Jeff DiMarco

Key discussion topics during the meeting included updates on marine operations, noting that the Authority One vessel is fully operational, and providing an expected completion date of April 14th for the Bellchase 2. Progress on the new ferry build project is at 100% design, awaiting final DOTD inspection package before public bidding, with bids expected by mid-May 2026. For the Laash Landing Replacement Project, survey data is collected, and construction is estimated for the end of 2028. The stability assessment for the Belchase ferry landing barges shows the load rating is still valid, and FTA grant funds are awarded for their replacement. Engineering is underway for the ferry landing repairs. Regarding the Belchase security vessel landing, funding sources are confirmed. The LGP rail extension project is pausing the build grant submission to address stakeholder concerns, and an amendment to the CA is needed for the Peters Road Rail Bypass to achieve 30% realignment design, which involves cost sharing with Jefferson Parish and the City of Gretna. The Peters Road vehicle bridge box culverts are expected to bid mid-year. The water booster station and feed line is estimated for completion by the end of June 2026. Communications updates covered website refinement, implementation of ferry alert email communications, and work on the trademark/logo refinement. Human Resources updates included delays on the Director of IT study, plans to meet with Civil Service regarding retroactive pay corrections for several employees due to incorrect special entry rate application, completion of the AAPA salary survey, and the second staff newsletter launch. The financial update detailed year-to-date revenues and expenses, and confirmed the completion of the Louisiana Workers Compensation Audit.

The meeting commenced with an executive session concerning litigation involving Ricky Stewart versus Robert Jackson and Plaimman's Parish government, which concluded without binding action. Administration updates covered public service projects, including the start dates for waterline replacement on Mark's Lane and the St. Bernard flood wall crossing, bid opening for the Diamond playground bathroom, and updates on Southern Oak Road patching and Highway 11 work. Recreation updates detailed upcoming community programs such as an after-school enrichment camp, the return of pickleball, and the start of the soccer season, along with Special Olympics basketball and art events. Project updates included estimated start and completion timelines for the roundabout at F. Edward Abear and Russell Drive construction. Discussions heavily featured ongoing construction issues, particularly concerning Russell Drive and Highway 23, focusing on project timelines, safety concerns due to open lanes and hazards, and the need for maintenance crews to restore excavated areas to their original condition. Furthermore, members discussed resolutions for the operation of community splash pads to manage costs and improve resident access, potentially through timers or scheduled rentals. Other concerns addressed included requesting DOTD utilize a recently purchased vacuum truck for neighborhood prep ahead of rainy season and addressing traffic light synchronization issues, specifically at the intersection of Engineers Road and the bridge approach.

The agenda for the meeting includes an Executive Session covering attorney-client privileged information related to three litigation matters: ALLISON JASPER v. PLAQUEMINES PARISH GOVERNMENT et al, CARROLL ARCENEAUX AND RHONDA ARCENEAUX V. STATE OF LOUISIANA, ET AL, and Midway Cattle Ranch, LLC, et al v. Plaquemines Parish Government. Key items for resolutions and ordinances include authorizing the advertisement for disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment, accepting bids for printing supplies and submersible pumps, and addressing several beer and liquor license applications. The council will consider numerous building permit applications, including construction permits and renewals for fireworks stands and various RV/Trailer Parks. Final passage items feature multiple ordinances regarding rezoning applications (C-2 General Commercial and I-3 Heavy Industrial), the creation of the "Port Sulphur Westbank South Economic Development District," revocation of a temporary RV park permit, amendments to the 2026 Operating Expenditure Budgets (including General Fund, Solid Waste, Waterworks & Sewerage, and Public Health Funds), and the authorization of a one percent (1%) cost of living pay increase for employees. New Business includes discussions on District updates (EMS, Solid Waste South, Diamond Park Project, Highway 11, AllSouth/FEMA, and the Bridge) and the introduction of resolutions to apply for Community Water Enrichment Funds and a Local Government Assistance Program Grant.

The meeting commenced with eight commissioners present and one absent. Key discussions included moving agenda item 6J up for consideration, which subsequently failed. The executive port director provided status reports covering several areas: an update on the expropriation case awaiting a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling (expected in up to three months); the swearing-in ceremony for in-house counsel scheduled for January 26th; the Navy business case analysis presentation, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for February 3rd; deferral of the container terminal memorandum of understanding due to ongoing negotiations with DOT; confirmation of the submission of a detailed letter to FEMA regarding audit questions on cost allocation; updates on the Venture Global energy substation servitude project; ferry operations updates, noting Belchase 2 is progressing, while Port Authority One awaits lock approval. Other operational issues included a fire pump issue on the Westport and repairs to the East Port vessel damaged by waves. Progress on the Point Lash replacement, Bell Chase and Scarsdale barge analysis, and dolphin/mooring repairs were also discussed, noting the latter requires a Corps of Engineers permit that could take up to eight months. Critical infrastructure updates covered the 11mi rail extension, where the Surface Transportation Board approved an Environmental Assessment (EA) instead of an EIS, speeding up the timeline. Council members were briefed on the Peters Road rail bypass realignment, which significantly reduces grade crossings. Reimbursement approval agreements for the water booster station were introduced. In administrative updates, over 200 resumes were reviewed for the COO position, narrowing the pool to 10 candidates for screening. Approval for a new Quality Policy was noted, which will initiate the ISO 90001 process focusing on 2024 audit findings. Finally, the Executive Port Director submitted a letter requesting contract termination without cause, prompting extended discussion on setting an effective date, which required multiple votes after initial procedural setbacks.

The meeting included an executive session update by the Executive Port Director detailing several key operational and project statuses. Discussions covered the Louisiana Supreme Court expropriation hearing, the approval of the chief legal officer's bar application, and the completion of the Navy business case analysis, with a meeting scheduled for January 13th. Progress updates were provided on the container terminal memorandum of understanding, ongoing FEMA grant dialogues concerning question costs, and the status of camera and GIS system reimbursements. Furthermore, discussions initiated with Venture Global regarding the installation of an Energy substation, necessitating a servitude from the port. The status of marine operations noted that ferries in Point Laash and Belchase are in service, with updates on repairs for the Port Authority one vessel and ongoing 90% design progress for the new bill. Ferry landing updates indicated that the Point Laash replacement project is on schedule, while the load test analysis for Belchase and Scarsdale landings identified mud accumulation requiring recalculations. Quotes are being sought for landing dolphins and restriping lines, and repairs are underway for a damaged gate at Belchase. For the 11-mile rail extension, a site visit is anticipated this month pending the Surface Transportation Board review, and a petition for exemption is nearing final draft stages. The water booster station project is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026. A significant portion of the discussion involved the Port Administrative Building construction schedule coordination with the EOCC's new building project. The Human Resources update included proceeding with the search for the COO position and ongoing supplemental benefits enrollment. Quality and Compliance efforts are focused on improving processes following ISO 90001 training, prioritizing audit-based findings. The financial update showed increased actual revenues, partially due to water booster station reimbursements, and increased actual expenses reflecting recorded land purchases. Commission members raised concerns regarding the cost of living increase application for port employees, including ferry captains and engineers, and the pending civil service approval for the Director of IT position.