Manatee Port Authority Agenda Results: 2/21/13

PORT MANATEE --  At Thursday's Port Authority Meeting, Commissioners decided their request to have Manatee County's chief attorney present a proposal estimating the cost or savings in having either the current law firm, Lewis, Longman and Walker, handle the port's legal matters or modify the county's staff of attorneys do the work, was a good exercise, but voted unanimous to keep LL&W on board.

MANATEE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY AGENDA

February 21, 2013

The Manatee County Port Authority may take action on any matter during this meeting, including those items set forth within this agenda. The chairperson, at the option of the chairperson, may take business out of order if the chairperson determines that such a change in the agenda’s schedule will expedite the business of the Port Authority.

CALL TO ORDER

Invocation –  Tim Huppert, Anchor House 

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only)

1. CONSENT -- Approved, Unanimous

2. Retirement Recognition

3. Presentation – Doug Wheeler, President of Florida Ports Council – Wheeler's Legislative update mentioned there was $288 million in port infrastructure funds available, and $7 billion in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Wheeler said some the Trust Fund money was being used for other purposes. He said the biggest hurdle for legislators to get over was "ear marks" and that the most important piece of legislation ahead was the "Water Bill."

Update

4. Presentation Tim Hart – CSX -- Last minute changes: Tim Hart canceled and Andrew Alexander, from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) presented a report to the Board.

Alexander stated, "With the job of having to oversee 300 land, air and sea ports, the CBP has the largest enforcement airforce. In 2011, we inspected 34 million travelers and 105 million vehicles. We collected over $37.2 billion in duty and taxes, the second largest collection of funds by the U.S. Government.  One in four jobs rely on trade, and the CBP has the largest K-9 force in the country. 

5. Cargo Volume Agreement -- Approved, Unanimous

6. Berth 12 Wharf Extension and Container Terminal Project—Change Order No. 007 -- Savings of funds as a result of reduced taxes on a port purchase -- Approved, Unanimous

7. Discussion and Possible Action on Port Authority Outside Legal Counsel -- Approved, Unanimous (Full Story)

Public Comments

Commissioner Comments -- 

Commissioner Whitmore, It is surprising how far along Air Products have come. And while you all are going home, the BP station that is at 69th, could someone tell me what the gas price sign says? I can't figure it out.

Commissioner Benac, This is an interesting time where the new leadership is trying to be so much more business friendly than before, and I would like to thank the governor for all that he has done to keep the agencies from getting in the way of business.  

According to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, any person desiring to appeal any decision made by the Port Authority with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.

1. CONSENT AGENDA 

A. Warrant List

B. Minutes for Approval: January 17, 2012

C. Acceptance of 2012 Revenue Refunding Bonds Transcript into Record