THE TIMES, APRIL 18, 2019 PAGE 4
LEGAL NOTICE
SOUTH TANGIPAHOA PARISH
PORT COMMISSION
NOTICE
THE SOUTH TANGIPAHOA PARISH PORT COMMISSION WILL
HOLD A REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY- May 14, 2019 at
12:00 (NOON) AT PONCHATOULA CITY HALL
125 WEST HICKORY STREET, PONCHATOULA,
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission - Port Manchac gives
public notice that it is requesting proposals for its annual insurance port-
folio that will provide coverage for FY June 2019- May 2020. The com-
prehensive proposal package should contain the*following coverege's in-
cluding: 1) Property/Inland Marine, 2) General Liability (including addition
of 100 acres), 3) Non-Owned & Hired Auto, 4) Employee Dishonesty, 5)
Directors & Officers Liability, and 6) Workman's Compensation. The pro-
posals shall be submitted and reviewed~ in strict accordance with all state
of Louisiana public bid law rules & regulations.
All interested vendors may obtain additional information by contacting
the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission-Port Manchac @ 163 W.
Hickory St. Ponchatoula, LA 70454 - Attn: Patrick J. Dufresne, Execu-
tive Director/CEO - (985)386-9309 or email:
portmanchac@i-55.com.
All proposals must be postmarked or received by 5:00 p.m. on Mon-
day, May 6, 2019.
Publish Dates: February 21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18 and May 2,
2019
SOUTH TANGIPAHOA PARISH PORT COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 12,2019- 12:00 NOON
AT
PONCHATOULA CITY HALL
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING
President Daryl Ferrara called the Regular Meeting to order at 12:10
noon on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Ponchatoula City Hall Chamber,
125 W. Hickory St Ponchatoula, LA.
Helen Muller, Administrative Secretary, gave the invocation and Com-
missioner Win. Joubert followed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners Present: Cheryl Brumfield, James Wes Daniels II,
Ernie Drake III, Daryl Ferrara, Wm. Joubert and James Nelson, M.D.
Commissioners Absent: None
Others Present: Patrick Dufresne, Director; Helen Muller, Administra-
tive Secretary; Andre Coudrain,
Linda McLellan, Bob Dawson, Randy Bush, Norma Traylor, George
Coxen, Donnie Bardwell, Nolan Bull, Amanda Byrd, Josh Dickson,
Chance Enmon, Terry Jones, Isa Becnel, Kimberly Terrell, Ginger Can-
gelosi, Steve Jones, Johnny B. Harris, Brenda B. Harris, Hank Temen-
to, sandra Temento, Edward Bodker, Paul Kluka, John Hoover, Gary
LaGrange, Lisa Braud, Ken Benitez, Caroline Grueskin ; The Advocate,
Lauren Langlois and Don EIIzey; The Hammond Daily Star, Amy Bren-
nan; The Ponchatoula Times.
All visitors in attendance were welcomed by President Ferrara:
It was moved by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commis-
sioner Brumfield that the Commission approve the Regular meeting
Agenda for March 12, 2019, as presented. Motion passed. Call vote.
Yeas: 6 Brumfleld, Daniels II, Drake III, Ferrara, Joubert and Nelson
Nays: 0 Absent:
-j
TREASURER'S REPOR~
Treasurer Brumfield presented the Financial Reports for the month
ending February 28, 2019. She reported that the Income Statement
Compared With Budget had total revenues were $ 55,372.50 and total
expenses were $ 53,763.97 leaving a net income of $1,608.53. The Bal-
ance Sheet report showed Total Assets $ 7,832,982.76 Total Liabilities &
Capital $ 7,832,982.76 for period ending February 28, 2019.
It was moved by Commissioner Joubert and seconded by Commis-
sioner Nelson, that the
South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission approves the financial re-
ports for the period ending February 28, 2019, as presented by Commis-
sionedTreasurer Brumfield. Motion passed. Yeas: 6 Brumfield, Daniels II,
Drake III, Ferrara, Joubert and Nelson, M.D. Nays: 0 Absent: 0
OLD BUSINESS:
1. DOTD- Port Priority State Project: SPN-578-53-00:I2/H.003600
(323)
Bulkhead, Yard Hard Surfacing and Rail improvements,
Phase Ill Update
Port Director, Patrick Dufresne, reported that the engineer of record
assured due diligence on
the final invoicing phase on the contracted projects. The LA DOTD is
patiently waiting to receive the contractor's close- out documentation for
invoicing. A status report will be given at the next monthly Commission
meeting.
2. Prospective Tenant (s) Update- -Marketing Consultant Update
The port director reported having discussions with potential/prospec-
tive tenant interested in rail storage, short/long term dry bulk trans-load-
ing projects. He informed the Commission that the Marketing Consultant
contract was up for renewal at the end of March, 2019 and requested
that the Commission approve an extension to Mr. LaGrange's consultant
contract.
Marketing Consultant Update:
The Monthly Marketing Report for February 2- March 12, 2019 was
submitted by Gary LaGrange, for the Commission's review and com-
ments. He reported that it was a light month and reported contacting sev-
eral potential bulk and general cargo movements by' truck, rail, and barge
from Port Manchac. Also, discussed were the concerns of the effects of
transloading barges with a product from South Central and South West
Louisiana on a river system that experienced tidal variations. He also
discussed potential future transloading efforts of cargo at Port Manchac.
Discussed and defined were the following: barge movement in the In-
dustrial Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, and Mississippi River, Coast Guard
information for inner harbors, inland barge needs as an alternate route,
transloading cost benefits, and job creation for related tans-loading proj-
ects at the terminal.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner/Secretary
Drake III.
It was moved by Commissioner. Joubert seconded by Commission-
er Nelson that the Commission authorizes/approve Patrick Dufresne,
Port Director, to enter into a professional service agreement with Gary
LaGrange, Principle owner of Gary LaGrange and Associates, LLC, as
an independent Marketing Services Consultant, for research services
and marketing support functions relative to the future potential/contain-
er industry and related trans-loading and storage projects for the Port
Manchac Inter-modal Terminal. The consultant will provide port con-
tainer industry marketing research of barge, rail and trucking industries
and related future port terminal project planning research services for
the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission. His responsibilities for
s~s rendered/provided will include: Contacting prospective clients
t~ould utilize .Port Manchac for storage and trans-loading services,
' ~ research of related maritime/barge, rail, and trucking industry projects.
' The consultant services will include a monthly report of marketing efforts.
The compensation payment for this agreement becomes effective for the
period, 6 months, beginning March 15, 2019 to September 30, 2019. Mo-
tion passed. Yeas: 6 Brumfield, Daniels II, Drake II!, Ferrara, Joubert and
Nelson, M.D. Nays: 0 Absent: 0
3. Invoice Payment Approval
Commissioner/'rreasurer Cheryl Brumfield presented the March 12,
2019 invoices for the Commissioners' review and Payment approval.
1. Outlook Design Inv. # 318 (Website Updates) -Amt. $75.00
2 .Gabriel Bldg Supply Acct 2167 (Inv. 956497/1 & Inv. # 956672/1)
Amt. $1,310.76
3. Gary LaGrange & Associates, LLC Inv # 84Amt. $750.00 ( Febru-
ary 12- March 12, 2019)
4. King Creek Farm, LLC Inv. # i223 Trackmobile Repairs Amt.
$1,498.00
It was moved by Commissioner Drake III and seconded by Commis-
sioner Daniels II, that the Commission approve payment on the March
12th invoices as presented by Commissioner/Treasurer Brumfield. Mo-
tion passed. Call vote. Yeas: 6 Brumfleld, Daniels II, Drake III, Ferrara,
Joubert and Nelson, Nays: 0Absent: 0
4. Request For Proposals- (Port Study & Insurance Package RFP)
Update
The port director informed the Commission that both the RFP for the
Insurance Proposals and RFP for the Land Use Study ad had been sub-
mitred for advertising purposes. The Ponchatoula Times, (Port Journal
of Record), publishing dates for the Insurance RFP were for February
21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18 and May 2, 2019 with a postmarked or
received date by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2019. Also, RFP's were
being published in other newspapers such as the Hammond Star, The
Baton Rouge Advocate and New Orleans Advocate. As previously dis-
cussed and requested, that once approved, the Land Use Study RFP Ad
was to begin, as soon as possible, for a period of 45 days.The Land Use
Study RFP publishing dateswere the following: February 21 & 28, March
7, 14, 21 a'nd 28, April 4, 2019 with the deadline being 5:00 p.m. April 8,
2019. It was reported that some inquiries were received, in reference to
the Insurance proposals, but none thus far for the Land Use Study RFP.
A list of names that had been submitted prior to publishing the Land
Use Study RFP that were interested in the Study were notified by e-mail,
as requested.
5. Amended Corporate Authorization (STPPC Bank Signature Author-
ity) Update
The Port director informed the Commission as part of the process to
document all current Commissioners that are authorized to sign checks
in accordance with the Port's bank of record, it will be required that the
South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission amend/update its Resolution
to execute the bank signature card with current approved Commission
members.
Commissioner Drake III introduced the following resolution.
It was moved by Commissioner Joubert and seconded by Commis-
sioner Brumfield that the Commission authorizes approval of the follow-
ing signatures. **Patrick Dufresne, Executive Director; Daryl Ferrara,
President; Cheryl Brumfield, Treasurer; and Emie Drake III, Secretary;
on the signature card from the banks, savings and loan or other financial
institution for the purpose of check signing. Removing the following prior
Commissioners name as an authorized signature from previous Signa-
ture Applications: Mark Griggs, Don Boihem, Lucas Watkinsiand Mike
Williams. **The Executive Director, Patrick J. Dufresne, is authorized by
the Commission to be the sole signature on all checks up to $1,500 with
the exception of any check that will be directed to the Executive Direc-
tor himself and that any and all other checks above $1,500 will require
two signatures, which should include the Executive Director and another
authorized Commissioner. Motion passed. Call vote. Yeas: 6 Brumfield,
Daniels II, Drake III, Ferrare, Joubert and Nelson, Nays: 0 Absent: .0
5. Revised Village Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Update
Commissioner Nelson informed the C0mmlssion that he had expect-
ed some responses from his e-mail sent on Sunday, March 10, 2019, ref-
erencing a motion to accept the MOU document, as revised. He reported
reviewing the MOU at the request of our chairman requesting feedback/
commentaries from the Commissioners and other interested groups. He
once again reviewed the proposed development presentation and pro-
cess of the Village concepts. He reported having feedback from parish
officials, current and previous state legislators, previous commissioners,
and sidewalk conversations with Ms. Coates, Mr. Hoover and meetings
with Kristi Trail, and across the table conversations with Courtney Forbes,
ha's active in the plans of the Manchac Greenway and of course had con-
versations with Mr. Terry Jones. His comments were that the proposed
Village development would be an asset to the Parish and that at some
point, the Commission must make a decision on what to do aboutthe Vil-
lage concept. The Village has proposed along with the Jones team offers
described to the parish and this region, a truly unique opportunity for a
development that combines culture, commerce and recreation. Stating
that he is convinced that it can be done in a fashion that actually can sup:
port, if not improve the marsh or environment. In closing, Commissioner
Nelson presented/proposed the following in a form of a motion; that Com-
mission accept/approve the current MOU as revised/written (with the ad-
dition of appropriate verbiage re: use of the CPI' or COLA for annual rent
adjustment) and recall our previously approved RFP for the Land Use
Study.
Commission Drake III apologized to Commissioner Nelson for not re-
sponding to his e-mail relative to moving forward with his decision to ap-
prove signing off on the revised MOU, as presented, but
expressed his concerns to the other Commissioners who also did not
respond to the e-mail. Commissioner Drake opposed the motion made by
Commission Nelson and gave his comments and opinion of the revised
MOU, to other Commissioners, prior to the motion not being approved
for lack of a second. He discussed issues that were involved if the sign-
ing of a 99 year lease option with a company/developer, due diligence
for a period of 6 to 18 months and not marketing the Port or accepting
any other potential prospects that may have an interest in port activities
during that period. Commission Nelson was okay with not accepting any
additional contracts but would not want to curtail any marketing. Commis-
sioner Drake III, made reference to the first line in the MOU Section 1.1
stating, "The Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to
investigate, analyze and examine the feasibility of a commercial and/or
other development on the Port Property. Commission Joubert asked for
clarification relative to the MOU verbiage being referenced. Commission-
er Drake III responded saying basically,-the Commission would be open
to other developments t.han the original proposed Village development.
They could put whatever they want there as long as it's not a truck-stop
facility, truck-stop casino or a riverboat gaming business for enterprise.
In concluding his commentary he stated that he still had a problem with
accepting the revised MOU as wdtten due to its vague verbiage and
apologized again for not having discussed this matter sooner with Andre
C0udrain, the port's legal counsel. Both Commissioners agreed/admitted
that this was not a good time to make decisions until the end of advertised
Study RFP deadline, Which will be April 4, 2019, for Commission review,
prior to the April 9th Commission next meeting date.
President Ferrara asked that the Port's legal counselor to give his
comments regarding the issues.
Attorney Andre Coudrain stated that the Commission captured/exam=
ined some options on the issues beyond the opportunity, of due diligence,
definitions of the project options relative to construction includes com-
mercial and recreational facilities. His comments were that he would not
suggest/recommend signing the revised MOU until further discussion
and since the advertising process for a RFP Study .had already begun.
He also recommended that the Commission not lock themselves in for99
years until the study is completed to find or decide what the best use of
property would be for having other options in the future. Commissioner
Nelson's response to the recommendation by Coudrain was, a yes, in
favor of not signing off on the MOU and wished that the Commission
could have communicated this amongst themselves rather than having to
do this in a public meeting. ~
The proposed motion by Commissioner Nelson was discussed prior
to hearing a seconded on that motion. Commission Brumfield proposed
a motion after hearing an open discussion on opposition of the motion
previously made by Commissioner Nelson.
It was moved by Commissioner Brumfield seconded by Commission-
er Joubert that the Commission
seek the advise from its Legal Counsel, Andre Coudrain, before the
next Commission meeting in regards to the revised Memorandum of Un-
derstanding presented by the Village at Port Manchec, LLC and move
forward with addressing the MOU according to Mr. Coudrain recommen-
dation. Motion passed. Call vote:Yeas: 6 Bmmfield, Daniels II, Drake III,
Ferrara, Joubert and Nelson, Nays: 0 Absent: 0
President Ferrara asked those who wish to give public input to please
identify themselves allowing two .minutes to speak.
John Hoover - Hammond, LA - A Member of Save Manchac ex-
pressed his concerns for the Manchac and Joyce Wildlife Management
Areas, saying the Village concept is ridiculous. He elaborated on the neg-
ative effects should the Village exist. The negative impacts he mentioned
would involve deer migration, food sources for the wildlife, tidal surge,
eco-system, water sources, and land erosion.
Ed Bodker - Manchac Coalition- A statement was prepared by Mr.
Bodker and Kim Coats in response to an e-mail, from Commissioner
Nelson, encouraging them to re- examine the Village concept and be
supportive of the Revised MOU, as presented to them in the email. Mr.
Bodker not being aware of the two minutes time frame for public input
said he would relinquish further input after the two minutes cut-off period,
let Ms. Kim Coates have the floor to finish their commentaries. He said
that they had a problem with Commissioner Nelson's comments on the
issue. Since he became a Commission member, Dr. Nelson has ex-
pressed criticism to'the public on Port activities while at the same time
promoting alternative options of the Village project. His interest for being
on the Commission appears to be solely for the purpose of getting the
Village project approved. The Commissions job is to determine the best
use of the Port property and there ace many options and considerations
that the Commission should review. The Commission put out a Request
for Proposals for professional assistance to evaluate the various options.
However, Commissioner Nelson appears to be trying to short circuit the
evaluation process by proposing that the RFP be withdrawn. The Save
Our Manchac Coalition's request is that the RFP not be withdrawn and
that no vote be taken on the final MOU prior to the completion and review
of the evaluation resulting from the RFP. We do not think it's appropriate
for the Commission to be pushing for a project with such a one-side bias.
Up until now, we have been aware that the Commission members have
had various opinions about this matter, but we have not seen members
lately promoting or trying to manage the project process with such a de-
sire for a personal out come. (Time expired)
Kim Coates - Ponchatoula, LA -Save Our Manchac Coalition, Mem-
ber. Ms. Coates acknowledged
reviewing the various video presentations, shown to several parish
organizations, by the developer's team. Her commentary response to
Commissioner Nelson's request to re-evaluate the Village concept was to
consider supporting the Village MOU as a valued asset to the community/
citizens of Tangipahoa Parish and why refuse a study that the community
has a right to was a bit confusing. She expressed opposition relative to
the Village concepts and gave pros and cons relative to its concepts and
reiterated on its negativity. She encouraged the commissioners/attend-
ee's to listen to the professors from SLU who wrote a book and created
a documentary about the fragile Manchac ecosystem. President Ferrara
interrupted thanking Ms. Coates for her input/comments, but noted that
her allotted time had expired. Ferrara said, on behalf of the Commission
the RFP is alive and well, and that it's an active document that involves
public comments and will defer the issue at this time until the RFP's are
reviewed.
Naom! Yoder -A Healthy Gulf member, represented concems on
.safe ma f em in' regards, to the risks and h zard zone area's, involved
for residential developments in a wetland area. She also, requested an
extension to the RFP for the Land Use Study, which is due by April 8,
2019, since she/they didn't have an opportunity to comment earlier due
to some confusion, from a previous public meeting that was relative to the
deadline date for RFP submittals. President Ferrara commented saying
that the Commission was not confused and asked Andre Coudrain to in-
tervene and respond to her request for an extension on the RFP matter. It
was recommended/suggested that Ms. Yoder/organization write a formal
letter to the Commission requesting an extension. Her response was that
she wanted to go on record, now, saying she requested an extension for
the RFP deadline. She ended her commentary with the following words,
"Save Our Manchac".
Linda McLellan- Ponchatoula, La resident also expressed her com-
mentaries opposing the Village concept.
Commissioner Nelson asked how many camps or residences are on
North Pass and Main Pass and how many of those were built on the
wetlands? His assumption was that those camps and residences are
a testament that you can in fact survive and have facilities on wetlands
without significantly impairment of the area.
Amy Brennan - Ponchatoula Times reporter askecl if the development
was going to be residential or condominiums. Commission Joubert stated
that the documents say it could be anything residential or commercial.
Her concerns having two school age children, were relative to the pres-
ent growth in the school system. Have the Village developers taken into
consideration the extra school growth and what will this project do for
our community? In response to Ms. Brennan concerns president Ferrara
asked Mr. Terry Jones to address the questions on the floor.
Terry Jones -Extended his thanks to the Commission once again for
having him and appreciated the time given to him to answer any ques-
tions. He stated that his group is looking forward towards the project
and appreciated Mr. Coudrain's comments saying a project of this nature/
magnitude needs to have the proper verbiage/language which is of im-
portance to what they proposed and what they are pursuing. They are
willing to work with the counsel and Commission to determine the dght
language so that it's clear and that they don't want to write language
that prohibits one of the intended products mentioned on the project. His
response to Amy's concems of due diligence was a yes, saying there are
many due diligences, as stated back in January, that the Village team
would listen to public comments and answer any questions presented.
They have an interest in the Octavia 100 acres, but at the present time
that is put on the back bumer and they are focusing only the 40 acres of
Port property that is not a wetland issue.
Chance Enmon- A Hammond business owner and property owner
on North Pass stated that he was confused and thought last month the
Commission agreed to negotiate the MOU agreement. Who's supposed
to take the step forward with negotiations with the Village to get a MOU
that's agreeable to both parties.?
Commissioner Joubert addressed the matter saying that a draft was
issued to the Commission by the developers and now the Commission
will have to review it, working through our attorney to help negotiate the
terms and come back with a second draft. A statement was made that
the process could take some time, possibly a year or so to negotiate this
MOU.
Commissioner Drake III apologized again for not reviewing the revi-
sions to the MOU in a timely manor saying the revised MOU he received
was not broad enough in some areas and opposed signing for approval
of the MOU at this time.
Terry Jones stated so everyone could understand, that some of the
primary stipulations they responded to were completely and confirmedly
agreeable in the MOU, except one condition that was with the CPI cost
benefit increase.
After listening to commentaries regarding the MOU, President Ferrara
asked that the Commission move forward with remaining agenda items.
PLEASE SEE PAGE 5
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