For updates about waterfront planning and development information
DRWC Board of Directors Meeting
As set forth in the by-laws, the Board of Directors for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation meets quarterly on the last Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Consistent with the Sunshine Act, these meetings will be open to the public at the DRWC offices (unless otherwise noted), 121 North Columbus Boulevard (directly across the street from the Comfort Inn).
Board of Directors Meetings
October 29
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors will also meet at 8:30 a.m. at the DRWC offices located at 121 North Columbus Boulevard (unless otherwise noted) on the following dates:
September 1 - CANCELED
October 6
December 1
DRWC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 2, 2010
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at the office of the DRWC pursuant to notice duly given under the Corporation’s By-Laws and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Attending: Chair Donn Scott, Jay Goldstein, Alan Greenberger, Marilyn Jordan TaylorAlso Attending: Tom Corcoran, Joe Forkin, Nick DiFilippo, Sarah Thorp, Gina DiBiase
Donn Scott presented the minutes of the April 7, 2010 Executive Committee meeting. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin updated the committee on the Race Street Pier project stating that the concrete under the asphalt was in excellent condition and a financial credit was given. He stated that a construction management meeting takes place every two weeks with DRWC. Mr. Scott questioned the stability of the pier and Mr. Forkin responded that the pier had been inspected every two years and that divers will inspect and repair the supporting substructure.
Mr. Forkin discussed the Race Street Connector project. He said that a stakeholders meeting was held on May 18th and that a community meeting was held on May 20th. He stated that the community basically requested that the connector be cleaned up and well-lit. Marilyn Jordan-Taylor asked who will pay the upkeep of the connector and Alan Greenberger stated that the city would provide this unless fixtures are decorative and unusual, then DRWC would provide the upkeep. Mr. Forkin informed the committee that the Race Street Pier project qualified for 1% for art. The Arts & Culture organization will match this 1%.
Joe Forkin discussed the Pier 53 project stating that an opening is scheduled for the end of August. He stated that on June 5th, a public artist workshop will be held with artist, Judy Levy.
Sarah Thorp updated the committee on the Master Plan stating that a public meeting is scheduled for June 7th at Festival Pier and that all of the principals will attend to present the first phase of work. She stated that four focus groups have been created: boating, recreational, historical and business owners. Ms. Thorp stated that another round of cluster meetings will take place in mid-July.
Tom Corcoran informed the board of the successful opening of the multi-use recreational trail from Pier 70 to Washington Avenue. He stated that a portion of the trail that runs through the parking lot at the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall will be pushed to the rivers edge.
Joe Forkin said that Anderson was the lowest bidder to realign the trail and that the realignment of the trail is not to exceed $190,000. He stated that the funds will come from capital reserve dollars.
In response to a question from Donn Scott, Joe Forkin stated that the trail currently runs 1.4 miles along the rivers edge. A motion was made, seconded and approved for the trail realignment not to exceed $190,000.
Alan Greenberger described an NEA Grant application in the amount of $250,000. Mr. Greenberger stated that meetings were held with Gary Steuer to discuss the grant that would be used to fund connector improvements through working with designers and artists. Mr. Greenberger stated that this grant would require a matching commitment from the City of Philadelphia and DRWC. Mr. Greenberger stated these funds would hopefully come from the DRWC capital budget reserve. He added that the grant money would be required to be spent within a year’s time. A motion was made, seconded and approved to amend the capital budget in the amount of $250,000 for the matching grant (contingent upon approval by NEA) and $190,000 for the multi use recreational trail totaling an amendment of $440,000.
Joe Forkin presented the landscape maintenance contract in the amount of $280,082 with Moon Site Management. Mr. Forkin stated that bids were submitted by four firms and that Moon Site was the winning bidder. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin presented the contract with I.A.T.S.E . Local #8 stating the following:
Year 1 = 2% wage increase
Year 2 = 2% wage increase & 1% toward education
Year 3 = 3% wage increase & 1% toward healthcare
Donn Scott suggested that Joe Forkin speak with a representative of the Kimmel Center to be certain that DRWC is within the guidelines for the union pay. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Alan Greenberger informed the committee of his informal conversations with Parson Brinckerhoff regarding transit connection to improve access to the waterfront. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
DRWC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 3, 2010
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at the office of the DRWC pursuant to notice duly given under the Corporation’s By-Laws and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Attending: Chairman Donn Scott (telephonically), Jay Goldstein, Alan Greenberger, Marilyn Jordan-Taylor
Also Attending: Tom Corcoran, Jodie Milkman, Joe Forkin, Nick DiFilippo, Sarah Thorp, Gina DiBiase, Henry Schwartz
The minutes of the January 7, 2010 Executive Committee Meeting were presented, a motion was made, seconded and approved.
Tom Corcoran gave an update on the Race Street Pier. Joseph Forkin presented a resolution authorizing staff to negotiate an amendment to Field Operations’ existing design services contract for the Race Street Pier to include design services for the Race Street Connector. The amendment will not exceed 20% of the original contract amount ($88,000). A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin then presented a resolution to amend DRWC’s Capital Budget to reflect the addition of a $95,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (“PHS”) to be used to pay for the contract amendment and other design services for the Race Street Connector Project. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin presented a resolution authorizing the staff to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with PHS for project management services for the Race Street Connector project. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Jodie Milkman described the new stage, sound and lighting stating that Live Nation will utilize the stage this summer for gated concerts. Ms. Milkman stated that DRWC is actively seeking a title sponsor for the new stage.
Alan Greenberger suggested that DRWC staff reach out to various live venues in the area to let them know about the new stage and our summer programming schedule.
Joseph Forkin presented a resolution authorizing staff to enter into a contract with Light Action to construct the newly designed stage structure and electrical and lighting package. The total contract amount is not to exceed $302,218. Mr. Forkin stated that all ancillary costs are within budget. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin then presented a resolution authorizing staff to enter into a seasonal rental contract with Bauder Audio in the amount of $62,100. Bauder was the lowest responsible bidder. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Joe Forkin stated that there were additional, smaller contracts that have to be issued in order to complete the stage, but that the total project cost was still within the $500,000 budget approved by the board.
The meeting was then open for public comment. Anthony Campisi of Plan Philly introduced himself with no comment. The committee then went into Executive Session.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT CORPORATION
ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010
MINUTES
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at the Independence Seaport Museum pursuant to notice duly given under the Corporation’s By-Laws and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Attending: Rina Cutler, Diane Dalto Woosnam, Avi Eden, Terry Gillen (telephonically), Jay Goldstein, Alan Greenberger, Bill Hankowsky, Michael Hauptman, Alan Hoffmann, Bill Miller, Donn Scott, Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Bill Wilson, Ellen Yin, Mario Zacharjasz
Also Attending: Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Frank DiCicco, Tom Corcoran, Joe Forkin, Gina DiBiase, Nick DiFilippo, Jodie Milkman, Sarah Thorp
Chairman, Donn Scott, presented the minutes of the November 23, 2009 Board of Directors meeting. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Mr. Scott stated that four of the original DRWC board members were appointed for one year terms, and, as per our by-laws, Mayor Nutter is re-appointing them for a new two-year term. They are Rina Cutler, Avi Eden, Terry Gillen and Michael Hauptman.
As per the by-laws, Mr. Scott stated that as the chair, he is appointing the Jay Goldstein as the Vice-Chair and Treasurer and Alan Greenberger as Secretary. Mr. Scott also appointed Marilyn Jordan Taylor to serve on the Executive Committee. Mr. Scott then presented to 2010 Board of Directors and Executive Committee meeting schedule of the DRWC.
Chair Scott presented the Year One Report and thanked all committees and chairs for their hard work in 2009. Tom Corcoran congratulated board member, Mario Zacharjasz, on his appointment as chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Mr. Corcoran then briefed the board on the Race Street Pier, Race Street Connector and the new stage to be built on Penn’s Landing.
Marilyn Jordan Taylor stated the plans for the upcoming year and that the Planning Committee is working on the Master Plan. She then introduced Alex Cooper of Cooper Robertson, Cindy Sanders of Olin Partnership, James Timberlake of Kieran Timberlake Architects, John Alschuler of HR&A and Randy Morton of Cooper Robertson.
Alex Cooper introduced James Alschuler to give a snapshot of the master plan, followed by James Timberlake and Cindy Sanders.
Chair Scott then introduced Councilman Frank DiCicco who then thanked the Mayor and expressed excitement for the new waterfront plan.
Mayor Nutter was then introduced and he thanked Tom Corcoran and the staff, Councilman DiCicco, the William Penn Foundation, Feather Houston and the master planners. He then spoke about the Race Street Pier and the summer events at Penn’s Landing. The Mayor then discussed the transformation of the city that will begin on the waterfront. He then thanked everyone for all of their time and hard work.
Marilyn Jordan Taylor reported on the activities of the planning committee and stated that a schematic design of the Race Street Pier has evolved and that the connection will be enhanced from 2nd & Race Streets.
Mr. Scott presented an amendment to approve a $50,000 grant from the Commerce Department for the Master Plan Contract. A motion was made, seconded and approved to allows staff to execute the necessary amendment to the master planning contract.
Diane Dalto Woosnam, Chair of the Programming Committee, reported on the economic impact of the 2 fireworks shows this New Year’s Eve and updated the board on the BCRR and the new stage to be built to accommodate the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ms. Dalto informed the board that DRWC is seeking a title sponsor for the new stage.
Jay Goldstein, Chair of the Budget & Personnel Committee, gave a report stating that the DRWC as of 12/31/09, was performing slightly ahead of budget.
Donn Scott described the newly established Communication/PR Committee chaired by Bill Miller. Mr. Miller briefed the board on the branding that will be created for DRWC and that currently an RFP is out for a new logo.
Bill Hankowsky, chair of the Real Estate Committee, updated the board on Pier 34 South and that a hotel developer has expressed an interest in this location. He further reported that staff and the Real Estate Committee were working with the developer to restructure a sublease agreement for riverbed rights under DRWC’s control and are currently in the due diligence and information gathering stage.
Ellen Yin, Chair of the Ethics Committee, informed the board that a Conflict of Interested Policy has been created along with a Disclosure Form for all vendors and contractors.
Joe Forkin updated the board on the Interim Bike Trail. He reported that DRWC is still negotiating easement agreements with two private owners. He further reported that negotiations are going well and that he is optimistic that the trail can officially open in spring 2010. Joe Forkin stated that the William Penn Foundation provided a $500,000 grant and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided a $70,000 grant for a greening project at Pier 53 south, located at the foot of Washington Avenue. He stated that an RFP had been issued on December 16, 2009 and that DRWC received six responses to the RFP on January 13, 2010. He reported that a review committee consisting of various stakeholders convened on January 21, 2010 and was unanimously recommending Biohabitats, Incorporated to the Board for contract award. He reported that a summer 2010 completion is expected. Mr. Forkin presented a resolution to approve staff to negotiate and execute a final design/build contract with Biohabitats. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Mr. Scott then opened the meeting to public comment.
Paul Boni expressed concern that the public is not given notification for the working group and committee meetings. He stated that he thinks the public should be invited to all meetings.
Matt Ruben, vice chair of CDAG, thanked DRWC for the adoption of the Sunshine Act and inquired about the light rail system along Columbus Boulevard.
Ed Kirlin, representing State Representative Keller’s office, asked that they be included in all meetings when plans are being made for their neighborhood.
The board then went into executive session to discuss pending litigation.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
DRWC
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 7, 2010
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at noon at the office of DRWC pursuant to notice duly given under the Corporation’s By-Laws and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Attending: Chairman Donn Scott, Jay Goldstein (telephonically), Alan Greenberger (telephonically)
Not Attending: Marilyn Jordan Taylor
Also Attending: Tom Corcoran, Joe Forkin, Gina DiBiase, Nick DiFilippo, Jodie Milkman, Sarah Thorp, Jack Pierce, Henry Schwartz
The minutes of the September 3, 2009 Executive Committee were presented, a motion was made, seconded and approved
Joe Forkin presented a resolution authorizing the President of DRWC to execute a contract with Time and Parking Controls to furnish and install parking lot revenue control equipment at DRWC controlled parking facilities for an amount of $136,173. A motion was made, seconded and approved.
Tom Corcoran presented the President’s Report to the committee. Mr. Corcoran stated that the Master Plan contract is expected to be signed by Friday, January 8th.
Mr. Corcoran informed the committee that the next public meeting for the Race Street Pier is scheduled for January 12, 2010. Mr. Corcoran stated that Pier 53 bids are due back in time for the Annual Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 29, 2010.
Jodie Milkman reported on the two fireworks shows at 6:00 p.m. and midnight. Chair Donn Scott commended the staff on the success of New Year’s Eve at Penn’s Landing.
Chairman Donn Scott then opened the meeting for public comment.
Craig Schelter of the Development Workshop expressed his satisfaction with communication between DRWC staff and the Development Workshop.
There being no further business, a motion was made, seconded and the meeting was adjourned.
DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. at the office of the DRWC pursuant to notice duly given under the Corporation’s By-Laws and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
Attending: Avi Eden, Terry Gillen, Jay Goldstein, Alan Greenberger, Bill Hankowsky, Michael Hauptman, Alan Hoffmann, Bill Miller, Donn Scott, Marilyn Jordan-Taylor, Bill Wilson, Ellen Yin, Mario Zacharjasz
Also Attending: Tom Corcoran, Joseph Forkin, Jodie Milkman, Gina DiBiase, Keeya Branson Davis, Henry Schwartz, Sarah Thorp
In the absence of Chair, Donn Scott; Vice Chair, Jay Goldstein chaired the meeting.
The minutes of the Special meeting of the Board of Directors of the DRWC on October 16, 2009 were presented . A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Tom Corcoran informed the board that a meeting was held with Donn Scott and John Estey of the DRPA to discuss the $1 M grant that was earmarked for Penn’s Landing Corporation but never used. Mr. Corcoran stated that the grant will be transferred to DRWC with $250,000 for general support of DRWC programming initiatives, including fireworks; $500,000 for Great Plaza stage improvements and $250,000 for repairs to the Penn’s Landing marina.
Tom Corcoran presented the revised City Capital Budget Request. Joe Forkin explained the revisions that were submitted to the City Planning Commission. Alan Greenberger, Executive Director of the Planning Commission, stated that decisions will be made for requests in the first quarter of 2010. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Tom Corcoran presented an amendment to the Operating Budget. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Marilyn Jordan-Taylor presented the Planning Committee report. She stated that a short list of five possible development teams was created and of those five, the team of Alex Cooper of Cooper Robertson, Lucinda Sanders of Olin and James Timberlake of Kieran Timberlake were chosen for the Master Plan. Ms. Taylor made a motion to approve this team and give staff authority to negotiate a contract. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Ms. Taylor described the three schematics for the Pier 11 project; The Lawn, The Deck and The Slice. She stated that a combination of the three will likely be agreed upon. She then discussed the Race Street connector corridor to the waterfront stating that plans for a more attractive and dramatic entrance to the waterfront will be designed. Ms. Taylor discussed the plan for Pier 11 and said that construction should be about eighteen months. Ms. Taylor also thanked the Mayor for his participation and visibility during the public meetings.
In the absence of Program Committee Chair, Diane Dalto, Ellen Yin gave the committee report. Ms. Yin informed the board of the two fireworks shows planned for New Year’s Eve, stating that Pyrotechnico was awarded the contract out of three firms which submitted proposals. A motion was made, seconded and approved to enter into an agreement with Pyrotechnico. Ms. Yin also said that Tom Corcoran and Diane Dalto met with the DRPA regarding funding for a new stage on the Great Plaza suitable for groups such as the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ms. Yin stated that the Blue Cross RiverRink will be in its’ sixteenth year with a grand opening scheduled for Friday, November 27th.
William Miller reported on the progress of the Program/Public Relations Committee. Mr. Miller discussed the promotion and branding of the DRWC and the objectives of the committee.
Ellen Yin discussed the establishment of an Ethics Committee. Ms. Yin stated that she was asked to be the chair and work with the committee of Avi Eden, Terry Gillen and Donn Scott. The purpose of this committee will be to establish and uphold ethical standards of the DRWC employees and the board of directors.
Tom Corcoran reported on the progress of the Pier 53 temporary park. Mr. Corcoran stated that an RFP will be posted and that a grant of $500,000 from the William Penn Foundation along with a 10% administrative fee for overhead will fund this project. Joseph Forkin stated that the RFP is scheduled to be posted and that a completion timeline of late spring/early summer 2010 is expected. Mr. Forkin also stated that public outreach is planned to inform the community of the park being temporary until future development opportunity arises.
Mr. Forkin stated that the gates for the Bike Trail have been installed and that portions of the trail will be closed from dusk until dawn for security purposes.
Mr. Forkin updated the board on work scheduled to be done at the Penn’s Landing Marina, work being dredging, docking and sheet wall.
Avi Eden suggested that a clause should be inserted in all RFP’s regarding the DRWC Ethics Policy.
Vice Chair Jay Goldstein then allowed time for public comment. Craig Schelter of Development Workshop commented that given that over 90% of the land to be studied was in private not public ownership and therefore the economic consultant (and cost consultants) should have at least as strong a role as the design consultants.
A motion was made, seconded and approved for adjournment. The board then went into executive session.
CLICK HERE to download the Meeting Minutes from the July 31 Meeting of the DRWC Board of Directors
CLICK HERE to donwload the Meeting Minutes from the April 24 Meeting of the DRWC Board of Directors
CLICK HERE to download the Meeting Minutes from the January 30 Meeting of the DRWC Board of Directors
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