Richard Laird

The meeting included an Attorney/Client Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy concerning the case LM Heavy Civil Construction, LLC v. Port of Palm Beach District. Key actions involved the election and appointment of officers, naming Jean L. Enright as Chair, Peyton W. McArthur as Vice Chair, and Katherine M. Waldron as Secretary/Treasurer. Committee appointments were also confirmed. The Board approved the minutes from the January 18, 2018, meeting and addressed agenda ordering, including moving item J.3 after the consent agenda and G.10 approval. Discussions covered financial reports for December 2017, contract renewals, business development, and public relations. Old Business included an update on Peanut Island and a discussion regarding the ticketing policy for Community Grants and Business Development. New Business featured the approval of selected firms for CCNA, a contract for Tropical Fence, Inc., a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, disposal of port vehicles, a lease agreement with Southeast Hay Distributors, and approval of a building permit fee payment for the Main Rail Spurs Improvement Phase 1 Project. The Board also discussed a proposal to facilitate an inland port commerce or logistics park in collaboration with the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, which involves outreach to business groups without immediate monetary commitment from the Port.

The meeting included an Attorney/Client Executive Session to discuss strategy related to litigation in the case of LM Heavy Civil Construction, LLC v. Port of Palm Beach District. Key agenda items covered the approval of financial statements, cargo reports, cash and investments reports, and accountant's report for February 2018, as well as contract renewals and business development updates. Under New Business, the Board addressed a Request For Proposals for Cleaning Services, approval of Vending Services selection, approval of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, a request to purchase Mobile TWIC Readers Hardware, approval of a resolution for Annual Member Dues for the Transportation Planning Agency, and approval of the Southgate Complex Lease for Paradise Cruise Line Operator, Ltd. An addition to Old Business included approval for the Executive Director to negotiate concerning Berth 17. A presentation was given by Councilman Terence Davis regarding the planned Good Friday event on Peanut Island, involving children's activities and coordination with various agencies, which generated discussion regarding logistics and liability.

The meeting commenced with adherence to civility and decorum guidelines, followed by an Attorney/Client Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy related to the case LM Heavy Civil Construction, LLC v. Port of Palm Beach District. The agenda involved pulling an item regarding the approval of District tariff for additional public comment time. The Consent Agenda, covering financial statements, reports, contract renewals, business development, and the Southgate Complex Lease with Host Terminals, LLC, was approved. District reports addressed updates on the Vertex tower permit process, a clean bill of health from an FDOT Project Grant Management Review for Berth 17 reconstruction, and notes from a tenant coffee meeting focusing on hurricane preparedness and budget reforecast. Engineering reports detailed progress on Berth 17 construction, including dolphin structure repairs, asphalt paving, and shore power installation, with expected substantial completion in September 2018. Updates were also provided on the main rail spur improvement project. A significant discussion revolved around the permit rejection by the City of Riviera Beach for the MOB demolition and pad project, where the City cited the need for a site plan, which Commissioners and staff argued was historically not required for Port projects under the Interlocal Agreement, leading to strong calls for legal action if the issue is not resolved swiftly. The Board directed staff and counsel to investigate the basis for the City's denial and proceed with potential litigation if no resolution is found, while also noting that the Board had not yet finalized an MOU for a contribution to the City's Police Department security upgrades.

The 2018 Strategic Plan Summary for the Port of Palm Beach outlines the organization's direction to maintain a state-of-the-art port and sustain economic vitality. Key strategic goals include preserving and expanding business diversity, strengthening community and government relations, ensuring financial strength, promoting environmental stewardship, fostering organizational development, maintaining channel viability, providing safety and security, and enhancing port infrastructure through effective planning. The plan aims to capitalize on business opportunities, ensure fiscal responsibility, and serve as a valued partner for customers and global markets.

The meeting addressed several critical issues related to ongoing construction projects. Discussions included delays due to design problems, issues with steel sheeting extraction, and challenges with pile capacity. A key point of discussion was change order number four, pertaining to the east dolphin structure, which is essential for the project's continuation. Subcontractor payments and the financial impacts of project delays were also discussed, with assurances given that subcontractors would be paid and the project would be completed.