Harbor Commissioners Move a Step Forward on New Citizens Dock and Pier

by ROGER GITLIN

The Citizens Dock and seawall are deteriorating; their useful life has come to an end.

Harbor Commissioners took the final step in adopting a resolution called a Mitigated Negative Declaration, approving the requirements to satisfy the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the seawall construction. The new dock will result in a loss of land use at the Harbor. The negative declaration means the Harbor District must dedicate a small parcel of land—likely near the former Coast Guard station—back to the State, per CEQA requirements. The agreement also calls for the Harbor to construct the South Harbor Habitat Restoration Site.

Following the adoption of the negative resolution, commissioners approved an amendment with Moffatt & Nichol, consulting engineers, to begin permit applications and related services with MARAD, the National Marine Administration. Once permits are submitted and approved, demolition work may begin on the existing pier and wall, followed by construction of the new 21,000-square-foot seawall. Construction is expected to begin in May. The Harbor will participate financially with a 15 percent share of the more than $7 million Citizens Dock project over the next 24 months.

Both resolutions passed unanimously.

The Commission is set to make the second installment payment on a 10-year judgment loan of nearly $300,000 in favor of Fashion Blacksmith, which prevailed in a lawsuit two years ago. Financial Services consultant Sandy Moreno advised commissioners that the District has the funds to pay Fashion but would be strapped for cash for the following 90 days. The Harbor received a report from the Weist Law Firm for bond advice and consulting on bridge-loan financing during this temporary funding shortfall. Commissioners unanimously voted to contract with the Weist firm and CalMuni Advisors for financial counseling.

In other business, the Commission tabled another resolution authorizing insurance coverage in lieu of official individual bonds for each commissioner. The vote was 3–2, with Commissioners Annie Nehmer and Dan Schmidt dissenting. Both chose to disregard Harbor Legal Counsel Ryan Plotz, who emphatically stated that individual bonds for commissioner liability were unnecessary. At a special meeting this week, the Harbor Commission will send a letter to the Board of Supervisors to clarify the issue and ensure all members of the Harbor District are fully insured upon taking their oath.

In an unrelated matter, the City reported that no special bond is required for individual councilors. Elected officials are fully covered for liability upon taking their oath.

Rancor, questionable conduct, and petty behavior continue to plague the meetings. Commissioner Schmidt continues to disregard approved meeting conduct rules prohibiting him from invoking the name of any audience member who has raised criticism of his professional behavior. Schmidt attempted to call out an individual at last week’s meeting.

During the Individual Commissioners’ Board Reports, Schmidt again invoked the audience member’s name. Chairman Rick Shepherd interrupted Schmidt, preventing him from verbally attacking the individual.

The Harbor Board meets in regular session Wednesday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. at 101 Citizens Dock Road.