BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY – January 9, 2008
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
8:00 A.M.: Chairman Miller, presiding
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Richard S. Claire; Commissioner Ralph A. Garcia, Jr.; Vice Chairman, Richard A. Dodge, arrived at 8:02 a.m.; and, Chairman, Lewis D. Miller
Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Aikins
Staff Present: Executive Director, Michael J. Giari; Special Counsel to Port, Francois X. Sorba; Director of Finance & Administration, Cynthia D. Hampton; Manager of Operations, Donald K. Snaman; Assistant Manager of Operations, Eric Napralla; Accounting Clerk, Linda Hawkins; and, Executive Assistant, Rita F. Artist
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A Motion to Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 12, 2007 was made by Commissioner Garcia and was seconded by Commissioner Claire. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners present. Commissioners Aikins and Dodge were absent.
III. CLAIMS
Commissioner Garcia asked why there are two pages of identical checks for Check Run 12/12/07. Cynthia Hampton explained that there was a paper jam which resulted in all of the checks being voided and reissued.
A Motion to Approve Claims was made by Commissioner Garcia and it was seconded by Commissioner Claire. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners present. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
IV. RESOLUTION
A. RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO SUBLEASE AGREEMENT – (Portside Investors – Phase I Lease Agreement) – (IGROUP NETWORK)
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. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
RESOLUTION
B. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR GRANT WITH THE CALIFORNIA PORT AND MARITIME SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY ACTIONS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN THE GRANT
Executive Director Giari explained that this is an application for a Port Security Grant with the State of California. The grant’s funds are from the Proposition 1B bonds that were approved by California voters in November 2006.
Chairman Miller inquired about the proposed procurement of two vehicles with grant funds. Eric Napralla, Assistant Manager of Operations, explained that one vehicle would replace the existing Port van. The other would be an additional truck to move security related equipment and would also be used by Port personnel to patrol the port in the event that security levels were increased.
Giari commented that one project is to complete an environmental impact report for a ferry terminal, which would be available for emergency response and recovery. We are applying for these funds under the Port Security and Emergency Preparedness Grant Funds and at the same time, WETA will include funding for the same EIR/EIS in their request to the State of California for funding from a separate source. In the unlikely event funding is granted from both sources, the EIR/EIS study would be performed only once from one funding source.
Vice Chairman Dodge inquired about the location of the fuel tank and how it is used by the Port. Napralla explained that it is a 1,000 gallon above-ground fuel tank located in the Port’s maintenance yard that is used to fuel Port vehicles. Don Snaman, Manager of Operations, commented that the fuel tank is old and, although there is a permit for the fuel tank with the BAAQMD, new regulations will require an upgrade.
Commissioner Garcia asked what access and control procedures are in effect for the use of the tank. Snaman explained that it is necessary to enter a locked gate to the yard where the fuel tank is located and another lock is on the handle of the tank itself. The tank is in a visible location which is monitored by the Port’s security patrol. Only Port employees have access to the tank. Garcia asked what the Port’s consumption of fuel amounts to and Snaman replied that it is 3,000-4,000 gallons per year. Cynthia Hampton, Director of Finance & Administration, explained that each user completes a gas log with opening and ending meter readings and identifies each vehicle being filled.
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. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
V. MOTION
A. MOTION TO APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR E-DOCK REHABILITATION – (TRANSYSTEMS, INC.)
Click here to view the staff agenda sheet and documents for this item
Executive Director Giari explained that this item is to approve a professional services agreement with TranSystems, Inc. to perform engineering services and preparation of drawings, specifications, contract documents, and obtain permitting for rehabilitation of E-Dock. This was previously brought before the Board on October 24, 2007 when Port staff was directed to develop and present to the Board more detailed analyses of alternative designs and cost estimates. Port staff met with TranSystems on numerous occasions and discussed various configurations. The report discusses five alternatives and their estimated costs, advantages and disadvantages.
Don Snaman, Manager of Operations, explained the details of the five alternatives based on reusing the existing E-Dock and commented on other factors such as location of the launch ramp, D-Dock, existing shorelines, and optimal clearances. After discussions between Port staff, Spinnaker Sailing, and TranSystems, Alternative 2 is recommended as the preferable design.
Commissioner Garcia asked if the Port would gain any slips by choosing Alternative 2. Snaman replied that there is no net gain or loss of slips with Alternative 2. One or two side ties may be gained under Alternatives 4 & 5 but those alternatives are not really cost effective.
Commissioner Dodge commented that there are no side ties on E-Dock now but if the dock was flipped 180°, it appears there would be a gain of side ties. Snaman explained that flipping the dock would result in 40’ slips being located at the shore side of the dock where there would not be enough room for maneuverability in and out of the slips. Flipping the dock would also result in the added cost of removing and replacing pilings.
Chairman Miller inquired about the back up space between D-Dock and E-Dock. Rich Ferrari, president of Spinnaker Sailing, explained the distance and the maneuverability of various size boats in and out of the slips.
Greg Mailho, TranSystems, Inc., stated that Alternative 4 is the closest design to flipping E-Dock 180°. However, the Department of Boating & Waterways recommends a distance of 70’ for back up space therefore Alternative 4 would have to relocate the dock at an angle closer to the Conference Center which would require an additional cost for new pilings, a longer head walk and utility extensions.
Chairman Miller asked if the new marina opening next to Pacific Shores Center would cause a reduction in the Port’s 40’ slips. Giari responded that the current market demand is for larger slips and Westpoint Marina slip sizes will be 40’ and over. In this case, Alternative 2 maintains the existing 40’ slips at the Port’s marina.
A Motion to approve the professional services agreement with TranSystems for E-Dock rehabilitation using Alternative 2 was made by Commissioner Dodge. It was seconded by Commissioner Claire. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of all Commissioners present. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
Commissioner Dodge inquired about the possibility of banking credit with BCDC for the removal of wooden pilings, and decking at E-Dock or selling this mitigation. Giari said that the Port will investigate the possibility of banking credits for the removal of E-Dock for future sale or to use to mitigate impacts from future improvements to the public boat launch ramp that are being planned.
MOTION
B. MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BAY AREA SEAPORTS AIR EMISSIONS INVENTORY; AUTHORIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SUM OF $10,000 AND AUTHORIZE THE PORT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Click here to view the staff agenda sheet and documents for this item
Executive Director Giari explained that air emissions from marine transportation are a significant problem in port urban areas and are the subject of regulatory activity in California. The BAAQMD has proposed the “Green Ports Initiative” – the focus of which is on setting air quality goals to reduce air pollution from marine port activities by requiring each port in the San Francisco Bay Area to conduct its own inventory of air emissions. The inventories would be used to develop an “action plan” for each port. A series of meetings, facilitated by the Bay Planning Coalition, were held between the five Bay Area ports to discuss the feasibility of conducting a regional emissions inventory. The BAAQMD has agreed to begin the effort with a joint, regional inventory of marine air emissions.
The Memorandum of Agreement for the Bay Area Seaports Air Emissions Inventory would be entered into by BAAQMD and the five Bay Area Ports. Along with Bay Planning Coalition, they will form the Steering Committee to undertake the regional inventory. The consulting team of Moffat & Nichol and Environ has submitted a two-phase scope of work to perform the data collection and work plan for the inventory. Under the MOA, Bay Planning Coalition will manage the contract with the consultants. The cost for Phases I and II of the project is not to exceed $100,000. The BAAQMD will contribute 50 percent of the cost and the five ports will share the remaining fifty percent. The Port of Redwood City’s share will be $10,000. Any future phases of work would require amendments to the MOA and the Port’s share of costs would be determined at that time. The Port is not obligated to any future costs without agreeing to the amendments.
Commissioner Dodge commented that the Port of Oakland has completed preliminary work on this, therefore, it is reasonable that the five ports equally share the cost for Phases I and II. However, as we go forward with future phases, Dodge asked if the ports would share costs based on tonnage, revenue, etc. Giari replied that they are aware that, due to its size and the volume of its activities, the Port of Oakland is the main source of these marine related emissions. The purpose of these first two phases is to identify all of the sources of air emissions from ports. We can then determine how to apportion the cost for any future study.
Commissioner Dodge asked why the Ports of Sacramento and Stockton were not included in this Memorandum of Agreement. Giari explained that those ports fall under a different air district than the San Francisco ports. The BAAQMD said they would be looking into a way to incorporate vessel activity going to Sacramento and Stockton.
Commissioner Dodge commented that this study only looks at truck emissions on port property and suggested that study be extended to include the destination of trucks. This information then could be used as a base for further studies for Short Sea Shipping. Giari explained that origin/destination studies are very complicated and there are discussions about performing goods movement/air quality impact studies that would look at the whole logistics chain. In this case, they have decided to stay with the Oakland model, which is to look at emissions to/from the nearest freeway interchange.
Commissioner Claire asked if any of the vehicles that queue up at port terminals would be included in the study. Giari replied that truck line up became a big issue in Southern California and several programs were implemented to try to reduce those truck line ups. The consultants will look at the Oakland model to see how that issue was addressed.
A Motion to Approve was made by Commissioner Claire. It was seconded by Commissioner Dodge. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of all Commissioners present. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
VI. REPORT/PRESENTATION:
By Donald K. Snaman, Manager of Operations
A. Mid-Year Tonnage and Vessel Report – (July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007)
Click here to view the staff agenda sheet and report for this item
Don Snaman reported that cargo tonnage for the second quarter of FY08 was 348,362 metric tons. This was a decrease of 36,617 MT, or nearly 10 percent below the second quarter of FY07. Total tonnage for all commodities during the first half of FY08 was 660,224 MT. This was a decrease of 116,313 MT, or 15 percent less than the first half of FY07. Compared to the FY08 Budget, the first half tonnage was 182,776 MT, or nearly 22 percent less than Budget.
The decline in tonnage was primarily due to a decrease in cement, gypsum and limestone coming into the Port. Cement tonnage in the first half of FY08 was down 90% percent from last year for this period and also 90% less than budget. One cement vessel called during the first half of FY08, only bringing in 21,001 MT. Gypsum tonnage was down nearly 35 percent and there were no imports of limestone during the first half of FY08.
The commodities that increased in the first half of FY08 over the same period last year were imported sand and aggregates. A total of 278,924 MT of these construction materials were shipped into the Port in the first half of FY08, a significant increase over
64,977 MT during the same period last year, with 7 ship calls in the first half of the year.
Twenty vessels (8 ships and 12 barges) made calls during the second quarter of FY08 compared to 30 vessels (13 ships and 17 barges) during the second quarter of FY07. Thirty-four (34) vessels (12 ships and 22 barges) were projected in the FY08 Budget to call at the Port in the second quarter.
Another highlight that Snaman reported is that passengers are up over last year. Cruise West has returned to the Port with its cruise ship, Spirit of Yorktown. They have expanded their fall cruises but will not have a spring cruise in FY08.
Executive Director Giari commented that 660,000 metric tons is not where we want to be at mid-year but expects the first half of FY08 to see a similar performance. The bright side is that the aggregate tonnage may go up, and also, we saw scrap metal up significantly in the last quarter.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT:
NONE
VIII. MATTERS OF BOARD INTEREST:
NONE
IX. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
NONE
X. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:14 a.m. Chairman Miller requested that the Commission adjourn to its next regularly scheduled Meeting of January 23, 2008.
A Motion to Adjourn was made by Commissioner Garcia. It was seconded by Commissioner Dodge and was passed by a unanimous voice vote of all Commissioners present. Commissioner Aikins was absent.
City of Redwood City | Tide Chart | Contact Us |