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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Port Commission Meeting - November 10, 2026: Dredging, El Niño Prep, and Consent Calendar Approvals

Port Commission — Tuesday, November 10, 2026

BodySan Francisco, California

SessionPort Commission

DateTuesday, November 10, 2026

StatusNEW · FILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Here.

Speaker 2

0:00

Vice President Ken McNeely.

Speaker 3

0:02

Here.

Speaker 2

0:03

Commissioner Willie Adams.

Speaker 3

0:05

Here.

Speaker 2

0:05

Commissioner Vanessa Hardigan.

0:07

Here.

0:08

And Commissioner Rich Lee.

Speaker 4

0:10

Here.

Speaker 2

0:10

Item two is approval of minutes for the October twentieth, twenty twenty-six port commission meeting.

Speaker 1

0:16

Commissioners, is there a motion to approve the move?

0:19

I second.

0:21

We have a motion and a second.

0:22

All in favor?

0:23

I opposed motion passes unanimously.

0:29

The minutes of the October twenty twenty-six meeting are adopted.

1:12

All in favor.

Speaker 5

11:15

SF Gov TV.

11:18

San Francisco government television.

Unassigned speaker

32:30

Speaker 6

32:30

yes, we have one action to report from close session.

32:33

Um I would like to report that the port commission uh has approved the appointment of uh Crazia Tanno Lee as assistant port director and chief operating officers recommended by the executive director.

Speaker 2

32:47

Thank you.

32:48

Thanks, Commissioner.

32:51

The San Francisco Port Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramatisha Loni, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula.

33:01

As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions,

Unassigned speaker

33:05

the

Speaker 2

33:05

Ramatish Alone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory.

33:30

Item seven is announcements.

33:33

Please silence all cell phones and sound producing devices.

33:44

Comments must relate to the current agenda item.

33:47

Public comments will be taken in person first, then remotely.

Unassigned speaker

35:00

I'm a dog patch resident, board member of the Dog Patch and Northwest Petrero Hill Green Benefit District, member of the Dog Patch Neighborhood Association, and founder of the community advocacy organization swimmable San Francisco Bay.

Speaker 7

35:08

I'm here to voice concerns about the proposed Pier 68 solicitation presented at this Commission's last meeting and at the Southern Advisory Committee meeting on October 28th.

Unassigned speaker

35:17

The

Speaker 7

35:18

proper development of the former shipyard adjacent to Crane Cove Park is a major community priority.

35:23

However, the proposed solicitation appears to be moving forward without meaningful community engagement and without accounting for the public benefits previously promised.

35:32

The solicitation area includes roughly four acres originally intended as phase two of Crane Cove Park, with shoreline restoration, native landscaping, trails, historic interpretation, and rehabilitation of buildings 109 and 110 for public uses.

35:48

In 2015, this commission approved the park project, including future phases.

35:52

But in December 2021, commissioners were informed through a consent calendar item that phase two was no longer being planned.

36:00

Now we learn of a new solicitation for Pier 68 that completely disregards the original plan for the park.

36:06

If the port sees an opportunity to redevelop the former shipyard, why, as a steward of the public trust, isn't it also seeing the opportunity to make good on the public benefits promised to the community which remain unrealized at this site?

36:21

Crane Cove Park Phase 2 needs to be an integral part of any future development at Pier 68.

Unassigned speaker

36:27

And

Speaker 7

36:27

there are public benefits at phase one that remain undelivered, such as fully accessible restrooms that are open the same hours as other city parks, swimming access as explicitly provided for in the BCDC permit, removal of hazards impeding safe enjoyment of the water, and restoration of the historic crane tops, which are identified as contributing resources to the nationally designated historic district.

Unassigned speaker

36:54

The

Speaker 7

36:54

additional shoreline and sedimentation remediation east of the park is also unresolved.

36:59

As recently as June 2025, the city reported an estimate $2.7 million in remaining costs to install the sediment cap.

37:06

Its completion must be addressed in any redevelopment proposal.

37:10

Equally concerning is the lack of community engagement.

37:13

Beyond the Southern Advisory Committee meeting, which isn't broadly advertised to neighborhood residents, the port has not approached the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Pretrayo Boosters, or the Green Benefit District.

37:24

These organizations should help define the public benefits of this development, not simply respond to decisions already made.

37:31

We're asking the Commission to ensure that any Pier 68 solicitation includes Crane Cove Park Phase 2, addresses the unfinished public benefits and environmental remediation, and is shaped through meaningful community engagement before moving forward.

Unassigned speaker

37:45

The

Speaker 7

37:46

opportunity here is not just to redevelop a former shipyard, it's to fulfill the public waterfront vision that San Francisco promised its communities.

37:53

Thank

Unassigned speaker

37:54

you.

Speaker 1

37:55

Thank

Unassigned speaker

37:55

you.

Speaker 1

38:02

Any other uh public comment on items not agendized.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural███████████████████████23%

Public Safety███████████████15%

Maritime Operations██████████████14%

Public Comment█████████9%

Public Engagement██████6%

Public Works██████6%

Flood Control██████6%

Public Finance████4%

Budget and Finance███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Port Commission Meeting – November 10, 2026

The San Francisco Port Commission convened on November 10, 2026, to address a full agenda including approval of prior minutes, executive session actions, the executive director’s report, a consent calendar, and two major informational presentations on dredging and El Niño preparations. Public comment focused on concerns about the Pier 68 solicitation and lack of community engagement on promised park benefits. The commission approved all consent items and the parking rate amendment, and commissioners discussed strategies for engaging newly elected officials and honoring veterans.

Consent Calendar

Resolution 2654 – Accepted a $235,813 grant from FEMA (port match $78,605) for CCTV and passenger screening equipment replacement at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal. Unanimously approved.
Resolution 2655 – Approved a six-month extension to the Down Market Delay for Phase 1 of the Pier 70 28-Acre Site Project, with delegated authority to the Executive Director for two additional six-month extensions. Unanimously approved.
Resolution 2656 – Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with SF Public Works for no-cost use of a portion of Pier 94 to stage debris boxes for El Niño storm response. Unanimously approved.
Resolution 2657 – Approved travel for the Commission President to attend the 2026 California Ocean Summit in Santa Barbara, December 9-11, 2026. Unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

Sara Swett (Dogpatch resident, board member of Dogpatch & NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District, member of Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, founder of Swimmable San Francisco Bay) voiced strong concerns about the proposed Pier 68 solicitation, stating that it moves forward without meaningful community engagement and fails to account for previously promised public benefits. She emphasized that the solicitation area includes roughly four acres originally intended as Crane Cove Park Phase 2, with shoreline restoration, native landscaping, trails, and rehabilitation of Buildings 109 and 110. She noted that in 2015, the commission approved the park project, but in December 2021, via a consent calendar item, commissioners were told Phase 2 was no longer planned. She highlighted unfinished public benefits at Phase 1: fully accessible restrooms open same hours as other city parks, swimming access per BCDC permit, removal of water hazards, and restoration of historic crane tops. She also cited an unresolved $2.7 million sediment cap cost. She urged the commission to ensure any Pier 68 solicitation includes Crane Cove Park Phase 2, addresses unfinished benefits and environmental remediation, and involves meaningful community engagement through organizations like Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters, and the Green Benefit District before proceeding.

Discussion Items

Executive Director’s Report (Item 9A) – Executive Director Michael Martin reported on the Golden State Valkyries’ victory parade along the Embarcadero, which drew an estimated 400,000 people; described the port staff’s role in coordinating logistics. Announced the opening of Everett Jones Barbecue at Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz Landing cafe (Il Puerto) developed with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Buen Rayo Hospitality Group. Provided a “five-pack” of Waterfront Resilience Program updates: an El Niño community education event on Nov. 14, participation in SFMTA’s Embarcadero Connectivity Plan open houses (Dec. 8-9), youth career exploration programs (Bay Spark and Ignite Worldwide), community engagement for Fisherman’s Wharf Forward (550+ public participants), and release of an RFP for engineering/design firms for the northern and southern waterfront resilience plan areas. Also announced an art unveiling on Friday for “Nuclear Neural” at Bayview Gateway Park. Commissioners commended the parade and the resilience work; Commissioner Adams recommended sending letters to newly elected Congressman Scott Wiener and Governor Becerra to advocate for port priorities. Vice President McNeely suggested also reaching out to the Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer-elect.
Parking Rate Amendment (Item 11A) – Kimberly Beale, Assistant Deputy Director for Real Estate, requested approval to add monthly parking stall rates inadvertently omitted from the 2026-2028 Parameter Rates for 401 Terry Francois Boulevard, Pier 50 Shed A, Pier 50 Apron, and Pier 26, and clarified that a lower rate for improved land/sidewalk space applies only to tenants paying percentage rent. The amendment was unanimously approved as Resolution 2658.
Dredging Program Informational (Item 12A) – Zach Adamy, Maritime Dredge Program Manager, presented an overview of the port’s dredging program, explaining the need to maintain navigable depths for cruise, cargo, fishing, and recreational vessels. He noted that cruise operations support over 1,500 local jobs and generated $319 million statewide in 2025. The port holds a 10-year maintenance permit covering six locations. Sedimentation rates at Pier 27 and Pier 35 have increased dramatically—from 1.6–2.6 feet per year pre-2023 to 4.85–5.41 feet per year since 2023, largely due to increased rainfall and wind/wave action. The port now surveys every three months (was 1–2 times per year) and has increased permitted depth at Pier 27 from 35 to 37 feet. Dredging is scheduled for Pier 27 twice in 2026. Only 40% of dredged material can go to beneficial reuse (currently only Montezuma site in Solano County), 40% to deep ocean disposal, and 20% in-bay. Beneficial reuse is the most expensive option. The port plans to release an RFP in February/March 2027 to attract more dredging contractors and explore partnerships with smaller ports to improve competition and pricing. Commissioners discussed the need for multiple beneficial reuse sites and federal/state funding offsets, and noted that dredged material is not suitable as fill for the resilience program.
El Niño Preparations Informational (Item 13A) – Matthew Bell, Chief Harbor Engineer, and Megan Wallace, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, presented the port’s preparations for the 2026-27 El Niño, citing record-high sea surface temperatures and NOAA forecasts. The port has deployed seasonal coastal defenses—HESCO barriers and muscle walls—at four low-lying locations: Pier 45, the Ferry Building area (Mission and Embarcadero low points and exposed shoreline south to Pier 14), Pier 80, and Pier 96. Barriers will be installed by Nov. 21 for the Thanksgiving high-tide window; they are expected to remain through spring. High-capacity pumps will manage water seepage. The city and state have declared emergencies; the port obtained HESCO barriers at no cost from the California Department of Water Resources. The port is also documenting pre-event conditions for potential insurance claims and tracking all expenses for possible future FEMA or Cal OES cost recovery. Total upfront cost is projected at up to $6 million, funded from port reserves (maintenance, resilience, finance/administration, maritime, and real estate funds). Staff plan to return in early 2027 for a supplemental appropriation to replenish these funds. Commissioners expressed confidence in the preparations but raised questions about tenant outreach, non-English speakers, and long-term sustainability. Commissioner Adams suggested seeking philanthropic or private-sector contributions, though President Engblom noted legal and equity concerns about private funding for public safety functions. Executive Director Martin acknowledged that if El Niño events become the new normal, the port lacks recurring funding for annual defenses, and future conversations on financing—including partnerships—will be critical.

Key Outcomes

Unanimous approval of minutes for October 20, 2026 meeting.
Closed session action reported: Appointment of Crazia Tanno Lee as Assistant Port Director and Chief Operating Officer.
Resolutions 2654, 2655, 2656, and 2657 adopted unanimously.
Resolution 2658 adopted unanimously to amend 2026-2028 Parameter Rates.
No votes taken on informational items (12A, 13A); material was received and filed.
Commissioner Adams’ recommendations to send congratulatory letters to Congressman-elect Scott Wiener and invite Governor Becerra to the port, and to engage with new state and federal leaders, were recorded as new business.
Adjournment in memory of veterans past and present in honor of Veterans Day, approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Here. Vice President Ken McNeely. Here. Commissioner Willie Adams. Here. Commissioner Vanessa Hardigan. Here. And Commissioner Rich Lee. Here. Item two is approval of minutes for the October twentieth, twenty twenty-six port commission meeting. Commissioners, is there a motion to approve the move? I second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? I opposed motion passes unanimously. The minutes of the October twenty twenty-six meeting are adopted. All in favor. SF Gov TV. San Francisco government television. Uh yes, we have one action to report from close session. Um I would like to report that the port commission uh has approved the appointment of uh Crazia Tanno Lee as assistant port director and chief operating officers recommended by the executive director. Thank you. Thanks, Commissioner. The San Francisco Port Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramatisha Loni, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramatish Alone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. Item seven is announcements. Please silence all cell phones and sound producing devices. Comments must relate to the current agenda item. Public comments will be taken in person first, then remotely. I'm a dog patch resident, board member of the Dog Patch and Northwest Petrero Hill Green Benefit District, member of the Dog Patch Neighborhood Association, and founder of the community advocacy organization swimmable San Francisco Bay. I'm here to voice concerns about the proposed Pier 68 solicitation presented at this Commission's last meeting and at the Southern Advisory Committee meeting on October 28th. The proper development of the former shipyard adjacent to Crane Cove Park is a major community priority. However, the proposed solicitation appears to be moving forward without meaningful community engagement and without accounting for the public benefits previously promised. The solicitation area includes roughly four acres originally intended as phase two of Crane Cove Park, with shoreline restoration, native landscaping, trails, historic interpretation, and rehabilitation of buildings 109 and 110 for public uses. In 2015, this commission approved the park project, including future phases. But in December 2021, commissioners were informed through a consent calendar item that phase two was no longer being planned. Now we learn of a new solicitation for Pier 68 that completely disregards the original plan for the park. If the port sees an opportunity to redevelop the former shipyard, why, as a steward of the public trust, isn't it also seeing the opportunity to make good on the public benefits promised to the community which remain unrealized at this site? Crane Cove Park Phase 2 needs to be an integral part of any future development at Pier 68. And there are public benefits at phase one that remain undelivered, such as fully accessible restrooms that are open the same hours as other city parks, swimming access as explicitly provided for in the BCDC permit, removal of hazards impeding safe enjoyment of the water, and restoration of the historic crane tops, which are identified as contributing resources to the nationally designated historic district. The additional shoreline and sedimentation remediation east of the park is also unresolved. As recently as June 2025, the city reported an estimate $2.7 million in remaining costs to install the sediment cap. Its completion must be addressed in any redevelopment proposal. Equally concerning is the lack of community engagement.

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Port Commission Meeting – November 10, 2026

Consent Calendar

Resolution 2654 – Accepted a $235,813 grant from FEMA (port match $78,605) for CCTV and passenger screening equipment replacement at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal. Unanimously approved.

Resolution 2655 – Approved a six-month extension to the Down Market Delay for Phase 1 of the Pier 70 28-Acre Site Project, with delegated authority to the Executive Director for two additional six-month extensions. Unanimously approved.

Resolution 2656 – Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with SF Public Works for no-cost use of a portion of Pier 94 to stage debris boxes for El Niño storm response. Unanimously approved.

Resolution 2657 – Approved travel for the Commission President to attend the 2026 California Ocean Summit in Santa Barbara, December 9-11, 2026. Unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

Sara Swett (Dogpatch resident, board member of Dogpatch & NW Potrero Hill Green Benefit District, member of Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, founder of Swimmable San Francisco Bay) voiced strong concerns about the proposed Pier 68 solicitation, stating that it moves forward without meaningful community engagement and fails to account for previously promised public benefits. She emphasized that the solicitation area includes roughly four acres originally intended as Crane Cove Park Phase 2, with shoreline restoration, native landscaping, trails, and rehabilitation of Buildings 109 and 110. She noted that in 2015, the commission approved the park project, but in December 2021, via a consent calendar item, commissioners were told Phase 2 was no longer planned. She highlighted unfinished public benefits at Phase 1: fully accessible restrooms open same hours as other city parks, swimming access per BCDC permit, removal of water hazards, and restoration of historic crane tops. She also cited an unresolved $2.7 million sediment cap cost. She urged the commission to ensure any Pier 68 solicitation includes Crane Cove Park Phase 2, addresses unfinished benefits and environmental remediation, and involves meaningful community engagement through organizations like Dogpatch Neighborhood Association, Potrero Boosters, and the Green Benefit District before proceeding.

Discussion Items

Executive Director’s Report (Item 9A) – Executive Director Michael Martin reported on the Golden State Valkyries’ victory parade along the Embarcadero, which drew an estimated 400,000 people; described the port staff’s role in coordinating logistics. Announced the opening of Everett Jones Barbecue at Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz Landing cafe (Il Puerto) developed with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Buen Rayo Hospitality Group. Provided a “five-pack” of Waterfront Resilience Program updates: an El Niño community education event on Nov. 14, participation in SFMTA’s Embarcadero Connectivity Plan open houses (Dec. 8-9), youth career exploration programs (Bay Spark and Ignite Worldwide), community engagement for Fisherman’s Wharf Forward (550+ public participants), and release of an RFP for engineering/design firms for the northern and southern waterfront resilience plan areas. Also announced an art unveiling on Friday for “Nuclear Neural” at Bayview Gateway Park. Commissioners commended the parade and the resilience work; Commissioner Adams recommended sending letters to newly elected Congressman Scott Wiener and Governor Becerra to advocate for port priorities. Vice President McNeely suggested also reaching out to the Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer-elect.

Parking Rate Amendment (Item 11A) – Kimberly Beale, Assistant Deputy Director for Real Estate, requested approval to add monthly parking stall rates inadvertently omitted from the 2026-2028 Parameter Rates for 401 Terry Francois Boulevard, Pier 50 Shed A, Pier 50 Apron, and Pier 26, and clarified that a lower rate for improved land/sidewalk space applies only to tenants paying percentage rent. The amendment was unanimously approved as Resolution 2658.

Dredging Program Informational (Item 12A) – Zach Adamy, Maritime Dredge Program Manager, presented an overview of the port’s dredging program, explaining the need to maintain navigable depths for cruise, cargo, fishing, and recreational vessels. He noted that cruise operations support over 1,500 local jobs and generated $319 million statewide in 2025. The port holds a 10-year maintenance permit covering six locations. Sedimentation rates at Pier 27 and Pier 35 have increased dramatically—from 1.6–2.6 feet per year pre-2023 to 4.85–5.41 feet per year since 2023, largely due to increased rainfall and wind/wave action. The port now surveys every three months (was 1–2 times per year) and has increased permitted depth at Pier 27 from 35 to 37 feet. Dredging is scheduled for Pier 27 twice in 2026. Only 40% of dredged material can go to beneficial reuse (currently only Montezuma site in Solano County), 40% to deep ocean disposal, and 20% in-bay. Beneficial reuse is the most expensive option. The port plans to release an RFP in February/March 2027 to attract more dredging contractors and explore partnerships with smaller ports to improve competition and pricing. Commissioners discussed the need for multiple beneficial reuse sites and federal/state funding offsets, and noted that dredged material is not suitable as fill for the resilience program.

El Niño Preparations Informational (Item 13A) – Matthew Bell, Chief Harbor Engineer, and Megan Wallace, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, presented the port’s preparations for the 2026-27 El Niño, citing record-high sea surface temperatures and NOAA forecasts. The port has deployed seasonal coastal defenses—HESCO barriers and muscle walls—at four low-lying locations: Pier 45, the Ferry Building area (Mission and Embarcadero low points and exposed shoreline south to Pier 14), Pier 80, and Pier 96. Barriers will be installed by Nov. 21 for the Thanksgiving high-tide window; they are expected to remain through spring. High-capacity pumps will manage water seepage. The city and state have declared emergencies; the port obtained HESCO barriers at no cost from the California Department of Water Resources. The port is also documenting pre-event conditions for potential insurance claims and tracking all expenses for possible future FEMA or Cal OES cost recovery. Total upfront cost is projected at up to $6 million, funded from port reserves (maintenance, resilience, finance/administration, maritime, and real estate funds). Staff plan to return in early 2027 for a supplemental appropriation to replenish these funds. Commissioners expressed confidence in the preparations but raised questions about tenant outreach, non-English speakers, and long-term sustainability. Commissioner Adams suggested seeking philanthropic or private-sector contributions, though President Engblom noted legal and equity concerns about private funding for public safety functions. Executive Director Martin acknowledged that if El Niño events become the new normal, the port lacks recurring funding for annual defenses, and future conversations on financing—including partnerships—will be critical.

Key Outcomes

Unanimous approval of minutes for October 20, 2026 meeting.

Closed session action reported: Appointment of Crazia Tanno Lee as Assistant Port Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Resolutions 2654, 2655, 2656, and 2657 adopted unanimously.

Resolution 2658 adopted unanimously to amend 2026-2028 Parameter Rates.

No votes taken on informational items (12A, 13A); material was received and filed.

Commissioner Adams’ recommendations to send congratulatory letters to Congressman-elect Scott Wiener and invite Governor Becerra to the port, and to engage with new state and federal leaders, were recorded as new business.

Adjournment in memory of veterans past and present in honor of Veterans Day, approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript