Port Manatee Authority Meeting Results: December 16, 2010

MANATEE--The Port Authority held its final meeting of 2010 Thursday morning at Intermodal Center in Palmetto. The board heard presentations on the Port Connector Road project and from its new concession advisor ARUP. Port Executive Director David McDonald updated the board on paving improvements and Tiger Grant funding. After the meeting, the Port Authority held its annual Christmas luncheon.

MANATEE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY AGENDA - December 16, 2010

CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Larry Bustle

Invocation – Tim Huppert (Anchor House Chaplain)

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only) - None

1. CONSENT AGENDA - Unanimously approved
A. Warrant List
B. Minutes for Approval: November 9, 2010 and November 18, 2010
C. Budget Resolution
D. Del Monte Contract Modification

2. Port Paving Improvements - Port Director David McDonald updated the board on paving improvements at berths 5,6,9,10 and requested approval of bidding process to have work completed. Unanimously approved.

3. Port Manatee Watch Program - The U.S. Coast Guard and the Manatee County Port Authority have entered into a cooperative agreement to establish a community based watch program to assist in the enforcement and implementation of a security zone on and around a dredge spoil island near Port Manatee known as Manbirtee Key. The Manbirtee Key Security Zone became effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Under federal regulations, commercial and recreational boaters desiring to enter the zone must first gain permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. This community watch program was designed to provide a mechanism for boaters to be granted access while maintaining the desired level of security in the area concerned. The program is open to Manatee County residents who apply and pass a security and background check.

Port Director McDonald requested board approval for the continuation of the program at the Port. Unanimously approved.

4. Discussion of Port Connector Road - Florida Department of Transportation presentation on the current status of the Port Connector Road project. It is still in the analysis and workshop phase. For more information on the project visit www.portmanateeconnector.com.

5. Update and Discussion of RFP for Banking Services for Dredging Project Loan - Port CFO Bob Armstrong outlined the process and request for proposal to obtain a construction loan to maintain cash reserves while the Dredging Project is being done. He said the loan would most likely be for a two year term.

6. Tiger Grant Update - Contract Approval - Port Director McDonald informed the board that berth construction would be added to the grant along with the previously earmarked container yard. Unanimously approved.

7. Discussion by ARUP - Status of Concession Advisor - Yuval Cohen of ARUP, the Port's concession advisor, presented an initial overview of the firm's analysis of the Port.

8. Presentation on Florida Ports Council 2011 Legislation - Port Director McDonald reported the Florida Ports Council is putting together a plan for grants and funding and coordinating with the county and state.

9. Presentation by CSX - Vance Bennett, Director of Port development for CSX Intermodal, spoke to the board on CSX's role in cargo movement related to ports and its new Winter Haven facility which will begin construction in Fall 2011. When completed, Mr. Bennett said the new service facility will be a benefit to Port Manatee and other ports by allowing them to move shipments more efficiently and to more easily adjust capacity needs when exports and imports increase.

10.Confirmation of Election of 2011 Officers - The board approved its officers for 2011: Larry Bustle, Chairman; John Chappie, 1st Vice-Chairman; Carol Whitmore, 2nd Vice-Chair; Robin DiSabatino 3rd Vice-Chair; Donna Hayes and Joe McClash returning members of the Port Authority. Approved.

Public Comments - None

Commissioner Comments - All commissioners expressed Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in their closing remarks.

Adjourned - 11:10 a.m.

Afterwards, the Port Authority held a Christmas Luncheon for staff and attendees of today's meeting.