Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2020
13 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss several land acquisitions and financing measures. Key items include the purchase of over 1,000 acres in Violet, Louisiana, and the issuance of bonds to fund these acquisitions.
- Sale of Series 2020 Bonds up to $30 million for property acquisition
- Purchase of approximately 1,037 acres of property in Violet, Louisiana
- Transfer of approximately 81 acres in Violet, Louisiana via Dation en Paiement Agreement
- Contract amendment not to exceed $171,696.48 for Boh Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C. for Harmony Street Wharf Annex repairs
- Lease agreement with The Kearney Companies, Inc. for property at 3601 France Road
The Board approved multiple resolutions to acquire over 1,100 acres of land in Violet, Louisiana, for maritime cargo facility development. To fund these acquisitions and development, the Board authorized the sale of up to $30 million in bonds.
- Approved acquisition of 81 acres in Violet and related agreements with St. Bernard Port and Violet Dock Port, L.L.C. (Unanimous)
- Approved purchase agreement for approximately 1,037 acres in Violet from multiple owners (Unanimous)
- Authorized sale of Series 2020 Bonds up to $30 million for land acquisition and development (Unanimous)
- Increased equipment lease borrowing limit by $5 million to a total of $30 million (Unanimous)
- Approved $171,696.48 contract amendment for Boh Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C. for Harmony Street Wharf repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved lease agreement with The Kearney Companies, Inc. for 11.35 acres at 3601 France Road (Unanimous)
- Accepted consolidated financial statements for November 2020 (Unanimous)
- Approved November 2020 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review lease agreements for the Jourdan Road Terminal and Henry Clay Avenue Wharf. The body will also consider a settlement agreement with Cycle Marine Group, Inc. regarding wharf repairs.
- Lease agreement with New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Ltd. at Jourdan Road Terminal
- Lease amendment with New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Ltd. at Henry Clay Avenue Wharf
- Lease assignment at 6201 France Road from Lake Pontchartrain Properties, LLC to Athena New Orleans, LLC
- Settlement agreement with Cycle Marine Group, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Wharf A substructure repairs
- Annual Consolidated Independent Auditors’ Report briefing
The Board approved a 30-year lease with New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Ltd. and authorized a settlement with Cycle Marine Group, Inc. The Board also approved a lease assignment for property at 6201 France Road to Athena New Orleans, LLC.
- Approved 30-year lease with New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Ltd. at Jourdan Road Terminal for $453,224 annual base rent (Unanimous)
- Approved lease amendment for New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Ltd. at Henry Clay Avenue Wharf to decouple minimum annual tonnage guarantees (Unanimous)
- Approved lease assignment of 6201 France Road from Lake Pontchartrain Properties, LLC to Athena New Orleans, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved settlement agreement with Cycle Marine Group, Inc. regarding Nashville Avenue Wharf 'A' substructure repairs (Unanimous)
- Accepted October 2020 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved October 2020 public meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider three action items: accepting September financial statements, approving employee benefits agreements, adopting the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and authorizing an EPA grant agreement for the Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program. The meeting will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Consider approval of a resolution authorizing the President and CEO to enter into annual employee benefits agreements for health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Consider approval of a resolution adopting the 2020 Port of New Orleans Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
- Consider approval of a resolution authorizing the President and CEO to enter into an agreement with the EPA for grant funds for the Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (Clean TRIP).
The Board approved annual employee benefit agreements for 2021 and a $1.24 million EPA grant for the Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program. Members also adopted the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and accepted September 2020 financial statements.
- Approved September 2020 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved 2021 employee benefit agreements for health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance (Unanimous)
- Adopted the 2020 Port of New Orleans Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Unanimous)
- Approved $1,240,247 EPA grant for the Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (Unanimous)
- Approved September 2020 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider awarding a $732,581.21 contract for the second phase of warehouse renovations at 400 Avenue in Harahan, Louisiana, and authorize up to $800,000 for as-needed container crane engineering services. Other action items include contracts for COVID-19 temperature screening and security guard services, plus a berthing agreement with Viking USA. The meeting will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Resolution awarding $732,581.21 contract to APC Construction, LLC for second phase of warehouse renovations at 400 Edwards Avenue, Harahan
- Resolution authorizing up to $300,000 contract with APTIM Port Services, LLC and up to $500,000 contract with Boos Navarre, LLC for container crane engineering services over three years
- Resolution authorizing up to $250,000 contract with River Healthcare, Inc. for as-needed body temperature screening services (one year with two one-year renewals)
- Resolution authorizing estimated $475,000 per year contract with Inter-Con Security, Inc. for security guard services (one year with two one-year renewals)
- Resolution authorizing a five-year berthing agreement with Viking USA, LLC (with two five-year renewal options)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a five-year agreement to make the Robin Street Wharf a homeport for Viking USA, LLC starting January 1, 2022. Other actions included awarding a warehouse renovation contract and approving security and health screening services.
- Approved 5-year berthing agreement with Viking USA, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved $732,581.21 warehouse renovation contract for APC Construction, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved container crane engineering contracts with APTIM Port Services, LLC (up to $300k) and Boos Navarre, LLC (up to $500k) (Unanimous)
- Approved as-needed body temperature screening contract with River Healthcare, Inc. up to $250,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved security guard services contract with Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. for estimated $475,000 per year (Unanimous)
- Accepted August 2020 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved August 2020 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review July 2020 financial statements and consider several professional service contracts. Items include amendments for the Nashville Avenue Terminal Crane Rail Extension Project and new environmental compliance agreements.
- Contract amendment up to $250,000 with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Terminal Crane Rail Extension Project
- Three-year environmental services contracts with Leaaf Environmental, LLC; Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.; and Terracon Consultants, Inc. not to exceed $200,000 per contract
- Three-year NEPA technical assistance contracts with J. S. Held, LLC and N-Y Associates, Inc. not to exceed $300,000 per contract
- Annual retiree Medicare Advantage Plan contract with United Healthcare Insurance Companies
- Assignment of Board lease with Seaonus Stevedoring New Orleans, LLC at Alabo Street Wharf
The Board approved several professional service contracts for environmental compliance and NEPA technical assistance. It also authorized a lease assignment at Alabo Street Wharf and adopted amendments to the Board's Bylaws. A declaration of extreme public emergency was briefed following damage to two container cranes.
- Approved July 2020 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved annual contract with United Healthcare Insurance Companies for retiree Medicare Advantage Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved $250,000 contract amendment for AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Terminal project (Unanimous)
- Approved three environmental compliance contracts with Leaaf Environmental, LLC, Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., and Terracon Consultants, Inc. up to $200,000 each (Unanimous)
- Approved two NEPA technical assistance contracts with J.S. Held, LLC and N-Y Associates, Inc. up to $300,000 each (Unanimous)
- Approved amendments to the Board's Bylaws (Unanimous)
- Approved lease assignment from Seaonus Stevedoring New Orleans, LLC to Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. at Alabo Street Wharf (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider several contracts and resolutions at its July 23 regular meeting, including a $2.75 million contract for St. Claude Avenue Bridge rehabilitation and a $930,000 contract for crane decommissioning at Nashville Avenue Terminal. The board will also vote on a $934,505 contract amendment for electrical work and paving at Nashville Avenue Terminal, a lease agreement with Kearney Companies for France Road property, and a resolution confirming compliance with state auditing requirements. The meeting will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- $2,750,000 contract to PCL Civil Constructors for St. Claude Avenue Bridge rehabilitation
- $930,000 contract to Crane Services, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Terminal crane decommissioning
- $934,505 amendment to Centric Gulf Coast contract for Nashville Avenue Terminal electrical and paving work
- Lease agreement with Kearney Companies for property at 3501 France Road
- Resolution confirming board compliance with Louisiana Legislative Auditor's compliance questionnaire
The Board approved several infrastructure contracts, including bridge repairs and crane decommissioning. They also authorized a new lease agreement for property on France Road and accepted June 2020 financial statements.
- Approved $2.75M contract to PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. for St. Claude Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation (Unanimous)
- Approved $930,000 contract to Industrial & Crane Services, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Terminal Complex Crane No. 5 Decommissioning (Unanimous)
- Approved $934,505 contract amendment with Centric Gulf Coast, Inc. for electrical modifications and paving (Unanimous)
- Approved lease agreement with The Kearney Companies, Inc. for 3501 France Road (Unanimous)
- Accepted consolidated financial statements for June 2020 (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution confirming compliance with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s questionnaire (Unanimous)
- Administered Oath of Office to new Commissioner Walter J. Leger, Jr.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 financial and operating plan. The body will consider several contracts for dredging and construction management, as well as a lease agreement for property on Jourdan Road.
- Sale of up to $80 million of Series 2020D and 2020E Revenue Bonds
- Contracts not exceeding $3,000,000 for dredging services for Fiscal Year 2021
- Construction management contracts with ECM Consultants, Inc., Kenall, Inc., and Royal Engineers & Consultants, LLC not to exceed $500,000 each
- Lease agreement with and Turn Services, L.L.C. for property at 3410 Jourdan Road
- Renewal of President and CEO Brandy D. Christian's employment contract
The Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Financial and Operating Plan and authorized the sale of up to $80 million in revenue bonds. The Board also renewed the CEO's employment contract for three years and elected new officers.
- Approved FY2021 Financial and Operating Plan (unanimous)
- Authorized sale of up to $80M in Series 2020D and 2020E revenue bonds (unanimous)
- Elected Darryl D. Berger as Board Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected William H. Langenstein, III as Vice-Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected Charles H. Ponstein as Secretary-Treasurer (unanimous)
- Renewed Brandy D. Christian's contract as CEO for three years (unanimous)
- Approved three construction management contracts not to exceed $500,000 each (unanimous)
- Authorized dredging services contracts up to $3M for FY2021 (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to review financial statements and vote on several contract amendments and renewals. The meeting is being conducted virtually due to COVID-19 public health emergency proclamations.
- Contract amendment for structural repairs to the Seabrook Bridge with Complete Engineering and Construction, Inc. for $280,694.50
- Contract amendment for electrical and paving modifications at the Nashville Avenue Terminal Complex with Centric Gulf Coast, Inc. for $181,913
- Software licensing agreement renewal with FinancialForce.com, Inc. for $134,330.40
- Contract extension with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC not to exceed $97,430 for base services plus $1.00 per $1,000 of bonds issued
- Acceptance of the Consolidated Financial Statements for April 2020
The Board of Commissioners approved April 2020 financial statements and multiple contract amendments for financial services, software licensing, and infrastructure repairs. The meeting also included the appointment of a Nominating Committee for upcoming officer elections.
- Accepted April 2020 consolidated financial statements (unanimous)
- Approved three-year contract extension with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC (unanimous)
- Approved $134,330.40 software licensing agreement with FinancialForce.com, Inc. (unanimous)
- Approved $280,694.50 amendment for Seabrook Bridge structural repairs (unanimous)
- Approved $181,913 amendment for Nashville Avenue Terminal electrical and paving work (unanimous)
- Appointed Commissioners Jensen, Toomy, and Baker to the Nominating Committee
Board of Commissioners
The Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual regular meeting on April 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 emergency. The board will consider several action items, including the sale of revenue bonds to refund existing debt, a $604,694 contract for roof renovations, and a briefing on a vessel allision with a container crane. Other items include adoption of the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization Plan and a lease assignment.
- Resolution authorizing sale of Series 2020A, 2020B, and 2020C revenue bonds to refund Series 2013A, 2013B, and GoZone bonds
- Award of $604,694 contract to Roof Technologies, Inc. for Phase I renovations at 400 Edwards Avenue warehouse
- Briefing on President & CEO's declaration of extreme public emergency regarding M/V E.R. London allision with Container Crane No. 9
- Resolution adopting the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization (PIER) Plan for industrial real estate development
- Resolution authorizing consent to assignment of lease at 6001 France Road from Lake Pontchartrain Properties, LLC
The Board of Commissioners approved the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization Plan (PIER Plan) to guide future industrial real estate development. The Board also authorized a $604,694 warehouse roof renovation contract and approved a resolution for revenue bond sales.
- Approved March 2020 consolidated financial statements (unanimous)
- Approved resolution for Series 2020A, 2020B, and 2020C revenue bond sales (unanimous)
- Awarded $604,694 contract to Roof Technologies, Inc. for warehouse renovations (unanimous)
- Adopted the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization Plan (PIER Plan) (unanimous)
- Tabled lease assignment for 6001 France Road due to COVID-19 delays (unanimous)
- Recognized May 22 as National Maritime Day and May as Maritime Month (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will conduct meetings via teleconferencing or videoconferencing due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The agenda includes ratifying a declaration of extreme public emergency related to COVID-19 and discussing an emergency involving Container Crane No. 6.
- Ratification of President and CEO's declaration of an extreme public emergency regarding COVID-19
- Acceptance of February 2020 consolidated financial statements
- Resolution to extend the employment contract of President and CEO Brandy D. Christian
- Briefing on a public emergency declaration regarding Container Crane No. 6 - Main Hoist Drum Failure
- Executive session to discuss the annual performance review of Brandy D. Christian
The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution ratifying the CEO's COVID-19 emergency declaration, amended to expire with the statewide public health emergency. The Board also voted to extend President and CEO Brandy D. Christian's employment contract through July 31, 2020.
- Approved resolution ratifying CEO's COVID-19 emergency declaration (unanimous)
- Accepted February 2020 consolidated financial statements (unanimous)
- Approved extension of CEO Brandy D. Christian's contract through July 31, 2020 (unanimous)
- Entered closed executive session to discuss CEO performance review (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will consider resolutions regarding revenue bonds for debt refunding and capital projects. The meeting also includes a briefing on the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization (PIER) Plan.
- Resolution to increase Series 2020 Revenue Bonds by $16.25 million for advanced refunding of Series 2013A Bonds
- Resolution to increase capital improvement reimbursement to $20 million for up to $80 million in revenue bonds
- Renewal of property, casualty, and liability insurance policies not to exceed $5,400,000
- Briefing on the Port Inner Harbor Economic Revitalization (PIER) Plan
The Board approved a resolution to increase the authorization for Series 2020 Revenue Bonds by $16.25 million and increase reimbursement for capital improvements to $20 million. The Board also authorized the renewal of various property and casualty insurance policies. Additionally, the Board accepted the January 2020 consolidated financial statements.
- Approved increasing Series 2020 Revenue Bonds authorization by $16.25 million (Unanimous)
- Approved increasing reimbursement for capital improvements to $20 million (Unanimous)
- Approved renewal of property and casualty insurance policies not to exceed $5.4 million (Unanimous)
- Approved January 2020 public meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted January 2020 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Executive Committee entered and exited closed session to discuss Cyber Security Plan (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to decide on several high-value financial authorizations and infrastructure contracts. This includes bond sales for debt refunding and capital projects, as well as software licensing and wharf repair agreements.
- Sale of up to $33.5 million in revenue bonds for refunding and up to $80 million for capital projects
- Up to $25 million in crane leases
- Contract award of $916,272 to Stella-Jones Corporation for 1,008 timber piles
- Software licensing agreements with Dell Technologies Inc. ($518,491.35) and Carahsoft Technology Corporation ($308,127.10)
- Contract amendment of $300,291.64 with Cycle Marine Group, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Wharf 'A' repairs
The Board approved the sale of up to $113.5 million in revenue bonds for refunding and capital projects. It also authorized several software renewals and infrastructure contracts for wharf repairs and maintenance.
- Approved sale of up to $33.5M in refunding bonds and $80M for capital projects (Unanimous)
- Approved $25M in crane leases (Unanimous)
- Approved $518,491.35 three-year Microsoft Office 365 agreement with Dell Technologies, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved $308,127.10 one-year Salesforce software renewal with Carahsoft Technology Corporation (Unanimous)
- Certified compliance with Public Bid Law for Nashville Terminal project awarded to Orion Industrial Construction, LLC for $54,826,874 (Unanimous)
- Approved $300,291.64 contract amendment for Cycle Marine Group, Inc. for Nashville Avenue Wharf 'A' repairs (Unanimous)
- Awarded $916,272 two-year contract to Stella-Jones Corporation for 1,008 timber piles (Unanimous)
- Accepted December 2019 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)