Port Authority creates vehicle-use policy
Published: January 17, 2013
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ST. THOMAS - The V.I. Port Authority board approved a vehicle-use policy Wednesday that allows for several individuals to have 24-hour access to Port Authority vehicles.
Assistant Executive Director David Mapp had been asked by the board to make a recommendation regarding which job titles would have an operational need to respond to Port Authority emergencies and therefore would need after-hours access to vehicles.
He suggested the following positions would need 24-hour access:
- Executive director
- Assistant executive director
- Director of engineering.
- Maintenance manager.
- Airport manager.
- Marine manager.
- Chief engineer.
- Port Authority Police chief.
- Port Authority Fire chief.
The board also added the facilities manager of the Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay and the director of property management to the list before approving the policy.
Some of the positions are duplicated on each island. About 15 vehicles will be granted 24-hour use under the new policy.
Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe - who has been on the job only two days - advocated that the authority's first-responders have round the clock use of their vehicles, as they could get called at any time to respond to an emergency.
Property Management Director Denise Mills said she often checks up on tenants and property after-hours, on weekends and holidays.
Board members directed Dowe to monitor the use of vehicles and prevent abuse of the policy.
After the meeting, Dowe said only the police and fire chiefs in both districts would be expected to actually use their vehicles at all times - so that if they are at the beach on the weekend and get a call they can go straight to the scene.
Dowe said the rest of the employees approved by the board would be able to use the vehicles 24-7 but should leave them at home unless the car is needed for Port Authority business. They should not be taking their families to the beach on the weekend with the vehicles, he said.
Board member Yvonne Thraen said the policy will save money for the Port Authority, as it limits the after-hours use of vehicles to only 15 territorywide. Previously, many more vehicles were being used outside of working hours, she said.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a $522,289 supplemental agreement with aviation consultant URS to design and provide construction support services for King Airport's baggage claim and restroom renovation project. The motion made at the board meeting will split the design into phases, which can be completed as funding is available.
- Approved a $17,507 change order for King Airport's baggage handling system expansion project. The additional funds, paid for out of the Passenger Facilities Charge, will allow the baggage system to be placed on an emergency generator.
- Approved a lease renewal for Iris Martinez to operate at kiosk at the Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay. The term is for two years at a monthly rent of $1,033.19.
- Approved a lease with Your Choice Cafe to open an ice cream and frozen yogurt parlor in the Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay. The term is for two years with a monthly rent of $1,260.
- Approved a lease in the Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay for Sun and Sand Beachware. The term is three years with a three-year option to renew for $2,094.66 a month.
- Approved a lease renewal for the U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunters for 4,000 square feet of warehouse space at Rohlsen Airport. It is a one-year lease with four one-year options to renew for an annual rent of $42,206.28.
- Authorized staff to hire an insurance adjuster to help with the negotiations relating to the fire-destroyed former V.I. Water and Power Authority building in Sub Base, which is owned by the Port Authority.
- Authorized the staff to hire a financial analyst.
- Ratified a poll vote to retain marine consultant Maguire Group at a rate of $250 per hour, not to exceed $25,000. The consultant is assisting the Port Authority with the harbor pilots contract negotiations.
- Nominated and approved officers of the board. Robert O'Connor Jr. will continue to serve as chairman; Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty will continue to serve as vice-chairwoman; and Allison Petrus will serve as secretary.
- Contact Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi.
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