Paula J O'Keefe

The board conducted its re-organization, electing a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. Key actions included authorizing commissioner travel to Washington, D.C. for the San Joaquin Council of Governments San Joaquin One Voice trip, and approving participation in the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act to increase procurement flexibility for smaller construction projects. Additionally, the board approved a three-year contract with The Gordian Group, Inc. for a Job Order Contracting Program for maintenance and repair projects. The board also held an executive session to discuss potential real property transactions regarding multiple locations.

The Board reviewed and considered two main items: a one-year contract extension for electrical operations and maintenance services at the Port's West Complex with Bockmon & Woody Electric Co., Inc., and the authorization of a new three-year Terminal Support Services contract with Metropolitan Stevedore (METRO). Additionally, the Board discussed a budget amendment to increase revenue and expense appropriations for terminal support services to address higher-than-expected maritime activity and associated service costs.

The agenda includes the presentation of the 2025 Employee of the Year Award, approval of travel for the 2026 Special District Leadership Academy Conference, and consideration of the Police Department's Annual Report on the use of military-style equipment, including the conversion of shotguns to less-lethal rounds. The Board will also consider extending the electrical operating and maintenance agreement with Bockmon & Woody, executing a terminal support services contract with Metropolitan Stevedore, declaring abandoned vessels at the Port, and holding closed sessions for labor negotiations and potential litigation.

The meeting began with a presentation recognizing a Port employee for 25 years of dedicated service. Under the Consent Calendar, the Board approved resolutions authorizing Commissioners to travel to Washington, D.C. for two upcoming conferences: the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference (CMANC) Washington Meeting 2026 and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2026 Legislative Summit, with associated expenses to be paid by the District. The Board also formally accepted and approved the Stockton Port District Independent Auditor's Financial Audit and Single Audit Reports for the period ending June 30, 2025, as prepared by Maze & Associates. The Port Director provided updates, including welcoming a newly appointed Commissioner and thanking a departing Commissioner for their service. The Board then conducted three closed sessions pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 regarding potential real property transactions concerning 7 Fyffe Avenue, APN 145-030-03 & 145-040-01, and 1002 Embarcadero.

The meeting involved the approval of the consent calendar. Key agenda items included consideration and possible approval of a categorical exemption for the Port staff to file a notice of exemption related to the procurement of a Jet Dock floating dock system for the Port Police and Fire boats, which also involved authorizing the bid process for Dock 9 improvements. Another major item was the authorization to award a master professional services contract to HCS Engineering Inc. for the final design drawings to rehabilitate Building 3155 Avenue, which will relocate administration staff to provide increased square footage and consolidate departments. The financing for the dock system is intended to be covered by FEMA Port Security Grant funds, and the rehabilitation project is deemed exempt from CEQA for the design phase.