New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission public meetings in 2022
14 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The Commission will review the November 2022 financial statement and meeting minutes. The agenda includes a resolution to amend a JPMorgan Chase Bank agreement regarding interest rate changes and a contract for rail equipment maintenance.
- Resolution to change interest rate basis from LIBOR to SOFR for $30 Million Series 2021A Taxable Subordinate Lien Revenue Notes
- Contract with Conrad Machine and Rail, Inc. for an overhaul to the 6700 Tamper No. 8 not to exceed $188,417.92
- Acceptance of the November 2022 Financial Statement
The Commission approved a contract for rail equipment maintenance and a resolution to update the interest rate basis for taxable revenue notes. The board also accepted the November 2022 financial statement.
- Approved contract with Conrad Machine and Rail, Inc. for 6700 Tamper No. 8 overhaul not to exceed $188,417.92 (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution to amend JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. agreement to change interest rate basis from LIBOR to SOFR and obtain maturity extension option to March 1, 2025 (Unanimous)
- Accepted November 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved November 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The Commission will review the October 2022 financial statement and meeting minutes. Action items include considering contract awards for steel ties and switch packages for the France Yard Expansion Project.
- Contract award to NARSTCO, LLC for 9,900 steel ties up to $1,318,383
- Contract award to SCR Spikes LLC for 14 switch packages up to $348,894
- Revision of Freight Tariff 9000-A
- Acceptance of October 2022 financial statement
The Commission approved two contracts for steel ties and switch packages for the France Yard Expansion Project. It also authorized revisions to the Freight Tariff 9000-A and accepted the October 2022 financial statement.
- Approved contract to NARSTCO, LLC for 9,900 steel ties for France Yard Expansion Project, not to exceed $1,318,383 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to SCR Spikes LLC d/b/a Birmingham Rail & Locomotive for 14 No. 9 switch packages for France Yard Expansion Project, not to exceed $348,894 (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution authorizing CEO to revise Freight Tariff 9000-A (Unanimous)
- Accepted October 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved October 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review financial statements and consider several equipment and material contracts. The body will also discuss the purchase of a property near 2700 North Peters Street.
- Contract for cross ties and switch ties from McCord Tie & Timber, Inc. not to exceed $1,665,417
- Contract for a Hi-Rail Rotary Dump Truck from Brown Rail Equipment, LLC not to exceed $289,742.11
- Contract for 514 pieces of rail for the France Yard Expansion Project from A & K Railroad Materials, Inc. not to exceed $1,638,035.76
- Purchase agreement with Dupuy Storage and Forwarding, L.L.C. for Lot 5 of Square 17 near 2700 North Peters Street
The Commission approved several contracts for rail materials and equipment, including a purchase for the France Yard Expansion Project. It also authorized the purchase of a property near 2700 North Peters Street.
- Approved September 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted September 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to McCord Tie & Timber, Inc. for cross ties and switch ties not to exceed $1,665,417 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to Brown Rail Equipment, LLC for a Hi-Rail Rotary Dump Truck not to exceed $289,742.11 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to A & K Railroad Materials, Inc. for rail for France Yard Expansion Project not to exceed $1,638,035.76 (Unanimous)
- Approved purchase of property at Lot 5 of Square 17 near 2700 North Peters Street from Dupuy Storage and Forwarding, L.L.C. (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review financial statements and discuss grant funding. The body will consider agreements for rail infrastructure and crossing elimination projects.
- Agreement with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for a grant up to $1,500,000 for NOPB Trans-Loading Industrial Park and Grade Crossings Improvements Project
- Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Funding Program
- Acceptance of the August 2022 Financial Statement
- Election of Board Officer Vacancy
The Commission authorized the CEO to accept a state grant of up to $1.5 million for the NOPB Trans-Loading Industrial Park and Grade Crossings Improvements Project. The board also approved applying for federal railroad crossing elimination funding and elected Charles H. Ponstein as Chairman through June 2023.
- Approved August 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted August 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution to receive up to $1,500,000 state grant for NOPB Trans-Loading Industrial Park and Grade Crossings Improvements Project (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution to apply for US Department of Transportation Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Funding (Unanimous)
- Elected Charles H. Ponstein as Chairman through June 2023 (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission will consider three resolutions authorizing the purchase of heavy equipment and materials, totaling over $2.1 million. Items include a backhoe, four pickup trucks, and crushed concrete on an as-needed basis. The board will also accept the July 2022 financial statement and approve prior meeting minutes.
- Purchase of a Caterpillar 420 XE IT Backhoe for up to $152,067.18
- Purchase of four F-150 pickup trucks for up to $148,000
- Purchase of No. 610 and No. 57 crushed concrete on an as-needed basis, up to $1,800,000
- Acceptance of the July 2022 financial statement
The Commission approved several equipment and material purchases under State of Louisiana contracts. These include a backhoe, four pickup trucks, and crushed concrete for as-needed use.
- Approved July 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted July 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved purchase of Caterpillar 420 XE IT Backhoe not to exceed $152,067.18 (Unanimous)
- Approved purchase of four F-150 Pickup Trucks not to exceed $148,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved purchase of No. 610 and No. 57 Crushed Concrete not to exceed $1,800,000 (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review financial statements and several action items. The agenda includes decisions on ground improvement contracts for France Yard and diesel fuel purchase amendments.
- Contract for France Yard expansion ground improvements with Durr Heavy Construction, LLC up to $944,285
- As-needed disaster services contract with Guarantee Restoration Services, LLC up to $400,000
- Amendment to Retif Oil & Fuel, LLC agreement for diesel fuel up to $3,850,000
- Approval of proposed amendments to the Commission’s Bylaws
- Acceptance of June 2022 financial statement
The Commission approved several infrastructure and service contracts, including ground improvements for France Yard and disaster services. It also authorized an increase in the diesel fuel purchase agreement and adopted amendments to its bylaws.
- Approved contract to Durr Heavy Construction, LLC for France Yard ground improvements, not to exceed $944,285 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Guarantee Restoration Services, LLC for as-needed disaster services, not to exceed $400,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved amendment to Retif Oil & Fuel, LLC agreement for diesel fuel, increasing not-to-exceed cost to $3,850,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved and adopted proposed amendments to the Commission’s Bylaws (Unanimous)
- Accepted the June and end of fiscal year 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution confirming compliance with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s laws and accounting principles (Unanimous)
- Approved June 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review its financial and operating plan for Fiscal Year 2023. The body will consider several as-needed engineering and equipment contracts and the sale of surplus property.
- Proposed FY2023 Financial and Operating Plan
- Contract for engineering services with Lindfield, Hunter & Junius, Inc. not to exceed $1,500,000
- Sale of approximately five acres of vacant property on River Road in Bridge City to Jefferson Parish for $74,050
- Contract for geotechnical engineering with Eustis Engineering L.L.C. not to exceed $150,000
- Contract for air brake valves with Griffin Railcar Services, LLC not to exceed $150,000
The Commission adopted the Financial and Operating Plan for Fiscal Year 2023 and approved multiple service contracts for engineering and rail equipment. It also authorized the sale of five acres of surplus property in Bridge City to Jefferson Parish.
- Approved FY 2023 Financial and Operating Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Griffin Railcar Services for air brake valves, not to exceed $150,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Eustis Engineering L.L.C. for geotechnical services, not to exceed $150,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Lindfield, Hunter & Junius, Inc. for engineering services, not to exceed $1,500,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved rental renewal with Danella Rental Systems, Inc. for a 2013 Volvo VHD64 Grapple Truck (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Progressive Rail Leasing Corporation to rent five ballast railcars, not to exceed $165,000 (Unanimous)
- Declared The New Orleans Advocate as the official journal for FY 2023 (Unanimous)
- Approved sale of five acres of surplus property on River Road in Bridge City to Jefferson Parish for $74,050 (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review April 2022 financial statements and vote on several service contracts. The agenda includes proposals for tire services, janitorial services, and an amendment to a timber supply agreement.
- Contract for Southern Tire Mart, LLC for tires not to exceed $150,000
- Contract for Mesalain Consulting Group LLC for janitorial services not to exceed $156,000
- Amendment to McCord Tie and Timber, Inc. agreement for cross ties and switch ties
The Commission approved several service contracts and an amendment to increase spending for railroad ties. It also accepted the April 2022 financial statement and appointed a temporary Secretary-Treasurer for the meeting.
- Approved April 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted April 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Southern Tire Mart, LLC for tires and services not to exceed $150,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with Mesalain Consulting Group LLC for janitorial services not to exceed $156,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved amendment to McCord Tie and Timber, Inc. agreement, increasing total not-to-exceed cost to $2,018,497.15 (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to amend the agenda (Unanimous)
- Appointed Vice-Chairman William H. Langenstein, III as Temporary Secretary-Treasurer for the meeting (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The Commission approved the purchase of approximately 20,300 square feet of land from the City of New Orleans for $27,500 to expand the Claiborne Yard. Other actions included increasing a trash disposal contract limit and accepting March 2022 financial statements showing revenues over budget.
- Approved purchase of N. Prieur Street Right-of-Way property for $27,500 (Unanimous)
- Approved increasing BFI Waste Services trash disposal contract limit by $25,000 to a total of $175,000 (Unanimous)
- Accepted March 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Appointed Vice-Chairman William H. Langenstein, III as temporary Secretary-Treasurer for the meeting (Unanimous)
- Approved March 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review financial statements and approve administrative resolutions. The body will consider purchasing right-of-way property from the City of New Orleans and increasing the cost for trash disposal services.
- Agreement with the City of New Orleans to purchase N. Prieur Street Right-of-Way between Squares 853 and 944
- Amendment to the BFI Waste Services, LLC (Republic Services of New Orleans) agreement to increase the not-to-exceed cost
- Appointment of William H. Langenstein, III as Temporary Secretary-Treasurer
- Acceptance of the March 2022 Financial Statement
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The Board of Commissioners will conduct its ninth regular monthly meeting for fiscal year 2022. The agenda includes a roll call, approval of February 2022 minutes, and acceptance of the February 2022 financial statement.
- Approval of February 2022 meeting minutes
- Acceptance of February 2022 financial statement
- Report by the General Manager
The Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from February 2022 and accepted the February 2022 financial statement. Reports indicated that operating revenue was $178,000 over budget for the month.
- Approved February 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted February 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The Commission approved the renewal of various property and casualty insurance policies and awarded two new procurement contracts. The board also accepted the January 2022 financial statement, which showed revenues exceeding $3 million.
- Approved renewal of property and casualty insurance policies not to exceed $6,424,737 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to Griffin Consolidated Services, LLC for air brake valves not to exceed $135,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to Norman Lumber Company, Inc. for unseasoned lumber not to exceed $1,720,875 (Unanimous)
- Accepted January 2022 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved January 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission will consider renewing its general liability, property, and other insurance policies at a cost not to exceed $2,031,190. The board also will vote on contracts for air brake valves (up to $135,000) and lumber (up to $1,720,875). Routine items include approval of January 2022 meeting minutes and a financial statement.
- Resolution to renew insurance policies through Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. at cost not to exceed $2,031,190
- Resolution awarding contract to Griffin Consolidated Services LLC for air brake valves, up to $135,000 for one year with two one-year renewal options
- Resolution awarding contract to Norman Lumber Company, Inc. for unseasoned lumber, up to $1,720,875 for one year with two one-year renewal options
- Approval of financial statement for January 2022
Public Belt Railroad Commission
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission is meeting to review financial statements and consider two service contracts. The body will discuss expenditures for infrastructure repairs and operational supplies.
- Proposed contract to Coastal Marine Contractors, L.L.C. for $374,500 for Pier I & II Huey P. Long Bridge Fender Repairs
- Proposed contract to Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, LLC for lubricant oil not to exceed $135,000
- Acceptance of the December 2021 Financial Statement
The Commission approved contracts for bridge fender repairs and lubricant oil delivery. It also accepted the December 2021 financial statement, which showed operating income $218,000 over budget.
- Approved December 2021 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Accepted December 2021 financial statement (Unanimous)
- Approved contract to Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, LLC for lubricant oil not to exceed $135,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved $374,500 contract to Coastal Marine Contractors, L.L.C. for Pier I & II Huey P. Long Bridge fender repairs (Unanimous)