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“We love how we are treated by everyone at your facility. Each and every one of you make our show run smoothly and make it a fun experience. Thank you so much!”

- Pam Meyer, Slidell Looking Glass Show

BOARD MINUTES

THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023, 9AM

100 HARBOR CENTER BLVD. SLIDELL, LA 70461

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:03 am by Board Chairman, Mr. Mark Myers.

Mr. Thanars gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Grant Black, Kurt Bozant, Eric Calvin, Linda Larkin, Mark Myers, Thomas Shinn, Darrell Smith, Don Thanars, & Kathleen Wilken. Absent: Troy Brackett, Kevin Davis, Donna O’Daniels, & Athena Tzuanos. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Kelly Baudoin, and Valerie Waeltz.

Mr. Mike Caparotta, representing Ericksen-Krentel, LLC was present as a guest. There was no public comment.

Mr. Myers asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Smith motioned to approve, Mr. Bozant seconded, and the motion carried.

The minutes from the previous two meetings were then presented. Mr. Calvin motioned to accept the July 6, 2023, minutes, Mr. Shinn seconded, and the motion carried. Mr. Bozant motioned to accept the June 1, 2023, minutes , Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried.

Mr. Shinn then provided the Treasurer’s Report. A brief review of net assets, net income and cash on hand was given. Mr. Bozant motioned to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Thanars seconded, and the motion carried.

Mr. Smith motioned for New Business to be moved up in the agenda. Mr. Bozant seconded, and the motion carried. Mr. Mike Caparotta of Ericksen Krentel, LLC then gave a detailed review of the 2022 Harbor Center financial audit and AUP audit. They were both found to be favorable. Mr. Thanars motioned to accept the audit as presented, Ms. Wilkin seconded, and the motion carried.

The meeting then moved to Old Business. Ms. Lowrey began by providing an update on the ongoing Meeting Room Expansion project. St. Tammany Parish is requesting over $20,000 in impact fees. Ms. Lowrey reported that she contacted Ross Liner and submitted previous reports to him that reflect a past agreement that show an exclusion from impact fees. The Parish agreed to issue the permit and investigate the matter after the fact. It was also mentioned that Mr. Davis previously agreed to discuss the matter with the Parish. Mr. Black volunteered to accompany Mr. Davis to the inquiry. Ms. Lowrey also informed the Board that Voelkel-McWilliams will be placing the construction sign on site later this week. She also reminded the Board of the Groundbreaking ceremony that will take place on August 11, 2023. She reviewed the RSVP information and those that will be providing impact statements. Ms. Lowrey then mentioned that details for the Elected Officials luncheon at the end of September were in the process of being finalized. Mr. Smith asked for an update on Ms. Lowrey’s upcoming retirement. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that she plans on extending her date of retirement until after the construction of the meeting rooms was completed.

Ms. Lowrey then gave the General Manager’s Report. She noted Ms. Shari Appel’s absence due to shoulder surgery. She also informed the Board of a future ESTBA event hosting the Parish President Candidate’s Forum Luncheon. Ms. Lowrey finished her report by noting that a Friend’s Board member, Mr. Joseph Montelepre informed her that the Friends had contracted with the publication Inside Northside to do a profile on her.

Ms. Waeltz gave the Sales Report. Ms. Lowrey interjected regarding the marketing for the upcoming meeting rooms as well as informing the Board of an Economic Impact Study being conducted through Southeastern Louisiana University. The Board briefly discussed advertising and marketing.

Mr. Myers then asked for Commissioner Comments. Ms. Wilkin mentioned that guests at the Lobby Lounge series were requesting more variety in the appetizers being offered. Mr. Myers gave a brief Lobby Lounge update. Ms. Larkin reminded everyone of the Red Beans and Rice Cookoff at the Slidell Auditorium on August 7, 2023.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:57. Mr. Smith motioned to adjourn, Mr. Bozant seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 1, 2023, at 9 am.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kelly Baudoin