Manatee Port Authority Agenda Results: September 17, 2015

PORT MANATEE – At Thursday's Port Authority meeting, members voted to construct an intermodal cargo pad for mining company Mosaic. In other business, members voted not to approve proposed Port Manatee Tariff increases that were based on additional security measures requested by the U.S. Coast Guard.

1. Audience Introductions

2. Presentation – Michel Tosini, Executive Vice President, Federal Marine Terminals ― Tosini said FMT, on average, operates 80 to 100 ships, 42 of which they own, from ports in Milwaukee, Bean Harbor, Toronto, Hamilton, and Cleveland; with extended services to Lake Charles La., Colbert Al., Tampa and Port Manatee.

Tosini said, "In 2014 we shipped 177,800 tons."

3. Presentation - Johannes Werner, Editor, Cuba Standard ― Werner is a Journalist for Cuba Standard, a monthly periodical and report from Cuba. Werner, who now lives in Sarasota, shared with the commission a version of the recent economic conditions in Cuba. (story to come)

4. Consent Agenda

A. Warrant List

B. Minutes for Approval August 20, 2015

C. B & N Welding and Fabrication , Inc. Sublease to Raymond Steely

D. Port Manatee Tariff No. 3 Changes

Consent Agenda ― Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent (Later during Commissioner comments this vote was reconsidered. scratching item D from the approval and then vote to approve the Consent Agenda without item D. (more)

5. Supplemental Joint Participation Agreement Number Two for Construction of an Intermodal Cargo Pad ― Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent

6. Berth 9 Rehabilitation Engineering Change Order Request ― Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent

7. 2016 Port Manatee Legislative and Advocacy Priorities-Revised ― Approved, 6-0, Bustle absent

Citizen Comments ―

― Chris Shields, General Manager of Gearbulk Inc. (one of the port's clients) said he wasn't happy with the increase in the price of services (mostly security cost) and reminded Authority members the increase may cause some to go elsewhere. Shields said he wasn't sure how his company would respond. Shields added, "Port Manatee is already higher then their competing ports".

― Michel Tosini, Executive Vice-President of FMT (Item #2 on agenda), said he agreed with Shields. Tosini said they as well may not be able to absorb the additional cost. (More)

― Commissioner Comments ―

The only Commissioner comments were the discussions and actions taken by Commissioners on the proposed Tariff increase (Consent Agenda Item D) for security.