Commission approves MOA with U.S. Customs for pier communications after questioning cost and contract terms

The commission voted on April 28 to adopt a memorandum of agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection that authorizes reimbursement of costs for communications and information-technology equipment and services at the Customs center located at the Jackson Street Pier.

Why it matters: The Jackson Street Pier hosts international ferry operations (the Pelee Islander); federal customs operations at the pier require certain communications and IT infrastructure. The agreement sets the terms for the city to provide or reimburse those systems and for periodic upgrades the original agreement requires.

What commissioners asked and what staff said

Several commissioners asked for greater detail before voting. Their questions included whether the city is reimbursed, what the five‑year upgrade obligation requires, whether the equipment would be titled to the federal government or to the city, and what the city actually receives in return for the roughly $43,000–$44,000 item detailed in the packet.

Staff responses recorded in the meeting

• Origin of obligation: Staff said the requirement to update computer and software needs every five years dates to a prior memorandum of understanding tied to the pier rehabilitation (circa 2020). The city agreed to supply necessary upgrades as part of that arrangement.

• Reimbursement and operational impact: Staff told commissioners that failing to perform the updates could jeopardize customs operations at the port of entry and thereby affect the Pelee Islander ferry service. The packet lists the equipment purchased, and staff indicated the largest line item in the packet was a small router and passport readers among the other items.

• Title and negotiation: Staff said the equipment is purchased by the federal partner and the city is reimbursing costs; commissioners requested confirmation of title and asked for a clearer breakdown of what is being purchased and why it is priced at the amount listed.

Commissioner options and decision

Commissioner Murray and others suggested tabling the ordinance to obtain more documentation; staff and other commissioners said tabling could risk breaching the existing agreement and interrupting ferry operations. The commission ultimately adopted the MOA and asked staff to provide the detailed MOA language and cost breakdown to the commission after the meeting.

Ending

Staff committed to circulate the MOA details and equipment list to commissioners. The commission’s approval keeps current customs operations intact while staff follows up with the requested documentation.