BOARD MINUTES
THE HARBOR CENTER BOARD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023, 9AM
100 HARBOR CENTER BLVD. SLIDELL, LA 70461
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Board Chairman, Mr. Mark Myers.
Mr. Thanars gave the invocation and Mr. Myers led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Kathy Lowrey led roll call. Present: Grant Black, Troy Brackett, Kevin Davis, Mark Myers, Darrell Smith, Don Thanars, & Kathleen Wilken. Absent: Eric Calvin, Linda Larkin, Donna O’Daniels, Thomas Shinn, & Athena Tzuanos. The quorum was met. Also present: Kathy Lowrey, Shari Appel, Kelly Baudoin, and Valerie Waeltz.
Ms. Suzanne Krieger was present as a guest. There was no public comment.
Ms. Krieger began to present information to the Board to gain approval of a feasibility study regarding a new levee system proposed to be built within St. Tammany Parish. Mr. Smith motioned to move New Business to the front of the agenda, Mr. Thanars seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Myers asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Davis motioned, Mr. Brackett seconded, and the motion carried. The Board then moved to a question-and-answer session with Ms. Krieger regarding the levee project. The Board discussed supporting the feasibility study. The Board decided to table support of the study until more information is obtained. Mr. Smith motioned to table the decision, Mr. Ireton seconded, and the motion carried. Mr. Myers suggested forming a committee to further review before a final decision on how to move forward can be made.
The minutes from the previous meeting on August 3, 2023, were then presented. Mr. Smith motioned to accept the minutes, Mr. Black seconded, and the motion carried.
Ms. Lowrey provided the Treasurer’s Report. She gave a brief review of the cash on hand and the current hotel tax income. She also mentioned that income is at or exceeding projections and that expenses were mostly online. Mr. Brackett motioned to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Davis seconded, and the motion carried. Ms. Lowrey also updated the Board that expense and income line items needed to be added to the budget to record monies for the meeting room expansion. Mr. Davis motioned to approve, Mr. Black seconded, and the motion carried.
Ms. Lowrey then moved the meeting to Old Business. She informed the Board that the parish had dropped the impact fees that was originally tied to the meeting room expansion and updated the Board on a successful groundbreaking. Ms. Lowrey also mentioned a conversation with Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser on garnering support from legislators in further expanding The Harbor Center. She also mentioned that invitations had been sent out to all local elected officials for the 18th Anniversary Luncheon to be held on September 28, 2023. Lastly, Ms. Lowrey informed the Board that The Harbor Center had contracted with SLU to do an Economic Impact Study that will be presented at the luncheon.
The meeting then moved to New Business. Mr. Myers called for committee volunteers regarding the levee project and feasibility study. Mr. Davis, Mr. Ireton, and Mr. Smith volunteered to serve on the committee.
Ms. Lowrey then presented the General Manager’s Report. She noted the busy calendar and highlighted the upcoming ESTBA Legislative Dinner Forum as well as the Chamber Business Expo.
Ms. Waeltz gave the Sales Report.
Mr. Myers then asked for Commissioner Comments. Mr. Davis asked questions regarding the capacity of the Grand Hall. Mr. Myers gave a brief Lobby Lounge update.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10. Mr. Smith motioned to adjourn, Mr. Davis seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Baudoin