Port director: replacement transformer ordered; Comstock tenant insurance, signage, cameras addressed

The Port Director reported to the Cleveland County Board Commission that "the replacement transformer has been ordered" and said the unit was expected to arrive soon from Arizona. He summarized the procurement: two companies inspected the site and submitted written quotes, with Jerry Bryant of Port Gibson the lowest bidder at $3,900 and a second quote at $4,900 from a vendor referenced variously in the record as "Westy Jones"/"Westwood Jones"/"Western Jones." County counsel advised that vendors and amounts be entered into the minutes for the record; the commission later voted to accept the lowest bid and authorized installation.

The director told the board that signage originally approved in February 2023 was remade but not delivered because of a pickup logistics issue: "the county not having a receiving clerk," he said, which another commissioner disputed, noting a person is serving in that capacity and can pick up the signs. The director said he had spoken with the vendor and the sign will be installed once pickup is arranged.

On the Comstock Building, the director said he had sent a demand for payment after a tenant fell behind; the tenant's rent is now current through July but delinquency remains for fees. He reported finding a certificate of liability insurance on file but no certificate for property and casualty coverage; the lease requires the tenant to carry at least $166,000 in property/casualty insurance. The director asked that the tenant reissue the liability certificate (which expires July 31) and provide the missing property/casualty coverage.

The director also reported cleanup and directional signage plans to improve public access to the port and said Sheriff Goodes agreed to place solar-powered cameras at the port and two industrial-park buildings to address burglaries and security concerns. The director recommended the commission consider hiring a financial adviser to assist with timber-management decisions and to advertise for a logger/forester if the board chooses to move forward.

The meeting record shows commissioners asked questions and clarified oversight and procurement steps; the commission approved the installation authorization for the transformer and took no action that would delay installation pending record entries in the minutes. The most immediate next steps recorded were the contractor recordation in the minutes and the director following up on the tenant's insurance certificate.