Port Commission Meeting – July 13, 2021

The Port Commission of San Francisco met on July 13, 2021, to approve minutes, hear the executive director's report, honor retiring staff, and discuss several major items. These included an informational presentation on proposed 'quick-build' traffic and curb management changes on the Central Embarcadero, a revised budget for the Mission Rock project (Seawall Lot 337), a resolution supporting a city ordinance regulating mobile vending, an update on the Piers 38 & 40 development project, and a lease for the historic ferryboat Klamath. The commission also considered public comments on various topics, with many speakers urging approval of the Embarcadero safety improvements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the June 8, 2021 meeting (unanimous roll call: President Brandon yes, Vice President Adams absent, Commissioner Burton absent, Commissioner Gilman yes, Commissioner Wuho yes).
• Authorized advertising for a Request for Qualifications for implementation of Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 87 (Resolution 21-27).
• Approved a resolution commending retiring Deputy Director of Planning & Environment Diane Oshima for 41 years of service (Resolution 21-28). Both items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Retirement Tributes (6A): Multiple callers, including Alice Rogers, Janice Lee, Alex Bash, Chris King, Laura Schaefer, Byron Rhett, Jonathan Griffin, Katie Liddell, Jim Levine, and Ellen John, praised retiring staff Carrie Kilstrom and Diane Oshima for their decades of service, community engagement, and contributions to the waterfront. Speakers highlighted Oshima's leadership in the Waterfront Land Use Plan and Kilstrom's work on the Waterfront Resilience Program.
• Embarcadero Quick-Build Project (8A): Ten callers voiced strong support for the project, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. Luke Bornheimer (Kids Safe SF) asked the commission to move forward. Cliff Barger, Kenneth Russell, Zach Lipton, Parker Day, Brian Hoosman (Walk SF), Joanna Dudman, Evan Golden, Alice Rogers, Katie Liddell, Adina Levin, Ben, and Alec Bash all urged approval, noting the project would reduce conflicts on the promenade and improve safety. Several referenced the 2018 death of pedicab driver Kevin Manning. One caller expressed concern about the Broadway intersection but supported a field test.
• Mobile Vending Ordinance (9B): Sherwin Govigger (Mission Economic Development Agency) supported the outreach program. Lee Hepner (Supervisor Peskin's office), Randall Scott (Fisherman's Wharf CBD), Taylor Sanford (Pier 39), and Darlene Plumtree (SF Maritime National Park Association) spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing public health and safety benefits.
• Piers 38 & 40 (9C): Alice Rogers and Alec Bash expressed support for the project's equity and inclusion plan.
• Klamath Ferry Lease (10A): Alice Rogers, Alex Bash, and Chad Mason (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) supported returning the historic ferryboat to the waterfront, emphasizing maritime heritage and public access.

Discussion Items

Executive Director's Report (6A)

Director Elaine Forbes reported on the port's economic recovery, noting that July 1 marked the start of the fiscal year and that the port would use federal stimulus funds (instead of an interfund loan) to address pandemic revenue losses. The state allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for public ports, with guidelines in development. Summer/fall events included the return of the Fourth of July fireworks, the Exploratorium reopening (July 1), increased ferry service, and the return of cruise ships in September (with vaccinated passengers and crew). Forbes stated that 82% of San Franciscans age 12+ had received their first vaccine dose, with 75% fully vaccinated. She highlighted a racial equity win: a partnership providing full sailing scholarships for two young women from the Boys & Girls Club. The report concluded with commendations for retiring staff Carrie Kilstrom (community engagement) and Diane Oshima (planning). Commissioners and staff delivered heartfelt tributes, noting Oshima's 41-year career and Kilstrom's 10+ years of service. A resolution commending Oshima was adopted later in the consent calendar.

Central Embarcadero Quick-Build Project (8A)

Staff (Dan Hodap, Casey Hildreth, Mark, Gabe Ho) presented an informational update on proposed safety improvements for the segment between Mission Street and Broadway. The plan includes a two-way protected bikeway, road diet, and new signage to encourage wheeled vehicles off the promenade. The presentation addressed prior commission concerns: a detailed signage/wayfinding plan, traffic analysis at the Broadway intersection, and a proposed field test comparing two lane configurations (Design A with two through lanes and one left-turn lane; Design B with one through lane and two left-turn lanes). Design B was staff's recommended option based on modeling. The project survey mailed to 17,000 addresses received 1,400 responses; 81% believed the on-street bikeway would benefit pedestrians on the promenade. The commission discussed the need for a holistic strategy for the entire Embarcadero and the importance of balancing all modes. Commissioner Gilman noted that 110 letters of support had been received. No vote was taken; the item will return in August, likely on the consent calendar if all commissioner questions are resolved.

Mission Rock Phase 1 Revised Budget (9A)

Phil Williamson and Rebecca Benassini presented an informational update on a proposed $62 million cost increase (from $145 million to approximately $207 million) driven by unforeseen subsurface conditions, lightweight cellular concrete costs (for sea level rise), electrical utility modifications, and increased agency review costs. Three solutions were proposed: (1) sequencing China Basin Park's in-water portions (tidal shelves, food pavilion) to Phase 2, delaying $23 million in spending; (2) using a DDA provision that the first $10 million overage is repaid at a reduced return rate (approximately 4.1% vs. 18%); and (3) imposing penalties if Phase 2 is not submitted by end of 2022 ($25,000/month escalating). Staff projected port revenue (NPV) at $181 million if the park is sequenced, versus $190 million in the 2019 baseline. Commissioners questioned LBE contracting (31% awarded for horizontal work, 4% for vertical) and the Phase 2 timeline. The item was informational; further details will be brought back.

Mobile Vending Ordinance (9B)

Assistant Port Director Mike Martin and Boris Delapine requested approval of a resolution supporting Supervisor Peskin's ordinance to bring city vending laws into compliance with state SB 946. The ordinance would authorize the port commission to adopt time, place, and manner restrictions. Staff outlined a pilot program with 17 designated vending locations (subject to BCDC approval), a $100 annual permit fee (first year), and enforcement via citations (amounts set by state law). The port is contracting with the Mission Economic Development Agency to help vendors apply. The ordinance was passed by the board's land use committee and will go to the full board on July 20. The commission unanimously adopted the resolution (Resolution 21-29).

Piers 38 & 40 Development Project (9C)

David Beaupre and the San Francisco Waterfront Partners team presented an update on the historic piers project, focusing on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan. The team includes a 50-50 joint venture with minority-owned firms. The DEI plan features a five-pillar system for training, jobs, and contracting (via Cornerstone Institute), a hospitality training program (via IntoAction), and a goal to exceed 25% LBE participation. Community outreach (13 meetings) has generated support for a