Salem Harbor Port Authority

MEETING MINUTES: June 27, 2024 A public meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority was convened at 5:00 pm via Zoom web conference. Members present: Kathy Winn (Chair), Fred Atkins, City Councilor Cindy Jerzylo, 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. Daniel Collins 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. Port Updates Joe St. Pierre, Joe Choi, Phillipe Hewes, and John Berry from Crowley were present to provide a project update. Crowley Engineering Services will be providing significant support for the project. Joe Choi was introduced as project manager and Phillipe Hewes was introduced as construction manager. Local permitting is complete, with Planning Board Conditions being in progress. State Permitting is underway, including MA DEP Chapter 91, 401 WQ Certification, and CZM Federal Consistency Review. Federal Permitting, from ACOE Section 10 and Maritime Administration NEPA EA are nearly complete. Mr. St. Pierre reported that they are shooting for an August 24th mobilization, permits are pending. This will include demolition of the existing pier structures and warehouses on site. Arrival by vessel of the DGA is also expected. Steel arrivals by water are expected this November and December. Pile driving will also begin at that time. In 2025-2026 piling driving, earth moving, concrete pours, and electrical installations will occur. Delivery is expected in September 2026 with construction completed in early 2027. Traffic management is being coordinated with the Salem Police Department. Work Hours extension is being coordinated with the City Solicitor’s Office and the City Council. They will be asking for extended hours to minimize traffic impacts and reduce the length of the project. The first Community Benefits Annual Report has been submitted to the working group. The working group will be meeting quarterly. It includes funding accountability, identifying scopes, and port electrification. The report will be posted on the North Shore Wind website. The sea installer has arrived. The regular inspection found worn wire, which necessitated repair. The auxiliary hoist wire was repaired. There was also a crew change for the Sea Installer. Some of the local vendors that supported this effort included Roses Marine, Essex County Mechanical, Marr Scaffolding, Barber’s, and Engine House Pizza. Ms. Winn inquired about the timing of the piling driving. Mr. St. Pierre said nothing will happen before the winter. The duration will be driven primarily by permitted working hours and is expected to take 1- ½ years. Councilor Jerzylo inquired about what time of year the pile driving would occur. Mr. St. Pierre stated the pile driving request isn’t centered around seasons, and he acknowledged that the pile driving could have temporary impacts, but Crowley is working very hard to be good neighbors and trying to get through it as quickly as possible. Staff Authority Updates Mr. Collins reported that a groundbreaking ceremony is expected within the next couple of months, with actual construction happening immediately after. He also reported that they are working on the OPM (Owner’s Project Manager) contract for the ferry terminal building. The OPM is required for municipal projects over $1.5M. They will also be working with a designer, which will provide good insight into costs after schematic design and construction costs. The OPM is being paid for through the grant from the Seaport Economic Council, which was intended for the designer. Mr. Collins reported that they will likely go back to the SEC for additional funding for the designer. They will likely seek a federal grant for the actual construction. Harbormaster Report Captain McHugh reported that the sea installer is going to set sail on June 28th. He also reported that they have a Facility Security Plan for City-sponsored events, cruise ships, etc. Captain McHugh serves as the City Security Officer. They are on their second full rotation of that plan, and they are due to renew it. Crowley has an approved plan as well. The Coast Guard has come back with feedback, likely because the wind industry is so new. He will be coordinating closely with Crowley in ensuring federal regulatory compliance. Crowley and the City will need to go through an education process to the Coast Guard to help bring them on board. Captain McHugh also reported that the ferry is doing well, and that they’ve had some decent weather to operate. Attendance at The Landing has been satisfactory. There has been live music, good food, and people are encouraged to come down. The Landing is open Thursday-Sunday just after noontime. The Willows Pier project is on schedule and should be completed by late summer. Public Comment Mike Magee, Derby Street, requested that the terminal be named after and dedicated to Kevin Cornacchio, who dedicated his life to the City of Salem. He served on numerous board and served as foreman of Parks and Open Space, and had a significant and positive impact to the City and the maritime community. Captain McHugh agreed that it was a worthy request of consideration, who agreed that Mr. Cornacchio was professional, dedicated, and highly respected. Ms. Winn and Councilor Jerzylo also agreed that it was a worthy consideration. Councilor Jerzylo noted that the City is working on a process for naming things within the City. Capatian McHugh noted that the property is not only owned by the City, but suggested that if the Authority wanted to make a motion in this regard, he would be willing to explore the possibility with the CEC. Councilor Jerzylo made a motion, seconded by Captain Ryan, to request that Captain McHugh explore the possibility of naming the terminal after Mr. Cornacchio. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes Captain Ryan made a motion, seconded by Councilor Jerzylo, to approve the May 16, 2024 Salem Port Authority meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned at 5:40pm. The Salem Harbor Port Authority approved these minutes at the meeting held August 1, 2024.