Portland Fish Pier Authority — Portland, ME
Date: 2026-05-14
Time: 15:30

PORTLAND FISH PIER AUTHORITY
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 May 14, 2026, 3:30 PM
 Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee Meeting
 Remote via Zoom

Please use the information below to join the meeting:
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/81634558414?pwd=K0bJImqEbYLaAw4m0n0abZbeDISS3N.1

To submit written public comment on an Agenda item, please send an email to edd@portlandmaine.gov.
Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. the day before the Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee meeting
to guarantee their inclusion in the Agenda packet.

1. Committee Chair Comments

2. Approval of April 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes

 a. See attached minutes from April 9, 2026
 Action Item - Public Comment
3. Portland Fish Exchange Manager's Report

 a. Fish Exchange Manager's Report
 Discussion and vote to recommend to the Portland Fish Pier Authority to apply for a
4.
 SEA Maine Grant.

 a. See Maine Energy Experts' presentation on a potential solar panel installation at the Exchange.
 Action Item - Public Comment
5. Old Business

 a. Summer Intern Update
6. Next Regular Meeting Date: June 11, 2026

7. Other items not on the agenda.

8. Adjournment

PORTLAND FISH PIER AUTHORITY
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 May 14, 2026, 3:30 PM
 Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee Meeting
 Remote via Zoom

Please use the information below to join the meeting:
https://portlandmaine-gov.zoom.us/j/81634558414?pwd=K0bJImqEbYLaAw4m0n0abZbeDISS3N.1

To submit written public comment on an Agenda item, please send an email to edd@portlandmaine.gov.
Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. the day before the Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee meeting
to guarantee their inclusion in the Agenda packet.

1. Committee Chair Comments

2. Approval of April 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes

 a. See attached minutes from April 9, 2026
 Action Item - Public Comment
3. Portland Fish Exchange Manager's Report

 a. Fish Exchange Manager's Report
 Discussion and vote to recommend to the Portland Fish Pier Authority to apply for a
4.
 SEA Maine Grant.

 a. See Maine Energy Experts' presentation on a potential solar panel installation at the Exchange.
 Action Item - Public Comment
5. Old Business

 a. Summer Intern Update
6. Next Regular Meeting Date: June 11, 2026

7. Other items not on the agenda.

8. Adjournment




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 DRAFT


 Draft Meeting Minutes
 Portland Fish Pier Authority - Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee
 April 9, 2026
 3:30 PM

Subcommittee Member Attendees: John Arnold, Mike Foster, Mary Hudson, Matt Moretti.

Staff present: Kaela Gonzalez, Heather Moretti, Robert Vanmeter

Approximately two (2) members of the public attended.

1. Committee Chair Comments: Mary Hudson chaired in the absence of Tracy Pearce.
​
2. Approval of March 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve Meeting Minutes for March 12, 2026.
Arnold, 2nd M. Moretti

Approved by consensus

3. Portland Fish Exchange Manager’s Report
​ Robert Vanmeter presented the manager’s report verbally. Highlights are as follows:
 ●​ 7 Auctions in March
 ●​ 135K landed (budgeted 75,000)
 ●​ 31K Contract unloads (budgeted 0)
 ●​ 650K in pumping YTD (budgeted 1.2M)
 ●​ Current receivables are $152,000
 ●​ Checkbooks are at $56,000
 ●​ Checkbook average $55,00 (Low of $21,00; High $130,00)
 ●​ Currently using $70,000 from LOC
 ●​ $50k from cash reserve is available

 The Eleanor J., Josephine L, and DD Mae II are actively fishing for the exchange. The
F/V Eleanor J has completed two redfish contract unloads for Tri-State, generating over $11,000
in revenue. Routine spring projects include scraping and painting interior and exterior surfaces,
pressure washing, cleaning roofs and gutters, and repairing offload chute parts. A second
offload station will be set up across from the existing one on the eastern side of the Extension
Pier to eliminate vessel repositioning delays and provide operational redundancy. Vanmeter
expects this to be completed within the next couple of weeks. The new control system wiring for
compressors, condensers, and evaporators is nearing completion and is expected to be done in
seven to ten days. New lamp posts and running pipe for shore power units—will start April 13,
2026. Thomas Bailey joined the team on April 6th as the new part-time office administrator. He
is a veteran with IT experience and is studying business and management.




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 DRAFT


4. Discussion on funding opportunity for Portland Fish Exchange through SEA Maine
funding.
 Heather Moretti recapped the SEA Maine Seafood Infrastructure Adaptation Fund
reimbursement-based grant (application due June 30th) which funds projects from $75,000 to
$300,000 with a 5% required match. Heather Moretti has identified installing solar panels as a
potential project for this funding. Sam Legere with Maine Energy Experts presented to the
subcommittee how solar panel installation would benefit the PFEX.
 The PFEX uses approximately 872,000 kilowatt hours annually, resulting in an average
annual electricity cost of $150,000 or $12,358 monthly. If installed, the PFEX would qualify for a
potential 40% federal tax credit (treated as a cash rebate for non-profits) if domestic panels are
used. A CEI loan is available at 3.5% over 7 years to cover cost overage if needed. The PFEX
would also receive S-RECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) of $33 per thousand kilowatt
hours produced, guaranteed for 10 years. Legere outlined two options, keeping in mind that
anything in between is always an option:
 ●​ Smaller System (24% offset): A $500,000 system, if funded by the $300,000
 grant and 40% tax credit, would result in a $0 net cost and generate $574 in
 average monthly income from S-RECs.
 ●​ Maximized System (70% offset): A $1.4 million system with a net cost after
 incentives of $562,000, resulting in a net average monthly payment of $5,904 for
 7 years (loan + remaining CMP bill). This would be a significant reduction in cost
 after the 7-year loan period.

​ Vanmeter noted the roof (replaced in 2010) needs a structural engineering check.
Legere offered to cover the cost of this structural review. Foster raised a concern that the city
previously issued a "hard no" on installing any additional structures or making penetrations to
the roof. Heather Moretti will follow up with facilities regarding roof approval before the full board
meeting next week to determine if the project can move forward for the June 30th grant
deadline.

5. Discussion on alternatives to a line of credit for buyers.
​ The current requirement of $10,000–$15,000 line of credit or cash deposit is a barrier for
new, small buyers. Vanmeter confirmed the deposit acts as insurance against buyer
delinquency, having been used a couple of times previously (Cozy Harbor, Austin Seafood).
Robert Vanmeter suggested lowering the deposit to $5,000 for local buyers. He also noted the
exchange could adjust to handle smaller lots (e.g., 100-pound lots). The subcommittee agreed
to hold further discussions on developing a formal proposal for lowering the barrier to entry
before presenting a final recommendation to the full board.
​
6. Old Business
​ Vanmeter received a short list of intern applicants from USM. Heather Moretti will assist
with interviews. Hudson and Heather Moretti will meet offline to discuss the impact and viability
of the landing incentive fee reduction project.

7. Other items not on the agenda.




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 DRAFT


 No other items were discussed.

8. Next Meeting: May 14, 2026

9. Adjournment:
​ Motion to adjourn
​ Arnold, 2nd Moretti
​ Approved by consensus

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m.




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 PORTLAND FISH EXCHANGE

 Management/Financial Report for May 2026

GF Landings – Auction Actual Budgeted Variance
April 2026 – 7 104K 125K (21K)

GF Landings – Auction Actual Budgeted Variance
April 2025 - 7 31K 225K (194K)

Contract Unloads - GF Actual Budgeted Variance
April 2026 21K 0 21K

Total GF Land/Unloads Actual Budgeted Variance
April 2026 135K 125K 10K

Pumping Actual Budgeted Variance
2026 YTD 650K 1.2M (480K)

Financial Report Net Income Budgeted Variance
April 2026 ($39,623) ($57,409) $17,786



Financial Notes

 • $70K of $250K LOC currently in use.

 • $50K Cash Reserve in use

 • Current receivables are $125K consisting of rent, buyer fees, berthing, net yard use, bait storage,
 barrel storage & warehousing

 • Current checkbook is at $28K before payments to vendors, fleet, and payroll

 • High checking balance for the month was $125K, a low of $28k, and an average of $75k.

 • Insurance premiums renew at the Exchange annually on April 1st. The stevedore premium that
 provides liability coverage for loading and unloading cargo from vessels, is paid in full at time of
 renewal. $11,775 was the total for this year. The MEMIC policy, covering workers
 compensation, totaled $3361and is paid in monthly installments.




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April Auction Sales

 • Of the 104,573 pounds landed at the Exchange for the month of April, 70,707 pounds were sold
 during the normal bidding process to one of our Exchange buyers - seat holders.

 • 29,873 pounds were scratched or not bid on, but still sold through the auction as After Auction
 Sales.

 • 3993 pounds were refused by the seller to be sold on the Exchange auction platform. All scratch
 and or no bid fees are applied and the fish is given back to the seller to do with as they will. As
 stated in the Exchange rules and regulations, ‘Refused or No Bid fish remains the property of the
 seller and may be removed or left for the next auction.’

 • Zero pounds were left on the floor for the next auction.

Operations Notes

 • Seafresh has decided to discontinue its business with the Exchange due to challenges with
 staffing and the high cost of housing during the tuna season in Maine.

 • The University of Maine will be returning and will utilize the space on the western wall of cooler,
 previously occupied by Seafresh, from the end of May through the conclusion of the tuna season.

Facility Report

 • The installation of the new cooling control system has been successfully completed. Training is
 currently being conducted in coordination with Miller, and the system has been operating without
 issue.
 • The shore power project is currently underway. Installation of new lighting on the extension pier
 has been completed, along with the installation of new power shutoff units. New conduit has been
 installed in the net yard, with additional conduit work ongoing on the extension pier. Phil will be
 able to provide a more detailed update next week.

Staff Report

 • Since joining us, Thomas Bailey, our new administrative assistant, has excelled in his role
 and has become a great fit within the Exchange team.




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New/Returning Vessels

 • The F/V Eric Sprague began landing fish during the week of April 27. The vessel is a small
 hook-and-line operation, and the initial landing produced excellent results.


New / Returning Buyers

 • Nothing to report


Rules & Regulations

 • Clarify what “Seller Representative” means in the Rules and Regulations and discuss alternatives
 to avoid ambiguity.




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 Portland Fish Exchange


 PRESENTED BY
 SAMUEL LEGERE




Page 8
Questions



 Page 9
 Get To Know Maine Energy Experts
WHO ARE YOU WORKING WITH

WHY IT MATTERS

WHAT THIS MEANS TO US




 Page 10
Overview Of Today's Presentation Topics
 1 4 BASICS OF SOLAR



 2 HOW MUCH SOLAR WILL SAVE YOU



 3 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 LIFE SPAN / WARRANTY, MAINTENANCE,
 STRUCTURAL CONCERNS

 4 Q&A



 5 NEXT STEPS




 Page 11
Understanding How Solar Energy Works




 Page 12
 RENT FROM CMP




Rent
 vs.
Own


 START PAYING YOURSELF
 Page 13
Where Maine Is Headed




 Page 14
Rates Over Time




 Page 15
 Current Monthly Bill


Total kWh Annually: 872,381

kWh Rate (S&D): 0.17

Annual Cost: $148,304.77

Monthly avg. Cost: $12,358.73



 Page 16
How
Much
Solar
Will
Save
You

 Page 17
 Current Incentives

SEA Maine Grant: up to $300,000*

Tax Credit: 30% of costs

Domestic Tax Credit: 10% of costs*

CEI loan: 3.5%-5%*

SREC’s: $33 per 1,000kWh


 Page 18
 Smallest System Size

Cost Breakdown:
  Gross cost: $500,000

  SEA Grant: - $300,000*

  Tax Credit: - $150,000

  Domestic: - $50,000

  Net Total: $0

  SREC’s: $574.75


 Page 19
 Estimated Max System Size
Cost Breakdown:
 Gross cost: $1,436,803

 SEA Grant: - $300,000*

 Tax Credit: - $431,040.9

 Domestic: - $143,680.3

 Net Total: $562,081.8

Payment Breakdown:
 CEI-7 Year 3.5% $7,554.30

 SREC’s: - $1,650.00

 Net Monthly Avg: $5,904.3
 Page 20
 Estimated Max (Worst Case)
Cost Breakdown:
 Gross cost: $1,436,803

 SEA Grant: $0

 Tax Credit: - $431,040.9

 Domestic: - $143,680.3

 Net Total: $862,081.8

Payment Breakdown:
 CEI-7 Year 3.5% $11,586.25

 SREC’s: - $1,650.00

 Net Monthly Avg: $9,936.25
 Page 21
 Rent vs Own
Smallest Max (best) Max (worst)
209,229 kWh 599,447 kWh 599,447 kWh




 Page 22
 Commonly Asked Questions
Life Span / Warranty
 25 YEAR WARRANTY

 60 YEAR LIFE EXPECTANCY



Structural Concerns
 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING STAMPS

 NO LEAK GUARANTEE




Maintenance
 CLEAN EVERY *1-5 YEARS*

 NOTHING MECHANICAL = 0 MAINTENANCE



 Page 23
Q&A



 Page 24
Next Steps




 Page 25