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Board agrees to pursue shore‑power upgrade for piers, subject to financing
Summary
The board endorsed moving forward with a plan to replace nine shore‑power units and related electrical work, asking staff to secure financing; the estimate discussed was roughly $400,000 and the board approved proceeding subject to adequate financing.
City staff outlined a project to replace nine shore‑power units at the fish pier — replacement of pedestals, conduits, breakers and related wiring — and asked the board to authorize advancing the project if financing could be secured.
Phil, who presented the project, said work would replace nine shore‑power units (three in the net yard and the rest on Sorting Pier 1), bring infrastructure up to current code, replace worn conduit and wiring under the pier, and add digital meters to improve usage tracking. He said cost estimates yielded an opinion of probable cost near $400,000 and that the project would be funded only if the board approves a financing plan. Phil emphasized shore‑power replacement is both an operational and safety upgrade: many current shore‑power components are old and exposed in a marine environment.
Board members asked whether the pier receives revenue directly from shore power and how metering and billing work; staff said power charges are currently rolled into usage/space fees but new digital metering would allow tracking and billing for actual consumption. Brendan (city finance) later advised the project should first consider any projected savings from the current operating budget and then draw from reserve funds as needed; he said there is a healthy reserve balance but did not give an exact figure at the meeting.
A motion to proceed “subject to adequate financing” was moved and seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed; minutes record six members voting yes. Phil said he will prepare the requisition and bid package if the board directs staff to proceed and will return with final scope and financing details prior to contract award.
