San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - October 12, 2021
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - October 12, 2021
The San Francisco Port Commission met on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 2:01 PM via teleconference. The meeting covered economic recovery updates, approval of consent items, an informational update on Embarcadero promenade conflicts, a presentation on the Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center extension, and approval of a new cost-sharing agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers for a waterfront flood study. Commissioners heard public testimony on the Navigation Center and discussed potential regulatory changes for bicycles on the promenade.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution 2139: Adopted a Competitive Selection Process Communications Policy to support integrity in port contract selection.
- Resolution 2140: Authorized a contract with Deloitte & Touche LLP for implementing Government Accounting Standards Board Statement Number 87, not to exceed $200,000.
- Resolution 2141: Approved a 2-year lease with rent credits between the Port and Silverado Contractors, Inc. for a vacant area of Pier 70 Shipyard.
- Resolution 2142: Adopted findings under state urgency legislation to allow remote meetings during the COVID-19 emergency for 30 days, with direction to agendize a similar resolution within 30 days. All consent items were approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Alice Rogers, Vice Chair of the Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center advisory group, stated that the center had satisfied basic metrics and requested approval of the 2-year extension, noting improved communication tools.
- Megan Fallon, site director from Five Keys, expressed appreciation for the community's welcome and the positive impact on guests.
- Mayan W., a resident of the Navigation Center, shared gratitude for the services that provided safety and guidance after 15–20 years of homelessness.
- Rick Dickerson, co-chair of the advisory group, highlighted successful problem-solving and urged a phased ramp-up to full occupancy.
- Joanna Schober, another resident, reported losing 38 pounds and lowering blood pressure while working three part-time jobs, crediting the center. No public comments were made on other agenda items.
Discussion Items
-
Executive Director's Report: Director Elaine Forbes reported significant economic recovery milestones:
- Return of cruise ships (21 calls through 2021, 126 in 2022) with 95%+ vaccination requirements and CDC compliance.
- Fleet Week in San Francisco was the only in-person event in the U.S., attracting over 1 million visitors.
- San Francisco Giants playoff games and Warriors preseason boosted waterfront activity.
- Port is addressing tenant rent relief, including admitting Baudine's flagship and Chowder Hut into the Base Rent Relief Program with a 10% late penalty.
- Port launched a new website on October 13, 2021, and celebrated Filipino American History Month.
- Commissioner Burton praised Forbes for her five-year anniversary.
-
Item 11A – Embarcadero Promenade Conflicts (Informational): Port staff and SFMTA presented a plan to address conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists/scooters on the Embarcadero promenade. The Central Embarcadero Quick Build Project (approved August 2021) will install a protected bikeway between Mission and Broadway, signage, and a public education campaign. Data collection and user surveys will evaluate effectiveness. Commissioners strongly advocated for prohibiting bicycles and scooters on the promenade, especially in high-traffic areas. Director Forbes noted that a blanket ban may be unsafe where protected bike lanes don't exist, but staff will return with options. Commissioners requested broader survey outreach including tourists, businesses, and neighborhood groups.
-
Item 12A – Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center Extension (Informational): HSH and Port staff presented compliance with option exercise conditions for a 24-month extension. Key achievements since December 2019:
- 90% decrease (from 179 to 18) in unsheltered homelessness in the outreach zone.
- 77% decrease in unsheltered individuals camping since opening.
- 483 guests served; currently 91 beds due to COVID-19 social distancing.
- SFPD assigned 4 dedicated beat officers daily (11am-9pm); crime statistics consistent with citywide trends.
- Five Keys provided cleaning 3-5 times daily and a public text line; 95% response rate.
- Monthly dashboards and quarterly advisory group meetings with glossary improved transparency. The advisory group expressed broad consensus that conditions were met, with recommendations for continued improvement. Commissioners praised the center as a model, noting low crime and clean surroundings. They approved the extension to be voted on October 26, 2021.
-
Item 13A – Army Corps Waterfront Flood Study (Action): Kelly Capone requested approval of a new feasibility cost-sharing agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The study covers 7.5 miles of waterfront. Original 2018 agreement ($3M) was amended to $6M; new agreement adds $10M (total $16M) and 4 years 2 months (total 86 months), with 50-50 cost share (port contributes $8M). A waiver is pending approval by the Assistant Secretary of the Army. Port will fund Army Corps via accelerated funds clause. Commissioners unanimously supported the resolution.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Resolutions 2139-2142 adopted unanimously.
- Embarcadero Promenade: No formal vote; commissioners directed staff to consider code changes to prohibit bicycles where protected bike lanes exist, with a broader survey and return to commission in spring 2022.
- SAFE Navigation Center Extension: Commission expressed support; formal vote scheduled for October 26, 2021.
- Army Corps Flood Study: Resolution 2143 adopted unanimously, authorizing the Executive Director to enter the new cost-sharing agreement.
- New Business: Commissioner Gilman requested future informational items on vendor right-sizing, ferry building vacancies, and port leasing strategy.
Meeting Transcript
San Francisco Port Commission for Tuesday, October twelfth, twenty twenty-one. Port Commission President Kimberly Brandon called the meeting to order at two oh one p.m. Item number one is roll call. President Kimberly Brandon. Here Vice President Willie Adams will not be present today. Commissioner John Burton will join late. Commissioner Gail Gilman. And present. Thank you. And Commissioner Wuho. Here. Thank you, Madam President. You do have a quorum. The San Francisco Port Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramatushalone, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula as the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions. Item number two is approval of minutes for the September 14th, 2021 port commission meeting. I say move. Second. Can we have a roll call vote, please? Absolutely. President Brandon. Yes. Vice President Adams is absent. Commissioner Burton is absent. Commissioner Gilman. Yes. And Commissioner Wuho. Yes. Thank you. The motion passes unanimously. The minutes of September 14th, 2021 meeting are adopted. Item number three is public comment on executive session. Thank you, Carl. We will now open the phone lines to take public comment on executive session for members of the public who are joining us on the phone. Thank you, President Brandon. At this time, we will open the queue for anyone on the phone who would like to make public comment on executive session. Please dial star three if you wish to make public comment. Others will wait on mute until their line is open. Comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The queue is now open. Please dial star three if you wish to make public comment. Thank you. Seeing no callers on the phone, public comment is closed. Commissioners may have a motion to go into closed session. And to invoke attorney client privilege for matters listed on the agenda as conference with legal counsel. I summon. Second. We have a motion and a second. Carl, can we please have a roll call vote? President Brandon. Yes.
openpublica.com