BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PORT OF New Orleans MINUTES OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 13, 2015 A MEETING OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, HELD IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM ON THE 4TH FLOOR AT ITS OFFICES AT 1350 PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WILLIAM T. BERGERON AT 1:10 P.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF: GUEST: William T. Bergeron, Committee Chairman Scott H. Cooper, Member Michael W. Kearney, Member Robert R. Barkerding, Jr., Member Laney J. Chouest, Member Daniel F. Packer, Jr., Member Gregory R. Rusovich, Member G. LaGrange, President and Chief Executive Officer B. Christian, Chief Operating Officer B. Gussoni, Executive Counsel C. Dunn, Director, Port Development B. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer J. Ruckert, Chief Financial Officer P. Zimmermann, Director, Operations A. Fant, Executive Assistant, Capital Projects M. Rubino, Staff Attorney W. Stokes, Executive Secretary H. Fontenot, Paralegal J. Holt, Government Consultants A. Determination of Quorum and Call to Order Committee Chairman Bergeron determined the existence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 1:10 P.M.
B. Public Comment Committee Chairman Bergeron called for public comment, but there was none. C. Briefing and Discussion Items 1. Review of March, 2015, Financial Statement Mr. Ruckert briefed the committee on the March, 2015, financial statements. He distributed a report detailing the financial information, a copy of which is made part of these minutes. He stated that March was another good month and that the total operating revenue for March was the highest so far this year. He announced that revenue was over the budget and expenses were below the budget for the month. Mr. Ruckert mentioned that Real Estate in March received a variable rate rent from Gulf Gateway causing it to go above the budget for revenue. He stated that dockage for breakbulk vessels had the highest numbers for a month this year. Mr. Landry said that most of those vessels were steel vessels because steel imports remain strong. Commissioner Barkerding asked whether the downturn in cruise revenues indicates fewer vessel calls. Mr. Ruckert replied, not necessarily, that a lot of it was caused by dockage, harbor fees, and rentals being wrapped up in a new blended rate for Norwegian Cruise Line. After some discussion, the committee determined it would recommend acceptance of the March, 2015, financial statement to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 2. Discussion of Preliminary Draft Budget for the Fiscal Year 2016 Financial Plan Mr. Ruckert briefed the committee on the preliminary draft budget for Fiscal Year 2016 financial plan and budget process. He distributed a presentation of draft financials detailing the statement of operations and operating revenue, a copy of which is made part of these minutes. He highlighted plans and projections for the FY15 plan, the FY15 projected and the FY16 draft plan. Mr. Ruckert stated that, if this plan holds up, it will be another record year. In addition to Mr. Ruckert s comment, Mr. LaGrange stated that if this plan holds up, it will indicate a $24,000,000 increase in revenue over a six-year period from $36,000,000 to $60,000,000. Commissioner Chouest asked about the Board s bond rating and its net benefit. Mr. Holt explained that the Port was upgraded by Moody s to an A3 rating, which increased the potential bond capacity. He stated that there is a possibility for a forward refunding of the 2008 Bond Issue. This refunding could be paired with other new issues for expansions that are contemplated. Mr. LaGrange added an example being that in the near future there will have to be another garage built for cruise ship parking. He stated that there is a gap of $6,000,000 to $8,000,000 in finishing up Poland Avenue. Otherwise the Port will have to find that money somewhere else, and this would be a perfect use by either combining the two or piggybacking one on another.
Commissioner Bergeron asked if there were any chances of improving on Moody s rating of the Port. Mr. Ruckert replied that he did not think they would jump two levels, but, if things continue as they are going, they will give another upgrade next year. He also said that he is confident that Standard & Poor will give the Port another upgrade this year. D. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the committee, Committee Chairman Bergeron adjourned the meeting at 1:36 P.M. BOARD OF COMISSIONERS PORT OF NEW ORLEANS MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ENGINEERING COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 13, 2015 A MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ENGINEERING COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, HELD IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM ON THE 4 TH FLOOR AT ITS OFFICES AT 1350 PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MICHAEL W. KEARNEY AT 1:37 P.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael W. Kearney, Committee Chairman Scott H. Cooper, Member William T. Bergeron, Member Robert R. Barkerding, Jr., Member Laney J. Chouest, Member MEMBER ABSENT: Daniel F. Packer, Jr., Member Gregory R. Rusovich, Member
STAFF: G. LaGrange, President and Chief Executive Officer B. Christian, Chief Operating Officer B. Gussoni, Executive Counsel C. Dunn, Director, Port Development B. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer M. Rubino, Staff Attorney R. Bylsma, Facility Services Manager W. Stokes, Executive Secretary H. Fontenot, Paralegal A. Determination of Quorum and Call to Order Committee Chairman Kearney determined the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 1:37 P.M. B. Public Comment Committee Chairman Kearney deferred any public comment until after the presentations. C. Briefing and Discussion Items 1. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Awarding a Contract to Lamarque Ford for the Purchase of Three Vehicles under Jefferson Parish Sheriff s Office Contract No. 15A1501 for Use by the Facility Services Departments. Ms. Dunn briefed the committee on and recommended approval of a resolution to award a contract in the amount of $122,000 to Lamarque Ford to purchase and replace three trucks for the Facility Services Departments. The contract is funded by the FY2015 capital equipment budget. Commissioner Cooper asked what happens to the replaced vehicles. Ms. Dunn stated that these replaced vehicles will go to public auction. After discussion, the committee indicated it would refer this matter favorably to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 2. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Awarding a Contract to Courtesy Ford for the Purchase of Six Vehicles under State of Louisiana Contract No. 4400005973/409958 for Use by the Facility Services and Terminal Operations Departments. Ms. Dunn briefed the committee on and recommended approval of a resolution to award a contract not to exceed $124,700 to Courtesy Ford to purchase and replace six vehicles for the procurement of work trucks in the Facility Services and Terminal Operations Departments. The contract is funded by the FY2015 capital equipment budget.
After discussion, the committee indicated it would refer this matter favorably to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 3. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Awarding a Contract to Boh Bros. Construction Company, LLC, for France Road Drainage Improvements and Culvert Replacements. Ms. Dunn requested that this item be withdrawn from the agenda because the contractor did not submit the necessary paperwork in the statutorily required ten-day time frame. She stated that she will move forward with the second bidder and return with this item next month before the Board. Several of the commissioners expressed their concern for how the public bid law ends up costing the Board more money when contractors are not in technical compliance with the law. Mr. Gussoni stated that this course of action was mandated by the public contracts laws. 4. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to Submit an Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation 2015 TIGER Grant Program for Project Funding. Ms. Dunn presented and recommended approval of a resolution authorizing the Board s President and Chief Executive Officer to submit the 2015 TIGER Grant application for this coming year to seek funding for the next phase of the Mississippi River Rail and Marine Terminal Intermodal Improvement Project. Commissioner Barkerding mentioned that Coastal Cargo, the Board s tenant at Louisiana Avenue, is having problems with ingress and egress of trucks at its gate. He said they were considering various methods in order to control the trucks and wanted to know if the roadway would have to be reworked if a rail line were extended in that area and would it affect the location of Coastal s present guard gate. Mr. Landry stated that the rail line should not affect the area and the gate since construction does not extend to this area. After discussion, the committee indicated it would refer this matter favorably to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. 5. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to Enter into an Amendment to the Professional Services Contract with Manning Architects, APAC, for Construction Administration Services for the Poland Avenue Cruise Terminal Project. Ms. Dunn briefed the committee on and recommended approval of a resolution authorizing the Board s President and Chief Executive Officer to enter into an amendment in the amount of $52,800 to the contract with Manning Architects, APAC, for Phase 1 MARAD Access Roadway at the Poland Avenue Cruise
Terminal. The contract is funded by the FY2015/16 capital improvement program. After discussion, the committee indicated it would refer this matter favorably to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. D. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the committee, Committee Chairman Bergeron adjourned the meeting at 1:52 P.M. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PORT OF New Orleans MINUTES OF THE PROPERTY AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 13, 2015 A MEETING OF THE PROPERTY AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, HELD IN THE IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM ON THE 4 TH FLOOR AT ITS OFFICES AT 1350 PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ROBERT R. BARKERDING, JR., AT 1:53 P.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF: Robert R. Barkerding, Jr., Committee Chairman Scott H. Cooper, Member William T. Bergeron, Member Michael W. Kearney, Member Laney J. Chouest, Member Daniel F. Packer, Jr., Member Gregory R. Rusovich Member G. LaGrange, President & Chief Executive Officer B. Christian, Chief Operating Officer B. Gussoni, Executive Counsel B. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer M. Rubino, Staff Attorney W. Stokes, Executive Secretary H. Fontenot, Paralegal
A. Determination of Quorum and Call to Order Committee Chairman Barkerding determined the existence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 1:53 P.M. B. Public Comment Committee Chairman Barkerding indicated that he would defer public comment if any to the end of any presentations on the discussion items. C. Briefing and Discussion Items 1. Briefing on and Discussion of a Resolution Declaring the Commitment of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex. Mr. Landry briefed the committee on and recommended approval of a resolution declaring the commitment of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex. He stated that the Board has had great responses from all the major carriers and participants in the container industry which are conducting business at the Napoleon Avenue Terminal. Mr. Landry said that its growth has doubled and is continuing. Commissioner Cooper asked if there were any updates on the Napoleon Avenue gate congestion matter. Mr. LaGrange stated that the truckers had a meeting last Friday, April 10 th, but he has not heard the outcome of it. Mr. Landry said that both terminal operators have gone live with their new appointment system. He said that, as of last Thursday, the truckers were all happy with the results. Mr. Landry said that the terminal operators would prefer the Board to allow more time for these software systems to operate smoothly before publicizing the investments they have made. Mr. Landry reiterated that the congestion problem is caused by a conflation of several factors, particularly two major construction projects going on nearby and the operators trying to upgrade their system. He said these are unusual circumstances. Commissioner Kearney asked for an update on the investigation of software for the Board s own monitoring purposes. Ms. Christian stated that she had a meeting with some of Commissioner Chouest s colleagues who had several software and system ideas. She said that some Board staff and she have a follow up meeting with them. She has been talking with other terminal operators to find out what software they are using, what investment they are making in new systems, and which ways the Board can benefit from their experiences.
Commissioner Kearney asked about extending gate hours and manning it during noontime. He believed that would make a huge improvement in the gate problems. Commissioner Kearney mentioned that it has been suggested that the Board consider subsidizing the costs, but that the other commissioners and he think that subsidizing inefficiencies is a bad idea and that the terminal operators need to resolve this problem. Commissioner Bergeron invited the commissioners and Mr. LaGrange to see for themselves the hands-on operations to witness the lack of planning and coordination at the gate. Commissioner Chouest said there is a meeting Wednesday on best practices review on safety. He invited the committee to meet his companies head of safety, who is an expert in shipyard efficiency and vessel operations and has had impressive results elsewhere. He indicated that the terminal operators at the Napoleon Avenue complex were also invited. Commissioner Kearney said that, after reading the resolution, he thought it was well done, and Commissioner Cooper seconded that comment. D. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the committee, Committee Chairman Barkerding adjourned the meeting at 2:08 P.M. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PORT OF NEW ORLEANS MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 16, 2015 A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANSS, HELD IN THE PRESENTATION ROOM ON THE 4 TH FLOOR AT ITS OFFICES AT 1350 PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SCOTT H. COOPER AT 9:32 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT MEMBER: STAFF: GUESTS: Scott H. Cooper, Chairman Gregory R. Rusovich, Member (arrived @ 10:00 A.M.) William T. Bergeron, Member Michael W. Kearney, Member Robert R. Barkerding, Jr., Member Laney J. Chouest, Member Daniel F. Packer, Jr., Member G. LaGrange, President and Chief Executive Officer B. Christian, Chief Operating Officer B. Gussoni, Executive Counsel D. Allee, Director, Cruise & Tourism B. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer P. Zimmermann, Director, Operations M. Gresham, Director, External Affairs M. Rubino, Staff Attorney W. Stokes, Executive Secretary H. Fontenot, Paralegal C.J. Blache, Roedel Parsons & Koch A. Baker, incoming commissioner B. Charbonnet, former commissioner J.J. Jaskot, Jones Walker, Washington, DC (by telephone) 1. Determination of Quorum and Call to Order Committee Chairman Cooper determined the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 9:32 A.M. 2. Public Comment Chairman Cooper called for public comment, but there was none. 3. Chairman s Comments Chairman Cooper announced he would take Item B out of order and address it first. Thereafter Item A and the other items were addressed in sequence. 4. President & Chief Executive Officer s Comments Mr. LaGrange had no comments. 5. Briefing and Discussion Items A. Briefing on State Legislation. Mr. Blache briefed the committee on state legislation in Baton Rouge. He stated that the overriding issue going into the session is the state budget and its $1.6 billion deficit. Mr.
Blache said that there is not any direction as of yet on how the deficit will be addressed, but the governor indicated that one of many measures he might take would be to end the state credit on inventory taxes paid to local governments. Mr. Blache stated that the biggest areas at risk are higher education and healthcare as well as capital outlay funding, which is of great importance to the Port. Mr. Gresham briefed the committee on state legislation and distributed a report detailing the 2015 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature Ports, Maritime and Transportation Legislation, a copy of which is made part of these minutes. He highlighted sensitive issues including the Port s interest in obtaining capital outlay funding for both the Milan Street Wharf and the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal for this legislative session. He gave brief descriptions on projects: the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal construction Napoleon Wharf B, the Milan Upland Yard Improvements Phase 2, and the Department of Transportation and Development Port Construction and Development Priority Program. He also gave short descriptions of the following bills: SB 176 by Sen. Conrad Appel, SB 66 by Sen. Gary Smith, SB 165 Sen. Norby Chabert, SB s 122 and 123 by Sen. Robert Adley, HB 388 by Rep. Walt Leger, HB 621 by Rep. Pat Connick, HB 661 by Rep. Helena Moreno, and HB 767 by Rep. Karen St. Germain. B. Briefing on Federal Legislation. By telephone from Washington, D.C., Mr. Jaskot briefed the committee on several federal legislative matters. He discussed the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Project. Mr. Jaskot stated that since last year, after the Corps concluded the deep draft project was not eligible for federal funding based on its benefits/cost ratio, the Port has worked closely with the Corps to recoup its money held in escrow comprising its share of the cost of the larger lock replacement, which the Port has been awaiting for more than 55 years. Mr. Jaskot said through negotiations with the Corps, the Corps has reimbursedthe Port $15,000,000 with the remaining $3,900,000 being held in escrow by the Corps while in dispute. The Port has appealed this decision to the Corps in D.C. and is currently waiting for a written determination and analysis from the Corps. Mr. Jaskot mentioned the TIGER Grant and that Congress provided $500,000,000 for projects throughout the U.S., and the Department of Transportation has opened up an application process with pre-applications due May 4 th and final applications due on May 5 th. He stated that the Port should be better qualified and eligible for a grant this year as opposed to last year s application for a Phase II grant, which was denied. Mr. Jaskot reviewed dredging issues and mentioned that Senator Vitter has been successful in enhancing funding for dredging and was able to do a lot for Louisiana in that regard. He stated that the first appropriations bill was unveiled, the Energy Water and Development bill, for Fiscal Year 2016, which commences in October for the federal government. He said that for harbor maintenance funding, Congress recommended $1,178,000,000, representing a 5% increase over last year.
Mr. Jaskot discussed the Highway Reauthorization Act and said he expects to see freightmoving provisions in the bill, some good and some not beneficial to the Port. He stated that the Port was asked to comment on various proposals to be considered in the bill. Mr. Jaskot mentioned one proposal that seems to be gaining strength is the proposal to repatriate corporate overseas profits in the hopes that it will entice companies to return to the United States through a reduced tax level. He said that he estimates that it would generate $200 to $300 billion worth of revenue just for building highways. Mr. Jaskot mentioned that the Export Import Bank Reauthorization Act is starting to get a lot of press time and attention. He stated that he has been working for its reauthorization on behalf of the Port. Mr. Jaskot said that the reauthorization is supported by a coalition to which the Port belongs and which also includes major corporations and small businesses. He said that they are beneficial to the Port because of the amount of cargo generated by the Bank s funding programs. Mr. LaGrange asked if Senator Cassidy was a supporter of the Bank. Mr. Jaskot said that Senator Cassidy might support it and that, if a vote were held today, the majority of the Senate would vote for the bill. C. Update on Viking CEA. Ms. Christian updated the committee on the Viking CEA. She indicated that Viking had given a drop-dead date of April 30, 2015, to all stakeholders to conclude an agreement or they would look elsewhere in the U.S. for a home port. She said that in concept, Viking and Audubon have an agreement for onsite parking, but that Audubon still will not allow any infrastructure to be built or located on its property. Ms. Christian said that the Port is waiting to see the latest draft agreement between Audubon and Viking. Commissioner Chouest commented that, once Viking is established in New Orleans, it will not need that Audubon location. Commissioner Rusovich replied that Viking wants to be at that particular location off St. Louis Street in the French Quarter. Commissioner Rusovich indicated that the governor s office and the mayor s office are the two leverage points and they are part of the discussions. Commissioner Kearney asked if attorney Henry "Tut" Kinney is still representing Audubon. Mr. LaGrange replied that he is. Mr. Allee mentioned that he had a conversation with Mr. Kinney regarding a parking agreement with Viking. He said that he felt optimistic that it will go forward. D. Update on Carnival. Mr. Allee said that he is waiting to receive comments from Carnival s attorneys on the Port s draft agreement. He stated that Carnival is already advertising that the Triumph will be arriving at the Port next April. Mr. Allee said that Carnival will provide a report to the Board on how they have used the market incentive funds and their benefits.
E. Update on Chiquita. Mr. Landry updated the committee on Chiquita by reporting that the issue with the ripening rooms is still a major sticking point with the state LED. He stated that Chiquita said the ripening rooms have to stay in Gulfport. In the meantime, Chiquita will shift other business not originally included in the CEA to offset the ripening room business. Mr. Landry said there is a huge trucking component to this and that Louisiana truckers will have two to three extra employees in New Orleans because of this new development. Commissioner Kearney asked how much money Louisiana put up for the ripening rooms. Mr. Landry stated that the state agreed to put up $2.2 million and the Port to put up $400,000. He said that none of that money will be spent if the ripening rooms stay in Gulfport. F. Update on Napoleon Container Terminal. Mr. LaGrange stated that the new software was put into place at the gates, and he read a letter from a trucker who expressed his gratitude for the changes and indicated the changes are making operations smoother and quicker in getting in and out of the gates. G. Cargo Report. Mr. Landry stated that, because the Board meeting is a week early this month, he did not have all the data on the container side from March, but, even with the vessels missing, the Port is still on track to have a good month. He stated that on the breakbulk side, there are two missing ships to close out the month, but it is still 54% ahead of where it was last fiscal year to date. H. Report on Vessel Calls. Mr. LaGrange said that for the first time in a long time, there were fewer vessel calls this year than the same month last year. In March, 2015, the Port had 416 vessel calls this year compared to 492 last year. Mr. LaGrange said that this year there were 1,344 vs. last year 1,367 in total. I. Upcoming Events: Mr. LaGrange reported on the upcoming events and pointed out event number nine announcing that Commissioner Kearney is the C. Alvin Bertel Award recipient for this year.
1. AAPA Mid-Year Meeting April 20-21, 2015 Washington, D.C. 2. NOLA Navy Week April 20-26, 2015 New Orleans, LA 3. NOLA Day at Legislature April 29, 2015 Baton Rouge, LA 4. PONO Customers Appreciation Night April 30, 2015 Zephyr Field 5. PONO Night May 7, 2015 New York City 6. 8 th Coast Guard District change of Command May 15, 2015 9:30 A.M. New Orleans 7. IFFCABANO Annual Meeting May 29-31, 2015 Pt. Clear, AL 8. AAPA Commissioners Seminar June 16-18, 2015 Halifax, NS, Canada 9. C. Alvin Bertel Award Presentation to the 2015 Recipient Mr. Michael W. Kearney June 24, 2015 at the Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans, LA 6. Other Business. Mr. Zimmermann mentioned that Navy week was coming up and that he would send out an email on scheduled tour times and dates. Commissioner Barkerding announced Mr. Frank Maselli was the new Italian Honorary Consul. Commissioner Bergeron asked if he could obtain an overview of the Best Practices meeting that he was unable to attend. Ms. Christian then provided a brief overview of the meeting for him. 7. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the committee, Committee Chairman Cooper adjourned the meeting at 10:58 A.M. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PORT OF NEWORLEANS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2015 MEETING NO. 10, FISCAL YEAR 2015, A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, HELD IN THE MAIN AUDITORIUM AT ITS OFFICES AT 1350 PORT OF NEW ORLEANS PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 11:08 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015, BY CHAIRMAN SCOTT H. COOPER.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF: GUESTS: Scott H. Cooper, Chairman William T. Bergeron, Vice-Chairman Michael W. Kearney, Secretary-Treasurer Gregory R. Rusovich, Member Robert R. Barkerding, Jr., Member Laney J. Chouest, Member Daniel F. Packer, Jr., Member G. LaGrange, President and Chief Executive Officer B. Christian, Chief Operating Officer B. Gussoni, Executive Counsel C. Bonura, Director, Business Development E. Pansano, Director, Internal Audit J. Lynch, Staff Attorney M. Rubino, Staff Attorney K. Ordoyne, Staff Attorney R. Aragon-Dolese, Manager, Communications P. Matthews, Community Affairs Manager H. Fontenot, Paralegal M. Gresham, Director of External Affairs S. Ordoyne, Executive Assistant L. Richardson, Business Development N. Polk, Communications K. Frankic, Business Development B. Cromartie, Port Development R. Bylsma, Facility Services B. Parent, Internal Audit A. Gennaro, Internal Audit T. Fortney, Information Technology A. Blake, Information Technology R. Foster, Building Services A. Rivera, Building Services C. Balthazar, Riverworks K. McCrossen, Baker Ready Mix J. Young, Hard Rock I. Barney, Wal-Mart A. Baker, incoming commissioner B. Charbonnet, former commissioner I. Determination of Quorum and Call to Order Chairman Cooper determined the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 11:08 A.M.
II. Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Cooper asked Commissioner Barkerding to lead the Board and the audience in saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and he did so. III. Approval of Minutes of March, 2015, Meetings On motion duly made by Commissioner Bergeron and seconded by Commissioner Kearney, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of its meetings of March, 2015, as previously circulated. IV. Acceptance of Financial Statement for March, 2015 On motion duly made by Commissioner Bergeron and seconded by Commissioner Kearney, the Board unanimously accepted the March, 2015, Financial Statement as previously circulated. V. Public Comment Chairman Cooper announced that the meeting was open to the public and said, if any member of the public present would like to comment, to please see Mr. Matthew Gresham. VI. Actions Required A. Consider Approval of a Resolution Awarding a Contract to Lamarque Ford for the Purchase of Three Vehicles under Jef f erson Parish Sherif f s Office Contract No. 15A1501 for Use by the Facility Services Departments. Mr. Bylsma presented and recommended approval of a resolution awarding a contract in the amount of $122,000 to Lamarque Ford for three vehicles for use by the Facility Services Departments. Commissioner Kearney advised the Board that the Planning and Engineering Committee had met and reviewed the resolution with staff, and he moved for its approval. Commissioner Rusovich seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Consider Approval of a Resolution Awarding a Contract to Courtesy Ford for the Purchase of Six Vehicles under State of Louisiana Contract No. 4400005973/409958 for Use by the Facility Services and General Operations Departments. Mr. Bylsma presented and recommended approval of a resolution awarding a contract in the amount of $124,700 to Courtesy Ford for the purchase of six vehicles for use by the Facility Services and General Operations Departments. Commissioner Kearney advised the Board that the Planning and Engineering Committee had met and reviewed the resolution with staff, and he moved for its
approval. Commissioner Bergeron seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. C. Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to Submit an Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation 2015 TIGER Grant Program for Project Funding. Mr. Bylsma presented and recommended approval of a resolution authorizing the Board s President and Chief Executive Officer to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation 2015 TIGER Grant Program for project funding of the Mississippi River Rail and Marine Terminal Intermodal Improvement Project. Commissioner Kearney advised the Board that the Planning and Engineering Committee had met and reviewed the resolution with staff, and he moved for its approval. Commissioner Rusovich seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. D. Consider Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to Enter into an Amendment to the Professional Services Contract with Manning Architects, APAC, for Construction Administration Services for the Poland Avenue Cruise Terminal Project. Mr. Bylsma presented and recommended approval of a resolution authorizing the Board s President and Chief Executive Officer to enter into an amendment in the amount of $52,800 to the contract with Manning Architects for construction administration services at the Poland Avenue Cruise Terminal Project. Commissioner Kearney advised the Board that the Planning and Engineering Committee had met and reviewed the resolution with staff, and he moved for its approval. Commissioner Bergeron seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. E. Consider Approval of a Resolution Declaring the Commitment of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex. Mr. Landry presented and recommended approval of a resolution declaring the commitment of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex as a state-of-the-art facility. Commissioner Cooper commented on how important and exciting this resolution is to the Port. Commissioner Barkerding advised the Board that the Property and Insurance Committee had met and reviewed the resolution with staff, and he moved for its approval. Commissioner Bergeron seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VII. Report by the President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. LaGrange began his report by acknowledging that it was Commissioner Daniel Packer s last regular board meeting and that he was unable to attend because of illness. He said many kind words about him and his past five years as a commissioner and that he will be missed. Mr. LaGrange recognized and commended Mr. Paul Zimmermann, Ms. Andre Fant, Mr. Bobby Landry, and everyone who worked on resolving congestion issues at Napoleon Avenue for their contributions in making necessary improvements at the terminal. Mr. LaGrange stated that the Port is looking at a fifth record year in a row in revenues and expressed his gratitude to all the tenants on the docks, tug boat and terminal operators, and everyone else who participated in the Port s success. Mr. LaGrange received a thank you letter from the Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL) expressing its appreciation and thanking the Port for hosting the annual PAL Conference. Mr. LaGrange thanked and recognized the following people who took part in the preparations of the conference: Matt Gresham, Stacie Ordoyne, Paul Matthews, Jeanne Moran, Wanda Stokes, Joe Labarriere, Renee Dolese, Nikki Polk, Cynthia Swain, Reynard Foster, Tim Fortney, Ahamal Blake, and Mike Douglas. VIII. Old Business None reported. IX. New Business Former Commissioner Charbonnet presided over the administration of the oath of office to Mr. Arnold B. Baker, who gave a brief speech after being sworn in as the new commissioner of the Port of New Orleans, replacing Mr. Packer. X. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:26 A.M. NEXT MEETING: 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 28, 2015