BOARD MINUTES
THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD
THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023, 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. Myers gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Myers then issued the oath of office to two new Board members, Ms. Linda Larkin, and Mr. Eric Calvin.
Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Mark Myers, Thomas Shinn, Athena Tzuanos, Kathleen Wilken, Don Thanars, Linda Larkin, and Eric Calvin. Absent: Grant Black, Kurt Bozant, Troy Brackett, Kevin Davis, Donna O’Daniels, & Darrell Smith. The quorum was not met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, Kelly Baudoin, and Valerie Waeltz.
There were no guests. There was no public comment.
Mr. Myers mentioned he would not call for an approval of the agenda due to a lack of a quorum. Mr. Myers also tabled the reading and approval of the June 1 minutes due to a lack of a quorum.
Mr. Shinn provided the Treasurer’s Report. The motion to approve the report was tabled due to a lack of a quorum. The Board then briefly discussed various ways to increase revenue.
The meeting then moved to Old Business. Ms. Lowrey let the Board know that the contract for the Meeting Room expansion was signed on June 30, 2023. This began a 90-day procurement process for the construction company, Voelkel-McWilliams. Following that would begin a 300-day construction window. She noted that this places the end date on July 22, 2023. Ms. Lowrey then notified the Board of the groundbreaking ceremony that is to take place on August 9 and mentioned those whom she wished to invite. Mr. Myers also suggested inviting Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, and members of the Lodging Association. Ms. Wilkin suggested inviting any appointing authorities of the Board members.
There was no New Business.
Ms. Lowrey then provided the General Manager’s Report. She reminded the Board of an email that was received from a member of the library encouraging The Harbor Center to cancel advertising with The Slidell Independent due to the newspaper running various stories that showed the library in a negative light. Ms. Lowrey recommended continuing to advertise as is and not involving the Harbor Center. The Board agreed. Ms. Lowrey also informed the Board that Ms. Melanie Lishman was no longer a commissioner due to a conflict of interest with a recurring vendor, Associated Whole Grocers. She stated that the seat was now open, and Senator Sharon Hewitt had been notified of the vacancy. Ms. Lowrey also told the Board she would be resending the link for the LA Ethics training and the Sexual Harassment prevention training. She reminded the Board of the 18th anniversary luncheon that is to take place on September 28. Lastly, Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that the annual audit had been completed and submitted to the LA Legislative Auditor. Mr. Mike Caparotta will submit his findings at the Board meeting on August 3.
Ms. Waeltz then provided the Sales Report.
Mr. Myers asked for comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Thanars let the Board know that he recently launched a company to teach how money works and how it can work for you. Mr. Myers gave a brief update on the Lobby Lounge and mentioned the annual fundraiser for Hospice House. Ms. Tzuanos asked for recommendations for hiring someone to teach First Aid training.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:47. Thomas Shinn motioned to adjourn, Mr. Thanars seconded the motion, and the motion unanimously passed.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 9 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Baudoin