Local Government Manatee Port Authority Agenda Results: April 16, 2015

PALMETTO — At Thursday's Port Authority meeting, members approved a budget resolution, and an amendment to the contract the port has with Feld Entertainment. Members were also entertained with a presentation by Dan Bjerk, from the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

 CALL TO ORDER

  Invocation – Tim Huppert, Anchor House 

  Pledge of Allegiance

  Public Comments 

1. Audience Introductions

2. Presentation – Dan Bjerk, Senior International Trade Specialist, Tampa Bay Export Assistance Center -- Bjerk works out of the local office for the U.S. Commercial Service of the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Bjerk says his mission is to help U.S. companies expand and small businesses become successful.

Bjerk recommends strategy and market research to companies that export at least 51 percent of their products.  

 3. Presentation – Madelein Paquin, President and CEO, Logistec Corp. -- Paquin has been President and CEO of Logistec Corporation since 1996. Logistec offers specialized industrial services including cargo handling in over 30 ports and terminals in North America. 

4. Consent Agenda -- Approved, Unanimous

           A. Warrant List

           B. Minutes for Approval: March 19, 2015

March 24, 2015

           C. Budget Resolution

           D. Changes to Port Manatee Tariff No. 3

           E. Landscape Maintenance and Installation Agreement 

            F. Deletion of Port Assets

5. Feld Entertainment First Amendment to Port contract lease -- Approved, Unanimous

6. South Gate Modernization Engineering -- Deferred

       Public Comments -- Glen Gibellina wanted to know why the estimated valuation of port property was reduced by $400,000. He also, again, ask why there is so much 'roof-top' at the port and none equipped with renewable solar.  

       Executive Director Comments -- Director Carlos Buqueras said Port Manatee was visited by representatives from Port Progreno, in Mexico, on April 7, requesting they become 'sister ports.'

Buqueras also wanted to thank officials from Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and City of Bradenton Beach for touring the Port, April 15th.

Buqueras also said that the "Delegation to California" by Port Manatee officials -- along with port officials from Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral -- went well. They were there to try and draw shipping activity from California to Florida.    

       Commissioner Comments -- 

Commissioner Benac -- said the MPO's (Metropolitan Planning Organization) Long Term Planning Focus Group is looking at traffic projections for the area.

Commissioner Whitmore -- asked for a vote to have the port send a letter to 'Air Products' confirming their satisfaction with the road and gate to their facilities. -- Approved, Unanimous   

Commissioner DiSabatino -- wanted to thank the 'Partners' of the Port for showing up and participating in Thursday's meeting.