Grand Isle Port Commission

The meeting included organizational actions, resulting in the election of John Cheramie as President, Terrill Pizani as Vice-President, and Kerry Besson as Secretary/Treasurer. The board also agreed that the newly elected board will serve for the remainder of the governor's term, which is three more years. Key discussions involved the approval of the financial report and payment of operating invoices. A resolution was adopted accepting the Grand Isle Port Commission (GIPC) Oak Lane Dock Facility Project as substantially completed. Project updates were provided regarding the Shrimp Shed Phase 1 completion, scheduled bid openings for Phase 2 of the Oak Lane Dock Facility, and project holds on the Oyster Processing Facility and Oyster Farm 2 expansion. The executive director reported on fee collection, external meeting attendance, participation in inspections, and scheduling of meetings with Congressman Scalise's office and stakeholders regarding aquaculture. The board approved the payment of annual dues to PAL and approved the annual leases for multiple properties, including Pete's Wharf Lane, Sunset, Smith Lane, and Park Lane.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes a call to order, the pledge of allegiance/invocation, and roll call. Key discussion points listed under financial reports involve reviewing various monthly and cumulative expenses, including commercial dock costs, port operating accounts, non-interest checking accounts, and GIPC employee payroll costs, along with an explanation of Bank of America bill charges. New business items are scheduled for discussion, specifically the 2026 PAL Conference, the 2025 Annual Sexual Harassment Report, the GIPC 2025 State of the Port Report, and a PAL Support Letter. There are no items designated for resolutions/ordinances, old business, or executive session.

The agenda was modified to include a resolution accepting the substantial completion of the Grand Isle Port Commission (GIPC) Shrimp Facility Project contracted with DHF Industrial, LLC. The financial report was approved, authorizing payment for all operating invoices. The board authorized PEEC and the Executive Director to advertise the Phase 2 Shrimp Facility Repair Project and approved payment of a PEEC invoice amounting to $6,775.00. A report detailed that four items were found insufficient in the Shrimp Facility Repair and require completion within 30 days. Further discussions covered dock repairs funded by FEMA and the state, the status of the Oyster Processing Facility project pending an LDH response, the hold placed on the Oyster Farm 2 expansion, and the submission of 2026 Capital Outlay proposals. Operational updates included coordinating the submittal of FY 24/25 Financial Audit Documents and vehicle brake repairs. The commission also addressed adding limestone and spreading material in specific road areas to be completed by DHF Industrial, and new meeting dates for 2026 were presented.

The meeting addressed financial matters, including the approval of the financial report and payment of invoices. Updates were provided on various projects, such as the Pier and Bulkhead Project, Shrimp Facility repairs, and the Oak Lane Dock Facility repairs, including funding sources. The board authorized advertising Phase 2 for the Oak Lane Dock Facility. Discussions also covered the Oyster Processing Facility, Oyster Farm 2 expansion, and the Drainage Pump. Other topics included Commercial Dock Slip Renewal Lease Fees, the FY 24/25 Financial Audit Documents, CUP Review Process Investigation on the expansion of Oyster Farm #2, No Wake Zone Ordinance in Bayou Rigaud, GIPC 2026 Capital Outlay Requests, Ida 10% matching fund requirements, Oyster Aquaculture Workstation, and an incident involving drug possession on the Master Devin Boat. The board also discussed leasing 303B to Nathan Herring for an oyster nursery only, with no storage facility allowed. The next meeting was scheduled, and concerns were raised about the water line at the Commercial Dock.

The meeting addressed various financial matters, including the approval of the financial report and payment of invoices. An ordinance was introduced declaring a No Wake Zone in Bayou Rigaud, and a resolution was passed to change the signatures on the Grand Isle Port Commission checking accounts. Updates were provided on the Pier and Bulkhead Project, repairs to the Shrimp Facility, and other facility-related projects. The board discussed commercial dock slip renewal lease fees, oyster leases, and the submittal of financial audit documents. The Love Our Waterways campaign, a letter from the LA Department of Health concerning the new Oyster Farm, and an ordinance on commercial dock usages were presented. A cleanup of the area around the handicap fishing pier was requested.