The interim board of the Port of Sydney Development Corporation (PSDC) has met five times since it was formed in April 2015—at least, it has deigned to publish the minutes of five meetings—and what a trove of information those minutes are not.

Although there are only five people on this board (six with the non-voting chair, CBRM CAO Michael Merritt), and they are free to decide when and where they meet, all five directors turned up for only one meeting. Mayor Cecil Clarke missed a meeting, Deputy Mayor George MacDonald missed one, Councillor Kevin Saccary missed one and Councillor Clarence Prince missed two.

Merritt, at least, attended all five. But really, what else does he have to do?

The minutes mostly list topics that were discussed and motions that were passed without offering much in the way of detail but here are my personal highlights:

Mike Moore was “seconded” to the PSDC until 1 September 2015, presumably as business development manager, because the minutes continue: “Once the budget is in place, there will be a requirement to post the position for a Business Development Manager. The process will be open.”

Deanna Best is the PSDC's senior administrative assistant (is there a junior administrative assistant?)

CBCL, the engineering and environmental design firm, did an audit that concluded that “the current office space used by Port staff is in need of repair, however, it is usable at present.”

The PSDC has offered $800,000 for “the building directly in front of the Port” (which I presume means the old Department of Fisheries building). “[U]pon the completion of an appraisal by the CBRM,” Usher has been authorized to continue to negotiate for said building.

Councillor Saccary thinks there may be room to “tweak” the lease agreement for the marine terminal “now that it is owned by the CBRM but still independent.”

Nova Scotia Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill requested a briefing on the project and "it was suggested" during the September meeting Transport Minister Geoff MacLellan “also be contacted regarding the presentation," but there is no indication in the minutes that the presentation took place.

Marlene Usher and Michael Merritt are members of the Aboriginal Consultation Committee.

Usher announced in June 2015 she would  “be coming back with a process and a guide to attract new members to the Board.” There is no further mention of this subject in the minutes.

In September, she told the board that a “reputable developer in Canada,” is “looking to be a partner in the port development project.” I presume she actually named the developer and offered a hint at what role the firm expected to play in the project, but that is for her to know and us to find out.

And finally, my two favorite items:

In June 2015, with the weather growing warmer, the Mayor “discussed the idea of a retreat with the current Board.”

And during the February 2016 meeting, CAO Michael Merritt requested (and was granted) permission to amend the previous minutes "to remove confidential information or information covered under non-disclosures.”