Special Port Commission Meeting - August 25, 2020
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Special Port Commission Meeting - August 25, 2020
The San Francisco Port Commission held a special virtual meeting at 3:15 PM on August 25, 2020, due to the COVID-19 emergency. The commission unanimously approved two action items: a Rent Forgiveness Program providing up to $13.5 million in relief for 196 tenants across three sectors, and acceptance of a $297,000 grant from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority for wetland habitat restoration at Heron's Head Park.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of the August 11, 2020 meeting were approved by a roll call vote (Commissioner Doreen Woo Ho experienced technical difficulty but later confirmed her vote).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 6A – Rent Forgiveness Program: Eleven callers spoke in support. Speakers included Jonathan (requesting clarity on sidewalk dining permits), Tyler Foster (Red and White fleet, expressing gratitude and noting the 12-passenger limit issue), Kevin Leslie (Louis Fish Jack, grateful and asking about start dates for operating days), Robert Estrada (Inland Boatman's Union, supporting the proposal and asking for equitable treatment for tour boats), Mahogany Roland (Rebuilding Together San Francisco, highlighting nonprofits not covered and requesting a future criteria-based program), Drew Colling (Spinnaker Sailing, supportive and asking about winter rent structure), Peter Osborne (Mission Rock Resort, asking about percentage rent after three months of base rent), John Barnett (Crab Boat Owners Association, thanking for consideration), Pete Sitnick (Water Bar and Epic Stake, grateful and suggesting new outdoor dining opportunities), Canton McGrath (Blue & Gold Fleet, sharing operational challenges with the 12-passenger limit and requesting port support), and Sly Hunter (Masters, Mates & Pilots, supporting the resolution and echoing concerns about inconsistent regulations).
- Item 7A – Wetland Restoration: No public comments were received.
Discussion Items
- Item 6A – Rent Forgiveness Program (Resolution No. 20-41): Staff presented a targeted program for three sectors: (A) Percentage Rent Tenants (up to 14 months forgiveness, 48 tenants, $11.8M estimated), (B) Maritime Tenants (6 months, 121 tenants, $1.5M), and (C) Local Business Enterprise Tenants (3 months, 27 tenants, $150,000). Total forgiveness up to $13.45 million offset by percentage rent collections. Requirements include reporting government aid, maintaining operations (minimum 10 days/month, subject to health orders), and for sector A, paying percentage rent. Rent credits for startup costs and previously paid rent were detailed. Staff requested an amendment to include excursion operators in startup rent credits. The program excludes licenses; some leases require Board of Supervisors approval. Future criteria-based rent forgiveness for other tenants was discussed. Commissioners praised staff and noted the port's lack of federal stimulus. The resolution was amended as proposed and passed unanimously.
- Item 7A – Wetland Habitat Restoration (Resolution No. 20-42): Carol Bach, Environmental Affairs Manager, presented a request to accept and expend a $297,000 grant from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority (Measure AA funds) and enter a sole-source contract with Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ). The grant funds two years of wetland revegetation at Heron's Head Park, including planting up to 24,000 plants across 20,000-30,000 square feet, with community engagement. The project is part of a larger living shoreline effort. The Southern Waterfront Committee was supportive. Next steps include Board of Supervisors approval. Commissioners commended staff's fundraising efforts. The resolution passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 20-41 (Rent Forgiveness Program) – Approved unanimously (4-0) as amended to include startup rent credits for excursion operators. Staff will begin lease amendments and seek Board of Supervisors approval for approximately 32 leases under charter Section 9.118.
- Resolution 20-42 (Wetland Restoration Grant) – Approved unanimously (4-0). Staff will seek Board of Supervisors approval in September, then execute the grant agreement and contract with LEJ to begin work in fall 2020.
- The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:30 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Vice President Adams. Sure. Commissioner Gilman. Present. Commissioner Wuho. Commissioner Wuho. We I see Commissioner Wuho. Can you hear us, Commissioner? Can you hear us, Commissioner Wuho? Oh, but she's having technical difficulty. Okay, I'll I'll shoot her a text and see if we can get that squared away. But madam president, all members are present, and we'll we'll get Commissioner Wuho on the line as soon as possible. Thank you. Item number two is the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance allegiance to the class of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it's one nation. Item number three is approval of minutes for the August 11th, 2020 Port Commission meeting. So moved. Second. All in favor. Hi. I'm sorry. Carl, can we please have a roll call vote? Certainly. President Brandon. Aye. Vice President Adams? Yes. Commissioner Gilman. Yes. And Commissioner Wuho. I think she's still trying to call in. Okay. The minutes of the August 11th, 2020 may be adopted. That brings us to item number four, announcements. Please be advised that a member of the public has up to three minutes to make pertinent public comments on each agenda item unless the port commission adopts a shorter period on any item. Please note that during the public comment period, the moderator will instruct dial-in participants to use their touchstone phones to register any desire for public comment. Audio prompts will signal to dial-in participants when their audio input has been enabled for commenting. Please dial in only when the item you wish to comment on is announced. Please do note if you are watching this meeting on SFGov TV, either on television or streaming on the internet. There is a broadcasting delay. So when the item you want to comment on is announced, dial 1408 4188. That's 9388. Then enter access code 146-845-2793. Please then mute the volume on your television or computer and listen only through your telephone. And when public comment on the item is announced, dial star three to raise your hand to comment and then listen for the audio prompt to signal your turn to comment. For meeting presenters and participants, please mute your microphones and turn off your cameras when you are not presenting. And that brings us to item number five, public comment on items not listed on the agenda. Thank you, Carl. We will now open the phone lines to take public comment on items not listed on the agenda from members of the public who are joining us on the phone.
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