The Transportation and Commerce Committee on Jan. 30 advanced Board Bill 146, which would authorize a new lease with Continental Cement Company LLC for riverfront mooring and adjacent property used for moving concrete over the flood wall.

Port Authority counsel Tom Ray told the committee the arrangement is negotiated as a new lease rather than a simple renewal because the Port Authority is limited by charter to 25-year maximum terms. "If you have a lease and you are not in default under the current ordinance, the port authority has to begin negotiations 6 months prior to the expiration of lease. And if you are successful with the previous lessee, then you don't have to put it out for bid," Ray said.

Alderman Schweitzer asked why the proposed rent for Continental Cement was about $100,000 less than the previous mooring lease that the committee had just advanced. Ray said the company owns adjacent land and the negotiated terms reflect that ownership and other site-specific factors. Schweitzer said she would follow up with Ray for additional details prior to final board action.

Two members of the public signed up to comment on Board Bill 146. One commenter asked that Coast Guard or other security be present at the riverfront and that security for boats be paid to ensure monitoring of cargo movements; that comment was made in the context of Board Bill 145 and 146 being considered together during the hearing.

Committee members moved and approved Board Bill 146 with a due-pass recommendation; the bill will proceed to the full Board of Aldermen for further consideration.