San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - November 8, 2022
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San Francisco Port Commission Meeting - November 8, 2022
The Port Commission convened on November 8, 2022, at 10:45 AM to consider consent items, approve expansions to the retail fish sales program and transit shelter advertising agreement, and receive informational presentations on contracting, building code, and Embarcadero traffic safety improvements. Public comments centered on concerns about proposed lane reductions on the Embarcadero near Fisherman's Wharf.
Consent Calendar
- The Commission unanimously approved the consent calendar, including resolutions 22-51 through 22-59 (items 10A-10I): authorizing remote meeting attendance under COVID-19 emergency, sole source negotiations for retail at Pier 50 Shed B, lease with Autodesk at Pier 9, purchase of non-potable water from Mission Rock Utilities, modification to construction contracts for Crane Cove Park and Heron's Head Shoreline, acceptance of $796,100 in grant funds from SF Bay Restoration Authority, revision to operating reserve policy, and recertification of the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 12A: Mark Gleason of Teamsters Local 853 expressed support for the transit shelter advertising agreement amendment, noting it would increase maintenance staffing and improve working conditions. No other public comments were received on other consent or action items.
- Item 15A: Seven remote callers representing Fisherman's Wharf businesses (e.g., Pier 39, Capurro's, Boudin Bakery, Wax Museum) opposed the proposed field test to reduce northbound Embarcadero lanes from two to one at Broadway. They argued the change would exacerbate traffic congestion, harm the economic recovery of the wharf (still below pre-COVID visitation), and requested an economic impact study. They noted that 50% of Pier 39's visitors arrive by car and that the corridor is the primary north-south artery for tourists.
Discussion Items
- Executive Director's Report (Item 9A): Director Forbes and Legislative Affairs Manager Boris Delepine reported on legislative achievements, including a $9.6 million federal grant for Amador Street reconstruction, $1.2 billion in state port infrastructure funding, and advocacy for offshore wind and sea level rise funds. The Port also launched equity initiatives, such as BIPOC-owned business pop-ups and racial equity training.
- Retail Fish Sales Expansion (Item 11A): The Port's Maritime Division presented on expanding the retail sales program to allow fish processing tenants at Fisherman's Wharf to sell directly to the public, similar to existing off-the-boat sales. The Commission approved the expansion unanimously (Resolution 22-60), with a one-year review.
- Transit Shelter Advertising Agreement (Item 12A): SFMTA and Port staff presented a second amendment to the agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor, extending the term five years through December 2027 and reducing the minimum annual guarantee. In exchange, Clear Channel will increase shelter cleaning from two to three times per week (six days a week), hire 15 additional maintenance staff, create an asset management program with $6 million in capital investments, and surrender shelter ownership at term end. The Commission approved the amendment unanimously (Resolution 22-61).
- MOU with SF Environment (Item 12B): Informational presentation on a proposed five-year MOU for a building material reuse center at Seawall Lot 344, operated by SF Community Recyclers. The rent would exceed $1 million over the term. Staff recommended directing the item to the SAC and returning for approval. Commissioners expressed support, emphasizing beautification and inventory management.
- LBE Contracting Activity (Item 13A): Contracts Manager Stephanie Tang reported that 60% of contracts subject to the LBE program were awarded to LBEs in FY 2021-22, with 88% of dollars going to LBEs. She highlighted improvements such as form-based RFPs, advanced notice to LBE firms, and pre-qualified pools, which have increased participation and reduced barriers.
- Port Building Code Amendments (Item 14A): Chief Harbor Engineer Rod Iwashita presented proposed amendments to the 2022 Port Building Code, including requirements for floating structures not regulated by the Coast Guard, expanded site permit regulations, and special inspection requirements for aluminum welding. No action taken; action item to follow.
- Embarcadero Quick-Build Traffic Safety (Item 15A): SFMTA planner Casey Hildreth presented evaluation results of the Central Embarcadero Quick-Build project, which added a protected bikeway. Bikeway usage increased to 78-94% of wheeled device users. However, the Broadway intersection experienced significant northbound left-turn delays. SFMTA proposed a field test in early 2023 to convert to two left-turn lanes and one through northbound lane to improve intersection throughput. Commissioners debated the proposal, with concerns from Lee, Brandon, and Commissioner Gilman about impacts on Fisherman's Wharf businesses, the lack of full Muni service, and the timing of the test during an off-peak season. No vote was taken; the Commission directed staff to continue engagement with stakeholders and consider economic analysis before any test. Additionally, the Commission requested a report on homeless services at transit shelters.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar adopted (Resolutions 22-51 through 22-59).
- Resolution 22-60 adopted: Approved expansion of retail fish sales program to include fish processing tenants at Fisherman's Wharf.
- Resolution 22-61 adopted: Approved second amendment to transit shelter advertising agreement with SFMTA and Clear Channel Outdoor.
- No action on Embarcadero lane test: Commission directed staff to conduct further outreach and consider an economic impact study before implementing a field test at Broadway.
- Direction to staff: Return with a report on homeless services at port-area transit shelters, and continue monitoring promenade safety with current measures before any code changes.
Meeting Transcript
Commissioner Stephen Lee. Here. San Francisco Port Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Rama to Shaloni, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramatishalone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests. Motion passed unanimously. Comments will be limited to three minutes per person. So moved. We have a motion and a second. All in favor, say aye. Opposed motion passes unanimously. We are now in closed session. Second. We have a motion in a second. All in favor say I. I oppose motion passes unanimously. We are now in open session. Carl, item number six is the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which we stand one nation undervisible with liberty and justice for all. Item number seven is announcements. Please be advised that the ringing and use of cell phones and similar sound producing devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that a member of the public has up to three minutes to make public comments on each agenda item unless the port commission adopts a shorter period on any item. Public comment must be in respect to the current agenda item. And the commission will take in-person public comment first and then remote public comment on each item. For remote public comment, please dial 415 65501 and enter access code 2495 2380579 pound. During each public comment period, our moderator will instruct you to dial star three to be added to the queue with that particular item. And then an audio prompt will signal when it's your turn to comment. If you're watching this meeting on SFGov TV, there's a short broadcasting delay. So to not miss your chance to comment, please dial when the item you want to comment on is announced. And then mute your device and listen to the meeting only through your telephone, which has no delay. That brings us to item number eight public comment on items not listed on the agenda. We will take public comment on items not listed on the agenda. Is there any public comment in the room? Please go to the mic. Saying none, Jenica will provide instructions now for remote participants. Thank you, President Adams. At this time, we will open the queue for anyone on the phone who would like to make public comment on items not listed on the agenda. Please dial star three if you wish to make public comment. The system will let you know when your line is open. 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. At this time, there are no members of the public on the phone wishing to make public comment. Thanks, Jenica. Uh Carl, next item, please. Item 9A is the executive director's report. Good afternoon, President Adams, Vice President Brandon, members of the commission, members of port staff, and the public. I'm Elaine Forbes, the Executive Director. Today is election day, first and foremost.
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