Salem Harbor Port Authority

MEETING MINUTES: August 1, 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), Mayor Pangallo, 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. 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. Staff Authority Updates Mr. Collins reported that the City is moving forward with the RFP for the designer for the ferry terminal building. The procurement officer has been assisting. Proposals are two weeks from time of the meeting. The OPM contract will be finalized at that time. Initially, $300,000 was designated for the design effort. There was roughly $225,590 in funding unspent. The funding was part of the FY20 Seaport Economic Development funds. That funding can be used for the ferry terminal building. There is a $60,000 local match requirement. Supplemental funding may be needed, and the City may apply for another Seaport Economic Development grant to close the gap. Mr. Collins reported that there would be a designer selection committee, and that the OPM would be helpful on that front, as well as other City staff evaluating the proposals. Captain McHugh believes there would be a presentation in front of the Port Authority. Port Updates Joe St. Pierre and John Berry from Crowley were present to provide a project update. Mr. St. Pierre reported that all local and state permitting are satisfied. Federal permitting with the ACOE is ongoing and expected in the coming weeks. DW/JW White Joint Venture will be the developer for this project and Crowley has been coordinating with them on a near daily basis. The extended work hours request was approved by the City Council. Work will occur Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm, with no piling driving occurring during 5-7pm. Pile driving can occur from 8am-5pm on Saturdays, with a moratorium from May 1st through October 1st. The demolition and building permits are in process. The Historic Commission review for two buildings in Laydown Yard B is upcoming. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-August. Pending permits, mobilization will begin on August 24th. Work will include ground probing, temp services, demolition of the existing pier structures and existing buildings on site. Steel arrivals will arrive by water November through December. Pile driving will begin in November and December. During 2025-2026, pile driving, earth moving, concrete pours, and electrical installations. Delivery is expected September 2026 and construction completed in early 2027. Massachusetts OSW bids will be selected August 7th. Avangrid proposals include more than 120 machines, 1870 MW Total, New England Wind 1+2. They will be marshalled out of Salem Wind Terminal. Mr. St. Pierre reviewed Revolution Wind, a 704 MW project, which is marshaled out of the New London State Pier. Crowley is providing feedering and transferring components onto the WTIV. Photos of the project were provided. Councilor Jerzylo expressed the concern of the neighbors who are not pleased with the extended work hours. She recommended that Crowley invite nearby residents to the site so that can better understand the project and associated noise. Captain McHugh said the same drilling is happening at the Willow Pier, but on a smaller scale. Mr. St. Pierre said Crowley understands the need to get information out to the public quickly about the project and are working on several interfaces to accomplish that. There was discussion about the collapse of the turbine blades in the Vineyard wind project. The cause of that failure was due to a manufacturing defect, and the feds are still investigating. Harbormaster Report Captain McHugh reported that the dedication of the ferry terminal is still being worked on, but that to date, everyone believes it is a worthy consideration. The first installment was from the sea installer was received, as part of the Harbor Usage Agreement. MassDOT is kicking off a ferry study for communities in the Boston area. Salem will be a part of this study and should participate in a meaningful way. The Columbia schooner came in earlier this summer. There are two more mega yachts coming into Salem that will use the north berth on Blaney Street. Captain McHugh reported on the Willows Pier project. Late summer or September is expected to be the delivery date. Decking is expected in the very near future. The contractor has been very responsive. He is also starting a public access project at Kernwood marina to allow for accessibility for all. That will be a rapidly moving project funded through ARPA. Public Comment Mike Magee, Derby Street, expressed his thanks that Captain McHugh for working on the dedication. He believes the ceremonial groundbreaking will occur on August 15th and hoped that the dedication could also happen at that event. Approval of Minutes Councilor Jerzylo made a motion, seconded by Captain Ryan, to approve the June 27, 2024 Salem Port Authority meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment Councilor Jerzylo made a motion, seconded by Captain Ryan, to adjourn the meeting at 5:45pm. The motion passed unanimously. The Salem Harbor Port Authority approved these minutes at the meeting held September 5, 2024.