Port Commission Regular Meeting - June 8, 2021

The San Francisco Port Commission met on June 8, 2021, with all five commissioners present. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including approval of minutes, public comments, executive session, the Executive Director's report, a Mission Rock project update, a proposed 'quick-build' traffic plan for the Central Embarcadero, a proposed mobile vending ordinance, an extension of fee waivers for the Shared Spaces program, and an informational presentation on the port's maritime portfolio. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. in memory of retired port laborer Lawrence Peoples.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the May 25, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously via roll call vote (5-0).
• Executive Session: The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to enter closed session; no public comment was received on executive session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 8 (Non-Agenda Public Comment):
  • Zairi Bickham, a performer on port property, emphasized the importance of the street performance program to Fisherman's Wharf culture and urged coordination between vendors and performers.
  • David Burby (Sabino's Restaurant/Bay Company Retail) called for support of mobile vendor regulation, describing "chaos" and unsafe conditions from unlicensed vendors.
  • Another performer (name not given) requested keeping the performance permit program active alongside any new vending program.
• Item 10A (Embarcadero Quick-Build):
  • Janice Lee (San Francisco Bicycle Coalition) expressed strong support for the project, noting collaboration with CUESA and highlighting a letter from the coalition dated May 21, 2021.
• Item 11A (Mobile Vending Ordinance):
  • Multiple callers including Brian Hayes, Lee Hepner (Supervisor Peskin's office), Taylor Safford (President/CEO, Pier 39), Randall Scott (Fisherman's Wharf CBD), Fred Anderson, Paul Miller (Boudin Bakery), Mark Gleason (representing Teamsters), Trisha, Sue Mezen (Pier 39), Judith Reese, Stan Ross (Stanley Steamer Hot Dogs), David Burby, Paris Lane (street performer), Sunshine (street performer), Fraser Thompson (Pier 39 VP Operations), and Steven Dreyfus (SF Port Performers Program co-creator) spoke in strong support of the ordinance, citing health, safety, and organized crime concerns. Some highlighted threats and unsanitary conditions.
• Item 11B (Shared Spaces Fee Waiver): No public comment.
• Item 12A (Maritime Portfolio): No public comment.

Discussion Items

• Executive Director's Report (Item 9A): Elaine Forbes reported on COVID-19 recovery, summer events (July 4th fireworks, Red Bay Coffee opening June 11), Juneteenth and Pride Month celebrations, the port's racial equity progress, and a $250 million state stimulus allocation. She also noted the passing of retired laborer Lawrence Peoples. Commissioners expressed condolences and discussed Mission Rock budget increases.
• Mission Rock Phase 1 Update (within Item 9A): Phil Williamson presented progress and a projected $58 million cost increase. Staff are evaluating delaying in-water China Basin Park work by a few months to save $20 million. Commissioner Wuho requested a full comparison of returns under updated costs.
• Item 10A: Central Embarcadero Quick-Build (Resolution 2125): Mark Dreger (SFMTA) presented the proposal to repurpose the third travel lane and install a two-way protected bikeway from Mission Street to Broadway, including loading adjustments for the Ferry Building Farmers Market. Discussion focused on signage (encouragement vs. direction for cyclists/pedestrians), traffic signal synchronization, and public outreach. Commissioner Wuho raised concerns about auto traffic flow and future cruise ship impacts. Commissioner Burton criticized the 10% survey response rate. A substitute motion to postpone the item to July 13, 2021 passed (5-0), directing SFMTA to return with a concrete signage plan (prohibiting motorized vehicles on the promenade, encouraging cyclists to use the bikeway), a plan for auto traffic considerations including signal synchronization, and details on outreach.
• Item 11A: Proposed Ordinance on Mobile Vending (Informational): Mike Martin and Boris Delapine presented a proposed ordinance (by Supervisor Peskin) creating a pilot vending permit program on port property, pending state SB 946 compliance. A timeline anticipates commission action in July. Commissioners expressed support but requested more details on enforcement, vendor outreach, cleanup, and equitable treatment of existing tenants. Commissioner Gilman asked about interim measures. Commissioner Adams emphasized treating all people with dignity. The item will return for action in July.
• Item 11B: Shared Spaces Fee Waiver Extension (Resolution 2126): Chris Atanali reported that six non-port tenants benefit from the program, which has created over 700 outdoor dining seats. Staff requested extension of fee waivers through December 31, 2021, totaling $85,000 (cumulative $240,000). Commissioners supported the extension. Commissioner Wuho asked about unresolved issues (minor sidewalk access adjustments). The resolution passed unanimously (5-0).
• Item 12A: Maritime Portfolio (Informational): Andre Coleman presented an overview of cargo (auto exports at Pier 80, dry bulk at Piers 90-94), shipyard interim leasing, Fisherman's Wharf fishing industry, excursion/ferry operations (5 million passengers pre-pandemic), and cruise resumption (118 projected calls in 2022). Commissioners discussed Pasha volumes, retail fish sales expansion, and cruise traffic mitigation. No formal action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Item 10A (Resolution 2125): Postponed to July 13, 2021 (5-0 vote) to allow SFMTA to return with a detailed signage plan, traffic signal analysis, and outreach overview.
• Item 11B (Resolution 2126): Approved unanimously (5-0) to extend Shared Spaces fee waivers for six non-port tenants through December 31, 2021.
• New Business: The commission noted a future policy conversation on multi-purpose use of the Embarcadero promenade, including possible prohibition of bicycles.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned in memory of retired port laborer Lawrence Peoples.