Dick Dodge Reappointed, Simms Duncan Appointed to Port Commission

The Redwood City Council has reappointed one of the nation's longest serving port commissioners in history along with a newcomer to the five-member Board of Port Commissioners for the Port of Redwood City.

Reappointed to a four-year term was Dick Dodge, who originally was appointed in 1980

Dick Dodge

and reappointed seven times since. Appointed to a four-year term was Simms Duncan, replacing Commissioner Tom Cronin, who did not seek reappointment.

He has a B.S. in aerospace engineering and a master's in avionics and electrical engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a master's in business from Stanford University. He flew carrier-based jets for the Navy.

Duncan has been active in Redwood City, including nine years with Redwood City Trees. He is a graduate of the Redwood City Citizen's Police Academy and Redwood City Pact program. He and his wife Lisa have two sons.

Simms Duncan

Dodge has owned and operated T.H.E. Office City since 1976, which he grew from one employee to one of the largest office products dealers in Northern California. He recently retired as president but continues to serve as board chairman of the company.  Prior to that, he was in a management position with Airborne Express for 12 years. He and his wife Ginny have three married daughters and seven grandchildren. He has a B.S. in business administration from University of Southern California.

Dodge has been involved in numerous maritime organizations, including past president of the Association of Pacific Ports. He has been called upon to make numerous presentations before the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). He also has been involved in community activities for nearly 40 years.

In the community, Dodge has served on the boards of the Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, the Sequoia YMCA, the Redwood City Rotary Club, a bank advisory board, and the Water Transit Authority's Technical Advisory Committee.

In his application, Duncan said, "I am applying for the Port Commission because I feel a strong sense of affinity for the Port and because I believe my unique skills and qualifications will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the running of the Port. The Port is truly an asset for the City."

Duncan said he sees key issues facing the Port include taking advantage of the recently modernized wharves to increase tonnage and revenue and coordinating closely with the new Inner Harbor Specific Plan to maximize the benefit of that planning process while avoiding any conflicts with the physicial and economic activity at the Port. He also is an advocate of the Port's long-sought ferry service, which Dodge initiated the public process more than a decade ago.

In his application for reappointment Dodge said, "While the Port is a city-owned enterprise it faces many of the same issues facing most business. Port revenue and subvention enhancement to the city council are hindered by the Port's channel depth. Therefore it is important that the Port press on its goal of channel realignment and deepening."

In addition, Dodge said that "instituting ferry service is still an important issue as traffic on our freeways continue to grow." He added that his his institutional memory accumulated through his years as a Port commissioner and active in the maritime industry's associations will be helpful as the Commission continues to tackle polices and decisions to enhance the Port during good and bad economic times.

The Redwood City Port Commission (June 25) has approved its fiscal year 2014-2015 budget, projecting operating revenues at $6,627,720 and operating expenses at $4,281,890.

The FY15 Budget includes $2.9 million for capital projects. The major projects are "F" dock Marina dredging at an estimated cost of $600,000 and public access improvements between the Seaport Conference Center and the fishing pier estimated at a cost of $500,000. There will be another installment for the Port's cost share of the US Army Corps of Engineers Channel Deepening and Improvement Study of $800,000.

Port Executive Director Michael J. Giari said that the FY15 budget is based on an estimated 1,713,000 metric tons of cargo, an increase over the FY13 actual tonnage and FY14 tonnage forecast. The tonnage is primarily composed of construction sand and aggregates imported from Canada and recycled scrap metal exported to Asia.  

Increased construction and building activity in the region has increased demand for construction materials and is the primary reason for the increase in tonnage for next year and the past two years. Tonnage for scrap metal is expected to remain stable next year at 240,000 metric tons. Demand for imported cement has not yet reached a level that exceeds domestic sources of supply. However, ground slag, a cement additive, is expected to be shipped into the Port in relatively small volume, 32,000 metric tons.

A general rate increase of two percent will be applied next year to all rates and charges, other than those set by contract. There will also be a new administrative fee of 10 percent added to the cost of providing security guard service while vessels are in the Port.

Recreational boating revenue of $535,000 is based on 90 percent occupancy forecast at the Marina which is the same as last year. Commercial leases and temporary rentals show a revenue increase of 8 percent due to rent increases. There are no new major commercial leases planned for next year.

Commission Chair Lorianna Kastrop

Port Commission Chair Lorianna Kastrop said, "The growth in tonnage and revenue at the Port will enable us to complete improvements to the waterfront public access areas and guest berthing for recreational and excursion boats. These improvements, estimated to cost approximately $1 million, will increase the use and enjoyment of the community's waterfront."

The 4th of July fireworks will be launched from the Port of Redwood City again this year, capping a day of festivities in Redwood City that includes the traditional downtown parade.

The fireworks extravaganza will start at approximately 9:30 pm. Before that a rock n' roll band, Jokers and Thieves, will perform at the Port waterfront stage starting at 7 pm and going until about 9:20 pm.

The fireworks can be seen from areas where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port, and can also be seen from high points all over the Peninsula. For those coming to the Port, early arrival is highly recommended because this area is mostly private property with very limited public parking.

The Port is providing a public viewing area along the waterfront off of Seaport Court. Once all of the very limited public parking spaces are filled, Seaport Boulevard will be closed to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport/Blomquist. Once the intersection has been closed, no vehicle access to the Port area will be available. This traffic control restriction could occur as early as 7:30 pm - so be sure to plan accordingly.

Alcohol is prohibited on-site at the fireworks show.

The 76th annual 4th of July Parade by the Peninsula Celebration Association - a Family 4th - is the premier holiday parade in the region, and the entire community is invited to join the fun right in the heart of downtown Redwood City.  

For complete information on the parade and downtown activities, follow this link:  http://www.parade.org/