THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Board of County Commissioners' Value of "Ensuring economic opportunities for all people and businesses in Broward" and the Goal to "Increase the economic strength and impact of revenue-generating County enterprises balancing economic, environmental, and community needs."
On August 30, 2011 (Item No. 8-PH), the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) granted a steamship agent franchise to Port Contractors - Southeast, LLC (Port Contractors), for a one-year term ending on August 29, 2012. On May 8, 2012 (Item No. 4-PH), the Board approved the renewal of the franchise for a five-year term commencing on August 30, 2012, and ending on August 29, 2017. The company has requested renewal of the steamship agent franchise. Port Contractors also holds a ten-year stevedore franchise (expiring on June 27, 2022) and a ten-year cargo handler franchise (expiring on August 29, 2022) at the Port.
Port Contractors incorporated in the state of Florida on December 3, 2010. As shown in Section R of the application, Port Contractors is a well-established, diverse stevedoring, cargo handling and materials handling organization committed to attracting and retaining new business in Port Everglades.
Port staff has reviewed the steamship agent franchise application against the enumerated renewal criteria set forth in Chapter 32 of the Broward County Administrative Code. Staff’s due diligence included corresponding with the applicant’s representative to clarify franchise requirements, and reviewing the applicant’s corporate status, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance, financial documents and creditworthiness, required licenses, company programs and policies, and statement of intended activities. In addition, the applicant’s environmental history was reviewed, and no environmental violations were found.
Staff has determined that the applicant meets the criteria for renewal of a steamship agent franchise. Steamship agent franchises may be issued for any period of time up to five years. Past practice has been for staff to recommend issuance of a steamship agent franchise for an initial term of one year and each subsequent renewal for a term of up to five years. Accordingly, staff is recommending that the steamship agent franchise be renewed for a five-year term.
The franchise agreement has been reviewed by the Port Everglades’ Risk Manager and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. Complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Office.
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