LBT site, as required by DTSC. Giari stated that Cleveland Wrecking Company (CWC) completed the job according to the plans and specifications and met all of the requirements of DTSC. The main difference between the original estimated cost of construction and the completed cost of construction was due to the additional quantities of excavated soil, the fill soil, and additional wastewater that was treated.
Commissioner Aikins asked if DTSC had given their final approval. Don Snaman responded that DTSC is very satisfied with the work that has been done to date but an Interim Closure Plan must be prepared and the additional work next to the pipelines from Wharf 5 must be completed.
Chairman Miller inquired about demolition of the building on the LBT site. Snaman stated that after the off site contamination has been cleaned up, plans and specifications for demolition of the building will be drawn up. Chairman Miller asked if the demolition would have to be approved by DTSC and Snaman replied, “No”.
Commissioner Dodge asked for confirmation of the amount the Board was being asked to approve at today’s meeting. Giari explained that this item is to authorize final payment and release of the bonds. Total cost of the project is $2,363,000.
Dodge asked for information regarding the above ground storage tanks’ foundations. Snaman explained that the issue was whether or not they were contaminated. Because they were 5-feet or more below the surface, the condition of the concrete foundations was unknown. The tanks were built with timber piles to the top of the groundwater, which were topped with a 2-foot thick concrete cap, and 4-feet of dirt fill was on top of the cap. During the investigation, the concrete foundation pads were not exposed to determine the extent, if any, of contamination. However, a line item for disposal of tank foundation pads was inserted in the contract documents, in the event the foundations were contaminated.
Executive Director Giari recognized Don Snaman for the excellent job that he has done in managing this complicated and difficult contract while, at the same time, satisfying the requirements of DTSC. Chairman Miller agreed and commented that he had attended meetings with Don Snaman, URS, and Cleveland Wrecking Company; and, that Don “pushed gently but continuously” to get the job done.
A Motion to Adopt was made by Commissioner Dodge. It was seconded by Commissioner Garcia. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of all Commissioners present.
RESOLUTION
B. RESOLUTION HONORING PAST PORT COMMISSIONER, JOHN J. (JACK) CASTLE
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Chairman Miller commented that when he was first appointed to the Port Commission, Castle was very helpful and mentored him on appropriate ways to carry out the duties of a Port Commissioner. Miller very much appreciated all of the assistance he received from Castle.
Commissioner Dodge commented that this resolution accurately points out the great job that Jack did during his 20-year tenure as Port Commissioner.
A Motion to Adopt was made by Commissioner Dodge. It was seconded by Commissioner Aikins. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of all Commissioners present.
V. MOTION
A. MOTION TO APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR E-DOCK ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS – (TRANSYSTEMS, INC.)
The Commissioners requested that alternate designs for E-dock be researched by staff prior to taking any action on this Motion. Chairman Miller stated that no action would be taken on this item today and that it could be brought back before the Board for consideration at a future meeting.
VI. REPORT/PRESENTATION
A. REDWOOD CITY INDUSTRIAL SALTWORKS’ UPDATE By: John Paul Bruno, Vice President and General Manager
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Mr. Bruno presented a background on the public outreach process that DMB, Associates has conducted, the response they have received from the community, and what their next steps may include. DMB is the managing partner with Cargill Salt on the venture, Redwood City Industrial Saltworks. When Cargill decided to wind down their salt making operations in Redwood City, they partnered with DMB to determine what to do with their property. Bruno explained that 16 months ago DMB started an extensive community outreach process that included a direct mail campaign, hosting open house meetings, sponsoring community forums, and conducting site tours, etc.
Five things community members commonly expressed interest in was open space and recreation, sustainability, housing, transportation, and economic development. Habitat restoration was an important consideration with access to the Bayfront via trails. Passive and active open space, a variety of housing, shopping, business and office uses were considered. Bruno stated that residents emphatically said they do not want any additional burden on Redwood City taxpayers or any additional burdens to City services.
Chairman Miller asked how developing this area would affect the water supply to the City since we must comply with Hetch Hetchy by 2010. Bruno responded that he could not speak to what the demand would be since a project has not been determined at this time. DMB is aware of the water issue in Redwood City and will perform due diligence to address the site specific issue, the regional issue, and come up with a solution that would benefit Redwood City. Commissioner Claire commented that he spent four years on the Hetch Hetchy Oversight Board and their general plan for Redwood City has us below the allocation in 2012 primarily because of the use of recycled water and other conservation techniques that are in use.
Bruno continued by reporting that residents want enhanced connectivity between their homes, jobs, and downtown Redwood City. Redwood City is actually jobs rich and housing poor with more than 42,000 workers commuting into Redwood City every day. Councilwoman Howard and Mike Giari have taken the leadership in bringing a ferry terminal and ferry service to Redwood City, which is something that resonates very high with residents in Redwood City.
Chairman Miller asked if there had been any discussions about senior housing/assisted living. Bruno replied, “Yes.” He said that a number of people live in 3-4 bedroom houses that are too large for their needs and are looking for opportunities to stay in Redwood City either as a renter or as an owner.
Bruno explained that the outreach process included listening to existing neighbors. The Seaport Industrial Association expressed concerns about creating a buffer zone that allows for complimentary uses, with enough space between users. In addition to industrial uses, there are retail and commercial businesses and about 850 mobile home users along E. Bayshore Road. They are subject to significant flooding issues during the rainy season and future plans for the Saltworks site would attempt to provide solutions for this problem. Another neighbor is Greco Island, which is part of the San Francisco Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. Future plans for the Saltworks site will be respectful and complimentary to these areas.
In closing, Bruno commented that the next steps will be to catalogue the various mixture of uses and start holding community workshops to share the process of how to create adjacencies, understand what densities are, understand the utility requirements, and have our planning team lead community members to a process to ultimately reach a plan that will have community support. Sometime in the next year, DMB anticipates to submit a formal application to the City.
Commissioner Garcia commented that as the Port grows, different products may be brought into the Port. It might be a good idea if the Port could gain access to some of the buffer area to use for future growth. Bruno responded that there are advantages to being neighbors with a bulk cargo port that imports cement, sand, and gravel. From a location aspect, having a port with these facilities is a great attribute.
Commissioner Dodge asked where the 42,000 workers coming into Redwood City daily are from. Bruno replied that over 60% are coming from the East Bay, which is why DMB is quite excited about the plans for ferry service.
B. QUARTERLY VESSEL AND TONNAGE REPORT (July 1, 2007 – September 30, 2007)
By: Donald K. Snaman, Manager of Operations
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Executive Director Giari commented that the first quarter is not reflective of the whole year. Tonnage, however, is down. Don Snaman reported that the biggest item on the tonnage report is the lack of cement. Scrap volume is a little down in the first quarter but SimsMetal has refurbished their plant, made some upgrades and improvements, and have three scrap vessels coming into Port in the near future, which will show some recovery in the second quarter. Projecting ahead, Snaman said there are no cement shipments scheduled. Commissioner Dodge commented that this hurts because cement is a higher revenue commodity than aggregates and asked if staff has determined what percentage in revenue the Port will be down that first quarter. Giari replied that the 1st Quarter Financial Report will be presented at the next Port Commission meeting.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
VIII. MATTERS OF BOARD INTEREST:
Chairman Miller reported that he recently attended the American Association of Port Authorities 2007 Annual Convention in Norfolk, VA. It was a very worthwhile meeting and his report on the meeting has been distributed to the Commission members.
IX. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
None
X. CLOSED SESSION:
At 9:04 a.m., the Board adjourned to Closed Session to conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9(b). Case name unspecified – Review of Attorney opinion letter under attorney-client privilege. Disclosure would jeopardize existing settlement negotiations.
At 9:36 a.m., the Board reconvened. Chairman Miller announced that no action had been taken by the Board.
XI. ADJOURNMENT:
At 9:37a.m. Chairman Miller requested that the Commission adjourn to its next regularly scheduled Meeting of November 14, 2007. A Motion to Adjourn was made by Commissioner Garcia. It was seconded by Commissioner Aikins. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners.
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