Commissioners defer ordinance to expand access to port records after debate over scope

Commissioner Mccardi introduced an ordinance aimed at clarifying how members of the Plaquemines Port governing authority may access port records, saying commissioners cannot make informed decisions without reliable, direct access to documents.

"We cannot make decisions on information unless we have accurate information," Commissioner Mccardi said, arguing the governing body should not have to file routine public-records requests to review records relevant to votes.

The measure proposed that members have access to all port records upon request, subject to the general records-request policy and to non-disclosure protections where appropriate. Opponents cautioned that state law and jurisprudence generally gives individual governing-authority members no greater access than ordinary citizens and that any broader access should be carefully limited.

Commissioner Albert suggested giving the executive director discretion to determine the necessity of a request, and other commissioners proposed maintaining a log when sensitive documents are reviewed and requiring commissioners to sign non-disclosure agreements where applicable.

After discussion and suggested edits — including clarifying turnaround language and a log requirement — the commission agreed to defer the ordinance to allow staff and members to reconcile the suggested changes.

Why it matters: commissioners said they need timely, accurate records to fulfill fiduciary duties and to avoid being misled; staff and some members pushed back on removing executive oversight entirely or creating automatic, unfettered access.

Next steps: the item was deferred for revision and return to a future agenda.