Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2024
25 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee will meet to discuss and recommend officers for the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. These officers will serve from December 2024 through September 2025.
- Recommendation of Board of Commissioners officers for the term December 2024 through September 2025
The Nominating Committee approved a ballot of officers to be voted on by the full Board of Commissioners. The proposed officers will serve nine-month terms from December 2024 through September 2025.
- Approved proposed ballot of Sharonda R. Williams as Vice-Chairman and Jeanne E. Ferrer as Secretary-Treasurer (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners will meet to approve financial statements, contracts, and leases. Key decisions include accepting consolidated financial statements, authorizing construction management contracts totaling up to $3 million, and approving a lease and professional services contract for master plan updates.
- Accept consolidated financial statements for November 2024
- Approve two construction management contracts with Royal Engineers and Meyer Engineers, up to $1.5M each
- Approve lease for 3601 France Road with Magnolia Fleet, LLC
- Approve $400K contract with GHD, Inc. to update and develop master plans
- Amend lease and accept improvements transfer for 5.1743 acres in Squares 78, 73, and 70 of the Third Municipal District
The Board approved several professional service contracts, including a $400,000 project to update the 2018 Master Plan. The Board also authorized construction management contracts and a property lease. New Board officers were elected for nine-month terms.
- Approved two construction management contracts with Royal Engineers and Consultants, L.L.C. and Meyer Engineers, Ltd. not to exceed $1.5M each (Unanimous)
- Approved lease agreement with Magnolia Fleet, LLC for 3601 France Road (Unanimous)
- Approved $400,000 contract with GHD, Inc. to update the 2018 Master Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved lease amendment and transfer of improvements from Brandon International, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved November 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Elected Sharonda R. Williams as Vice-Chairman and Jeanne E. Ferrer as Secretary-Treasurer (Unanimous)
- Approved November 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a credit for the New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company, LLC and authorized revisions to the Board's FMC Tariff. The meeting also included public opposition to a lease agreement with Sunrise Foods International and the Alabo Street wharf project.
- Approved $502,535 credit to New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company, LLC for Jourdan Road Wharf rehabilitation (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution to revise the Board’s FMC Tariff, T-No. 2 (Unanimous)
- Approved October 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved October 2024 public meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Appointed Commissioners Leger, Berger, and Murphy to the Nominating Committee
Board of Commissioners
The Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners will hold its regular monthly meeting to review financial statements, approve a resolution revising the board’s FMC tariff, and consider issuing a $502,535 credit to New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company for Jourdan Road Wharf repairs. The board will also discuss public comments, CEO reports, and adjournment procedures.
- Accept Consolidated Financial Statements for October 2024
- Approve resolution to revise Board’s FMC Tariff, T-No. 2
- Approve $502,535 credit to New Orleans Cold Storage and Warehouse Company for Jourdan Road Wharf rehabilitation
- Consider approval of meeting minutes for October 2024
- Closed executive session to discuss Brandon International, L.L.C.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to vote on several service and construction contracts. Key items include infrastructure design for the Louisiana International Terminal and demolition work at St. Maurice Timber Wharf.
- Contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Terminal Access Roads and E. Judge Perez Drive Interchange design, not to exceed $2,000,000
- Contract to Sealevel Construction, Inc. for St. Maurice Timber Wharf Demolition Project in the amount of $1,558,580
- Contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. for HVAC and Building Automation Services, not to exceed $1,219,640
- One-year insurance contracts with United Healthcare and Guardian Life Insurance for active employees
- Review of professional qualifications of Beth Ann Branch in closed executive session
The Board approved an employment contract for Beth Ann Branch to serve as President and CEO starting December 1, 2024. The Board also approved several infrastructure contracts and employee insurance renewals.
- Approved employment contract for Beth Ann Branch as President and CEO (Unanimous)
- Approved $1.56M contract to Sealevel Construction, Inc. for St. Maurice Timber Wharf Demolition (Unanimous)
- Approved up to $2M contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Louisiana International Terminal road design (Unanimous)
- Approved up to $1.22M contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. for HVAC and building automation services (Unanimous)
- Approved one-year insurance contracts with United Healthcare and Guardian Life Insurance for employees (Unanimous)
- Approved September 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved September 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry in a closed executive session. The public comment period is scheduled before the closed session.
- Closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry hiring under La. R.S. 42:17(A)(1)
The Board convened a special meeting to enter a closed executive session. No substantive decisions or public actions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss professional qualifications of Korn Ferry (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to conclude closed executive session (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry in a closed executive session. No substantive decisions or public actions were recorded during the meeting.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry professional qualifications (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved several high-value infrastructure contracts, including repairs to the Nashville Wharf and the Louisiana International Terminal. The Board also authorized an application to expand the Port's Foreign Trade Zone jurisdiction into St. Tammany Parish.
- Approved $13.5M GMP for Nashville Wharf 'A' Substructure Repairs Phase 2 (Unanimous)
- Approved $8,449,759 contract for Nashville A Shed Sprinkler System Replacement (Unanimous)
- Approved $9,977,451 GMP for Louisiana International Terminal Site Development Phase Three (Unanimous)
- Approved $586,008 contract for Nashville-Napoleon Terminal Complex crane rail hinge replacement (Unanimous)
- Approved $359,604 contract for port-wide HVAC services with Johnson Controls, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved application to expand Foreign Trade Zone jurisdiction to include St. Tammany Parish (Unanimous)
- Approved lease agreement with Stay Ready Nola, Inc. for 4611 N. Robertson Street (Unanimous)
- Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for St. Claude Bridge Rehabilitation (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry in a closed executive session. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open meeting.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry qualifications (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met remotely to conduct a closed executive session regarding the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry. No substantive decisions or public actions were recorded in the open meeting.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry professional qualifications (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry in a closed executive session. No substantive public decisions or votes on contracts were recorded.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry qualifications (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several infrastructure projects and contracts. Key items include a cooperative agreement for the Louisiana International Terminal and the acquisition of three properties.
- Acquisition of three separate properties for a cumulative sum not to exceed $700,000
- Contract amendment for Maintenance Dredging I, LLC to increase cost by $115,088.24
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for the Louisiana International Terminal project
- Contract with New Orleans Public Facility Management, Inc. for overflow parking at $11 per car per day
- Project completion acceptance with Orion Industrial Construction, LLC for Nashville Terminal repairs and demolition
The Board approved several operational contracts, including a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for the Louisiana International Terminal. The Board also authorized the acquisition of three properties and an increase in dredging service costs.
- Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with State of Louisiana for Louisiana International Terminal project (Unanimous)
- Approved acquisition of three separate properties for a cumulative sum not to exceed $700,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved $115,088.24 cost increase for Maintenance Dredging I, LLC contract (Unanimous)
- Approved project completion with Orion Industrial Construction, LLC for Nashville Terminal repairs and demolition (Unanimous)
- Approved overflow parking contract with New Orleans Public Facility Management, Inc. at $11 per car per day starting Jan 1, 2025 (Unanimous)
- Approved July 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved July 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners Executive Committee will meet in a closed executive session. The session is dedicated to discussing the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry.
- Closed executive session regarding professional qualifications of Korn Ferry
The Executive Committee met to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry in a closed executive session. No substantive decisions or public actions were recorded during the meeting.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Korn Ferry qualifications (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Port of New Orleans Executive Committee will meet to conduct a closed session to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry for a hiring process and a pending lawsuit with St. Bernard Parish Government.
- Closed session to discuss Korn Ferry hiring qualifications
- Closed session to discuss St. Bernard Parish Government v. Port of New Orleans lawsuit (Docket No. 23-1006)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial statements and vote on several contract amendments and new service agreements. Key items include infrastructure repairs and equipment purchases for harbor police.
- Proposed $13,000,000 Phase Three GMP for Jourdan Road Terminal Wharf Substructure Repair with Boh Bros. Construction Co., L.L.C.
- Proposed $295,000 cost increase for Gulf Engineers & Consultants, Inc. regarding the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project
- Proposed $300,000 contract with Royal Engineers & Consultants LLC for Salesforce support
- Proposed $222,717.96 agreement with Dell Marketing LP for firewalls and management services
- Proposed purchase of eight Harbor Police Department vehicles not to exceed $440,000
The Board of Commissioners approved several infrastructure and operational contracts, including a significant payment for wharf repairs. The Board also authorized the purchase of police vehicles and IT services.
- Approved $13M Phase Three Guaranteed Maximum Price for Jourdan Road Terminal Wharf Substructure Repair Project (Unanimous)
- Approved $440,000 to purchase eight vehicles for the Harbor Police Department (Unanimous)
- Approved $300,000 contract with Royal Engineers & Consultants LLC for Salesforce support (Unanimous)
- Approved $222,717.96 agreement with Dell Marketing LP for firewalls and management services (Unanimous)
- Approved $295,000 cost increase for Gulf Engineers & Consultants, Inc. for LIT Planning and Permitting Project (Unanimous)
- Approved June 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution confirming compliance with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s questionnaire (Unanimous)
- Approved June 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee met in a closed executive session to discuss the professional qualifications of Korn Ferry and pending litigation involving the St. Bernard Parish School Board. No public actions or votes were taken on these matters during the open session.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will meet in a closed session to discuss the performance of Acting President and CEO Ronald Wendel, Jr. and a lawsuit involving St. Bernard Parish Government. The meeting also includes public comment regarding a lease agreement for the Alabo Street Terminal.
- Performance review of Acting President & CEO Ronald Wendel, Jr.
- Discussion of St. Bernard Parish Government v. Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Docket No. 23-1006)
- Public comment on lease agreement with Sunrise Foods International, Inc. for the Alabo Street Terminal
The Executive Committee met in a closed session to discuss the performance review of Acting President and CEO Ronald Wendel, Jr. and pending litigation with St. Bernard Parish Government. Five individuals provided public comment in support of a lease agreement with Sunrise Foods International, Inc. No formal votes on the lease or personnel matters were recorded in the open session.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to end closed executive session (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to adjourn (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review the Fiscal Year 2025 financial and operating plan. The body is deciding on several construction contracts, lease agreements, and the implementation of a Small Business Opportunity Program.
- Revenue bonds not-to-exceed $100,000,000 for capital improvements and refunding 2021A Notes
- Contract with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for Alabo Lead Rehabilitation Project up to $3,300,000
- Contract increase of $3,214,945 for Kiewit Louisiana Co. regarding Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) site development
- Lease with Sunrise Foods International, Inc. for a bulk organic grain terminal at Alabo Street Wharf
- Contract with Magnolia Midstream, LLC for marine diesel fuel not to exceed $1,378,980
The Board approved the FY2025 financial and operating plan and authorized the issuance of up to $100 million in revenue bonds. Members also approved several infrastructure contracts, a new organic grain terminal lease, and the Small Business Opportunity Program.
- Approved FY2025 Consolidated Financial and Operating Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved preliminary issuance of revenue bonds up to $100M for capital improvements (Unanimous)
- Approved $3.2M contract increase for Kiewit Louisiana Co. for LIT site development (Majority)
- Approved lease with Sunrise Foods International, Inc. for bulk organic grain terminal (Unanimous)
- Approved $3.3M agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for Alabo Lead Rehabilitation (Unanimous)
- Approved Small Business Opportunity Program (Unanimous)
- Approved $300,000 annual contract with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC (Unanimous)
- Authorized search for new President and CEO via national search firms (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several construction and service contracts, including bridge repairs and utility studies. The board will also consider lease agreements for properties on Terminal Road and a vote regarding the position of Acting President and Chief Executive Officer.
- Contract for Nashville B Substructure Repairs with Orion Industrial Construction, LLC for $5,194,316.58
- Construction management for Almonaster Bridge Rehabilitation Project with Modjeski and Masters, Inc. up to $2,500,000
- Facilities Study Reimbursement Agreement with Entergy Louisiana, LLC for $1,200,000 regarding the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT)
- Contract for Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Florida Avenue Bridge Roadway and Settlement Repairs with Cycle Construction Company, LLC for $720,771
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy renewal with Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation estimated at $709,205
The Board appointed Ronald Wendel, Jr. as acting President and CEO following the resignation of Ms. Christian. The Board also approved several infrastructure contracts and lease agreements.
- Appointed Ronald Wendel, Jr. as acting President and CEO (Unanimous)
- Approved $5.19M contract to Orion Industrial Construction, LLC for Nashville B Substructure Repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved $2.5M contract with Modjeski and Masters, Inc. for Almonaster Bridge Rehabilitation (Unanimous)
- Approved $1.2M facilities study agreement with Entergy Louisiana, LLC for Louisiana International Terminal (Majority)
- Approved $783,105 contract to Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc. for hydraulic outboard propulsion units (Unanimous)
- Approved $720,771 contract to Cycle Construction Company, LLC for Florida Avenue Bridge repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved renewal of Workers’ Compensation Insurance with LWCC at estimated cost of $709,205 (Unanimous)
- Approved $400,000 subrecipient agreement with the City of New Orleans for transportation and logistics partnership (Unanimous)
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will meet to discuss and make a recommendation regarding the position of Acting President and Chief Executive Officer. The meeting also includes a closed executive session for personnel and legal matters.
- Performance review of Executive Vice-President and CFO Ronald Wendel, Jr.
- Legal discussion regarding St. Bernard Parish Government v. Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Docket No. 23-1006)
- Recommendation for the position of Acting President and Chief Executive Officer
The Executive Committee recommended that Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel, Jr. be named Acting President and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment is set to begin on the effective date of Brandy Christian's resignation.
- Recommended Ronald Wendel, Jr. for Acting President and Chief Executive Officer (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review several contract amendments and new service agreements. Key items include cost increases for the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) development and repairs to wharf infrastructure.
- $14,600,000 increase to Kiewit Louisiana Co. contract for LIT site development
- $2,050,000 increase to PCL Construction, Inc. contract for Nashville “A” Wharf repairs
- $301,321 contract to Roofing Solutions, LLC for Perry Street Wharf Shed repairs
- Audit services contract with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, L.L.C. up to $550,000
- $365,000 increase to Eustis Engineering Services, LLC for LIT geotechnical services
The Board of Commissioners approved several infrastructure contracts and cost increases, most notably for the Louisiana International Terminal project. The board also authorized a financial audit contract and a lease for fleeting operations on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
- Approved $14.6M cost increase for Kiewit Louisiana Co. (LIT Site Development) (Unanimous)
- Approved $2.05M cost increase for PCL Construction, Inc. (Nashville 'A' Wharf repairs) (Unanimous)
- Approved $301,321 contract for Roofing Solutions, LLC (Perry Street Wharf Shed repairs) (Unanimous)
- Approved audit services contract with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, L.L.C. up to $550,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved $200,000 contract with Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. for cruise terminal parking study (Unanimous)
- Approved $365,000 cost increase for Eustis Engineering Services, LLC (LIT project) (Unanimous)
- Approved lease with Star Marine Fleeting, L.L.C. for Gulf Intracoastal Waterway operations (Unanimous)
- Approved transfer of dry docks and leases to Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will vote on several property transfers, lease agreements, and insurance renewals. The meeting includes a discussion on a beautification project for the Calliope Corridor and the election of board officers.
- Property and Commercial Auto Liability Insurance renewal not to exceed $7,756,683
- Acquisition of a warehouse at 5200 Coffee Drive for $6,600,000
- Contract amendment not to exceed $177,668 for Almonaster Avenue Bridge repairs
- Termination of lease with Bollinger Algiers, L.L.C. for Powder Street Wharf
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the Calliope Corridor Beautification and Landscaping Project
The Board elected Walter J. Leger, Jr. as Chairman and approved the acquisition of a warehouse for $6.6 million. Other decisions included renewing insurance policies and authorizing bridge repairs. The meeting was marked by public comments opposing business partnerships with Israel.
- Elected Walter J. Leger, Jr. (Chairman), James J. Carter, Jr. (Vice-Chairman), and Sharonda R. Williams (Secretary-Treasurer) (Unanimous)
- Approved property and commercial auto liability insurance renewal not to exceed $7,756,683 (Unanimous)
- Approved $6,600,000 acquisition of warehouse at 5200 Coffee Drive (Unanimous)
- Approved contract amendment not to exceed $177,668 for Almonaster Avenue Bridge repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved termination of lease with Bollinger Algiers, L.L.C. and acquisition of landside assets at Powder Street Wharf (Unanimous)
- Approved lease agreement with The Kearney Companies, Inc. for 5200 Coffee Drive (Unanimous)
- Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Calliope Corridor Beautification and Landscaping Project (Unanimous)
- Accepted February 2024 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee unanimously approved a proposed ballot of officers to serve nine-month terms from March 2024 through December 2024. The proposed officers will be voted on by the full Board of Commissioners.
- Approved proposed ballot for Board officers: Walter J. Leger, Jr. (Chairman), James J. Carter, Jr. (Vice-Chairman), and Sharonda R. Williams (Secretary-Treasurer) (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial statements and vote on insurance renewals and a construction contract. The board will also announce an intent to present a lease agreement for board-owned property at the next meeting.
- Contract for Nashville B Substructure Repairs with LMB Services, LLC for $3,867,530.90
- Insurance renewals for various liabilities and property at a not-to-exceed cost of $1,933,660
- Acceptance of January 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board approved a contract for substructure repairs and authorized the renewal of various insurance policies. The Board also accepted January 2024 financial statements and appointed a Nominating Committee for officers.
- Approved $3,867,530.90 contract to LMB Services, LLC for Nashville B Substructure Repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved insurance renewals for liability, pollution, cyber, and other policies not to exceed $1,933,660 (Unanimous)
- Accepted consolidated financial statements for January 2024 (Unanimous)
- Approved January 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Appointed Commissioners Ferrer, Berger, and Murphy to the Nominating Committee
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to vote on several service contracts and infrastructure repairs. Key discussions include the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor and software licensing renewals.
- Software licensing agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for $954,476.99
- Three material testing contracts with Gulf South Engineering and Testing, Inc., Terracon Consultants, Inc., and Eustis Engineering L.L.C. up to $250,000 each
- Contract with D&D Construction LA, LLC for $292,798 for Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Seabrook Bridge Fender Repairs
- Consulting contract with WSP USA, Inc. up to $300,000 for St. Bernard Transportation Corridor P3 procurement
- Resolution reaffirming support for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor
The Board approved several infrastructure and software contracts, including a consulting agreement for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor despite public opposition. The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the St. Bernard corridor.
- Approved $954,476.99 software licensing agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp. (Unanimous)
- Approved three as-needed material testing contracts with Gulf South Engineering and Testing, Inc., Terracon Consultants, Inc., and Eustis Engineering L.L.C., not to exceed $250,000 each (Unanimous)
- Approved $292,798 contract to D&D Construction LA, LLC for Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Seabrook Bridge Fender Repairs (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution reaffirming commitment to the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with WSP USA, Inc. not to exceed $300,000 for St. Bernard Transportation Corridor P3 procurement consulting (Unanimous)
- Approved December 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted December 2023 consolidated financial statements (Unanimous)