WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024 9:00AM
CITY HALL ANNEX BUILDING - 110 W. HICKORY ST., PONCHATOULA, LA
President Daryl Ferrara called the regular meeting to order on April 10, 2024 at 9:10 AM. The
meeting was held at the City Hall Annex Building, located at 110 W. Hickory Street,
Ponchatoula, LA.
The invocation was led by Administrative Assistant Robyn Pusey, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Commissioner Rhonda Sheridan.
Commissioners Present: Daryl Ferrara, Tina Roper, Jimmy Schliegelmeyer, Jr., Timothy
DePaula, Rhonda Sheridan. Commissioner Tina Roper arrived late to the meeting due to
inclement weather conditions.
Commissioners Absent: William “Bill” Joubert, William Sims
President Ferrara welcomed attendees to the meeting and congratulated former commissioner
J. Wesley Daniels on his successful bid to become the next mayor of Ponchatoula. Mayor-elect
Daniels spoke at the podium, and said he looks forward to a great working relationship with the
commission. Others in attendance included Patrick Dufresne, STPPC Executive Director;
Robyn Pusey, Administrative Assistant; Lee Barends, ITL Accounting; Richard Meek, The Daily
Star.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Schliegelmeyer, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan
that the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission approve the regular meeting agenda for
April 10, 2024, as presented. Motion passed. Yeas: 4 Ferrara, Schliegelmeyer, Jr., DePaula,
Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 3 Joubert, Sims, Roper
President Ferrara announced that the minutes of the regular meeting on March 13, 2024, had
been sent to the Commissioners by email for review, and a copy of the minutes had been
placed in their meeting folders. After a brief review of the minutes, a motion was made by
Commissioner Schliegelmeyer, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner DePaula to adopt/approve
the minutes from the regular meeting on March 13, 2024. Motion passed. Yeas: 4 Ferrara,
Schliegelmeyer, Jr., DePaula, Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 3 Joubert, Sims, Roper
TREASURER’S REPORT
Prior to the meeting today the financial reports for the period ending March 31, 2024, had been
emailed to the Commissioners for their review. Commissioner/Treasurer Schliegelmeyer, Jr.
told the Commissioners that the total revenues for the month was $145,514.25, the total
expenses for the month were $35,690.42, and the net income was $109,823.83. There were
no questions about the expenses. President Ferrara said to Executive Director Patrick
Dufresne that he noticed the rail car track is full at the port. Mr. Dufresne said more rail track
could be used at the port and is part of the master plan for the future. President Ferrara said
when the rail track stays full it is a constant revenue for STPPC and Mr. Dufresne agreed.
Port accountant Lee Barends wanted to clarify that the negative entry on the general ledger of
$1,015.00, was a voided check. She also said that the entry for the LA-DOTD project of
$12,275.24 on the March income statement also showed the 10% responsibility paid by the
STPPC, in the amount of $1,363.91. At President Ferrara’s request, Ms. Barends read an email
that she had received from financial advisor Shaun McArthur of Edward Jones (that was
addressed to “everyone”) which said there may be an “attractive opportunity” to begin using
some cash money market to lock in yield in the form of US Treasuries. Currently there is
approximately $2.76 million in the money market in cash-like equivalence and there is also a
$100,000.00 CD maturing at the end of the month, and another $300,000.00 CD maturing at the
end of the year, late November-December. She said his email also said to keep in mind that
the disinflation trend is still expected, which will cause the yield returns on cash, CD’s and
treasuries returns to decrease over time, and that we may want to lock in rates on cash in
excess of our emergency cash liquid needs. A discussion began between Ms. Barends and the
Commissioners regarding how much money could be moved. Commissioner DePaula was
concerned that currently there was no insurance at the port and wanted to wait and see if we
could “get something in place” before moving any money. President Ferrara said he knew
there were some projects coming up, including the barge dock repair project. Commissioner
DePaula asked Mr. Dufresne if he could estimate how much the barge dock repair costs would
be. Mr. Dufresne said approximately $2 million and STPPC would be responsible for 10%.
Discussion continued regarding payment for the project, and if STPPC must pay the responsible
10% out of pocket first. Ms. Barends said she couldn’t imagine that STPPC would have to pay
the money up front, and said it is likely that payment would be “piece-meal” as the project
moves along. Discussion continued among the Commissioners and Ms. Barends as to what
would be the best way to manage this. There was no agreement to move any money at this
time.
President Ferrara called for a motion to approve the financials. It was moved by Commissioner
DePaula and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan that the Commission accept/approve the
financials for the month ending March 31, 2024. Motion passed. Yeas: 4 Ferrara,
Schliegelmeyer, Jr., DePaula, Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 3 Joubert, Sims, Roper
OLD BUSINESS
1. LA-DOTD Port Priority State H. 011927 – Transload Improvements – update
Truck scale container update and electrical update.
Executive Director Patrick Dufresne told the Commissioners that Entergy was able to come in
and install the new power service at the port. He said that there was power in the container unit
and most of the electrical installation work had been done. He said additional electrical conduit
installation for the Michelli scales equipment would be done soon, and that “we are getting close
to the finish line.” Mr. Dufresne said that the LA-DOTD is ready to move forward and close out
this project and has authorized for the lean period to begin. He said that the resolution today
will help expedite the close out process. President Ferrara asked Mr. Dufresne to give a
timeline of events for the truck scale container unit from the time the container was received to
now, and Mr. Dufresne complied. After a brief discussion, Commissioner DePaula read the
resolution of project acceptance:
WHEREAS, the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission contracted with LA
Contracting Enterprise, LLC to complete State Project No. H.011927 (322) in accordance with
the current bid laws of the State of Louisiana, including, but not limited to R.S. 38:2211 et seq;
and
WHEREAS, the contract between the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission and
LA Contracting Enterprise, LLC has been successfully completed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the South Tangipahoa Parish Port
Commission in regular session, assembled on this 10 th day of April, 2024, that the contract is
hereby accepted by the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commission Schliegelmeyer,
Jr. to accept the resolution for the project acceptance. Motion passed. Yeas: 4 Ferrara,
Schliegelmeyer, Jr., DePaula, Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 3 Joubert, Sims, Roper
There were no additional comments or questions.
2. Warehouse Building #3 - evaluation & maintenance schedule update
Mr. Dufresne said that the contractor hired by the building tenant had begun the repair work in
Warehouse Building #3. He read an email update from the tenant (Andy Parker, Premier
Chemicals) that said 60’ of 4” wall panels on the Northeast corner of the building running east
were being replaced, and 90’ of full wall panels on the northeast corner of the building running
south. They are also replacing all purlins that are damaged in these sections. Commissioner
DePaula asked if the repairs being done now were coming from the inspection report and Mr.
Dufresne replied yes. Commissioner DePaula asked if there was a spreadsheet that would help
keep track of what the recommended repairs are and what is being accomplished. Mr. Dufresne
said this is the first phase of repairs, and that port attorney Andre Coudrain suggested we wait
to see what is accomplished in the first phase and then a spreadsheet can be developed.
Commissioner DePaula said he just wants to be sure we are tracking what they are doing.
President Ferrara agreed, and asked if the repairs being done now are the most important. Mr.
Dufresne said yes, and that based on these comments today he will develop a spreadsheet as a
baseline and discuss it with the port’s attorney.
3. Prospective Tenant(s) – update
Mr. Dufresne said there was no update today. President Ferrara wanted to know more about
the company who had asked last month about the possibility of installing a water well at the
port. Mr. Dufresne said there was a start-up company looking to bid on a project for Air
Products. He said they were looking at a water supply issue, that our well is limited because
our tenant uses most of it, so as a result they were inquiring about the possibility of drilling a
new well. Mr. Dufresne said if this company is willing to pay for a well, there is property to do
that, assuming that the company was awarded the contract. Additional discussion was had
regarding digging a well at 2000 ft., and related costs. Mr. Dufresne had no additional
information at this time.
4. Insurance coverage FY 2024 – 2027, update
Mr. Dufresne told the Commissioners that the RFP advertisement is currently running in the
Official Journal of Record - The Tangi Times, Daily Star and The Advocate in Baton Rouge and
New Orleans and will continue to run for 90 days, expiring on May 31, 2024. Mr. Dufresne said
the bids would be reviewed and discussed at the STPPC meeting on June 12, 2024.
5. Invoice Payment Approval
The following invoices for payment were presented by Commissioner/Treasurer Schliegelmeyer,
Jr.
1. Cashe Coudrain & Bass
Services rendered through March 31, 2024
Inv# 127726 Matter # 4623-1 Amt. $600.00
Inv# 127727 Matter # 4623-4 Amt. $ 40.00
Total Amt. $640.00
2. The Tangi Times, LLC
Inv# 24TT1101
Invoice includes published minutes for Feb & Mar;
Meeting notices for Mar & Apr;
RFP insurance notice (published x13)
Legal fee (affidavit)_______________________________________
Total Amt. $2,214.06
A motion was made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner DePaula that
the Commission approve payment for the invoices presented today for Cashe, Coudrain &
Bass, and The Tangi Times, LLC. Motion passed. Yeas: 4 Ferrara, Schliegelmeyer, Jr.,
DePaula, Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 3 Joubert, Sims, Roper
6. Budget FY 2024 – update
President Ferrara recommended this agenda item be tabled until all Commissioners are in
attendance. Commissioners Schliegelmeyer, Jr., DePaula, Sheridan agreed with President
Ferrara.
Commissioner Roper arrived at the meeting after unexpected delays that were caused by the
extreme weather.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dufresne said there was no new business today.
President Ferrara said he had just received a message from financial advisor Shaun McArthur
that said the yield of a 3-month T-bill would be at 5.03%, 6 months at 5.13% and 12 months at
4.93%. A discussion was had among the Commissioners as to how much money could be
moved and which option would give the best return. Commissioner DePaula suggested that the
Commission wait another month before moving any funds to “see what happens” with the
insurance bids. It was agreed by the Commissioners to wait and discuss again at the next
STPPC meeting.
REMARKS
Mr. Dufresne reminded the Commissioners again that the annual Louisiana Board of Ethics Tier
2.1 Financial Disclosure forms are due by May 15, 2024.
Commissioner Schliegelmeyer, Jr. said that the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will have a
non-advertised night this Thursday for the locals that will include some rides with pay-one-price
armbands, and around 8 vendor booths that will be open. Commissioner Schliegelmeyer, Jr.
and Commissioner Sheridan said this year the Strawberry parking lot with be dedicated as an
“Educational Square” for kids, that several schools had been invited and there will be an
automated class that is dedicated to welding, and they are giving away a $1,000.00 scholarship.
Commissioner Schliegelmeyer, Jr. asked everyone to pray for the farmers that are hoping to
have their berries ready for the weekend.
Having no further business, a motion for adjournment was made by Commissioner Roper and
seconded by Commissioner Sheridan. Motion passed. Yeas: 5 Ferrara, Schliegelmeyer, Jr.,
Roper, DePaula, Sheridan. Nays: 0 Absent: 2 Joubert, Sims
The meeting adjourned at 9:51 AM.
_____________________________________
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Tina Roper, Secretary STPPC Daryl Ferrara, President STPPC