BOARD MINUTES
THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 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: Stephanie Berault, Kurt Bozant, Martin Bruno, Kevin Davis, Melanie Lishman, Mark Myers, Thomas Shinn, Don Thanars. Absent: Donna O’Daniels, Darrell Smith, Athena Tzuanos, and Kathleen Wilkin. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Kelly Baudoin, and Valerie Waeltz.
There were no guests. There was no public comment.
Mr. Myers asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Thanars moved to approve, Mr. Davis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Myers then asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from April 6, 2023. Mr. Bozant motioned to approve the minutes, Mr. Bruno 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 as being lower than projected. 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 architectural firm, Blitch Knevel had revised the design to aid in lowering costs. She also informed the Board that the pre-bid conference is to be held on May 4, 2023, at 2pm and the Public Bid Opening is to be held on May 25, 2023, at 2pm.
Ms. Lowrey then reviewed the new Property Insurance policies. The new policies would offer half the coverage at 5 million instead of the previous 10 million at a cost of $132,000. The insurance brokers recommended a deductible buydown for $55,000 to avoid the 5% deductible required from damage due to a named storm. This would lower the deductible in that instance to $25,000. Discussion ensued regarding lowering costs, policies, and clauses. Mr. Myers and Ms. Lowrey suggested accepting the buydown. Mr. Davis motioned to accept the deductible buydown, Mr. Bozant seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Lowrey also mentioned that the electronic billboard on the interstate was being dropped by the insurance company and would no longer be insured. Mr. Davis requested that Ms. Lowrey contact Sign-Lite to ask of possibilities on how to keep the sign insured. Mr. Myers then asked for volunteers to form an Insurance Committee to discuss future insurance coverage. Mr. Davis, Mr. Thanars and Mr. Myers all volunteered for the committee.
The meeting proceeded to New Business. Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that it was time to levy the Debt Service Millage. It is currently set at 0.3 mils and the recommendation is to levy it at 0.25 mils. The bond is set to be paid off in September 2024. Mr. Davis motioned to levy the millage at .25, Mr. Bruno seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Myers then proceeded to the formal reading of the resolution. A roll call vote was then taken. There were 8 yeas, 0 nays, and 4 absent.
Ms. Lowrey also informed the Board know the Harbor Center was in the midst of its annual audit for 2022 and that the auditor would be out to do his in-office field work in about 2 weeks. She asked the Board to review and approve the compliance questionnaire. Mr. Bozant motioned to accept the questionnaire as corrected, Mr. Thanars seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Ms. Lowrey then gave the General Manager’s report. She updated the Board on the filling of 4 empty Board chairs. She also reminded them of the upcoming Harbor Center anniversary luncheon.
Ms. Waeltz then gave the Sales Report.
Mr. Myers asked for any comments from the Commissioners. Mr. Davis asked if there was any progress on seeking an on-site hotel partnership. Ms. Berault announced this was to be her last Board meeting as her term is ending. Mr. Myers then gave a brief update on the Lobby Lounge.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:11. Mr. Davis motioned to adjourn, Mr. Bozant seconded the motion, and the motion unanimously passed.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 9 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Baudoin