Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2024

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will meet to discuss the final amended 2024 budget and a resolution regarding facility improvements for Laitram, L.L.C. The board will also consider a nominating organization for Commissioner G.

• Approval of JEDCO Final Amended Budget for 2024
• Act of Conveyance for 2024 additions and improvements to Laitram, L.L.C. manufacturing and administrative facilities
• Resolution to submit a Nominating Organization for Commissioner G to the Parish Council

The Board approved a resolution to accept asset conveyances from Laitram, L.L.C. as part of a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) arrangement. The Board also approved the final amended budget for 2024 and updated the nominating organization for Commissioner G.

• Approved Louisiana Restaurant Association as Nominating Organization for Commissioner G (unanimous)
• Approved Act of Conveyance for Laitram, L.L.C. manufacturing and administrative facility improvements (unanimous)
• Approved JEDCO Final Amended Budget for 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Excused absence of Mayra Pineda (unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing up to $24 million in revenue bonds for RNGD LLC to build a manufacturing and training facility in Metairie. They will also consider two cooperative endeavor agreements providing up to $200,000 each to reimburse RNGD for relocation and expansion costs in Council District 2. Other business includes officer elections, committee appointments, and approval of a $24,800 contract for a demographic profile of Jefferson Parish.

• Resolution authorizing up to $24M in revenue bonds for RNGD LLC manufacturing and training facility in Metairie
• Cooperative endeavor agreement with Jefferson Parish to reimburse RNGD LLC up to $200,000 for relocation and expansion costs
• Cooperative endeavor agreement with JEDCO to reimburse RNGD LLC up to $200,000 for relocation and expansion costs
• Resolution approving $24,800 contract with BDPC, LLC for a demographic, social, and economic profile of Jefferson Parish
• Discussion on eligibility of Elmwood Business Association to continue as a nominating organization for the JEDCO board

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The regularly scheduled November 14, 2024, meeting of the JEDCO Executive Committee has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Nominating Committee will meet to discuss and make recommendations for 2025 officers, executive committee, and several other committees, as well as boards for JEDCO Development Corporation and Forward Jefferson Corporation. The meeting is scheduled for October 31, 2024, at the JEDCO Administration Building.

• Recommendations for 2025 JEDCO Officers
• Recommendations for 2025 JEDCO Executive Committee
• Recommendations for 2025 JEDCO Finance Committee
• Recommendations for 2025 JEDCO Development Corporation Board of Directors
• Recommendation for 2025 Jefferson Parish Economic Development Incentive Fund Committee

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will consider a resolution authorizing a $41.7 million bond issuance and tax agreement for a 144-unit affordable housing development at Lapalco Boulevard and Manor Heights Drive in Marrero. The board will also vote on a consulting contract with Trepwise for a five-year update to the Jefferson EDGE economic development strategic plan. Other agenda items include approval of minutes and public comments.

• Resolution to approve lease and bond documents for up to $41.7 million in revenue bonds for a 144-unit affordable housing development at Lapalco and Manor Heights in Marrero
• Resolution to approve a consulting contract with Trepwise for the five-year update to The Jefferson EDGE strategic plan

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The Executive Committee approved a lease and bond issuance for a multifamily affordable housing development in Marrero. The board also contracted a firm to update the parish's economic strategic plan and reviewed the eligibility of nominating organizations.

• Approved lease and bond issuance up to $41.7M for 144-unit affordable housing at Lapalco Blvd and Manor Heights Dr (Unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 consulting contract with Trepwise for The Jefferson EDGE 2030 strategic plan update (Unanimous)
• Approved Jefferson Chamber of Commerce/West Bank as an eligible nominating entity (Unanimous)
• Deferred eligibility consideration for Elmwood Business Association to November meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from September 26, 2024 (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee will review and discuss a proposed PILOT lease and lease terms for The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC, a matter deferred from May 2024. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Review and discussion of The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms (deferred from May 28, 2024)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve two Cooperative Endeavor Agreements. These agreements concern economic development and related services involving the Parish of Jefferson and Greater New Orleans, Inc.

• Resolution for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Parish of Jefferson for supplemental economic development services
• Resolution for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Greater New Orleans, Inc. for economic development services

The Board approved two Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs) for a one-year term. These agreements facilitate $90,000 in funding from Jefferson Parish to GNO, Inc. for business attraction, marketing, and planning services.

• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Parish of Jefferson for $90,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Greater New Orleans, Inc. for $90,000 (unanimous)
• Approved August 29, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Board will consider a resolution to increase the budget for a professional services agreement with Duplantis Design Group for design and engineering of new roadways within the Churchill Technology and Business Park. The board will also receive financial reports for June and July and approve minutes from the July 25 meeting.

• Resolution to approve budget increase for Professional Services Agreement with Duplantis Design Group for roadway design and engineering at Churchill Technology and Business Park
• Approval of board absences for August 29, 2024
• Approval of minutes from July 25, 2024 meeting
• Chief Financial Officer report on June and July financials

The Board approved a budget increase and 60-day contract extension for Duplantis Design Group, PC to redesign roadways for a food and beverage business incubator. The Board also approved an amendment to increase LACRED grant funding from GNO, Inc. to cover these costs.

• Approved budget increase up to $22,300 and 60-day extension for Duplantis Design Group, PC contract (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution to increase LACRED grant funding from GNO, Inc. by $22,300 for a new total of $122,300 (Unanimous)
• Approved July 25, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved amendment to the meeting agenda (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The August 22, 2024 regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No business items are listed.

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will meet to discuss financial updates and the 2025 proposed budget. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and the Chairwoman's travel expenses.

• Approval of JEDCO’s 2025 Proposed Budget and Financial updates
• Approval of Chairwoman’s travel expenses
• Approval of June 27, 2024 minutes

The Board unanimously approved the proposed budget for 2025. Additionally, the Board approved travel expenses for the Chairwoman to attend a Washington DC event. Staff provided updates on a new attraction campaign and an upcoming groundbreaking ceremony.

• Approved 2025 Proposed Budget (unanimous)
• Approved $3,206.96 in travel expenses for Chairwoman Mayra Pineda (unanimous)
• Approved June 27, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Excused absence of Brian Heiden (unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will meet to review the 2024 First Amended Budget. The board will also consider a resolution to extend a cooperative agreement for a business attraction marketing campaign.

• Approval of JEDCO’s 2024 First Amended Budget
• Resolution to extend the term of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement until June 30, 2025, for a marketing and Public Relations campaign

The Board unanimously approved the 2024 First Amended Budget and a resolution extending a marketing and public relations agreement with Jefferson Parish. The board also received updates on business relocations and capital outlay funding for Churchill Park.

• Approved First Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement extending marketing campaign term to June 30, 2025 (Unanimous)
• Approved 2024 First Amended Budget (Unanimous)
• Excused absences for Brian Heiden and Mayra Pineda for June 27, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Excused absences for Stephen Robinson and Melissa Simeon for May 30, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved May 30, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The Forward Jefferson Corporation will meet to acknowledge new board directors appointed by JEDCO. The board is also scheduled to approve the 2023 Financial Audit Report.

• Approval of 2023 Financial Audit Report
• Acknowledgment of new Directors appointed by JEDCO

The Board of Directors approved the JEDCO 2023 Financial Audit Report, which included component units for Forward Jefferson Corporation. The board also acknowledged two new Director appointments.

• Approved 2023 Financial Audit Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for November 30, 2023 (unanimous)
• Excused absences for May 30, 2024 (unanimous)
• Acknowledged appointment of Joe Ewell and Billy Douglass as Directors

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several financial and development items. The agenda includes resolutions for bond issuances totaling over $65 million for a manufacturing facility in Metairie and an affordable housing project in Marrero.

• Potential issuance of up to $24,000,000 in bonds for a manufacturing and training facility in Metairie
• Potential issuance of up to $41,700,000 in bonds for a 144-unit affordable housing development at Lapalco Blvd and Manor Heights Drive
• Approval of JEDCO’s 2023 Financial Audit Report
• Resolution to reappoint members to the Churchill Park Architectural Review Committee
• Unbudgeted expense for audio-visual equipment and ceiling repairs at the JEDCO Conference Center

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a lease and bond agreement for RNGD LLC to develop a manufacturing facility, training academy, and corporate office. Other actions included reappointing architectural review members and approving facility repairs. A proposal for affordable housing in Marrero was deferred.

• Approved $24M Lease Agreement and Agreement to Issue Bonds for RNGD LLC facility in Metairie (Unanimous)
• Approved reappointment of Mark Madderra, Matthew Zeringue, and Richard Poche to the JEDCO Architectural Review Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Financial Audit Report (Unanimous)
• Approved $40,978.61 for audio-visual equipment and $16,000 for ceiling grid replacement at JEDCO Conference Center (Unanimous)
• Approved April 2024 Monthly Financial Report (Unanimous)
• Deferred resolution for 144-unit affordable housing development in Marrero to next meeting (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee will meet to review and discuss lease terms for two entities. These discussions involve the PILOT program's lease requirements.

• Review and discussion of The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms
• Review and discussion of RNDG LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms

The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee recommended approval of a lease agreement for RNGD LLC's proposed $24 million investment in Labarre Business Park. The project includes a new manufacturing facility, a training academy, and corporate offices. The recommendation will be presented to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners on May 30, 2024.

• Approved March 25, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of RNGD LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms (unanimous)
• Deferred review of The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC PILOT Lease to next meeting (unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The regularly scheduled May 23, 2024, meeting of the JEDCO Executive Committee has been cancelled. The notice states that this meeting will not be rescheduled.

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will discuss a resolution to accept a $2,000,000 federal award for the design and construction of an incubator in Churchill Park. The committee will also review unbudgeted revenues and expenses related to technical assistance grants from Louisiana Economic Development.

• $2,000,000 EDA award for Churchill Park food and beverage incubator
• Approval of unbudgeted 2024 Special Projects department revenues and expenses
• Review of March 2024 monthly financial report

The board authorized the acceptance of a $2 million EDA grant to build a food and beverage incubator. It also approved unbudgeted revenues and expenses for seafood industry technical assistance and accepted the March 2024 financial report.

• Approved resolution to accept $2,000,000 EDA award for food and beverage incubator (Unanimous)
• Approved unbudgeted revenues and expenses for LED technical assistance grant (Unanimous)
• Approved March 2024 monthly financial report (Unanimous)
• Approved March 28 and April 11, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Excused board absences for April 25, 2024 (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Audit Committee will meet to review and discuss the 2023 Financial Audit Report and consider recommendations to the full Board. The meeting includes public comments and is open to the public.

• Review and discussion of JEDCO 2023 Financial Audit Report
• Audit Committee recommendations to the JEDCO Board regarding the audit report

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Special Executive Committee is meeting to discuss a resolution for a payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement with RNGD LLC. This incentive is proposed to support the company's corporate headquarters, manufacturing expansion, and a skills trade training academy.

• Preliminary approval of a payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement for RNGD LLC
• Proposed construction of RNGD LLC corporate headquarters
• Proposed expansion of RNGD LLC manufacturing facility
• Proposed construction of a manufacturing and steel fabrication facility
• Proposed construction of a skills trade training academy

The Executive Committee approved a resolution to begin negotiating a payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) arrangement with RNDG LLC. The proposal involves a $26 million investment for a corporate headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and a training academy in Jefferson Parish. The board also approved hiring Adams and Reese LLP as special counsel for the agreement.

• Approved preliminary resolution for RNDG LLC PILOT arrangement (Unanimous)
• Approved employment of special counsel Adams and Reese LLP (Unanimous)
• Approved engagement letter for special counsel fees to be paid by RNDG (Unanimous)
• Excused absences for Billy Douglas, Joe Ewell, and Mike Fahrenholt (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Executive Committee will vote on several bond resolutions, including up to $400 million for Laitram's manufacturing facilities, $33 million for Kenner Housing Authority redevelopment, and $41.7 million for an affordable housing project in Marrero. They will also appoint new board members to Forward Jefferson Corporation and approve the 2024 strategic operating plan.

• Resolution authorizing up to $400M in revenue bonds for Laitram, L.L.C. manufacturing expansion in Jefferson Parish
• Resolution authorizing up to $33M in revenue bonds for redevelopment of Kenner Housing Authority portfolio
• Resolution authorizing up to $41.7M in revenue bonds for a 144-unit affordable housing development at Lapalco Blvd and Manor Heights Dr, Marrero
• Appointment of Joe Ewell and Billy Douglass to Forward Jefferson Corporation Board of Directors
• Approval of the 2024 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan

The Board approved a new PILOT lease for Laitram LLC and a redevelopment agreement for the Kenner Housing Authority portfolio. The Board also approved its 2024 Strategic Operating Plan and financial reports. One affordable housing project in Marrero was deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved new PILOT lease and bonds up to $400M for Laitram LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved PILOT lease and bonds up to $33M for Kenner Housing Authority portfolio redevelopment (Unanimous)
• Deferred 144-unit affordable housing project at Lapalco Blvd and Manor Heights Dr to next meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved 2024 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved January and February 2024 monthly financial reports (Unanimous)
• Appointed Joe Ewell and Billy Douglass to Forward Jefferson Corporation Board (Unanimous)
• Authorized CEO to take positions during 2024 Legislative Session regarding 2023 Insurance Report (Unanimous)
• Approved February 29, 2024 Board and Retreat minutes (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee will review and discuss three Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) lease agreements: Laitram, L.L.C., KHA Affordable Properties, LP, and The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC. The Laitram item was deferred from the February 20 meeting. The committee will also accept minutes from the previous meeting and take public comments.

• Review of Laitram, L.L.C. PILOT Lease and Lease Terms (deferred from Feb. 20)
• Review of KHA Affordable Properties, LP PILOT Lease and Lease Terms
• Review of The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms

The committee unanimously recommended two PILOT lease agreements to the Executive Committee for approval. These agreements provide tax abatements to Laitram, L.L.C. and KHA Affordable Properties, LP to encourage business growth and affordable housing development.

• Approved February 20, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of new PILOT Lease terms with Laitram, L.L.C. to the Executive Committee (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of KHA Affordable Properties, LP PILOT Lease to the Executive Committee, with modifications to clawback provisions and repair language (unanimous)
• Deferred review of The Reserve at Lapalco Place, LLC PILOT Lease to the next meeting (unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Nominating Committee will meet to discuss and recommend candidates for the 2024 Executive, Finance, Audit, and Nominating Committees, as well as the PILOT Advisory Committee and the boards of JEDCO Development Corporation and Forward Jefferson Corporation. The meeting includes a public comment period.

• Recommendations for 2024 JEDCO Executive Committee
• Recommendations for 2024 JEDCO Finance Committee
• Recommendations for 2024 JEDCO Audit Committee
• Recommendations for 2024 PILOT Advisory Committee
• Recommendations for 2024 JEDCO Development Corporation Board of Directors

The JEDCO Nominating Committee unanimously voted to recommend a series of personnel changes for various committees and boards to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners. These recommendations include shifting member roles and filling vacancies left by non-reappointed members.

• Recommended moving Joe Ewell to JEDCO Executive Committee and Forward Jefferson Corporation Board
• Recommended appointing Billy Douglass to JEDCO Executive Committee and Forward Jefferson Corporation Board (contingent on March 6 appointment)
• Recommended ratifying Paula Polito, Melissa Simeon, and Lynda Nugent-Smith to JEDCO Finance Committee and JEDCO Development Corporation Board
• Recommended that the future Jefferson Business Council appointee serve on JEDCO Finance Committee and JEDCO Development Corporation Board
• Recommended appointing Teri Tucker to JEDCO Audit Committee
• Recommended appointing Bob Stevens to JEDCO PILOT Committee
• Recommended ratifying Teresa Lawrence and Jimmy Baum to JEDCO Nominating Committee

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Board of Commissioners is conducting a board retreat. The meeting includes updates for the 2024 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan and an overview and discussion of the Churchill Park Strategic Business Plan.

• Updates for the 2024 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan
• Overview and discussion of the Churchill Park Strategic Business Plan

The Board held a retreat to discuss the Strategic Business Plan for Churchill Park and updates to the 2024 Strategic Operating Plan. No formal votes were taken on these items; the 2024 Strategic Operating Plan is scheduled for formal adoption on March 28, 2024.

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The JEDCO Board of Commissioners is reviewing proposals for payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangements for two affordable housing projects. The board will also consider a $40,000 agreement with Louisiana Economic Development to support the local seafood industry.

• Preliminary approval for a tax incentive for a 144-unit affordable housing development at Lapalco Blvd and Manor Heights Drive
• Preliminary approval for a tax incentive for the redevelopment of the Kenner Housing Authority portfolio
• $40,000 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Louisiana Economic Development for seafood industry support
• Three-year service agreement with Salgado’s Gardening LLC for landscape maintenance
• Ratification of board appointments and removals for JEDCO Development Corporation

The Board approved a $350,000 assistance payment for Loop Linen's expansion and preliminary tax-incentive arrangements for two affordable housing projects. Additionally, the Board authorized $150,000 for facility renovations and $40,000 to support the local seafood industry.

• Approved $350,000 Economic Assistance Payment for Loop Linen expansion (Unanimous)
• Approved preliminary PILOT tax arrangement for 144-unit Reserve at Lapalco Place affordable housing (Unanimous)
• Approved preliminary PILOT tax arrangement for Kenner Housing Authority portfolio redevelopment (Unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 unbudgeted expenditure for JEDCO Finance Center and lobby renovations (Unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 agreement with Louisiana Economic Development for seafood industry support (Unanimous)
• Approved three-year landscaping service agreement with Salgado’s Gardening LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved Nominating Committee recommendations for various committee appointments (Unanimous)
• Approved December 2023 Financial Report (Unanimous)

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting for February 22, 2024, has been cancelled. The notice states that the meeting will not be rescheduled.

Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners

The regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting for January 25, 2024, has been cancelled. The notice states that the meeting will not be rescheduled.

The regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting for January 25, 2024, was cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No substantive decisions were made.