6 May 2022 SE Indiana Regional Port Authority Special Meeting
Present: Jim Thatcher, Chairman, Tom Palmer, Mark Drury, Angie Walters, Derek Walker, Alan Weiss, Al Abdon, Sarah Jordan.
ABSENT: Kelly Mollaun, Benny Turner, Al Abdon, Lennie Fryman.
Also present: Andy Baudendistel, Legal Counsel
Discussion of the Proposed Comp Plan from BLN for $253,000 plus $7000 direct expenses
Drury- sees the need for the plan but taken aback by the price. Maybe put out RFP for other plans.
Palmer- How did we get BLN?
Thatcher- Terri Randall brought them in. Not sure how they got selected.
Weiss- This Port Board was set up in the beginning when it looked like we were being selected for a 4th Port. No money- so we have to see the ideas we have and we need more money to get started. Billboard idea could generate income. Not saying we are kind of floundering, but we need to look at our mission and what project are we pushing for.
Drury said he expected them to come up with 3-4 ideas to generate revenue to get started. Randy Frye said they are looking at inland things too. Transload seems to be the most reasonable thing to look at now and Electric vehicle stations.
Thatcher- disclosed that John is no longer with BLN and he is handing off to John Berry who was here at the last meeting.They still owe us some work that we have already paid for. OKI may be able to help us get some of the grant money to get funds.
Krantz- I felt like at the last meeting we have paid them to make this pitch for us for more money. OKI is looking to help for a lot less. They seem to be looking for projects to help out with here.
Thatcher will talk with Libby regarding her work on transload. They will table the comp plan for now.
Baudendistel- The port authority is required by law to plan for the work that is to be undertaken by the board.
Walker- Consolidated Grain is the port here in Aurora and we could work with them to improve access there too. Public Partnership with them.
Krantz will reach out to Robin at OKI to get more involvement with them on this port and EV etc. Maybe invite her for the next meeting.
Jordan- wants to see a recap of what the consultants are providing each month. Loves Walkers idea about CGB as a company that is already here that we can work with.
Thatcher and Krantz- BLN has provided several ideas so far.
Baudendistel- Not holding his breath on the inland port or the SR 101 extension. Though already funded- always seems to have some environmental snag- like Indiana Brown Bat.
Board voted to Table BLN Comp plan. Will talk to Libby.
Adjourned at 10:30 AM.
Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township
