Manatee Port Authority Meeting Results October 21, 2010

MANATEE-- The Port Authority held its regular meeting Thursday morning at Intermodal Center in Palmetto. Items discussed included the Port receiving a TIGER II Federal Grant, the contract signing with ARUP as the Port’s RFQ Advisor, upgrades to warehouses and recognition of service awards to Commissioners Brown and Getman.

MANATEE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY AGENDA

October 21, 2010
Intermodal Center
1905 Intermodal Circle
Palmetto, FL 34221

9:00 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER - Larry Bustle, Chairman

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only)

1. CONSENT AGENDA Unanimously approved

2. RFQ Advisor Contract - Port CFO Robert Armstrong reported the Port has negotiated a contract with ARUP as RFQ (Request for qualifications) advisor not to exceed $185,000. The RFQ Advisor assists the Authority and its other advisors in the assessment of the feasibility and possible development and procurement of a long term lease, concession or other public-private partnership agreement at Port Manatee. Unanimously approved.

3. Port Manatee Rack Installation and Warehouse Upgrade - Mr. Armstrong reported rack installations at warehouses 4,6,7,8 are being completed. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is covering 50% of the costs. Unanimously approved.

4. 2010 Commercial Paper Loan - Mr. Armstrong requested the current terms and rates on the current loan be rolled over when it expires. A separate hearing will be held on November 9. The rollover date is December 7. Unanimously approved.

5. Discussion of Open Port Authority Matters - Mr. Armstrong reported negotiations with the insurance carrier to reach a settlement on repair costs to Warehouse #2 is proceeding. Repairs are also underway at Warehouse #10 and Berth #8.

The Port will use the alternate South Dock Street entrance when the CSX railroad tie replacements begin later this year. The main entrance is expected to be closed for one week during the repair process.

6. Discussion of Grants - Mr. Armstrong presented a breakdown of the grants awarded Port Manatee in 2010 totaling more than $22 million, including a $9 million TIGER II federal grant for South Port improvements.

7. Awards - Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Getman were presented with Port Bells in recognition for their service to the Port Authority. This was the final meeting for both commissioners.

The Port Authority Marketing and Communications staff lead by Steve Tyndal was presented with awards of merit for the Port’s website and Port Directory publication form the American Port Authority Association.

Public Comments - None

Adjourned 10:41 a.m.

Larry Bustle, Chairman
Ron Getman, 1st Vice-Chairman; Dr. Gwendolyn Y. Brown, 2nd Vice-Chairman; John Chappie, 3rd Vice-Chairman; Joe McClash, Member; Donna Hayes, Member; Carol Whitmore, Member