Salem Harbor Port Authority
Regular MeetingSalem, MA · October 19, 2023
Minutes
MEETING MINUTES: October 19, 2023
A public meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority was convened at 5:00 pm via Zoom web
conference.
Members present: Kathy Winn (Chair), Mayor Pangallo, Councilor Bob McCarthy, Fred Atkins, and
Captain Fred Ryan
Others Present: Capt. Bill McHugh – Harbormaster, Daniel Collins – Planning Department
Call to Order
Ms. Winn called the meeting to order at 5:00pm. Captain McHugh 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.
Harbormaster Report
Captain McHugh reported last month on a mechanical causality on the Bowditch. Fortunately, it was
under warranty, but it will not be completed until the Spring. Alternative ships will be used and are
expected to handle capacity.
Crowley has submitted their security plan to the Coast Guard, and it is expected to be approved. It will
allow the City to have the greatest flexibility possible for public access while staying within regulations.
The facility security plan will have an external audit October 26th, to be completed by Gerry Connors.
The annual compliance exam has been completed and passed.
Planning Staff Report
Mr. Collins provided an update on grant awards. There are two MARAD Port Infrastructure Development
Program Awards. One for FY21, which includes funding for a mooring device and port access walkway.
This project has a scope change request pending. The second grant is for an FY22 award for the loadout
wharf. He is coordinating closely with Crowley to solve the NEPA process. The MARAD grants are
continuing to be a focus, with two mooring devices moving down to one with a reduction in cost, but
increases in construction costs over the past two years.
Ms. Winn requested clarification on the mooring size. Captain McHugh explained that the change in
mooring will maximize use and reduce redundancy and allow for larger yachts and smaller cruise ships.
Mr. Collins added that the City will continue to coordinate with Crowley to make that walkway a reality.
Mayor Pangallo asked if there was any anticipated impact to access issues to Salem Wharf. Captain
McHugh said it would not. Loading will be coordinated through the Port Authority and maintenance
would likely fall to them as well.
Mr. Collins said the grant funding should be obligated by September 30, 2024, but that may be extended
if good faith efforts are made in making progress.
Councilor McCarthy added that the changes to the dolphin are positive and believes it is the correct
course of action.
Mr. Collins reported on the second set of grants through the Seaport Economic Development Council,
with a combined award amount of $1 million. $300,000 was awarded to the Salem Ferry Terminal
Building for the design of a new building, with an expiration date of June 30, 2025. Mayor Pangallo has
signed the contract and it is expected to be signed by the Seaport Economic Development Council next
week. A second grant in the amount of $700,000 was awarded for the Salem Willows Pier for a new pier
at the Willows. That grant also has an expiration date of June 30, 2025.
Captain McHugh reported that everything for the Willows Pier is in the hands of the design engineer,
and he is expecting the bid documents any day. The hope is to begin construction in February.
Construction is expected to last 9 months. This grant is only a portion of funding for this project, another
$2M is coming from the Commonwealth.
Mr. Collins expects the City won’t apply for another grant until May 2024.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for the New Bedford Marine Commerce Trip on September 5, 2023 were approved. The
September 7, 2023 regular Salem Port Authority meeting were approved with two changes made
requested by Captain McHugh.
Adjournment
Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned at 6:32pm.
Agenda
SALEM HARBOR PORT AUTHORITY
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
(978) 619-5685 PLANNING
(978) 741-5685 HARBORMASTER
MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Thursday, October 19, 2023
LOCATION: **Via remote participation with instructions posted to www.salem.com, in
accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023**
TIME: 6:00 PM
Important Announcement
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority will be held on
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. via remote participation in accordance with Chapter 2
of the Acts of 2023.
Every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real
time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so on matters not requiring
a public hearing, we will post on the City of Salem’s website an audio or video recording,
transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.
Individuals may participate remotely in the meeting via a remote participation platform called
Zoom. Members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this
meeting may access the remote participation meeting through any one of the following ways:
• Follow this link or enter it into your web browser to join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88492391205?pwd=bFl6ZGlwcFM2UXJzdU5FQnBydldwUT0
9
• Follow this link or enter it into your web browser to open the Zoom website at
https://zoom.us/join. Enter meeting ID # “884 9239 1205” as directed on the webpage
followed by password “197347”, if directed to do so.
• Participants can dial a toll-free phone number at 877-853-5257 to join the meeting. When
prompted, enter meeting ID # “884 9239 1205” followed by meeting password “197347”
and follow the instructions to join the meeting.
* Know Your Rights Under the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25, and City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033
* Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive listening
device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities, may contact the
City of Salem ADA Coordinator as soon as possible and no less than 2 business days before the meeting, program, or event.
Public Comment Protocol:
Members of the public who wish to address the Port Authority or make a comment may do so
only when called upon during the open public comment portion of the meeting. When the time
comes, the Meeting Chair or Staff Member will announce that the floor is now open for public
comment. If accessing the meeting using a computer or other smart device and you wish to make
a comment, please utilize the “Raise Hand” feature that can be found next to your name on the
screen and ‘raise your hand’ then wait to be called upon for comment. Please make sure to
remember to turn your microphone on and unmute yourself before raising your hand. Those
participating by dialing in from their phones my also utilize the “Raise Hand’ feature of this
platform by pressing “*9” on your keypad.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging situation for our
community and the world.
AGENDA
• Call to Order
• Staff/Authority Updates
o Harbormaster Report
o Planning Staff Report
• Public Comment
• Approval of Minutes
• Adjournment
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