Manatee Port Authority Agenda Results: August 20, 2015

PALMETTO – At Thursday's Port Authority meeting, members approved their list of legislative priorities and their Operating Resolution for Fiscal Year 2015 /16. In other business, members requested the Port's law firm present a proposal that would include additional lobbying to the legislature on port issues.

CALL TO ORDER

Invocation – David St. Pierre,

Port Manatee Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comments

1. Audience Introductions

2. Employee Recognition – Juan Pena, Luke Ingram,

Jeanine Zeris

3. 2016 Port Manatee Legislative Priorities -- Approved, 6-0, Bustle Absent

4. Presentation – Steve Lewis, Lewis, Longman & Walker (LLW), P.A., Lobbying Report -- LLW is a 35 attorney AV-rated statewide law firm, specializing in Government Law; Legislative lobbying and governmental affairs; Environmental and Natural Resources; Administrative, Civil and Appellate Litigation and Business, Corporate and Intellectual Property.

(Full story)

5. Consent Agenda

-- Warrant List

-- Minutes for Approval -- June 16, 2015 and June 17,

2015

-- Budget Resolution

-- Deletion of Port Assets

-- Authorization of File Suit against Illinois Union

Insurance Company to recover damages associated

with the denial of insurance coverage.

-- Port Insurance Renewals 2015 -- 2016

-- Extension of Tugboat Services Agreement

-- Ratify and Affirm Action Taken at Emergency Port

Authority Meetings

-- Waiver of Conflict Interest Related to Vulcan

Materials Company

Consent Agenda -- Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent

6. Fiscal Year 2015-16 Operating Budget Resolution -- The Port's 2014/15 budget was $10 million, the proposed 2015/16 budget is 10.8 million. Increased security, waterborne revenue and adjustments for increased cargo yield reason for some of the changes. -- Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent

Public Comments Executive Director Comments -- Port Director Carlos Buqueras introduced a pilot USDA 'Cold Treatment' program that would provide additional revenue for the storage of rare fruits and other produce from Argetina and Chile, SA. Buqueras also promoted a 'Trade Mission' consisting of several businesses from Spain that will be here from September 28, to October 2, 2015, to explore opportunities that may be available for them in Manatee County/Port Manatee.

Commissioners Comments -- Commissioner Benac said she toured the Air Products facility, and was pleased with all that is going on there.

Adjournment