Portland Fish Pier Authority

PORTLAND FISH PIER AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 21, 2026, 3:00 PM Remote Meeting Format on the Zoom Platform PFPA Board Members Class A Directors: Groundfish Harvester or Representative Mary Hudson, MCFA Tracy Pearce, Vice President Class B Directors: Groundfish Buyers Mike Alfiero, Harbor Fish Vacant Class C Directors: Representing the seafood industry of the State of Maine Rob Odlin, Representing the Lobster Industry, President Matthew Moretti, Representing the Aquaculture Industry Class D Director: Representing the Public at Large John Arnold, Secretary Class E Director: Representing the City Council Wesley Pelletier, District 2 Ex-Officio Members of the Board of Directors: Representing the Commissioner of the Maine DOT Chris Mayo Representing the Commissioner of Maine DMR Meredith Mendelson Representing the Portland City Manager Brendan O'Connell, Finance Director, Treasurer *******Meeting Link******* Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/83417818058?pwd=hDwKW1yu7Rd3tWQgLV2EKbWluaDeUu.1 Panelists will receive their own unique link via email on the day of the meeting. To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email edd@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Portland Fish Pier Authority meeting to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below). 1. Approval of April 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes a. See attached Meeting Minutes from April 16, 2026. Action Item - Public Comment 2. Financial Update - Kaela Gonzalez, Program Coordinator a. See attached Financial Update for May 2026 3. Facilities Update - Phil DiPierro, Project Manager. a. See attached Facilities Report for May 2026. Page 1  Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee Update - Chair of Subcommittee, Tracy 4. Pearce a. See attached Portland Fish Exchange Report presented to the Subcommittee on May 14, 2026. Discussion and vote on recommendation from Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee 5. to move forward with solar installation project for SEA Maine Grant. a. See attached presentation from Maine Energy Experts Action Item - Public Comment Discussion and vote to allow Salmon to be landed, processed and sold at the Portland 6. Fish Exchange - Heather Moretti, Waterfront Coordinator. a. Fish Exchange Rules and Regulations Section 4.1 Types of Fish Accepted The Exchange will be open to all fresh seafood species as the Board of Directors may deem acceptable. All seafood delivered to the Exchange by vessel or truck must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, all laws and regulations relating to the size or species of seafood. Action Item - Pubic Comment Discussion on Service Pier 1 Closure and Financial Impacts - Mike Foster, Vessel 7. Services 8. Discussion on a Board Retreat and Goal Setting - Tracy Pearce 9. Other items not on the agenda. 10. Next Regular Meeting Date: June 18, 2026 11. Adjournment Page 2  Agenda Item #1a DRAFT Meeting Minutes PORTLAND FISH PIER AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING April 16, 2026, 3:00 PM Remote Meeting Format on the Zoom Platform PFPA Board Members Present Class A Directors: Groundfish Harvester or Representative ​ ​ ​ Mary Hudson ​ Tracy Pearce Class C Directors: Representing the seafood industry of the State of Maine ​ Rob Odlin, Representing the Lobster Industry Matthew Morretti, Representing the Aquaculture Industry Class D Director: Representing the Public ​ ​ ​ John Arnold Class E Director: Representing the City Council ​ ​ ​ Wesley Pelletier, District 2 Ex-Officio Members of the Board of Directors: ​ ​ ​ Representing the Commissioner of the Maine DOT ​ ​ ​ Chris Mayo ​ Representing the Commissioner of Maine DMR ​ ​ ​ Meredith Mendelson ​ ​ ​ Representing the Portland City Manager ​ ​ ​ Brendan O’Connell ​ PFPA Board Members Unable to Attend Class B Directors: Both positions are vacant Staff Present ​ ​ Diane Albert, Portland Fish Exchange Philip DiPierro, Facilities Manager ​ ​ Kaela Gonzalez, Program Coordinator ​ ​ Heather Moretti, Waterfront Coordinator ​ ​ Avery Novak, Associate Corporation Counsel ​ ​ Robert Vanmeter, Exchange Manager Public​ ​ There were approximately three (3) members of the public present. 1. Approval of March 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes Page 3  Agenda Item #1a Motion to approve Meeting Minutes from March 19, 2026. Pelletier, 2nd Mayo No Public Comment Approved 7-0 (Hudson and O’Connell not present for this vote) 2. Financial Update. Kaela Gonzalez, Program Coordinator Gonzalez presented the Board with a brief update on the Portland Fish Pier Authority's April Financial report. 3. Facilities Update. Phil DiPierro, Project Manager The Shore Power Upgrade project has started and is on schedule to be finished before July 1st. The new power heads are metered, requiring manual readings upon connection and disconnection to determine usage. A plan is underway to hire a contractor to replace and repair broken piles, raise and re-bolt pilings, and repair whalers and chocks along the three sorting piers. The security system project is waiting on a contract review. 4. Finance Subcommittee Update. Brendan O’Connell, Subcommittee Chair The item was taken out of order. O’Connell presented the proposed FY27 Budget to the Portland Fish Exchange. The proposed FY2027 budget projects a net loss of $158,000, which is an improvement over the previous year's negative balance of nearly $300,000. This improved deficit is partially due to the elimination of a $55,000 depreciation expense. This budget projects a catch of a little over 2 million pounds of ground fish. Motion to approve the FY27 Portland Fish Exchange Budget as presented. Arnold, 2nd Hudson No Public Comment Approved 6-1 (Councilor Pelletier and Rob Odlin were not present for this vote) 5. Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee Update. Heather Moretti, Waterfront Coordinator Maine Energy Experts presented to the Subcommittee, which dominated the meeting. The installation of the new control system is almost complete, and there is a new part-time employee. Bang’s Island Mussels is considering leasing a lot for a laydown area, and would like to know if there is a conflicting use of that area. 6. Discussion and vote to move forward with the Solar Installation Project for the Portland Fish Exchange, utilizing SEA Maine Grant Program Funds if awarded. Heather Moretti, Waterfront Coordinator This item was taken out of order. Moretti summarized the Maine Energy Expert presentation on solar panel installation and the options that the Board would be deciding on if awarded funds with the SEA Maine Grant Program. The immediate next step is a no-cost roof assessment (typically $2,500–$3,000) offered by Maine Energy Experts to check if the roof can support solar panels. The roof was replaced 10 years ago, giving it approximately 20 years of usable life Page 4  Agenda Item #1a remaining. The grant application deadline is in early June, and funds have to be expended by August 2029. Motion to authorize the no-cost roof assessment for potential solar panel installation. Mendelson, 2nd Arnold No Public Comment Approved 9-0 7. Other items not on the agenda. Heather Moretti shared the City’s project page for the Stormwater Project. Odlin inquired about kelp/algae landings, which have dropped significantly to 75,000 pounds this year, down from several hundred thousand pounds last year, though it was noted this was never a revenue-generating activity for the Exchange. 8. Next Regular Meeting Date: June 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. 9. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:56 p.m. Attachments included in the meeting packet: Draft Meeting Minutes from March 19, 2026 Portland Fish Pier Authority April Financial Update April Facilities Update Portland Fish Exchange proposed FY27 Budget April Portland Fish Exchange Managers Report Page 5 Page 6 Public Buildings & Waterfront Division Director Robert Kierstead To: Portland Fish Pier Authority Board From: Philip DiPierro, Facilities Project Manager Date: May 14, 2026 RE: Facilities Update CC: Rob Kierstead, Director Please find below a listing of the monthly improvements to the Portland Fish Pier by the Public Buildings and Waterfront Division: Updates April 2026 ● The Shore Power Upgrade Project is under construction. The contractor continues to work on new wiring, installing disconnects, installing new hangers and running new conduit. The project appears to be on schedule is expected to be completed by the end of June. ● The fiber optics line for the security system is in the process of being approved for installation. A contract is under review with the contractor to complete the work so that a PO can be issued. As soon as a PO is issued, Consolidated Communications is expected to complete the work. Camera installations will follow later this year. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. Pile, whaler, and chalk repairs/replacements will be completed starting in July at the beginning of the new budget year. ● Vessel Services was notified that Service Pier 1 is closed due to safety concerns. Signs have been posted notifying the public that vertical loads are limited and vessel berthing is no longer allowed. ● Several pot holes in the pavement throughout the site have been filled. ● General site maintenance continues throughout the facility. The City’s Parks Department has started Spring grounds maintenance for the season. Updates March 2026 ● The Shore Power Upgrade Project is under construction. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June. ● The fiber optics line for the security system is in the process of being installed. As soon as a PO is issued, Consolidated Communications is expected to complete the work. Camera installations will follow later this year. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. ● General site maintenance continues throughout the facility. The City’s Parks Department has started Spring grounds maintenance for the season. Updates February 2026 ● The Shore Power Upgrade Project is scheduled to begin in April. Submittals are being reviewed and materials have been ordered. ● TEC Associates completed an inspection for Service Piers 1 and 3. The report has been revised and updated, and it will be used as the basis for a grant application for funding to replace the piers. Public Buildings & Waterfront Administrative Offices 212 Canco Road, Suite C, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 808-5400 Page 7  ● Dredging around the Fish Pier has been completed. The Mavodones Landing floats will remain at their temporarily offsite location until they are reinstalled at the seasonal Mavodones Landing site by Sail Maine. ● The fiber optics line for the security system is in the process of being installed. As soon as a PO is issued, Consolidated Communications is expected to complete the work. Camera installations will follow later this year. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. ● General site maintenance and grounds maintenance continues throughout the facility. Updates November 2025 thru January 2026 ● The City executed a contract with Northern Electric, Inc. for the shore power upgrade project. Materials have been ordered and work will begin when materials are received. ● TEC Associates completed an inspection and is updating the condition report for Service Piers 1 and 3. ● Dredging around the Fish Pier is scheduled for 2/18 thru 2/28. The Mavodones Landing floats and fishing boats will be temporarily relocated during the dredging. ● City staff has reviewed options for installing fiber optics at the Fish Pier site, and connecting security cameras to the City’s network. The fiber optics line is in the process of being installed. Camera installations will follow later this year. ● The City of Portland Water Resources west parking lot stormwater/sewer project is scheduled to start in July of 2026, and be completed by Memorial Day of 2027. Water Resources can provide an update at the Board’s request. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. ● The sinkholes at Look’s Lobster’s site, and adjacent to the home fleet berthing area have been filled and paved. ● General site maintenance and grounds maintenance continues throughout the facility. Updates October 2025 ● The City received two bids for the shore power upgrade project. I am working with the City’s Purchasing Department to finalize a contract so that the project can start. ● City staff has reviewed options for installing fiber optics at the Fish Pier site, and connecting security cameras to the City’s network. The project will need to be funded before it can move forward. ● The City of Portland Water Resources west parking lot stormwater/sewer project is scheduled to start in July of 2026, and be completed by Memorial Day of 2027. Water Resources will provide an update during the winter, or earlier if needed. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. ● New parking signage around the Fish Exchange site has been installed. ● The parking areas in front of the exchange, and the loading docks have been restriped. ● The sinkholes at Look’s Lobster’s site have been assessed. City staff is working with Look’s to determine a schedule for completing the work. A contractor has been hired to complete the work. ● The Mavodones Landing floats have been relocated to sorting pier 1 for the winter. They will be moved back to the Maodones Landing site in the spring, for the summer and fall seasons. ● General site maintenance and grounds maintenance continues throughout the facility. Public Buildings & Waterfront Administrative Offices 212 Canco Road, Suite C, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 808-5400 Page 8 Updates September 2025 ● The pre-bid meeting for the shore power upgrade project was held on October 15’th. Bids are due by October 29’th. ● City staff is in the process of reviewing options for installing security cameras throughout the Fish Pier complex. The IT Department is pricing options for cameras and equipment to figure out the most cost-effective way to deploy the system i.e. standalone system vs connecting to the network. ● City of Portland Water Resources west parking lot stormwater/sewer project update to follow. ● Fender system maintenance is ongoing. City staff will continue to develop a plan, and a scope of work for completing this project. ● City staff is working with the Fish Exchange to update and reinstall new parking signage around the Fish Exchange site. New signs have been made and will be installed within the next month. ● City staff is working with the Fish Exchange to re-stripe the parking areas in front of the exchange, and to re-stripe the loading docks. A striping company has been hired and work is expected to be completed the weekend of the 18’th. ● The sinkholes at Look’s Lobster’s site have been assessed. City staff is working with Look’s to determine a schedule for completing the work. ● General site maintenance and grounds maintenance continues throughout the facility. Updates August 2025 ● The bid package for the shore power upgrade project has been sent to the City’s Purchasing Department for review. It is currently in the queue for review. Once approved, it will be advertised for bidding. ● City staff met a second time with a vendor to look at a portion of the Fish Pier site for the installation of security cameras. A revised proposal has been received and it is currently under review by City staff. ● City staff has inspected the fender system of all the piers to assess maintenance needs. Several piles need to be either pulled and rebolted, or replaced. There are also several chocks and walers that need to be either repaired or replaced. City staff will develop a plan and scope of work for completing this project. ● City staff is working with the Fish Exchange to update and reinstall new parking signage around the Fish Exchange site. Several signs are missing and faded and need to be replaced. ● City staff is working with the Fish Exchange to re-stripe the parking areas in front of the exchange, and to re-stripe the loading docks. ● General site maintenance and grounds maintenance continues throughout the facility. Updates July 2025 ● A bid package for the shore power upgrade project has been sent to the City’s Purchasing Department for review. Once approved, it will be advertised for bidding. ● City staff met with a vendor to look at a portion of the Fish Pier site for the installation of security cameras. A proposal has been received and it is currently under review by City staff. ● City staff has inspected the fender system of all the piers to assess maintenance needs. Several piles need to be either pulled and rebolted, or replaced. There are also several chocks and walers that need to be either repaired or replaced. City staff will develop a plan and scope of work for completing this project. ● The parking lot striping project on the west side (next to GMRI) of the Fish Pier site has been completed. ● Grounds maintenance for the season is ongoing. ● General site maintenance continues throughout the facility. Public Buildings & Waterfront Administrative Offices 212 Canco Road, Suite C, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 808-5400 Page 9 Updates May through June 2025 ● Engineering and plans have been completed for the shore power upgrade project in the net yard and sorting pier one. The project is ready for bidding upon securing financing. ● A local contractor has been hired to complete the restriping and numbering of the parking lot on the west side (next to GMRI) of the Fish Pier site. The work is expected to take place within the next month. ● Several camels throughout the facility have been cleaned of marine growth and several camel chains and weights have been replaced due to corrosion and wear. ● Grounds maintenance for the season is ongoing. ● Ongoing maintenance continues throughout the facility. Updates March through April 2025 ● Engineering and plans have been completed for the shore power upgrade project in the net yard and sorting pier one. City staff has reviewed it with the Fish Pier Board and Fish Pier staff, and a bid package has been prepared. The project is ready for bidding upon securing financing. ● City staff met with an engineer/representative of TRC Companies, an engineering firm involved with the dredge operation in the harbor, to discuss the next phase of dredging. Dredging is expected to take place between November 2025 through March 2026. The next phase will involve dredging in the area of the Fish Pier. ● Grounds maintenance for the season is ongoing. ● Ongoing maintenance continues throughout the facility. Public Buildings & Waterfront Administrative Offices 212 Canco Road, Suite C, Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 808-5400 Page 10  PORTLAND FISH EXCHANGE Management/Financial Report for May 2026 GF Landings – Auction Actual Budgeted Variance April 2026 – 7 104K 125K (21K) GF Landings – Auction Actual Budgeted Variance April 2025 - 7 31K 225K (194K) Contract Unloads - GF Actual Budgeted Variance April 2026 21K 0 21K Total GF Land/Unloads Actual Budgeted Variance April 2026 135K 125K 10K Pumping Actual Budgeted Variance 2026 YTD 650K 1.2M (480K) Financial Report Net Income Budgeted Variance April 2026 ($39,623) ($57,409) $17,786 Financial Notes • $70K of $250K LOC currently in use. • $50K Cash Reserve in use • Current receivables are $125K consisting of rent, buyer fees, berthing, net yard use, bait storage, barrel storage & warehousing • Current checkbook is at $28K before payments to vendors, fleet, and payroll • High checking balance for the month was $125K, a low of $28k, and an average of $75k. • Insurance premiums renew at the Exchange annually on April 1st. The stevedore premium that provides liability coverage for loading and unloading cargo from vessels, is paid in full at time of renewal. $11,775 was the total for this year. The MEMIC policy, covering workers compensation, totaled $3361and is paid in monthly installments. Page 11 April Auction Sales • Of the 104,573 pounds landed at the Exchange for the month of April, 70,707 pounds were sold during the normal bidding process to one of our Exchange buyers - seat holders. • 29,873 pounds were scratched or not bid on, but still sold through the auction as After Auction Sales. • 3993 pounds were refused by the seller to be sold on the Exchange auction platform. All scratch and or no bid fees are applied and the fish is given back to the seller to do with as they will. As stated in the Exchange rules and regulations, ‘Refused or No Bid fish remains the property of the seller and may be removed or left for the next auction.’ • Zero pounds were left on the floor for the next auction. Operations Notes • Seafresh has decided to discontinue its business with the Exchange due to challenges with staffing and the high cost of housing during the tuna season in Maine. • The University of Maine will be returning and will utilize the space on the western wall of cooler, previously occupied by Seafresh, from the end of May through the conclusion of the tuna season. Facility Report • The installation of the new cooling control system has been successfully completed. Training is currently being conducted in coordination with Miller, and the system has been operating without issue. • The shore power project is currently underway. Installation of new lighting on the extension pier has been completed, along with the installation of new power shutoff units. New conduit has been installed in the net yard, with additional conduit work ongoing on the extension pier. Phil will be able to provide a more detailed update next week. Staff Report • Since joining us, Thomas Bailey, our new administrative assistant, has excelled in his role and has become a great fit within the Exchange team. Page 12 New/Returning Vessels • The F/V Eric Sprague began landing fish during the week of April 27. The vessel is a small hook-and-line operation, and the initial landing produced excellent results. New / Returning Buyers • Nothing to report Rules & Regulations • Clarify what “Seller Representative” means in the Rules and Regulations and discuss alternatives to avoid ambiguity. Page 13  Portland Fish Exchange PRESENTED BY SAMUEL LEGERE Page 14 Questions Page 15  Get To Know Maine Energy Experts WHO ARE YOU WORKING WITH WHY IT MATTERS WHAT THIS MEANS TO US Page 16 Overview Of Today's Presentation Topics 1 4 BASICS OF SOLAR 2 HOW MUCH SOLAR WILL SAVE YOU 3 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS LIFE SPAN / WARRANTY, MAINTENANCE, STRUCTURAL CONCERNS 4 Q&A 5 NEXT STEPS Page 17 Understanding How Solar Energy Works Page 18  RENT FROM CMP Rent vs. Own START PAYING YOURSELF Page 19 Where Maine Is Headed Page 20 Rates Over Time Page 21  Current Monthly Bill Total kWh Annually: 872,381 kWh Rate (S&D): 0.17 Annual Cost: $148,304.77 Monthly avg. Cost: $12,358.73 Page 22 How Much Solar Will Save You Page 23  Current Incentives SEA Maine Grant: up to $300,000* Tax Credit: 30% of costs Domestic Tax Credit: 10% of costs* CEI loan: 3.5%-5%* SREC’s: $33 per 1,000kWh Page 24  Smallest System Size Cost Breakdown: Gross cost: $500,000 SEA Grant: - $300,000* Tax Credit: - $150,000 Domestic: - $50,000 Net Total: $0 SREC’s: $574.75 Page 25  Estimated Max System Size Cost Breakdown: Gross cost: $1,436,803 SEA Grant: - $300,000* Tax Credit: - $431,040.9 Domestic: - $143,680.3 Net Total: $562,081.8 Payment Breakdown: CEI-7 Year 3.5% $7,554.30 SREC’s: - $1,650.00 Net Monthly Avg: $5,904.3 Page 26  Estimated Max (Worst Case) Cost Breakdown: Gross cost: $1,436,803 SEA Grant: $0 Tax Credit: - $431,040.9 Domestic: - $143,680.3 Net Total: $862,081.8 Payment Breakdown: CEI-7 Year 3.5% $11,586.25 SREC’s: - $1,650.00 Net Monthly Avg: $9,936.25 Page 27  Rent vs Own Smallest Max (best) Max (worst) 209,229 kWh 599,447 kWh 599,447 kWh Page 28  Commonly Asked Questions Life Span / Warranty 25 YEAR WARRANTY 60 YEAR LIFE EXPECTANCY Structural Concerns STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING STAMPS NO LEAK GUARANTEE Maintenance CLEAN EVERY *1-5 YEARS* NOTHING MECHANICAL = 0 MAINTENANCE Page 29 Q&A Page 30 Next Steps Page 31