Salem Harbor Port Authority

MEETING MINUTES: December 7, 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, 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. Offshore Wind Update Joseph St. Pierre from Crowley was present to provide an update. He reported that they are meeting with the Salem Conservation Commission and Planning Board and hoping to have local permits in place shortly. State permits including a Water Quality Certificate and Chapter 91 license from CZM are also in progress as is Phase 2 testing from ACOE. The RFP is out and an award is expected to happen at the end of December 2023. Construction is expected to being in early 2024. Mr. St. Pierre shared a plan illustrating the Derby Connector, which will extend the Harbor Walk and connect Derby Street to Blaney Street. He shared a cross-section of what that will look like with landscaping to be incorporated into the existing swale. The landscape and access improvements include a diverse mix of plantings, a natural green buffer, address drainage swale conditions, and reflect the power plant landscape. Views were presented from the Salem Ferry boat dock and entering through the gate into the Point access location. Ms. Winn inquired about the material of the walkway. Mr. St. Pierre reported that there have been discussions with the Planning Board on that detail, and that they are currently leaning towards traditional asphalt. The proposed chain link fence shown follows very closely to the existing chain link fence. Benches are incorporated at the point access location, though that area will at times be locked. Captain McHugh clarified that the area that will be locked has been due to NTSB regulations. Going forward, that gate will be locked and unlocked by Crowley daily to allow point access during daylight hours. This will result in more access than has been in the past. Cynthia Jerzylo, 17 Bayview Avenue, co-chair of the Salem Willows Neighborhood Association, reported that the material used on the new pathways at the Salem Willows may be good to use in this location. She asked about redoing the existing tar sidewalks. Mr. St. Pierre reported that he knows that some repairs are planned but would need to look at the specs to confirm the extent. Harbormaster Report Captain McHugh reported they are trying to work out the wharfing rights agreement, which should be in place before some of the next steps take place. He met with Counsel and prepared some draft language and hopes that document can be finalized in a couple of week. That agreement will be the mechanism for hosting City-sponsored visiting vessels, passenger ships, and goodwill vessels. Captain McHugh reported that he expects a lot of cooperation between Crowley and the City. Captain McHugh reported on the Bowditch which had a failure after the overhaul. The engines are still in Marlborough, but they are getting ready to reassemble the engine, and hoping to find the root cause. The vessel should be ready well in advance of the season. An RFP will need to go out for the Bowditch operation. One of the 70-foot gangways suffered damage from wear. In-house repair happened in the past. A contractor is in place to replace with a heavier pin and roller system. The Willows Pier has gone out for publishing. Bids are due on January 11th. The Office of Fishing and Boating is handling the bids. Construction is expected to begin this winter. Planning Staff Report Mr. Collins provided an update on the meeting schedule. The Salem Port Authority will continue to meet monthly on the first Thursday of the month in calendar year 2024 for at least the next six months. Mr. Collins also reported on workforce development. He said there are needs industry-wide, sector support, project development, maintenance, turbines, ports, etc. There are needs both offshore and inland, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. They are looking to leverage existing pathways, and also develop new ones. They are working to build awareness of the job opportunities that exist and develop wind curriculum for students to create job pathways. There is an emphasis on strong collaboration in the industry to ensure success. There is a desire to not over-saturate the market with not enough jobs for the people who have been educated to fill the positions. Barriers to workforce development including childcare, transportation, immigration status, language barriers, etc. and learning to identify and address them. Mr. Collins referenced a previous study completed for downtown diversification but was broadened to include the wind terminal. Some jobs identified required a bachelor’s degree, while others required a high school degree, or less. The study also identified social injustices, EJ communities, etc. and the pre- apprenticeship programs that would address workforce development. The City of Salem, MassHire, Essex County Community Foundation, UMass Amherst, and Salem Alliance for the Environment are working together to provide training support through a grant to fund an apprenticeship for 60 adults. Essex Tech and Lynn Vocational Tech will be used for the different cohorts. Public Comment There were no public comments. Service Announcement Mayor Pangallo acknowledged Councilor McCarthy, who is in attendance for his last meeting. He noted that Councilor McCarthy was one of the originators to this approach to managing the City’s port. Ms. Winn also expressed her thanks for his support and advocacy. Councilor McCarthy said it has been an honor to serve on the Authority and on the City Council. Captain McHugh acknowledged Councilor McCarthy’s boots on the ground approach, his thoughtfulness, and balance and viewpoint on the neighborhood and the waterfront. Bob Blair, 39 Kittery Ave., Rowley stated that Councilor McCarthy has been a stalwart advocate for the neighborhood. He also started to advocate for the Port Authority and its budget, marketing, etc. John Berry, 67 Derby Street, Salem Wind Terminal Director of Operations, wishes to echo previous comments about Councilor McCarthy as being instrumental in the success of the project through this point. He has been a useful sounding board on complications and expects to reach out to him often in the future. Approval of Minutes The October 19, 2023 Salem Port Authority meeting minutes were approved. Adjournment Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned at 5:50pm. Approved by the Salem Harbor Port Authority on 02/01/2024.