Published on April 17 2013
MINUTES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 6, 2012

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation was held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 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:  Donn Scott, Jay Goldstein, Alan Greenberger, Ellen Yin

Also Attending:  Tom Corcoran, Joe Forkin, Karen Thompson, Lizzie Woods, Sean Campbell, Jodie Milkman, Rinku Modi, Gina DiBiase

The minutes were approved as submitted.

The committee then went into executive session. Following the executive session, the committee came back into open session.

Joe Forkin presented a resolution authorizing staff to negotiate and enter into a License Agreement with Philadelphia Live Arts and Philly Fringe in the amount of $175,000 for the use of restrooms to be built as part of the Pump House Project at Columbus Boulevard and Race Streets by Race Street Pier patrons and visitors to the Delaware River Waterfront.  A motion was made, seconded and approved.

Joe Forkin presented a resolution authorizing DRWC to adopt a 403 (b) Retirement Plan.  A motion was made, seconded and approved.

Karen Thompson updated the committee on the Spring Garden Connector Project.  Ms. Thompson explained that DRWC had issued a RFP for design services for this important project.  She explained that nine proposals had been received, and that three firms were short-listed and interviewed by the Planning Committee and staff.  As a result of this process, staff recommended that the design contract be awarded to the RBA Group.  Joe Forkin then presented a resolution authorizing DRWC to enter into a contract with the RBA Group in the not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 to complete design and engineering services for Spring Garden Street consistent with the scope of work outlined in the RFP.  A motion was made, second and approved. 

Jodie Milkman updated the committee on the Blue Cross RiverRink (BCCR) stating that the rink was doing well and on-line ticket sales are underway.  Joe Forkin added that new lighting has been created to add a wash of color over the ice and give it a more festival appearance.  Ms. Milkman stated that Sugarhouse Casino is once again the sponsor of the 6:00 p.m. and midnight fireworks.  She added that CBS 3 will do a live broadcast from the BCRR on New Year’s Eve.  

In response to a suggestion from Jay Goldstein, Ms. Milkman and Mr. Forkin agreed that DRWC should package parking fees along with skating tickets on line.

Responding to questions from Mr. Scott, Ms. Milkman stated that BCRR is currently in its second year of a two year agreement for title sponsorship for the rink.  

Lizzie Woods updated the committee on the Penn Street Trail project and said that the bid package would be advertised to contractors next week, with responses due January 11th.  She stated that staff would be in position to recommend the award of contract to the low bidder at the board meeting of January 25th.  DRWC’s portion of the project is to build the trail from the center line of the east side of Spring Garden north to Ellen Street.  She further explained that Sugarhouse Casino had agreed to continue the trail north from Ellen Street using DRWC specs through its parking lot so that it can connect to the waterfront trail and park on the river side of the casino.

Joe Forkin updated the committee on the Pier 53 Project and reported that DRWC’s Planning Committee had an informative and productive kick-off meeting with the project designers, Applied Ecological Solutions.  He added that a public meeting had been concerning the project and that the reaction from those attending the meeting was very positive.

Lizzie Woods reported on the southern waterfront trail from Reed Street to Pier 70 Blvd, where DRWC is currently working with PHS to install additional plantings, create new vistas of the river by clearing out dense invasive vegetation, and installing some additional amenities at several locations along the river. 

Joe Forkin added that a new temporary easement had been received from Liberty Landing Associates, the owners of the Sheetmetal Workers property, which will allow the existing trail to be re-aligned to run along the river’s edge from Washington to Reed.

Mr. Scott then opened the floor to public comment.  There being no public comment, the meeting was adjourned.