Board approves mechanics’ reclassification, bank signatories and a port grant application; termination motion fails under suspension

At the meeting the Plaquemines Port governing authority took several formal actions under votes and suspensions of the rules.

Mechanics’ reclassification: Commissioner Newsome offered a resolution reclassifying diesel mechanics from 2,080-hour to 2,184-hour civil-service employees to increase coverage; staff said both mechanics agreed and civil service had signed off. The motion passed (recorded as eight yes votes).

Bank signatories: Under suspension of the rules, the commission voted to authorize Patrice Bell (chief administrative officer), Shambrell Riley (chief financial officer), Jacob Lee (chief legal officer) and Harland Sherman (human resources manager) as signatories for port accounts at Hancock Whitney Bank. That resolution passed 7–1, with Reverend Edwards voting no. A similar resolution for Regions Bank was also approved after a correction for a typographical bank name; that item passed with six yeses and two no votes recorded.

Termination attempt failed: Reverend Edwards offered a suspension to consider a resolution terminating Jacob Lee, the port’s chief legal officer. The motion to suspend the rules failed to secure the required votes, so the termination was not considered under suspension.

Grant application authorized: The commission added a time-sensitive resolution to the agenda by unanimous verbal consent and then authorized submission of an application to the Louisiana Port Construction and Development Priority Program to support port improvements. Staff described two priority projects for the grant: a reservoir at the Port Sulphur water plant (storage/replace) and a wet-well expansion at the Belchase Water Plant to tie into a 20-inch line. Commissioners were told an estimated project figure discussed was $7 million; staff said financial statements and ROI numbers would be required and warned missing documentation could jeopardize the application deadline. The grant-resolution vote passed (recorded as eight yeses).

Minutes and adjournment: The body approved the May 14, 2026 minutes and adjourned at 5:23 p.m.

Why it matters: the votes change personnel classifications, update financial authority for bank accounts, and move the port forward to seek a significant state grant. The failed suspension on the termination motion means the chief legal officer remained in place pending any future action.