The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Donald Frazier and the roll call was taken as follows:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, David Williams, Curt Collins and
Luther Love
Commissioners absent: Isaiah Ross, Robert Charles Brown and Latasha Griffin
Other members present Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Visitors: Marvin Collins, Terral River Service
Asst. Director Sterling requested an amendment to the agenda to add item F. discussions of new lease for Terral River Service.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Love, to approve the amendment to the agenda by adding item F. (land lease Terral River Service) Motion carried unanimously.
President Frazier noted a mistake in the minutes and requested the correction of the error. Sterling will correct the error in the minutes.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and Commissioner Williams approving the previous meeting minutes for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the minutes were approved with the necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling informed the board that the reimbursements for RailCar Co. building upgrades were received. Commissioner Collins requested the Secretary to contact Delta Bank regarding a money market account for the Construction Account.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and seconded by Commissioner Williams, the financial reports were approved with no necessary corrections. Motion carried unanimously.
Sterling stated that Complex Chemical & Simplot lease renewals required board approval. Complex Chemical & Simplot both agreed to their new lease rates. Complex Chemical is a 10-year lease and Simplot is a 5-year lease.
On motion given by Commissioner Collins and Commissioner Williams approving the leasing terms for Simplot and Complex Chemical. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yeas: 4
Nays:0
Abstain:0
Absent:3
Sterling informed the board that Entergy stopped the progression of the project due to new electrical codes that were implemented. Entergy completed the necessary work on their side and provided information to Bannister on the remaining requirements for the project. Bannister provided the Port with two cost options for the project. Sterling provided the board with the cost option that she approved. Sterling informed the board of dissatisfaction with Bannister on the project. However, the project is near the end and should be completed by July 2025. Commissioner Collins questioned the scope of work. Sterling provided the requested information to the Commissioners. She also requested the additional cost of the repairs for Delta Regional Authority to cover.
Sterling provided the proposal for consultant fees from Waxman Consulting on the projects of Sewer treatment facilities and Andersons Road.
On motion given by Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Collins approving the proposal for the Sewer & Road projects. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call
Yeas: 4
Nays:0
Abstain:0
Absent: 3
Sterling informed the board of the virtual power plant letter of intent requested from the Port of Ouachita. The board did not agree to the project.
Sterling provided the land description to the board for the requested property. She added that today will only allow Terral to store some of the material received from D&J. Marvin added that the leasing area is now a grassy area and Terral will work the area suitable for the materials that will be stored on the property. Marvin stated that the area will be used for additional storage.
On motion given by Commissioner Love and seconded by Commissioner Williams, to allow land lease negotiations between Terral River Service and the Port. Motion carried unanimously.
Yeas:6
Nays:0
Abstain:0
Absent:1
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
Kimmeka Sterling Donald Frazier
Secretary/Treasurer President