BOARD MINUTES
THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 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. Martin Bruno gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Lowrey led roll call. Present: Stephanie Berault, Kurt Bozant, Martin Bruno, Mark Myers, Donna O’Daniels, Don Thanars, Betty Thomas, Athena Tzuanos, and Kathleen Wilkin. Absent: Kevin Davis, Thomas Shinn and Darrell Smith. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, and Kelly Baudoin.
There were no guests. There was no public comment.
Mr. Myers asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Bruno moved to approve, Mr. Thanars seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Myers then asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from November 3, 2022. Mr. Bozant motioned to approve, Mr. Thanars seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. A quorum was not met for the Board meeting on December 1, 2022, so no motion was needed to approve the minutes.
Ms. Lowrey provided the Treasurer’s Report. She began by reviewing the year-end financial reports and noted that revenue was above projections in many areas and expenses were generally in line with what was budgeted, however, some amendments would be necessary to be in line with actuals. Mr. Bruno motioned to amend the 2022 budget to reflect actual expenses incurred, Mr. Bozant seconded the motion. Mr. Bruno then asked to amend his motion to also include a notation on any line item that exceeded budget by 5% and to include footnotes on why. Mr. Bozant seconded the amended motion and it passed unanimously.
The meeting then moved to Old Business. Ms. Lowrey updated the Board on the expansion project. She noted that the traffic memorandum had been prepared and submitted to St. Tammany Parish. The Drainage Review letter and the Storm Water agreement had both also been submitted to the Parish. Ms. Lowrey also reviewed the most current cost estimates, noting that contingency in the construction budget had increased from 5% to 10%. Mr. Myers recommended a finance committee to be formed to find possible expense savings and to find potential income streams for the Board to approve.
The meeting proceeded to New Business. Ms. Lowrey introduced the 2023 Budget Overview, explaining most items were based on 2022 actuals and projected expenses. She concluded that the bottom line was at a slight deficit, mostly due to large one-time expenses in the Deferred Maintenance category which included replacement of two air conditioners and sewer lift pumps. Ms. O’Daniels interjected that it should be noted that the increase in the St. Tammany Parish fund was a one-time increase. She noted that there was a request for St. Tammany Parish funds to be more immediately available and that this was currently being discussed. Mr. Bruno motioned to accept the 2023 budget, Mr. Bozant seconded, and the budget was unanimously approved. Ms. Lowrey then discussed an upcoming 2024 expense to replace the roof. She informed the Board that she has discussed her intent to apply for capital outlay to help offset this expense with Senator Hewitt. The 2023 Board meeting dates were then reviewed to close out New Business.
Ms. Lowrey then gave the General Manager’s report. She reviewed the past December 2022 events and gave a brief report on the upcoming 2023 events.
Ms. Lowrey then gave the Sales Report.
Mr. Myers asked for any comments from the Commissioner’s. Ms. O’Daniels gave an analysis of why hotel occupancy was starting to soften. Ms. Tzuanos’ agreed overall with the analysis but mentioned her hotels were still doing very well. Mr. Myers gave a brief update on Lobby Lounge.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:41.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 9 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Baudoin