Salem Harbor Port Authority

MEETING MINUTES: August 4, 2022 A public meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority was convened at 5:00 pm via Zoom web conference. Members present: Michael Rutstein (Chairman), Councilor Bob McCarthy, Fred Atkins, Kathy Winn Others Present: Capt. Bill McHugh – Harbormaster, Seth Lattrell – Port Authority Deputy/Planner, John Berry – Cowley, Jared Kemp – Crowley, and Christine Petryszyn – Recording Clerk Call to Order Chairman Rutstein called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm and outlined the format for the meeting, indicating that members of the public may provide comments during the period of the meeting designated for public comment. Offshore Wind Design Update John Berry and Jared Kemp from Crowley Wind Services were present to provide an update on the project. Mr. Berry reported that they are coming up on 30% design. Mr. Berry gave a PowerPoint presentation which included a plan showing the project site, which includes a receiving berth, loading area, transition yard, offloading pier, and parking lot. He reported that that the dredge area will improve the turning basin. The maintenance dredging is expected to result in 80,000CY of material which will be deposited offshore depending on the suitability of the sediments. He added that there may be phased approaches to some sections of the plan. Future components include an expanded turning basin. Through September 2022, site investigation and sampling will continue. Permitting is needed at the federal, state, and local level, and will continue through May 2023. Construction is expected to begin in June 2023 and continue through January 2025. Operations will begin in January 2025. Mr. Berry reported that the expected state funding included in the economic development bill did not make it through the legislative session which ended on July 31st. But he is confident the funding will come through. Crowley is committed to moving forward with this opportunity. Chairman Rutstein inquired about the 5 acres of land scheduled to be conveyed to the City as part of the agreement. Mr. Berry reported that the 5 acres has not been delineated yet. Harbormaster McHugh added he has been meeting with Crowley staff and other maritime professional to ensure that there will be little to no impact on current operations. Ms. Winn inquired about the impact on cruise ship landings. Council McCarthy noted the importance of supporting the cruise ships and enhancing the channel for the arriving vessels. Mr. Berry agreed and reported that the dredging portion of the property has a long permitting plan schedule. Staff Authority Updates Offshore Wind Mr. Lattrell reported that the grant funding is still on track. Crowley submitted a MARAD grant in May and is preparing another infrastructure grant through MassCEC. The City through MassHire will soon be submitting a Workforce Development Planning Grant for $50,000. Engagement is currently at a holding pattern for the summer, but smaller meetings with neighborhood groups, city stakeholders, etc. have continued and have gone well. He added that he recently attended a National Working Waterfront Conference, and there was a lot of excitement for offshore wind. Councilor Jeff Cohen believes that the economic development bill be reconsidered by the legislature soon. Senator Lovely’s office was confident the funding for the Project will come through. Harbormaster McHugh added that he feels the maritime community will want to have more input and will have the ability to do so in the fall/winter when more plan detail is available. It was reported that Senator Lovely’s office is working on proposed legislation that will assist with the procurement/ownership pathway for the project. They are working to figure out the right vehicle for the legislation. Harbor Plan/DPA Master Plan Comments have been received by CZM. The complete draft will be presented to the Harbor Planning Committee. Blaney Street Parking Mr. Lattrell noted that the signs have just come in, and that a work order for installation was submitted. Harbormaster McHugh noted that parking has improved and DPS will coordinate the sign installation with permit users. Councilor McCarthy added that he was happy to hear that signs were going up. He has seen how various users are taking advantage of free parking. Salem Ferry Terminal Building Mr. Lattrell reported that the City is pursuing a grant application to assist with this project. He has spoken with designers and engineers to determine to best path forward. The last estimate was received was for $6-8 million. The FTA Passenger Ferry Grant program has $36.5 million available. The City will reach out to MAPC and Congressman Moulton’s office for assistance. Harbormaster Report Harbormaster McHugh reported that the North Berth is almost ready to go. There is a punch list of very minor items needing to be addressed. He noted that they already have a rental scheduled. He said Yacht Insider and Destination Salem have been helpful will exposure. Blaney Street has had its challenges, but it is improving. He said that some of the issues, such as waste management, emptying refuse containers, etc. are the responsibility of contractors, and it has been challenging to get them to do their jobs. They are also working to find fisherman alternate locations. Harbormaster McHugh reported that there was a successful meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard. He said Salem hosted one of the meetings and that has helped to advance engagement. Public Comment The meeting was opened for public comment. Bob Blair requested that the Port Authority members be kept updated on the legislation. He noted that the members could benefit from having a budget and funding to develop a marketing plan. He added that they may also benefit from having legal assistance. Approval of Minutes Meeting minutes from the July 7th meeting were unanimously approved by all members present following the addition and clarification of adding “recreational watercraft” to the Harbormaster’s update. Adjournment Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned at 5:58 pm