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“I cannot begin to express my appreciation for you and your staff’s attentiveness to detail and customer satisfaction. It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to many opportunities to work with you guys again in the future.”

- Arlana LeBlanc, Krewe of Sister

BOARD MINUTES

THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023, 9AM

100 HARBOR CENTER BLVD. SLIDELL, LA 70461

The meeting was called to order at 9:04 am by Board Chairman, Mr. Mark Myers.

Mr. Martin Bruno gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Stephanie Berault, Kurt Bozant, Martin Bruno, Kevin Davis, Mark Myers, Darrell Smith, Athena Tzuanos and Kathleen Wilkin. Absent: Donna O’Daniels, Thomas Shinn, and Don Thanars. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, and Valerie Waeltz.

There were no guests. There was no public comment.

New Board Member, Ms. Melanie Lishman, took the Oath of Office.  Mr. Myers issued the oath.  Ms. Lishman is Senator Sharon Hewitt’s appointee.  Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that she was working with appointing authorities to fill any current or upcoming vacant seats.

Mr. Myers asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Smith moved to approve, Mr. Bozant seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Myers then asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from February 2, 2023. Mr. Bruno motioned to approve the minutes; Ms. Wilkin seconded the motion.

Ms. Lowrey provided the Treasurer’s Report. She then gave a review of the profit & loss budget versus actual statement and the balance sheet.  The facility rentals and facility related funds are above budget.  The Legal line item is over budget due to a late invoice provided by the attorney.  In addition, the revenue collected from the hotel tax is down. Mr. Bozant motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Smith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The meeting then moved to Old Business. Ms. Lowrey updated the Board on the expansion project. The Bid Opening occurred and the submitted bids were all over budget.  Some design changes were suggested to reduce the cost and bring it closer to the budgeted number.  A motion was made to reject all bids for just cause, due to unavailability of funds sufficient to construct the project as originally advertised and bid, given that all bids exceeded available funds for the project; Mr. Bruno stated the motion, Ms. Tzuanos seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

The motion to rebid the meeting room expansion with the changes to reduce cost was stated by Mr. Bruno, Mr. Bozant seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Lowrey updated the Board on the HVACs that needs to be replaced and reviewed the three quotes received.  She noted that the cost is projected to continue to increase monthly upon expiration of the current quotes.  Mr. Davis motioned to accept the current bid; seconded by Ms. Wilkin.  The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting proceeded to New Business. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board the annual audit will be coming up.  Erikson Krentel is the agency performing the audit.  There are 14 categories that will be audited.  The categories affect all agencies state wide.  The price increased as well.  Discussion ensued.  Mr. Bozant brought the motion to approve engagement of Erikson Krentel to conduct both audits.  Kevin Davis seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Lowrey mentioned the property insurance expires April 28, 2023.  She is working with Alan Case of Lowry, Dunham, Case and Vivian on the quote and updated policy.  She informed the Board that the premium is increasing, while the coverage offered decreased from $10 to $5 million.  Discussion ensued.  The Board decided to research coverage.  Mr. Smith motioned to purchase the coverage offered now and explore whether additional coverage is needed; and Ms. Wilkin seconded.  Mr. Bruno asked to amend the motion to advertise the insurance in January to obtain insurance quotes earlier for the next policy and possibly shop the insurance.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Lowrey then provided the General Manager’s report. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that they will consider and adopt the debt service millage at the June 1^st Board meeting.  She notified the Board that one of the pine trees had broken in half.  She stated that RCI had been contacted to remove the fallen tree.  Discussion ensued regarding phasing out the palm trees for something less expensive.  Ms. Lowrey will ask RCI for suggested replacements.  She will also explore the possibility of selling the existing palm trees.  Mr. Smith presented the motion; Mr. Bozant seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  Mrs. Lowrey also informed the board she and Ms. Appel attended a 2-day Center for Governmental Excellence conference (virtually) to learn the latest best practices.

Ms. Waeltz then gave the Sales Report.

Mr. Myers asked for any comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Myers gave a brief update on the Lobby Lounge.  All welcomed Ms. Lishman.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55am.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 9 am.

Respectfully Submitted,

Valerie Waeltz