BOARD MINUTES
THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024, 9AM
100 HARBOR CENTER BLVD. SLIDELL, LA 70461
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am by Board Chairman, Mr. Mark Myers.
Mr. Don Thanars gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Grant Black, Kurt Bozant, Troy Brackett, Eric Calvin, Kevin Davis, Greg Ireton, Mark Myers, Thomas Shinn, Don Thanars & Athena Tzuanos, and Kathleen Wilken. Absent: Linda Larkin, Donna O’Daniels and Darrell Smith. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, Kelly Baudoin and Valerie Waeltz.
There was one guest, John Paul Black. There was no public comment.
Mr. Myers asked for a vote to approve the agenda. Mr. Brackett motioned to approve, Mr. Ireton seconded, and the motion carried.
The minutes from the December 7, 2023, meeting was presented for approval. Mr. Davis motioned to accept; Mr. Thanars seconded, and the motion carried.
Mr. Shinn gave the Treasurer’s report. He reviewed the current cash on hand and net equity amounts. He also mentioned that overall revenue has been higher than budgeted. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that the upcoming Board meeting in February will have some proposed budget amendments to have align expenses with actuals. Mr. Calvin questioned when the hotel tax revenue from the holidays will be deposited, and Ms. Lowrey answered that it would be in February. Mr. Bozant motioned to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Black seconded, and the motion carried.
Old Business: Ms. Lowrey gave an update on the construction details that were acquired from Blitch-Knevel and Voelkel McWilliams. She also informed the Board that the Harbor Center was in process of securing quotes to replace the current roof.
New Business: None
General Manager’s Report: Ms. Lowery informed the Board that the Harbor Center has been voted as one of the best meeting sites for the 13th time in a row through Convention South magazine. She also told the Board that a press release had been released to update the public on the findings of the economic impact study conducted by Southeastern Louisiana University. Ms. Lowrey mentioned the creation of a quarterly newsletter regarding Harbor Center news and that Ms. Waeltz was in process of marketing the new meeting rooms.
Sales Report: Ms. Waeltz gave the Sales Report.
Mr. Myers then asked for Commissioner Comments. Mr. Bozant questioned when the bond for the property was set to be paid off. Ms. Lowrey reported it was to be paid off in September 2024. Mr. Myers gave a brief update on the Lobby Lounge concert series. Ms. Waeltz and Ms. Tzuanos had a brief discussion on the hotel occupancy during the Mardi Gras season. Ms. Wilkin asked Mr. Davis to update the Board on ticket sales for the upcoming comedy show that will take place in March. Mr Davis mentioned that the show has secured two sponsors to cover the expenses. Brief discussion ensued about having a comedy show be a more regular occurrence. Ms. Wilkin asked if the news of the award from Convention South had been published anywhere and Ms. Lowrey shared the various locations that it had been published. The Board then had a brief discussion on the feasibility and impact of the Harbor Center having an on-site hotel. Lastly, Mr. Myers gave an account of his recent trip to Vicksburg, MS.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:3 am. Mr. Ireton motioned to adjourn, Mr. Thanars seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 9 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Baudoin