CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION
Regular Board Meeting
Regional Commerce Center, 3rd Floor Board Room
6000 Doug Attaway Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71115
March 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / OPENING REMARKS: Commission President Joshua K. Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Board Room of the Regional Commerce Center, 6000 Doug Attaway Blvd., Shreveport, Louisiana, welcomed everyone, and expressed his gratitude to the Shreveport Fire Department and the neighboring departments for their response to the fire at Pratt Industries over the weekend.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commission Vice President Stephen Callaway led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. SWEARING-IN OF COMMISSIONER BRIAN CRAWFORD: General Counsel Dannye W. Malone administered the Oath of Office for Brian Crawford. Applause followed with a welcome and congratulations from Commissioner Williams.
4. ROLL CALL: The roll was called by Executive Port Director, Eric England. Commissioners in attendance included: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. Absent: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. A quorum was present.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: Commissioner Williams asked for any public comments on agenda items. Hearing none, Commissioner Williams moved on to the next agenda item.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
6. REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2025: Commissioner Hall presented the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 10, 2025. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Griggs, to approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 10, 2025, as presented. Hearing no questions or comments, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0. (Published in its entirety in The Times on February 23, 2025.)
7. JANUARY 2025 FINANCIALS: Commissioner Hall presented the financial report for January 2025. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve the January 2025 Financial Report, as submitted. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Williams made a motion to allow Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese, Jr. to provide an update on the events surrounding the recent fire at Pratt Industries. Commissioner Callaway seconded the motion. Commissioner Williams asked for any public comments relative to his motion. Hearing none, Commissioner Williams noted the motion required a unanimous vote to amend the agenda. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0. Motion carries to allow Chief Reese to provide the Commission with an update of the events associated with the fire at Pratt Industries over the weekend. Chief Reese was called to the podium.
Chief Reese thanked the Commission for its invitation to address the events associated with the fire at Pratt Industries. Chief Reese introduced Battalion Chief Jeff Smith, Battalion Chief Tim Bloxom, and the senior fire investigator Josh McCoullough. Chief Reese stated, as of today, all SFD units have been removed from the site at Pratt Industries. When the call initially came in, it was for a single response for a bail or two of cardboard on fire. Pratt did an excellent job of putting its fire protocols in place, but due to the high winds and the water strength, Pratt was unable to reach the fire and called for assistance. In all transparency, Chief Reese stated it took 12 minutes for SFD to arrive on scene and noted he was not comfortable with this response time. The typical response time for this type of call is 4-6 minutes. Attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful with the type of material on fire (paper) and the high winds which both helped to spread the fire quickly. 2.5 acres of paper was quickly engulfed which included 9,500 tons of corrugated cardboard. Once it was determined additional help was necessary, a second alarm was dispatched. Keeping the fire from spreading to the building became the primary concern. It was quickly determined their resources were limited. Chief Reese wanted to credit the Shreveport Water Department, who turned on a second pump at the industrial site to boost the water pressure, which helped immensely. It was then determined additional help was required and a third alarm was requested. All off-duty SFD firefighters were dispatched according to protocol, including Bossier City Fire. 33 off-duty SFD firemen responded, Caddo Fire District No. 4 and No. 6 from Keithville responded, Caddo Fire District No. 5 on Leonard Road responded, and Desoto Parish brought tankers as well. In total, more than 100 firefighters responded to battle the fire at Pratt Industries. There was only one injured personnel and it was more likely an illness unrelated to the fire. Pratt was allowed to resume operations in order to avoid further financial complications.
Chief McCoullough noted officials at Pratt were able to pull the surveillance video. It appears that loose bales were being moved and 5 minutes after being slid out of the way, smoke is seen coming from a bale. The bales are wrapped with metal wire and if the bales are not lifted high enough with a forklift, friction with the ground can ignite the bale. Unfortunately, with Saturdays high winds, the fire took off quickly and the suppression system was not able to reach the origin of the fire. The specific cause of the fire is still undetermined and whether it was the wire has not been confirmed. It does not appear to be intentional. Fire officials have not received the video surveillance as of yet and are waiting on Pratt to provide it to them. Pratt has estimated a loss of $1.5 million in the paper product alone. Thankfully, the building did not have any fire damage, but there is minimal loss due to smoke damage on the side of the metal building.
Commissioner Williams asked how much additional help would have been available if Fire Station 20 had been operational. Chief Reese stated the response time would have been 5-6 minutes faster, but one station would not have been able to contain the fire with the wind conditions. Six minutes may not have made a big difference with the high winds. Mr. England asked for an update on the progress on Station 20. Chief Reese stated he was tasked in finding $800,000 for the estimated $1.6 million required for the repairs. Temporary solutions for Fire Station 20 are being explored. Currently, there is no power nor wiring inside the building, so temporary solutions are limited. Discussions include putting a temporary structure there and using the apparatus bays of the main building to house the fire trucks. Power is required to operate the bay doors, so generators will have to be utilized. Power and water will have to be run for the temporary structure. The temporary structure itself will cost approximately $2,500 but it will need site prep prior to being placed. Estimated site prep will be $15,000 which includes SB2 rock. A pre-bid meeting has already been held and the bid opening meeting will be later this month.
Commissioner Griggs expressed his gratitude to Chief Reese for the exceptional job well done.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 1 OF 2025: AN ORDINANCE TO INCORPORATE AND AMEND THE PROVISIONS OF RESOLUTION NO. 16 OF 2016 AND RESOLUTION NO. 1 OF 2017 RELATIVE TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE GOVERNING PUBLIC RECORDS PURSUANT TO ART. XII, SECTION 3 OF THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTION OF 1974 AND TITLE 44 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO. (Published in its entirety in The Times on March 23, 2025.)
Mr. England stated the public records policy was previously adopted in resolution form. It is the recommendation to incorporate these two resolutions into an ordinance form, while updating the policy. Provisions added include a minimal records cost increase, an administrative fee for gathering records in the event it takes more than an hour of staff time, and to allow the Commissioners to request records at no charge. The ordinance was recommended for adoption. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve Ordinance No. 1 of 2025, as submitted. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 2 OF 2025: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE LOUISIANA PORT CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITY PROGRAM FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A RAIL SPUR TO HEAVY LOAD MULTIMODAL WAREHOUSES PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION OF THE NEED FOR PORT IMPROVEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. (Published in its entirety in The Times on March 23, 2025.)
Mr. England noted this is an application for Port Priority funds through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. With the completion of the 40,000 square foot warehouse, this project is for the construction of a rail spur to increase the intermodal-ability for product transfer from the warehouse to the railroad. This resolution is a requirement by the State and is recommended for approval. Motion by Commissioner Griggs, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve Resolution No. 2 of 2025, as submitted. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
10. RESOLUTION NO. 3 OF 2025: A RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM BILL R. ALTIMUS.
RESOLUTION NO. 3 OF 2025
In The Name and By Authorization of the
CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION
Presents this Resolution in Recognition and Honor of
WILLIAM BILL R. ALTIMUS
WHEREAS, William Bill R. Altimus was appointed to the Port Commission by the City of Bossier City in 2019, and committed untold hours to Port Commission meetings, work sessions and events; and
WHEREAS, as a leader elected among his peers on the Port Commission, Commissioner Altimus served as Secretary-Treasurer in 2020 and 2021, as Vice President in 2022 and 2023, and finally as President in 2024; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Altimus leadership, dedication, and extensive public service expertise has significantly contributed to the strategic transportation goals and economic development initiatives of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission (the Port Commission); and
WHEREAS, his devotion to the Port Commissions mission of job creation and economic development endeavors has led to the employment of over 1,800 area citizens and investments in excess of One Billion ($1,000,000,000) Dollars at the Port Commissions Industrial Complex; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Altimus involvement with the Port has been vital to its success and his tenure was extremely valuable; and
WHEREAS, the Port Commission recognizes the numerous and substantial career contributions and accomplishments of Commissioner Altimus and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Altimus legacy will continue for many future years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission, assembled in regular session this 17th day of March 2025, in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, that all members of the Port Commission hereby express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Commissioner William Bill R. Altimus as a valued and highly respected Commission Member and citizen.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution, unanimously adopted at a regular meeting this 17th day of March 2025, be placed in the permanent records of this Port Commission and that copies thereof be transmitted to William Bill R. Altimus.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana on this 17th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Joshua K. Williams
JOSHUA K. WILLIAMS
President
/s/ James D. Hall
JAMES D. HALL
Secretary-Treasurer
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF CADDO
I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution, unanimously adopted by the members of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission, at a meeting duly and legally called, convened, and held in Shreveport, Louisiana on the 17th day of March, 2025 and that the same has not been revoked or rescinded.
/s/ James D. Hall
JAMES D. HALL
Secretary Treasurer
Mr. England noted Bill Altimus retired from the Board and was recently honored at Port Night. It is the intent to adopt this resolution today and invite Mr. Altimus back at a future Commission meeting to present it to him. It is recommended for approval. Motion by Commissioner Bigby, seconded by Commissioner Crawford to approve Resolution No. 3 of 2025, as submitted. The motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Brian Crawford, Roy Griggs, and Rick C. Prescott. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Erica R. Bryant and Sam N. Gregorio. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
11. PORT DIRECTORS REPORT: Mr. England provided an update on communications with the Shreveport Fire Department and the City of Shreveport regarding the fire at Pratt Industries and the status of Fire Station 20. It was also noted a new prospect has requested financing through a conduit bond and a preliminary resolution would be offered for consideration at the April meeting. There were no further updates.
12. ADJOURN: Hearing no other comments or questions to come from the Board, Commissioner Williams adjourned the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ James D. Hall
James D. Hall
Secretary-Treasurer
11233392 4/18/25 ($354.29)