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“I would like to start by saying “Kudos” to all employees and staff of The Harbor Center. From start to finish the professionalism continued…. . Thank you for helping us to make our son’s “Graduation Celebration 2018 BREAKTHROUGH On To The Next Level” a night to remember and a night they will never forget. Clients Forever!!!”

- Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Wimberly, Sr.

BOARD MINUTES

THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 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. Martin Bruno gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Grant Black, Kurt Bozant, Troy Brackett, Martin Bruno, Kevin Davis, Mark Myers, Thomas Shinn, Darrell Smith, Don Thanars, and Kathleen Wilkin. Absent: Donna O’Daniels, Melanie Lishman, & Athena Tzuanos. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, Arty Baudoin, Kelly Baudoin, and Valerie Waeltz.

Guests included Robert Allbritton and Jay Ridolfo representing Blitch Knevel Architects.

There was no public comment.

Mr. Myers acknowledged that this was Mr. Bruno’s last meeting as a commissioner and presented him with a plaque of appreciation for his many years of service to the Board. Mr. Myers then issued the oath of office to two new Board members, Mr. Grant Black, and Mr. Troy Brackett.

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

Mr. Myers then asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from May 4, 2023. Mr. Bruno motioned to approve the minutes, Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Mr. Shinn provided the Treasurer’s Report. He reviewed the P & L Standard report and noted the Hotel Occupancy Tax is still reporting lower than projected, but otherwise the financial standing of The Harbor Center remained very strong. Mr. Bozant motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Davis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The meeting then moved to Old Business. Ms. Lowrey updated the Board on the meeting room expansion project. She noted that the bid opening for a construction firm had taken place on May 25. Five bids were received regarding the base bid plus three alternates. Mr. Allbritton briefly reviewed quotes from the five firms that submitted and noted that TELA was the lowest for the base bid plus the first two alternates, but Voelkel McWilliams was the lowest for the base bid plus all three alternates. On behalf of Blitch Knevel Architects, Mr. Allbritton recommended accepting the Voelkel McWilliams bid with all three alternates. Mr. Black questioned the quality difference between the two canopy designs, noting the large discrepancy in the two quotes. Mr. Allbritton assured that both designs had the proper specifications. Mr. Bozant then questioned the timeline of the construction. Mr. Allbritton informed the Board that there is a 90-day procurement period and a 300-day construction period. Mr. Smith asked about the existing pilings and Mr. Allbritton assured they would have time to survey and ok them before construction. Ms. Lowrey then updated the Board on the financial standing of The Harbor Center once construction was complete and a few repairs on the existing building were done. The Board discussed the repairs and finances. Mr. Myers reminded the Board that the overall goal is to complete the meeting rooms and to also reach out to investors to build an adjacent hotel. Mr. Bruno made a motion to award the contract to  Voelkel McWilliams for the base bid and all three alternates. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.  Ms. Lowrey conducted a roll call vote. There were 10 yeas, 0 nays, and 3 absent. Ms. Lowrey then updated the Board that she is still waiting for more information on the insurance issues. Mr. Myers interjected that an insurance committee would soon be formed after the rest of the insurance information came in.

The meeting then moved to New Business. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board of the two bids received for The Harbor Center’s official journal. The two bids came from The Advocate and The St. Tammany Farmer. The quotes were the same, but only The Farmer provided specific St. Tammany circulation numbers, so she recommended remaining with The Farmer. Mr. Davis motioned to accept the recommendation, Mr. Bozant seconded, and the motion unanimously passed. Ms. Lowrey then updated the Board on the renewal of the copier lease. She mentioned the lease with Xerox had expired and the machine was starting to have problems. Two other companies had been contacted for quotes. Multi-Tech didn’t respond and the quote from WJS Enterprises came in at a lower cost, with color copies were included, unlike Xerox. She recommended contracting with WJS. Mr. Bozant motioned to accept the recommendation Mr. Thanars seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

The General Manager’s report was then provided by Ms. Lowrey. She updated the Board that the 18^th anniversary luncheon had changed dates. She also mentioned that the warranty on the sign is nearing expiration and there is an option to renew for 1 more year. Ms. Lowrey recommended renewing the warranty to help cover parts. Mr. Bruno motioned to renew the warranty, Mr. Bozant seconded, and the motion unanimously passed.

Ms. Waeltz then provided the Sales Report.

Mr. Myers asked for comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Bruno mentioned this was his last Board meeting as a commissioner and thanked the Board and staff. Mr. Myers then gave a brief update on the Lobby Lounge.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:52. Mr. Smith motioned to adjourn, Mr. Thanars seconded the motion, and the motion unanimously passed.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 9 am.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kelly Baudoin